Tomorrow's the big day

back to school. Laura is so ready. She has been chomping at the bit. Grade 1 - hard to believe! She is definitely excited and a little nervous. I hope all goes well for her - I think I'm a more nervous than she is.

August mixer

Here is my version of the August mixer challenge. I liked the line of photos and found this transparency was a perfect fit. I layered the papers like in the sketch and stuck to the blue and orange for colour inspiration.

Thought I'd share

some of the cards I've been making recently. I purchased some new copic markers and have finally sat down to play with them. Can I tell you, I'm in LOVE! So much fun colouring and blending, I feel like I'm headed back to school next week too. Here are some I've made:

and another

which I completed for sketch #6. I took some liberties with this sketch but stayed true to the horizontal line with a focal flower, single picture block and upper left accent. I took these pictures of Jenna napping one day. Not the greatest pics but I love how you can see 'bear' underneath her and the way she totally zones out once asleep.

Busy weekend

I was able to get some serious scrapping done this weekend and just LOVED it! I participated in an online crop at scrapmuse which was fabulous and really gave my creativity a jump start. That along with some awesome news from Mike that I will soon have cabniets in my scrapping area has me on a permanent high.

Here is a layout I created with sketch #5 from Capture these sketches. I love the look of Laura in this picture as well as the angle/ placement of it but have had it for over a year and just couldn't figure out what I wanted to do with it. I just got these great papers from my August kit and they seemed the perfect fit.

Thought I'd share some pics

of the girls. I took these when we were camping. Some pictures at the beach:

And some of the girls enjoying smores!

A trouble maker for sure!

I just can't believe what Jenna is capable of - we are definitely in trouble with her! Yesterday she decided to jump into the rain water filled pool - she was drenched right down to her underwear and had grass everywhere. I brought her into the house and straight into the shower to try and get the grass off.

Then, last night she was playing in her room (instead of sleeping) and when Mike went in to tell her to get to sleep she informed him "you woke me up". LIED, right to his face. "Daddy, I'm sleeping". And to boot, she does it in such a sweet and innocent manner you just want to laugh. Of course, grandma does - well, so does dad most of the time - which of course, makes things worse. I think she will be smarter than everyone else in the house by the time she's 5.

New layout

I completed an additional layout for the Capture these sketches challenges. This one is for challenge #4. I combined it with Tara's bright colour challenge - so far out of my comfort zone but I like how it turned out

What a great week!

Our camping trip is now over and its all about clean up. I am currently doing laundry and getting all the stuff back into the trailer so its ready for Charlie and Sharon. Such a fun trip - the girls had an absolute blast! although sleeping was another issue. The weather couldn't have cooperated more which was also superb. Beautiful sunny days and coming home to some more hot, sunny weather - summer is finally here!

We're off tomorrow

Mike just left to pick up the 5th wheel. Just some quick packing and we'll be ready to go. The girls are both so excited. I'm starting to think its not going to be a good sleeping night - their just so wound up. Of course, it doesn't help that its raining here today so we can't even get them outside to expend their energy.

Officially on vacation!

It feels so odd to be on vacation again this summer. We usually only take one week off but this year decided to take two - one in July and one in August. I think this will become a habit! Although it has not been the best summer to have two weeks of vacation its certainly nice to spend the time with the girls and not worry about the office, etc.

We are headed out camping Monday. We've decided to head back down to Jellystone park. The girls had so much fun there we think its definitely the best choice. Of course, we've decided to go to an alternative one so it will be a little different (always a good thing) and we'll be closer to some shopping for mom! I'm hoping for some back to school deals for Laura.

and this weekend, I am hoping to get some creative time for myself. It sure would be great. I've started a new project and its coming together well - although slowly. I'll share some of my layouts once its complete.

Fun sketch site

Here are the layouts I completed based on sketch #2 from ttp://www.letscapturethesesketches.blogspot.com/. Lots of inspiration - make sure you check it out.

Back to work

after the long weekend. Feels kindof weird knowing I'm only back for 3 days before my vacation week but I'm trying to get some stuff finished and submitted so I come back to an easier week.

Of course, the weekend was entertaining. It rained here (again) most of the weekend and was cold too. Certainly not the normal August long we are use to. I am hoping next week will be better for camping. We've decided to head back down to Jellystone Park. This time, we're going to try the Grayling location. We've heard some good things about it so definitely want to give it a go. The girls so loved seeing Yogi and Cindy bear in June, I'm sure they'll be just at thrilled this time.

Not much time for scrapping although I do have some plans to get some done before we go. I need to feel a little more productive with it. I am hoping to complete a mini album on summer pictures - this will probably be my focus this weekend - hopefully it turns out the way I see it in my mind.

Productive day

I spent the day with the girls, some shopping, mostly playing then some work on the computer. I have a very busy week and with one day short because of the holiday it will definitely be crammed. Oh well, its worth if for the vacation time, right?

I have also started a new challenge for the month of August. It really looks like its going to be a great one - the first challenge was posted this morning. If tomorrows productive, I think I'll take a little time to get some scrapping done.