Still alive...

I'm still alive.
But blogging has definitely taken a back burner to everything else in my life.
Speaking of burners, did you know the All-Clad d5 technology makes your stainless steel cookware 20% more efficient? Well I did. And I know lots more about cooking & cookware. In fact, I seem to have submersed myself in a new world. And I am enjoying the new knowledge I gain at work, but I am knackered.

That being said, I am still making time for what is important (usually) and although I miss out on going to shows with friends (I missed a promising Just For Laughs this past weekend), staying up late on Facebook (I am down to just 2 status changes a week), I am starting to finally find time again.
I was so tired for the first 4 weeks of working full time again. But now I am starting to get 'my groove' and I am looking forward to LIFE again. Blogging, cleaning & dare I say...scrapbooking?
I always told people that I 'made time for what I loved' & that was true. It's just that I didn't realise what it was that I loved enough to make time for....
Molly is growing like a weed. She has 5 teeth that are through & more on the way. I make time for her.

Miles changes everytime I look at him. He starts a lot of his sentences with "How about...". It cracks me up. I make time for him.
Brian was growing a Mustache for MoVember but had to shave it for a meeting. What a geek. But I make time for him.
I make time for taking a bath, getting a foot massage & watching SNL. And reading. Who would have known that I loved reading so much? But I do. It keeps me thinking. Here's what I am thinking about now:

I just finished reading The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance. I loved it. It was Hilarious. The part about the White Babies killed me. I was laughing so hard I almost peed. And oddly enough I related to so much of what Elna Baker went through on her quest for love (even though I've found mine) & her challenges in faith. I've often wondered why I wasn't born into a more religious family. I believe in God & sometimes think that having Him be a larger part of my life would be a relief. An easy place to turn to when I felt lost or needed guidance. But I also recognize my skepticism. And find it so hard to believe so unconditionally in something that I cannot see. I sometimes feel like a nut-job when I pray or ask God for guidance. I feel like I am too liberal, too 'scientific' or too rationale to believe in God. I find it hard to have the political, science & liberal views I have while embracing all religion has to offer. But I know He is there. And so I also feel guilty not paying him the respect I think He deserves. Is that weird? It is right?

" I can't tell you what it really is, I can only tell you what it feels like."

Lyrics. From Enimen of all people. But it kind of sums up my take on religion. I can't put my faith into words. I can't say 'I am Mormon', 'I am Muslim' or 'I am Jewish'. Maybe someday I will find a church or group to call Home... but I know I feel it. I know I need it as a part of my life. I know I pray when I am sad, happy, hopeful and scared. I know it feels like I am parying to someone & I believe it to be God. And that I want to do right by Him. But I can't tell you why. Or why it is so important to me. It is what it is.

It's been a while...

And a lot has happened.

I am feeling emotional today so blogging is likely the last thing I should be doing. But I will try to keep it short & sweet...and not too sappy.

I have taken a full-time position at Williams-Sonoma. It was a hard decision. I knew I would someday go back to work, I guess I just didn't know how hard it would be to leave those beautiful faces (my kids) behind each day. Last week was my first week & it ripped my heart out. I have never cried so hard in my life, well, not since my friend Pam and my Grandpa died. Before I started, I told Brian that I felt that a part of me was dying. It sounds dramatic (ok, it is dramatic) but I can't even express how right I was.

When I closed my store I felt like a different person. There were days when I felt like I didn't know my purpose. But I hung in there and I found a routine at home. And I discovered a purpose I loved to live for. My family. But part of being in a family means making sacrifices. And it's my turn to make some so that my husband can start to enjoy his life. Brian is so busy with school & being the sole provider & it was beginning to take it's toll... I am happy with my decision. But that doesn't mean I don't feel guilty. Women in general are prone to a guilt that is overwhelming. It seems to be a constant struggle. I knew I would have this guilt x100. But I have a great extended family (And I include Michelle Gier in this group as she is so much more than a friend) and friends that I thought would be there for me, to lift me up. I was right. And I was wrong.

I think the thing is... I had an expectation for my first week back at work. And with Brian, I got what I expected. He was there for me in every way. He let me cry, he made me laugh and he did those things at the right time (that's key). He kept the house clean & went the extra mile. I got the comfort I was looking for (and needing) from Michelle. Who lets me savor the time I do have & allows me to feel wholly confident in my childrens home life during the day. I don't think she will ever know how much she means to us. And I got what I expect from my mom. She was there for me physically, she helped to watch the kids a couple evenings & I appreciate it so much. But I needed a friend to help me to keep the guilt at bay. And while it's not healthy to depend to heavily on others, I did. And I waited for the phone call to ask not just how my day was, but how I was doing. How was I coping? Was I OK? I needed to be able to tell someone who knew what I was sacrificing. Someone who is lucky enough to have what I was giving up & therefore knew how hard it would be.... And how much I would need her.

And it never came. And I think I wasn't prepared for that... I guess I never even considered the possibility that during the hardest week of my life (so far...) I would feel so alone. Like there was no one who could possibly understand how much it hurts. How it occupies my mind 24/7. How SAD I am. I know it won't hurt forever. I know it will get easier to leave everyday. And I know I have great friends, but ones that just can't relate. My best friend doesn't have kids & is lucky enough to take her fur-babies to work with her everyday.

I guess it sounds like I am asking people to feel sorry for me. In a pathetic way...I am. I was. I was asking someone to make allowances for me to be bitchy & grumpy. Wanting someone to agree with me about how 'unfair' it all is. Wanting people to ask me how I was so I could cry in their ear. That hardly seems fair in hindsight. The more realistic approach would be: Although my feelings were hurt because I felt they weren't there to feel sorry for me or let me cry to them, those were my feelings. And I can't make them feel sorry for me (which is what I pathetically wanted). That I can only expect 'sorry if you feel that way'. And only I can control that, so it's my problem.

I'll take this and learn from it.

Being a Mom has made me learn to rely on myself. When I need something done, doing it myself is the best way to ensure it gets done. I am so use to being 'needed' that I forgot to be there for myself was I was feeling 'needy'. Molly is crying so I have to go warm her a bottle. She is so little & helpless & I hate to think that in 30 years she will still, at times, feel so helpless.... I need to set a good example so that doesn't happen to her. I have a lot to learn. I have a long way to go.

Oops. Not short or sweet. And full of sappiness. My bad.

Layout #208

Our Family by Haley Ross
I haven't journaled this layout, I still get a little too emotional... I don't want what I have to say to sound all sappy, but it will. This layout is simple, I'll probably add to it, any suggestions? I can't believe how much I have scrapbooked in the past 2 weeks. I am soooo proud of me. Haha! No really, I want to meet my goal and I am only 42 layouts from doing that.
Dang! Girl guides just came by & I didn't have any cash on me.
Materials: Patterned Paper: Fancy Pants Designs & My Minds Eye; Stickers: Fancy Pants; Rub On: My Minds EYe; Buttons: Stampin' Up;

Layout #207

One by Haley Ross
I feel like this is the laziest layout ever... It's all from the BoBunny line & I feel guilty for being so "creative-less".
Materials: Patterned Paper & Stickers: BoBunny; Alphabet Chipboard: Thickers by American Crafts; Rub Ons: We R Memory Keepers; Brad: Doodlebug Designs.

Layout #206

You by Haley Ross

When my Auntie Tara gave this little polka-dot dress to Molly I could almost taste the scrapbook page (I knew I already had the perfect paper at home). I also LOVE, love, love the die-cut butterflies from Stampin' Up. They cut AND emboss. Love it.

Materials: Patterned Paper: Girls Paperie; Calendar Die Cut & Alphabet Stickers: Jenni Bowlin; Paper Flower: Junkitz; Brad: Making Memories; Butterfly DieCut: Stampin' Up; Pen: EK Success Zig Writer.

Layout #205

Materials: Patterned Paper & Die-Cuts: Crate Paper; Chipboard, Brads and Alphabet Stickers: Making Memories

Layout #204

Baby Doll by Haley Ross
Materials: Patterned Paper, Cardstock & Chipboard: S.E.I; Ribbon: American Crafts; Sequins Flowers: Queen & Co.; Fabirc Tag: Making Memories; Alphabet Stickers: Making Memories; Pen: EK Success Zig Writer; Brad: Making Memories.

Layout #203

1st Day Away by Haley Ross
Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper, Overlays & Stickers: Fancy Pants Designs; Pen: EK Success Zig Writer

Layout #202

Molly by Haley Ross
I love this layout. It's so girly. Thanks to Jen for the idea of layering the border strips, it was a lot of work, but worth it.... I don't know that I'd call this 'simple' scrapbooking, but it looks simple enough... I love having a baby girl that lets me get my 'pink on'.
Materials: Patterned Paper: My Minds Eye; Stickers: Making Memories; Flowers: K&Co.; Punches: EK Success; Cricut Cartridge: Storybook; Alphabet Letters: sei.

Layout #201

Irresistable Girl by Haley Ross
I've been doing these blogs posts while cooking dinner, cleaning my disaster of a house & trying to get rid of a headache. I rarely get headaches... I guess I'm just lucky. I think this one is about 99% mental & 1% physical. Why is it after a peaceful day away from the kids, going back seems so hard? I was only away one day & I am really struggling today. I guess it's like Monday's at work, they just suck after the weekend...
The ghost shapes from Heidi Swapp made a real comeback for me this weekend. I used them on 3 different layouts! I came across a couple packages & I am dead-set on using up all my old stash before I hit the store for my retreat...
Materials: Patterned Paper: EK Success; Stickers & Epoxy Embellishments: American Traditional Designs & K&Co.; Ghost Shapes: Heidi Swapp.

Layout #200

Animal Adventure by Haley Ross
200. TWO HUNDRED. 200 Layouts. Unreal. And if I wanted to push it, I could really say 400 scrapbook pages (because all my layouts are doubles...), non? I can't believe I have done 200 pages in 3 years. I am impressed. And although I post almost all of my layouts, I do have a couple dozen that I am so ashamed of, they will never make it to the blog... 200. Yay me.
Materials: Patterned Paper: Imaginisce; Stickers: Doodlebug Designs & October Afternoon; Vellum Quote: K&Co.; Eyelets: We R Memory Keepers; Other: Mesh Drywall Tape.

Layout #199

Traveling Man by Haley Ross
I love this paper line so much. It's not new, I've had it around for a while. It's adorable. I was pretty pumped to use some applique on the right-hand side for dots, they kind of reminded me of clouds, which was fitting. Also, how freakin' adorable is my little guys Lightening McQueen suitcase? He loved pulling it around the airport. So fun. It was a last minute Christmas gift I got at The Disney Store (love!) last year... and we've gotten SO much use out of it. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a cute pully for Molly.
Materials: Patterned Paper: TPC; Chipboard: Scenic Route; Ghost Shapes: Heidi Swapp; Letters: October Afternoon & Thickers by American Crafts.

Layout #198

Wooms by Haley Ross
This is my favourite layout from yesterday. I love it. I think I just love how happy Miles was to have discovered the worms "Wooms". I was also pretty pumped to use up some old alphabet stickers & find this paper that went so well... This is the epitome of SIMPLE Scrapbooking. There is about $10 worth of supplies & it is so easy. I just want to mention one more time how much I love the BoBunny Flex ruler which I used to make the wavy lives. Love it.
Materials: Patterned Paper & Die-Cut Words: Paper Loft; Alphabet Stickers: Rusty Pickle & Pebbles Inc.; Pen: Zig Writer by EK Success.

Layout #197

Hopaluks by Haley Ross
I can't believe this is layout #197. Insane. I might even meet my goal for the year (which would mean I have posted 250 layouts)! Having lowered expectations is fabulous for your ego! Only 53 more to go.... we'll see...
Materials: Patterned Paper, Stickers & Canvas Tags: Basic Grey; Brads: K&Co.; Rub-Ons: October Afternoon

Layout #196

Just Chill by Haley Ross
Someone who was looking at this layout said to me 'Good for you for not going with the Red'. I was high on that compliment for at least an hour :)
The thing is, I tried. I have been looking for red autumn paper for this layout since last fall. And finally I decided to give up. I am happy with this. Actually, I love it. The cute paper helps.
Materials: Patterned Paper: Sweetwater; Cardstock: Close To My Heart; Buttons: Basic Grey; Brads: Creative Impressions; Rub-Ons; Autumn Leaves; Pen: EK Sucess Zig Writer.

Layout #195

Goofy Miles by Haley Ross
Well, yesterday was the much anticipated (well, for me anyhow) Crop Till You Drop. I had a super productive day! This is the first layout I did... it took a long time to get "into" it... but once I did I was on a roll. It was also nice to see everyone again. Since I closed the store I have rarely spoken with any of the old regulars. It was good to see Jen & Jen (hahah!), Rhonda, Carol, TerryLynn & Martha. Everyone really...
'Scrapbook Season' has officially begun. I am so looking forward to the next crop (A retreat to Coleman!)
Materials: Patterned Paper: TPC and Scenic Route; Cardstock: Close To My Heart & Bazzill Basics; Chipboard & Vellum Blocks: Colorbok; Brads: Rusty Pickle; Stickers: Colorbok & Scrapworks; Pen: Zig Writer by EK Success.

Good Reads

I can't really tell you how I choose a book. I guess sometimes they come highly recommended (It seems everyone had read Freakonomics...). Sometimes I see them in a magazine (Real Simple has a no-obligation book club in each issue). I always read our book club book, until book club fell apart that is... And sometimes, sometimes the title or book jacket just grabs me (Such was the case with The History of Tractors in Ukrainian.) But lately I seem to have found a sure-fire way to ensure I will be engrossed in a book... read what you love. I love Jazz, so naturally when I discovered On The Road (pictured above) I was thrilled. I get a 'feeling' when I listen to Jazz music. It just does something to me. And nothing is better than live Jazz. Nothing. Not even chocolate. I can barely contain myself. I bop my head & patter my fingers on the bar... It's probably embarrassing for Brian... So when I read about the beat shows in dives across America & the intense experiences the characters take away, I GOT it. And I loved it. I also spent time on iTunes looking up songs of musicians I was reading about. It was a great novel, a stirring read & a great education in Jazz music. I just finished it.... and this is my official recommendation.

Read what you love. Seems obvious. Authors write what they know. And it works! I love Vueve Cliquot. Love it. And I love Champagne. So the history of one of the worlds most established champagne houses was thrilling for me. If someone even mentions champagne, I bubble at the chance to dazzle them with my knowledge (pardon the pun). I was mentioning the book at Wine Club when the Sommeliers there recommended I read The Billionaires Vinegar. And so I've thrown myself into it. And I love it. LOVE IT. Because I love wine.

Read what you love. Lately, it's worked for me. And if you aren't a 'reader' trying to find joy in a sad novel (I refuse to read 99% of Oprah's book club book. Although I am sure they're great, I prefer non-fiction) or a challenging classic (Pride & Prejudice is superb.) will leave you frustrated. I subscribe to three magazines: Real Simple (Best ever!), Scrapbooks Etc. and Wine Access. I wouldn't subscribe to Dog Fancy or Details. Makes sense.

I'm always looking for ways to spend my $ at Indigo... so write your best reads in my comment section... I'd love to discover something wonderful.

Layout #194

Sit by Haley Ross

I used some ooooold product on this layout. The leather frame , fabric tabs & stickers are super old, like older than 5 years.Yay.. And I have a bone to pick with American Crafts: WHY don't your vinyl alphabet stickers stay stuck? So annoying, I put them on & they fall off. I even glue-dotted them onto the page & they started to lift. Brutal.

Also, does anyone else think it's weird that I tilted the last picture (far right) so much? I think I have to go back & change that. Funny how I didn't notice until just now. It looks lop-sided.

I miss scrapbooking. Its been slow lately. Molly doesn't just lay around & sleep anymore, she's a little more demanding, so naturally my scrapbooking has suffered. I scrapped with Michelle for a bit this morning & it was nice, but chaotic with 3 boys & Molly.

I am super excited for the cropping I have coming. I always fill my Autumn full of crops. I have a day-long crop at the Lakeview Inn this month, a retreat to Coleman next month, a retreat in Pincher Creek in November & a crop day in November & December... lucky me. That's one weekend of every month. You may think I feel guilty from being away from my kids that much.... you're wrong. I miss them, but there is NO guilt. I need ME time... besides, hockey season is upon us...

Materials: Patterned Paper: My Minds Eye; Stickers, Brad & Ribbon: Making Memories; Fabric Tabs: Scrapworks; Frame: EK Success; Alphabet Stickers: Thickers by American Crafts; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics.

These are my confessions...

I like stuff.

There are some things I am proud of (My kids, my marriage, my brain) & then there are things that I hide. I have skeletons in my closet. No, I literally have skeletons in my closet. At least 7 that I can think of off the top of my head (all Halloween decor of course...)

I'm a hoarder. I am. I didn't think I was. I thought I was a 'collector'. But collectors can generally park their car in their garage & walk around in their basement. I couldn't do those things. And I think on some level I always knew it was not OK. Only my closest friends & family ever saw my basement. And then I got pregnant with Molly & I was suddenly aware of all my 'stuff'. I was aware that in order to fit Molly into our lives, some of my 'stuff' would have to go. And as I began to pack up my scrapbook room I was struggling to part with things, even things I didn't use. And even worse, I had to find somewhere to move all of my stuff to. It was a disaster. And one day my mom said to me "Haley, if you don't get this done before Molly comes, you'll never get it done." And I was hurt. I felt she was right. So when I made barely any progress & suddenly Molly had arrived, I sort of gave up for a while. And then I got cable. And I saw the show Hoarders. And Wowsers. It inspired me.

So I've been cleaning (that's an understatement). And I somewhere amongst all the stuff, I made a breakthrough. I was tossing things away at a breakneck pace. And finally, I can see progress.


It's really not hard to be a Hoarder & a Scrapbooker. The two really do go hand-in-hand. My focus now, and for the past 2 years, has been to use what I have. And it's working. But that wouldn't have been enough for me. So instead I gave stuff away. As much as I could, to anyone who would take it. And I sold a couple things. And now, when I look at my scrapbook space, I feel relieved... and dare I say, Inspired? I got rid of my big Cricut, the small one seems to be all I need. And I scaled back embellishments until they all fit into 5 medium-sized bins (pictured above). And now it's so much easier to find 'the perfect touch' for the layout I am working on.

I still have a lot of stuff, more than most. I like stuff. And I definitely attach emotion to my things. I am sure that one day Brian hopes he can use our dresser to set things on, but for now, I am happy to have it full of framed memories. I think he looks forward to the day when there isn't a bunch of lavender within arms reach, everywhere in our house (I find this sooo therapeutic & calming when I'm stressed or sad to roll the buds in my hands and take a deep breath). But I also think that having 'fall decor' in our house to celebrate the changing season is what makes us feel at home. So I plan to find a balance. And I think I am well on my way there. (9 trips to the salvage center helps...)

I do want to leave my children with memories and maybe even some fabulous scrapbooks, but not a house full of crap to haul to the dump...

Oprah!

Today Oprah started her Farewell Season. I cried & cried. This isn't anything new for me... I cry when Oprah is happy, sad & when she's giving things away. Today I bawled. I am just so sad it's going to be over. I am so sad that Molly won't grow up with Oprah the way I did. I never really stopped to think of how she has changed my life, but she has. An hour a day, since I was 5, when my mom first started to watch... until I was old enough to watch it myself.

My mom taped Oprah on our VHS Machine. My dad worked away so I understand now why mom taped the show. She wanted to wait until we were in bed so she could watch it, uninterrupted. I actually remember waking up & going downstairs where my mom was watching Oprah & doing the ironing. I curled up on the couch & watched with her. I don't remember what the show was about, but I remember my mom was so happy, ironing late at night. And I remember the smell of the steaming iron & that I was so happy she was letting me stay up.

When 9/11 happened I remember her first show back on the air. I don't remember how she said it, but she put the message out there that 24/7 coverage of negative news events aren't good & that it would do us all good to TURN OFF THE TV for a while & take a break. I remember to do that now. I don't need to be bombarded with images of earthquakes and war 24/7. While it's good to be informed, taking a break will minimize the shell shock. We need to be affected by these events. But we need to take away a message and not an image. This idea has served me so well in many parts of my life... it's about perspective, it's about positivity & it's about the value of life.

Thanks Oprah.

Layout #193

chugga by Haley Ross
Um, I love this layout. I loved this day. I love these pictures. And I love this paper. So over all, LOVE LOVE LOVE.
Materials: Patterned Paper: Stampin' Up & Sandylion; Stickers: Sandylion; Chipboard Alphabet: Lil' Davis; Cardstock: Coredinations; RubOns: American Crafts; Pop Dots: 3L.

Layout #192

fresh by Haley Ross
(with some help from my friends...)
Thanks guys! This is seriously the best way to scrapbook. So, from now on, I'm going to slap together a page & let ya'll finish it. I'm kidding. But it's nice to know there's so much help out there! I was actually super pumped to use these little glass drops I bought in Montana when I went for CKU... yeah, that was 4 years ago. I remember buying those & thinking 'These are fabulous, I bet I'll kick myself for not buying more.' Then they went into my stash & I forgot about them. So, I am glad I didn't stock up, but I was also glad to discover them!
Materials: Patterned Paper & Die-Cuts: Crate Paper; Ribbon: Colorbok; Glass Drops: Robins Nest; Stickers: EK Sucess; Quote Transparency: Daisy D's; Alphabet Stickers: Thickers by American Crafts; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Pop Dots: 3L.

Food!

I LOVE HOT WINGS
But I actually hate eating them. They are messy & hard to eat (I also dislike large sandwiches, also too hard to eat). But I love a good hot wing. So I was pretty excited a couple weeks ago when I came across this recipe in a Rachael Ray cookbook. We tried it & we loved it! So tonight, because it's just Brian & I (Miles is away at Grandma & Papa's) we are having pizza & watching cable TV. If you like hot wings & you like pizza, you'll LOVE this:

Wingless Buffalo Chicken PIZZA

3/4 lbs chicken breast
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tsp Steak Seasoning
1 store-bought pizza shell (or dough)
2 tablespoons of butter
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce (I used more...)
2 - 3 tbsp of hot sauce
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 cup Monterrey Jack Cheese
1/2 cup crumbled Blue cheese (There was none of this on Brian's side, he hates Blue Cheese, but did admit it was good when I forced him to try it. I used a MILD blue cheese.)
3 scallions thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 425 F

1. Cook chicken with EVOO
2. In medium skillet: Melt butter, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce & tomato sauce.
3. Thinly slice chicken & add it to sauce. Pour sauce to cover pizza dough. Cover with cheeses & scallions. Cook for 18 minutes or until crisp.

Lovely.

Ten.

Today I got cable. Today, coincidentally, I feel overwhelemed. How will I know which shows to watch & which ones are a colossal waste of time? I've always loves SNL, The Office & am a fan of Modern Family. These are shows that are avaialble on local channels. But now I have options... about 140 of them. (As well as 40 digital music channels, 2 movie channels & Shaw Video on Demand.)

10 Shows I Could Watch

1. Tosh.0. It's the real reason I ordered cable (although I will allow Brian to think it was because I am a loving wife who wanted him to fully enjoy hockey season). Hilarious show. I've already set it on my TIVO.

2. The Food Network. I can't really name an specific shows, but I plan on learning them all. I'll get a pen & paper & write down as many recipes and cooking tips as I can. I am so excited to have this resource.... I've exhausted all my cookbooks.

3. Kate + 8. Who am I kidding? I could never watch this show. I get a headache after about 5 minutes. But I can appreciate the fact that she is still alive. You go girl!

4. Mad Men. I've heard it's fabulous.

5. Breaking Bad. After all the Emmy nod's it can't be bad... can it?

6. Intervention. My friend Jules & I watch this show together when I go to visit. It is shocking. I am always so invested in the recoveries of the addicts.

7. The Flintstones. One of the channels we have is a vintage cartoon channel. Cool. I wonder how Miles will react to old cartoons that I use to love?

8. Chelsea Lately.

9. Dexter. Yessss. I love this show. And until now, I've only had it on DVD. Can't wait to watch it in real time. I imagine each will it'll kill me to not have another episode to watch instantly afterward.. still, yessssss.

10. Really Big Things. I love this show. It's on the Discovery Channel & it explores, well, REALLY BIG THINGS. My favourite episode was on this hotel in dubai. No, it was the aquarium in South Carolina. No, the CAT machines in the Oilsands. What the heck, I like them all...

NOT DONE.

I'm not done this layout. In fact, I'm stuck. So some suggestions would be good. Remember I am a simple scrapbooker & don't want to have to go buy anything. Although, KIM, if you offer up your leftover brads from this Crate Paper line, I probably won't say 'No'.

Layout #191

Lucky Us by Haley Ross

When I was doing this layout Michelle looked over & was surprised to see a single layout. I was initially as shocked as her. I seem to be doing those more & more often. But it works. And I only had 2 pieces of this awesome paper. It's my first ever St.Patricks day layout.. mind you, I did have something awesome to celebrate (Molly).

Also, I can't believe I am only at 41 layouts for this year. Oops! I am beginning to think that my goal of 100 (which was toned down from 150 last year) is a little too far fetched. We'll see!

Materials: Patterned Paper: Little Yellow Bicycle; Brads: Making Memories; Alphabet Stickers; K&Co & Thickers by American Crafts; Envelope: Lil' Davis; Journaling Spots: Scenic Route; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics.

Layout #190

Oh Canada! by Haley Ross

I am such a proud Canadian, but there just aren't GREAT Canadian supplies out there. This worked, but I wish it was better. I dislike my journaling, I think it looks sloppy, but I'm not changing it, I want to move on.

Materials: Patterned Paper: Kaiser Craft & Scenic Route; Stickers: Karen Foster; Stars: Prima Marketing; Pen: EK Success Zig Writer; Alphabet Stickers: Thickers by American Crafts.

10 Randoms

Brian & I celebrated our 4 year anniversary by heading out on a hike. We did a 6km hike that one of the most strenuous I have ever done. I had lost my breath about 1km in & I knew I was in trouble. I did it! And I couldn't have done it without him there! It's a little symbolic...
10 Things That Work For US
1. Ask & you shall receive is our mantra. All I have to do is ask Brian to do something around the house & he does it. I know (and so does he), that you have to verbalize it. I can't be mad if I had 'hoped' he would clean the magazines piled on the stairs, but didn't.

2. We do 'stuff' together. We hike, kayak, go to Wino club, travel.... and once in a while, I'll even play Wii with him. I like doing things with Brian. I like spending time with him.

3. We also give each other time apart. Brian goes to hockey games, plays hockey, golfs & I scrapbook. And I appreciate my time away enough to know that Brian needs his too. I can't imagine marrying a loser who had no hobbies...

4. We don't believe "Love means never having to say you're sorry." That's crap. If I am sorry, I say it. And if Brian owes me an apology I get one.

5. We NEVER say things we don't mean. We have some friends who say awful things to each other when they fight. And then they say 'sorry' and it's all good for them. For me, I can't unhear words (is that a word?) they would stay with me. So lucky for me, Brian doesn't call me names or tell me he hates me when we fight.

6. Brian gets me. And I come with baggage. I guess that's just pure luck on my part.

7. We like the same shows. If we're going to spend time watching TV we can do it together. Although I get bored of TSN easily we usually plunk down & watch Modern Family, The Office or Jersey Shore (!) together. My favourite show is SNL but Brian can't stay up past 11 :)

8. I like the junk in his trunk.

9. We have our own cars. If I had to share a car with Brian we'd be divorced in 14 days, maybe less. I have a clean car. Brian, well, let's just say Brian has a car.

10. We'd rather be with our kids. Of course we appreciate a night without them, but most of the time we both want them around. Even yesterday we were talking about how much Miles would love the view from the top, the squirrels & the rocks to climb on.

10 Randoms

We spent the past couple weeks at our cabin in Saskatchewan. So, in honor of my 'down time' here are 10 things that

I haven't done in week (s)...

1. Updated my facebooks status. Even if we had internet access what would I have written. Haley is: Going for a Swim. Haley is: Drinking a cold beer. Haley is: Taking in the sunset. The last one sounds pretty good.

2. Heard Sirens. It's so peaceful up there. Here we hear sirens & trains all day long. It doesn't bother me, but I do notice the peace of 'nothing'.

3. Blogged.

4. Vacuumed.

5. Worried about what I was going to cook for dinner. Dinner just seems to happen at the cabin. Someone always steps up. And if they don't... we eat smokies.

6. Gone shopping. If you count stopping at Home Hardware in Lloyd or buying an ice cream cone from the South Bay Store, then this one is a bit of a lie.

7. Started a book knowing I would never finished. I love knowing I will get a chance to read each day. I finished four books at the cabin. I really mixed it up this year too. My favourite was called The Widow Cliquot. It's a memoir about the Widow Cliquot (of the Champagne empire) and business in France during the French Revolution & Prussian war. I was learning so much I think I was annoying Bran with my little "info" sessions...

" Hey honey, do you know what a Dandie is? Did you know how they got the added sulphates into wine in the 1800's? Want to hear about the fashion craze during the french revoltion? Guess how many grams of sugar were in a bottle of Champagne in 1811? Do you know why there are stars on the corks of a bottle of Vueve Cliquot. Do you even know what Vueve means??? (He said "No Thanks." But I told him anyway.)

8. Answered the phone. I checked my cell messages once in a while. And I did some texting. But there was no phone ringing in my ear. Um, it rocks.

9. Scrapbooked. Sadly I didn't take my stuff this year. Our little car is just too full with 2 babies (time for an upgrade?).

10. Woke up at 8. Brian does the early shift with Molly. (I LOVE him for it). So he let me sleep in most days. One day I slept until 11. I felt awful all day & asked him to wake me up early the next morning. I'm not a teenager anymore, guilt-free sleeping is a thing of the past. *Sigh.

Layout #189

E is for Elephant by Haley Ross

So I finally used this black grid stuff I bought years ago. It is so cool, but I could just never use it properly. I have a big pile of stuff like that, weird textured papers & pieces. I have some cool fabric sheets, cork, metal, even a couple ceiling tiles, but I never seem to use them. I guess they really just aren't my 'simple style'.

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Basic Grey; Journaling spot & Paper Stars: Basic Grey; Alphabet Stickers: Basic Grey, American Crafts Thickers and Making Memories; Transparecny: Hambly Studios; Other: Wire Mesh Sheet.

Randoms

(My 'friend' Kim took this picture. We were camping & I thought everyone had gone down to the beach while I made lunch. Turns out not everyone was gone... some people were right there, with their camera's in hand... so I put on a little show & pretended I wasn't embarrassed.)

I am a terrible singer. Just awful. But in the summer I crank the music & cruise, dance or sing. I've put together a play list for our trip to the cabin, it's a bunch of 'feel-good' songs, most that have some great memories to go with them. Some of them are just new songs I love. 'Summer Tunes' have to be easy to sing along & super catchy.

My Summer Playlist Fav's

1. Learning To Fly - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

2. Old Friend - Rancid

3. El Scorcho - Weezer

4. Change - Wide Mouth Mason

5. Come Out & Play - The Offspring

6. Flavour of the Weak - American Hi-Fi

7. Bang Bang - K'naan

8. Everybody - Stabilo

9. Local God - Everclear

10. Elegantly Wasted - INXS

11. The Real Slim Shady - Eminem

12. I Wanna Be Sedated - The Ramones

13. Cooler Than Me - Mike Posner

14. History Repeating - Propellerheads

Layout #188

Summer by Haley Ross

I felt like I hit a jackpot when I discovered Echo Park Paper Co. I love their stuff. Love it. This layout is all them. I love it.

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Everything Else: Echo Park Paper Co; Other: Hemp

Layout #187

TROUBLE by Haley Ross

I still have to journal on this layout. I crack up when I look at Miles' pouty face, he just kills me. I was so grateful to have my camera handy.

Materials: Patterned Paper: Basic Grey; Rub-Ons & Metal Plaque: My Minds Eye; Other: Ribbon & Overall Clips from sewing store.

Layout #186

Miss Molly by Haley Ross
This picture is blurry. Grrr. So was the last one. Something is soooo wrong with my camera. I think a new one is in my future, it was just never the same since it was sent out for repairs. I read an article that said an SLR camera body only lasts 3 years at maximum capacity. I wonder if that's right... Anyway, I can tell my camera isn't preforming as well as it once did.
Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper & Stickers: Echo Park Paper Co.; Rhinestones: Kaiser Craft; Glitter Alphabet Stickers: Making Memories; Rub-On Alphabet: Elsie by KI Memories.

Laout #185

2 By Haley Ross

I have love/hate feelings about this layout.

LOVE the pictures, love the journaling.

HATE the stickles & how it ruined the ugly journaling block.

I think I was just struggling using paper that was go glittery. I don't do 'glitz' that well.

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics & BoBunny; Patterned Paper: Best Creation Inc.; Journaling Spot: Fancy Pants Designs; Glitter: Stickles by Ranger.

Layout #184

Fruck by Haley Ross

This layouts was adapted from a Becky Fleck sketch. I love her. And some of her new sketches are featured in the current issue of 'Scrapbook & Cards Today' which is my favourite magazine & it's Canadian! Of course the layout looks nothing like the sketch (which had 5 mini photos) in the end, but I don't care where inspiration comes from, as long as it comes.

I got this paper from the Scrapbook Pantry a while ago, I love it. LOVE it.

Materials: Patterned Paper: American Crafts; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Sticker: EK Success Jolee's By You; Cricut Cartridge: San Serif.

Layout #183

Sticky Little Man by Haley Ross

I was so happy to remember that I had these great felt letters from Martha Stewart. They work perfectly with Miles' hat. I got them a couple years ago in my stocking & remember thinking "Cute, but how will I ever use these?" Ta-da!

Materials: Patterned Paper & Die-Cuts: My Minds Eye: Alphabet Letters: Martha Stewart Crafts; Felt Buttons: Making Memories; Embroidery Floss: Bazzill Basics.

I've been scrapbooking a lot lately. I spend my days out in the sun & usually try to slip in an hour or two for scrapbooking at least one evening a week. Brian is amazing at making sure I have time for this.. it's good to have him on-board. I am always asked how I find the time to scrapbook, but I think you'll never FIND time, you have to MAKE time. I love this, so I MAKE time for it.

Layout #182

Lazy Days by Haley Ross

oops. This picture is so crooked. Ah well, whatever, it's summertime. That seems to be my excuse for everything these days... "I'll do it later, it's summertime."

We've spent a couple of days at the Spray Park in High River. These are pictures from our first time out. I just love the spray park, as much or more than Miles.

Materials: Patterned Paper & Stickers: Fancy Pants Designs; Rub-On: We R Memory Keepers; Pen: EK Success Zig Writer.

Finally,

I'm been whining & complaining about losing my scrapbook room since the moment it happened. I felt a little displaced. But I think I finally have things all set up in my new "space". It's not a room, just a corner of our living room. But I think I'll be happy there.

What I Love About My New Space

1. The cupboard doors are deceiving. I've always had all my 'gear' exposed on shelves. The doors hide my disorganization, keep little fingers out & the amount of stuff I really do have.

2. My computer is right there, for easy journaling access.

3. The window faces out onto a tree. My last window faced our neighbors busted siding. Much better.

4. It's easy to scrapbook with friends. Michelle was here today & it was easy to just move to the dinning room table. My scrapbook room was really only accommodating for one person.... so, come on over!

10 Randoms

10 Things I've done in July.

1. Sometimes I forget that people read my blog. Sometimes it just feels like a diary to me. And then my friend Tasha will drop a subtle hint that I need to update it. I'm trying to beat her to that hint this time! So the #1 thing on this list is update my blog.

2. Celebrated being Canadian on July 1st. We went to the fireworks at Seaman stadium. Miles had a blast running around like a maniac.

2. I finally got around to listing some stuff on Kijiji. I sold the second Cricut that I've had sitting around, never once used... I sold the old stroller & some shelves from the store. It feels good to cleanse.

3. With my "Kijiji Money" I'm headed to Ikea to buy the cupboard doors for my Billy Bookcases. That way, you wont be able to see all of the scrapbooking junk that I have piled in them. I really miss having my own scrapbook room... Our house just looks so messy with all of my "gear" in the corner of the living room. *Sigh.

4. Teaching Miles new words, trying to get him to brush his teeth (he was so good once, but now just likes to suck the toothpaste off), playing with Trains & hitting up the spray park at least once a week. That kid keeps me running...

5. Scrapbooking.

6. Sorting through clothes. It's unbelievable how fast these kids go through them. I have to keep on top of it or Brian will come out of Molly's room & say something like "These shorts are really tight on her..." and lo & behold, they are pants that are too small...

7. Reading. I've polished off 3 books so far this month. I just finished A Year Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs & now I am reading Freakamonics (which so far, I LOVE).

8. Our friend Sarah's mom passed away. She was the same age as my mom. And it got me thinking... It sounds cliche but life is short. So short. For Deb it was too short & my heart is breaking for Sarah. I hope she can be strong. I will be praying for her.

9. I am busy enjoying Molly who is growing at a break-neck pace. She is a chubby, smiley little girl & I just love her more everyday. I will admit I have been mostly dressing her in Miles' hand-me-downs so I am committed to going shopping for all things "girly" come fall. It should be fun to play dress-up with her. (Look at this adorable jumper my friend Teresa got her. So cute.)

10. A friend of mine just eloped. I am green with envy. I wanted to do that, but I also wanted to have the party everyone was expecting. I had a great time at my wedding, but eloping is just so romantic when it's planned & kept as a secret between few. Color me green. Oh, and congrats Lori & Taygen!

Layout #181

Love You by Haley Ross

Ok. This is the first single-page layout I have done in a really long time. And I am sooo happy with it. I think I might even start including some singles in my albums. Kim took this picture of Molly when she was one week old. I love it. I used up some super old alphabet stickers so that makes me happy, and I robbed some stuff from Kim which makes me even happier....

Materials: Patterned Paper: Girls Paperie; Cardstock with an Edge: Bazzill Basics; Twill: Autumn Leaves; Felt Flowers & Punch: Stampin' Up; Journaling Spot: My Minds Eye; Sticker: Making Memories; Alphabet Stickers: Lil' Davis; Other: Corrugated Cardboard & Brads.

Layout #180

B is For Baby by Haley Ross

If anything, I am just so happy to have used that little red metal heart frame. It was from Lil' Davis & it's like, 7 years old. Kim hated it. She said it was ugly & that I shouldn't use it. Well, I like it.

Materials: Patterned Paper: Basic Grey & October Afternoon; Metal Clips & Stickers: 7 Gypsies; Ticket: Tim Holtz; Metal Plate: Lil' Davis; Tag: My Minds Eye; Cardstock: Coredinations; Other: Brads & Journaling Spot.