They were lovely days...

Here I am...sitting at my computer in the comforts of my own home and I feel satisfied!  We just got back from a week at Disney.  A week full of amazing smiles, first experiences, dreams come true.  We had ten people in our party...we all got along great!  I couldn't imagine Nathan and Ella going to Disney without their cousin Christian.  I am so thankful to Nana and Grandpa for allowing us this experience, together as a family!

It was a blast, it was busy.  We went and went and went.  Days were outrageously hot...but we pushed through and did so much!  Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot.  They loved Dumbo, the tea cups and the Character Spot at Magic Kingdom.  Star Tours and the Toy Story 3 rides were a hit at Hollywood Studios.  Soarin' at Epcot was the hugest hit of all.  Although I didn't enjoy it very much due to a crazy fear of heights.  The pool at our resort was amazing too. After watching Christian, Nathan decided to take off his life jacket and learn to swim underwater (supervised, of course).  He must have gone underwater 150 times.  The best quote of the week came from him.  Nathan:  "This is the best day of my life.  I learned how to swim and I did it at Disney."  Priceless.

Yesterday we were awake at 3:30 a.m. to get on the Magical Express to the airport.  Not so magical...We traveled for 12 hours to get home at 3:30 p.m.  Our kids were such troopers...It cost us $20.00 in coloring supplies from the airport. Well worth it.

I am now starting my full-on pajama weekend!

Before I do, I wanted to share a couple of recently made cards!

Speaking of lovely days, the Nook is having a weekend crop coming up soon!  We have the BEST crops ever and this one will rock too!

I will be back tomorrow to share some photos of our trip!

Have a lovely day!

Rough Edges...

That has always been an interesting term to me...she is rough around the edges!  I wonder, does that mean that with a little smoothing, all will be well.  How long does that smoothing process take place?  Is smoothing even necessary or is it okay to be rough sometimes?  Having a harder edge can serve you well if you use it at the right time or place.

Ponderings...

In actuality, the edges I am really talking about involve photographs.  I am referring to cutting all around the edges of the people or even the things in your pictures.  I think it might be called cutting the silhouette.  LOL...I don't think I know because I don't really do it!  That changed...

Webster's Pages has a guest designer each month and the DT lifts that person's month.  This month we are featuring the unique and very creative works of Brit.  This girl is good...like good in a gifted way good.  But her style and my style...not a thing alike!  I guess that is why these things are called challenges!

I did my best to make silhouettes and decided to just jump in and go for it!  I have to say that I do like the whimsy of it!  But it did not come easily.  Here is my best effort!

Yes, I made my daughter a cake topper!  She is as sweet as the goodies at a dessert table...when she is not being saucy!  I used the new Let's Celebrate line for this layout! 

What do you think?  I am probably still rough around the edges, huh?

Getting Creative

I got a trim card in the new August Nook kit...full of pretty ribbon.  I wanted to see what I could make from it.  There are numerous sources of inspiration over at Pinterest...it got me thinking...and playing!

I decided to make my own double decker ribbon flower. 

 
I twisted and turned and created the canvas petals!  Then I looped to make the gingham ones!  If you are interested in more information, head over to the Nook to see my technique class!

Here is the layout that showcases the flower:

I used the August kit featuring My Mind's Eye and Jillibean soup to make this layout!  I adore orange and this kit has a lot of it!  Check it out!

So, spill it...link me up...show me what you have gotten creative with in the past week!

Summer Lovin

You need a few things for the perfect summer...good weather, sunshine, happy kids, freetime and lots of activities!  It has been busy...but it is about to get good...real good!

Disney here we come...I can't believe this trip is here!  We are packed, have gone over the details with our housesitter, the kids are tucked in.  I can't wait to see their excitement.

Perfect summer day...has ice cream!

This is from a perfect weekend we just had hosting many friends and their families!  We got Ben and Jerry's...the kids were loving it.  There were some adults who were pretty happy too!

Made this layout using the fun-filled August kit from My Scrapbook Nook...loving these colors.

Looks perfect, huh!?

Hoping your day is full of sunshine!



Things Unnoticed

I have been validated.  I understand, yet again, why I take 150 pictures on any random Tuesday.  Why my camera is always attached to me.

I found a photo of Nathan and Cooper a few days ago.  Cooper is our beloved 10 1/2 year old Golden Retriever.  Our first baby, our best friend.  His is Steve's shadow.  He is what we call a Gentle Giant....100 pounds and a thick neck!  Yet so kind.  If you look at the photo, you notice Nathan.  But if you look closely, what do you see?

I see a smiling dog...something I didn't see until the other night.  And I smiled to myself, called Steve over to look.  That captures Cooper perfectly.  I will cherish this in several years as I look back. 

There are a million little details in the backgrounds of photos.  A million unnoticed things that can bring smiles.  If you take the time to look.

That photo became this layout.

Yep, still using the July kit from My Scrapbook Nook!  I can't help it!  They are having a design team call right now...come over, join in the fun and throw your hat into the ring!  And don't forget about signing up for Leah's journaling class...it will be inspiring!

Simple Pasttimes

What is your simple way to pass the time?  To enjoy yourself on a sunny or a rainy day!  I think you might know mine...LOL!  I also love to do puzzles of any kind.  I think this coming winter we need to have one up and running on our great room table.  Steve loves the crossword puzzles.  Give him a sharp pencil and his recliner and he is good to go.

I love to see the kids engaging in simple pasttimes.  We recently gave them some sidewalk paint to use and it happily occupied them for over an hour!  When we had our large college reunion here, I didn't overplan any kids activities.  Instead, they played in the yard with a baseball or bubbles.  There was a major chalk party in the driveway too!

I love all the kid's feet in this photo!  That is what summer should look like!  I used the July kit from My Scrapbook Nook for this layout!  I must say that it is one of my favorite kits ever!  5 and Dime just rocks! 

Do you think that Pinterest counts as a simple pleasure....hmmm?

CHA Summer 2011 Faves

What a fun time at the show last week!  It was small and quiet, but I don't mind it like that.  You really get the chance to talk to people!  I was initially not thrilled with many of the releases this year, but once I saw them in person, I changed my mind!

I have to say that I work for two great companies and two amazingly kind and involved women.  I had the chance to spend some time with Brandin from Webster's and it was a treat.  Meeting Teresa at the show was so much fun.  Knowing how warm and validating they are makes me want to work even harder to show off their great releases!

Some photos of Webster's!  I love the releases this time...so many awesome new embellies!

And Teresa Collins hit it out of the park too!  I love the new trims and bling...my fave line is the World Traveler:

My others faves at the show:

The Amy Tan line...so fun and the colors are great!  The embellies had me immediately.  There was so much buzz at the show about this line!

Crate Paper!  Everything really, but I was mostly drawn to the Random collection.  That dark blue is so unique!

Jillibean Soup blew me away too!  I adored their new chipboard alphabets and the Sweet and Sour Soup collection!  Look at these new embellies too!

Be still my heart, October Afternoon!  They released some awesome collections...so much that I can't pick a favorite!  I just need them all!  This sheet from their Farmhouse line stole my heart:

Loved Bella Blvd too...I always do!  Their booth is totally amazing!  I love her bold patterns!



Studio Calico Memoir...yummo!  Their designer's samples always draw you in!

And, I loved Lillybee.  The images online have not done the collections justice because they are stunning in real life!  If only I had a photo...LOL!

It was fab to meet many people for the first time and run into old friends (Hi Suz!).  We need to organize a lunch next time so everyone can hang out!

Before I leave, I wanted to share something special with you...a wonderful opportunity: 

Leah is a master at journaling...such a talented writer!  Be sure to check out this class!

So what were your favorite new releases this show?

Day Tripping

Day tripping has been a regular part of our summer here in the Michaud household.  Steven has taken to calling himself, "Mr. Flexible".  We have gone to the beach, to the air museum, blueberry picking...with many more things scheduled!  I am a fan of the day trip as long as it is followed by a home day.

I am daytrippin' myself right now...should call it a week trip!  Time is Chicago with friends, paper and fellow scrappers.  Since I have scheduled this, I don't even know if CHA is going well or not.  I assume that I am having a blast, loving my girl time.  I assume that I have run into old friends and have made some new ones.

I assume that I miss my babies and husband, that I am ready to get home!  I want to get going on those day trips.

One from last year....taking care of house business led to a lunch at Guida's restaurant.  It is a place with the same feel it had back in the 50's.  The kids loved it!

Supplies:  October Afternoon 5 & Dime as featured in My Scrapbook Nook July kit

I realize that the photos are a bit dark...taken with my Hipstamatic camera on my phone! 

Sometimes we get creative when capturing our day trips!



High School Reunion?

Apparently, it is almost 25 years since I graduated high school.

Really...

I don't feel that old...

We were at a party a few nights ago and there was a crowd of 21-24 year olds in the next yard.  All the girls, I should say women, I was with commented on how that was us "just yesterday."  I wanted to scream out, "this will be you in 15 years".  Kids playing everywhere, handsome husbands with that little bit of gray coming in...women in trendy looks, but age-appropriate.  Age-appropriate...do I really have to use that term?

I had an assignment for Scrapstreet recently and I did a layout about an influential person in my life.  It was my Masterpieces of Literature teacher, Mr. Bittner.  I think he is retired now...LOL.  Hence, the reflection back to high school...

I used Bella Blvd for this layout!  I love this collection!  The little speech bubbles make me so happy!

That photo of me is not from my yearbook.  Nope, that one will never be shown.  25 year reunion or not!

Life almost 25 years later is awesome!  As a matter of fact, I am at CHA right now dancing among all the new goodies!  Can't complain about that!

New Beginnings

Funny how life brings you to certain places, even when you least expect it.  I certainly was not expecting a phone call that day telling me that she was coming into the state and would like to see me.  I knew that opening that door that wide would make me have to look at some things.  Things buried deep inside.  It would leave me in a place to explain some things to my kids.  I went with it...stayed open.

By the following Wednesday it was confirmed and I explained to Nathan and Ella that I had a biological father that they never met.  End of the day, I barely met him.  I explained that he had passed away and that I have a sister from him.  They have an auntie they didn't know about.  They took it well as I think the understanding only goes so far...and their experience with aunties has been awesome so far. 

On Saturday, I waited anxiously for the doorbell to ring.  It did and I opened it with a willing heart.  I was shocked at how easy it was to meet her, her mom and their dear friend.  And the chatting began.  We are seriously alike.  Have similar interests.  She reminds me of me...serious about school, ready to settle down, wiser than her years, enthusiatic about the things that she loves.  I can tell she is the mommy of the group and I love that.  It must have been fun to watch the banter, the easy giggles.

At one point in the day, we had a more serious conversation.  Certain situations were explained to me and my eyes were opened.  I had the chance to see things in a different light.  Funny how we can create situations in our own minds.  Personalize and be hurt so easily.  I was justified to feel hurt and abandoned, forgotten.  But here is the thing, I am not justified in holding onto those feelings anymore.  Because some were explained.  Others were buffered.  I got the chance to see my biological father in a new light.  My sister is an amazing young woman.  I can tell she got her mother's outgoing personality and warmth.  But I am also sure that she got many great qualities from our father.  And for the first time in life, I realized that he must have done something right.  He gave one daughter a childhood and memories. 

And that brought me peace. 

I also had the chance to explain that I have a great "dad" who has loved me for as long as I remember.  I didn't miss out on that father/daughter relationship so my sister shouldn't worry about me resenting her.  I was very much loved.

I so admire my sister, Sara, for reaching out.  For having that bravery to go to the next level with our relationship.  It is a new start.  One that I am sooo grateful for.  It has already given me many gifts.

Do you see any resemblance?

Life...it is a crazy journey sometimes best traveled without a map.

Summer Loving

Summer life is awesome....a calm pace, lots of activities with the kids, great weather and no real demands besides what I am bringing to the next picnic.  I spent the day yesterday with friends at the Brimfield Antique Market...it was huge and hot.  We all left dusty, sweaty, slightly sunburnt, but happy and giggling.  I loved scouring each booth for little finds.  I went with a list of home decor things and got all but two of my desires.  I swear that Pinterest helped focus me because I have many antiqued items pinned in my home section!

I love well-worn items that have a story.  Love when something fits just right in your house!  So many unique pieces....

I have one of those at home already named Ella.  I have talked before of her love for fashion.  She comes downstairs in the craziest getups somethings.  I love it because she is expressing her style and showing her confidence.  To celebrate that, I made this layout using the new Webster's Pages goodies.  They might be new, but they have a vintage feel, especially the netting.

I had to use the new netting on a project and I was a tad intimidated.  But once you start cutting, it works out just fine. 

I love how the yellow netting mimics the tulle skirt in the photo!  I added little touches of it and it adds so much texture!  I adore this line:  Western Romance, and it is sweet and soft!  The minute I saw that dress clothesline, I knew I would use it banner style.  That Brandin O'Neil is a creative genius!

Hope you are having a great summer so far, full of adventures and lazy afternoons!

The Other Members

My last post put the focus on Ella so today I am sharing two layouts about the other members of my family!

The first about my special guy, Nathan.  This kid is a deep thinker.  He is a bit of a worry wart and I have to tell him to just enjoy life and let some things go.  I think it is because he gets things on a different level.

That smile...

I used the new All About Me collection from Webster's to make this layout!  The trims are from the Let's Celebrate line...I created these little hearts.  All the new trim has been revealed and it is smashing!  Be sure to check it out!

Of course, the last member of the clan is Steven.  He is a great guy, good friend, loyal father.  He truly grounds me.  All of my blessings in life have started with him.

Again, the All About Me collection!  This one features the new resin hearts and Sparklers!  I will share the new Western Romance line the rest of the week!  Swoon!

These two guys...mean the world to me.  I am one lucky lady!

New Beauties

Sharing some new beauties today...and one that have been in my life for 5 years now!

The five year one...Ella.  She captivates me.  We are working hard this summer on her stubborness.  We are decreasing her urge to be contrary.  The beautiful thing is that she is AWESOME around other people not in her immediate family.  I want her to see herself in a new light in our immediate family...helpful, cooperative, loving. It is going well.

The new goodies...flowers and pins from Webster's Pages.  I was blown away by these pins...they are seriously lovely.  and decorative from both sides!  I see magic wands in Ella's future!  I adore the new paper lines too.  I actually received a box on Saturday and made three projects in a day!  Inspired!!

Here is a layout to share all the beauties!

Love the feather flowers!  Sigh...Head over to Inspire Me to see how you can win some of the new goodies!

Have a beautiful day!

Sometimes I forget to share

Sometimes I forget to share certain layouts.  Maybe they were in Scrapstreet or out for publication.  Maybe I meant to, but never got around to it!  I am going to share some of those projects this week!  I am busy, busy, busy with CHA work.  So I don't have much new stuff to post right now...

I can share this one I made last month using Crate Paper!  I adore Crate Paper and can't wait for the new releases. 

Nathan and his reading.  He read Curious George at breakfast this morning and I was happily shocked at how many words he know!  I love the summer reading program at our library and so does he!  We have a built in reading time each day. (He just informed me that he just read this whole paragraph while standing behind my shoulder...LOL.  I can't get much past him anymore!)

Unforgettable!