I just had to do it!!

I was looking at the layout I did called "Another pink jacket". (see next post)

Yes, I had stepped out of the box...
Yes, I had tried something new...

But did I like it?
No.

So I changed it. This afternoon, took off the photo and started fresh.

And am I happier with the results?
Yes.



So will I step out of the box again?
Probably.

I just know that if I'm not happy with something, I can change it. Why look at a layout and always think: "I don't like that one!" I'd rather have albums full of layouts that I'm happy with.

Isn't that part of the reason I create?

Great day!!

On Saturday, I went to an all day crop in Miami (before you get all excited, it was in Miami, Manitoba!) with my good friend, Anita. We had such a good time! The scrapping space we got was huge, with 8 feet of space each, but we got to sit across from each other, which was great for visiting! The meals were awesome, as was the company! What a great way to spend a Saturday!

Here are a few layouts from the crop:





This last one required some stepping out of the box on my part-- still not sure if I like it or not!



Thanks for looking (& for your comments-- I really appreciate them!)

(To see more of my layouts, you can go to my gallery at MSS: Leigh MSS gallery

I'm published online!

Simple Scrapbooks requested one of my layouts for publication online in their Simple Inspirations gallery. You can check it out here:

http://www.simplescrapbooksmag.com/inspiration/

(Mine is the first one!)

Another tag!

Another round of tag:

What scrapbook lines/products, etc. do you dislike? I don’t really like Basic Grey. Can’t figure out what everyone loves so much about it.

What is the hardest thing you have ever had to scrap? The pictures we took when my brothers were out the week my dad passed away.

What technique do you use more than anything else? I’m not sure… sewing on layouts, cutting out titles, making text boxes in Word.

What is the smallest scrap of paper you save? 12”x ¼” (Great for borders!)

Have you ever had any scrapbook related injuries? Carpal tunnel from cutting out titles! Just kidding!

Finish this sentence, "If I wasn't a scrapbooker/stamper, I would spend my money on..." Clothes, books, CDs.

Give us your best storage or organizational idea. My tool-storage drawers that I bought at a garage sale for $3. It holds most of my embellishments.

You just won a week long scrapbooking cruise for 5. Who is going with you? Anita, Heather M., Julie, Cindy & Bryan.

When you received your first publication notification, who did you tell? And if you are not yet pubblished, who will be the first person you share the news with? My husband, my kids (they didn’t get too excited!), my family, my friends… pretty much everyone I know!!

If you've read this, consider yourself tagged!

Toothless

Austin lost his two front teeth on Monday. Both of them. In the same day. He can't remember where he lost the first one at school-- only that it came out, he was bleeding and he has no tooth to show for it. The second one fell out in the evening, when I was out. Something about a collision with Jonah... But at least they found that one! I wasn't looking forward to him losing his front teeth, but I must say, he still looks pretty cute!

Baby Shower

I told my church last year that I would be in charge of planning the baby showers at our church (or at least making sure that they happen). First-time moms get a shower. So, tomorrow night, my friend, Val & I are having a shower at the church for three first-time moms. We'll set up during the day, some women agreed to bring trifles, Val's making the coffee, another woman is bringing the punch & I'll be the host. I don't have to do too much talking, which is good. One other woman will speak as well and I've asked Merley, Val's sister-in-law to pray for the moms.

I did, however, offer to make the cards.



Hopefully it will be a good time for everyone and will show the three new moms our support & encouragement.

Saturdays

Saturdays at our house mean many things. We don’t have to rush around in the morning because we don’t have to take Austin to school. We can relax and take the day as it comes. We can do things we enjoy, like watch TV, play, colour, scrapbook and have a movie night. On Saturdays, I might try to get some housework or baking done, or we might go to Winkler for some errands or visit Cameron's dad, but for the most part, it’s just a day we can enjoy at home as a family.





I love Saturdays.

Good Things

Waking up early and not having to rush around like a madwoman to get Austin to school on time.

Reading a novel & getting so into it that I don’t want to do anything else.

Getting emails.

Scrapbooking.

Checking sites and blogs on the Internet.

Getting together for coffee with friends.

Sugar-free treats like Chapman’s Dutch chocolate ice cream, Reese’s peanut butter cups, Hershey’s chocolate bars with almonds and Crystal Light Pink Lemonade.

Being Coke-free for five years this month.

Going to scrapbooking crops with friends.

Reading on the couch with Austin (both me reading chapter books, like the Chronicles of Narnia, to him, and him reading his books from school to me.) Watching him become better at sounding out words, making connections and doing math. Playing word games with him & seeing him get all excited about what he’s learning.

Cuddling with Sage in the evenings in the blue leather chair to get her to fall asleep.

Sage’s naptime.

Playing “I Spy”, “Knock, knock,” Hide & Seek, and Chase with Jonah.

Watching Survivor on Thursdays, cuddled together on the couch, eating popcorn, naming off who’s in and who’s out during the opening credits.

Friends who love & support me.