My Scrappin' Life

It's been too long!!!

2008-05-23T09:31:00.002-03:00

Wow, its been a long time since I'v updated my blog!!! I guess you could say that its been a busy year for me.

I had taken a break from digital scrapbooking for a while, but now I have started back on track with that. I will post some scraps later on, right now I am substituting at high school, so I don't have access to them at the moment.

It has been a busy year for me as far as substitute teaching, I am starting to get more calls, and I am starting to get calls for schools that previously I had never substituted at before.

I find that I substitute a lot in high school, which has its own set of challenges. If you had asked me before if I would have seen myself as a high school teacher, I probably would not have thought so. But now, I am finding that I enjoy this age group, I can relate to teens and talk with them on their level about issues and what their outlook on life has been, and its really interesting getting their prospective.

Not much more to say, but I will try to update later with more scrap-related news!

Come Check Out Digital Candy!!!

2007-05-29T22:26:00.000-03:00

You Are 46% Indie

You're pretty indie, but you don't make a fuss letting everyone know.
You just do what you like. You enjoy many types of things - from trendy to bizarre.

How Indie Are You?

LOL! That was an interesting quiz!!!

I wanted to take this time to talk a little bit about a great new site that has quickly become one of my favorites! I don't know if you've ever heard of Digital Candy, but I love it there! The ladies are all very friendly and welcoming, and we have fun challenges and some great freebies in the gallery. We're still very small, but we're growing everyday!

If you haven't joined yet, I would encourage you to do so. Anyone who joins and posts between now and the end of May will get an awesome free Mega Kit! How exciting is that!!! Click on the image below for the link:

In other news, I haven't been updating my blog as much because May has been such a busy month as far as work goes! I've been working on average 3-4 days a week, so that is very encouraging for me. I've been working a lot at the Middle School Level, which I am learning to enjoy and appreciated more and more each time I teach those students. So this has been a very positive and productive month for me!

Now for a couple of LOs!

This was just such a cute one of Lydia, it was hard not to scrap her! Kit is Alma's Candy Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ The Scrap Habit.

This is Lydia on her new trike outside! She really loves to ride it!

Kit is Spring Sherbert by Laura Corzine at Elemental Scraps.

2007-05-17T13:20:00.000-03:00

I am teaching gym today at the middle school level. It's actually going pretty well. It's a school that I've been in a few times now and I really enjoy it! Mind you, this is the first time I've ever taught gym here, but the kids are all the same so they know me and I am getting to know them.

The teacher has set up for a very easy day today. He has set up some volley ball nets, the basketball equipment and the badminton set. So all I have to do is divide the kids up into groups and supervise them. I supervised the gym during lunch and played some badminton with the students. I don't know who enjoyed it more, myself or them.

Yesturday, Lydia and I went to Parent and Tot Gym Fun. This was a lot of fun for both of us. Lydia had some practice playing with balls, going through the little tunnel and playing on the mats. Then, the kids did some games and songs, like Red Rover, Hokey Pokey, and a few other fun things. Lydia enjoys going and its great to see her interacting with kids her own age. And with the work schedule I've had, its tough to find time to go during the week, so I love it when I have the day off and I can take her to these special groups, like Parent and Tot.

Guess who got new wheels?

2007-05-15T13:34:00.001-03:00

You Are 64% Open Minded

You are a very open minded person, but you're also well grounded.
Tolerant and flexible, you appreciate most lifestyles and viewpoints.
But you also know where you stand firm, and you can draw that line.
You're open to considering every possibility - but in the end, you stand true to yourself.

How Open Minded Are You?

This past weekend, Lydia received a tricycle from my parents! I've been wanting to get her one for some time now, and my parents were shopping at Frenchy's on Saturday (a used clothing store) when they happened to see one for $5! What a great deal! So they brought it home. Lydia was very excited when she saw it, she wanted to try it out right away! She's only two, but she knew exactly what it was and clapped her hands for joy!

Here she is on her new tricycle!

Now for a LO!

This is a photo taken of myself and my Mom when I was a baby! It's my favorite photo of the two of us when I was that young. I created this LO as a gift for my Mom on Mother's Day.
Journaling reads:
My mom is a never ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune .
-- Author:Graycie Harmon
I used Blossom and Bloom Paper Pack and and Days Past: Element Pack by Joanne Brisbois - Rutabaga Designs.

Happy Saturday!

2007-04-21T19:58:00.000-03:00

You are a Brainy Girl!

Whether you're an official student or a casual learner, you enjoy hitting the books.
You know a little bit about everything, and you're always dying to know more.
For a guy to win your heart, he's got to share some of your intellectual interests.
A awesome book collection of his own doesn't hurt either!

What Kind of Girl Are You?

LOL! This actually does sound like me!

Well, its been a while since I have given out a freebie on my blog, so today I have a free paper pack for you!

Click Here to Download

I hope that you like it! Here is an example of a LO that I did using my papers:

I hope that everyone has been enjoying this weekend. We've had some nice, warm and sunny weather these past two days, which has been really great for going outside and playing. I hope that it keeps up, I think I've seen enough snow this past winter.

Now, for some LOs:

I love this photo, it was actually taken on Christmas day! The kit is Alma's A Time Remembered Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ TheScrapHabit.com. The font is Windsong.

This photo was taken in August 2006. Quote Reads:
There is a garden in every childhood,
An enchanted place where colors are brighter,
The air is softer,
And the morning more fragrant than ever before

Kit is Alma's Royal Dreams Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @TheScrapHabit.com. Font is Lainie Day.

This last one I absolutely love how it turned out! Kit is Pop Tart April Mega Kit from the Elemental Scraps Designers.

Being 27 one final time.

2007-04-11T20:59:00.000-03:00

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to good manners and elegance.

In love, you feel the most alive when things are straight-forward, and you're told that you're loved.

You'd like to your lover to think you are stylish and alluring.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.

Your ideal relationship is open. Both of you can talk about everything... no secrets.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.

In this moment, you think of love as something you can get or discard anytime. You're feeling self centered.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

That was an interesting quiz!

I can't believe that today is my last day as a 27 year old. I have no idea where the year has gone, its just zipped right passed me. A couple of memorable things that happened this year:

I spent four weeks this summer at Ste Anne's with my best friend Amy. We took the Teacher's French Immersion Session and it was a great learning experience and a lot of fun!
I got on two CT's, one for Alma's ScrapHabit Designs and one for Elemental Scraps!
My entire family was able to be home for Christmas
I watched Lydia learn and grow each and every day. Now she is bustling two year old and she continues to amaze me each and every day.

And I have to say, on my last day as a 27 year old, I had a fairly good day. Today, Lydia and I went to Parent and Tot Gym Fun, and she had a blast! I love that they have the program so close to where I live, and I love the fact that it is free as well. It's just nice to get out for an hour, meet up with other Mom's and it gives Lydia the chance to socialize with other children.

Then this afternoon I substituted at an elementary school, for a primary/grade 1 class and it was a lot of fun! I really enjoy that age group!

Now for some scrap pages!

This is just a sweet photo of my daughter when she was just 6 months old! The kit is Wonderful You by Jannylynn Brokken and it is available at Elemental Scraps.

More photos of Lydia that I love! The kit is Alma's Passions Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs and this kit is exclusive to The Scrap Habit.

This LO I absolutely love! I used a lot of different things for this page. I used Spring Basics Plain Papers by Cindy Irvine, Sketchy Brushes Just For Easter by Cindy Irvine, Of This 'n That Ribbon by Claudia Campbell, Dotty Ribbon by Melissa Bennett, Cardboard Confections by Sue Jones, Clipped Flowers by Bella Gypsy, Knotted Ribbon by Bella Gypsy, Little Charmers - Spring Gems by Sherri Tierney, The Right Touch - Ribbons and Bows - Baby Soft Pastels by Sherri Tierney . Everything in this LO is available at Elemental Scraps.

Just a recent spring photo of my daughter!

I used Alyssa's Dream Catcher by Lucy Marino, Clip Clusters by Lucy Marino, Large Crocheted Flowers by Lucy Marino and Mini Crocheted Flowers by Lucy Marino.

It's All About Melissa Bennett

2007-03-21T15:31:00.000-03:00

Your Personality Cluster is Introverted Thinking

You are:

Objective, honest, and credible
Intellectually curious, with many diverse interests
More inclined toward ideas than people
Fiercely independent and unapologetically unconventional

What's Your Personality Cluster?

That was a fun quiz! I have to say, that does sound like me! LOL!

This week at Elemental Scraps we are having fun highlighting one of our new designers, Melissa Bennett. She does a wonderful job with her designs! Check out her Bio Page at Elemental Scraps as well as her amazing Gallery and her Store. I loved working with her designs, here are a few that are worth checking out!

I love this paper pack! I've used it a few different times now! There are just so many different colours, its great!
These are so much fun to work with, they are really great! Just something a little different and unique to use on your LOs! These are fun too! I love the ribbons with the buttons!

Now, here are a couple of LOs that I created using some of Melissa Bennett's Designs

I love how this page turned out! I used Basic Grunge Paper Pack, Dotty Paper Pack, Dotty Ribbons, Dotty Flowers and Tin Roof Rusted Blooms

I did this page for a friend of mine! I used Basic Grunge Paper Pack, Dotty Paper Pack, Dotty Ribbons, Tin Roof Rusted Stars and Itty Bitty Stars.

Fun with Challenges!

2007-03-14T20:33:00.000-03:00

Your World View

You are a fairly broadminded romantic and reasonably content.
You value kindness and try to live by your ideals.
You have strong need for security, which may be either emotional or material.

You respect truth and are flexible.
You like people, and they can readily make friends with you.
You are not very adventurous, but this does not bother you.

What Is Your World View?

That was a fun quiz!

This week is March Break so I am off from school! LOL, which means I am not working this week. But I am enjoying myself, spending time with my daughter.

Also, this week my friend Amy came down to visit me. She came over Monday and we had roast turkey with all the trimmings for supper, it was really good! Then we watched Take The Lead later on TV. It was a really good movie, I enjoyed it a lot. Meanwhile we also chatted A LOT!!!! I can be pretty chatty and probably talked Amy's ear off while she was here.

Tuesday morning we took a trip to Frenchy's which is a used clothing chain here in the Maritimes, and I picked up quite a few things for Lydia and a couple of shirts for myself. Then we went across the street to Francios Used Clothing, and I found quite a few more things for Lydia and a nice sweater for myself (well, Amy found the sweater for me).

All in all, it was a really nice visit!

Now for some scraps! We have some great challenges at ES this round, and I tried to do as many of them as I could!

This LO I did for the Designer Challenge, and this month our Designer is Sherri Tierney. For this LO I used Sherri Tierney's Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows Kit, Little Charmer's Rainbow Alpha Set and Love Day Doodles #2.

I did this scrap for the Write On!!! Challenge at ES. When I took my BEd, I went to Atlantic Baptist University and I made some very good friends while I was there. This photo was taken at our Christmas Banquet in 2002, I am in the very center of the picture, in the light purple dress.

The lyrics that I chose come from Friends by Michael W. Smith, which was sung at our graduation, and every time I hear that song, I think back on my days as a student and the friends I made.

Journaling reads:

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.

Kit is Twilight in Provence by Krista Ringham.

This LO I did for the font challenge. Journaling reads:

This afternoon when Mommy told Lydia that they were going to play outdoors, Lydia said "Let's make a Snowman" so that is exactly what they did. They put on two cooked pieces of carrots for eyes, a long carrot for his nose. Together, Lydia and Mommy had a wonderful day. It was . . . . Snow Much Fun

March 3, 2007. Kit is Wonderland by Bella Gypsy.

This LO I did for the Lyric Challenge. It was made with a huge variety of things! Basic Grunge by Melissa Bennett Designs, Dotty Paper Pack by Melissa Bennett Designs, Clipped Flowers Bundle by Bella Gypsy, Knotted Ribbons by Bella Gypsy, Of This 'n That ribbon by Claudia Campbell, Cardboard Confections by Sue Jones, Button Beauties by Sue Jones, Old Photo Edges by Faith True and Torn Paper Template by Xquisite Designs.

This is the LO I did for the quote challenge. This was taken on Lydia's Second Birthday~
Journaling reads: Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries -- Author:Corita Kent. Kit is Alma's Spring Burst Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE.

This LO was done for the Gotta Have Faith Challenge at ES!

Journaling reads: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

Kit is Embrace His Power by Amanda Roberts.

Feeling Inspired?

2007-03-01T22:06:00.000-04:00

You Will Be a Cool Parent

You seem to naturally know a lot about parenting, and you know what kids need.
You can tell when it's time to let kids off the hook, and when it's time to lay down the law.
While your parenting is modern and hip, it's not over the top.
You know that there's nothing cool about a parent who acts like a teenager... or a drill sergeant!

Would You Be a Cool Parent?

That was a fun quiz! I hope that I am a "cool" parent when Lydia gets older! LOL!

I haven't done the DSP blog prompt in a long time, but its March, a new month, so we're starting fresh!
At what age did you feel most inspired?

This is a bit hard to answer, because I still feel very young (27) and I feel that I still have so much more of my life to live and to be inspired.

Perhaps though, I can say in my early twenties, I've felt more inspired then I do right now. I did a lot of creative writing back then, and even tried my hand at painting and sketching.

But these days, I take my inspiration from so much more around me. Each year that I grow older, that's another year gone by filled with experiences, whole seasons of inspiration. We can be inspired by God, by our fellow man, by nature, by little things and big things that happen in our lives. Inspiration, true inspiration, can come in the most surprising places and when you least expect it.

We inspire one another and we inspire ourselves, just by being who we are and living out our lives each and every day.

Now for some scraps!

I love this sweet photo of myself and Lydia. Quote reads: There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved. --George Sand. Kit is Sweet Nothings by Lena Brandenburg.

Another photo of Lydia and myself that I love! Kit is Alma's Not Too Shabby Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE.

Lydia's Second Birthday

2007-02-26T07:15:00.000-04:00

Make video montages at onetruemedia.com

This is a video montage I made of Lydia's Birthday. The video has sound, so you will have to stop my music video of Nora Jones I have in my sidebar! Just to warn you, its about 15 minutes long!

But I had a lot of fun making it, and it even brought tears to my eyes.

Valentine Hugs Paper Pack Freebie!!!

2007-02-10T20:32:00.000-04:00

Arty Kid

Whether you were a drama freak or an emo poet, you definitely were expressive and unique.

You're probably a little less weird these days - but even more talented!

Who Were You In High School?

LOL! That made me laugh! Arty Kid! But I do love Drama!

This week Lydia's been getting better and better each and every day at skating! She's even stood up all by herself on her skates a few times, and today, she not only stood up by herself, but she also took a step forward on her skate! I am so proud of her and we have a lot of fun learning to skate outside as well!

I have a new freebie for you, just in time for Valentine's Day! It's called Valentine Hugs and I love the heart I made on the papers! This was a lot of fun to do and I hope that you enjoy it! I received so many comments and compliments on my last two paper packs that it encouraged me to try another one!

Click here to download

And I have two new scraps to share today!

Journaling reads: I see love in my daughter's eyes and I see faith in the heart of a child.
Kit is Alma's Flourish Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE.

This was just a fun LO to do! Kit is Snow Angel January Mega Kit at Elemental Scraps.

Freebie!!!!

2007-02-03T13:57:00.000-04:00

You Are Big Bird

Talented, smart, and friendly... you're also one of the sanest people around.

You are usually feeling: Happy. From riding a unicycle to writing poetry, you have plenty of hobbies to keep you busy.

You are famous for: Being a friend to everyone. Even the grumpiest person gets along with you.

How you life your life: Joyfully. "Super. Duper. Flooper."

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

This is funny, because Big Bird is my favorite character on Sesame Street! Also, for Lydia's 2nd Birthday, I am making her a Big Bird cake! My Mom has some cake formed pans that she saved from when we were little. Lydia loves Sesame Street, so I know she will love her cake as well!

This has been a pretty good week, we've had some nice weather so I've been able to go outside and play with Lydia quite a bit. She's doing well learning how to skate, and yesterday it was a beautiful day so we went for a nice sleigh ride in our neighborhood.

I am quite excited because I have a couple of paper packs that I made that I am putting up as a freebie! This is the first time that I've tried to create digital paper and I had fun designing them. I hope you like them too!

Click Here For Download

Click Here For Download

Also, I have two scraps to share with you as well.
I did this as a quote challenge on Elemental Scraps
Quote reads:
I wish you sunshine on your path and storms to season your journey. I wish you peace-in the world in which you live and in the smallest corner of the heart where truth is kept. I wish you faith-to help you define your living and your life. More I cannot wish you-except perhaps Love-to make all the rest worthwhile.

Kit is Alma's Cinnamon Surprise Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs, Available at Scrapbook-Elements

This photo was taken on Lydia's first Birthday a year ago. Journaling reads: May you find your hearts' desire on this very special day. Love, Mommy.

Kit is Alma's Love Ya Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs, Available at Scrapbook-Elements.

Skating!!! And a new LO!

2007-01-27T21:31:00.000-04:00

You Are Figure Skating

Graceful and expressive - yet athletic and focused.
You could bring the best of both worlds to this glamorous sport.

What Winter Sport Are You?

Speaking of skating, this past Thursday I took Lydia out skating for the very first time. My Dad made an ice rink in the back yard, just a little one to practice on. When we were little, my Dad used to always make a rink in our back yard. I remember going outside after dark and skating underneath of the stars. It was always just a part of what we did during the winter season. So, I wanted my daughter to enjoy the same experience that I had growing up. Her first time on skates, Lydia was a little unsteady and I didn't dare to let her go at all. We went around the little rink a few times, and we also had a yellow mini plastic chair outside that I set her on and pushed her around the ice. I was worried that she might be scared, being on the ice for the very first time wearing skates, but she wasn't scared at all. I had fun that day, and I think that she did
too. And by the time we were finished out there, I found that I didn't have to hold her up as much as I had to at the very beginning! If she is already starting to skate and she's not even 2 years old yet, imagine how good she'd be when she's 12! That's assuming that she'll stick with it of course! However, I predict many more days this winter of skating outside in the fresh air, enjoying the sunshine and learning how to stay upright! :)

Also, Friday night, I hosted my very first crop! I have a group on my facebook, called Digiscrapper's Have Fun!!! It's a small group, and it was an even smaller crop, but we had fun! I actually made a paper pack for the group! I've never designed anything before. Anyway, here's what the preview looks like:It's very simple looking, I use PSP 9, and I was just playing around with different effects. I had fun, and maybe I'll try designing again! :)

The theme of the crop was to create a LO using a colour extraction technique on the photo, so here is what I came up with.
This is a new kit up at Elemental Scraps, The Key to My Heart by Jannylynn Brokken.

Tag about Three

2007-01-21T13:49:00.000-04:00

You Are a Jam Cookie

On the outside, you project a straight-laced, innocent vibe.
But on the inside, you're complex, exotic, and full of flavor.

What Kind of Cookie Are You?

Jam cookies are really nice! My favorite kind of cookies to make are oatmeal raisin, and I also love making gumdrop cookies, they're nice and tasty!

OK, I was tagged by Jeniflower with this really fun questionnaire, so here I go!

THREE NAMES YOU GO BY:
1. Paula
2. Paula May
3. Polly

THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU HAVE HAD:
1. pmhyns
2. ~May~
3. Paula May

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. My Hair
2. My eyes
3. My hands

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU DON’T LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. My knees
2. My nose
3. The shape of my head

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:
1. English
2. French
3. Nova Scotian (yeah, I know, couldn't think of anything else)

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:
1. Something horrible happening to my family or friends
2. Hornets
3. Mean dogs that have a vicious bark

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:
1. Coffee
2. Computer time
3. Toothbrush

THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1. t-shirt
2. Sweat pants
3. Slipper-socks

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS OR MUSICAL ARTISTS:
1. Point of Grace
2. Sarah MacLachlan
3. Jars of Clay

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS:
1. December 1963
2. The Piano Man
3. Angel

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP:
1. Commitment
2. Trust
3. Love

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE (in no particular order):
1. I got lost in a city in Japan
2. I have eaten dog
3. I love going to public bath houses in Korea

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT THE PREFERRED SEX THAT APPEAL TO YOU:
1. A beautiful smile
2. Great eyes
3. Nice hands

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1. Digital Scrapbooking
2. Playing piano
3. Writing

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1. Get married
2. Find a job
3. Move into my own apartment

THREE CAREERS YOU’RE CONSIDERING/YOU’VE CONSIDERED:
1. Teacher
2. Missionary
3. International Student Coordinator

THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION:
1. China
2. Brazil
3. Malaysia

THREE KID’S NAMES YOU LIKE:
1. Lydia
2. Rose
3. Emily

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1. Publish a novel
2. Take a road trip across Canada from East to West and back again.
3. Raise a family

THREE WAYS THAT YOU ARE STEREOTYPICALLY A BOY:
1. I love Tae Kwon Do
2. I enjoy camping
3. I don't mind getting my clothes dirty

THREE WAYS THAT YOU ARE STEREOTYPICALLY A GIRL:
1. I enjoy baking
2. I love wearing dresses and doing my make-up and hair
3. I love going to teas and coffee parties.

THREE CELEB CRUSHES:
1. Patrick Swayze
2. Jack Nicholson
3. Nicholas Cage

THREE PEOPLE THAT YOU ARE TAGGING:
1. Amy
2. Amie
3. Brandy

Now, for some scraps!
This is one I did for a quote challenge on Elemental Scraps. The picture was taken by my friend Amy over the summer while we were at Sainte Anne's. The kit is Dream Believe Achieve by Faith True and Kelli Martin.
did this LO for the font challenge
Journaling reads:

You were so excited the last few days that were leading up to Christmas Day. We sang Christmas songs, such as Santa Claus is Coming to Town, except that we would sing "Santa Claus is coming to LYDIA'S HOUSE!!!" You knew exactly who Santa Claus was, whenever you saw him on TV or in a book you would point excitedly and say "That's Santa Claus". A few
weeks before Christmas, I gave you a couple of Kids Christmas CDs and we would listen and sing along. The day that we put up the tree, you were awe struck with the wonder and delight that only a child can experience. It held your attention as you learned the names of the different ornaments and their colours. Through your eyes, I saw Christmas with the same magical wonderment and amazement that you did. I wish that I could hold you in this moment of time forever, that you would never loose that childhood innocence of wonder and magic that awakens in us all at Christmas, both for the young and the young at heart.

Kit is Pajamas 4 Love: Hope by various designers.
This is just a really cute scrap! Kit is Pajamas 4 Love: Love. I love this charity kit there is just so much stuff to play around with!

Well, it seemed like the weekend just got here, and now its all over! Oh well, at least Desperate Housewives is on TV tonight!

Yay, its Friday!!!

2007-01-19T13:32:00.000-04:00

You Are Quite Worldly

You've done a good bit of worldly exploring, and you have an international perspective.
And you're definitely looking forward to your future adventures abroad.
You've got the passport, the desire to travel, and maybe even the language skills.
Now all you need are the means!

How Worldly Are You?

I miss traveling. I enjoyed traveling while I lived in Korea, I had the chance to visit Japan and the Philippines while I was there, as I had friends in both of those countries. Someday, I hope to travel again.

Here is the blog prompt from DSP for today:

Take the most boring job you've ever had and write a glowing job description for it.

Now you can work in the wonderful and exciting field of dish washing! Yes, that's right, you can make your dreams come true by becoming a dishwasher. This fabulous opportunity lets you explore the world of not only dirty dishes, but clean dishes as well. Plus, you will always be in style in the beautiful ensemble of disposable white plastic aprons and hairnets. In this position, you will train on the job for skills such as loading a huge dishwasher such as they use in University cafeterias, the proper method for scrubbing out those hard to clean stuck on burnt food bits at the bottom of pots and pans, and how to effectively stack and put away clean dishes. This job also entails outings to the garbage bins located outside the building, where you will enjoy taking out the garbage in all different types of weather, snow, rain, sleet, yes my friends, you'll see it all. And as a bonus, you will get to reheat a plate of whatever leftover food you can find at the end of your shift.

I used to work in the meal hall at my University, washing dishes. :)

Now, for some scraps!

I did this page for a friend of mine. Kit is Alma's For The Boys Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE.

This is my daughter Lydia and myself on Christmas Day. Kit is Alma's Warm Memories Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE.

This picture was taken on my Birthday. Kit is Alma's Friends Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE.

Quote reads: Daughter are angles sent from above to fill our heart with unending love.
J. Lee. I used Alma's Love Letters Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE.

Favorite Childhood Friend

2007-01-16T13:33:00.000-04:00

Your Personality Is

Idealist (NF)

You are a passionate, caring, and unique person.
You are good at expressing yourself and sharing your ideals.

You are the most compassionate of all types and connect with others easily.
Your heart tends to rule you. You can't make decisions without considering feelings.

You seek out other empathetic people to befriend.
Truth and authenticity matters in your friendships.

In love, you give everything you have to relationships. You fall in love easily.

At work, you crave personal expression and meaning in your career.

With others, you communicate well. You can spend all night talking with someone.

As far as your looks go, you've likely taken the time to develop your own personal style.

On weekends, you like to be with others. Charity work is also a favorite pastime of yours.

The Three Question Personality Test

I think that's actually not a bad assessment of my personality.

Today's DSP blog prompt:

Describe a favorite childhood friend and something you did with her or him.

When I was in Grade 5, I lived in Goose Bay, Labrador and I had two best friends, Heather and Danielle. We used to have sleepovers at each others houses, and we were always together at school. We had a lot of fun together. I remember that we started a Book Club in our class at school. We brought in all our books from home and traded them with each other and we kept them all together on a shelf at the back of the classroom. We loved reading and we had the same taste in books. This was back in 1989, when The Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley Twins and Sleepover Friends were all the rage with the elementary schoolgirls. I still have many of my books, packed away, that I've saved all these years.

Another memory that I have is the three of us performing together in what we called the 5th Grade Follies. We got together and on our own came up with various comical skits, practiced them with costumes and props, and performed them in front of the class! Oh my goodness, what fun that was! I moved away after grade 5, but I will never forget the memories of my friends.

OK, I was tagged a while ago by my friend Amy, but I just haven't responded, but I will now!

Here are the rules: List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether or not they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to.

1. 'Forever and Ever" sung by Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin
2. "Keep Christmas With You" sung by the Sesame Street Characters in A Sesame Street Christmas Carol.
3. "Keep the Candle Burning" by Point of Grace
4. "Mama Mia" by Abba
5. "The River" by Billy Joel
6. "Angel" by Sarah McLaughlan
7. "Rhapsody in Blue" by Gershwin

Yes, I know! That's a strange list! LOL! That's why I've been avoiding doing this tag!

OK, my seven people are: Melanie Cox, Marie, Jo , Petra AKA Milo , Cindy, Amy Gagne, and Jennifer

I have two LOs that I want to share today, that are very different from what I usually do. I've been spending some time at DSP and looking over their challenges, and two challenges that I decided to try was their Art Journal Challenge and their Freestyle Fandango Challenge.
For the Art Journal Challenge, we were to use a newspaper and create a layout that really depicted the mood of what we were doing. This is the front page of the newspaper for January 3rd, 2007. Journaling reads:
it's hard to read stories like this in the newspaper and wonder what the world is coming to.
such a tragical incident should never have taken place stories like this make me want to hold onto my daughter for dear life and pray that she will never know sorrow such as this.
Credits: Antiquing Pack Paper and Overlays by Lauren Bavin, grunge word paint brushes by Denise Docherty, Tape element from Cinnamon Swirls by Faith True, Stitching by Christine Nash, Cardboard element by Rina.
I did this challenge for the freestyle fandango challenge at DSP. This was so much fun to do! I made a brush with my main photo and I really like the effect. Credits: Basic Whites by Susan C. Walker, Magnetic Word Poetry Grunge Style by Amanda Rockwell, Brushstroke doodles from Scrapper's Toolbox by Misty Cato, Paperclip, chain and envelope tie from Scrapper's Toolbox by Marge Wirth, Purple paintstroke from Scrapper's Toolbox by Terry Maruca, Torn notepaper, straightpin and stitched corner from Scrapper's Toolbox by Rina, Brads by from Scrapper's Toolbox by Dana Fran.

I was very pleased with both of these challenges, because this is a style that I don't normally scrap, so it was good to get out of my safe little scrapping box and really stretch myself to try something completely different!

2007-01-12T23:25:00.000-04:00

You Are A Good Friend

You're always willing to listen
Or lend a shoulder to cry on
You're there through thick and thin
Many people consider you their "best friend"!

What Kind of Friend Are You?

I love my friends and I hope they know that I would do anything for them!

Today's blog prompt from DSP

If you could freeze time for less than an hour, and you’d be the only living thing that’s “alive” in that moment: What would you do? Why you wouldn’t be able to do it if everything were normal and the time weren’t frozen?

This is a really good question! If I could freeze time for less then an hour, I would go out into my neighborhood and sing and dance through the streets. I would run and jump and skip about and act totally undignified, and remember what it was like, if only for a moment, what it was like to be a child. I would climb trees and shout out loud and just let my spirit be free. I would take off my shoes and run barefoot through the grass and I would roll around in the leaves and the dirt, and then splash in every puddle I saw. I would just have the freedom to let my spirit soar.

I know that as a 27 year old woman, it's not likely that I could do these things in public without making a fool out of myself. I'd feel too self-concious, too afraid of what people would say when they saw me. But if I could stop time, and be assured that no one would see me, I'd do it without a second thought! Oh, feel as free as a child once again!

Now for the scraps!

Journalling reads: A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference.
Winnie the Pooh, Pooh's Little Instruction Book

Kit is Alma's Perfectly You Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE

I love this picture of Lydia with her teddy bear! Quote reads: The nicest dreams that will ever be are the dreams shared by my teddy and me.
Kit is Alma's Sunset Roses Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @SBE.

This is one of my favorite photos of my daughter when she was only 4 months old!
Kit is Alma and Misty's Gratitude Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs and Misty Cato available at SBE.

Dressing Up

2007-01-11T13:49:00.000-04:00

Your Vocabulary Score: B-

You have a zealous love for the English language, and many find your vocabulary edifying.
Don't fret that you didn't get every word right, your vocabulary can be easily ameliorated!

How's Your Vocabulary?

Hmmmmmm, only a B-? That was a fun quiz! :)

Here is today's DSP blog prompt

Do you like to get dressed up? Why/why not? When's the last time you had a chance to dress formally?
I love to dress up formally. Most of the time I just wear plain old blue jeans and sweat shirts or t-shirts around the house. So, when I do get a chance to dress up in a beautiful dress and to do my hair and make-up, its a real treat for me! Putting on a dress and looking nice just instantly makes me feel better about myself and the way that I look. The last time that I dressed up was Tuesday night, I went to a meeting and wore a beautiful floor length black skirt and white silk blouse.
I wish that I had more 0pportunties to dress up then I do. These pictures were taken in August of 2005, I am dressed up for a wedding. The dress I am wearing is a Chinese style dress, that I bought from a dressmaker in Seoul, South Korea. I have to say, its my favorite outfit!

Here is my newest LO:I did this LO for my friend Monica. The kit is Loving Jacob by Lena Brandenburg.

My Dreams

2007-01-10T13:00:00.000-04:00

You Should Travel to India

You're a passionate, gusty traveler - and India's gritty urban centers won't scare you away.
Maybe you'll take in the Taj Mahal, eat the best curry of your life, or attend a huge street festival.

What Asian Country Should You Visit?

I think India would certainly be a very interesting country to visit! Now for the DSP Blog Prompt.

What do you dream about lately (literally or otherwise)?

Literally, my dreams have lately been fairly mundane. I usually dream about what's going on in my life. Perhaps if there is something coming up that I am looking forward too, or am anxious about, I'll dream about it. Sometimes, I dream about things that I have done in the past. For example, I will dream that I am back in high school, or that I am back in University or in Korea. Also, sometimes in my dreams, there is a goal that I need to achieve, or a destination that I need to reach. I am working towards something in my dream, but I wake up before its completed.

Sometimes, I will dream fantastical scenarios, such as having the ability to fly, or talking to animals. But those types of dreams don't happen too often.

For my personal life, my dream is to one day return to University and study for my Masters in Education, specializing in Special Education and Resource, in order to lean how to work with students that have learning disabilities and perhaps find ways to reach them in the classroom. Another dream is to someday marry someone who loves to teach and travel as much as I do, and spend our married life living and teaching in foreign countries. And to raise a family together. That is my dream.

Now for some scraps.

I just really like this photo! Kit is Alma's Roses in Winter Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE
This is me and my best friend from University. Quote reads:
I haven't seen you in a while
yet I often imagine
all your expressions.

I haven't spoken to you recently
but many times
I hear your thoughts.

Good friends must not always be together.
It is the feeling of oneness when distant
that proves a lasting friendship.
- Susan Polis Schutz

Kit is Alma's Friends Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE

This picture was taken on Mother's Day 2006!

Kit is Alma's Garden Grunge Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs.

kindness of a stranger

2007-01-08T20:53:00.000-04:00

You Are a Life Blogger!

Your blog is the story of your life - a living diary.
If it happens, you blog it. And make it as entertaining as possible.

What Kind of Blogger Are You?

LOL that's interesting! I guess I am kind of a "life blogger" :)

Here is today's DSP prompt.

Describe a time when you have benefitted from the kindness of a stranger.

I was living in Daejon, South Korea, in 2003, teaching at Kids Herald School. I decided that I wanted to purchase a bicycle for myself, as my other two roommates both had bikes and I could see the benefits of owning one in the city. So, one day back in August after my work day was finished, I went to a bicycle store with one of my Korean co-workers. The woman at the bike shop couldn't speak any English, but she was pleasant, and with the help of my co-worker, I selected a beautiful red bicycle, with a white basket in the front.

I walked my new bike back to the bus stop with my co-worker, chatting along the way. Then, as she proceeded to get on the bus, I decided to ride my bicycle the rest of the way to my apartment. It wasn't that far, just down the street from where I was. However, I was wearing a rather long broomstick skirt at the time (you may remember that look from the 1990's, mine was purchased back when I was in high school at a time when they were actually in style) However, I decided to try and ride back in spite of this. Well, I was on my bike and doing fine, until I got to the middle of the road. I was going across on the cross walk, and in Korea, most of the time the bikers ride across, which is what I was doing. All of a sudden, I felt a tug on the back wheel of the bike. I couldn't move!!!! I looked back and my skirt was caught in the spokes! Then, the traffic light changed and cars were headed right for me!!!! So, I picked up my bike and high-tailed it to the other side.

I examined the damage, the skirt was wedged in tightly into the spokes, and there was a huge rip in the fabric. I sat there, struggling, trying to free myself, but to no avail. Finally, a kind Korean stopped and asked what the problem was. I gestured towards my skirt, indicating my predicament. He was nice enough to stop, bend down and help me out by freeing the torn remains of my skirt from the spokes. I thanked him very much, I was so relieved that someone had come by to help me! Imagine me, in a foreign city, not being able to speak the language, having only been here about 2 weeks prior. I had no idea what I was going to do if he had not stopped to help me.

Then, I found myself in another predicament. My skirt was torn so badly, it fell down to my ankles, and I found it very difficult to push my bike and hold my skirt up at the same time. So, again, he came to my rescue and pushed my bike for me back to my apartment. He was with his family and told them to go on ahead.

I have no idea who he was, but he was a stranger who showed kindness when I needed it!

Now for some more LOs with kits by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs.
Journaling reads:

My name is Paula and I am from Nova Scotia, Canada. I am a member of Alma’s ScrapHabit Design CT. I started digiscrapping about a year ago as a creative way to design my daughter’s baby book. It didn’t take long for me to become absolutely hooked! I love how creative I become when I design a layout. I enjoy trying new techniques and participating in challenges. Digiscrapping is not just a hobby - it’s a passion!

This is one of my best friends and her boyfriend while they were on their trip to China.

Kit for both LOs is Alma's Love Letters Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE.

This picture was taken on Mother's Day 2006. Journaling reads:

Little girls love to dress up in pretty ribbons and bows. Dancing in their dresses with fine shoes on their feet.

Kit is Alma's Baby Doll Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs
I did this for a friend of mine. Journalling reads:
Maternal love, like an orange tree, buds and blossoms and bears at once. When a woman puts her finger for the first time into the tiny hand of her baby and feels that helpless clutch which tightens her very heartstrings, she is born again with her newborn child. Kate Douglas Wiggin

Kit is Alma's Little Guy Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE

I wish I could . . . . .

2007-01-07T12:53:00.000-04:00

You Should Be A Poet

You craft words well, in creative and unexpected ways.
And you have a great talent for evoking beautiful imagery...
Or describing the most intense heartbreak ever.
You're already naturally a poet, even if you've never written a poem.

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

I love writing poetry!

Here is today's DSP blog prompt.

Make a list in which you repeat the same form of words to introduce each item.

I wish I could visit with friends who live very far away from me.
I wish I could speak French better then I do now.
I wish I could travel extensively through Asia.
I wish I could meet all the wonderful people I've met online in real life.
I wish I could find a permanent teaching job so that I no longer have to substitute.
I wish I could go back in time and change some of the decisions I've made in the past.
I wish I could someday return to University and study for my Masters.

Now, I also have some scraps that I want to share with you!

I wanted to highlight some of the scraps that I have done for Alma Townsend, Alma's ScrapHabit Designs CT. I love working with her kits, they are all so beautiful. You can see the kits in her store at SBE. As well, you can visit her website The ScrapHabit and check out the other CT members on her Creative Team Page. Every day this week, I am going to post some new LOs that I have done for Alma's CT.

This is a picture taken of my daughter over the summer.
Journaling reads: Summer is a time for youth, a time of endless days of songs and laughter and play. A time to free, to feel the soft green grass under your feet and the warm sun at your back.
Kit is Alma's Just Peachy Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE.

This picture was taken a year ago in the summer, up at a cottage of a friends by Zwicker's Lake.
I did this LO for the Faith Book Challenge on The Scrap Habit.
Journalling says:
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3
Down at Zwickers Lake August 2005.
Kit is Alma's It's Family Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE.
This is a favorite LO of mine of my daughter. The journaling says: The beauty of a girl cannot be mimicked, fabricated, or created by human means, it only occurs naturally.
Kit is Alma's Cat's Meow Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE.

Great Weekend Visiting Friends!

2007-01-06T19:32:00.000-04:00

You Are 47% Perfectionist

No one would call you a perfectionist, but you definitely have a side of you that strives to be perfect.
Try to see your mistakes as learning experiences, and don't be so hard on yourself when you screw up!

Are You a Perfectionist?

LOL, I guess I can live with 47% Perfectionist!
This weekend I spent visiting with a couple of good friends. I've known both of them for over 15 years now, we've been friends since high school. My friend Amy, on the left, lives in Halifax, so I don't get a chance to see her all that often. So, she came down to visit myself and Monica, who is my friend on the right. Monica just had a little baby boy, Mason, he is very cute indeed! Yesterday I went to pick Amy up and had a chance to visit with Monica and the new baby. He is so cute and soft and cuddly, I love newborn babies. Holding him, I was reminded of when Lydia was just a little baby herself. I'd love to have another little baby someday, but for now, I am quite happy and content with my little toddler.
I had a wonderful visit with Amy, we watched movies, Rumor Has It, and Nanny McPhee, both very funny! We had some great conversations this weekend, and it was just wonderful to be able to spend time with her again, and that she could spend time with Lydia as well.
I took Amy back over to Monica's this afternoon, I was sad to see her go, but I am looking forward to our next visit!

2007-01-04T21:29:00.000-04:00

You Are 28% Nerdy

You're a little nerdy, but no one would ever call you a nerd.
You sometimes get into nerdy things, but only after they've become a part of mainstream culture.

How Nerdy Are You?

Hmmmm, only 28 %? LOL! OK, here is today's blog prompt from DSP:

What do you sense you're supposed to do before your life is over?

Before my life is over, I sense that I am supposed to return to Korea.
I loved my life in Korea, I loved the people, the culture. I loved the fact that I was living in a foreign land, learning a new language, a new way of being and living. Even though I knew I had to return home, I miss it terribly. I often have dreams about the city I lived in, and in my dreams I am walking down familiar streets and it feels so real, it was as if I had never left. Other times, I dream that myself and my daughter are living in Korea, and I take her on the buses with me, and we go to bath houses and shopping and eating out.... I don't know why, but I have a strong urge to return. I do hope that someday, perhaps when Lydia is older and in school, that I can return, find a teaching position, and share with my daughter the rich culture that I grew to love over there.

Sometimes I wonder if its not so much Korea that I miss, as it is the life that I used to lead. It was a wonderful time in my life, and I doubt very much it would be the same, because time changes things, people change, many of the people I knew there are gone now and moved on.

Yet, I still have not given up hope that I will return there someday. I feel as though my life in Korea is not yet complete, and that there is still more for me to do over there.

2007-01-03T23:07:00.000-04:00

Your 1996 Theme Song Is: Ironic by Alanis Morisette

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought ... it figures

What's Your 1996 Theme Song?

LOL, I found this amusing, because I did listen to Alanis Morisette back in the day!

Lydia has quite the imagination, today we were playing outside and told me that the white garden stones outside were "Magic rocks". It was very cute, she kept saying "It's a magic rock" and picking them up, turning them over in her hand, looking at them. It was certainly one of those times when you wish that you had a camera! She is growing so fast and is so smart! She picks up on new words so easily and is becoming more creative in the way that she plays. I am so very proud of her!
This is my first layout for 2007! This photo was taken a year ago. It's amazing how much she has grown in one year. Some days I still long for my sweet little baby girl and I wonder where she went. But I have to say, I love having a toddler!
Journaling reads:
How does one describe a mother's love for her daughter? How can you capture that exact moment in mere words? The moment when you are holding your precious child, and the world around you ceases to exist. Love is a word that means everything, for if you have not love, you have nothing. Love is my world, and my world is my daughter.
Paula Haynes, Mom to Lydia

Kit is Alma's Romance Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE

One Year in Review Video Montage!

2007-01-02T14:45:00.000-04:00

Make video montages at onetruemedia.com

This video montage contains photos from Lydia's Life in 2006! You will have to turn off the music video I have in my sidebar to view this because it has music with it!

Enjoy!

Meeting My Goals

2007-01-02T09:12:00.000-04:00

You Are 76% Peaceful

You are a very peaceful person. All is good in your world, no matter what's going on.
Occasionally you let your problems get to you, but you generally remain upbeat.
Your inner strength is inspirational - much more so than you may realize.

How Peaceful Are You?

I have to say that I am really enjoying these blog prompts from DSP.

Most major goals are achieved through small victories. What little things can you do to meet your goals?

I know that I have quite a list of goals, but they are all manageable.

For my Spiritual Goals, just setting aside a certain time each day when I say "OK, now I need to sit down and quiet myself and turn to God". I know that I need to give Him priority, so I've already set aside time in the evening, after my daughter is asleep, and the house is quiet, when I will spend time with just Him.

I've already started reading the book of Romans, and also, I've started reading The Ragamuffin Gospel which is an excellent book. So, I am slowly on my way!

For the rest of my goals, I have to decide what is important and remind myself of why I have decided to work towards them. For my family goals, I know that they will make my life better and easier here at home.

For my social goals, I plan on emailing my friends at least twice a month, even if its just group emails, to keep in contact with them.

For my professional goals, I know that again, its just a matter of setting aside time each day to work on my resume. Sometimes it gets overwhelming if you try to do too much all at once, but a little bit each day will help you greatly.

Finally, for my personal goals, again, its just a matter of setting aside time to do these things.

When I was in University, I used to write myself out a schedule. I would have a daily schedule, and then a weekly schedule. If I can plan it out on paper, it makes it a lot easier to follow. I know that I need to have more organization in my life, that's key.

And just remember, to do a little bit each day, and eventually it will get done!

Welcome 2007!!!!

2007-01-01T21:40:00.000-04:00

Your Dominant Thinking Style: Visioning

You are very insightful and tend to make decisions based on your insights.
You focus on how things should be - even if you haven't worked out the details.

An idealist, thinking of the future helps you guide your path.
You tend to give others long-term direction and momentum.

What's Your Thinking Style?

It's hard to believe that 2007 is already here. I am ready for a fresh start in life! I already talked a bit about my New Year's Resolutions in yesterdays blog entry, but today I want to narrow it down a little more specifically.

Spiritual Goals

To read from my Bible every day.
To start writing again in my Spiritual Diary
To read Christian Literature and Devotionals on a regular basis

Domestic/Family Goals

To keep up with my housework so that it doesn't pile up.
To spend more quality time with my daughter
To strengthen my relationship with my parents

Social/Friends

To keep in better contact with my friends through emails/phone calls
To try and open up more when I am in a group of people
To make an effort to get to know people better

Professional

To update my resume and take it around to potential employers
To make myself known by volunteering and showing an enthusiastic interest
To study French

Personal

To take up knitting again
To read more novels
To play the piano more often

Phew! That's a lot of goals! I am not the best at keeping them, but I really hope that I am able to this year. Here's to all the best in the New Year!

Last Post of 2006

2006-12-31T22:22:00.000-04:00

You Will Keep Your New Year's Resolution

You planning on making a resolution that's smart, attainable, and perfect for where your life is.

Will You Keep Your New Year's Resolution?

It's hard for me to believe that the final day of 2006 has come already!

What will you remember the most from 2006?

A lot happened for me this past year! In February Lydia celebrated her first Birthday! I had been looking forward to her first Birthday for a long time, and what a wonderful time it was!

In April, my grandmother passed away on Easter Sunday. It left me feeling that I wished that I had gotten the chance to get to know her better, but it was difficult, as she lived in Saskatchewan and I lived in Nova Scotia. My parents flew out for the funeral and I know it was a hard time for my Mom.

In June, I was asked to be a member of my very first CT! Alma Townsend, of Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE, saw my work and sent me an email asking me to be a part of her team! I was overjoyed when she asked me and walked in the clouds for about a week!

Also, in July I spent four weeks at Ste Anne's learning French with my wonderful friend Amy. We not only learned French together, we also strengthened our friendship during those four weeks.

August, Lydia went swimming for the first time! We spent many a fun afternoon at the pool together! They had swings outside, so of course, I took Lydia on the swing for the first time!

September, Joedee Matsler, who is the Administrator of one of my favorite scrapbooking websites, Elemental Scraps (which is where I started it all) asked me to be on the CT for Elemental Scraps! As excited as I was to be on Alma's team, I was even more excited for this one!

Lydia went trick-or-treating for the very first time, and my goodness, did she ever have fun! She dressed up as a white bunny, she was so cute! We had a wonderful time together!

And this Christmas was extra special this year, because everyone in my family was there to celebrate!

As for New Year's Resolutions, what I need to work on the most is getting my priorities in order. Looking at my life and deciding what is most important for me to focus my time and attention on.

I resolve to rededicate my life to Christ and to put Him first and to make time for Him each and every day. I need to realize that there is so much that I cannot do on my own, yet in Him I can do all things. I have been sadly lacking in the area of spirituality in my life and I know that I need to improve in this area. I hope that I can spend time each day in prayer and reading the Bible.

I resolve to put my family before myself.

I resolve to place importance on the relationships I have with my friends and to try to maintain those relationships by being there for them in whatever capacity I can serve. Friends are important and I need to remember all the times that they have been there for me.

Finally, I resolve to do my best in all that I do, whether it be work or my home life.

I can't wait to see what is in store for me and my life in 2007.

God Bless and Happy New Year!

New Christmas LO

2006-12-31T00:36:00.000-04:00

You Are a Gingerbread House

A little spicy and a little sweet, anyone would like to be lost in the woods with you.

What Holiday Food Are You?

This was a cute quiz! And I do like Ginger Bread Houses!

This is my newest LO and I absolutely love it! The kit is Alma's Beary Christmas Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE. I love the richness of the papers, this is one of my favorite Christmas kits.

Also, I love the fact that Lydia is wearing a dress that used to belong to me. My Mom made this dress for me when I was just a little girl, and has kept it all these years. Now, it is being passed on to the next generation. So, this dress is special for me. I felt very proud on Christmas Day when Lydia wore the same dress that I had so many years ago!

Rocking Horse

2006-12-29T22:35:00.000-04:00

Your Holiday Stress Level is Moderate

The holidays sometimes stress you out, but mostly because they wear you down.
Take it easy! You can have a fun holiday without running yourself ragged.

What's Your Holiday Stress Level?

This was a fun little quiz to do! Although I have to say, I don't normally get too stressed out by the holidays. I like to enjoy them rather then worrying about them!

I finally had a chance to sit down and do a Christmas LO. I love this Christmas Kit. It's called Always Christmas by Lauren Grier. I bought it last year from Elemental Scraps, but I bought it after Christmas, so I didn't get a chance to use it until now. It's retired now, but its still beautiful!

And the dress that Lydia is wearing used to belong to me when I was her age! I love the fact that Mom saved that dress for so many years, so that it can be passed down to the next generation.

Journaling reads:

This Christmas, Lydia received a Rocking Horse from her Grandparents. She named her horse Black Beauty and loves to ride on him. Christmas 2006.

Also today, we had a great turnout for a Coffee Party that my Mom hosted. We had 22 people in all, and that included Lydia and another little girl who was 7. I took the children downstairs for cookies, juice and a Winnie-the-Pooh movie while the adults ate and talked upstairs. I didn't mind, I love spending time with my daughter, and I had a few things to eat as well. My Mom made this delicious fruit salad with home-made raisin tea buns that are just so incredibly good! Also, some people brought over cakes and cookies and donuts . . . . . so it was quite a spread! We were all very tired by the end of it all, but it was a good tired, and everyone really enjoyed themselves!

I can't believe that its almost the end of 2006! I wonder what 2007 will have in store for us?

Dieting Tips for the Holidays

2006-12-28T13:55:00.000-04:00

Give us your best diet tips and ideas for healthy eating during the holidays.
The holidays make it entirely too easy to overindulge and eat more then you planned. However, here are some tips that will help you stay on track!

Fruit trays are a wonderful addition to any holiday party! Plus, fat free yogurt make an excellent dip.
Vegetable trays are also a great treat, and you can use light Ranch dressing for your dipping sauce.
Salsa has no fat on it, and is great with crackers, or for dipping vegetables in as well.
Antipasto is another great fat free food that is excellent with whole wheat crackers! Yummy!
Air-popped popcorn, without salt or butter, makes a delicious, fat free snack for any occasion.
If you are going out to a party, try eating an apple or a banana before you go. Both foods are packed full of energy and will help you to stave off the hunger so you don't overeat.
Skim milk whips up just as easily as cream, and it is fat free.
Remember to drink plenty of water during the day. Sometimes we think we are hungry, when actually we are just thirsty.
Out of sight, out of mind. When food like cookies or candies are left out, it is very tempting to nibble on them in between meals. Try putting them away when you don't have any company.
Try to eat balanced meals each day and don't eat too late at night.
Finally, there is nothing wrong with Christmas cookies or candies, the key to anything is moderation. Just try to set yourself a limit and stick to it.

Happy Holidays!

Favorite Christmas Memory

2006-12-27T14:28:00.000-04:00

Long after the tree is taken down, after the food is eaten, gifts are opened and put away, after the last Christmas Carol is sung and the last TV special is viewed, what I will remember the most from this Christmas is the togetherness of my family.

I will remember the twinkle in my father's eye, the smile on my mother's face, the laughter from my daughter's lips. Being together on Christmas Day is very rare for us. My mother works as a nurse, and she usually has to work on Christmas Day. In fact, she can't remember the last time when she didn't have to work this day. I can remember many a Christmas without Mom. But this year, her day off fell on Christmas Day, and she was able to be home with her family.

Also, my brothers no longer live at home, and we see them very rarely, so it was extra special to have them both at home and to have everyone all together on Christmas Day.

It was just such a wonderful day, full of love and warmth of family, what a wonderful way to celebrate the
Birthday of Jesus! As I grow older, I realize more now then ever the importance of family, of being there for each other and caring for one other. Of working together as a team. Of showing your love to those who love you.

I am truly blessed to be with them, and I am truly blessed to share my family with my daughter. My hope and prayer for her is to always know and feel love, not just on Christmas, but on every day.

I could not think of a better memory of Christmas then just that of sharing the day with those I love and keep close to my heart.

Christmas Day is HERE!!!!

2006-12-25T13:49:00.000-04:00

Today is Christmas Day in our house, and Lydia was awake bright and early as usual at 6 am. We woke up, had some breakfast in the kitchen, then went downstairs to see what Santa left! I went down ahead of Lydia to put the lights on the tree and to make sure that Christmas music was playing!

The very first thing that she went for was her Care Bear! There was Share Bear, decorated with red, green and white ribbons! You should have seen the big smile on her face! And of course, the very next thing that she spotted was her Winnie-the-Pooh Mega Blocks that Santa
left! She loves Winnie-the-Pooh, so that caught her eye as well!

One present that she really loved was her rocking horse from her grandparents! You can see from the picture how much fun she is having rocking back and forth on it! We named the rocking horse Black Beauty. She also received some beautiful Winnie-the-Pooh story books from her grandparents. Lydia loves to pour over books, so they kept her interest for quite a while this morning.

Lydia also loved to pass out the gifts to the rest of us, I would give her a gift and then tell her who to give it to. I think that we all enjoyed our Christmas morning, especially since we had Lydia to share it with.

We all watched A Sesame Street Christmas Carol together, which is currently Lydia's favorite DVD. She loves watching Big Bird and Oscar and Elmo on TV. She actually asks for that movie by name, she says "Do you want to watch Sesame Street Christmas movie?" and of course, who can say no to a child on Christmas?

We then had a lovely brunch together. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family, full of love, that I can share this special day with. This truly was a very beautiful and Merry Christmas, and one that I will treasure in my heart for a long time.

Merry Christmas and God Bless!

Presents are Wrapped

2006-12-25T01:16:00.000-04:00

It is very early in the morning on Christmas Day. I have just finished wrapping the presents while watching Miracle on 34th Street and Scrouge on television. The lights are glowing on the Christmas tree and there is a quiet stillness about, and all seems right with the world. Tomorrow when I wake up, the day will be a furry of frenzy and excitement, full of unwrapping presents, seeing joy in the faces of others and sharing happiness with those whom we love. It will be day of picture taking, carol singing, chocolate eating and Christmas Television Special watching.

But for now all is quiet and still. My brothers are both home, so the whole family will be with us, altogether for Christmas. And I am going to enjoy the day as much as possible.

May God bless you now and always, throughout Christmas and the whole year through.

Christmas is Almost Here!!!!!

2006-12-23T20:29:00.000-04:00

The closer we are getting to Christmas, the more excited I am becoming!

This week, Lydia received a gift from her great Aunt Shelia. My Aunt Shelia always gives us ornaments every year as a gift, and on Lydia's present the tag said to open right now, so of course, that's what we did! Here are some pictures I took, and I also took a little video! My camera doesn't have sound, but its still very cute!

Looks like she's getting all practiced up for Christmas! There were two ornaments in the box. One that said Baby's First Christmas, that Lydia was supposed to get last year, but my Aunt Shelia had misplaced it after she bought it. And the second ornament is a sweet little porcelien doll ornament wearing a green dress! Very cute!

Also, today was a wonderful day because two of my old friends from high school came by for a nice long visit. It is so nice to meet up with old friends, especially around the holidays. Many friends that I have made in high school and in University live so far away. I am very thankful for the internet that has allowed me to remain in contact with so many people who are so far away.

Finally, I am very thankful for this wonderful Christmas season that has allowed me to take the time to reflect on the birth of Jesus and the coming of the Christ in our world and into our lives. It's so amazing that God loved us so much that He came down on earth to be with us. I plan to take some quiet time on Christmas Day to spend it in quiet contemplation and prayer.

I am a Lily . . . and some challenge LOs.

2006-12-22T23:01:00.000-04:00

You Are A Lily

You are a nurturer and all around natural therapist.
People see you as their rock. And they are able to depend on you.
You are a soothing influence. You can make people feel better with a few words.
Your caring has more of an impact than even you realize.

What Flower Are You?

I like to take these tests from time to time, just for fun! But I really like what this one said about me, because they are qualities I try to strive for.

It's hard to believe how close we are to Christmas now. My brother Roger is home and my brother Richard will be coming home tomorrow. Lydia isn't too sure what all the excitement is about, but she is sure getting into the spirit! Today at supper, she serenaded the family with rousing renditions of Rudolph and Frosty! She's such a cutie, and put so much energy into her singing, including the clapping for herself at the end!

I wanted to share some of the scrap pages I did for challenges on Elemental Scraps back in November. The kit that we received for completing the challenges was beautiful! Here is what the kit looks like:The kit is called Falling For You and I absolutely LOVE IT! It was designed by the talented ladies who make up the Elemental Scraps Creative Element Team! They did such a wonderful job, I love the colours, the papers, the elements, everything!

So, here are the scrap pages I did to get this wonderful kit!

This LO was for the Journalling Challenge, called Write On!!! This rounds challenge is to make a list. Some examples:
likes & dislikes
favorite attributes of a loved one
things you collect
activities in your day
your typical grocery list (hey how else will future generations know)

Really it is anything you can think of that you can "list"

Kit is Alma's Ginger Spice Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE.
This page was done for the Add Inspiration Challenge. The add was titled Remember When, which is where I took my inspiration from, as this is the first line in my journalling about Lydia's first sleigh ride last year.

Kit is Alma and Misty's Winter Bliss Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs and Misty Cato @ SBE

This was done for the Lyric Challenge. The song choice was The Reason by Hoobastank. The line where I found my inspiration was :
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you
I just adapted it a little to make it fit!
Kit is Alma's Darling Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE

The template challenge was the calander page that I uploaded into my previous post!

This page counted for two different challenges. I did this page for the font challenge and for the scraplift challenge. The font that we had to use was calld Patterns & Dots which I used in my title. The scraplift was of Colin in der Kiste by Summer. The kit is a retired kit by Amanda Rockwell, called Emily.

This page was done for my quote challenge that I run! The quote reads:
I haven't seen you in a while
yet I often imagine
all your expressions.

I haven't spoken to you recently
but many times
I hear your thoughts.

Good friends must not always be together.
It is the feeling of oneness when distant
that proves a lasting friendship.

- Susan Polis Schutz

The LO is me and my best friend Janice in University. The kit is Alma's Friends Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE

I did this LO for the Try This!! Freestyle Challenge. This LO is more of an artistic statement, my attempt was to convey that in order to really get to know a person, you have to look past their outward apperance, and really get to know them from the inside, which is why I placed a newspaper heart over the face in the photo.

Journalling reads:
Who is this person? What is their identity? What is their role?
The worth of a person cannot be judged by outward appearance, rather, it is a matter of the heart.

I used Fabulousy Funky Papers and Elements by Poppy Andrews.

Newspaper heart is from Newspaper Art by Faith True

Frame is from Old Photo Edges by Faith True.

Everything is available from Elemental Scraps.
I did this LO for the colour challenge.
I used the poem Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe in this LO.

Journalling reads:

t was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of ANNABEL LEE;--
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.

She was a child and I was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea,
But we loved with a love that was more than love--
I and my Annabel Lee--
With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven
Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this kingdom by the sea,
A wind blew out of a cloud by night
Chilling my Annabel Lee;
So that her high-born kinsman came
And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulchre
In this kingdom by the sea.

Kit is Franklin by Victoria Feemster

Finally, the last challenge! This was the No Smiley Faces challenge, and we had to scrap something that we were thankful for. I am thankful for church.
Kit is Be Still by Gretchen Tripp.

Well, those are a lot of challenges! But they are fun to participate in!

Christmas is Coming!

2006-12-21T22:03:00.000-04:00

I am getting very excited about Christmas time coming! Last Saturday, I met up with my friend Amy in Halifax and was able to get all of my Christmas shopping done! The tree is up, my brothers are coming home, and Lydia is getting very excited!!!! She knows who Santa is when she sees his picture, and she loves singing Christmas songs. She can sing Jingle Bells, Rudolph, Frosty, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, but my favorite one that she sings has to be Santa Claus is Coming to Town. or, as she calls it, Santa Claus is Coming to . . . . LYDIA'S HOUSE!!!!! In a big loud voice! It's so cute!

Here are some Christmas LOs that I have been working on in anticipation of Christmas. They are mainly pictures from last Christmas.
This picture was taken of Lydia's first Christmas! I love this picture of her with my Mom, she looks so happy! Our entire household was a "Pile of Smiles" that day as we all celenrated my daughters first Christmas together!

I did this LO for a QuickFix Template Chat at SBE. I love these Christmas photos of my daughter!

This page was done for a template challenge at Elemental Scraps. The calander template is by Victoria Feemster.

Kit for all these LOs is Alma's Christmas Spirit Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs at SBE.

Journalling reads:
For Lydia's first Christmas one of her gifts was a ride-on toy from her Papa. It was so nice and pink and shiny it caught her eye right away. She couldn't wait to take it for a ride!

Christmas Word Art by Faith True

Kit is Rock-A-Doodle Christmas by Faith True

This one LO I have to say is one of my favorites! I love the way it turned out! Journalling reads:
Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.

-- Author:Laura Ingalls Wilder

Kit is Holiday Delight by Victoria Feemster.

Picture from last Christmas. I used A Christmas Story Paper Pack and Element Pack by Laura Corzine for this LO.

Journalling reads: In the eyes of children we find the joy of Christmas. In their hearts we find its meaning. Leland Thomas.
Kit is Americana Christmas found at Elemental Scraps.

This is a picture of Lydia last year at Christmas. Although she is too young to write letters to Santa, this is what I would think she would say:

Dear Santa
How are you? I have been a good girl all year. Please bring me a Pooh bear toy, some new books and clothes.
Love, Lydia

I used Alma's Beary Christmas Page Set and Alma's Quick Accents: Beary Christmas Add-Ons by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE

This LO is actually from a picture that I took this year! Tuesday in fact. Lydia is working on her very first Christmas craft. She made Santa and Frosty the Snowman!

The kit I used is Alma's Jolly Christmas Page Set by Alma's ScrapHabit Designs @ SBE

Thanks for looking and I hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Pajama's 4 Love

2006-12-18T21:39:00.000-04:00

This is a beautiful charity kit! Joedee from Elemental Scraps headed this project up, and there are 75 amazing designers who worked on this kit! The proceeds from this kit go directly to help children with cancer.

One of the children this kit will benifit is a beautiful young girl named Corrine and you can view her blog here: Corrine Lent and you can read her story here: Story

To learn more about Pajama's 4 Love, come and view this thread:

Pajamas 4 Love Project!! 75 Designers 1 great cause

Here are a couple of LOs that I have done with this kit.

I scrapped this LO using the beautiful new Charity kit, Pajamas 4 Love: Courage, available here at ES. Proceeds from this kit will be used to help chldren with cancer.

Journalling reads:

Little girls always look so cute in their pink pajama's, all nice and cozy and ready for lullabys and swet dreams.

This photo was taken on Christmas morning last year, when Lydia received her very first gift!

I scrapped this LO using the beautiful new Charity kit, Pajamas 4 Love: Faith, available here at ES. Proceeds from this kit will be used to help chldren with cancer.

You can find the kit here:

Pajama's 4 Love

Fall Pages

2006-10-27T22:32:00.000-03:00

There have been so many nice fall kits, I thought I'd share some of the fall LOs I've done for my CTs either with Alma or with Elemental Scraps!

This is a beautiful LO that I did using Laura Corzine's Fall Beauty
I love this photo of Lydia! Also, this was done for a quote challenge at Elemental Scraps and the journalling says: seeing autumn through your eyes makes each day a discovery of something new and beautiful!

This is another LO that I made with the same kit. This was a template challenge and here I did a desktop calender for October!

This one was a Quote Challenge for The Scrap Habit. I used Bella Gypsy's Harvest Hues from Elemental Scraps as well! The quote says: A tangerine and russet cascade
Of kaleidoscopic leaves
Creates a tapestry of autumn magic
Upon the emerald carpet of fading summer.
- Judith A. Lindberg

Thanks for looking! I will post some more tomorrow!

I've been tagged!!!!!

2006-10-20T22:03:00.000-03:00

List 5 weird things about yourself or your pets. Tag 5 friends and list them. Those people need to write on their blogs about 5 weird things, and state the rules, and tag 5 more people. Don't forget to let the people you tag know by posting a comment on their blog!

1. I am a huge fan of musicals, especially Andrew Lloyd Webber and I love to sing along with my CDs!

2. When I lived in Korea, I used to love going to the Bath Houses to relaxe!

3. I love Saved By The Bell and watch it wheneve I get the chance.

4. I put ketchup on my French Toast, because its delicious that way!

5. I love to run through the grass in my bare feet on a warm summer's day.

OK, now I choose to tag Cindy , Petra , Marisa , Theresa , and Jae

Now for the LOs!

This one is really sweet! I love the way it turned out! I used Mocha Latte by Kelli Martin at Elemental Scraps! I love the heart frame and the journalling around the outside!

This is another one that I am very proud of! I just love the way it turned out! I am using Faded Pastels by Poppy Andrews, another kit at ES!

This is another beautiful LO! It was a scraplift challenge at Elemental Scraps and the kit is just gorgeous! This was a free kit by Bannerwoman from Digital Freebies on the completion of her Double Trouble Sketch Challenge! I love those challenges! :)

I will post some more LOs tomorrow, I don't want to bombard you with all the work I've been doing!

Other then scrapping, things have been really good! Lydia has her Halloween costume, she is going to be a bunny! Here is a pic of her!

Doesn't she make the cutest bunny ever! My Mom bought that costume for her at Frenchy's for only $1.50! I can't wait, because this will be her first year Trick-or-Treating! I can't wait to make a scrap out of it either! LOL!

I Got Picked by the Kudos Team!

2006-09-08T22:40:00.000-03:00

I am so excited because one of my LOs was picked by The Kudos Team today!

The Kudos Team Here is the LO that they selected. Its called Future Gardener, and the kit is Lovely Lilacs by Alma Townsend. It was quite a suprise for me!

Here are some other LOs that I've been working on!

This kit is Grace by Victoria Feemster. I love this dress on Lydia, its a Chinese style dress that my friend from Texas sent from Korea!
The kit for this one is Summer Florals by Amanda Rockwell, and the fonts are Hurshey and MA Simple Pleasures.
This is a cute one I did for my friend Bobbi of her doggy, Bingo! I also did it for a font challenge! The kit is I Woof You by Alma Townsend and the font is Honey Script.

This was a quote challenge on ES, the kit is Regal by Alma Townsend and the font is ES Beautiful! This is Lydia at her Papa's 60th Birthday!

This one is Mocha Butterfly by Laura Corzine and the font is Eight Fifteen. I love the photos in this LO!
This is another one I love! This is Baby Pie by Alma Townsend, and the font is More Enchanted Prairie Dog. This is the lyric challenge for ES!

This is another LO I love! I love the colours in these papers! This is Romance by Alma Townsend, and the font is Pea Amy*Rica Script. This was the journalling challenge at ES!

Finally, this is my attempt at Freestyle! Kit is Ephemera of Love by Beth Nixon and font is Pea Donna!

Have a good day!

2006-09-03T11:03:00.000-03:00

You Have a Phlegmatic Temperament

Mild mannered and laid back, you take life at a slow pace.
You are very consistent - both in emotions and actions.
You tend to absorb set backs easily. You are cool and collected.

It is difficult to offend you. You can remain composed and unemotional.
You are a great friend and lover. You don't demand much of others.
While you are quiet, you have a subtle wit that your friends know well.

At your worst, you are lazy and unwilling to work at anything.
You often get stuck in a rut, without aspirations or dreams.
You can get too dependent on others, setting yourself up for abandonment.

What Temperment Are You?

I did this quiz on W2W this morning. Pretty interesting, isn't it? Its Sunday morning and both my brothers are home. Right now they're at church. and Lydia is upstairs, trying to sleep. And I have a dishwasher that needs emptying! So, I'll jet for now, but I'll update later!

Happy Saturday!

2006-09-02T23:58:00.000-03:00

Mocha Frappuccino

Hyper and driven, you'll take your caffeine any way you can get it. Frappuccinos are good, but you'd probably chew coffee beans in a crunch!

What Flavor Frappuccino Are You?

I did this quiz on W2W! It was fun! LOL! My brother Richard is home for a week, yay! Hope that everyone is having a good weekend!

All About Ste Annes!

2006-08-31T22:55:00.000-03:00

Well, yesturday was all about Amanda Rockwell, today is all about the LOs I did from my session at Ste Annes. This first one is using a quick fix template by Alma Townsend, and the kit is Blue Skies by Misty Cato. On the second day that we were at the session, my friend Amy and I took a walk by the beach, and of course, I had to wade in the ocean! What fun that was!

This was done as a quote challenge on The Scrap Habit. Again, I am using Blue Skies by Misty Cato. I love this scrap because I don't often work with white spaces, and I think this one just turned out so well! This was taken on the same day!

This scrap was done with a quick fix template by Alma Townsend, and the kit is Always There, a compliation kit by Alma Townsend, Misty Cato, Elizabeth Lane and Heather Watson, made for The Scrap Habit. I love this photo of Amy and I, it was taken by our friend Monica.
I love the bright colours in this kit! This is Sherbert Blossoms by Alma Townsend, and the pictures are from the Hawaiian Party that Amy and I went to! That was so much fun, and this LO was so much fun to do as well!
Finally, this is a two page LO that I did as a sketch challenge for The Scrap Habit. The kit is Always There by Alma Townsend, Misty Cato, Elizabeth Lane and Heather Watson.

All About Amanda Rockwell

2006-08-30T23:43:00.000-03:00

I have not updated my blog in a long time, so here are some scraps that I have done recently that I wanted to share! And as it happened, all of these kits I used were designed by Amanda Rockwell! The first couple are done with quick fix cheat sheets, which are layered templates that were designed by Alma Townsend as a challenge on The Scrap Habit. The first one, Lydia's New Chair, shows Lydia sitting in the new chair we bought her this summer! I love the kit, its Garden Sunset by Amanda Rockwell, which is exclusive to The Sweet Shoppe!
The colours are so bright and cheerful and I love the plastic buttons and things!
The next LO, Summer Girl, is another quick fix layered template by Alma Townsend and the kit is Fruit Punch by Amanda Rockwell, again, a Sweet Shoppe exclusive. Very pretty!

I really like all the beaded words that came with this kit as well as all the beaded elements and the colours are so vibrant!
The one below it, was a Scripture Challenge on The Daily Scrap, and I also used it as a scraplift challenge on Elemental Scraps. The kit is another one by Amanda Rockwell, called Summer Brights. I love the use of the 3 photos in this LO!

This was a kit I've had for a while, but I still love using it!
Below that one, where Lydia is reading, that was a quote challenge on The Daily Scrap, and again, I am using an Amanda Rockwell Kit. This one is Floral Splendor, another Sweet Shoppe exclusive! Lydia loves to read her books, so it wasn't difficult to get her to pose for these pics!

I love the elements in this kit, like the ribbons and the buttons!
Lastly, this kit is called A Mother's Love by Amanda Rockwell and this was done as a sketch challenge on Digital Freebies. I love the pinks in this kit, and the ribbon elements as well.

Lydia just looks too darn cute in this pic!

Also, I have exciting news! I've been accepted as a CT member on Elemental Scraps! I love Amanda as a designer and nowI have more excuses to use her kits! And new and exciting things are happening with Alma as well! This is gonig to be an exciting month in September!

I have more LOs to share, but I'll upload them tomorrow!

100 Things About Paula May!

2006-08-13T21:08:00.000-03:00

OK, I've been tagged by Marisa, so now its time for me to add 100 things about myself!

I love my daughter Lydia more then anyone else in the world!
I went to Mount Allison, where I did a double major in English and Drama
In my fourth year at Mt A, I directed a one act play for my final drama project, called Still Stands the House by Gwen Pharis Ringwood.
I am a HUGE fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals!
I taught ESL in Daejon, South Korea for a year and a half.
I LOVE all Korean food!
My favorite Korean movie is called Taeguki, which is about two brothers during the Korean War.
I've been to Japan and the Phillippians as well.
I was born in Germany
I've been in every province of Cananda, but I've never been to the States.
When I was 15 years old, I took part in the Miss Valley Ex Pagent and tied for Miss Talent.
I started piano lessons when I was 8 years old, so I've been playing for 19 years.
I used to teach piano lessons to young children for three years in high school.
I've played piano for my church, and I've been on 3 different worship teams at school and at Korea.
I play the trombone.
When I was in Korea, I played 2nd Trombone for the Daeduk Symphonic Orchestra and I was the only non-Korean in the group.
I have my red belt in Tae Kwon Do.
My two favorite composers for piano are Chopin and Debussy.
My other two favorite composers are Tchaicovsky and Ravel.
When I was in grade 6, I had to get braces for my top teeth.
My favorite colour is purple.
On my way to Manila, I spent the night at Inchon International Airport in Korea.
When I was in my second year of University, I skipped two days of classes, took the bus down to Halifax, and joined a couple of friends to see Tragically Hip in concert.
I almost got lost in Japan.
One time when I was travelling in Korea, I took the wrong bus and ended up in the wrong city, so I had to backtrack myself.
I make an awsome chocolate cheesecake. Everyone says so.
I took TESL in University and tutored a Japanese student who ended up becoming a good friend.
Originally, I had wanted to go to Japan and teach, not Korea.
I've seen Chicago and Cats live onstage, both in Korea.
My favorite American movie is The Shawshank Redemption, though Memoirs of a Geisha comes in a very close second!
I spend four weeks this summer at Sainte Anne's studying French.
My favorite animal is a cat.
In my fourth year at University, I stage managed the musical at Mt A that year, it was Kiss Me Kate.
When I lived in Korea, I LOVED going to bath houses! I would make it a point of going once a week, it was my "ME" time!
I love eating with chopsticks!
I enjoy cooking stirfrys.
I am addicted to Digital Scrapbooking! On a good week, I can do a LO a day! Sometimes two!
I love being a member of W2W!
I love to downhill ski in the winter.
I have two brothers who are both younger then me.
I learned how to read, write and speak a tiny little bit of Korean. Basically, I can order food in resturants and tell taxi drivers where to go! LOL!
I love the ocean.
I love the feel of warm grass underneath my bare feet in the summer.
I enjoy walking under the moon and stars at night.
I love to sing and do it constantly at home.
When I was in high school, and part of University, I used to belong to a handbell choir.
I was in Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders and Rangers.
I had a cat when I was a little girl and I named her Misty.
I love to swim.
The first thing I look for in a guy is whether or not I can carry on a good conversation with him.
I enjoy playing Cribbage.
I love Baily's in my coffee.
I think blueberry bagels from Tim Hortons, toasted and spread with strawberry cream cheese, is delicious!
The next country I want to visit is China.
I hope to go back to Korea some day.
My favorite author is Timothy Findley.
My favorite book by him is Pilgrim.
When I was in University, I took every single Canadian Literature course that I could! I love studying Can Lit!
I really like Post Modernism as well.
Some day, I hope to go back to University and get my Masters of Education.
I love driving my car.
When I was little, I was afraid to light fires.
I enjoy listening to female vocal artists, like Sarah McLaughlin, Celine Dion, Paula Cole, Amanda Marshall, Shawn Colville etc
I love cherrys.
When I was a student, I worked for 3 summers with the Annapolis Valley Historical Society at the MacDonald Museum in Middleton, in the geneology library. I would assist visitors in finding out information about their ancestors or research the history of the area. My job title was Reseach Assistant and Historical Researcher.
I worked one summer at Middleton and District Daycare.
I've worked for two summers as a camp counsellour.
Even though I've gone to church my entire life, it wasn't until I was 16 that I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour.
I went to Atlantic Baptist University for my Bachelor of Education.
I have had 30 different roommates/apartmentmates in my life.
My favorite season is winter.
I've been to two professional soccar games in Korea and both times, the outcome was 0-0.
When I was little, I chipped my front tooth, so now I have a cap on it.
I've been to a Korean wedding ceramony.
I've visited many different Buddhist shrines and temples in Korea and in Japan.
I've visited a women's prison in Manila, Phillippines, during a prison ministry visit.
I've visited an orphanage in Korea.
I've climbed mountains in Korea.
I've had 5 different Tae Kwon Do instructors in Korea.
My favorite coffee house in Korea was called The Walking Man. My picture is on the wall.
I've dyed my hair many times in the past.
When I was a teenager, I loved having sleepovers.
I love doing Tae Bo.
I also love aqua-fit water areobics.
My favorite ice cream is called Flying Purple Cows, but I'll also settle for anything chocolate.
My three favorite TV shows are The Gilmore Girls, The OC and Desperate Housewives. I NEVER miss an episode.
I've always wanted to be a teacher.
I love working backstage in the theatre more then acting.
Last year, I was in the Greenwood Player's production of Playing Doctor. I played a character named Maureen.
I enjoy a good game of Risk.
When I was 5 years old, I was in ballet for a year, but the ballet teacher told my Mom I was too high spirited for ballet!
When I was 14, I went to a week long French Camp.
Mount Allison was the only place I applied to for my BA.
I only lived in residence for one year, after that I moved off.
I love Latin dancing, esecially the Salsa, but only if I have a partner that knows how to lead and how to lead well.
I've volunteered at International Christmas for 3 years in a row.
I spent 4 Christmases in a row away from my family.
I love to ride my bike.
I know how to do cross stitch, knitting and sewing.
I love spending time with my friends!

Whew! I am all done! OK, next, I choose to tag Amy and Amie! Good luck girls!

Videos from Sainte Annes!

2006-08-02T10:14:00.000-03:00

Amy made some great videos with her camera at Sainte Anne's! Here are a few!

This one is our residence playing ball hockey! It was a lot of fun. Normally, I don't do sports at all, but I made an exception this time.

This was our final banquet, where we burned our contracts and can now speak French!

At the Halloween Party, one of the girls dressed up as a bride, and for a surprise, we had our prof dress up as the groom! Tee hee hee!

And what is a wedding without a first dance?

We had a Game Show Night, with a parody of The Price is Right!

Dancing the night away!

And the last three are from the funny olympics we had on one of our first days!

Thanks for looking!

Pictures from Sainte Annes

2006-08-01T10:08:00.000-03:00

Here are a few pictures from Sainte Anne's! Most of them are of Amy and me! They were taken on one of our first days, when we could still speak English! The campus was located next to the ocean, so it was quite peaceful and beautiful out there. I love how these photos turned out, and will probably scrap them when I have the time! Its weird, seeing Amy everyday for 4 weeks, and then not seeing her at all anymore. And to go from being a University Student to being a full time Mom again. But I was glad that I had the chance to go and study French this summer, and hopefully I can do this again in the near future!

Home Now!

2006-07-30T23:50:00.000-03:00

I am hoping this works. Amy took this little video of me at the music talent show at Saint Anne's!

I can't believe how fast the time went while I was at Ste Anne's studying French! It hardly seems real now that I was actually there.

I have to say that I really liked the program a lot. I was in the Teacher program, which was 4 weeks long. We had two classes in the morning, a Methodologies class where we learned practical activities, games etc that we can use in the classroom, as well as looked at the currciculum for French in NS schools, pedagogy of differences, multiple intelligence theory . . . . basically ways that we can enhance our teaching in the classroom. I found this particular class was really useful!

The second class was a grammar class, and I have to say I was quite skeptical about how this one would go, as I am the kind of person who thinks, grammar, blah, boring!!!! But it wasn't at all! The professor made it really interesting, and I found that I learned a lot and put to use what I learned in my everyday conversations with people.

Then, in the afternoon, we had what is called an atelier, which was again, looking at differnet games and methods of teaching, for example, using music in the classroom and how to teach elementary kids using large storybooks and various activities that can derive from those. We did a few group projects, and luckily Amy was my partner, we work well together!

In the evenings, they usually had various things going on, like concerts, or sports etc. I had the chance to play some soccar and some ball hockey for my residence! Totally not athletic at all, but it was fun all the same!

They also had two musical talent nights, and I took part in both of them! The first one, I played Memory from Cats on the piano, then I accompanied one of the profs who sang a jazz solo, "Danser Sur Moi" (never heard of it before, so it was new for me). Its been a long time since I've played piano in front of a large audience, but I think it went really well! The second musical talent night, I played Misty on the piano, then I accompanied a fellow teacher who sang Moon River in French. What a fun night that was!

Also, on the weekends, they had theme parties at the on campus bar. So, I took part in the Toga Party, the Tex Mex Party, Haiwiian Party, Halloween Party and the Lousianna Theme Night! It was so much fun, to go out with people my own age again and dance the night away! I loved it, I haven't been out like that since before Lydia was born. I just don't get the chance to anymore.

All in all, I have to say that the people that were in the teachers program were all really nice. I had a wonderful time, and I really do feel that my French has improved a lot. In fact, the professor who taught grammar was trying to talk me into coming back for the fall semester. But right now that's not a possibility, because it was hard enough leaving Lydia for four weeks.

Hopefully though, this course I just completed will give me an "edge" as far as my teaching is concerned.

And I have to say it was awsome seeing Amy again and spending every day with her! I haven't done that in years, not since we were in high school together! I mean, I've seen her after high school quite a few times, but not everyday on a regular basis like that.

La Belle Princesse et Le Cygne Magique

2006-07-24T15:29:00.000-03:00

Pour mes devoirs, j'ai ecrie un historie pour l'enfants. Voici mon historie, aprés François corrige pour moi:

La Belle Princesse et Le Cygne Magique

Un matin, une jolie fille habitait dans la belle ville de Rose Vert. Elle était honnête, plaisante, fidèle et aimable. Elle s'appelle Mariette et elle était une belle princesse.

Mariette a marché dans le petit bois quand elle a entendu un bruit. C'était un grand cygne. Le cygne etait majestueux, docile et beau. Le cygne etait attrapé dans un filet. Le cygne a regardé la princesse avec un visage très triste et très seul.

"S'il vous plait" le cygne a dit. "Aide-moi et j'accord erai trois désirs, parce-que, je ne suis pas un cyngne ordinaire, je suis un cygne magique."

Mariette etait très surprise, mais elle a décidé d'aider le cygne magique.

Aprés, le cygne magique a donnè trois plumes à Mariette pour utiliser pour faire les désirs. Alors, le cygne magique a dit "Mercie beaucoup" et il a disparu.

Alors, Mariette a continué à marcher dans le petit bois quand elle est venue à un petit garçon qui pleurait.

"Pourquoi tu pleures?" Mariette a dit.

"Parce-que je suis perdu et je ne sais pas où est ma masion. Aide-moi, si vous plait."

Mariette a regardé le petit garçon. Il etait jeune, beau et il avait peur. Elle décidé d'utiliser un désir pour aider le petit garçon.

Très rapidement, le cygne magique a apparu et il a pris le petit garçon à la maison.

Alors, Mariette a continué à marcher dans le petit bois quand elle a avu une jeune mère pleurer et elle a tenu un petit bébé qui pleurait aussi.

"Pourquoi tu pleur es?" Mariette a dit.

"Parce-que mon petit bébé a très faim, mais je n'ai pas de norriture pour mon bébé. Je suis très pauvre et je nài pas un mari."

Mariette a regardé la jeune mère. Elle etait belle, determineé et sincère. Mariette a décidé d'utiliser un désir pour aider la juene mère et le petit bébé.

Très rapidement, lr cygne magique a apparu avec un grand panier de norriture. Après ça, le cygne magique a disparu.

Maintenant, Mariette a juste un dèsir. Alors, Mariette a continué de marché dans le petit bois quand a vu un vieil homme qui pleurait.

"Pourquoi tu pleures?" Mariette a dit.

"Parce-que je suis trés malade et je mourrai."

Mariette a regardé le vieil homme. Il etait gentil, poli et aimable. Mariette dècidè d'utiliser le dernier dèsir pour aider le vieil homme.

Très rapidement, le cygne magique a apparu avec une médecine pour le vieil homme.

Puis, le cygne magique a regardé Mariette et il a dit:

"Parce-que tu es honnête, plaisante, fidèle et aimable et parce-que tu a utilisé les trois désirs poru aider les autres personnes et pas pour toi, tu seras ma femme et ma reine."

Alors, le cygne magique s'est a transformé en beau roi et le roi et Mariette se sont mariés et ils sont très heureux.

La Fin

C'est un Bon Jour!

2006-07-19T16:29:00.000-03:00

Aujourd'hui, j'ai travaillé avec Amy pour les représentations graphiques. Nous avons décidé à chanté "O Canada" en français. Alors, nous sommes allée à la CPRP et nous avons choisi Haut en Couleurs, une ressource pour enseignement les élèves en Canada. Le niveau nous avons choisi pour les représentations graphiques est français bas pour le 4e année.

Aussi, aujourd'hui, je suis allée à la magasin de campus et j'ai acheté Grammair Progressive du Français pour le niveau avancé, Besherelle en anglais, et Le Petit Prince pour étude seule quand je retourne à ma maison. Je pense que c'est un bon idée pour moi!

Aussi, j'ai cherché sur le site web pour un idée pour mes devoirs pour Nancy pour un mini-projet Saviez-vous que . . .

Vous allez rechercher un fait, une personne ou en événement. Vous allez illustrer votre recherche et vous allez présenter vos découverts à la classe en forme de petite présentation orale. Vous allez afficher votre recherche dans la salle de classe.

J'ai decidé à recherche "Sesame Street". Voici mon recherche!

Depuis sa première diffusion aux États-Unis en septembre 1969, « Sesame Street » a été réalisée en 20 éditions internationales (la version française s'appelant 1 Rue Sésame), chacune avec ses personnages et son ton uniques, et a été diffusée dans plus de 120 pays. Ceci en fait l'émission télévisée pour enfants la plus populaire du monde.

http://usinfo.state.gov/fr/Archive/2006/Apr/07-8806.html

Bonjour Tout Le Monde!

2006-07-18T15:48:00.000-03:00

Heir soir, je suis allé à le chateau et j'ai joué le BINGO! C'est etait très amuseant pour moi, et comme le nuit passé, la tension et l'excitation beaucoup plus et plus! Je ne gange pas de tout. Mais, j'aime le BINGO beaucoup!

Aussi, dans le reunion pour les residence, chaque personne choisi un nom d'autre personne pour donne le cadeau pour "Noël" le semaine prochaine. J'ai espére pour un nomme de fille, parce que j'ai deja acheté le cadeau et j'ai acheté une charpente d'étain.

Aujourd'hui, Amy et moi espére pour le voyage du Foodland à 16h00. Nous avons écrit notre noms sur un morceau de papier. Alors, le sien etait choisi mais le mien c'est ne choisi pas. C'est dommage! Donc, j'ai donné Amy un liste de norriture pour elle à achete pour moi!

C'est tout!

Le fin de semaine!

2006-07-17T15:13:00.000-03:00

Le fin de semaine passé etait très bonne pour moi!

Vendredi aprés midi, je suis allé avec Amy, Lesley, Lee et Jennifer à "Smitty's Used Clothing". Nous avons acheté les costume pour le soiree de TexMex, mais, j'ai acheté les vetiments pour Lydia!

Vendredi soir, je suis allé à le chateau pour un soiree de Tex Mex! C'est très amuseant pour moi. Nous avons habillé en costume de Country Western, c'est trés drôle! J'ai habillé une chemise tissu écossais avec les bleus de travail et un mouchoir. J'aime le danser, c'est une bonne nuit!

Samedi, je suis allé en excursion de haute mer. C'est très interessant, parce que sur le bateau, les hommes pêcher pour les moule. Aussi, j'ai vu les baleines dans le mer. C'est très manifique! Mais, l'excursion etait très longue, j'ai été sur la bateau pour 4 heures. Et, j'ai mal de ma estomac. C'est ne pas bonne.

Dimanche, ma famille visité moi! Je me manque Lydia très très beaucoup. Nous sommes allé a Digby pour le norriture de chinois. C'est très delicieuse! Je l'aime beaucoup!

Le fin de semaine etait très bonne pour moi!

Bonjour mes amies!

2006-07-16T21:45:00.001-03:00

C'est un long temp pour moi à ecrie dans ma blog. Je suis très pris cette semaine. Jeudi passé, c'est un boites de chanson et j'ai joué le piano. Premier fois j'ai joué un chanson Danser Sur Moi et Frantz Mars, un professeur chante avec moi. Deuxième fois, j'ai joué le piéce de musique Souvenir par le comedie musicale Les Chats!

Mes Devoirs

2006-07-10T15:45:00.000-03:00

Pour mes devoirs pour Nancy, j'ai ecrié à propos de mon ensignant préférés. Voici ma response!

Pour moi, mon enseignants préférés est mon professeur dans ma cours de l'eduation dans l'université. Elle a enseigner pour les cours de l'eduation pour musique. Elle etait plus les characteristiques positives. Elle utlize plus du jeu dans chaque classe pour enseignment la leçon. Aussi, ella a defié chaque élève dans la classe à leurs plat pour le musique. L'atmospehrère dans la salle du classe à été trés amusement et les élève ont appris beaucoup avec cette methode. Elle a encouragé plus de discussion et beaucoup des activites dans le petite groupe. Tous les élèves ont convenu cette classe est trés excellent et intéressante.

Les characterisiques positives de cette enseignant j'aimerais imiter dans mon ensignment est l'abilite pour j'interé les jeu avec les leçon et défie chaque élève dans la classe à leurs plat. Pour moi, c'est trés importants pour les élèves a beacoup les discussion et beacoup le temps pour les activites dans le petite groupe.

Bonjour!

2006-07-09T18:30:00.000-03:00

Cette matin, j'ai allé au canotage sur la lac avec Amy. C'est trés bon parce-que le lac sont trés calme et paisible. J'aime beaucoup le canotage.

Heir soir, j'ai allé a la soirée Hawiian dans le Chateau. je me suis habille dans le robe de soleil et le dessin sur la robe on etait les fleurs couleur vive. C'est trés belle et confortable. J'aime beaucoup le danse dans le Chateau, le musique etait trés energique et amusement. C'est une plus bonne temps heir soir.

Mon premiere semaine dans l'Université de Sainte Annes et fini. Cette semaine expiré tres vite. Je pense-que mon francais es meilleur aprés mon premiere semaine.

Pour mes devoirs pour François, j'ai travaille dans un group avec Amy, Ben et Rosemary, et nous avons ecrié un sketch et utilise le passe compose. Le sketch est lieu en funérarium. C'est une bonne exercice pour utilise le passè composè.

A Beintôt!

C'est Le Fin De Semaine!

2006-07-08T12:41:00.000-03:00

Mon premiére semaine dans l'université de Sainte Annes est fini! C'est ne pas plus difficile. Hier soir, les éléves dans le session pour les professeurs ont allée au chez Francois, pour le soirée du vin et fromage. C'est une bonne partie avec les musiques et bonne conversation et bonne temps. J'aime le partie beacoup.

Aprés le vin et fromage, j'ai allée a la partie pour tous les éléves avec trois femmes dans ma residence, Beaulieu I. C'est une partie Toge, et heir soir sont trés drole et trés ammusements pour moi! J'aime beaucoup les danse. C'est une bonne idée pour commence le fin de semaine!

Aujourd'hui, je faire mes devoirs et c'est soir, c'est un partie Hawaiin. Je pense-ce que c'est une bonne temps aussi!

Au revoir! A la prochain!

Ma vié dans l'unversité de Sainte Anne

2006-07-07T15:30:00.000-03:00

Aujourd'hui c'est trés bonne! Heir soir, j'ai vu les café theatré dans le Chateu. Le Chateau est un bar sur la campus ét les Café Theatré était trés drole et tres ammuseants.

C'est soir, j'irai a la partie de toge dans la Castalet. Je pense ce-que le partie sera trés amusement et une bonne temps.

J'aime les classe avec Nancy et Francois parce-que les classe sont interesante et amusement et je apprends plus les informations pour enseigner dans la salle de francais. Aussi, mes devoirs pour chaque classe est bonne pour practique mon francais. J'ai écrit plus bonne maintenant et avant les session, je n'ai écrit pas bien.

Aussi, je parlé avec les autres personnes plus meilleure parce-que j'ai practique parlé avec les autres personnes dans ma classe et dans la salon, dans le cafeteria, c'est toute!

L'université de Sainte Anne est un bonne experience pour moi!

Mon premiere blog dans francais

2006-07-05T15:36:00.001-03:00

J'aime beaucoup le session dans l'niversité de sainte anne. C'est tres ammuseant et les classe c'est ne pas difficle pour moi. Aussi, ma amie Amy est ici, et nous sommes participae dans activities c'est tres beaucoup interessant. Apres j'ecrie ma blog, je va allée a Foodland avec les autres personnes dans l'autobus. C'est tres excite pour le visite a du magasin pour les norritures.

C'est Tout!

Day 1 continued..........

2006-07-03T18:06:00.000-03:00

My friend Amy and I have just finished eating our supper and now we are waiting for our residence meeting to begin. We had such a beautiful afternoon, we walked along this beautiful path that leads down to the ocean. It was so nice and peaceful, and I love the smell of the salt sea air. I was sure to take lots of pictures. I even took off my shoes and socks and waded for a bit into the water, I can`t remember the last time that I waded into the Atlantic Ocean! Then, the path continued on into a nice wooded area where we continued walking. It was such a beautiful day today.

We also walked down to the convience store and picked up some snacks, water etc. It wasn`t too bad of a walk, but a little out of the ways, that's for sure.

It feels like I`ve travelled back in time to my university days. Its so weird, being in residence, eating in the meal hall, I guess I`ve gotten too used to living at home!

I am going to try and upkeep my blog for the duration of my stay here, but I'll be typing in French. Its going to be weird, but I think it will be good practice for me as well.

I just hope you can bear with all the grammatical errors I will no doubt be making! LOL!
I don`t think I`ve shared this scrap yet! I did this as a quote challenge on Digi Scrappin Biz. I tried a bit of a different approach, I put the pictures all in the middle, with the words at the top and the bottom. I love this kit! It`s Blue by Amanda Rockwell!

I don`t think I`ve shared this scrap either! I love this one of Lydia, she is too cute! This was a sketch challenge on Digital Freebies! So much fun! The kit is another Amanda Rockwell creation, its Spring! Thanks for looking!

Day 1....

2006-07-03T11:35:00.000-03:00

Well, I`ve now settled in to Ste Annes. Amy and I just finished our French proficency tests, and we both got into the intermediate level! I am very excited, because I was so worried that I would have to be put into the beginner level, which would have been very embarressing. The instructors both seem very nice, and I think that we will learn quite a bit while we are here. They have classes in the morning and then workshops in the afternoon, and I am planning on taking the workshop that is specific for teachers. Its going to be strange, not being able to speak any English for the next four weeks, but I hope that it goes OK. There are also a lot of fun socio-cultural activities to do in the evenings and on the weekends, so I hope that will keep us nice and busy!

The campus is very nice, its located in Church Point in Nova Scotia and is next to the ocean. I love how the campus is surrounded by nature, and nesteled among the trees. There is such a nice and quiet atmosphere about this place! I will be sure and take lots of pictures and put them to use in LOs!

This LO is a new one that I`ve done just a little while ago. The kit is Toadally Awesome and the picture was taken a while ago, when Lydia was first just learning how to crawl. I love this photo of her, its too cute!

I absolutely love this LO! It was a challenge on Digital Freebies and it was quite a challenge for me, as I am definetly not used to using white spaces at all. However, this is something that I hope to improve upon and do a lot more of. The picture is just too cute, this is Lydia when she was just a month old. And the kit is A Baby Story Girl by Amanda Rockwell. I love the soft colours of the paper and the elements. Too sweet!

I love this LO as well! A sketch challenge on Digital Freebies, this picture was taken on Mother's Day this past year. The kit is so nice, its Chocolate Petals by Amanda Rockwell. I love the papers in this kit!

I am at Ste Annes!

2006-07-02T21:36:00.000-03:00

I am typing this from the Universite de Sainte Anne at Church Point in Nova Scotia. I will be here for the next four weeks! My friend Amy and I will be studying French and will be in a total immersion setting. Its going to be hard to be away from my daughter for such a long time, but hopefully these next four weeks will go by very quickly. I am very nervous about speaking French all the time, but hopefully it won't be that bad once I start to get into it a lot more.

This LO is from a nice little kit called Country Butterfly by Alma Townsend! This was a cute pic that I had of Lydia when she was four months old! I have so many pictures from when she was very little that I haven't scrapped yet, so its nice to be able to go back through them and see! I really like the way that this one has turned out with the curved text and the layering of the photo.

I hope everyone has a good summer and I will log in again at the end of July!

Scraps for Friends

2006-06-24T23:04:00.000-03:00

I love doing scraps for friends of mine! Here are a few that I have done!

This is probably the first scrap that I did for someone else. It's for a friend of mine on W2W. The poem is very beautiful, it reads:

WHY MY HEART CRIED She came into this world as beautiful as an angel, but wait, she was silent, something was wrong. My Heart Cried. I didn't get to see her; they swept her right away. My Heart Cried. Two hours later, I saw a tiny little girl, all hooked up to machines and tubes, lain bare on a table for all to observe. All I wanted was to hold and nurse her. My Heart Cried. Four hours later the Doctor told me her chances, they were slim, a mere ten percent. My Heart Cried. She got through her first weeks, then months, and now, going on her fourth year. They have been hard, many trials and hospitalizations, and with everyone of them, My Heart Cried. Today, as I watch her play, she is happy in her world. She has very few words to tell us what she needs and wants, but we know. She has been a toddler for two years now, not knowing what awaits her in the world. For these things, My Heart Cried. I used to look at her and think why her, why me. Why can't she be more like the other children? For these thoughts, My Heart Cried. Today, I looked at her, playing and communicating in her way, but today was different. My heart cried with a smile. I am grateful she was given to me, and grateful to be chosen as her mom. God trusted me with a very special package. For that my Heart Cries. It cries tears of Gratitude and of Joy. Her name is Abigail; it means a Father's Joy. For us she is so much more. Our Heavenly Father gave us some of his Joy, for that, My Heart Rejoices with tears of happiness.

This poem actually won a Creative Writing Contest that I was hosting on W2W! The kit is Sweetheart by Lauren Grier.

This is another early scrap! I did this one for my brother Roger and his girlfriend. Don't they look nice together? The kit is Pretty in Purple by Mel Violette and the font is Enchanted Prairie Dog. LOL, kinda cute, isn't it?

This one was my very first scraplift! I scraplifted Melanie's awsome LO My Friends. The kit again is Sweetheart! I love that kit! The cute couple are my friend Amy and her boyfriend Chris. Aren't they sweet?
This is another scrap I did for Amy. This kit is Your Love is Better then Chocolate by AMS DS and I fiddled around with some filter effects on the photo. The font is called Inkspots.

I did this LO for my friend Kory, this picture was taken while we were still in Korea. The kit is the welcome kit for Digital Scrapbook Place. The font is Japanese Brush.
This LO I did for my friend Tracy from W2W, on the birth of her new daughter. I used All About Baby Purple by Lauren Grier. This was fun to work on!

This one I am rather proud of! I did it as an inspiration challenge for my brother Richard! I love the word brush from SpaceRaven that I used, and also the stock photo of the writing I also used from her site!
This is one I did for my friend Mich from W2W. Her daughter is just so cute! I love the fun photos! I used Sweet Pea by Lauren Grier and tried to make the LO look like a book. I think it looks pretty neat!

This is so sweet, I made this for Jennifer (Jenniflower) on W2W. The kit is Ribbit Kisses and it just fit so well with these photos! The kit is by Lauren Grier, Amanda Rockwell and Rebecca Gold.

I think this LO is really cute! I did this for my Creative Team, the kit is Splash by Alma Townsend and this is my friend Mich's little girl. I also did this LO for a font challenge on Elemental Scraps.

Lastly, I did this LO for my friend Jaker on W2W. I also completed this for a sketch challenge on ES. The kit is Kit is Rambling Rose by Lauren Bavin and the Word Art is (c) 2005 Dani Mogstad at www.digiscrappin.biz

I hope you enjoyed all these LOs!

I am on a CT!!!!!

2006-06-21T11:18:00.000-03:00

This is very exciting news, I am on a Creative Team for Alma Townsend. Her website is The Scrap Habit where you can see her designs. Here are some of the LOs that I've made so far with her kits.

This one is called Mommy's Little Mechanic and the kit that I am using is called Girly. This was such a cute photo of Lydia, it looks as though she is actually trying to fix her car, hence the name! The fonts are Pea Catherine and Kids First Print. I love the pink colours of this kit, so nice!

This one is called Cute as a Butterfly and the kit is called Butterfly. I love this photo of Lydia, we were out to a tea, and I dressed her up in this pretty little dress. As you can see, she is getting quite big and tried to open up the door! The font I am using is called Splendid and I tried a torn edge effect for this LO! I think it turned out pretty well!

This LO is called Bermuda 2005 and is actually a picture that my brother Roger took while he was in Bermuda back in November for a band trip. I wish I was there! I love the photo!

The kit is really nice too, its called Chocolate Dream Bouquet and I love the blues and browns. The fonts are Stamp Act and stoned wash 6. I am pretty happy with the way this one turned out.

This is the most recent LO I made for her. It's called Stroller and the font is called Lounge Bait. I also combined this with a font challenge on Elemental Scraps, This kit is called Chocolate Cream Bouquet and has some lovely earth tones in it!

I am so excited to be on a Creative Team and I've been having a lot of fun with it too!

Fun challenges and things!

2006-06-02T21:54:00.000-03:00

This LO has a lot of purple! LOL! I did this for a colour challenge on digiscrappin.biz, as well as a sketch challenge on ES. I love the gardening theme, its really sweet. Not too sure what I think of all the purple, but they are really sweet pics of Lydia, that's for sure!

This is not for a challenge, but just a really sweet LO that I did yesturday. I love the kit, its Maia by Lauren Grier, and the photo is just too cute, with Lydia looking in the mirror. she is such a sweetheart and the poem is so fitting as well.
This one I am rather proud of, because I am journalling in a circle, around the edges of the cut paper. This was a lot of fun to do! Again, I loved the garden theme, the kit here is Summer Brights by Amanda Rockwell.

This one is just too cute! Lydia had her back turned to the camera when I took this picture, and I did it for a challenge I hosted on Time Out forum. The kit, which I love, is Absolutely by Lauren Grier.

This one is my latest one, I did it for a quote challenge on digiscrappin.biz. I love the kit, its Blue by Amanda Rockwell and I loved using all the different photos of myself and Lydia as well.

I've done some more!

2006-05-28T21:53:00.000-03:00

I love this one! It was from a sketch challenge that I hosted on W2W, and this is the LO that I came up with. The kit is so sweet, its Angel by Amanda Rockwell, and I wanted to use it because the colours just matched so well with her sweater! I am really happy with the way that this one turned out!

This is another really fun one I did. I love the way that all of our pictures fit into the word Family! I got the idea from a frame that my Mom had bought. The kit is, ironically named, Family, by Amanda Rockwell!

This is my most recent LO that I did for a sketch challenge on digiscrappin.biz, another scrapbook forum that I belong to. I love the black and white kit, its an add-on to Intensity, by Lauren Grier, and I love this photo! It was taken on Lydia's first Birthday, and she looks so much like a little princess!

So, this is what I have been doing all weekend!

Lydia's Coming Home Outfit

2006-05-26T22:16:00.000-03:00

I did this LO as a sketch challenge for ES. The kit is A Baby Story Girl by Amanda Rockwell, and the frame is from her Frame Collection - Girl as well. The font is called Daisy Script and it just fits so well. I love this picture of Lydia, and I did the effect with the black and white and colour because the journalling is about her outfit, so I wanted that to stand out the most to people.

The journalling reads as follows:

Mom was going through some of her things and came across a knitted set of baby clothes that my brothers and I all wore home from the hospital. They are a pair of booties, a jacket and a bonnet, all mint green, that Mom knit about 26 years ago. So, she passed them onto me to dress Lydia in when she comes home from the hospital! What a special gift from her Grandmother!

Prayer

2006-05-24T21:54:00.000-03:00

This is my newest LO. I love the way that it turned out. The kit is Sweet Pea by Lauren Grier and the frame is by Amanda Rockwell. She just looks so natural, like she is praying in that pose, that I chose Phillippians 4:6 as my journalling.

I love the springtime!

My 27th Birthday

2006-05-20T22:19:00.000-03:00

April 12th was my 27th Birthday, and my family took me out to Pizza Delight. They have this deal where you get to eat free on your Birthday, so that's what we did. It was a lot of fun, my family was there, as well as a good friend of mine who gave me a beautiful Teacher's Mug as a Birthday gift.

This LO was actually done for a sketch challenge that I hosted on W2W. It was my first time hosting a sketch challenge, and this is a sketch that I drew myself, so I feel a little proud! The kit is called Emma, and its by Amanda Rockwell. The photo at the top was taken at the moment that I was unwrapping my present, and Lydia was there watching me and reaching for the mug! The photo at the bottom shows Lydia wearing the ribbon that my friend tied around the gift bag.

The font is called Eight Fifteen and the frame is from Frame Collection Girl by Amanda Rockwell. Both the frame and the Kit can be found at the Elemental Scraps store.
This is the sketch that I made on PSP 9 for the challenge!

Easter and Others

2006-05-06T22:45:00.000-03:00

This is a two page Layout that I did for Easter! Easter was so much fun in our house, as it was Lydia's very first Easter Egg Hunt! I think though that I was more excited then she was. When we first showed her the little basket to put her eggs in, and then demonstrated to her how to put them in the basket, I don't she quite understood. She started to pick up other things in the living room to put into her basket as well, such as a coaster, a toy, anything! We showed her how to put her eggs in the basket and pretty soon, she was like an old pro, and since we clapped our hands every time she found an egg, she started to clap her hands too, and say "Yay! It was really cute! Because she's too young for chocolate, she got to find colourful plastic eggs instead. The kit is First Day of Spring by Amanda Rockwell, and the fonts are Easter Parade and Karen's Calligraphy!
This LO I finished today! I've been wanting to do one of Lydia's first day sitting for a long time now, and I finally found inspiration from a sketch! The kit is Amanda Rockwell's All Girl, and the font is Blackjack. This LO was used for a font challenge on W2W.
This is just a fun one that I did of Lydia, because I love her bare feet! It was a flower crop on ES, the kit is a freebie by Jennifer Layden that was given out at Joanns Wednesday night crop.
And finally this Spring LO that I did of Lydia! I love the effect of the glass globe over top of the oval picture in the corner, I think it turned out pretty good! The kit is Spring Breeze from Shabby Princess!

New Layouts!

2006-05-05T22:43:00.000-03:00

This is my newest LO of Lydia! The kit that I used was Chocolate Petals by Amanda Rockwell and the font is called Elegant. I love this picture of Lydia, it was taken on her first Birthday. She is such a beautiful little girl!
I love this Layout as well! Here I am using Amanda Rockwell's Summer Brights! I just love the vibrant colours of the papers, and the metal elements. Plus, this is such a precious picture of Lydia running on the lawn! This LO was done for a scraplift challenge at ES. We had to scraplift a beautiful LO from Lauren Grier, and this was my interpretation. The font that I am using is called More Enchanted Prairie Dogs.
This is another Layout with the exact same kit! Lydia had so much fun playing outside with her pail and shovel, and of course I was right there to capture it all on my camera!
This was a sketch challenge on Elemental Scraps as well. I loved how the sketch allowed for so many different photos to be placed on the LO. This sketch was actually meant to be on a 12 X 12 LO, but I have been doing all of my LOs recently on 8 1/2 X 11 in order for them to fit more neatly into my baby book for Lydia. The font that I am using is Susie's Hand.
This was such a fun Layout to do! I used the Doodles Freebie Kit by Faith True that she gave out at the weekly crop! I've never used doodles before, but it was fun and I really like the way that this Layout turned out. Especially with the way I used the circle elements. The font that I am using is called Happieness, and it is really quite cute!
The final Layout is from Amanda's Spring kit. This is Lydi's very first ice cream cone! I actually did this Layout to be submitted in order to be a part of the Elemental Scraps Creative Team. I don't know how successful I'll be, but I really want to try. I am pleased with how the lettering turned out. The fonts that I am using are font diner dot com loungy and luv n kisses.

2006-04-18T22:33:00.000-03:00

I hope that everyone had a really good Easter weekend! I haven't had time to do any Easter LOs yet, but I did take lots of pictures, so you can be sure that I'll be uploading my LOs when I do. In the meantime, I'll post a few LOs that I have made recently but haven't had the chance to show you yet.

This one is really simple, but elegant. I really like the way it turned out and I love the overlay that I used on this one.

This one here with Lydia doing the dishes is one that I am particularly proud of! It was a scraplift challenge and it was fun to layer all the papers, its quite different from the types of LOs that I usually do, but I love the way it turned out. The kit is Pistachio Pudding by Joedee Matsler, and I really like the colour combinations that she uses.

This one is just too cute! It was for a crop challenge were we had to scrap animals, but I couldn't help scrapping Lydia with her stuffed toys! This kit was just too cute, its called Zoo Buddies by Lauren Grier. Too sweet, isn't it? LOL!

The names of her animals are Coco the monkey, which she got for Christmas, and Z the Zebra, which she got for her Birthday. They were both from her Uncle Roger and his girlfriend.

OK, this is my latest one and is it ever sweet! It's from a Sketch Challenge and I am using Ribbit Kisses by Amanda Rockwell, Lauren Grier and Rebecca Gold. I love how well Lydia's outfit matches the papers in the kit! Too cute!

2006-03-28T19:58:00.000-04:00

I really like this LO, I did it for Shawna's Sunday Scrap Challenge, we had to do a LO with a white background, then I used some of the ribbons and elements from Ribbit Kisses. The fonts in my opinion look really cool, I used two different ones, Dream Orphans and Monika. The quote is from Peter Pan. I love the expression on her face, it definetly looks like she is going to jump right out of the picture, and she has such a cute smile! What a beautiful little baby she is!

This is a LO that I did for a challenge on W2W, the picture was taken a year ago on Easter, but its a beautiful picture none-the-less. The challenge was to do a LO of you holding your baby, and the theme was I am Blessed. I am using Sweet Aria by Lauren Grier and the font is called Karen's Calligraphy. Lauren has a lot of beautiful elements in her kit, so I wanted to try and use as many of them as I could on this scrap. I love the warmth of the colours in her kit, so soft and feminine. It's hard to believe that this will be her second Easter. I've already gone Easter shopping for her, so she is getting 2 CDs, an Easter Bunny, a basket and some eggs which will be hidden and a nice card. I can't wait to do the Easter Egg Hunt with her, that'll be so much fun! And of course, to do the LO of her Easter!

More musings

2006-03-23T22:35:00.000-04:00

Isn't this just the sweetest LO you've ever seen? This was a tutorial I found online, it just fits so perfectly with the picture! I am very impressed with the results! I did this for a challenge on Elemental Scraps, we had to come up with a LO that had the theme of Dream in it, and this is the one that I came up with. Lydia was so young back then, its hard to imagine how much she has grown between when the picture was taken and now. Although, she still sleeps with her thumb in her mouth for comfort! I love this picture of her, and the effect with the clouds, its seriously just too sweet for words!

Here is another LO that I finished today. I scraplifted this one from one that Melanie did on Elemental Scraps, its of my brother and his girlfriend. I really like the kit, I am using Lauren Grier's Sweet Aria for this Layout, and I think that it fits just perfectly with it! And I love the font as well, its called Scriptina.

I had a good day today, I was teaching, and I am going to be teaching again tomorrow as well. Hopefully I'll get to do some more LOs over the weekend, but we'll have to see.

A favorite of mine.

2006-03-20T22:20:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite LOs of Lydia. I love the effect I did on the photo, bringing out the purple in the dress. She just looks so sweet and so serene in that picture, looking down, almost as though she was looking out of the picture and on to the LO itself. The kit was from Two Peas in a Bucket, their February 2005 Freebie kit. This is one of my earlier LOs, but I love it!

I love Free Spirit!

2006-03-20T22:03:00.000-04:00

I love Lauren Grier's Kit Free Spirit! Its so much fun to use! Here is a LO that I completed today, its Lydia right after she had a bath when she was about a month old. I titled it Tubby Time, because I always tell Lydia that its Tubby Time when its time for her bath!

Here are a couple more that I made as well using Lauren's Kit. It really is a lot of fun to use!

I didn't get called to work today, so I was able to stay home with Lydia, which is always a lot of fun! You should have seen her today! We were playing with her Fisher-Price Stride to Ride walker which has a shape sorter on the front end. Well, she can put all her shapes in the proper holes so that they fit! We were also playing with her Pooh Bear Mega Blocks set and she can put those together and take them apart! Lydia is getting smarter by the day!

Not too sure if I will get called to work tomorrow or not, but I almost hope I don't, so I can stay home again!

2006-03-19T20:41:00.000-04:00

Test

Some of my LOs!

2006-03-19T19:34:00.000-04:00

I've been working on scrapbooking and this is one of my newest images. I love the kit, its from Lauren's Forget Me Not. I dressed Lydia up in this outfit just so that I could take her picture. Here is another one that I did from the same day with the same kit.

Here is a two page LO that I really like! I used Lauren's All About Baby Purple kit! It was my first time doing a two page LO, and I have to say that I am really rather proud of it!

Its hard to believe how tiny she was when she was a newborn! It's hard to believe that I've been a Mom for over a year now! I have no idea where the time went, and how quickly Lydia actually grew up. I've been working on a baby book for Lydia with the LOs that I've been doing. I hope to chronicle her first two or three years of life. LOL, if this keeps up, I'll have Lydia scrapbooked all the way through high school! Here are some more LOs. I'll be posting them as I do them, but here are some that I've already done, either for challenges on W2W or Elemental Scraps.

This one I did for Week 1 of Deanna's Baby Book Challenge on W2W. The kit I used was Serenity, by Amanda Rockwell. I love the beautiful warm tones of this kit.

This is Week 2 of the Baby Challenge. I am using Shabby Mommy kit from Shabby Princess. I don't really have any pregnancy pictures of me, so I had to rack my brains what to come up with for this LO and decided to do a LO of getting my room ready for Lydia. If you thought that week 2 was racking my brains, you should see week 3! It's even worse! Having covered my pregnancy pictures, and pictures of the baby's room, I had only one option left. Here it is, you can see for yourself.

Yes, you guessed it! I did a snowstorm! LOL! I am using Amanda's Serenity kit again for this one as well.

Week 4 was her Birth, which was the two page LO that I did above. Here is week 5, Lydia at one month old. I am using Lauren Grier's Sweet Aria, a truly beautiful kit!

Nice, isn't it?

I have to say though, that I am the proudest of my newest LO, which I did yesturday for Amber's Midnight Crop on Elemental Scraps. It turned out beautifully, I used Amanda Rockwell's Bliss, which I love! Beautiful colours, I love purples and blues.

Hi there!

2006-03-12T23:22:00.000-04:00

This is my first post for my blog! Not very exciting, is it? Oh well, I'll try to think of something a little more interesting tomorrow!