BeautifulSunday 12/30/07

BeautifulSunday 12/30/07
Originally uploaded by dynamo_momof2

My Favorite Things Saturday 12/29/07

My Favorite Things Saturday 12/29/07
Originally uploaded by dynamo_momof2

One of my favorite things is this photo that I took of Rob on our first date at the farm. He is getting hugs from China.

Christmas was amazing ...

Christmas was so amazing this year. It was my most favorite that I have had in a very long time!!! We all had so much fun decorating the tree, spending time with Rob & my families. The kids had so much fun - I love Christmas even more as an adult now that I can watch the joy of Christmas in my children's eyes. Spending my first Christmas with Rob was amazing. Everyday that I spend with him I grow to love him more and more. In this new house we are in we are turning it more and more into the perfect home everyday. Everyday we seem more and more like a real family.

Getting Ready For Christmas

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Challenge for today is:
What is one thing you look forward to during these last few days before Christmas?

There are so many things I love about Christmas time and holiday preparations. One of my favorite things to do getting ready for Christmas is to have an evening where I put on Christmas music or a Christmas movie and then I sit on the floor with a drink and wrap all my Christmas presents. It is always so fun and so relaxing - I always end of feeling totally in the Christmas spirit when I am done and there are beautifully wrapped present under my tree.

The Snow Is Amazing!!!

It snowed all day yesterday and all last night. The amount of snowfall is incredible. Here in Smiths Falls we got 37 cm of snow!! It is insane. My car has not been working for a couple of weeks now (it has a dead battery.) When we moved here two weeks ago we parked the car on the side of the laneway and it has not moved since. Now, it looks like the car I found in this picture. You can hardly even tell it's there except for the faint car shaped outline in that particular snowbank. It is crazy!!! I just spent a half an hour shoveling about half of the laneway - man I am out of shape!! I did not realize how out of shape I am - I am going to have to do something about that for sure. I just have to think of some form of exercise that does not involve going out in the cold.

2 Peas Wednesday Blogger Challenge

Please feel free to join us if you blog.

Today's Challenge~
Do you have any colors you have a hard time using on your layouts/cards?

I guess I have not really ever thought about it before - about the colors I use. I can not think of any one color I shy away from using. I love color and I love finding just the right colors to accent my photos. i think the colors we choose can often make or break a layout. Sometimes it can take me forever to decide which colors to use.

2 Peas Tuesday Blogger Challenge

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Today's challenge~
Share something you miss having from when you were a young child growing up.

The thing I seem to miss the most from being a kid is that carefree childlike attitude. Having NO stress. As I have grown up the amount of stress in my life has magnified so much. Some days I wish I could just be a kid again and have all that stress gone, be carefree again. As a kid there was no stress of whether the bills were getting paid, no stress of wondering if I'm doing a good job raising my girls, no stress of being all alone to handle everything. The other part of being a kid was having an adult to go to who would handle everything for me, when I was sad they would make it better, when I was angry I could tell someone. Now as an adult I feel like I have to handle everything myself. Sometimes being a grown up sucks.

2 Peas Sunday Blogger Challenge

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Today's challenge~
What is the type of thing you find the hardest to you on your layouts?
And why do you have a hard time using it?

In all honesty the absolute hardest part of scrapbooking for me is getting started. So often I want to scrapbook but I can not just bring myself to get started. I don't know why that part is so hard for me. Once I begin I love it, often once I begin I can't get stopped. I am almost always happy with the end results. Sometimes I think it is just a mental block in my head that keeps me from starting, that horrible part of me that inside thinks I am not good enough so I don't do it in case it is not good enough. I hate that part of me. I hate that doubt that I am not good at creating. That my art is not good enough. Maybe I need to do a new challenge and challenge myself to start doing some kind of art every day. When I did the 21 day art journal challenge last year I was at my all-time high as far as creating. I created daily and loved challenging myself to create new things and try to expand on my creativity everyday. I need a new challenge and I need to get started creating daily again.

Beautiful Sunday - 09/09/2007

Beautiful Sunday - 09/09/2007
Originally uploaded by dynamo_momof2

2 Peas Saturday Blogger Challenge

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Today's Challenge~
With the fall right around the corner and another summer gone. What is one thing you hope to get finished before fall?

This past summer I let my house get to be a total right off. The one thing I hope to get accomplished before fall is to get my house back together. I want to be able to enjoy my time when I am home and not be stressed because of the mess. I want to be more organized. You know it's embarrassing to admit but I have not even completely finished unpacking since I moved in year last winter. I have never even taken the time to put up my pictures on the wall. I don't know why I didn't but maybe doing so will help me feel even more at home here. who knows.

My Favorite Things Saturday

My Favorite Things Saturday
Originally uploaded by dynamo_momof2

I totally fell in love with this elephant at the zoo this summer. So beautiful!!

My Little Emily

Last night we had an incident here with Emily that still this morning makes my heart hurt. The girls were just getting ready to get into bed and I was in the kitchen getting them water. Emily came into the kitchen and handed me a balloon she's had for almost 2 weeks, she said she didn't want it anymore and asked me to pop it. I popped the balloon and then heard Amber's voice from her bedroom crying saying "mommy that one was my balloon." I turned to Emily and asked her why she had asked me to pop Amber's balloon and Emily ran sobbing into her bedroom saying it was an accident. I went in and talked to Amber and she was okay - she said it was just a balloon and calmed right down. Emily was still in her room sobbing so I went into her. She said she had grabbed the wrong one because it was too dark for her to see. She had huge tears coming down her face. She then proceeded to start saying "I am so mad at myself" she was angry with herself that she had made a mistake. She then continued saying "I am so mad at myself" for about 15 minutes. The part that hurt me so much was that you could really tell she meant it - she was really mad at herself. She also started saying "I hate myself" and "I am a bad girl." It broke my heart to hear these words come from my 5 year old. She said them like she really meant them and I ached for her. I kept holding her and telling her I loved her, that she was not a bad girl, and that it was just a mistake. It is still really bothering me this morning this whole conversation with Emily - does she really hate herself? does she really think she is a bad girl? These are such huge things for a 5 year old to believe about themself. As they have grown I have tried so hard to teach them the importance of loving who they are - perhaps I am not doing enough...

2 Peas Thursday Blogger Challenge

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Today's challenge~
What is one thing you enjoy doing during the fall season?

The thing I love doing the absolute most in the fall is taking the girls to Saunders Farm pumpkin patch. We go every single year. We have not missed a single year since Amber (my oldest) was almost a year old. I love seeing the pictures I take every year and seeing the changes in the girls since the previous year's pictures. I love that it has become a tradition for our family. I love that it is something that the girls can count on - that they know that every October we go to Saunders Farm. I love that the girls are creating memories there. Fall is my absolute favorite season and going to the pumpkin patch each year with my girls is one of the things that makes it so special for me.

2 Peas Wednesday Blogger Challenge

Please join in the challenge if you blog.

Today's challenge is:
Are you the type of scrapper who likes to have a kit with everything included in it? Or a scrapper who likes to plan what goes on a layout together?

When I scrap I love mixing and matching my supplies. I tend to go by colors and what looks nice together, not necessarily what comes in a kit or package together. I love the look of mixing different supplies, different designers and different lines. Sometimes I will end up using stuff from the same kit, but it's because it feels good on the layout and it appeals to my eye, not because it comes together. I've heard so many times when scrapping there are no rules and that is definately good because I do not seem to follow any rules. It all goes by what I love and what makes me happy.

2 Peas Tuesday Blogger Challenge - 1st Day of School

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Today's blog challenge is:
How was your child/children's first day of school?

The girls were so very excited to start back to school this morning. Amber is excited to be going into grade 3 - she thinks it is a big grade and felt very grown up. She has a lot of her mommy in her though because she was also very anxious about going into grade 3. She kept asking if she would do good enough work in grade 3 because it is harder than grade 2. I told her she was a smart little girls and that I was so proud of her so hopefully her nerves die down as the day progresses. Emily woke up so excited. She kept saying "mom, I am so psyched" like a little grown up. It was adorable. She is so excited to be going into grade 1 because she will be going to school everyday now, which she thinks means she is grown up. Both of them were absolutely adorable. I love watching their excitement this morning and I can't wait to pick them up from the bus to see how their day's went.

2 Peas Sunday Blogger Challenge - Family History

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Today's Challenge~
Do you ever sit back and wonder what history from your family is not passed on? If you are what are you trying to change to make sure that doesn't happen with your family?
I think as a mom, I am trying to teach my kids the importance of family traditions. I am trying to create traditions with my girls that they can pass on to their kids and their families. Things like going to the same pumpkin patch each year, always going to the nutcracker ballet and disney on ice. I am trying to teach them that it is important that we as a family have things to look forwards to always doing together. I am trying to teach them the importance that traditions have in a family's life.I am trying to teach them to have fun and to have things to look forwards to. As they grow I hope they appreciate the things I am trying to teach them, and I hope that a lot of what I do teach is passed on to future generations.

Beautiful Sunday - 09/02/07

Beautiful Sunday - 09/02/07
Originally uploaded by dynamo_momof2

2 Newest Digi Layouts

2 Peas Saturday Blogger Challenge - Long Weekend Plans

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Today's challenge is~
With it being a long weekend. Do you have any big plans?

I don't really have any fun and amazing plans set up for this long weekend. I get my kids back a day early (today) which is amazing!! Today I plan on cleaning some of the house before picking up my girls, then we are going to have a BBQ at my parents cottage. Tomorrow and Monday will involve lots of little preparation things for back to school - going through the girls clothes and getting rid of what they don't want and what doesn't fit, going school lunch grocery shopping, putting the girls to bed at their school bed time. Just lots of prep stuff. I do know I will enjoy every second I have with them. This will be the first year my youngest Emily will be in school everyday - I think it will be difficult getting used to. I plan on playing with the kids and hugging and kissing them lots. Just enjoying family time together.

Best Friends

Best Friends
Originally uploaded by dynamo_momof2

One of my favorite things is watching the love that my girls have for each other grow more and more as they grow up together. They are best friends and you can tell in everything they do.

Scenes from the Zoo

The Girls at The Zoo

I took the girls to the Toronto Zoo last weekend for the ir little summer trip. They had so much fun! So did I!! They were so cute watching the animals - they were almost in awe. Amber's favorite animal to see was the cheetah. Emily loved the bunnies and the fish. I had so much fun being there with them and watching their excitement. They ran and climbed everything they could find. It was adorable to see. I think watching them I was as excited as they were.

SCHOOL????????

I can't believe my whole summer has flown by - it seems as if it has in a blur. I feel like I have wasted my summer doing - I don't know what - nothing I guess. It feels like I have not really accomplished anything all summer or enjoyed the beautiful weather. I have not really been outdoors all summer. And here it is, the end of August. The kids start back to school next week already. It seems like they just got out. Back into a whole new bunch of routines and schedules. My goal this school year is to be a batter mom, to be more organized and follow a better schedule, to allow my kids to learn and grow. I just feel like lately I haven't been myself, or really been there the right way for them and I know that has to change. Starting today - I will challenge myself to make the difference, to accomplish the things I set out to do, and to be the best damn mommy I can ever be.

Do You Have a Borderline Personality?

You Are 72% Borderline

Many signs point toward you having a borderline personality. It's probably a good idea to seek therapy. Or at least read a self help book.

Do You Have a Borderline Personality?

Michelle's Wedding

My girls were in my best friends wedding this past weekend. I took all the wedding photos and thought that these ones were beautiful. Amber was a junior bridesmaid and Emily was a flowergirl. They both did an amazing job - I was so proud of them!!!

Man it's been awhile...

Man it's been awhile since I've been on here. I can't believe I had actually forgotten about my blog for a short while. Man I am so forgetful...
things here have been insane, things seem to be changing so rapidly. Cory and I broke up. We're still friends and I am really hoping that we can maintain that friendship - he's been my best friend for almost the past year. I can't imagine not having him to talk to. I've switched contracts at work and I absolutely hate it. I hate going to work now. Like I said ... things seem to be changing very rapidly.

Beautiful Sunday

Favorite Things Saturday

I love watching my girls have fun. Sometimes they are so happy by the simplest things. These two make me happier than anything in the world.

What Color Should Your Blog Be?

Your Blog Should Be Purple

You're an expressive, offbeat blogger who tends to write about anything and everything. You tend to set blogging trends, and you're the most likely to write your own meme or survey. You are a bit distant though. Your blog is all about you - not what anyone else has to say.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

Time Flies

In doing the 2 Peas Blog challenge today, and in writing about Emily's Graduation the other day I have been thinking so much about time this past weekend. I can't believe how sometimes time seems to just fly by. I remember holding Amber and Emily as newborn babies and thinking that they would be my little babies forever. Now here they are completing Kindergarten and Grade 2. When I look at them now there is no more baby look to them, they look like little girls now. They are looking and definitely acting so grown up. Almost daily now one of them says something that hits me that they are no longer babies. I just can;t believe how fast these past 7 years have flown, seems like yesterday when they were born. I don't know how ready I am to have 2 very grown up mature little girls. It almost frightens me a little bit that I might not be able to handle what is to come next. What if I don't teach them the things they will need to become strong, independent girls with values and morals. What if I miss something? I guess all I can hope for is that as this time seems to fly by that God gives me what I need to teach them what's right, that He prepares me to handle what may come. In the mean time... I'm gonna be running after that time to see if I can slow it down, just a little bit.

How Is Your Inner Child

Your Inner Child Is Sad

You're a very sensitive soul. You haven't grown that thick skin that most adults have. Easily hurt, you tend to retreat to your comfort zone. You don't let many people in - unless you've trusted them for a long time.

How Is Your Inner Child?

2 Peas Sunday Blogger Challenge - Life Changing Moments

Join us today/Sunday if you blog.

What one life moment changed your life forever?
Blog about it.
Happy or sad.
Good or bad.

I think the moment that changed my life the absolute most was the births of my girls. When my first daughter was born and I held her for the very first time everything about me and everything about my life changed in the first second she was in my arms. I had never knows that I could have such an instant love for someone. An instant need to protect, shelter, nurture and love. I instantly went from my world being about me to my world being about this little girl in my arms. When my second daughter was born I felt all the same feelings all over agin. I had been nervous that there might not be enough love inside of me to take care of two girls equally, but when I held her I knew that I had more than enough love inside for both. Having my girls has made my life so much better than I had ever imagined it could be. I am the luckiest mom in the world and I thank God everyday for giving me my two beautiful girls and for changing my life in the most amazing way possible.

Beautiful Sunday - 24/06/07

Beautiful Sunday - 24/06/07
Originally uploaded by dynamo_momof2

My Baby Graduated From Kindergarten

My baby graduated from Kindergarten yesterday. It was amazing watching the graduation ceremony. I was so proud of her and had so much fun. It was a little bit sad for me though. My baby is growing up - too fast!! It really hit me that now she really is a little girl. Both my girls will now be in school full-time. I was excited for her, and proud of her, but still sad at the same time. Hopefully this sad feeling will pass soon.

My Favorite Things Saturday - 23/06/07

My Favorite Things Saturday - 23/06/07
Originally uploaded by dynamo_momof2

One of my favorite things is watching my girls play. Watching them happy and relaxed and just being kids. It's amazing!!

Beautiful Sunday - 06/17/07

Beautiful Sunday - 06/17/07
Originally uploaded by dynamo_momof2

2 Peas Sunday Blogger Challenge

Join us today/Sunday if you blog. Challenge: What other creative talents do you possess, besides papercrafting? Share your passions. Blog about it.. what else are you good at?

I have a couple of crafting passions besides scrapbooking. It is funny though that they come in spurts. I'll get on a kick to complete 1 project, then I'll move onto something different. Scrapbooking is the only passion I constantly stick with. I also do counted cross stitch and knit. Right now I am making this 4 season wreath. I tend to do other crafts for relaxation, to de-stress or unwind.

2 Peas Saturday Blogger Challenge - What makes me smile

Join us today/Saturday if you blog.

Challenge:

Blog about something that makes you smile.. anything...
blog about it.

The thing that makes me smile the absolute most is my beautiful girls. Every time I look at them I smile, I am happy and I feel more love inside me than I ever thought could be possible to have for someone. These girls are absolutely adorable! So beautiful, so funny and so smart. I am the luckiest woman in the world! And that makes me smile!!

Favourite Things Saturday 06/16/07

Favourite Things Saturday 06/16/07
Originally uploaded by dynamo_momof2

One of my favourite things is hanging out with Cory.

What Flower Are You?

You Are A Lily

You are a nurturer and all around natural therapist. People see you as their rock. And they are able to depend on you. You are a soothing influence. You can make people feel better with a few words. Your caring has more of an impact than even you realize.

What Flower Are You?

What Color Crayon Are You?

You are most like: You are Blue
You are cool and soothing, with a hidden spontanious side. You are deeper than most people percieve, and you care a lot for those whom you surround yourself with.
Take this quiz: Which Crayola Box of 8 Color Are You?
Visit Toys For Your Blog.com for more blog quizzes

What Color Heart Do You Have?

Your Heart Is Red

You're a passionate lover - you always have a huge fire in your heart. Too bad it's hard for you to be passionate about just one person! Your flirting style: Outgoing and sexy Your lucky first date: Drinks and dancing Your dream lover: Is both stable and intense What you bring to relationships: Honesty

What Color Heart Do You Have?

Today's Digital Page

Letter to my Youngerself - Layout

What Temperment Are You?

You Have a Phlegmatic Temperament

Mild mannered and laid back, you take life at a slow pace. You are very consistent - both in emotions and actions. You tend to absorb set backs easily. You are cool and collected. It is difficult to offend you. You can remain composed and unemotional. You are a great friend and lover. You don't demand much of others. While you are quiet, you have a subtle wit that your friends know well. At your worst, you are lazy and unwilling to work at anything. You often get stuck in a rut, without aspirations or dreams. You can get too dependent on others, setting yourself up for abandonment.

What Temperment Are You?

Join us today/ Monday if you blog.

Challenge:

If you could write a letter to your younger self, knowing what you've learned in life already, what would that letter say?

Blog about it.

Here is the letter I would write to my younger self:

Dear Sandy,

As I have grown there is so much I would have liked to know when I was younger - things that have made a huge impact on my life that I would like to share with you.Firstly, know how strong and powerful you are. Everything you have to succeed and achieve what you want for your life is already inside of you - reach down inside and grab hold of that. It is there and the power is yours!! Secondly, don't focus on what others think of you. You are an amazing woman! What truly matters is what you think of yourself and of your actions - always BE YOURSELF!! And lastly, know how important your family and friends are to you - embrace that instead of pushing those you love away. They will be there to support you if you let them.

Love Me at 30.

Today's Creation

Beautiful Sunday 06/10/07

Beautiful Sunday 06/10/07
Originally uploaded by dynamo_momof2

Favorite Things Saturday 06/09/07

Favorite Things Saturday 06/09/07
Originally uploaded by dynamo_momof2

I love taking photos of details - the best!

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

You are a Black Coffee

At your best, you are: low maintenance, friendly, and adaptable At your worst, you are: cheap and angsty You drink coffee when: you can get your hands on it Your caffeine addiction level: high

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

This suits me so perfectly !!! My favorite coffee is a cup of strong black coffee!!

More Digi Layouts to Share

I received this in my inbox today and found it so very inspiring.

More Digital Layouts