A New Blog Design & Some Newly Scrapped Pages

Don't get me wrong.  I liked the old look of my blog.  But it was "fallish" looking with all the deep browns & earthy tones.  It was time for a change.  I found this new design while helping out a friend who wanted to start her own blog.  So thanks Chris...you were my inspiration of change!

The heat has been almost too much.  Both Andrew and I have weak stomachs in heat, and are prone to heachaches.  We almost had an air conditioner mishap, but thankfully we got it all worked out.  My studio is in the basement...a nice & cool place to hang out in.  Andrew and I spent some "crafty time" together.  I've been busy:

This was a class kit from my good friend Debbie.  I am in awe of her talent!

My goal is to work on some Disney pages later this week.  I have loads of Disney pics to catch up on.  We are hoping to go to WDW in December & spend Christmas there now that Andrew knows "you know what about you know who" in the red suit. 

And, before I leave you this evening, I'll share a link to a local newspaper.  They interviewed me on Tuesday for a story on veterans and scrapbooking.  It was an interesting story...hope you enjoy!  Stay cool!

Yes...I am a Scrapbooker!

Some of you are patiently waiting for a new post.  (I know who you are!  *wink*)  You want to know what I am up do...what I've been doing...have I done anything "crafty?" 

Andrew "graduated" from 5th grade last week.  It was an emotional week for me...lots of tears and big smiles.  He was awarded the "Presidential Award for Academic Excellence" from President Obama.  What a big honor!  We are so proud of him.  His last day of school was Monday...I've been on vacation this week to spend time with him.  So far, his summer is off to a great start.  

Monday after the kids got out of school, I took Andrew & his best friend JT to see "Karate Kid."  I highly recommend this movie...it was great!  On Tuesday Andrew & JT went to Six Flags to celebrate JT's 11th birthday.  Wednesday we took our niece Mackenzie with us to Mystic Aquarium.  Thursday...a walk and another birthday party...this time a pool party for Andrew's friend Jacob.  Yesterday we played mini-golf in the afternoon after going out for lunch.  Then we waited for Curti to get home and off to the fair in Goshen.  Wow!  Today, we are feeling a bit weary...Andrew has a bad cold/allergies so we are going to go see "Toy Story 3."  Then off to church tonight for a dinner theater show.

I've also been busy in the "scrappin' studio."  Here is what I've created:

Using the new "Snugglebug" collection from Little Yellow Bicycle, I created these two layouts.

And here are some others:

This "Goofy" layout is a class kit from my friend Diane Roule.  Cute!

Well kids...that's all I've got for now.  I'm off to the movies to see Woody & Buzz. 

"To infinity...and beyond!"

It's A Basebal Kind Of Day...

...around here.  And that's true most days around here.  Andrew has two practice days and two game days every week, on top of all of his band commitments and school work.  I find myself scheduling my life around his schedule lately.  Needless to say, I've taken a LOT of photos.  Now it's time to get scrapping!

Here are some pics of Andrew's games:

Tomorrow we are off to Boston for his 5th grade field trip.  And you know what that means...more photos!

Phew!

Taking time out is such a challenge these days.  My only real day to sit back & relax was this past Sunday on Mother's Day.  After coming home from church, I put our roast in the oven, got into my jammies, cuddled up with a blanket & took the day off.  Now THAT was a nice treat!

Every Mother's Day our church selects two moms from our congregation to honor as "Mother of the Year."  When I asked my dearest friend Paula if she had decided who the lucky moms would be, she was still deciding.  I suggested Adrienne, a woman who hs become my rock & my "big sister" over the past year or so.  Paula agreed she was the perfect choice.  Our only problem was how to guarantee that she would come to the service.  Well, as things went along, Paula ended up telling Adrienne that I was picked as mom-of-the-year & that she needed to be at church to make sure I would be ok.  So, she came, but boy was she ever surprised!

(Adrienne is the woman on the right with her back turned getting her flower pinned on by Pastor Mike.  She is joined by family Paul, Hannah, Molly & Abby.  Paula is standing in the back next to Pastor Mike smiling.)

So, as for the rest of our time, we have been trying to keep up with Andrew's busy schedule.  Band practice and clarinet lessons, baseball and field trips, homework & school...life is a blur.  Not to mention how busy I have been at work these past 3+ weeks.  Doesn't leave me with much time for crafting...I tell you that!

Since the boys know how much I love country decor, they spent the afternoon in the garage making me FANTASTIC Mother's Day gifts.  Andrew hand-sketched a heart, cut it out of wood with his dad, painted it, and created a coupon book for me:

And they made me this ladder complete with hand-sketched stars:

So, all in all, it's been a hectic but wonderful few weeks.  My goal for the rest of the month is to get back into the swing of craftyland.  Wanna come play with me??