Monday, August 25, 2008

A little break, now back to the grind...

I was negligent...well, maybe just a little. I try to blog every day or every other day and I haven't posted anything since Thursday...that's a little longer than I anticipate. I spent a great (and very busy weekend with my family).

However, before the weekend, Bree and I got together and she had her camera (well, she always has her camera)! She snapped some pics of me with the kids and they turned out fabulous. She got some really good ones that I will share.

For the family that reads this, HERE are some updated pics of the kids.

Robert loves to take pictures, he now asks if I am bringing my camera every time we walk out the door (I guess I cannot capture the precious moments if I do not have it with me!!)


Reese is working on the candid photo. Whenever we are trying to "ignore" the camera, she is smiling waiting for the flash to go off!


I know I'm biased, but my kids are the cutest in my family!!! It's amazing how much you can see resemblances when a photo is snapped! God is amazing....to challenge us with children (or I mean to stretch us) and then to bless us (and pay us the highest compliment) with our beauty reflected in our children. These daily miracles will never cease to amaze me!

We had a cool spell last week -it was a reality check that we are still in Alberta. It's sad to see some leaves already falling from the trees. It's sad to know that my AC will not kick in many more days. It's just plain sad to know that all of our summer clothes will go into hiding very soon.
I will make the most of what's left of our summers...I'm praying for sunshine today!

Have a great Monday...I will. There's only 1 week left before our kits are revealed at CROP SUEY...stay tuned to share in our excitement.

Camille

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Business is work...

It's been a busy week "behind the scenes". My evenings have been filled with computer screens. Rob came home Tuesday and we've been working Crop Suey ever since. Tuesday we put the kids to bed, sat down at the computer and next thing we knew it was bedtime. Wednesday, we put the kids to bed, sat down at the computer and next thing we know it was WAY past our bedtime! It's all worth it though because we made leaps and bounds in the area of bookkeeping!

Tonight was a "relax" night for us...Rob went to the football game and I've been "fiddling" on the computer since the kids have gone to bed!!


I was planning to get some scrappin' done and finish my challenge that I put out on Crop Suey. So, that will have to wait until later this week (Oh, wait...tomorrow is Friday)! I guess I will have to get on that this weekend!

The winner of my challenge was jessicamae3 at http://limesncoconut.blogspot.com


Check out her work -she's got talent!

Well, I know business is work. But I am looking forward to the setup of the bookkeeping to be done (then I can fall into a routine). I like ROUTINE!

later,

Camille

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Reunited...yippee!

Rob came home last night!!!! That is so great in sooooo many ways.

He arrived mid afternoon from his "men's weekend" (which my son called Daddy's field trip). It was nice to have him home and the kids were ecstatic. Reese wrapped her arms around Daddy and I think stretched them she was hugging him so hard. Robert was so happy to have his wrestling partner home.

But kids are funny, when I was going to step out for 15 minutes last night, my son still shed a tear at my leaving. He wears his heart on his sleeve and still loves me dearly (which is nice to know).

So, I survive my solo flight and am looking forward to some family time. Robert got the idea over the weekend that we should buy him a kite (that's not an expensive idea, so we may run with it!!) That will probably be integrated into our weekend somehow!

For today, it's back to work for my husband (I'm sure it will be a very long day for him) and on with the Wednesday routine for me!

I put out a challenge on Crop Suey to complete a page with one of 3 titles. That will be my work for the next couple of evenings. Check out the post "Great times call for great measures" and submit something you've created. It's a great way to stretch yourself when you have to fit within some type of parameters!

I will be creating my page over the next couple of days. Tune into Crop Suey on Friday to see who wins...it just may be YOU!!

Now, on with the day and the many things that have to happen before my head hits the pillow tonight.

later,

Camille

Monday, August 18, 2008

Get 'er done!

It was nice to get some of my projects finished last night. I never got started until too late, but the finished LOs made it worth it. I didn't fall asleep until 3 am (that's way to late I know!); but that was only because my son did not fall asleep until 10 pm and his usual bedtime is 7:30.

Everything was a little delayed last night!


But here is what I did!


The journaling says: "Marriage is not a ritual or an end. It is a long, intricate, intimate dance together and nothing matters more than your own sense of balance and your choice of a partner -Amy Bloom"; "There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved -George Sand" and "Love doesn't make the world go round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile -Elizabeth Barrett Browning"

I love Elizabeth Browning, she is such a romantic poet.


Thanks to your comments, I finally finished this one. It looks better completed (using all older STUFF). It reads "You love playing with balloons. You never saw it coming! You didn't know where it landed after the big -POP!"



This one says "These moments are...so very precious...a daily reminder of the importance of family...for our family to treasure!


You are my accountability...thanks for motivating me to finish well (and not just finish!)

I finally got 'er done!!

Until later,
Camille

Sunday, August 17, 2008

A small project to make the time pass!

Last night Bree was supposed to come and play, but she was exhausted from being up all nights this week with her mind working overtime thinking about our kit club. So, with her not coming, I had to think of something to do...and I did.
I got this new button punch and tried some things with it. I ended up making vintage buttons with Asian paper! What do you think?

The best part was that it was not a messy task and I was able to make myself a nice hot cup of tea and plant my bottom on the couch with a good movie (actually two movies because I got into a groove and made soooo many!)

So, now to put these creations on a page...that's tonight's project. Oh, yeah, that and finishing the three layouts that I already have started that REALLY need finishing touches. I pray that I will be able to post a completed project tomorrow (actually, I have to because I told Bree that I would).

Now off to start my day with the kids, hopefully it will be filled with laughter...and tons of sunscreen because today is supposed to be a scorcher!

Hope you find the time for family and creating today!!

Camille

Friday, August 15, 2008

Flying solo for a few days!

I sent my husband out of town for a guys weekend...and it was all my idea (I think I'm crazy).

I am already looking forward to my evenings (because that's when it's quiet around here).

I managed to get one page almost done last night -I'll post it tomorrow once it's done!

Short but sweet, I am really tired tonight! More tomorrow!

Camille

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

I'm emotional....watch out!!

I started out my day by going to Ali Edwards' blog. I hadn't been there in awhile and discovered that she is expecting (and about 12 weeks along). Then I realized that she was pregnant when I met her at CHA...what a wonderful blessing to be increasing your family by one! (that's when the mushy mindset began taking over)
Then I went to ScrapFaith and read a little on their blog, then I was drawn to one of their DT who has an amazing story...then I felt even mushier (is that a word?) Now, I am sitting here typing, being urged by my heart to be transparent, but not sure just how transparent I should be...(that's also me over-analysing the world!

So, what do I have to share, nothing earth shattering, just tidbits from my life. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to have kids. I wanted to be a mom. I wanted to be pregnant and yes...barefoot! When I met and married my husband we had a 4-year plan to kids (kinda like a 12-step progam)! Then when the time came to get pregnant, we looked at each other and wondered where the last 4 years had gone, but I was ready for the baby bump...and so we took the leap. In 2004, Robert arrived and then, in 2006 Reese arrived. Now, I have two running around the house, keeping me busy, and I laugh daily at the things children can come up with. That (I've just decided) is what I am going to share with you today...wonderful family moments (ok, so mostly the funny things that my children say)

Reese loves to sing. She closes her eyes, raises her arms and sings. She sings to her dolls, to the pillows, to anything that will listen. Her favorite song is "When you're happy and you know it". Her version goes like this: happy no no no no no no no it, AMEN!

Robert was getting his PJs on one day (and his is famous for his WIGGLES). Dad was helping him, but getting frustrated at Robert's inability to stand still. So Dad says "Robert, HELLO!" to which Robert seriously answers "Dad, I'm not a phone!" (it still puts a smile on my face now)

Robert loves to take part in adult conversations. He patiently waits for a lull in the chatter, then quickly cuts in to say "Can I talk now?" Then he goes on to tell us of all the things we are going to do with him as soon as we are done ALL of our talking.

Robert also loves to repeat himself a million times. When we finally tell him to move onto the next topic, he infallibly says "I know you don't want me to talk about (insert subject here), but I just want to say that I REALLY want to (insert subject here) sometime soon OK?"

Being a parent is so rewarding, trying, stretching, and challenging. But, I know that I am not alone in the mayhem. My husband is by my side daily, as is my Lord. His grace is enough for me; so when I want to grab my kids and put them in their rooms for the rest of the day (and it's only 9:30) I take a moment to ask for patience and HIS grace. I think "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love" Psalm 145:8; and I know I can get through any day.Every day has it's challenges, but I know I'm not alone in this world and that is a big comfort to me. So, here's to the joys of children. Their antics, their silly sayings and most of all (the thing that makes it all worthwhile) their unconditional love. Because no matter how bad yesterday may have been, my kids always wake up loving me!

Camille

Monday, August 11, 2008

Having fun with Photoshop!

On Saturday evening I finally found someone to teach me how to use the "inverse" feature in Photoshop and I started playing.
I had so much fun taking one object in a pic, keeping its color and discarding all the rest of the colors. I know that this may be "old hat" for some of you, but I had been wanting someone to teach me how to do this for such a long time and so it's great fun for me right now.
I love some of the results.
It's so fun to play with the pictures and it only makes me want to scrap them now. I think that when you start out with great pictures, the great pages just follow.
I guess now I will have to make something pretty grand from these pics and show y'all!

On another note, Bree and I have been pulling our orders together and things are arriving daily for Crop Suey. We are truly looking forward to 1 September when we will post the kits. We are finding new unique businesses and wishing we could be putting out 5 kits monthly (yes, there are that many GREAT things out there!)
So, I'll keep playing as long as you do. If you are apt at transforming pics in an editing program, I would love to see them. If you are willing to share some of your tricks, I am looking to learn! Post a comment and a link to some of your work!!

Camille

Saturday, August 9, 2008

We're back from camping!!

What a great few days. So, the kids and I survived the trip. We spent almost 3 days at a place called McCleod Creek Farms. It was HOT! It got up to 33 degrees yesterday in the afternoon.

It was fun for the kids. There were animals everywhere. Our campsite was even flanked by a field filled with ponies, llamas, alpacas and cows. The evenings were filled with cow calls, coyotes and dogs barking at the coyotes. It was truly a unique experience. We spent our days trying to keep cool in tubs of water (because I never thought to bring our portable pool) and visiting the animals. Robert and Reese were fascinated by the sheep. These sheep would be a symphony of "baaaaas" every time we came to their pen. It was as though they wanted to entertain us. Then there was the pig/goose duo. Apparently this goose would never leave this pig's pen. It was the unlikeliest pair, but so cute to see.
We also had funny face contests and staying cool marathons. I think my nephew won the prize -he jumped right into the tub! (ok, so it was a tote for our sand toys, but at 33 degrees anything can be converted into a pool)

All in all, a great few days with my sister and her kids! We actually realized that we really should do it more often. It nice for Robert and Reese to spend time with their cousins. So, when is the next getaway???!?!?!?

One last pic from the trip that I really like, it's Robert trying to call the ponies to him...priceless.

I am grateful for many things on this trip. Among them are that we got there safely (my first solo voyage with the trailer), that the children did not get heat stroke or sunburned, that our kids slept well at night AND... that we have AIR CONDITIONING IN THE TRAILER!!! I believe that made our trip a success!!

Now, to tackle the laundry from the week that has been ignored!!

Camille

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

I'm heading out!

Well, the kids and I are going camping with my sister and her 4 kids today. We are heading out to a farm/petting zoo. It should be pretty laid back...wait a minute, there will be 2 adults and 6 kids, ok, I take the laid back thing back!! It's never good when children out number the adults!!

As for last night, I managed to finish one page, almost finish two and edit a whole "whack" of pictures! So here is the one I finished.
It may not seem all that elaborate (well, it really isn't), but the paper is all hand stamped and I added the gems one by one (that was the time consuming part). I had so much fun just hanging with my SIL and spending some girl time together though -it's was all about "time spent" last night. I am looking forward to the next girls' night out!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

I'm scrappin'!

I'm sitting at my SIL house right now and have been here for 5 hours now (and the night is still young!) I am heading off camping tomorrow morning and have yet to pack the trailer...but it will get done!
I just wanted to drop a line, to let you know that I will not be around for a few days (we get back on Friday). But, keep checking SHOPCROPSUEY as Bree will be keeping you up to date!

Have a great week ladies and remember to take those stolen moments to create something amazing!

Monday, August 4, 2008

It's a HOLIDAY Monday!!!!

Today will be short as I am getting ready for another family day! I'm not sure what's in store, but my husband did say something about shopping...at Home Depot :(

Yesterday was a focus on the family day. We didn't have a plan, but it worked itself out really well. We ended up taking the kids to the recreational center (which has an amazing kids' water park). I walked up the 56 steps to the water slide more times than I wish to mention. Robert went down at least 10 times, then we thought we'd try it with Reese (who is only 26 months) and she ABSOLUTELY loved it. That meant another 10 trips with her too. After the waterslide (yes...all 20 or so times), the hot tub was in order!
Now, let me say that it wasn't climbing the steps that made the whole thing "fun"; it was the million other kids who wanted to race up the stairs to get in line at the top!!

The water park was followed by a "Booster Juice" supper -I love those types of supper, it means NO cooking for me! I wasn't sure that the kids would be happy with our choice and I was very surprised. They loved it and drank every bit of their drinks. They didn't even ask for more food once we got home -it really was filling!
Needless to say, we thought that with all that excitement they would fall asleep right away...we were wrong.
Bedtime is 7:30, Robert was still talking to me from his bed at 8:45. By 9, all was silent so I snuck downstairs to my studio. My husband came in from working outside at about 9:30 and went upstairs to check out who was crying (that was out of my earshot) -only to find our daughter trying to lay down in my son's bed. She was crying because he would not give her any of his pillow or blankets -she seemed to think he should share! It was back to bed for her...any by 9:30 they were finally asleep! I am hoping they sleep in a little to avoid the grumpiness!

So, pray for a good day with the kids! And have a great day yourselves!

I am almost finished another page, I'll post it tomorrow (my hubby's going to a movie tonight, which means scrappin' time for me!!)

Camille

Sunday, August 3, 2008

I've been busy...where did the weekend go?

I've been so busy working on Crop Suey stuff, that I just realized that it's Sunday already...oh, and that this weekend is a long weekend!!! So, a little about the last couple of days...
Friday was our big reveal of our top 10 (one list for Bree and a list for me...which really makes top 20). It took us so much time going through the 125 applications. It's not easy to narrow something down when you like something about everyone, then there is the emotional attachment...(it's odd to say it, but I feel close to some of these people that I have never even met) So after way too much deliberation and emotional exhaustion, we posted the top picks. When I hit the "post" button, I was not prepared for the tons of comments that were made. How encouraging and overwhelming.

That was probably the easy part compared to picking our DT, the Crop Chicks, of only 6 ladies. It was hard. We were aiming to post in the morning, but did not get to hitting "post" until almost 3:30 in the afternoon. But it's decided and I am so happy about our new team. I only wish we could have all the people on our team now. But, don't worry, the stint is only for 6 months, so we will going through this emotional roller coaster in another 6 months (yipppeee, more fun...no really, it was a joy getting to know you all better!)
It's not easy to put yourself out there, for all you applicants, and have to wait until the next time. But I want to encourage you. Your work is amazing and we really want to have some of you on our DT next time.
"Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" 1 Thess 5:11
We will also be having guest designers each month -so stay tuned.

The next step is putting in our final orders for the kit -this has been so much fun. My husband has been so supportive, he is an amazing man. Who, in their right mind, would release their wife to spend, spend, spend on scrapbooking goodies...I love him!

I'm still working on the page that will bear one of your titles...it's #3 on my "to do" list. My goal is to get it done today!

Friday, August 1, 2008

I need your help....

I really need some help...actually in more ways than I can probably list!
Well, let's start where you may be able to help
. I started a page the other day...using only "older" products. I started out with purple paper (which may be my first mistake), but then kept adding little thing (all of which also contained purple...it goes from bad to worse!) I am usually not a fan of purple, but my daughter was wearing a purple shirt and I decided to give it a shot.
The pic was of her at my son's birthday party in July. We had brought balloons to string up around the table in the park and the wind popped one while she was playing near them. Well, the result was priceless. The balloon popped and a piece landed on her head. She didn't even know that it was there. We, of course snapped a pic before telling her, and now it has made our history books (ok, that's a nice way of saying my scrapbook)
MY PROBLEM...I cannot find a catchy/appropriate title.
It's been sitting on my table for 3 days now....I need your help!
I was thinking of "POP!", but it doesn't feel right...HELP ME!!!!!!!

Ok, what's next....well, as you may or may not know, I live in Edmonton, Alberta. My husband is a season ticket holder to the Edmonton Eskimos (our CFL team)...for y'all in the US that's your NFL!
Well, we went to the game last night (I people watch and he watches the game) and all I could do was think what I could be doing at home in my studio! Is that bad?
Well, the team pulled off a 4th quarter win, so the last 15 minutes was exciting...I cannot really remember the other 2 1/2 hrs before that. While sitting in the most uncomfortable chairs in the world, all I kept wondering was...does the stadium have wireless? I could be updating my blog right now...AND...
what could I put as a title on my "purple page"?
When we got home, even though it was CRAZY late, I had to sneak down to check on what you girls have been up to!
Although I am already staring at an empty cup of coffee (and am too lazy to run upstairs and make myself another cup) and wish I had a coffee maker in my studio...I will persevere.

Through a muffled sense of awareness, I keep thinking one thing...
"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!"
So, I will choose joy over sleep today...it's going to be really hard at times I'm sure.
...let the day begin!

Camille