“Be yourself. There is something that you can do better than any other. Listen to the inward voice and bravely obey that.” —Unknown Author

So very thankful for Thursdays with my sweet cousin. A day for us to catch up, reflect on our weeks, laugh, share and CreAtE! I know that I will not regret saying no to work, no to laundry, no to others when I show up at Stampadoodle with my basket full of *stuff* and our sandwiches from Avenue Bread. As our lives stay busy and full it is good practice to take the time to stop for a day, slow down and just be...

And LOOK we made some cuuuuuuttttteeeeee things! Can't ask for much more than that.

“At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.” —Barbara Bush

I love walking into Stampadoodle and being greeted by Wendi (the owner) who is just as excited to see us as we are to be there - we start a tab for supplies and off we roll...

Happy Friday friends. Take time for you!

I knew it...

"You know I’ll always be there to love you, support you, no matter what kind of pickle you’re in."

- Juno

Did you know that tomorrow starts the beginning of International Pickle week 2010? Really, I wouldn't joke about a thing like that.


See that bottle in the picture below? That my friends is a pickle. A very, very, very old pickle. The beauty of having a husband as a museum director/curator is that we have treasures (yes, I'm calling this pickle a treasure) like this just down the road. Fascinating, no?

If you are interested in just what that label says and just how old that pickle is check out the new Lynden Pioneer Museum blog, Museum Musings. 

"Pickles are cucumbers that sold out." - Mitch Hedberg

"Holy Mackerel! Call headquarters. Get the lieutenant."

I think I've found my new favorite donut place. Rocket Donuts in downtown Bellingham is just a lot of fun. My bismark was delicious, my latte was yummy, my company was great and the decor was original.

Who would have thought donuts and 50s sci-fi? Not me. And why donuts and 50s sci-fi? Their answer "Why not?" Well...that's good enough for me.

Mr. Harley: "Your impatience is quite understandable."

Klaatu: "I'm impatient with stupidity. My people have learned to live without it."
Mr. Harley: "I'm afraid my people haven't. I'm very sorry... I wish it were otherwise."

Klaatu: "I'm worried about Gort. I'm afraid of what he might do if anything should happen to me."
Helen: "Gort? But he's a robot. Without you, what could he do?"
Klaatu: "There's no limit to what he could do. He could destroy the Earth."
OR...he could steal your donut (I added that myself...)

Reporter: "I suppose you are just as scared as the rest of us."
Klaatu: "In a different way, perhaps. I am fearful when I see people substituting fear for reason."

Army physician: "I don't know whether to get drunk or quit the practice of medicine."

Klaatu: "We have come to visit you in peace and with goodwill."

All quotes are from The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951). Now doesn't reading those make you want to go watch it? My thought is to watch the original...I mean really...50s sci-fi? You just can't recreate that! Or maybe watch both - Keanu Reeves does make a good cheesy movie.

Happy Thursday friends!

"Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!" - Amanda Bradley

"There's a lot happening in many of us. I think you have to celebrate every part. It's what you are. You have to try to find all of those secret names." - Cassandra Wilson

I have been so out of commission the past week or so, still not at 100% but making steady progress.

It seems like a lot of people pick a guiding word for themselves now. Ali has popularized this in the scrapbook world, yet I know it isn't a "new" thing. It is fun to read other people's words and their reasoning behind the words.

Last January I talked about my reasoning and how I started the process of choosing a word here. I also like to find a few quotes to keep around to encourage and remind me. I am a quote girl - I love 'em.

This year, as you may have guessed, I chose the word celebrate to focus on. I like the idea of celebrating the everyday, the good, the bad, the little things, the big things. There is something everyday that is worth celebrating even if it is just that God gave you one more day. Last year was difficult in some ways - emotional, trying and I am ready to focus on good, focus on celebrating the details of everyday.

I'm excited for this year - this journey of celebration. While I know this word won't make me have a perfect year I hope that it will remind me to focus on what I can celebrate everyday.

So, while I was sick I made the canvas above - decoupage (got a little messy - it was great) and a quote and some of my favorite letter stickers. Thanks to my husband for his creative input.

Hope your 2010 is in full swing and going well so far.

Let's celebrate!

Weekend fun. My parents are back from Europe, so a trip to their house was in order while Troy visited his parents and took in the gun show and the Renaissance Faire.

A bonus to going to visit my parents was seeing sweet Nicholas. He had a birthday this week - he just turned four. No longer our baby, he's grown into a little boy. I love this little guy...he is so sweet and makes me laugh.

WooHoo! Opening presents!

This may be my favorite picture. That look on his face...Probably wishing I would stop with the pictures already and help him and goofy auntie De open the boxes.

Summer fun on the slip 'n slide with his big cousin Archer.

I love seeing Archer and Nick together. They adore each other.
Ten years difference makes this cousin relationship fun and unique!

Good times!

need a laugh? go to Bald Guy Greetings and just laugh.

"Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face." - Victor Hugo

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." - Victor Borge

(or three people in our case)

"There is little success where there is little laughter." - Andrew Carnegie

So blessed to spend time with my lovely cousins over the weekend. Lots of laughter happening while scrapping and making cards...Love these girls!

Edited: I've had a few questions about the circles on our foreheads.
I suppose I should have explained. The circles are chipboard stickers
that Abigail decided to stick on our heads. We left them there all day
as reset stickers...for when we started being dumb or giggling for no
reason...you know...when you need a reset. They came in handy, however
didn't work as well as we would have liked!

"A hundred years ago it won't matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child." - Kathy Davis


I have the pleasure of spending this week teaching a 4th grade class. When I received a call from a teacher with a family emergency who asked if I could be there all week I didn't hesitate to say yes. I haven't done a lot of substitute teaching this year...mostly I've been doing academic testing and report writing - which I love, however I've also wanted to be back in a classroom. Wish granted. While Lisa is with her father during this time I am lucky enough to be with her fourth graders delving into the world of geometry, Pacific Northwest history (YAY!), electromagnetism, and reading and writing. Since this was an emergency she left a basic skeleton of a day and a few bins of literacy and math/science options. It has been great fun so far and I anticipate fun for the rest of the week.

So, today I gave the kids some time to ask me questions. Since I have known most of them since Kindergarten they knew the basics. They know I am married to the man at the museum, they know I have a son. They asked a few questions about them, but some of their questions were quite interesting. Different than most...(I always like to give kids time to ask about me...they are always interested and I think it helps build relationships...).

A few of the questions (and a few of my answers) that I thought you may enjoy - remember this is just a sampling I gave them ten minutes...a lot can be asked in ten minutes:

"What did you want to be when you grew up? I know you didn't want to be a teacher." - Huh. Really? That one stumped me as it was worded so...interestingly!

"What is your favorite color?" Orange.

"Do you have brothers or sisters?" - Yes, three. Two brothers, one sister. (I even had a picture of all of us together).

"So, who is your favorite?" (meaning brother or sister). Hmmm....This question was a little odd - I seriously haven't been asked that before. And really, can I answer? Do I have a favorite? I'll never tell. Haha.

"What is your favorite hairstyle?" - stumped again. I said ponytail.

After being asked what my favorite hairstyle was (really? that one confused me) we moved onto another activity. It was a read aloud about a girl traveling on the Oregon Trail. In twenty minutes seven people died. Quite an eventful day, no?

“Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.” - Chinese Proverb

Random. Who me?

In the absence of anything else to write I thought I would post here something I did on facebook a few days ago. The instruction was to list 25 random things about yourself. Some of you may have already read these...I could do this again...I keep thinking of randomness!

1. I was born and raised in Bellingham and I like it! :)
2. I tried moving once, to Tacoma, when I was 19...it lasted a month (a fun month really!).
3. I met and married my husband in less than a year. ;)
4. We are still happily married 14 years later.
5. I love coffee.
6. Specifically, a grande 2-pump Cinnamon Dolche non-fat latte from Starbucks
7. My best friend is also my cousin. I am very lucky.
8. Margaritas are fantastic.
9. So are Martinis.
10. I am a cemetery secretary.
11. I also am a substitute teacher and academic tester.
12. I really, really hate mustard! (thanks Andrea!)
13. My favorite foods are Thai and Mexican...oh and dips...I love appetizers.
14. Ok, I just love food. Eating is lovely.
15. I don't have a favorite color - I get joy from them all.
16. However, I have been loving orange lately.
17. I love Rocket Dog shoes.
18. I hate to shop for clothes.
19. I love my siblings. All of them.
20. Vegas is great.
21. I am a homebody.
22. Reading is one of my greatest pleasures.
23. I have a mild addiction to magazines that I am trying to break.
24. My house is usually a mess, but it is better than cleaning it.
25. My favorite "outing" is sitting with a friend or two sipping coffee and talking.

Really?

I was listening to the radio as I was dropping the boy off at school and evidently it is Measure Your Feet Day. No foolin'! You can't make this stuff up. Well, obviously someone or ones makes this stuff up, but really...Crazy no?

Since Archer went to school and Troy may get a trifle upset if I wake him to measure his feet I will tell you that my left foot is 9.5 inches long and 3 inches at its widest and my right foot is 9.25 inches long and 3 inches at its widest. Measuring your own feet isn't the easiest thing to do (just a little FYI) - made me want one of those feet measuring thingies!

If you really like this holiday I think it is my duty to let you know you can buy your own mug. Here. So, enjoy!

My shoes & Archer's shoes this morning.
(mine are rockin' Rocket Dogs by the way...I big puffy heart love them!)

Genius

This is marketing genius, don't you think?

Calling lard "snow cap" with a mountain and a heart makes me want to run out and buy some RIGHT NOW!

Let's thank my dear cousin, Lorinda, for sharing this. As she was walking through the grocery store she spotted this and whipped out her phone and shot me a picture. Gotta love that! 

Happy Wednesday! We have no school due to flooding/power issues. So, today is going to be a lazy, lounge-y day with a little bit of this and that thrown in for fun!

and I thought I was bad

this was Troy! (holy crap)


Created by OnePlusYou - Free Dating Sites

uh oh

Created by OnePlusYou 

What reindeer are you?

You Are Blitzen

Always in good spirits, you're the reindeer who loves to party down with Santa. Why You're Naughty: You're always blitzed on Christmas Eve, while flying! Why You're Nice: You mix up a mean eggnog martini.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

51/100

Found this while blog surfing. Thought I would participate and hope you do to. (Copy and paste my friends, you CAN do it).

The things I have done are in BOLD!

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain (small mountains, and not all the way to the top)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightening at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch (not through lack of trying - haha)
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (I am sure Wii Sports counts!)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (4th grade Young Author's conference counts? Right? Please say yes!)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible (did the year reading...difficult at times, but I DID it!)
86. Visited the White House (the outside, as when I was there they wouldn't let the likes of me in!)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (uh...NO)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant

What about YOU?

(you just need to copy and paste and bold or unbold - get crackin' friends!)

TAG. I'm it!

My friend Angie over at Trumbull's World evidently loves my blog (thanks Angie love your too...). She tagged me, so I thought I'd play along!
- - - - -

The rules are to answer the following questions with one word and then pass it on to at least one, or as many as you would like (though its technically supposed to be seven).

Where is your cell phone? pocket.

Where is your significant other? bed.

Your hair color? brown.

Your mother? dunno.

Your father? dunno.

Your favorite thing? coffee.

Your dream last night? weird.

Your dream/goal? mine.

The room you’re in? quiet.

Your hobby? reading.

Your fear? unknowns.

Where do you want to be in 6 years? living.

Where were you last night? library.

What you’re not? unhappy.

One of your wish-list items? travel.

Where you grew up? Bellingham.

The last thing you did? drove.

What are you wearing? clothes.

Your TV? off.

Your pet? crazy.

Your computer? friend.

Your mood? good.

Missing someone? always.

Your car? Subaru.

Something you’re not wearing? hat.

Favorite store? TraderJoes.

Your summer? good.

Love someone? many.

Your favorite color? orange.

When is the last time you laughed? today.

Last time you cried? Sunday.

Whew! That was hard! Anyone who knows me knows that one word answers are NOT my forte!
So, now I am suppose to tag someone(s)...If you want to do it feel free and I think that Tami, Shelly, Jodi and Katrina all have rockin' blogs and may play along...we'll see.

feeling productive.

That's right. You read it here. I am feeling productive this Monday!

I completed the documentation process for the "week in MY life" project (yesterday). Today I uploaded and ordered pictures. I did minimal editing to the photos which is different for me - especially when I am going to have them developed. I have a "look" I'm going for for this album. Hopefully I can achieve said look. I loved the whole documentation process. It was a lot of fun. Really gave me a glimpse into my life. Sounds weird, but I think most will understand. So, this week while waiting for the pictures to arrive in my mailbox I am going to gather, in one place, the supplies I want to use for the project. I have a LOT of supplies so I want to narrow down my choices to what I think will capture the look and feel I am going for.

On another note. This weekend was way fun! (said in my most teen-ager-y, valley-girl voice). Yesterday I spent time in Bellingham with Lorinda. We went "out" for "an hour" (which may have ended up being three...maybe!) and browsed scrap stores, JoAnns, Office Max, Taco Bell! Fun Times. And on Saturday in honor of World Card Making Day we had a little girly get-together at my house and we ate, made cards, ate, made cards. It was fun.

Our star card-maker was the divine Miss Callie (she made by far the most cards! Way to go Callie). I like to call her cutie-Callie. She is always blinged out and ready for some creative action. Before she left we had to have a picture of her new earrings and ring. I edited one on my camera (for fun).






and a close up of the bejeweled girl at work...

Thanks friends for coming over to play.

And have a great week!

cute Thursday

I thought you may like a few "cute" pictures for this almost-Friday!

Um...CUTE! I found these little witch duckies when I was in Bellevue.
What happens sometimes is when you make orange hot chocolate and you look at the cute ducky sitting there just minding its own business is this. You think "now this ducky wants to swim in my orange hot chocolate" and the ducky says "take my picture." And you do because really if a rubber ducky talked to you you would probably do whatever it said. Which is how this cute picture came to be!
And the little ducky's friends they sometimes get sad because they are too big to go swimming in orange hot chocolate, but mostly they are happy. And when you look at them you are happy because...really...look at those faces!

(tall, standing lamp is my oldest Halloween decoration. He was my mom's and was a fixture at Halloween - my mom's favorite holiday. The pumpkin bucket was mine when I was a child. It still has my name, in my mom's handwriting on the bottom -love that! The mugs are adorable and from Starbucks last year.)

And then...You wake up on a chilly, September morning only to notice a sweet kitty looking longingly at you from outside the back door. You open the door because "oh poor kitty has been outside all night with the big bad nighttime outside scariness" and the kitty runs in eats and curls up on a chair and falls fast asleep. Then your son thinks she is so cute that he tucks her in before he leaves for school with his favorite fuzzy blanket (because she isn't fuzzy enough) and she sleeps and sleeps and sleeps (and has been for the past 3+ hours).
Sleep tight sweet kitten (who isn't a kitten anymore...but she is MY kitten so I can call her kitten if I want especially since she doesn't know her name...whatever!).

Okay sure...

I was over at my friend's site, Katrina Cooks, (if you haven't been there you should. It is pretty cool...lots of neat foodie fun!) and she had this little dodad...

You Belong in Barcelona

When it comes to Europe, you don't want to decide between culture and fun. You want art by day and a big party by night. Barcelona is ideal for you. You can check out some Picasso, eat some tapas, take a siesta, and then dance all night!

What European City Do You Belong In?