Happy New Year!

So, are you making any New Year's Resolutions this year? I usually make the same one every year - eat better, exercise more and lose weight. I think I have a head start on the 3rd one tho - this is the first Christmas where I started out 20 lbs. lighter than I did a month ago. Hopefully I can keep it up.

Christmas was nice - it was good to be home with family again. I missed my beautiful nieces - I love spending time with them. The weather driving down and coming back could have been better. The highways were clear(thankfully) but the visibility was crummy. And then poor Kiana came down with a stomach bug halfway thru Saskatchewan. There can't be anything worse than being sick on the road. Oh well, we are home again.

Seeing as today is Monday, I am posting my 7 things today again:


1. I am so grateful for good health - we have colds and stomach bugs at our house and you really appreciate feeling good when you don't!

2. Wealth - we got alot of wonderful gifts from family and I am so grateful for everything we have. I so often take what I have for granted and only want more. I forget to thank God for what I already have

3. Family - I got to meet some of Chris' family for the first time this holiday season. Chris hadn't seen his cousin in 26 years and I had never met her. It is great to meet and get to know his family - and they are so wonderful.

4. Chris - my wonderful husband is so patient with me - some days I drive him to the brink but he still waits my tantrums out and listens to me rant and rave.

5. Snow - I really don't like the winter or the snow, but the past few days has been so beautiful. While we were driving through Manitoba and Saskatchewan it was really foggy. The fog had put a layer of hoar frost on everything and it was just magnificent. It was the most beautiful drive I have ever experienced.

6. A new year - its a time for new beginnings and fixing old mistakes. Its like I've got a clean slate and I get to try to make it better this year - to be a better person this year. One of these days I'll get it right. Until then I keep trying and am continually thankful for the forgiveness of the Father.

7. Friends - I always post this one, I know, but this is consistantly true. I have been blessed with so many wonderful people who love me and bless me in so many ways. I cannot imagine a day of my life without all of them in it. I am a truly rich woman!!!


Well, I hope you all have a wonderful New Year's Eve. Don't party too hard - have a drink for me! Cheers all - I love ya and look forward to seeing you in 2008!!!

Wishing all my dearest friends near and far a blessed Christmas and lots of new and exciting adventures in the New Year. I love you and will miss chatting with you for the next few weeks. I look forward to chatting with and seeing you all again in 2008. I love you all very much.

Its Monday again

and I am manic. Only 4 days left until we leave for home and I have a MILLION things that need to get done. Today is laundry and packing day. It would be a ton easier to get things done if the kids weren't both home sick with colds today. Good thing its a quiet week at school and they won't be missing much. We had a nice weekend tho. We spent some time with a friend of Chris' and his wife. Darren and Chris have been friends since they were 16 - they even lived together for awhile. So having them in Edmonton is pretty cool - feels like home.

I am kinda nervous and excited today - I have a job interview with Edmonton Public Schools as a Teacher's Aide. I REALLY hope I get this - its pretty exciting. I figure with my experience with Autism, ADHD, ADD, GAD and SID I might actually have a shot. It's this afternoon - keep your fingers crossed for me please!!!

Here are my seven for the day. You might see a theme here today - I am like a little kid when it comes to Christmas. It's my favourite time of year so alot of my thanks today is Christmas related!

1. My girlies - I am so thankful for all the girls that I get to crop with every month. Went to Urban on Friday night and had a wonderful time exchanging Christmas gifts, eating and laughing.

2. Coffee - waking up in the morning to the smell is enough to get me out of bed in a REALLY HAPPY MOOD!!!!

3. Traditions - the comfort of Christmas traditions and the good memories and feelings that come with them.

4. Wrapping gifts - the excitement of knowing that you got someone EXACTLY what they wanted and how excited they will be when they open that special gift.

5. Chocolate - there is nothing better than comfort food - especially at Christmas. That's when the best chocolates come out.

6. Christmas carols - filling my house with the sounds of Christmas makes me feel all comfy and cozy inside

7. Going home - there is nothing better than spending Christmas with family. No matter what happens during the year, its the greatest place to be!


Hope you all have a wonderful week!!!

Another week is coming to an end

and I am very happy about it. It has been a crazy week of finishing Christmas gifts and getting the kids hither and yon for all their activities. The kids had their Christmas concert at school last night and they had so much fun. Kiana and Malachi both love being on stage and being the centre of attention. They did really well and it was a wonderful evening.

I am very excited as well. I have a job interview with Edmonton Public Schools as a Teacher's Aide. I figured that since I have experience with Autism, ADHD, ADD and a variety of other disorders and disabilities I might as well try and put my knowledge to good use. I applied yesterday and got an interview for Monday afternoon. Please keep your fingers crossed that this works out for me.

And finally, I am hanging out with my girlies tonite - Urban Crop!!! Haven't seen them in almost a month and I'm going thru withdrawl. It'll be the last crop before the holidays. I can't wait to hang out, exchange gifts and just get some good scrapping in!!!

Have a wonderful weekend all!!!

Good Monday Morning

The start of another week is here. Only 15 days until Christmas - are you ready yet?! We certainly are. We are heading back home to Winnipeg for Christmas this year again. Because we are, we did Christmas early at our house cuz we didn't want to fill the car with all our gifts for the kids and then bring them back again. Just doesn't make any sense, so we did Christmas with the kids this past weekend. The kids figured they are lucky because they get 2 Christmases this year. They loved all their presents and got spoiled terribly. I, of course, got spoiled from dh as well. Got a diamond heart pendant necklace and my new tattoo. Its an autism symbol that I had done on my ankle. And yes, it is EXTREMELY painful to get a tattoo on your ankle. But I love it and it was TOTALLY worth it.

And seeing that it's Monday - here are my Monday 7:

1. Coffee - I love the smell of coffee in the morning. There is nothing better than a good cup of coffee first thing in the morning.

2. Bath bombs - I got some yummy bath bombs from Lush Cosmetics . What a wonderful luxury.

3. My relationship with the kids - I am so lucky that I have such a wonderful and trusting relationship with my kids. I realized yesterday that they are comfortable talking to me about all sorts of stuff. It isn't a big deal now, but as they are entering the teenage years I am setting the stage for it continuing as they get older.

4. Nieces - I have the sweetest nieces ever. They called from Winnipeg to tell me that they were excited that I was coming for Christmas and staying with them. I love them and miss them terribly!

5. The Weather - I LOVE that its only -5 outside today. It is sooooo warm. This part of winter I LOVE!!!

6. Christmas - I love the feeling in the air that comes about 2 weeks before Christmas. I love the smell, the sounds, the spirit. I love it all.

7. Work - I am looking for a job for the first time in 10 years and I am thankful that I had the ability to be a SAHM for as long as I was and that hopefully I can get a great TA job with EPS!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Missing Ma!

See these beautiful wall hangings? My dear friend Ma gave them to me for the past 3 years as Christmas gifts. She was such a gifted quilter and she blessed me dearly with her craft. I put them up in my house this week as I'm getting ready for Christmas. I think that's why I miss her so much - I feel her love in every stitch. She spent looong hours making these beautiful gifts for me because she knew that I would love and appreciate them. I really wish that I could have just 5 more minutes with her just to tell her how much I love and miss her.

Christmas has come

to our house. We decorated the tree on Friday and the kids had lots of fun. I love these two pictures of my kids. I have the greatest kids ever. We had the IKEA Christmas party this weekend too. It was alot of fun - didn't win any prizes but free food and wine is always fun. It was snowing when we left the party last night and it hasn't stopped yet. We will definitely be having a white Christmas this year. And Kiana had her 10th birthday yesterday too. WOW - I have a tween - man, that makes me feel old. I can't believe it!!!

Well, since it's Monday, here are my 7:

1. My amazing tween. I can't believe I gave birth to my little girl 10 years ago. Wow, is she growing up. She has an amazing heart for everyone around her. She is loving and giving. And she has a prayerful spirit. If anyone or anything comes to her mind she prays for them or prays about it. She has taught me so much in her 10 little years. Blessings my little girl! Thank you for being my heart.

2. Malachi is happiest for the little things. He thinks that I am his new hero. I found him the Bumblebee Transformer and he told me I was the best mom in the world. What a $15 toy can do.

3. My husband is amazing. He has a work ethic and a selflessness that warms my heart. So that his employees could have a good time, he worked during his Christmas party so the disturbances going on wouldn't affect everyone else at the party. Everybody had a great time and they barely even noticed that he was gone and dealing with a potentially dangerous situation.

4. Christmas is coming and I am so blessed by the season. I put out my Nativity scene and now I really feel Christmas. I feel thankful that my kids love and focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

5. My amazing friends. I know this is an oft commented thing, but every day I am blessed by the messages, phonecalls and thoughts that they send my way. God has truly blessed me with a plethora of love and support. Just a phone call to say "Hi" or "Oh no, what happened to your windshield?" always brings a smile to my face. Love ya my girls!!!

6. Finding a new church. I always hate trying to find a new church, but for the first time the kids are EXCITED to go to church. They love it and that's reason enough for me. They are meeting the needs of my kids and that's the most important thing.

7. Love of family - my parents and nieces and nephews called Kiana on the webcam yesterday and sang her "Happy Birthday" It makes it feel like they can be here for her party even if they aren't physically here. I LOVE technology - it makes you feel not so far away. I also love that my dad is (in his own little unchanging way) changing just a little and adopting some of this technology!

Hope you have a wonderful day! Love to you all!

It's Monday again

and MAN is it coooooold. Its -25 with the windchill. It's amazing how the temperature can get sooooo cold so quickly. And we have snow - so I guess the winter is officially here. On a sad note, my Blue Bombers lost the Grey Cup yesterday. Our guys were great - they gave the Riders a run for their money, but it just wasn't to be. Maybe next year guys! And Milt - here's to praying that you'll put in one last year with the Blue and Gold. We're not ready to lose Turtleman yet!!! Please come back!

Today is Monday, so here are my 7:

1. I am so grateful for Kiana's enthusiasm. She had her singing competition last weekend. It didn't phase her that she was the only one in her voice class, she was thrilled with the fact that her certificate had 1st place on it. She scored an 83 on both her pieces and did quite well. Her confidence is soaring. She is ready for her next competition - I think we have created a monster.

2. I am so pleased with Malachi's determination. In June of last year he was at a grade one reading level, even though he was in grade two. We tried to encourage him to read more and in 5 months he has improved up to a grade three reading level. I am so proud of him and his perseverance.

3. I am so grateful for a God that loves me no matter how I screw up. Without grace and mercy I don't know where I would be.

4. Sherri is an amazing woman. In the last month she has been sweet and loving and supportive and bringing me out of my shell again. I love you for the person that you are!

5. Kelly is an amazing and encouraging friend. She is funny and makes me laugh. She is an inspiration to me and I love that I can tell her anything on the phone and she just listens. I love you too girl!!!

6. I so admire my husband's work ethic. I'm not sure that I could get called into work between 1:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and still have such a positive attitude about it. He is a far better person than I

7. I appreciate the teachers and teachers' aides that work with my kids. It's Parent Teacher this week and I so appreciate all the understanding and support they give to my kids. So much of how my kids are is because of the teachers they work with. They have so much love and compassion for the kids - it just fills my heart.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

It's Monday again

and I am a happy camper. My Winnipeg Blue Bombers have made it - they are going to the Cup!!!! We are ONE WIN AWAY!!!!!!



Alright, now back to my sane side. Since today is Monday, here is my list of 7 things I'm thankful for:

1. Chris is still healthy and bloodclot free after 2 years. We had a scare last week that he might have another bloodclot, but his health is good. He has to make a few minor changes in his life to be healthier, but that is much easier than worrying about bloodclots and the like.

2. Kiana has her voice competition on Saturday. God has blessed her with a gift and a natural ability and I hope she does well on Saturday. Please keep her in your thoughts this week.

3. Mom is getting better every day. She is still really sore and really bruised but she is getting better every day. She can't go out in public yet because she scares small children with her bruises, but she says that she is feeling much better.

4. My favourite season will soon be upon us and I can't wait. Christmas is such a wonderful time of celebration. Its a great time for me to contemplate the past year and the blessings God has bestowed upon me. It also gives me time to ponder what the next year will hold. I am grateful that God has given me another wonderful year with my family.

5. How is it that your friends always know when you need them? Thanx to Joey for being an amazing man and friend to both Chris and I. We love ya man.

6. Malachi is my soft hearted little boy. He and his best friend Polar(a stuffed puppy)sat in my lap and cried because he didn't want to grow up, get married and move away from me. I asked him what he wanted to do. He said "I want to grow up, live with you and Polar and just be myself. " What a kid!

7. my coffee - I cannot live without it. There is nothing better than waking up in the morning and smelling my coffee brewing.

What a weekend!

My friends Heather and Rhonda have done there 7 things on Sundays, but since I started mine on a Monday, think I will continue with my thankful list today.

1. I am grateful to all the military men and women who have served and are serving at home and abroad for their incredible sacrifice to me and millions of other people all over the world. Without your bravery and strength, we wouldn't have the life we have today. I watched a video called "Somebody's husband, Somebody's son" yesterday. I wasn't aware that my cousin Paul was included in this video. He was killed in Afghanistan 20 months ago. Remembrance Day has become a much more difficult day for our family since his death. Check out the video here.

2. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers won the semi-finals in the CFL East yesterday. We are one step closer to the Grey Cup. GO BLUE!!!!!!

3. I have an unbelieveable circle of friends that truly blessed me this week. Marguerite, Kelly and Sherri I want to thank you for your love and support. Thanks for having my back and letting me know that you love me.

4. My faith in the Father. I have really felt God has been with me this week and that he's taken care of me and only wants His best for me.

5. My mom had a fall down 25 concrete stairs last week and only has bruises. No concussion, no broken bones. I am so grateful that she is going to be okay and is healing well.

6. My children have such empathetic hearts. I am touched by the love and care that they show to the world around them. They weep for those who are less fortunate and want to help everyone they can.

7. It doesn't matter how I look at myself, Chris loves me passionately every day. I may not like what I see in the mirror, but my unbelieveable husband makes me feel like a queen. He sees me in the best light always.

Daisy D's Design Team

I am very excited - got an email from Jodi Stacey at Daisy D's. I am a finalist for their DT!!!! Can you hear the excitement in my voice?! So, I'm off to choose 2 of my favourite layouts and a favourite altered item. Keep your fingers crossed for me please?!?!?!

My amazing little girl!

Well, Kiana taught me something again this week. Every day when we drive Chris to work, we pass a small bush behind Superstore. In this bush is a tent where some homeless people live. Kiana pointed to it the other day and asked what it was. I explained that there were people in Edmonton who didn't have money for a house or clothes or even food and that they lived in tents to try and stay warm. Well, her little heart was broken and she cried. When she got home she wrote a letter to God in her diary and prayed for the poor people. Later on she came to me and said that it was sad and unfair that people didn't have a home and beds and fun things like we did. I explained to her that we were lucky because we had money for all the things we needed plus the extra snacks and toys that we didn't need. So she decided that it was our job to help. She asked if we could spend some of the money that we would use on toys and games for food for these people who lived in the tent. SO, today we are going grocery shopping and buying food for the people who live in this tent and then Chris is going to bring it to them. I can't believe the heart beating inside that little girl. She is teaching me to look past my "ideas" about these people to see that we need to help out once in awhile.

Another week!

So, my friend Rhonda inspired me today. I love reading her blog and her lists of the stuff she's thankful for and the stuff she loves. So, today I decided to focus on that myself.

1. I am thankful for Malachi's compassion. He has the softest heart imaginable. While watching "Meet The Robinsons" he started to cry. He was touched by the happy ending and he was crying because the little boy finally got his own family.

2. I love that Kiana wakes up in the morning with a smile and an excitement to face the new day. It doesn't matter what she is facing in her day, she always does it with a grin and chattering 100 miles a minute.

3. I love that people love my kids. People who watch and really see them can see their amazing gifts and love for us and each other

4. I am thankful for the things that Chris and the kids show me everyday. Their amazing capability to love me - especially when i am unloveable is such a gift to me.

5. I love my friends - both online and at home. I have such a circle of amazing supportive people that encourage me, inspire me and love me. Juanita, Sue, Mylene, Sherri, Rhonda, Carmen, Jayme, Anne, Lisa, Lisa, Joey and Julie and Paul - you have all been strong and supportive. I am truly blessed.

6. I am thankful that I am learning new things every day. I was reading my friend Mylene's blog and she inspired me today. "I count myself lucky to have hurt so deeply at so many losses - I feel them all, I miss them all, I love them all still."

Busy week!

What a busy week this is turning out to be. Chris has been gone since last Wednesday. I spent the weekend getting our place ready for spraying yesterday - bugs again!!! Why do people have to be such pigs. So I spent Saturday and Sunday moving furniture, emptying cupboards and getting everything away from the baseboards in the whole place. Today I am busy putting everything back. UGH - what a job. Thankfully Chris will be home tomorrow night.


I am also working with Kiana to memorize her music for the competition. She is such a little smartie - she's got both songs memorized. Now its all about expression. She is determined that she wants to win this thing!


I was pretty excited too as I got to be the October Guest DT for my dear friend Kelly at Memories in Motion. The kit included the Jack and Abby line from Love, Elsie. It was so much fun - I loved the papers. And this is what I came up with:

It was cool to work with this. Not something that I would be drawn to or something that I would have picked up on my own. Kelly was so sweet to choose me - I love her to bits.

I am working really hard on Christmas stuff this week. I have 2 - 12x12 calendars on the go and some ornaments as well. We are fortunate that we get to go home for Christmas this year, so I have to get busy and get stuff done. I can't believe that there are only 63 days until Christmas!

Love ya - have a great week everyone!!!

A new week!

So, Thanksgiving is over and done and a new week has begun. It was a wonderful weekend. Saturday I spent the day at Scrapalicious at "The Park" church scrapping. Got to hang out with some great friends, scrap a little, eat a little more and laugh a whole lot. It was great to see Renee, Sherri, Marguerite, Dawn and Kelly. And of course I got barely any scrappin' done. But I bought some cool new stuff from Kelly and had a ton of fun just hanging out.

We are also looking for a new church so we tried one on Sunday. And then it was Turkey Dinner. I ate WAAAAAAAYYYYYY too much and probably put on a ton of weight. But it was worth it - especially the pumpkin cheesecake. I LOOOOOOOOVE thanksgiving - especially the leftovers the day after.

Now its back to the daily grind of laundry, dishes etc. And my dear Chris is on holidays this week, so its not as quiet at home as it normally would be. We are hoping to get the kids costumes this week. Kiana has decided that she needs to be Princess Aurora/Sleeping Beauty and Malachi's life will not be complete if he doesn't get an Optimus Prime costume. So, that's what we need to find this week. And I am working on Christmas stuff too: cards, ornaments, 2008 calendars, etc.

Kiana got some exciting news last week too. She has been taking voice lessons at Alberta College for about a month now. Well, her voice instructor informed us that she is ready for competition. So, the week of November 20-24 she will be competing in the 12 and under category. She was given the option of whether she wanted to compete in one category or in two categories. So she will be competing in two categories: Classical Piece(a Royal Conservatory piece) and Pop and Television Piece(Disney's "Bambi" movie piece). She is so excited and I, of course, am being a proud mama!

Busy Busy Busy!

Life has been nuts the past few weeks. Getting into the swing of things with school and activities has been crazy. Kiana started voice lessons at the Alberta Conservatory of Music through Grant McEwan College last week. She has a natural ability and she LOVES to sing so I think we may have found her niche. But her ego has ALREADY become almost impossible to deal with - LOL!! She is convinced she will be the next Canadian Idol or something. She thinks she is DEFINITELY all that.

Fall has come and its only a little better than a week until Thanksgiving is here. So I have been thinking about all the wonderful things in my life.

I am thankful for a God who loves me no matter what stupid things I do.

I am thankful for a devoted and amazing husband.

I am thankful for autism - brought to me in the shape of my two beautiful angels

I am thankful for my friends - both at home and online - who have supported me, hugged me, cared for me and carried me especially in the last month.

I am thankful for the ability to be creative.


So, tell me, what are you thankful for?!

The weekend!

TGIF - I am so happy the week is over - its been a long one. This weekend is going to be kinda quiet I think. My girlfriend is taking me out for lunch tomorrow and my kids and husband have something planned for me, but I'm not sure what. I would rather forget that I am turning 37 - that much closer to 40.

I got a pretty exciting offer today. Since getting my new SLR I have been taking ALOT of practise photos as well as putting together slide shows for different people, organizations and for our church. I guess somebody saw the work I have been doing and has asked me to do a slide show for a conference. Its a Christian organization that is doing something called an "Urban Plunge" and they want a slide presentation done for their conference presentation. Its not a paying job, but at least I get to show my work and who knows where it could go from here. I know its not much, but I am pretty excited about it!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

I Love you!

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and pray to me and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart." - Jeremiah 29:11-13

You have been my strength, my support, my champion, my lover, my friend and my soulmate. You make me laugh so hard my gut aches, you hold me when I cry and need to fall apart, you encourage me when I can't take another step, you lift me up when I am down, and you love me no matter how ugly I can get. Thank you for an amazing 11 years. I love you!

I'm back again!

So, I am home from Winnipeg again and I just wanted to post a photo of the woman whose life I went to celebrate. I thank God for the opportunity to have this amazing woman in my life.

NOW to get busy and get ready for the fall. I cannot WAIT until Tuesday of next week - whooo hoooo - school is coming and the Scott household is busy getting ready. I can't believe that my little ones aren't so little anymore - Kiana is in grade 4 and Malachi is in grade 3. Unbelieveable!!! And we are busy enrolling the kids in their new programs - Kiana is starting voice lessons at the Alberta Academy of Music in a couple of weeks. I don't know who's more excited, her or me.

And you need to go check out the new Memories in Motion website. Its a cool new site with a great forum and cool stuff. Check it out, will ya?!?!?

And finally, I have not forgotten the RAK. My ds Malachi randomly chose a name out of a hat and the winner is: CARMEN!!!!! Whooo hooo girl - email me your snailmail and I will get that out to you ASAP!!! Have a good day all!

Goodbye Ma

Yesterday my dear friend Marie Horsman died of cancer. She was my friend, mentor, confidante and ma. She let me cry on her shoulder when I needed it, she yelled at me and kicked me in the butt when I needed it, and she took my advice seriously when she needed it. She held my hand when I was dealing with and accepting my kids disabilities and she allowed me to hold her hand and give her a shoulder to cry on when she became estranged from her son. She was a strong, feisty woman with an attitude yet she was very soft-hearted. She was generous and kind and loving. She loved God more than anything and that was apparent in every part of her life. She was a gifted quilter and my family has been the recipients of her wonderful handwork. I am the woman that I am today in large part because of her. My life will never be the same now that she is gone. There is a large hole in my heart now that she is gone - she was an amazing woman who will be dearly missed. I love you ma!

I AM BAAAACK!!!!!

So, I am back from Winnipeg and settling into life in Edmonton once again. We had such a wonderful time in Winnipeg - despite the heat. It was 49 degrees (with the humidity) which made it difficult to breathe. But that didn't stop us. The kids had such a fabulous time and we got to do alot of fun things. We took the kids to Fun Mountain Waterslides by 9 a.m. so that by 1:00 in the afternoon when it got too hot we could go home. We also took the kids to Birds Hill Beach. In the heat we found that the best place to be was in the water. The kids didn't come out of the water all morning. They loved it - but my poor husband got 2nd degree burns on his shoulders and back(even with sunscreen).

We also took the kids to the car races. Malachi LOVED it - the Alcohol cars scared him a little but he loooooved the races. But I think the best part of the trip was my dad's surprise 65th birthday party. I can't believe we pulled off the surprise, but 3 months of planning and almost 200 people later we did it. And he loved it. I was lucky enough to be the person who gave a speech about and for my dad. What a wonderful day that was.

And now its back to regular life. My parents will be here this weekend to drop the kids off and then its time to get ready for school again.

So, post a message to me telling me the best part of your summer. Then I'll get my kids to pick a name for a RAK!

Have a wonderful week!

I am SUCH a bad blogger!!!

I can't believe that its been almost 10 days since I was here last. Last week was such a crazy week. The kids had 3 sleepovers last week. 2 were with some friends from Ontario and one was with a friend of Kiana's from her old school. Having five autistic kids for a sleepover is NUTS!!!! Not necessarily something that I will do again. But from the pictures you can see that they had a great time.

I am really excited to be taking a class to learn how to use my new SLR camera. Scrapability is a website started by some friends of mine, and my dear Patti Miller (who is a PHENOMENAL photographer btw) is teaching a class online. I have started playing a little bit and I look forward to getting of the automatic setting and use my camera to its full capabilities.

Only one more week until we are off to Winnipeg. I have been asked to give a speech at my dad's 65th birthday celebration. I am excited to just to head to the beach and relax.

And finally next week the winners for the ScrapFan ScrapJam will be announced. I am certain that I'm not winning this one, but it was fun and challenging. And I got some great free product which is always a positive thing.

Love, ya!!!!

Among Thieves

I am very proud to present to you the premiere of my dear friend Paul Boge's first feature length movie "Among Thieves" He has been working on this movie for a long time and I cannot wait to see it. Check out the trailer. I am excited for you Paul and I hope it is a great success.

It's been awhile

but here I am again. Life has been nuts the last few weeks. Finishing up the last weeks of school and getting some projects finished for Scrapbooking Fanatics ScrapJam. We are also participating in another autism study through the University of Alberta. Busy, busy, busy!

Finished another great project for Scrapbooking Fanatics. This contest challenge was sponsored by Upsy Daisy Designs and we were asked to do something in which we describe laughter. Well, here is my contest entry:

I really enjoyed this particular project. It was alot of fun to do. Upsy Daisy was very generous with the product they sent us. I REALLY love them.

And we are getting ready to head back home for holidays again. It's always fun to go, but leaving the kids behind for two weeks is the real holiday for Chris and I. That's the only real time we get to spend together. The rest of our lives are devoted to our kids and making sure they have everything they need. What a wonderful break that will be.

So, what are your Canada Day plans? We will be watching the fireworks from our balcony. They are close enough to enjoy, yet far enough away that the noise doesn't affect Kiana adversely. IKEA is having a sale this weekend so of course Chris is working. Take care this weekend guys! Be safe and enjoy the long weekend.

HAPPY 140th BIRTHDAY CANADA!!!!

Upsy Daisy Designs

These are my entries for the Upsy Daisy Designs Contest that I didn't win. I LOVE these papers - they are toooooo cool. Love the fact that its a Canadian company too. The lo on the left is one I did for my dad for Fathers Day. These papers are just toooo yummy and I love the rubons too. Very cool!!!

Working on my next challenge for the SF contest too - have to do a lo that describes the feeling of laughter. Wow - how's that for a challenge. Should be interesting - and thanx to Upsy Daisy Designs for providing the papers and rubons for this challenge. Sooooo yummy!

And there are only 6 full days of school left until summer holidays. The kids are excited to be able to sleep in. I am having a heck of a time getting them out of bed every morning. I think they are just getting really excited about Winnipeg. They have a whole list of things they want to do when they get there. They love to hit Fun Mountain, Grand Beach(one of the most beautiful beaches in Canada), Tinkertown, the Zoo and Lake of the Woods. And Chris and I get to leave the kids behind for a couple of extra weeks, so we get a nice break after our holiday too.

Working out is going well too. Yesterday I managed to squeeze back into a pair of size 12 capris. Another week or two and they will actually be fitting comfortably again. It's nice to know that I might actually make it to the beach this summer without looking like a hippo!!! YAH ME!!!!

Anyway, Happy Hump Day! LOVE YA!!!

Interesting day!

So, I went on a field trip with Malachi's class today. We went to "Grandma's Place" - its a "chore" based museum. It takes the kids back to the 1930s and lets them experience life back then. Malachi loved it - they got to clean wheat and grind it into flour, they used an old washing machine, hung laundry and ironed it, made toast on an old stove and bought candy in the old store. They had alot of fun. Most of the kids thot the chores were fun, but one kid said "I don't DO chores - only girls do chores in our house."

And , as some of you know, I became an auntie on Tuesday. My sister Nanette had another baby girl. Her name is Ella Charity. I love the name Ella and can't wait to meet her this summer. The kids are pretty excited too - Ella is Kiana's favourite name - from the movie "Ella Enchanted".

Busy weekend here. Trying to get my challenge layout finished for the "Scrapfan Summer Jam" contest. This week you have to do a layout on your fear - be it a fear in your life or a technique that you have always been afraid to try. I am focussing on a technique I have been afraid to try. We'll see how it goes.

Hope you all have a glorious weekend and that you have beautiful weather to enjoy it!

Feeling good!

So, after 2 weeks of working out I am feeling really good! Usually by the two week mark of my workout I give up and quit, but here I am still going. I missed yesterday for the first time in two weeks and I REALLY missed it! All day long I had this nagging feeling that something wasn't right, that I forgot something. I realized that I just missed working out. What a great feeling.

So, my first challenge for the Scrapbooking Fanatics ScrapJam is finished and posted. Not sure its my absolute best work, but I'm happy with it. I LOVE the Rouge de Garance papers and was TERRIFIED to cut them because I bought the Limited Edition line and I was afraid that I would be unhappy with what I did or that I would regret cutting the paper, but I love it. You can check it out here.

And next week I am going to be an auntie again! My sister's baby is breech so they have scheduled a c-section for Tuesday morning. It'll be great when I go home this summer - totally surrounded by babies!!!

Today is another beautiful day - I am excited about the warm weather and the summer! I am so grateful for today because I am alive to enjoy it. What are you excited about today?! I'd love to hear about it!!!

Another glorious day!!!

It is another beautiful day in Edmonton - 28 degrees. I am loving the heat. I have been really busy in the last week or so too. I am waiting to hear back from a couple of design teams hoping that I can get a DT position again. Entered a couple of contests as well. The one I am really excited about is the " Scrapfan Summer ScrapJam" and the prize is a lo published in Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine. I was one of the 12 that were chosen to continue on. I am really excited about it. It'll run for the next 6 weeks and the winner will be in the Winter '07 magazine. I have also been selling off the remaining Snowflakes kits that I have in my house. They are pretty cool actually. One kit is a Corina accordian album with Luxe papers and the other is a Maya Road album with WRMK papers. They are actually selling like crazy.

I have also begun working out hard core. I have gotten quite large in the last 6 months or so and it is affecting my health. My doc told me that if I didn't lose the weight now, I would end up in a wheelchair. Hmm, let's see, Phlebitis and a wheelchair or working out 3-4x a week. The choice was obvious.

I want to leave you with these photos that I took at the park with my kids the other day. They are beautiful, but then everybody is when it comes to their kids I guess!

Bad Blogger

I have been a terrible blogger - haven't posted in awhile, but I am finally getting back here. We have had a beautiful weekend and since Chris had it off, we spent some time with the kids. Friday night we took the kids to see "Shrek the Third" They absolutely loved it - I was a little disappointed - not as good as the other ones. Saturday we took the kids to the park with my gf and her dd. They had alot of fun and I got to play with my camera a little bit. Today is a quiet day - church and hopefully finishing some los for the Upsy Daisy Designs contest. How was your weekend? Hope you have a wonderful day.

I love this photo of my kids - I can't believe how big they have gotten. And they still enjoy spending time with us - Kiana's almost 10 so I know that won't happen much longer. So I am appreciating every minute I have with them. I have been very blessed to have some really amazing kids - they surprise me and make me proud every day. These photos aren't from yesterday, but I wanted to finally post them.


Honesty is telling the truth to ourselves and others. Integrity is living that truth.

I'm an auntie again!!!

My ds Tanya and her husband finally had their 5th child yesterday! She was only a week overdue, but our family has been waiting anxiously for her to come. Her name is Adalia Stephanie. I am waiting for photos - can't wait to see her. I love babies - as long as I am not the one having them, and now I have another baby to spoil. I can't wait to get back to Winnipeg and see the little angel.

Malachi was disappointed. There are 7 girls and 2 boys in the clan of grandchildren so he was hoping for a little girl. My sister Nanette is due in 5 weeks so he's keeping his fingers crossed for a little boy. In the meanwhile, we are all very excited to have another little one to love in the family.

Happy Mother's Day!

I love this day - I love celebrating with my wonderful husband and beautiful children. I have been so blessed to be given these two amazing children. I have never enjoyed a day as much as it realizes that what I do is the most wonderful job in the world. Chris is making dinner, the kids each made me gifts at school and we spent the day together as a family.

I also called my mom today. This year, I looked at her really differently. If any of you had the opportunity to watch Oprah on Friday, Demi Moore was on and she discussed her dysfunctional relationship with her mother. She said something that was particularly interesting to me. When her mother was dying she said that she was hoping to get an apology for the childhood she had and the way her mother treated her. But when her mother died, instead of getting an apology, her mother took with her what was hers. Whatever wrongdoings her mother did to her she took with her and Demi no longer had anywhere she could push her anger, frustration or negativity. That was Demi's to hang on to. She said "Forgive, before its too late, because once they are gone, they are gone. There is nowhere to push your negative feelings." The other thing she said was that this mother's day she's going to ask her mother to forgive her for her "righteousness" as a daughter. What a great message for me - and my mom is still here so I have time to get it right with her.

So, tell me - did you all have a wonderful mother's day? To all my dear friends who are mothers I wish you a wonderful day. The job is long and hard but the most fulfilling thing you will ever experience.

When God thought of mothers, He must have laughed with satisfaction and framed it quickly - so rich, so deep, so divine, so full of soul, power and beauty was the conception.--Henry Ward Beecher

Congratulations

to my dear friend Melissa Buhler and her husband. On Monday May 7 they welcomed their beautiful daughter Taryn into the world. She is a stunning little girl. Congrats to you both -may she be a real blessing to your lives.

Good Monday morning

Here is one of just many projects I got done this weekend for NSD! Had a great cropping weekend and I got alot of stuff done. Haven't scrapped that much in a long time. All in all a fun weekend.

Ugh, I don't like Mondays and this one more so than most. I have a meeting with the Principal at school this morning. My dd and her bully have been going at it again but this time my dd was the one to start it. She called the girl and her family trash and now the mother wants to have a meeting with all of us. GREAT - just what I need. This kid has tormented Kiana so much that I think she had it coming, but I can't tell her or the principal that. Poor Kiana - she has to apologize to the little girl and who knows what else the mother will want from us. But only about 6 weeks of school left and then this will all be over.

Someone sent me this over the weekend and I just loved it, so I wanted to post it here:

TOP 10 TERRIFIC TRAITS OF PEOPLE WITH AUTISM

1. THEY RARELY LIE: To them truth is truth--a good word from them is the real deal.

2. THEY LIVE IN THE MOMENT: They truly attend to the sensory input that surrounds them. Many have achieved the ideal of mindfulness.

3. THEY RARELY JUDGE OTHERS: People on the spectrum often see through surface appearances such as size, wealth or colour to discover the real person.

4. THEY ARE PASSIONATE: They are truly passionate about the things, ideas and people in their lives.

5. THEY ARE NOT TIED TO SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS: Social expectations can be honestly irrelevant. What matters is true liking, interest and passion -- not keeping up with the Jones's.

6. THEY HAVE TERRIFIC MEMORIES: They are much more tuned in to details. They may have a much better memory than their typical peers for all kind of critical details.

7. THEY ARE OFTEN LESS MATERIALISTIC: They are often less concerned with outward appearance than their typical peers. As a result, they worry less about brand names, hairstyles and other expensive but unimportant externals than most people do.

8. THEY PLAY FEWER HEAD GAMES: Who was that woman, and why were you looking at her? I know I TOLD you I didn't mind if you went out, but why did you believe me? Most autistic people don't play games like these -- and they assume that you won't either. It's a refreshing and wonderful change from the Peyton Place emotional roller coaster that mars too many typical relationships!

9. THEY HAVE FEWER HIDDEN AGENDAS: If he tells you what he wants -- he is telling you what he wants. No need to beat around the bush, second guess, and hope you're reading between the lines!

10. THEY OPEN NEW DOORS FOR NEUROTYPICALS: For some of us neurotypicals, having an autistic person in our lives has had a profound positive impact on our perceptions, beliefs and expectations. For me, at least, being the mom of two kids on the autism spectrum has released me from a lifetime of "should" -- and offered me a new world of "is."

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Have you ever wondered

how you can be raised by the same people as other family members and yet be sooooo different? I mean, morally different?!?!? I have been thinking of that ALOT in the last couple of days. I don't understand how two people in one family raised in the exact same way, by the exact same parents could be as different as night and day. One is a functioning member of society, married to a wonderful spouse, great kids and a successful career. The other has spent the last 20 years in and out of jail, abandoned his wife and children, is a drug addict, has never held a job for more than 3 days and has such little moral conscience that he assaulted someone and left them for dead (thankfully this person is okay) without so much as a glance or a moment of guilt. And they were both raised by God fearing parents who, even though they made mistakes, tried their best. I just don't get it. What makes him so different than me? Why is he the one that turned out that way and I didn't. He's not my brother, but we were raised in the same way, we grew up together and he was like a brother to me. I just don't get it.

Enough of my dusty thoughts in my mind - what are y'all doing for NSD?! Anything exciting going on? Well, my favourite place to shop - Scrapbooking Fanatics is having a weekend of fun. I am really looking forward to hanging out there. They are starting Friday night. There will be some classes, prizes, challenges and more. Come and check it out if you have a minute - its a great place to hang out and it would be great to see you there.

Tell me, what are you doing for NSD?!?!?!

AMAZING HUSBAND!!!

Look at what my dh came home with yesterday:

I was totally shocked. I had spoken to him about wanting one for either my birthday or Christmas this year and showed it to him yesterday. The next thing I knew he came home with it. I couldn't believe it - what an incredible man!!! Needless to say, that'll be it for Christmas this year. I have been playing with it a bit. Its gonna take me awhile to get the hang of it, but I am having a ton of fun with it.

7 things about me

Alright, since Laura tagged me, I figured I would do this and pass it on.

Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog! OK, here goes:

1. When I was 12 years old I was in a movie/documentary that was shown on television and in movie theatres in more than 4 countries.
2. I was on "Hockey Night in Canada" at the last home game that the Winnipeg Jets ever played. And I caught the puck. It was such a highlight for me that I still have that hockey puck
3. I obsessively collect anything to do with monkeys
4. I met Wayne Gretzky when I was in the 6th grade and sold his autograph for $50 after I got it cuz I didn't like him.
5. I am addicted to coffee - I drink about 2 pots a day
6. In person I am NOTHING like I am online - many of my scrappin' friends who have met me cannot believe how different I am in person
7. As much as I complain about my family, I have spoken to my parents on the telephone everyday since I moved to Edmonton 10 1/2 years ago.

Alright - I am tagging: Carmen, Julie, Rhonda, Stacy, Tammy, Ki and Tammy B.

Getting alot done

I am amazed with how much I am getting done these days. This is a lo that I did for my girlfriend - its her dd's 2 year photo. She is sooooo cute. The journalling is the song "In My Daughter's Eyes" by Martina McBride. The photo is so cute that I didn't want to add to much stuff to the lo and take away from the photo.

And a huge congratulations to Jen D. and her dh Jim on the birth of their beautiful son Angelo. He is a real cutie. I am so happy for you all and wish you lots of blessings. LOVE YA!!!

Please check this out!!!

Autism Speaks created a music video of the Five for Fighting song, "World", which features images of autistic children and their families. It is a truly moving video and was the work of Bill Shea.
The band is generously donating $0.49 to Autism Speaks for each time the video is viewed - the funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure. When you have a moment, please visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along to your friends and family. They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this goal. Click here to check out the video!

This is what I was working on today:
I love this photo. Its kind of a simple lo, but I like it. This photo speaks alot to me actually. It shows how far my sisters and I have come. I remember how we used to beat the crap out of each other and teased each other and just genereally annoyed each other. But now, we shop together and talk on the phone and complain about husbands and kids and friendship. We may still argue and fight and call each other names, but only we can do that. If anyone else does it they'd be dead. Anyway, I did it for a challenge for this site. Check it out - it looks like it'll be alot of fun!

It seems that for success in science and art, a dash of autism is essential. -Dr. Hans Aspberger

Happy Easter!

Well, how is your Easter weekend going? I hope you are all having a great weekend. I LOVE Easter. Its the foundation of my faith and I love all the weekend festivities that it entails. Look what my kids just did:
We also got some sad news yesterday. A friend from back home was killed in a car accident on Good Friday. She was so young - only 25 and married a couple of years. She swerved to miss an animal on the highway and ran into a bridge abutment. She was killed instantly. Its so hard when someone so young is killed. I held my dh and kids and gave them an extra big hug.

I hope you all have a blessed Easter filled with lots of chocolate and fun!

Changes

So, we have been living in Edmonton for 10 1/2 years now and boy has the cost of living gone up here. It is unbelieveable what people will pay for a house. So, Chris and I have begun looking into moving back home again. Chris has applied for a couple of MPI Investigator and Auditor jobs. Keeping our fingers crossed - I think at this point it would be a good time for us to go back to Winnipeg. The kids would really thrive there - Kiana and Malachi's biggest improvements always seem to come after a summer in Winnipeg. It would be extremely difficult to leave our church family and our friends that we have made here, but at this point we need to think and do what is best for our family. We can still afford to live in Edmonton right now, but for how much longer?! It won't be long before we can't do it on Chris' income. And even though the kids aren't home anymore, Kiana's anxieties don't allow for me to have a job because we never know what her days at school are going to be like and when I am going to get a call to go pick her up because of her inability to cope. So, that's where we're at. Kinda scary to think about, but exciting at the same time. I'll keep you updated as we know what's going on!

Happy Monday!

Man am I tired! It was such a busy weekend, but alot of fun. My parents flew in on Thursday morning for the weekend and they left yesterday. We had to cram a TON of stuff into just 3 days. They flew in Thursday at 7:30 a.m. and took us out for breakfast. We took the kids to Chuck E Cheese for a birthday party for Malachi - a little late, but he wanted to celebrate with Oma and Opa. Did I tell you how much I LOOOOOOVE Chuck E Cheese(can you hear the sarcasm? ) Oh well, once a year for the kids is okay.

Friday we spent the day at the West Edmonton Mall Waterpark. Malachi loved the wave pool. Kiana was a little more wary and wasn't all that excited about being there. We couldn't get Malachi out of the water. Kiana was content to sit on her chair and watch us all play.

My parents spoiled Chris and I as well. They gave us money so that we could go out for dinner and my mom also took me shopping for some spring clothes. All in all, a pretty exciting weekend. But I am sooooo tired - I need sleep to recover from it.

Poor Kiana tho - she always has such a hard time when they leave - so we have lots of tears this week because we miss Oma and Opa so much!

So, this month is Autism month. Go over to Technique Tuesday and buy your autism stamps and support the cause.
Well, I hope you all have a wonderful week - got a couple of projects on the go and get my house back to normal now that my folks are gone. And today is the perfect day for it because its cold and snowing. UGH - I wish that spring would finally come.

On that note, I would love to know three things that you look forward to in spring - what do you love about spring? What can you NOT wait for?!

Here are 3 things I LOVE about spring:

1. Blooming flowers
2. The smell of the first cut grass
3. The sounds of birds chirping thru my open window as I am just waking up.

Ciao for now!