A few new layouts

This is the layout I just finished today. I used Inspired Blueprints sketch 42. It doesn't feel done to me I feel like it still needs something or the owl taken off and changed. So this one is still a work in progress for now. I used October Afternoon paper, Yellow Bicycles Lace cut out as a stencil and my own ink mist to create the numbers.

This layout was taken from Inspired BluePrints Sketch 40. I have wanted to flags on something for awhile, but nothing ever worked. Not that this works, but I love the bright colors.


This layout was a combo of two things. I used a layout in CK mag. Feb.2010 pg.29 and the ruffle idea came from Studio calico's Sunday challenge.


This layout was taked from a Studio Calico Sunday Sketch.

My To Dos this week are pretty easy, I have a few friends coming over on Tuesday to scrapbook with me. I am hoping to get a few layouts done that day.

I just booked the Community Center my friend, Candy lives by and works for for my birthday crop. It will be March 13, ya super excited, I love scrappin with friends on my bday. What a great way to spend the day.

Stop by Sunday Scrappin to see what other ladies have been crafting lately.

Valentine weekend

Thursday night Wyatt and I sat down and made up his Valentines for his party the next day. He did a Cars theme card. The cards had a slit for a Cars pencil that came with them so we also slid in a heart straw for each kid. He loved helping do this. This year he even wrote him name on all the cards himself.On Friday Wyatt was his preschool Valentines party. He had so much fun passing out his gifts, listening to stories and having snacks.
Later that day Derek picked up Ryan and Zach so they could spend the weekend with us.

On Saturday Wyatt and I made cupcakes for the party that night.

I have come to love paper products when the boys are here, just makes it a little easier with dishes since I have no dishwasher. And there is usually some kind of holiday going on so I like to get the plates in theme. Thank goodness for the Dollar store.

And a special Thanks to the Bell family for coming over to our 'Valentine Party' Wyatt was very happy to have a party since he missed the Super bowl party due to being sick. We had pizza, soda and cupcakes. Sunday morning for breakfast for the boys I made heart pancakes., they loved them. Was kind of funny Ryan woke up after I had already started them and I am not sure he was all the way awake, but he looked at the pancakes cooking and he said 'Wow those pancakes turned out like hearts' Um ya I did that on purpose Ryan. 'Oh oops"Here is all the art work from Wyatt on the fridge from these past weeks. Pretty sad I have no pics of the boys from this weekend just of stuff , Oops have to watch that next time.

Wyatt's writing.

I am just so amazed at Wyatt's writing lately. He can write letters I didn't know he knew. Here are his cousins names he wrote all by himself yesterday (I wrote them on another piece of paper for him to see). He wrote Glory and Beka. He needs a little help on the K, but otherwise he is doing an awesome job.

Valentine Decor

I found these great coffee filter flowers on Elizabeth Kartchner's blog (Love her Vday decorations). Elizabeth directs you to Rhonna's site where she has a video showing you how to make these great little flowers.
I knew I couldn't just make the flowers I wanted them to hang more so I added ribbon and cut out hearts. I am loving them right now, Wyatt does too. He just loves to decorate and always wants stuff up for the holidays not matter what holiday it is.
I will say they weren't as easy has her video show though, at least not for me. She says you only need 6 filters for each side, but mine just didn't look right. After several tries I found eight worked best, 6 around the sides and 2 in middle.
If you make some up I would love to see what you do with them.

Thanks for stopping by.

Menu Plan Monday

So I made a really long menu list last week, it just has been nice to have a few extra choice to choose from. So whatever is left will now be added to this weeks menu.

-Rosemary chicken with white beans

-Meatloaf, homemade mac n cheese, brocolli

-Steak and twice baked yams

-Chili cheese fries or Chili dogs( I have chili in freezer so not sure what we will do with it)

-Sausage and white bean Cassoulet

-Fri night on there own I will be on the road picking up my boys

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Scrappin Sunday

So I wasn't able to get the layout I wanted to done by today.
You can see my desk in the post below with the start of the layout on it. Might try to do it today, but Wyatt is sick and won't let me off the bed. He wants 'to be with me' as he says. Hubby will be at a Super Bowl party so maybe if Wyatt falls asleep I can work on it.

It is hard though, you ever have one of those layouts you just aren't quit sure what you are going to do. So it sits on your desk for like a week and everytime you walk by it you work on it or just stare at it. And it sits there until what you want just hits you, 'Ahh ha that is what I want to do.' well I think this is one of those layouts.
I did get one layout done this week though, Brothers.

My To Dos this week will just to get the Thomas the Train layout done. That is my goal. Oooh and to convince myself that I do want to take the extra 2-3 hours and hit Lasting Memories srapbook store on my way to pick my boys up on Friday.

Don't forget to stop on by Sunday Scrapinn (click button above).

Company Girl Friday- Getting back into the swing of it

I think I might be back in the groove of scrapbooking, YEA! I figured out that at the scrapbooking retreat last weekend I did more layouts (see here) then I did all in the year of 2009. Wow not bad. I don't like scrappin to much at home alone, but yesterday I did this one of the boys.

I have one all set up to work on this weekend of when we surprised Wyatt this summer with riding Thomas the Train. I am not sure why it is so hard to do this alone, but I am really working on getting caught up and that might mean doing some layouts home alone. I really do think it is more fun with friends though.
On today list of TO Dos- Wyatt to preschool, Best Buy to exchange new printer and pick up Colton (my 15 yo).

Thanks for stopping by and have a look around. And don't forget to visit the Company Girls.

Here is what I made for dinner last might, it was so good, hubby ate 4 sandwiches (he does eat alot though and I forgot to give him lunch for work too, opps).

Steak Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into thin 2 inch strips
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, julienned
• 3 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
• 4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise

Directions

1. Place the beef in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, marjoram and basil. Sprinkle over beef.
2. Heat half of the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute beef to desired doneness, and remove from pan. Heat the remaining oil in the skillet, and saute the onion and green pepper.
3. Preheat oven on broiler setting.
4. Divide the meat between the bottoms of 4 rolls, layer with onion and green pepper, then top with sliced cheese. Place on cookie sheet, and broil until cheese is melted. Cover with tops of rolls, and serve.

Brothers Layout

I didn't have white Maya mist or ink spray so I mixed white paint and water to make it a little thinner and used a brush to splash on the page. I stitched the star with embroidery floss. Card stock: Bazill, Letters: Thickers

I did this layout in all red to do this weeks Studio Calico challenge.

Tonight's dinner

I made this recipe tonght and it was so so good. I followed some of the reviews and changed it up a little. Here is the original recipe and below is what I did.

Steak Sauerbraten

1 1/2 pounds top round steak, trimmed and sliced thin
1 (.75 ounce) packet dry brown gravy mix
2 cups water
1 tablespoon onion powder
3 tablespoon brown sugar
4-6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (I didn't have ginger so I didn't add it but it would have been good)
2 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste

Place steak in crockpot. Mix all ingredients in bowl and then put over the steak and cook on low for 8-10 hours till meat starts to fall apart. I then took teh gravy (it is kind of thin) and put in pot and brought to a boil. I then mixed water and flour and whisked into the gravy to thicken.

Menu Plan

Menu Plan Monday Tuesday

So I should have done this Sunday, but just didn't have time. then I should have done this yesterday, but didn't, I put it off till now. Luckily last night I had everything in my cupboard to make chicken spaghetti. So here is the menu for the rest of the week.

Steak Sandwiches

Rosemary Chicken with white beans (didn't get to last week)

Meatloaf, homemade Mac n Cheese, broccoli

Pancakes & sausage, hashbrowns?

Steak, yams

Chicken salad

Cincinati Chilli

Sausage and white bean Cassoulet

Fri- Wing night

Sat-Homemade pizza (dough)

So this will actually take me through till the end of next week, but I kept thinking of stuff to make. Will also make my shopping trip once for the two weeks so that will be nice.

What's on your list today

I haven't posted a to do list in awhile thought today was as good as any and it might help keep me motivated if it is on here where all can see.

So I have lots to catch up on today. Being gone from Thursday to Sunday doesn't seem like lon,g but kind of is like a week in household cleaning time. Had to vacuum the floors good yesterday since I missed Thursday's vacuuming, dog hair all over in the corners. Things you do regularly don't seem like a big deal to you miss it.

Here is my to dos today-

Dishes
Meal plan for rest of week
grocery list
shopping?
swiffer floors
clean laundry room
Change sheets on bed
laundry-sheets, blankets (this is my tuesday laundry)
Put laundry away
Put layouts in album in correct order
checkbook
Dinner-in crockpot
remove tags*


So I guess it is time to get out of this bed and get started. What is on your list today?

Thanks for stopping by.

*this is the Small things task from Home Sanctuary today, have fun doing this I am completing things you just don't think of like removing tags form things around your home, matching socks, putting all shoes away in there correct spots. You should check it out.

Retreat Layouts

So here are the layouts I did at the Retreat. I got 20 done, but these are not all of them some of them were just photos in a picture sleeve so it was nothing big so I left those out. We had such a great time, can't wait for next year or in March when we all get together again (for my birthday).
I don't know were most of the paper came from cause I was actually trying to be good and use up what I had. I did not buy anything new except cardstcok.


I think this is one of my favs. I used October Afternoon product and I used a Close to my heart
photo sleeve. It will attach to the outside of the page protector. So awesome (thanks Victoria).

I used a Studio Calico Kit on this one.

I stitched the title on this one.

Another Studio Calico kit.

I used the one of studio Calico kits for this. I have 3 of then that I was trying to use up.
I used some October afternoon on this one.

These two our from the pics I took daily in December.

I stitched the title on this one.

Leave you with this

I am a day late on this, but we jsut had such a busy weekend. I made these for teh teachers in Wyatt's teachers. They are Bath Salts. I used orange and lemon oil, mmm it smells so nice and refreshing, kind of a pick me up salt.

So I won't be here for the next week, I lots of packing to do for my Scrapbook Retreat to Pacific Beach. So this is on my To Dos this week, lots of packing.

I will be gone from Thursday afternoon till Sunday afternoon. When I get back I will hopefully have lots and lots of layouts to share.

Checking in...

So it is time to check in with my weight loss. In Sept. 2009 when I started this challenge I weighed and measured myself. Here were those measurements

Sept. 2009
weight- 148 lbs
Thighs- 23 in
Hips- 42.5 in
Belly- 36 in
(this was a the muffin top/belly pouch area)
Waist- 30 in

Jan. 2010
Weight- 136 lbs 12 lbs lost
Thighs- 23 in Stayed the same :(
Hips- 41.5 in 1 in lost
Belly-34 2 in. lost- this of course changes after I eat big ;)
Waist-27 in 3 in lost

So I really need to step this up, I just really hate exercising even now after doing it for 4 months. I find myself skipping days because I hate it so much. I just really don't like it and if I could not do it I wouldn't, but I have to get this weight off. I don't want to be as skinny as I was 15 years ago at 120 lbs, but would like to fit into the 5 pair of jeans I have in my cupboard I just can't get myself to throw away. I LOVE THOSE JEANS!
I would love to get down at least 6 more lbs. by summer. Man to be able to wear shorts again and feel good about it.

Party Planning

So I am thinking we might be going the Skull/ Pirate theme for Wyatt 's Birthday Party. I figure Derek and him are way into skulls so I could incorporate it with pirates.

I am going to try and use the Community Center again, have a treasure hunt, and if possible see if the kids can roast hot dogs in a fire pit (not sure what the rules are for the center)

All decorations I have found so far are from Oriental Trading Co. they have some really great prices. I love the banner below to string on the ceiling and the telescopes to give to the kids.

So yes I am doing this early, but like I said I like to organize and plan.

Projects

So I have been thinking about alot of projects lately, things I need/ want to do over the next few months.

Valentine's Day- In 2008 (yup that was along time ago) I made lots of stuff with my friend Terry. See post here, it is all the way end of the post. So I actually had 3 of those Starbucks bottles left over from that day, I found them while gutting my space. I decided I would take them this year and make teacher gifts out of them. I am not sure if I want to fill with candy or make up some bath salts????
I am not sure what Wyatt will bring for his class. I love giving holiday pencils, I just think it is something every kid uses, plus I end up getting them free with my couponing at Walgreen's. So maybe just let him pick out valentine cards form the store and then we will attach the pencils to it. Again ?????

My Birthday- Ok I know it is bad to plan your own party, but I love trying to get everyone together and I love planning things, so it works. I just thought a scrap party, yes again (man I have no pics from our Scrapbook Zone Bday get together in 08) would be fun, plus it's my fav thing to do. I would love to have a whole day of scrappin with the girls to celebrate. I will probably go out to dinner with friends or just family too, we did that last year.

Derek's Birthday- Probably the usual get together for wings or a fight night. We did the fight night last year and it was a little out of control, so not sure what he will want to do. Maybe he will just get together with his buddie's and do a poker night. The guys from church do that alot.

Wyatt's Birthday Party- So we have had some great parties over the years and I think my 4 month in advance planning is the reason ;) I just love planning it and organizing it. Now most years I have had full rain of it, but this year with Wyatt turning 5 I think he will want some say in it, darn it. In July he saw a pinata' and liked the idea so we might try that. But this year of course he has friends from school, soccer, and church that he is going to want to invite and I need to decide what I want to plan for it. My ideas for it our-

1-Have a Chuck e cheese party for 5-7 of Wyatt's friends from school and soccer and then maybe just a small BBQ at our house for all the other people we know and love.
2-Just have one big BBQ/ Party and try to get in games for the kids and talk time with everyone else. Maybe have it at the Community center like in 2008, that was alot of fun. The kids can run outside to blow off energy, Ammy Roach has lots of kid games, their is a fully stocked kitchen to make food in. So I would have a great space for it and could do lots of planning and setting up. eww clean up too!

3-Heck just invite everyone to Chuck e Cheese like last year and then I don't have to do any work except the invites. decisions?? decisions??

This was actually kind of fun to see all of his past birthday, see how much fun he had and how big he has gotten. Here is a few more 2007 and 2006.



So please leave me comments telling me any of your ideas on what I shoudl do, any pros or cons for my ideas. Or please just share any of your plans you have going, I love to hear them.

Great Giveway

Stop on by Mommy Snacks and enter her great giveaway for this $5 Dinner cookbook. I would love to have this cookbook and if you would to stop by here and enter to win.

What a great idea and I guess all recipes have been family approved. Who wouldn't want to make your grocery budget a little smaller and this cookbook will help that alot.

She is offering several chances to win this book all you have to do is head on over to here blog and enter, but don't wiat to long you only have till Thursaday at 8pm.

Menu Plan Monday

MEALS EDITED:

So i have been trying to be good a do a menu, I sat here last Sunday and asked my hubby what he wanted for dinner's and we made a menu out. So when I would tell him what was for dinner that night he would say he didn't like it or want it. AAHH! I don't pick specific days for meals, but I do need to be able to pull something out to thaw that morning. splurge on dinner.

So as much as I don't really wnat to make another menu out I am going to. This time I will add a few meals so there are more choices to choose from. And even though he says he doesn't wnat a certain type of meal I will have a few for backups for those nights he wants to.


-Rosemary Chicken and white beans

-KFC spicey wings, salad

-Curly's ribs, yam twice baked

-Fish, roasted veggies (squash, zuchinni, red bell pepper)

-Chicken, salad

-Corn Dog Casserole

-Cheesy beef and rice casserole, veggie

-Pork Chops, Salad, Quinoa side dish

-CBLT sandwich, baked lays chips

Sunday Scrappin

My TaDas- So for this Sunday I am sharing my Scrapbook room gut.
There are two posts here and here.

For next week I am going to follow along with their challenge and get some Valentine crafts done.

Thanks for stopping by and head on over to Sunday Scrappin (just click pic above) to share what craftiness you did this week.

Change is a good thing

I am hoping that changing my blog header to scrapbooking will help keep me motivated. I have done really good at gutting my stash and organizing it all. Heck I even went through a huge stack of layouts I had done and organized them by date. Seriously this is how long it has been since I have organized these layouts, I had ones in the stack from 2006 and 2007. Gees that was a long time ago. In doing so I noticed how many missing events there were. I really would love to get caught up over this next year or pretty close to.

I am getting super excited about my 3 1/2 day retreat that will happen at the end of the month and am hoping to get alot done at it.

____________________
*on a side note-

I have been doing really good with getting things done around the house and errands that need to be run run. To help me get this done I have found a great blog in my favorites (I think my sister Dani showed it to me at one time). Home Sanctuary and I will be spending alot of time together over these next few days, I am going to read several months back and see what it is all about, so far I like alot of her ideas and plans on creating your home into a sanctuary for your family.

Well it is late and time to go to bed, hope to talk to you all soon.

Thanks for stopping by.