Back in the Saddle .... scrappy style

Well I have been a scrapping machine this week. I finished 3 month review pages and got these done too.

This one is for the 1st week of the Project Playground Class at Big Picture. I just love Lisa D's style!! We had to use paper with edges this week ... not an easy one for me but I like how this one turned out.

This one is done using a Valerie Salmon sketch. I really like using her sketches! Anyway this layout is about the hockey pool I was in this past NHL playoff season. I was the winner!


The weekend we went to California for the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, we also took the kids to a baseball game and they got to run the bases after the game. Rachel was not as fast as Jack and Kenny and fell further and further behind. When Rachel finally finished Jackson said to her "Rachel I smoked 'ya" It was SO funny - I just love the relationship those two have!!!

Did this one for Jennifer's challenge over at 4 Scrappy Sisters. It also fit in with Alicia's Autumn leaves challenge over at Peek. Sadly Jennifer and Kaden do not get these donut dates anymore since Krispy Kreme closed. Rumour has it that they are putting a Ckick-Fil-A in its place. That would make Jennifer VERY happy!!!

And finally - I asked Jason to take a picture of my new outfit to show Jennifer. That picture SUCKED - but he was being a dork and took this totally close up picture of my face. These are the glasses I got while I was in Canada. Normally I would not have bought new glasses there BUT the first morning I was there I woke up to glasses that had been stepped on by several little people - and the glasses were ON A TABLE. Oh well - I love these new ones!!!

Have a great Labour Day weekend!!

xo Amy

Another First Day of School ....

This time in Texas. Rachel was very excited to get up and get ready for school today. Although she is sad that she will not have Mrs Lary again this year, she is looking forward to getting to know Mrs Fleming. (The picture is a bit blurry because my camera is having some focus issues - I need to get it checked out!)

Last night at dinner when she was saying Grace she thanked God for the food and her family and then "letting me go to first grade". So cute. I can't wait to see her at 3:15 today and ask her how her day went!!

Happy Birthday Buddy!

Our little baby is 3!!! My how time is flying away from us. I remember just spending the afternoon he was born staring at this incredible creature God gave us. It seems so special when a birthday falls on a Sunday. There's no better way than to spend your day in praise and worship of your creator and being loved on by fellow believers. His teacher made a birthday crown for him and all the little kids sang Happy Birthday to him. We went out for a quick little lunch and back home for a nap. When he wakes up we are having a yummy cake, opening a few presents, and heading out for an evening of Grizzlies baseball. It is one of his favorite things to do! I thank God every day for this little boy who brightens my life with his spicy personality and darling face.

Happy Birthday Kaden! We love you!

Mommy, Daddy, Kenny, Jackson, Reggie, Pablo the Fish and Roxie ;)

5 Layouts and a special day for a 5 year old

Mr. Jackson lost his first tooth this afternoon. He came home from Kindergarten and told me it was loose. He wouldn't eat his bagel for lunch b/c he said it hurt and I told him to just let it be and it would eventually come out. While I was laying Kaden down for his nap, Jackson popped that baby right out - LOL! He called Julie to bring over the camoflauge tooth fairy pillow she made for him and he can't wait to put that little gem out tonight. He was so proud and excited too. After all the excitement here this afternoon, I want to share a few layouts I made with the 4 Scrappy Sisters September Kit. Head over there and get one, it is perfect for boy, girls, activities, special moments and much, much more. Here are my creations -

Good things come to and end ....

... so that better things can get started! Rachel, Jason and I will return to Texas tomorrow with a re-newed vision for the family! This summer in Nova Scotia with my family has energized me in a way that I was not sure was possible anymore! Rachel is excited to go back to school, Jason is happy to be going back to pursue some career choices and I am ready to go back to life in Texas. I have a better sense of who I am and have a new outlook on where we live and what we are doing!

For now I can't believe that I have spent 7 weeks in beautiful Nova Scotia with my very supportive family - especially my sister. Here is a picture with Rachel and her cousins after finishing a treasure hunt!

A shout out to her and my mom - this weekend they walked in the "Weekend to End Breast Cancer". They walked 60 km (about 40 miles) over saturday and sunday. As Sarah put it ... they could not complain about their sore feet when one of their team members is currently undergoing chemo for breast cancer. Andrea was an inspiration to the team - and anyone that saw her pink bandana covering her bald head and her HERO t-shirt. The walk raised 1.25 million dollars for a much needed breast cancer facility here in Halifax. Way to go to all the women who walked - but I am glad to stick with my unending support for the JDRF walk to cure diabetes - and it is only 3 miles - heehee.

Second first day of school

Kenny wanted to know last night if he would be "posted on the blog" today for his first day of school and of course he is! I can't get over how much older he is beginning to look these days. WOW! I have a 4th grader! He was up and out of bed right away this morning asking for his blueberry pancakes we froze earlier in the week in preparation for today. I am sure he will have lots of kid logic to share with me about 4th grade when I pick him up this afternoon. For now, here is Kenny in front of the tree.

First day of Kindergarten

He had a REALLY hard time getting out of bed, but all was good and well by the time we got to school. I was just looking back at the first year he went to preschool and his picture by the palm tree and he has grown so much. I can't wait to scrap all those pics together on the same page (thank you Stacy Julian!!!) Anyway, I leave you with the first of my boys going back to school this week. Notice the backpack? That was Kenny's backpack from Kindergarten and Jackson found it earlier this summer and asked if he could use it this year too. How cute is that?

Welcome Roxie!!

Yes, yes, this is the newest member of our family (seriously, what are Ken and I thinking?) This pretty kitty has adopted us and we officially call her ours today. We heard her for the last 5 days or so and on Saturday she started following Jackson around. He brought her in the house and said, much to my horror at the time, "look, mommy and daddy, this is my new kitty!" WHAT??!! We left her out on Saturday night, but every time we left the house she would come out to see us. She must have been abandoned at some point, but for whatever reason she has chosen my little guys to be her new best friends. I can't believe what she has already put up with! Yes Amy, Kaden is in kitty heaven, LOL! I don't think it will be too long before a Build A Bear costume makes its way to her furry little body. Reggie is not so happy about the newest addition, but she is just going to have to get a grip and call a truce. I am sure God sent this little creature to our family to love and care for.
How can you say no to this?

God is Good

I am happy to report Jackson has a brand new insulin pump and is shot free once again. The last 48 hours have taught us so much. 1. That pump is freedom for our family. It means more than you can imagine to a little 5 year old. 2. God answers our prayers. (which we really already knew, but it is nice to be reminded in a BIG way sometimes) We prayed specifically for God's hand to be in Jackson's body and to stabilize his blood sugars while on the insulin shot therapy until his pump arrived. He had no major highs/lows in the last 2 days! God manifested His presence in our home and His spirit comforted all of us. Thank you Lord!!! 3. Crystal Lite Sno cones are as good as the real thing!

In other fun (if you can really call it that when dealing with this disease) news, we found out via 20/20 last night that the youngest Jonas brother also has type 1 Diabetes and wears an insulin pump. It is always good for Jackson to see his "rock stars" battling the same war as he is. He even gives guitar pics to his fans that have diabetes at their concerts. What a sweetie! You can bet I am going to try and get my hands on one for our baby!!!

I will have some layouts to share with you this week. I had some much needed scrappy therapy this afternoon and the mojo was flowin'!

xo, Jen