Shannon Tompkins

A great cause....

2011-02-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

I am fortunate to be involved in a very worthwhile cause this year. My good friend, Jennifer Roswell started a crop 3 years ago to benefit the Alberta Children's Hospital. Actually 3 years ago, I didn't even know Jen! Because of this crop and her involvement designing with MondayNightClass we became fast friends. Like the girl that I have known forever ...... I'm sure if wouldn't have taken long to meet her as it seems we know all the same peoples.

Jennifer is an incredible woman, she is really the Super MOM! I am not sure where she hides her cap as some days she makes my eyes blur in her speed and the amount of things she has on her plate. She is definitely an incredible woman, friend, wife and mother.

This year, Jennifer has a few of us come on to help her make the 3rd edition of Crop 4 Kids a success. I've been helping line up the instructors and the classes for the event.

Check out the blog post at the Crop 4 Kids blog. I am so happy with the instructors that we have coming.

Registration goes live on Wednesday morning at 9 am for the registered croppers and then a week later the classes are going to open up to the general public.

Best thing about this crop is 100% of the proceeds go to the AB Children's Hospital. Last week was radiothon on many of the radio stations. After hearing the stories, I am so glad we have this hospital and I love knowing it is there if we need it but I hope to never use the services other than for an ear infection.

I've made a pile of pages at a recent crop weekend however, my camera battery is dead! I'll get on that soon, I have a 4 day weekend coming up so here is hoping I can get some stuff done.

I love this time of year ....

2011-01-14T09:18:00.001-07:00

I do love this time of year and it isn't because of this wonderful weather in Calgary, Alberta. (Note the scarasm in my voice as it was -22 deg C this morning but with the windchill it felt like -35 deg C) And it is only to get colder this afternoon and some snow is moving our way!

Anyhow, why I love this year is because of all the CHA releases that are being shown. So far, I've seen some great things from Theresa Collins, dies from Tim Holtz, Nikki Sivills, My Mind's Eye and many others.

There is a chance to win from Core'dinations - click here and go enter. They have paper packs to give away and these once are teamed up with Basic Grey, Fancy Pants, My Mind's Eye and Jenni Bowlin!

My Ride

2011-01-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

Today, I returned to work after being off since Dec 23rd. It was a double whammy as I had to get Hailey up as well and to the babysitters with an early drop off of 6:30 am. Ian usually does the morning routine but is out of town for work for about 2 weeks. So, 2 weeks of getting up about 5:30 am, getting myself going and then the babe up. We had a great break, Christmas with the family was wonderful. We returned and did some painting in the house. Hailey's room got a huge makeover. I'll post some pictures soon.

This is the last of my stashed pictures of layouts. I guess I better get creating or taking pictures! I made this layout of little Miss Hailey when I was at SK Scraps. I definitely wasn't shy on the product ... All product is by Bo-Bunny.

I love this picture of her with her car. She got this little red car as a gift from my Mom and StepDad for her 1st birthday. She adores it, hands on the wheel as we go for walks in the neighbourhood.

Supplies: All Bo-Bunny, Black Bazzill cardstock

The best thing

2011-01-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

I'd like to think that the phrase on this page is Ian saying it to me ..... haha .... regardless we are better together. I kept this layout pretty simple and just let the transparency overlay from Fancy Pants do the work. I used a craft knife to cut along the design of the transparency so that I could insert the photo in. The best things is a rubon and the phrase 'we may not' is cut out of a journalling tag by FP as well. I couldn't go without a little bling so I have a pile of jems and pearls scattered on the layout. Really this is as unembellished as I can go ....... I try but I need to add lots of lumps and bumps to my layouts.

Supplies

Paper - Happy Together by Fancy Pants

Rubon and tag - Happy Together by Fancy Pants

Bling - KaiserCraft jewels and pearls, various colors

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T14:40:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

We've arrived in Saskatchewan and have begun the celebrations. Hailey is having a ball with her cousins. She is definitely going to sleep well tonight and tomorrow night.

Having a Ball

2010-12-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this sequence of pictures that our photography, Virginia captured of Hailey playing in the yard back in September when we were getting new family photos. These pictures are so Hailey, the carefree spirit that she has. She is so relaxed and at this time in September was really starting to develop her little personality. I have to put a shout out to Nancy for giving me the title. I didn't know what I wanted to call the layout and at the Jingle Bell Crop - Nancy said 'having a ball' .... so appropriate. Thank you Nancy.

Supplies:

Paper - Bazzill cream cardstock

Patterned Paper - Echo Park

Letters - K&Co

Flowers - Kaiser

Brads - huge mix, Bo-bunny, Doodlebug, candy dots, some unknowns

Best thing about this is I used up a lot of things that I've had for sometime!

You make me SMILE

2010-12-15T08:42:00.001-07:00

I'm not the girl that always has a smile on her face. I have the serious picture face. I do know how to have a little smirk but I don't have the wide open mouth , teeth showing kind of smile. So, this layout is appropriate as Ian does make me smile in life, sometimes it is just more on the outside then on the surface. He is my guy and after 3 years of marriage and 5 years together, he still makes me smile.

I made this layout months ago just realized it was on my hard drive. I don't do many double page layouts anymore I have quite a few in my wedding album.

Christmas is getting closer and I have piles of things to do and really no energy to do any of them. But I have 8 days until we leave to Saskatchewan so I guess I better get cracking. This weekend I will be wrapping up a storm but first, there is Calgals on Friday night! Looking forward to seeing my girls. A little lunch with a couple we know on Saturday that has a Christmas present for little HAT but other than that a wide open weekend. Hope I accomplish some things so I am not the nutcase next Wednesday packing and wrapping before we leave on Thursday.

34

2010-12-09T15:04:00.001-07:00

My 34th birthday was not quite a month ago. I started last year making a layout 'about ME' for my birthday. It's a nice reminder to look back and see what was in my head that year.

This layout was a lot of fun. I did it when we were in Saskatoon at SK Scraps. I figured a lot about me needed some sparkle and bling. The base is a piece of paper from House of 3 that I used tattered angels glimmer mist and chalkboard on it. You can click on the layou to read the journalling. The picture was taken at the end of September by our photographer when we were getting family photos done.

Supplies

*Patterned Paper - House of 3

*Flocked Paper - Fancy Pants

*Embellishments - Bling - House of 3, Letters - American Craft Thickers, Ribbon - Tim Holtz

*Misc - Tattered Angels - Glimmer Mist and Chalkboard

Scrapbook Design 101

2010-12-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Christy is launching her Scrapbook Design 101 course as an online course starting in January 2011. I am so excited for her as this course is amazing. Christy uses her background in interior design and art and applies that to your scrapbook layouts. I actually meet Chrity in May 2008 when I took this course from her at a local scrapbook store in Calgary. I did my first 12x12 layout in her class, before that point I was a self declared stamper and I'd put together a couple mini albums that were 6x6. Anyone that knows me is aware that I've gone from being a stamper to mainly a scrapbooker that might be due to my little girl but I love the larger canvas of scrapbooking.

Anyhow, registration for Christy's class started on Monday, December 6th. To read more about her course, visit her blog and to visit the MondayNightClass.ca site to register.

Free Spirit

2010-12-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I have to say the only good thing about a migraine and having to take some imitrix is the amount of things I get done through the night because I can't sleep. I did however, have an amazing 6 hour sleep after popping the pill. I woke up with only a mild feeling left from the migraine which was a good thing as I was in tears my head was spinning so bad.

So, seeing as I couldn't sleep. I spend several hours editing pictures in PSE5 and sending them to Costco to get printed. Then I decided to get my blog looking better. It has been so long since I have used blogger extensively, I didn't even know about the new templates and editor etc. I have a new background and now with my new skills in PSE5, I made my very own banner. I am pretty happy with it as I threw it together in about 10 minutes. I had to keep resizing then I realized as I was uploading that the pixel width would be strunk to 910 pixel ... would have saved me a bit if I had read that. Oh well, I'll remember for next time.

On to my scrap page .........

My little HAT has grown so much in the last year. This picture was taken in January 2010, she was a mere 6 months old. We are a few days shy of 17 months now. I made this page when I was in Saskatoon with Christy for SK Scraps. It is heavy with product! But, I figure it looks better on a page then in the package and as Christy pointed out to me - I still own it when it is on my page.

I really am going to try to make this an active blog again. I won't make any promises but I have been feeling creative lately which is better than it has been since I came back to work in July. Perhaps I have finally found a routine? Doubt it ..... just when things start running smooth something throws a wrench at my head ..... next week Ian is out of town so I'll be dropping Hailey at the dayhome at 6:30 am. I hope she makes it as she is my little sleeper and a 11 hours isn't enough for her.

Supplies:

All paper and embellishments from Bo-Bunny Delilah line

December 1st!

2010-12-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Not sure where the fall has gone. It is now December and Christmas is what around the corner. I figure I better get my Christmas shopping done sometime really soon. I have a visit to Chinook mall planned to get Hailey's 2nd Christmas picture with Santa. I love their sleigh Santa display, great rich colors for scrapping.

In the last couple months, I haven't crafted all that much. I did manage to make one card at Calgals at the end of October. And have done 4 single pages in November when I was at events. I, however, find I have no light to photography my projects in. I leave for work in the dark, I come home in the dark and when I do come home at night, I have Hailey in tow, who needs to be feed and watered (haha) pretty much as we get in the door. Then it's playtime, bath, some cuddles and bedtime! I tend to flop exhausted from day. I've been googling buying a light tent but I'm just not finding the right sites for what I need? or do I know what I need?

I have been so fortunate to spend a pile of time with Christy Riopel and http://www.mondaynightclass.ca/ throughout the fall. I worked at both Scrapbook Carnivals in Calgary and Edmonton for http://www.mondaynightclass.ca/. The consumers definitely kept me running in Edmonton as they were shopping up a storm. It was great to spend time with the girls in the industry that I know, Donna Houston from Inspired Designs, Michelle Zemlack with The Hope Chest and I was fortunate enough to meet so many of the Canadian Scrapbooker team, Jackie Ludlage, Katarina Doyle, Allison Orthner, Leica Forrest and Cathie Allan. These girls are so funny and had me laughing until I had a stitch in my side. I took Cathie Allan's class in Calgary and learned so much about taking ink to paper.

On October 28th, we lost my amazing Aunt Matilda to Ovarian Cancer. She fought a hard fight with the disease and after a little over 2 years of chemo, her little body couldn't fight anymore. I travelled to Hope, BC to be with my Mom and celebrate my Aunt's life. Thanks to the Hospice staff and nurses at the Hope Hospital that cared for my Aunt throughout October and made sure that her family was doing good as well. We had to visit to the Hope Emergency Room as Hailey got a terrible ear infection while we were there. It is near impossible to keep a child with an ear infection quiet while in a hotel room! Though it was a sad week, it was amazing to see my cousin, Gwyn who I haven't seen since Easter 1997 and meet her new husband and 7 year old daughter, Shaelynn. Shaelynn was great at keeping the running Hailey at bay!

November crops brought the 3rd annual Jingle Bell Crop, hosted by http://www.mondaynightclass.ca/. I love being on this team, Christy and Cindy are both so amazing. They feed the troops, keep up entertained and I love the new addition to the 10 minute scavenger hunt! The following weekend I motored to Saskatoon with Christy to attend the Saskatchewan Scraps event hosted by Leica Forrest. It was http://www.mondaynightclass.ca/ first visit to Saskatchewan. The fog started to roll in when we were about an hour and half out of the city, so we never did see much other than fog. The fog did cause some havoc with air travel and the wonderful Cathie Allan wasn't able to make it in but Vicki Boutin and Jill Hildebrand were there. Vicki ran classes throughout and the sweet Jill spent the day doing a make n'take using Nikki Sivils product.

So, that has been life in a nutshell. My little one is now running, climbing up and down the stairs, she has so many new tricks and she lives us in giggles most nights with the things she comes up with.

And because I don't have any photographed creations to share. I'll leave you this picture of my babe, eating chili for the first time with a spoon that she did all by herself. She hit her mouth most times! :-)

The Breast Crop Ever

2010-10-04T11:43:00.000-06:00

The Breast Crop Ever was in Red Deer on Saturday, September 18th. Christy asked me to come along with http://www.mondaynightclass.ca/ to help her out in our booth selling kits. Of course, I jumped on board as a day with Christy is always a pleasure.

When I attend a crop as a vendor, I never participate in the door prizes or contests as I don't want to win and take away a prize from a participant. Though, I am not sure why I worry as the only kind of luck I have is back luck..... (I'm not the person to take to the casino with you.... Ian tends to tell me to go to the other side of the place so he can win something) Anyhow, back on top ..... But, I've always participated in the 50/50 to build the pot knowing that if I won, I could donate back my winnings.

Well low and behold, I won the 50/50 at the Breast Crop Ever this year. So, I told Tiffany when she was handing me that money that I would be taking my $167 from her but on Monday, I would be donating the money back to Breast Cancer website so that I could tax receipt in my name. As if I have a tax receipt in my name, the company I work for Cenovus Energy would match my donation as an employee of the company. So here is my receipt. Sometime in the next quarter, Cenovus will be sending the Breast Cancer Foundation a check for $167. I am happy to have made the 50/50 at the crop a 150/0! .... or in dollars - $501.

This feels pretty good!

I won!

2010-08-26T15:03:00.000-06:00

Echo Park Paper Co. has become one of my favorite new paper companies. I heard that there was no room to stand at their booth at CHA. I've got my hands on the first few lines that they have released and the Christmas ones are to die for.

I just won the 'Merry Christmas' line on their new blog and you can too. Go over to their new blog and sign up to be a follower and leave a comment. They are giving away one collection for ever 25 followers until they reach 500 followers.

2010 Edition

2010-08-17T09:34:00.000-06:00

Well this is the page I made all on my own, no template, just me and a digi freebie kit online. Definitely a design I would do with real paper. Though I'd probably put jewels as flower centres but I didn't have a digi of just jewel only the wave of jewels and I wasn't quite sure how to just get one jewel out of the wave. (photoshop skill beyond me but suspect I would have had to cut and crop it or something. Regardless I am happy how it turned out. This one doesn't really need anymore journalling as I think it says 'Yup, this is our family in 2010'.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sweet

2010-08-16T09:00:00.000-06:00

This weekend I finally learnt how to digital scrapbook. It actually was pretty easy now that I have had Photoshop Elements 5 for 3 years, I've gotten used to the program.

I actually didn't design a page for my first attempt. I rather used a digi template that was free. I then used used a free kit that I found online. I like the page and how it turned out. I need to add some journalling as it isn't complete without it. I can't say that I am convert but I definitely will do some more digi for gifts. I think an album done in digital format would be good for me to give as presents to the Grandparents as it is faster than creating 3 paper layouts. I was amazed at all the freebies out there. I haven't spent a dime on digi but I know I could. I then went on to make a layout that I created myself. (I'll post later)

This weekend I made a big dent in my basement scrapping area. All the baskets/boxes are up on the 3 bookshelves. I sorted the 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock into color family. (Holy batman, I didn't realize I had that much cardstock!) I also got the tables cleaned off and the recycling under control. I need one more trip to IKEA for some more DVD and CD storage boxes and then I should be set to start unpacking the bags and boxes were all the stuff is temporarily stored .... piece by piece, hour by hour - I will get this done.

Digi Supplies: Internet freebies (I can get the sites if someone is interested)

For all you Scrapbookers ....

2010-08-11T14:24:00.000-06:00

I found a new website called Big Picture Scrapbooking which is an online classroom with some great instructors, fab projects and a lot of free classes or worshops.

I'm about to start this one - I need a jump start to my creativity right now that has been on break for about 2-3 months too long.

You're a HOOT

2010-07-19T08:17:00.000-06:00

Well this is my last layout (I think), that I have to show. I suspect there are a few more but they need some photoshop work. Though from the looks of this page, I didn't crop it very nicely. Paper and flowers are all by BoBunny, letters are Thickers, chipboard owl by Riff Raff Designs, brads by Doodlebug and felt by Queen&Co.

Hailey turned '1' on Friday, July 9th. We had a great birthday party for her surrounded by a little bit of family and a lot of friends. Her favorite gift was her little car from Grandma Rita and Grandpa Gerald. I have to download the pictures yet, once I do a post a recap here.

I started back to work on Monday, July 12th so today is the start of my second week back however, this is the real test this week as last week was Stampede in Calgary so the work week wasn't very heavy. I think I have finally figured out my commute to get me to my office by 7 am allowing me to leave at 4pm to get Hailey from the dayhome by 5 pm. Hailey hasn't noticed me going back to work much. She had been going to the dayhome, one day a week since the beginning of May so she is right at home there and loves being there. Ian is great as he gets her up in the morning and takes her to the dayhome so that I can leave for work early. I am sure we are going to have a lot of growing pains but for now things seem pretty good.

Back to work isn't lasting long as I am off on vacation from July 30th - August 8th. We are heading to Halifax to see Ian's family. We are looking forward to seeing them as it has been a tough year for the Tompkins'/Wolfes' families. Grandpa Tompkins passed away on Jan 1st, Grandma Wolfe passed away on June 20th and Grandma Tompkins passed away unexpectedly on July 15. We are so glad that we took Hailey to see everyone in December. We have a picture with each of her great grandparents. Each of Ian's Grandparents will be sadly missed but lived full lives into their 90's.

You are a delight

2010-07-02T06:00:00.002-06:00

July 2nd! Wow! Last year at this time I was ready to shoot myself in order to get this baby out of me now, her 1st birthday is a week away and my return to work is a few days after that. I'm trying not to say it out loud or count it down. Just enjoy the 2 weekends and 1 week ahead of me before the early mornings start.

I made this layout of Hailey at Crop 4 Kids in March using a new line from Crate Paper and mosaic tiles by Harmonie (Canadian company).

Hailey truely is a delightful child, I know all Mom's say that but this girl gives us no trouble, goes with the flow, travels all over the place with us, never a whine ..... just smiles. Going back to work is going to be hard but knowing she is in good hands at Alexis dayhome makes it easier. Busy weeked coming up, Hailey is going to the dayhome today while I price our stuff for a garage sale. Let's hope people think our 'junk' is there treasures.... we do have a window a/c, 52" proj tv and tons of PartyLite items (from when I was a consultant) that I hope will move .... also piles of books as I've gone to an e-reader and am parting with my real books though I did keep the ones from my favorite authors .... books fans should come by as I am anal about my books, so there are no bent spines here ....

Special Bond

2010-06-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Little Miss Hailey will be 1 years old in just 3 weeks ... 21 days .... wow, where did the year go. So many changes in this little one. She is a blessing and even though she puked in her crib last night at 10:30 pm and we had to clean it up and her, then she didn't want to go back to sleep .... I love her. (her puke not so much!)

Anyhow, I made this layout at Crop 4 Kids in March. It is quite simple but I like how soft the Basic Grey paper is with the layout. I think this sheet is from the Eva line? can't really remember. Cardstock by Bazzill, rhinestone brads were from my brad stash, rhinestone swirls and flower by Prima and of course, my favorite, letter by American Crafts Thickers.

Photo by http://www.mudpiestudio.net/

New Parents

2010-06-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

A page made back in January when I took off for a day to scrapbook with some good friends at one of Jennifer Roswell's awesome get aways ..... it was just 2 months prior to Crop 4 Kids. I loved this tree by Riff Raff Designs. I decided to do a little layout on us as 'new parents' with a little letter to Hailey.

Supplies: Prism cardstock, Prima patterned paper, American Crafts Thickers, Maya Road flowers, Riff Raff Designs chipboard, KaiserCraft Pearls

The whole family is now suffering from a cold. We all slept until 1:30 pm on Tuesday afternoon, Ian stayed home on a sick day. After a long sleep in, the adults are feeling better just a tad weak and lazy. Hailey seems to be on the mend, she was playing up a storm when she was up but she does tire fast .... it's been a breeze getting her to go to bed.

Have a great Wednesday!

Monday Night Class

2010-06-15T21:17:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that the newest webisode by Canadian Scrapbooker features a kit by MondayNightClass.ca

Go check it out:
http://www.canadianscrapbooker.ca/?powerpress_pinw=397-podcast

Our little Miracle

2010-06-14T13:19:00.002-06:00

This page is the first page in Hailey's first album. I made this page and a whole lot of others using this paper pack by My Mind's Eye when I was in Arizona in February. I love this little picture of her taken when she was 12 days old by Mud Pie Studio. Lots of rhinestones on it and brads by My Mind's Eye Lush Line. The felt pieces are felt coasters that were at Michael's int he $1.50 bins a while back.

Thanks for stopping by .... Hailey has had her first cold so we have been pretty close to home since Saturday. Ian was with her all day Saturday while I was at the Summer Scraptular hosted MondayNightClass.ca and I checked in on them a few times. She seems to be the baby that wants to sleep her cold away so she is up for 1-2 hours during the day and then goes back to bed. So far today, I've only seen her for about 45 minutes so she could eat, change diaper, play with the cat and then go back to her crib. Hopefully, she is back to herself soon.

Wishes in the Wind

2010-06-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

I loves these pictures of Hailey in what was my christening gown. She laying on a blanket that my Great Grandmother gave to my Grandma when my Dad was born. The blanket has been passed from my Grandmother to my Mom and Dad when I was born and my Mom saved it to go to her firstborn's firstborn. I am to continue the legacy and pass the blanket on to Hailey's first child. I didn't even know that this was coming so you can image in my post baby state I cried! I also just realized that I need to scrapbook the story of this blanket. As on these pages, which were a MondayNightClass.ca kit desgined by Jennifer Roswell, I talked about the things I wished for Hailey. The butterfly paperclip can be pulled off to reveal a hidden journalling message. I changed the kit by only putting little girl rub-ons on the little squares rather than pictures.

Kit by MondayNightClass.ca

Almost Five

2010-06-07T22:20:00.000-06:00

I should perhaps go back to the drawing board and get a new photo on this one. I see a shadow on the picture and lots of glare. But hopefully, you get the idea. The paper is all from Basic Grey Origins line, I used dimensional fluid to highlight the details in the photo. Ian and I actually got a picture of just us at the last photo shoot with Hailey. I wanted to do a page that caputred where we were in our lives after having meet almost 5 years ago.

On another note, I am trying to post every other day. I've been scheduling posts and so far it is working. However, if I keep that pass up I will run out of this to show by the time I go back to work on July 12th!

I didn't post this ......

2010-06-06T06:00:00.001-06:00

On March 1st 2010, history was made in my world. I was published for the first time in a magazine. That publication was the Spring issue of Canadian Scrapbooker.

The Summer issue of the magazine is now out but I've been meaning to share this on my blog. I know my close personal friends all know this but I never did put it up on my blog in celebration. Here is my picture of the magazine with my layout and the original layout posted below.

Thanks for letting me share my accomplishment!

Wedding pages

2010-06-04T06:00:00.001-06:00

We've been married for almost 3 years and have a daughter that is almost a year old but I am still working on the wedding album. I haven't done a wedding page in a long while but while I was at Camp Croppin' in Calgary. I had some new papers and lots of black, white and red out so I knew wedding pictures were in order.

Here are two quick single page layouts I whipped up using the new embossed coredinations paper.

Supplies: Coredinations, Cosmo Cricket letters, Thickers, Glitz Design papers on flower, coffe filter

Supplies: Coredinations, Bazzill, Thickers, Bazzill flowers, KaiserCraft pearls, Prima pearls and rhinestone swirl

It's June already!

2010-06-02T03:21:00.001-06:00

So, exactly where did the month of May go .... I know the weather was miserable but it really did fly right by. I am finding that this is happening alot lately as I get closer and closer to going back to work. My return date is set for July 12th and it is really going to be bitter sweet. I love my days with Hailey but I don't think I could be a stay at home Mom ..... I realized I'm not a very good housewife! My home and life are better organized with the regular routine of work. I have a great dayhome for Hailey to go to. She has been going each Thursday since the beginning of May and it really is a challenge to convince her to come home. It is a great feeling to have her somewhere that she is so comfortable.

Miss Hailey is crawling and pulling herself to stand on everything she can get a hand on. She mastered up on the stairs on the weekend. Though she has no idea on down and still wants to launch herself. In March before our road trip, we had pictures taken with our photographer, Virginia Booth. I've had a great time scrapping with them though I haven't done a layout since the beginning of May! Anyhow, the layout I have here was up on the MondayNightClass.ca Blog sketch #9 at the beginning of May as it was based on a sketch from an old kit. I really can't get enough of Bo-Bunny paper. I think Bo-Bunny is #1 now with me.

I really want to post to my blog more this year but I find that I am so off and on with that. It isn't from lack of having material to post it is just remembering to do it when I sit down with the laptop. I really hope I still have a few followers left that read my blog.

Please, please leave me a comment so I am not just writing letters to myself.

Supplies:

Paper: Bazzill, Bo-Bunny Allisa

Embellishments: Prima jewels, Imaginsce flowers, Doodlebug sugar coated brads, Basic Grey bird jewel, Bo-Bunny letters, American Craft Thickers, journalling quote from internet

New blog URL

2010-05-02T17:00:00.000-06:00

Hello to my fellow bloggers! If you are here it most likely that you were redirected to this blog from my original url of http://www.livelovelaughandstamp.blogspot.com/ to my new url.

I have changed my blog address to http://www.shannontompkins.blogspot.com/ my original url will redirect you to my new blog address however, it won't update your google feeds. So, please add my new address to reader feed so that you can still stop by and love me some. I am happy to say, I have new posts and I have been scrapbooking a lot lately! The biggest thing for me is photography now and then editing but I've spent some time over the last few days on photoshop.

Join me on this new blog URL and watch for a new post with blog candy.

The new kits are up...

2010-05-01T10:05:00.002-06:00

Seven new http://www.mondaynightclass.ca/ kits hit the internet today. As always, some great kits up from the designers. I loved Jen's Going Banana's when I saw it awhile back, I didn't think it was going to make it as the paper had almost been discontinued. I am also happy to report that I have 3 kits up today - Little Prince, Little Princess and Older Than Dirt. I have all three pictured here. Let me know what you think of the whole kit rather than just the sneak peek I showed the other day. I love seeing the kits go live on the 1st of the month. Most of the designs aren't a suprise to me as I see most of the kits at Christy's as I do some admin work for the company but, seeing them go up means we suceeded as a company and were able to find all the product which is really a challenge for Cindy these days with so many companies only doing one run on a paper line and with the paper lines changing so fast.

Also, Happy National Scrapbook Day to all my fellow scrappers ... and of course, stampers get some love too!

Little Prince

Little Princess

older than dirt

Sneak peek of New MNC kits by me

2010-04-29T16:56:00.000-06:00

I think some of these may appear on the website really soon but here are 4 kits that I have in the works right now for MondayNightClass.ca - New kits will be release on the 1st of each month which is just around the corner.

The missing is found ..... and other stuff about me

2010-04-29T16:04:00.000-06:00

You are in the right place ........ I changed the URL for my blog from http://www.livelovelaughandstamp.blogspot.com/ to http://www.shannontompkins.blogspot.com/ ......

Many people have asked me why and when I post I am sure many more of you will. Anyone who has followed my blog knows that I started out as a stamper only and over the last 1 1/2 years have become more of a scrapbooker. I am sure my stamps are lonely as I have neglected them for months but I am really loving SB'ing right now and can't seem to pick up ink unless it is to distress paper edges so, with that being said I have changed my blog URL to my name. However, if you have the old URL linked it will still work as I went back and registerd the url again after I released it and edited the HTML so that it would redirect to here.

I want a new blog name but I can't seem to come up with anything to reflect me and my style. So, I am turning it over to you ...... give me an idea for a stamper/scrapper ... papercrafter ..... if I choose your title then I am sure I can find something great to send you .....like my extra copy of the spring issue of Canadian Scrapbooker or something more stamping related if you don't scrapbook.

Also, I know I left off on our trip at Day 13 ... when it really went 19 days. I plan to finish very soon but I am visiting my Mom and StepDad in Regina right now. I have to finish as the blog journal is my memories for my scrapbooking journalling. I'll be posting again right away with some sneak peeks of my new kits that I think are going to be released this month.

Shannon

Day 13 - Rainy day in San Francisco

2010-04-13T14:55:00.000-06:00

Friday, April 2nd

Other than wind in Vegas we have been very fortunate with the weather until today. Rain in the Bay area ..... I guess we will be doing the motorcoach bus tour over the motorized street car. It is foggy her so the pictures are going to be so so ... but that is the Bay area and now we can say we have seen a sunny SF day and a foggy, rainy one.

We packed up and checked out of the hotel in Lynnwood after our tour today we are going to cross the Golden Gate (Hwy 101) and stay in North SF area tonight probably around Santa Rosa.

One of the only pictures I got off with D3000, should have checked the battery the night before .... the day was shot with the point and shoot ...... The Bay Bridge in the fog.

Empty Street Car

The rolling hill streets of San Fran

Love the name .... probably a great place to eat

Gorgeous Catholic church

City Hall, encrusted in gold

Motorcoach self portrait, Hailey looks thrilled

Victorian Home, painted lady as it uses 3 colors in its color scheme most only use 2

Painted wall

View from Twin Peaks

A little rain can't hinder our smiles

Hailey all bundled up for the ride at our stop at Golden Gate Park, this is the area around the Japanese Tea Garden which we didn't see as we only had 15 minutes at the stop and it was a $7 entry each.

About to cross the Golden Gate on the bus in the fog

Across the Golden Gate

It started raining pretty hard and was windy so Hailey and I stayed on the bus however, Ian got some pictures and someone took a picture of him and the bridge.

Hailey was pretty happy when her Daddy came back to the bus.

All done the tour, headed back to Pier 39 for a bite to eat. It was much quieter in the rain so, we took some photos with the famous carasouel.

The view from the upper floor of Pier 39 where all the yummy restuarants are.

The skies started to clear as we ventured across the bridge in the MINI which was great as we wanted to drive a bit of the coast. Hailey was fast asleep in her carseat after our big tour.

Sharpie was HERE!

This photo was taken about 2 hours after we were at the bridge viewing area the first time what a difference without the rain.

What a weather change. However, the car is now dirty which depresses Ian.

San Fran view from the GG Bridge viewing area. The first time you couldn't see across the bay because of the fog. Bye, bye San Fran. I already miss the sourdough.

And we are off for a drive along Hwy 1 the coast road. The sun is shining now.

The road had lots of twists, turns and switchbacks which Ian says is perfect MINI driving.

The sky is blue, I love how this tree grew.

The Pacific Ocean ..... we would love to show you more pictures but by this point in the day both camera batteries are dead so the rest of the drive along the ocean had to be pressed into our memories.

We stayed the night in Rohnert Park in a Best Western again. It was a great room, we were only 5 miles from the Santa Rosa area. After a rainy start to the day, the late afternoon and evening turned out great.

I did the laundry again. Hailey hit the sheets by 8:30 and we all had a great sleep in this quiet hotel. It was Good Friday today as well ... though when you are on a road trip vacation it is hard to notice the holidays such as this.

We plan to start driving towards Oregon tomorrow but we want to take the #1 for awhile so it is going to be a slower drive. Hopefully the weather isn't that back. I don't think we will make it to Oregon tomorrow night just probably the end of California.

Day 12 - No joke, we are in San Francisco on April Fools Day

2010-04-13T02:29:00.000-06:00

Thursday, April 1st

No jokes here! We are really in San Francisco on April 1, 2010. The day is cool but sunny and we are off to Pier 39 and lunch at Bubba Gumps...... we know we want to do a city tour but we are planning on saving that for Day 2 along with the Golden Gate Bridge.

After a good sleep, we got up and headed towards the Bay Bridge and Pier 39. We were both suprised that the freeway was so rough. Concrete freeways are definitely loud and rough with the MINIs low profile tires.

Hailey is ready for another day.

Pier 39 - Just like in the movies!

The famous sea lions though not as many as there usually is. A low herring year in the bay has many of the sea lions gone, though they have been spotted in Oregon coasts.

Golden Gate in the distance.

The big highlight of the bay - touring Alcatrez. We don't have the time nor does have Hailey have the patience for this one but someday we will be back.

I look like I've hit the mother load and in candy terms with me I have. I love salt water taffy so I loaded up with lots.

Can you guess where we are headed for lunch? While waiting for a table the gal in the gift shop gave me a sticker for Hailey it read 'I'm eating at Bubba Gumps'

I was so excited to be going to Bubba's again. I ate at the restuarant in New Orleans and knew Ian would love it as he loves the movie.

Run Forrest Run

Onion rings and shrimp .... so good. We had the cajun shrimp appetizer too but didn't take a picture.

Life is a box of chocolates.

The Bay Bridge. We came across this on the way in. I didn't take the camera out as I was just taking it all in. We were suprised that the toll for 2 axels was $6 though you only pay one way.

Ian's hero, Sponge Bob.

A view of the shops on the Pier. It was a very crowded day.

Fisherman'sWharf .... all the seafood stands looked amazing. I would have loved some chowder in sourdough bowl but we were so full from Bubba's.

Sourdough is on the agenda for tonight or tomorrow. I did stop at Boudin's and get a half pound and some butter for the hotel later.

The ride back on the Bay Bridge not as spectular on the lower deck.

We had another great day. We are really hoping that the weather holds and the rain that is forecasted doesn't come as we want to do the motorized street car tour tomorrow. If it does rain we will just have to take the motor coach tour doesn't sound as thrilling though.

Day 11 - Driving to San Francisco

2010-04-13T01:54:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, March 31st

Not a single picture was taken today. I was a little tired and sore from my sunburn and the drive was very long. Ian was amazing though and drove the entire way to Lynnwood which is 20 miles from downtown San Francisco.

We got in to the hotel about 7 pm - I wasn't sure if we would make it into the Bay area as the drive through the LA area on I-5 was rather slow at times. I really would hate to see that area during a rush hour as we were there around 11 and it was a slow go.

Early to bed tonight! Bubba Gump's and Pier 39 are on the agenda for Thursday!

Day 10 - His Dream Land ....

2010-04-13T01:45:00.002-06:00

Tuesday, March 30th

Yesterday, we went to one of my dream places ... the San Diego Zoo. Today, we headed out to Legoland. Until meeting Ian, I didn't know it was possible to own as much lego as Ian had as child and teenager. There are pictures of him building bridges across the backyard in Nova Scotia ... he might have been more a manchild by then.

So, off to Legoland we go .........

LEGOLAND California - one of the 4 or 5 Legolands in the world .... I wonder if Ian will want to conquer them all?

Bob the Builder

Miniland was amazing and really the Lego highlight of the part. The next several photos are all from Miniland.

The White House, the band moved!

Ian in all his glory

New Orleans during Mardi Gras

This was one of my favorite buildings in the French Quarter when I was in New Orleans. The Lego version is so near the real thing, I wish I had the NO pictures on this computer to compare.

Back in Vegas.

The Strip

The Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco is our next destination.

Pier 39 in San Fran on our list of places to visit ... look at the sea lions on the docks on the right side.

Buildings of New York, you can see me pushing the stroller in this picture. Notice how big the structures are around me as I was at the same level as them.

Seattle Space Needle, our last US city stop on this trip

After MiniLand, Ian took a break with a buddy and we were off to find some lunch but, we stumbled across a kids area and Hailey got pretty stimulated!

She was so excited ... this lego exhibit combined her favorite things music and water.

The instruments played music and water came out the spouts if you jumped on the pad/circles you see on the ground.

After lunch, we were off to go on a couple rides but with an almost 9 mo old baby that involves a couple very slow boat rides.

The first boat ride took us through an enchanted forest of nursery rhyme/storybook characters. I picked out my two favorites.

Enjoying the boat ride.

Fairy Godmother as every girl needs one of these.

Sleeping Beauty - this was so life like.

Hailey enjoying the park in her ride with her monkey from the San Diego Zoo.

On to the next boat ride.

This boat had a driver and fit about 30 people or so. It took your through a canal at the park and showed you some lego structures you really could only see from the boat.

Sydney Opera House

Taj Mahal

Eiffel Tower

Mount Rushmore, if you look at Washington closely you will see he is getting a bit of q-tip cleaning.

New York City in MiniLand - you can really only see Lady Liberty well from the boat. We thought it was interesting that they have the new building that will be built to replace the Twin Towers in the sky line.

After the big boat ride, we walked around a bit but it was getting really hot and Hailey was ready for her nap. Ian took about 250 pictures at Legoland so although I have uploaded a lot it doesn't even touch on what is on the hard drive.

An interesting tidbit of the day: I rubbed Hailey down with SPF 55 so she didn't get an ounce of red color however, her parents aren't as smart. Ian and I were a bit red and hot come evening. Ian's scalp was burnt, I had a slight line on my forehead where I must of missed with foundation and my part was burnt of course. My arms are a bit red but nothing serious ....... I will remember to do myself from now on ... no more red.....

We are off to San Francisco in the morning. A long drive a head of us - north on I-5.

***NOTE***

Our families have been reading about our trip via my blog posts so although we are home - it is now April 13th and I am just posting March 30th, I am going to continue posting about the rest of our trip as I know our families are waiting for the pictures and it is great journalling for my scrapbook pages down the road.

Day 9 - San Diego Zoo

2010-04-03T00:29:00.001-06:00

Monday, March 29th

The San Diego Zoo has always been a dream of mine to visit. I love zoos. Up until now, I've only been to the Animal Park in Moose Jaw (basically farm animals and a few wild animals locked up), The Calgary Zoo and the Zoo in Oklahoma City Zoo. So, to be visiting a world renowned zoo was going to be interesting.

We arrived at 10 am and already the parking lot was pretty full. It appears the week before Easter is Spring Break for alot of the California and area schools. The zoo was 100 acres and just massive. We started off taking the bus tour around the zoo which takes you through a lot of the major exhibits from the side without all the high cages. Hailey was pretty excited throughout, we aren't sure how many of the animals she actually saw and what exactly she was so excited about but she made it until 3 pm without a nap and was definitely a happy baby.

The cute little hat that didn't last long. It is amazing how our little HAT hate hats!

The Polar Bear Plunge is a new area at the SD Zoo. The female bear was really active when we wheeled by on the bus.

Ian scoped out what side of the bus we should be on and well it was choosen wrong. So, a lot of pictures have some fine heads in them that aren't ours!

The grizzly bears were having a little fighting fun.

Always one of my favorites. The long necked mammals.

After the bus ride we took off on foot to explore the different areas of the zoo.

And I thought I had cankles when I was pregnant. This hippo took the cake.

Hailey loved watching the monkeys with her Daddy.

Sitting with a hippo.

SD Zoo is one of the few zoos in the US that has Giant Pandas. There was an amazing viewing area and in the next area even a baby of 8 months old. This gal was breed and raised in the US is just over 3 years old and will be going back to China and the wild later this year.

A ride back from the far end of the park on the sky ride was quite exciting for Hailey and I did well at the extreme hieght. That was the end of the Zoo for us. It was a great day in the sun.

A drive around the harbor while baby girl had a nap and some pictures of Sharpie to prove we were here.

Day 8 - California here we come

2010-04-02T23:55:00.000-06:00

Sunday, March 28th

The Tompkins' are off to California for the first time. Neither Ian and I have ever been to the Sunshine State so, we were very excited. However, leaving Vegas on a Sunday with all the other Cali-bound cars might not have been the best idea.

Since, leaving Las Vegas we have not been without traffic everywhere around us on the freeways and interstates. The drive to San Diego was definitely a journey. We did leave Vegas a little later than we had planned after days of Hailey getting up at 7:30, she slept until 9:30 - I guess baby girl was wiped out from her Vegas adventures.

Lots of traffic but it was a gorgeous drive. We paced through so many different terrians.

Then things got green! We were out of the desert.

We got in to San Diego before supper. Hailey was happy to be out of the car so she was a crawling machine around the hotel room.

We are staying on North Harbor Drive so, we went out for a walk on the bay boardwalk and had some fresh fish and chips. YUM! The plan for Monday is to tour the San Diego Zoo, I have always wanted to go to this zoo.

Day 7 - Vegas Show n' Shine

2010-04-02T01:18:00.000-06:00

Saturday, March 27

Have you ever wondered why laundromat is spelled with an 'o' - you don't say an 'o' sound. Ian and I both being engineer tend to have bad spelling. We left on Saturday morning to go out to do the laundry. I type laundry into the GPS and we went on to find all the various laundry services for the Vegas hotels. After figuring out how to spell laundromat and 45 minutes of driving in circles we were at a laundromat. An hour later the clothes were folded and we'd enjoyed a Starbucks.

We were then off on a Poker Run. There were 3 community cards and we had to visit 4 locations to get a card at each. Our favorite stop was the famous Welcome to Vegas sign.

A long line of people were here all waiting to get their turn in front of the sign.

And just to have proof that we had Sharpie there.

We ended up with 8S, QS, 3D, 8D and the community cards were a Wild, K and Q (can't remember suits) - so the best we could do was a full house queens over eights however, the guy in front of me turning in his cards had a FH with kings over queens so I knew we were already beat. But, we had a great time. Ian also won a door prize of a circuit for his card for the window toggle.

It was then time for the show n' shine car show. There were lots and lots of Cooper S but Ian entered his car. Below are a few of our favorite cars.

The star of our vacation.

I love the decal of the flag on the side panels on this one. I'm working on convincing Ian to do this one but white on the black car.

And our favorite classic. We have been waiting for the owners of this car to be around for days. As you can't see it here but you will understand when you see the next picture.

Hailey's got her own ride. She was so excited in this little car that Ian and I ended up having to take pictures with her. I have one on her own but I am going to have to do some photoshop work on them. Apparently this car was bought at Costco online in blue and the classic owner made it up as a replic of his classic. Hailey loved this car and of course, she has her MINI pooper shirt on. We got her a new onsie from one of the vendors that she can wear in the future it reads 'Future MINI driver'.

Well, that was Vegas in a nutshell. Tomorrow, is Sunday and we are off on our trip to San Diego. Really the next leg of our adventures are just beginning ..... San Diego, San Fran, Oregon, Seattle .... and a visit with my Aunt and Uncle in Hope, BC ... then Calgay bound. Another week and half at least.

Day 6 - Hailey visits the Strip

2010-03-27T18:06:00.001-06:00

Friday, March 26

I'm not sure what Hailey visiting the Las Vegas Strip at 8 months of age says about our parenting but, we are having fun and she loved everything about Casear's Palace and the Belliago ..... mainly all the people to look at, she gave eyes to Elvis and the water fountains had her giggling.

Family picture at one of the fountains in Caesar's Palace. Thanks to a nice couple with really really southern accents ....

The Altantis show in Caesars ..... it a hot one.

We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory next to a couple that live in southern BC now but lived in Grande Prairie for 20 years. I think this Cheesecake Factory is so much better than other ones out there not sure why but just seems it is. Ian and I ate here in 2007 as well.

Watching the fountain show at the Belliago.

We then went back to the hotel for awhile. Played Hailey out with some crawling and a bath. Got here all ready for bed and then headed down to do a Strip Cruise with the other MINIs for 9pm. Hailey sleep through it all and I tried to get some pictures of the lights of Vegas. Unfortunately, the new format they tried to use for the strip cruise didn't end up with many MINI clutters but it was cool to see the strip for a vechile and not pay a cabbie!

Here are a few pictures of the lights:

Day 5 - The Valley of Fire

2010-03-27T17:37:00.001-06:00

Thursday, March 25

After a great sleep, we got up at 7:30 - thank you, Hailey! - We knew we wanted to get going a little earlier to look around at the Boot N' Bonnet show a the MINI show before taking off at noon to drive out to the Valley of Fire.

Here is our MINI, Sharpie. All cleaned up and ready to rally!

Hailey is looking very excited to be going on her first MINI rally.

I like cats and all but this is a bit overboard. Ian passed it on our first opportunity on the way to the Valley of Fire.

Heading out of I-15 North of Vegas.

Motoring to the Valley of Fire ... getting into the red sandstone.

Arrive at the Valley of Fire State Park.

Muster point at the Vistors Centre. We then took off into the park after a snack.

We got some great pictures of the different rock formations.

Sharpie was here!

Much happier after a nap ...... the MINI windows are great for her to see out so when she isn't sleeping she can be heard just chatting away or totally quiet looking out the window.

Last picture from the D3000 for the day as the camera battery died and I haven't uploaded the point and shoot yet.

The weather in North Vegas was crazy windy all day but once we were out at the Valley of Fire. The sun was shining with clear skies and about 22 deg C.

We got back to the hotel about 4 pm and spent the rest of the afternoon getting a new card tuning and looking at the vendor booths. Hailey picked up a new onsie that reads 'Future MINI driver' and I got my first MINI t-shirt. There was an awesome seatbelt purse that was checkered white and black but I thought on it too long and the one I liked was gone on Friday ... though I got the website for future gift ideas.

Hailey was out really early and Ian fell asleep behind here. I ventured down to the Casino to give a donation (Haha!) and got back in time to watch Grey's and Private Practice. I was asleep by 11 pm - don't think I've every gone to bed so early in Vegas. But, I usually don't get up at 7:30 either in Vegas.

Day 4 - Arrive in Vegas

2010-03-24T22:26:00.001-06:00

Wednesday, March 24

We arrived in the North Vegas area this afternoon. However, all the pictures are on the point and shoot from the drive down here and I forgot that in the MINI which is parked in the parking garage on the other side of the hotel. Anyone that has been to Vegas knows that a quick run down to the car is nothing quick at all..... a mile or so later you have made it to point A and you have to come back up yet.

We left SLC about 8:30 this morning and motored in about 3 pm. The views along the way was amazing, so much to see. The landscape changed over and over. We stopped at a Carls Jr along the way and I think Ian found his new fast food favorite. Then we stopped again in St George, UT - I was trying to go to the Robert's Arts and Crafts but where the GPS said it was it wasn't, I knew I should have put the website address in the GPS favorites last night. So, I found a Target that was close by, Ian dropped us off and headed to car wash so, that Sharpie could be all sparkly when we rolled into Vegas. There are about 75 cars here right now and loads to arrive tomorrow and Friday.

We had a great meal at TGI Fridays .... Hailey is fast asleep ..... Ian went down to gamble away $20 ... I laughed and said you know it will be $50! Tomorrow, we are doing a run to the Valley of Fire park and sleeping in ...... well according to Hailey that will be about 8:30-9 am ... but sounds better than 7 am. How am I ever going to be ready to go back to work and get up around 6 am to get ready to get Hailey to the dayhome .... I hope July takes a long time to get here.

Night! Pictures tomorrow .......

Day 3 - Salt Lake City

2010-03-23T23:10:00.001-06:00

Tuesday, March 23

We spent today in Salt Lake City. We were up bright and early so that we could meet a tour group for 8:40 am this morning. The drive into the downtown hotel area was only about 10 minutes. We took a 4 hour bus tour around the downtown SLC area getting a history lesson on all things Utah, Salt Lake City and learning about the Church of Latter Day Saints or simply all things Mormom. Ian and I both learnt alot, we were so happy we did the tour. The tour included driving around to all the sites including the old manison street, University of Utah, 2002 Olympic sites, Olympic athletes village, Temple Square, Trolley Square, Hertiage Park area and the State Capitol building. I've included some pictures from the day.

This 1st picture is actually from the morning we left Butte, Montana. It had snowed overnight and Ian's hard work on cleaning up the MINI were already dirty.

The Olympic Athletes Village. We didn't get out so this is the best I could get from the bus. The village was turned over to the University of Utah to use for dorms. Interesting fact: During the Olympics in 2002, (just 4 months after 9/11), the University was closed down for 3 weeks. Gates were erected around the entire campus, which is huge, and the perimeter was patrolled by the National Guard. The Athletes Village which is on the campus was also surrounded by an electric fence and only the athletes could come and go.

I really needed my sunglasses. A picture of us in front of an old wagon in the Heritage Park. Like all heritage parks in SK and AB this one depicks life as a Mormom settler.

This picture is from lunch and it is important as it shows Hailey and her forward crawl which she has now perfected in Salt Lake City. She got it down pat on Monday night and though she isn't very speedy yet she is going forward. I am sure by the weekend we will be having to lasso her.

Not sure exactly which this building is right now but it is one of the building at Temple Square which is the headquarter area for the Mormom church.

This is a really great picture that Ian got of the Cathedral at Temple Square.

Another great one by Ian. This is the church organ at Temple Square. We saw about half of the noon rectial before Hailey got to rowdy. The acoustics in this building are amazing. We got here a pin drop in a tin cup from the front stage. The lights behind the organ changed color. I'm not a very religious girl but this was definitely cool.

State Capitol Bldg

Hailey and I in the State Capitol Bldg. Bldg had marble columns and marble slabs everywhere. Doesn't Hailey look thrilled!

And last, another picture of Hailey on the bus at the end of the tour. Ian thinks this looks like something Virginia would do for us. I think he can use the Nikon D3000 better than me and I've done all the reading.

We went for supper tonight to a Brazilian restuarant. It was an unique experience, you served yourself at the salad bar then by the salad bar were the sides as well. You had a little marker on your table that you turned to green when you wanted the meat service, turned it to red to wait and laid it on its side when you were done. The best thing I think we tasted were the sweet and hot chicken and the garlic steak. However, we left both the point and shoot and D3000 in the hotel room. I thought Ian had it, Ian thought I had .... at least we always remember Hailey.

We are off to North Vegas tomorrow am.

MINI Vacation - Day 1 and Day 2

2010-03-22T21:04:00.001-06:00

Sunday, March 21 and Monday, March 22

Not a lot of pictures to upload yet as the last two days have been alot of driving. Actually about 1400 km in 2 days.

We left about 9:30 am on Sunday morning and made it into Butte, Montana by 6 pm. It was a long day of driving as Hailey wouldn't really settle down so, I sat in the back with her for quite awhile and I ended up being the one that sleep.

After, a long night in the hotel where the little one didn't really really want to sleep for long periods, we were up at 6 am and back on the road after a great breakfast at 7:30 am.

We drove through the rest of Montana, breezed through Idaho, only stopping once for lunch at Denny's around noon and arrived in Salt Lake City at 3 pm. Hailey was amazing today, she slept and just looked out the window most of the day. About 4 pm, we took off to explore and went to the Gateway Shopping Centre. Turns out that this was close to where the NBA Utah Jazz play and the centre was built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. We had a great dinner at a Southwestern Grill.

It is now 9 pm, Hailey is asleep. Both, Ian and I are also tired. We have a bus trip tour of Salt Lake City tomorrow that will take us through the Mormom temple area and the State Capitol building. So, I will have some pictures to post tomorrow.

We plan on staying in SLC until Wednesday morning then we will be off to the MINI rally in North Vegas.

I should really post a picture of our great little ride but, I am too lazy to pull out the camera cord.

Good night from Utah!

Monday Night Class Sketch Challenge #6

2010-03-18T00:41:00.001-06:00

It is Sketch Challenge #6 at the MondayNightClass BLOG again. This is my second time as one of the designer who took on the sketch. However, this is the first time that I had done the kit that the sketch was based off of. All Girl & Proud of it was one of the first kits I did one time at the Bloomin' Inn. I have included it here today as I've never posted it on my blog before. The pages were made in September 2008 when I was at the Inn with my Mom. The pictures are all of my niece, Katelynn and myself when Katie was just a few months old. She is now 4 1/2 and I have my very own daughter ........

I love how multiple pieces of patterned paper are used. I used to suck at doing this until one day, Christy told me the secret to using mulitple pieces of patterned paper is to make sure to bridge at least one of the pieces onto both pages. It was a total revoluation to me that day now, I am not sure how I could be so silly. The only thing I knew before was to try to use the same line of paper as they tend to go together. However, now I can cross manufacturer lines with this little secret. (though I didn't do this here as well I love Basic Grey)

My 'Take Flight' layout was a calbration between my husband and myself on the weekend. I was scrapping in the cold basement and he was playing guitar. I was asking him for some ideas as I didn't want to just do the basic title 'new' or 'precious' - I wanted more! So, he started talking about how alert she was for only 12 days and then of course, I had this butterflies that I wanted to use as I seem to use butterflies on layouts alot with Hailey (i.e. see last post and page 107 in the current issue of Cdn Scrapper where my layout was published - I should really blog about that!)

So, I wrote my journalling out in pencil of course and I came up with .......
"At 12 days old you were so alert beyond most newborns. It is not hard to tell that you are going to be a beautiful, adventurous little girl that will have so much to offer the world. Take flight my little butterfly, there is no cacoon that will hold you back. July 21, 2009"

Well after that journalling, it was easy to pick the title of 'take flight' - I should use my cricut more for titles but I have a huge infatutation with American Craft Thickers and I need to use them in order to justify buying more ... .makes total sense ... RIGHT!!

Supplies
Patterned paper: all pp Basic Grey, Bittersweet
Embellishments: all BG except butterflies, Heidi Swapp and Rhinestones are Dollarama brown color (loves these - makes not even bat an eye when I put the whole package of 100 on the layout!)

Crop 4 Kids on Saturday, MINI roadtrip on Sunday ... so much to do between now and then ..... laundry, packing (for both crop and trip) plus I have 4 kits for MNC that all need a few finishing touches on them ... I have to do that and hand them off to Christy before I leave! I hope to post once before I leave .... if not then it might just be our trip for the next 3 weeks.

My Girl

2010-03-14T21:06:00.001-06:00

This is a layout a created for the Canadian Scrapbooker - summer issue which was a call for your view from ...... I choose to do one a bit unusually and I did the view from above Hailey's crib. It didn't get picked but I still like the idea of the layout and the new My Mind's Eye product.

We are one week away from leaving on our 2 1/2-3 week MINI vacation. The MINI part is that we are taking Ian's car on a roadtrip to a MINI rally in vacation and then driving back through San Diego, San Franciso, Seattle .... we are looking forward to it. I have decided to use my blog as my journal of pictures and where we are as I'm not one to write it down on paper and I really want to document this so I don't forget anything when I go to scrapbook it. But, before I leave I am attending Crop 4 Kids on Saturday. I am looking forward to a day of scrapping with some friends and cropping to help the AB Childrens' Hospital.

I did a great 2 page layout for the MondayNightClass blog sketch challenge that Kim will be posting in the next few days. Once, it is up I will show you my 'Take Flight' layout of my little angel. Today, we went and had pictures done again by our photographer, Virginia Booth. We always have so much fun at her photo shoots. I can't wait to see the pictures. More scrapping!

Layout Supplies:

Paper: MME, Bo Bunny

Embellishments: clear Dew Drops, MME

Her Smile

2010-03-11T12:58:00.002-07:00

I thought I'd taken a better picture of this layout and cropped it but, I see that it is just so so. Look past my photography skills and I hope you enjoy the layout.

I had some pictures taken with Hailey in November. The one in which she is holding my finger and smiling is one of my favorites. I also, love her hat.

I made this layout when I was in Arizona. It started out as a one page then I decided to use the second picture and add another page as I had lots of elements and embellishments I wanted to use. The rose were made from the scallop circle punch, crumpled and layered up. There has been a lot of tutorials on this rose in blog land.

Supplies: My Mind's Eye, Bazzill, Prima crystals, dimensional fluid

I wish I had the patience

2010-02-26T01:02:00.000-07:00

I've always admired Cathie Allan's work in both Stamp and Scrap and Canadian Scrapbooker magazines. I just don't seem to have the patience to stamp or 'stamp'book her way. However, after watching her new videos on YouTube about the release of her new position it tool .... I just might have to try. I especially love the video on stamping on black cardstock and using the white acrylic paint .... brillant1

Check out all 8 of the videos {HERE}

My little beauty and Arizona.....

2010-02-15T20:34:00.001-07:00

Hailey and I have been in Arizona for the last week. We flew in on Tuesday the 9th to visit my Mom and StepDad, who spent the month of February down here. The weather was cooler when we first got here but since then the sun has been shining and it has been so nice to have some vitamin D shining down.

Since, I have been here I have managed to do 4 layouts for myself. So, the month goal of scrapping is meet however, since not getting much down on the card front. We've done a little shopping ... there is a scrapbook store that is the flagship store for Bazzill it is 10,000 square feet of paper, embellishments, stamps and goodness ... however, there wasn't any core cardstock to be found anywhere ... LOL

Pictures are from November when Hailey was just 4 months .....

Supplies
Patterned paper - My Mind's Eye Bella Bella
Cardstock - n/a
Letters - Thickers
Flowers - Prima
Paint - Ranger
Rhinestone design - Prima
Rhinestones - Dollarama

MNC Sketch Challenge #3

2010-02-04T00:07:00.000-07:00

This time it was my turn to be one of the designers that took on the Sketch Challenge at the http://www.mondaynightclass.ca/ blog {I Love Mondays}.

I love how this layout turned out and all the different patterned paper that I used from Upsy Daisy. I then pulled out all the brown and green butons from a package of Basic Grey Buttons from the Infuse line ... and paired that with some eyelet grommets from SU.

Visit the blog post at I Love Mondays to see what Christine did ..... we both used a similar theme. On the blog, you will also find the sketch to give it a try yourself!

Ian leaves for a job in the NWT again on Friday morning and then on Tuesday (the 9th), Hailey and I are jetting off to Arizona to hang out with my Mom and Stepdad as they pretend to be snowbirds for a months. Ian hopefully will only be a couple of weeks this time ...... worst case is a month .... way better than the 2 months in the fall!

Adore

2010-01-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

Blog titles are so much easier as a scrapbooker! This is one of the four! layouts I have completed so far this month. Of course, all 4 are for Hailey's album. I love this one. It started out based on the My Mind's Eye blog challenge #7 {HERE} However, apparently I didn't read or remember the whole post as you were to use 3 photos for the challenge with the sketch .... yeah as you can see I only used 2 so I didn't get to enter it into the contest which was to win some of the new collections from the CHA release. Oh well, I got a gorgeous page. I think one of my blog readers will really enjoy this layout. {Love you! Mom/Grandma!}

Anyhow, majority of things on this page are papers from MME, Life Stories collection, Prism cardstock, American Crafts Thickers and KaiserCraft Pearls. The rose is covered with dimensional fluid, not sure if you can tell from this.

Friday is stamping with the Calgals! I hope I get my 2 cards done so I can fulfill my monthly goals. I have started a counter on the right side bar to keep me accountable on my personal crafting goal. So, far the scrapping is complete. Looking forward to sharing an awesome layout that I did for the MondayNightClass.ca blog sketch challenge that is going to be posted on February 1st.

I don't know about everyone else but I am loving what I am seeing coming out of CHA this year. I really need to stay away from the stores though as 1) I am making maternity leave wages and 2) I have enough paper in the basement to scrapbook everyday for the next 10 years and not run out .... though I probably wouldn't have the right color! LOL

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

A single rose .....

2010-01-20T01:13:00.000-07:00

I tend to color an extra image when I am working on a project especially something with Copics, you never know what is going to happen. I've been known to spill on my image or drop something on it to ruin it. So, when I was coloring this image with my Copics for our 2010 Calgals Calendar - I wanted to be sure I had a spare. Well, I didn't need the spare so I made it into a card right away.

Supply info: Copic markers, Atyou Spica pen, stamp by stampabilites, paper all SU, black rhinestones and white satin ribbon

I had a great weekend, scrapbooking with some friends. I worked on some stuff for my class sponsored by Monday Night Class that I am teaching at the Okotokos Scrapbooking Convention on March 6th and then on Saturday, I cropped for myself all day. I got there after 11 so I had 11 hours available though I did go shopping for another hour. I managed to finish one double page layout and two single page layouts. I need to take photos very soon and post. That means my scrapping goal for the month has been meet but I haven't meet my goal on the card side, good thing the Calgals on meeting on the 29th ... I think this will have to be my 2 card night.

Calgals 2010 Calendar

2010-01-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

I talked about my Calgals group the other day and then back in December I did post my take on one of the months that I did. I did February and November ..... Merlie just put together a post with all 12 months shown ..... go take a look at her post: The Calgals 2010 Calendar.

I truely love the calendar and I am glad we did it even though I was pressing myself to get it done. Thanks to Nancy for organizing it.

Sam's Page

2010-01-13T00:00:00.003-07:00

Hello ..... second blog post with a project this week. I am on my way ..... nothing here is new though just projects I made last year that I never blogged! I am happy to say that I should be creating something new this weekend. I am going to go scrap Friday night and Saturday at a cropped hosted by Scrap 4 it, a great not for profit organization by my fellow MNC design team member, Jennifer Roswell. She also does Crop 4 Kids which is already sold out for March 2010! Way to go Jen.

Anyhow, about my layout. I made this layout for my girlfriend, Carmen using Sam's announcement card. It is hard to believe that Sam is now 11 months old ...... he 1st birthday is next month already. Carmen and family moved from Airdrie to Spruce Grove as her husband was transferred with the RCMP. I really really really miss them. We've been friends since Grade 1 and when we were both pregnant thought we'd have a lot more time together while on maternity leave. I hope to get up to Spruce Grove to visit them really really soon. I then framed it in a shadow 12x12 scrapbook frame for her. The paper by Best Creations did all the work. I just added the cut out zebra and rhino from another piece of paper plus photo mat, photo and the big blue circle brads. Hope everyone is having a great week. I'll report in at the end of the weekend and let you know if I was creatively successful!

The Calgals

2010-01-11T23:56:00.003-07:00

I talk about my stamping group of friends a lot. I do have a link to all their blogs on my right sidebar but, I wanted to do a special post and request everyone go check out these talented girls. Gals like Allison and Nancy update their blogs daily!

Allison – Stampin’ When I Can
Dianne – Little D Creations
Merlie – Cherish My Fetish
Nancy – Nancy’s Creative Mess
Shannon – Live, Love, Laugh and Stamp (ME)
Tracy – Tracy’s Happy Place

So, your probably wondering how we came to be and why do we call ourselves ‘Calgals’. Well the story starts with Nancy, I meet Nancy a long time ago and Nancy also knew Tracy – back in 2007 blogging started to be come the big thing perhaps even sooner but I got in on it at the beginning of 2007. Anyhow, Nancy wanted to get some gals together and she asked myself and Tracy to come over and also asked Allison as we had gotten to know her through her blog but had never meet. We all meet I think it was July or August 2007 for the first time. I remember it was before my wedding and I thought in the summer but perhaps it was sooner maybe Nancy will correct me. So, we started out as 4 gals stamping in Nancy’s basement. Soon after that Nancy started working at the Scrapbook Pantry and one her fav customer’s was Merlie and her two little girls so, she asked us if she could invite her over one time ….. and then their was 5 at the same time Dianne came over with Tracy one time so we could sort out some dewdrops from a share – we loved her so much we became 6. I look forward to our monthly nights, I try not to miss them even if I know I am not going to create a thing. I love catching up with these women and their lives – back in August, they insisted I bring Hailey to our first stamping night since she was born. Well, I think I was the only one that showed up with stamping stuff as it was a surprise baby shower for us! These women are inspirations and a very important part of my life, both in friendship and papercrafting.

Oh, the name Calgals ….. that comes from Allison. She has a thing for naming everything …… seeing we are the Gals from Calgary – Calgals works – it much better than the option of Cowtowngals or Cowgals (Calgary’s nickname is Cowtown) – Calgals is definitely more acceptable.

That is how the Calgals came to be and how the became so important in my life! We have spiralled into a group that now trades off who brings a challenge, food and a Starbucks run!

I think we need a picture so that I can scrapbook about this group! I’m going to have to bring my camera when I know we ALL are going to be in attendance!

Allison rocks ......

2010-01-11T23:33:00.002-07:00

I am singing the praise of one my Calgal friends tonight, Allison fixed my blog banner. I changed the background and got a new banner yesterday but I couldn't get the banner to display. I could see that the file was loaded but it wasn't viewing so, I knew there was something wrong in my html code. Well, I've got an engineering degree however, the lowest marks on my transcript are English 100 (no big suprise) and Computer Science 100 (I thought I wasn't even going to pass this one if it weren't for a classmate, the entire final exam was foreign to me!) so, basically I didn't understand Fortran and C+ I knew that HTML code was beyond me too.

I sent an email to my Calgal blogging friends asking for any ideas. Allison seems to be our resident guru of figuring things out. I gave her my password and off she went fixing. She found a fix on how to do it {here}. So, if you can't load a new blog banner or are having problems visit this blog link and it explains how to fix it up.

Anyhow, I hope you all go visit Allison's blog - I am sure you know it 'Stampin' When I Can'. I won't see Allison until the end of the month at our next Calgals night - then I can thank her in person ..... I bet I should make her a card ..... oh boy ... that is a lot of pressure!

I think I failed already ....

2010-01-10T23:49:00.005-07:00

I posted last Sunday and well low and behold it is Sunday again ... or it is Sunday as I start this post with 10 minutes left in the day .... I doubt I will get this post done fast enough to consider it Sunday .. oh well, my intention to blog is here. My reason for not blogging sooner ..... the new Super Mario Brothers Wii, seriously this is the most addicting game. I am suppose to have the Wii for Wii Fit but I've been on my A$$ playing Mario. This game is the best game out since the original Mario for the orginal Nintendo. I was addicted then at 12/13 and 20 years later here we are again. Ian and I have been managing to play together and haven't hurt each other yet. He is a tad competitive and I have to remind him a lot that it is a GAME!

Anyhow, on to my layout.

This picture is of my niece, Katelynn when she was about 2 years old and Grandma Rita had just given her new rubber boots and rain coat, she had to go out and try them out ....... the title 'Splash Boots' is because that is what Katelynn and Cooper have always called them. Guess you know what they like to do in the puddles.

The paper and letters are by Piggy Tales. I love Piggy Tales paper but they are a one print run company so I can't use them to design kits as by the time Monday Night Class goes to order the paper after my designing the paper is out of stock at the distrubitors. This is really too bad as I designed an awesome (if I do say so!) kit last year with Piggy Tales but then we couldn't get the paper.

It is now 12:05 am ... not quite Sunday but not bad!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

2010 is upon us. Remember 10 years ago when the world was going to end as it was feared the computers etc wouldn’t roll over…… seems like a light year ago. 2009 was a great year for the Tompkins’ household. Welcoming Hailey into our family has forever changed us, I have to say that I love my husband today more than I did last year and each day that I see him grow as a father brings us closer together as a family and couple. The year leading up to July 9th (Hailey’s birth day) was a hard one, I never thought the nausea and all day sickness would ever end. Even though I ended up with a c-section, really the only memories that remain with me aren’t the surgery or the recovery but day after day of gagging and vomiting.

The first day of 2010 has been bittersweet for the Tompkins’ household. On New Year's Day at 6:30 pm Atlantic time, we lost Ian’s Grandpa Tompkins after a long battle with kidney disease. Grandpa Ron was a extraordinary man, a veteran of World War II and a retired principal. He will be greatly missed by the family however, we are happy that he is no longer suffering. I first met Ron, in December 2005 when I first visited Ian’s grandparents in Antigonish, NS with Ian. At the time, both he and Grandma Flo were living on their own, at 88 and 86 (yes, folks Ian is the 3rd generation of Tompkins’ men to marry an older woman). We are very glad that we were able to go to Nova Scotia at the beginning of December and visit Grandpa Ron one last time. This picture is of Hailey and the only Great Grandfather that she was able to meet.

I am not one to make New Year’s resolutions. Ian asked me if I had a resolution the other day and I responded, ‘My resolution is to love my family and make the most of the 6 months I have before I go back to work’ – he didn’t think that was much of a resolution and perhaps it isn’t as Ian is very goal outcome orientated as most engineers are … that resolution does not give you any end result. So, then he asked if I had any goals for 2010. Well, I think do have a few of those. First, I want to revitalize my blogging life. So, my personally goal is to blog at least 2 times a week. Secondly, I want to set a both a monthly stamp and scrap goal. I find it funny I teach all the Copic classes at the Scrapbook Pantry and I think I have 3 cards displayed in there. So, my personally goal is to scrap at least 2 pages a month and make at least 2 cards a month. I know this aren’t very lofty goals but if you’d seen what I’ve done in the last 16 months you’d understand – oh wait you have as you’ve read this blog or lack of blog. Anyhow, this goal is outside my designing for www.MondayNightClass.ca and my Copic teaching at the Scrapbook Pantry. This goal is all for me, my personally crafting which I haven’t been doing enough. Thirdly, I vow to attend as many Calgals events as possible this year and to post the card from our sketch challenge on my blog right away (ok within 2 days – who am I kidding!)

Anyhow, these are my ‘goals’ in my little craft world. I am sure they aren’t what Ian was getting at but, what does he know!

Before I show you a card I created I want to tell you about one of the new things at the blog for www.MondayNightClass.ca – our blog name is I Love Mondays (I personally love the name cause the only way I could possible love Monday's is when scrapbooking is involved). The designers (including Cindy and Christy) will be taking an older kit and creating a sketch from that kit then 2 designers will be posting their rendition of that sketch. The first MNC Sketch Challenge was posted today, this will take place on the 1st and 15th of the month. My first official page will be up on Sketch Challenge #3 but I hope to play along with the majority of them. I think it is a great idea and shows a whole new take on the kits, they just aren’t a one time thing, the are an idea for another page as well as a sketch for a whole new page. Christy posted a 2 page layout today and Kim posted a 1 page layout as well on the first sketch challenge. Make sure to check out their work and the information on the new challenge by clicking HERE!!!!

On to my card, I think I made this card at one of the last Calgals I was at before I had Hailey I am pretty sure it was June (and I was the size of house). The image is airbrushed and I coloured and airbrushed this at my Copic class in April when I taught airbrushing to the class. I think the Sketch was by Merlie though I don’t remember where she got it from and I’m too lazy to go back through her blog posts to figure it out. (at least I can admit it!)

Details
Stamp: House Mouse – Stampabilities
Paper: SU Rich Razzleberry and Orchid (I think)
Misc: SU embossing folder, Brides Flowers from Mike’s, SU Rich Razzleberry ribbon, Copics plus airbrushing system, Plum KaiserCraft pearls

*** Newsflash that probably everyone knows but me! Did you know that Dollarama has the pearls and rhinestones that look exactly like KaiserCrafts ones. There are 23 in total I think 16 rhinestones and 7 pearls well at least that is all they got in Regina. My Mom got some and then went back and got a few for me in my stocking but they were sold out of most however, we went to the south Regina Dollarama and I was able to get all 23. They are divine!

So, this is post #1 of the week – see you back here in a few days. I forgot to also say make sure to check out the new kits that were released on today from www.MondayNightClass.ca!!!! I don’t have any up there but the ones that are up there are awesome. I think my favourite is ‘Ahhhh’ as I am dreaming of a beach right now but ‘Deck the Halls’ would be great for the holiday pictures!

I'm back?

2009-12-21T22:47:00.012-07:00

This is one of my contributions to the calendar that my stamping friends (The Calgals - look for link on right sidebar) put together. We each had 2 months to make, Nancy coordinated us! I had February and my birthday month, November. The only rules were 1) no month on the layout and 2) size had to be 8 1/2 x 5 1/2.

I really like how this turned out and the whole calendar is awesome! Everyone out did themselves.

Since, I last posted Ian has come home - we spent a great week together at the end of November then on the 30th of November decided we should visit his sick grandparents back in Nova Scotia and flew out a few days later but we had already booked going to Canmore for Dec 1st and 2nd ... so we did that, were home for 2 nights, took the red eye to Halifax on Dec 5th i.e. early am Dec 6th ... ended up overnight in Toronto and instead of arriving at 7 am Sunday morning we got in at 6 pm Monday evening so much for a direct flight .... we flew back on Monday the 15th and then today Monday the 22nd have driven to Regina for 2 weeks...... the cat is starting to hate us ... thank goodness for the greated cat sitter in the world!

Here is a great picture of my 2 favorite people while we were in Dartmouth at Ian's parents .....

p.s. I had to remove my layout 'In My Daughter's Eyes' as it is out for publication! Very exciting!

p.s.s. Make sure to check out the I Love Monday blog in the new year ..... well right now too ... exciting new things coming!

Christmas with Copics

2009-11-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

These are the 3 cards I designed for my Christmas with Copics class that I taught earlier this month at the Scrapbook Pantry. It was a lot of fun, I keep the cards simple as I really wanted us to focus on the coloring of the images and not a lot of complex cards. We did a lot of fading out to white technique on these cards. I am pretty sure most had never used their blender pen so much.

The Calgals are coming over to my house tonight as I've had to miss the last couple with Ian gone. It's a little easier on me to put Hailey down in her crib as she is at the age now that bedtime has to be in her crib. I am looking forward to seeing the girls. It is my turn to the challenge for us. I am sure we all with have something to post really soon. Then on Saturday am, I am teaching a Copic Techniques class at 9 am at the Scrapbook Pantry. Hopefully, I will have enough of a voice to get through the 3 hour class as I don't think I mentioned I am suffering from a cold/sore throat and have that sexy cracking voice going on.

New Love ....

2009-11-19T20:18:00.004-07:00

I did this one pager when I went to Delbure and the Fawn Meadows Bed and Breakfast with some friends last April. The picture was taken in our neighbourhood of Kincora in August 2007, just before our wedding in September. The layout was actually for Christy's Scrapbook 201 class that she taught in April/May. The challenge was to create a layout starting with a blank sheet of cardstock. I choose to go with white glossy and sponged on some Tim Holtz distress inks (tattered straw, aged burgandy) The chipboard was embossed with distress embossing powder than sanded. Chipboard is by RiffRaff Designs out of Edmonton. The letters are from American Crafts Thickers, they are chipboard letters that I sanded over. The flower is an old one I have from Prima with a brown curdory button by Imaginasce.

I spent a week in Saskatchewan (Nov 11-18), I went to visit my family as it seemed Ian was going to be away still and I didn't want to spend my birthday alone. However, on Friday night about 10:30pm - Ian appeared at my Mom's. I thought it was just my Mom and StepDad coming home from friends but when I turned around there was my husband staring back at me. I was shocked and then in tears I was so happy to see him. Unfortuanly, he was only with us for 40 hours then was back on a plane to Yellowknife to catch a charter back to site in Wrigley on Monday morning. Regardless, it was awesome to see him. He thinks he should be back out on the charter on Monday so hopefully at home on Tuesday until at least January sometime. He is going to take a couple weeks off to spend with us and even send me off to scrapbook in Delburne again with the Scrapbook Pantry staff ....... I'll miss Hailey but after having my husband home only abut 8 days in total since Sept 25th I know I need the break. I'm glad I have a husband willing to give me the break.

Memories .....

2009-11-08T22:14:00.003-07:00

Well its not the best picture but it is hard to get a picture of this layout with all this glitter. But, this is the full picture of the single page layout that I taught yestrday at the 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Crop by http://www.mondaynightclass.ca/- it was an awesome time. 24 gals took this class from me and after 2.5 hours we all were covered in glitter. Thanks to everyone that was there for being so good about me having Hailey with me. Ian being gone has been hard but great friends make it easier on me. Especially the angel that is going to look after Hailey so Momma can go have a massage on Tuesday.

Sneak Peek

2009-11-03T16:39:00.003-07:00

This is a little sneak peek at the Mini Class that I will be teaching at the 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Crop this week hosted by www.MondayNightClass.ca. The crop is sold out! I always love the JBC as Cindy and Christy put on a great spread, there are lots of goodies and I haven't even mentioned the food yet. I hear Cindy has a new treats for us to taste. So, much for watching what I eat!

We will be using lots of glitter and sanding a lot of Coredinations paper. Looking forward to seeing some great scrapbooking friends.

Simply Beautiful

2009-11-02T20:05:00.003-07:00

I thought I'd come by and post on my blog seeing as Hailey is nicely asleep. Time change has caught up to her and I realized she fell asleep on the floor just before 7 which to her little body is still 8.

It was a gorgeous day in Calgary however, the wind was up a little because of the chinook that blew in. Hailey and I walked down to the grocery store, didn't realize how bad the wind was until I had to walk into it all the way home which is uphill all the way. The big hill into Kincora sure put the burn into my legs as I pushed the stroller up. I guess I need to do some more daily walking now that my body has finally recovered from the c-section. I found that 6 weeks after the first 6 weeks to be a big harder than before they gave me the all clear.

I made this Scrapbook page from the Oh la la line from My Mind's Eye. It is a really gorgeous line. I made this layout back at the end of August on my first scrapbooking outing adventure to Christy's with Hailey. Hailey wouldn't really settle so I really only got this one page down all night. I hope to start posting on my blog more regularly. I seem to be getting my space back in order, Hailey's getting into more of a routine (definitely not a schedule but definitely a daily routine). It's been a long year from the time I found out pregnant to now. The newborn was definitely easier than the pregnancy.

Anyhow, www.MondayNightClass.ca 2nd annual Jingle Bell Crop is this coming weekend. I hope my babe behaves so I can get some work down, I will be teaching a small class too. Ian's been away for a week and half now hopefully he will be home within the next 2 weeks.

It's official!

2009-11-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! A month has gone by since I last posted - where did October go ..... Ian has been away most of the month (home for about 6 days in the middle of the month) so, I've been very busy with Hailey as of course, she is now almost 4 months old and needs Mommy to play with her. She is sleeping through the night and has been for the last couple of months but seems to only cat nap through the day.

The title of this post is because - my www.Mondaynightclass.ca kits are released. The had to be delayed a month as not all the product arrived on time but this month I have two kits up. (see the HERE) - my kits are 'When I Grow Up' and 'Family Time'.

Also, I thought I'd share a couple pictures of my little ladybug from yesterday. I think I will have to dress her up again today or tomorrow for more photos as I didn't get enough and these once aren't the best quality. I really need to work on my photography skills.

In my Daughter's Eyes

2009-10-01T09:52:00.001-06:00

Well, I thinks it's official - we need to change the name of this blog to Live, Love, Laugh and Scrap or maybe Scramp! As I do stamp still just not all that often.

LAYOUT REMOVED FOR PUBLICATION

This is might be my favorite layout I've ever made! I absolutely love it. I was driving down the road the other day listening to the radio and Martina McBride's song 'In My Daughter's Eyes' came on the radio. I thought those lyrics were the perfect journalling for this photo of myself and Hailey. I knew it had to have butterflies on it. Well, when I was at the The Great Scrapbooking Carnival by Canadian Scrapbooker - I saw this template by Crafter's Workshop that I bought well over a year ago. I knew that with some glimmer mist and this template - I would have the perfect layout. I also found the butterfly flower stem by Prima at one of the vendors there. So, when I got home I got to work late Friday night - My intention was to enter the layout in the layout contest on Saturday at the show. I didn't win but this layout did get noticed so that made me feel pretty good!

I am off to Saskatchewan tomorrow morning to hang out with my Mom for about 12 days and be home for Canadian Thanksgiving.

Hailey at 11 1/2 weeks!

2009-09-28T00:28:00.004-06:00

I know I still count the weeks. Hard to believe that she is going to be 3 months old on the 9Th of October. Ian just left on Thursday for a work trip that is taking him WAY north into the NWT. He flew into Hay River, North West Territories then drove 6 hours north to Fort Smith (oops that is Fort Simpson) then they took a float plane another 1.5 hours. He is literally in the middle of no where. This is the picture I took of Hailey and Ian the night before he left. He will hardly recognize her after 4 weeks. I have some scrap pages to show you this week and even one card (don't fall over). It is also a special week as on the 1st of October, my first MondayNightClass.ca kits go live on the Internet for sale. I am pretty pumped.

2+1 = FAMILY

2009-09-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is a page I recently made for the Scrapbook Pantry featuring this Reminisce paper. There are 27 red rhinestones on the scallop. I actually had to open up a second package as there was only 25 of this size in the KaiserCraft rhinestones.

Supplies
Patterned Paper: Reminisce
Cardstock: Bazzill Bling
Embellishments: Stickers - Reminisce, Rhinestones - KaiserCrafts

The Pantry Baby

2009-09-22T12:17:00.003-06:00

I've been teaching various Copic Classes at the Scrapbook Pantry in Calgary since the beginning of the year. When Hailey was born, Crystal had a sale in honour of Hailey's birth where all things PINK were on sale as well as she had a little baby shower for her one night at the story.

I made this page for the story as a Thank-you for all that they did for us! The picture doesn't do this page any justice as the paper is all glittered and shimmered. There are flower rhinestones throughout. The owl for example, is totally glittered. So, anyone who has seen this in real life, please tell me it looks better than this picture!

Supplies:
Paper: Patterned paper - Best Creations Inc, cardstock - Coredinations
Embellishments: All letters - American Crafts Thickers, Flower Rhinestones - Kaiser Crafts

Win Coredinations!

2009-09-22T12:12:00.002-06:00

I've been using Coredinations more and more lately.

Make sure to go enter a chance to win $500 in Coredinations paper.

WIN COREDINATIONS PAPER

Long time no post!

2009-09-08T22:47:00.004-06:00

Wow! Where does the time go? Hailey will be 2 months tomorrow. We have been very busy however, I've managed to do the instruction to 2 of my MondayNightClass.ca kits which I found out will be released on Oct 1! It will be exciting to see the kits go live on the internet.

Hailey and I are in Regina right now and have been since the 29th of August. Ian was with us until Sunday night when he flew home for work this week. Hailey and I are staying until Friday. I'll be driving home that day as Saturday night is Member's Night at the Scrapbook Pantry and my copic teaching starts on Monday night.

I did become a Copic Certified Designer on Saturday, August 22nd! Sherrie Siemens was in Calgary to do the certification then she taught 3 classes at Scrapbook Pantry for our customers. I had the pleasure of having lunch with Sherrie and helping her out in her classes. She is an amazing teacher and shed some light on how I want to teach my classes. If you interested in my classes, check out the Class Calendar at the Scrapbook Pantry website.

Enough chatter! I do have something to show you - my latest MNC kit design. The is one that will be released on Oct 1. Papers are by Upsy Daisy Designs.

On another note, I will not be a Stampin' Up Demo after September 30th as I am not willing to sign the new Independent Demo Agreement. I don't want to be limited to what I post on my blog as I love a ton of products and a lot of them more than SU! Also, I want to be able to tell you about my Copic teaching at The Pantry as well as my design work for MondayNightClass.ca (BTW, there is a great article about MNC in the latest issue of Canadian Scrapbooker in the Made in Canada section!)

Hailey's Photo Shoot

2009-07-22T21:31:00.002-06:00

Little Miss Hailey had her first photo shoot yesterday. She handled it like the rock star that she is and in pure princess fashion shined. She was alert the whole time which made for some amazing shoots. She was 12 days old in these shots. The information on the christening gown is a little off it was mine and only woren by me however, the blanket she is laying on was knit by my Great Grandmother when my father was born and has been handed down from oldest to oldest etc. Someday it will go to Hailey's son or daughter. My photographer, Viriginia is absolutely amazing with a camera. I highly recommend her, she is also the one that did all those amazing wedding shoots of Ian and I, 2 years ago. So, here is the link:

Hot Shoe Photography - Hailey @ 2 weeks

A little sweetness......

2009-07-18T21:35:00.006-06:00

Just a little post of some cute sweetness and to thank everyone for their good wishes. Hailey is an absolute baby dream, she sleeps so well through the night leaving Mommy to have 3-4 hour sleep throughout the night before waking. She is so adorable I could eat her! My Mom is visiting for two weeks to help with my recovery from the c-section. I am doing really good, moving around with no problems and only slightly achey. The days are flying by and Miss Hailey is now 9 days old.

Baby Tompkins arrives ....

2009-07-14T04:26:00.006-06:00

IT'S A GIRL!

Hailey Amber Tompkins arrived on Thursday, July 9th at 7:20 am. She weighed in at 7 lbs 7 oz and was 20.5 inches long.

I am head over heels in love with my new daughter. I hadn't said much about the sex of the baby but my husband and I did not know what we were having. I was convinced it was a boy and he has said girl from the beginning. Well the entire first morning, he told Hailey that her Mommy thought she was a boy but, Daddy always knew she was going to be a Hailey.

I won't bore you with the birth story just give you a quick run down that my water broke on Wednesday about 11 am and we were at the hospital by 1:30 pm as I didn't hurry there as I was having no contractions and needed to have some lunch. Once, at the hospital it was the day after a full moon craziness and there was no triage bed available until 4 pm for my assessment by that time I did have some mild contractions that were 5 minutes apart. They started to get a little closer by 5 but weren't lasting long and I was a long ways away from delivery. They were keeping me because of my broke water and sent us off to walk the hospital have something to eat etc to get my labor moving as there were no birthing suites available. The walk only slowed the labor, we moved to a birthing suite around 7:30 pm and started an induction as I was 8 hours since broken water with no progression. Within 20 minutes of induction the back labor came on pretty strong and by 10, was more than I could take so I called for the epidural as I was wore out already. By 3 am, I was full dilated and started some pushing at 4 am as I wasn't progressing and baby wasn't descending. After an hour, I made no progress so we had an OB consult which recommended a caseran delivery as a small pelvic was discovered and baby's head was already swollen. I proceed with the c-section rather than continue on naturally and put my baby into distress. Hailey entered this world at 7:20 am about 20 hours after my water broke. (hmmm, I think that was more than I was going to tell!)

Without, further ado ....... here is Miss Hailey ... our little HAT ......

First Family Picture in the OR

Hailey in her first hour

Hailey, 1 day old

Monday Night Class #2

2009-06-26T02:08:00.004-06:00

This is the second kit that I have designed for Monday Night Class, it is waiting on me to finish the instruction sheet. I have to really get on that and another one I have to write up before this baby arrives. I know the Bo Bunny paper for this one is on order and both Cindy and Christy are going to be on my case soon. I know now not to procrastinate the instructions to do it right after as this one has been waiting a month. I really like how it turned out a very nice Family scrapbook page. I hope to scrap some of our new family pictures on it when this baby arrives.

On the baby front, my doctor told me yesterday at my appointment that I was boring. I have lots of baby movement but absolutely no contraction or even Braxton Hicks to speak of. She said go home, rest up, we will see you next week and I mean you are boring in the 'nicest' way. For once in this pregnancy, it is nice to be boring. I'm finally getting a few things done around here so really not ready for baby to arrive until probably sometime by the end of next week/weekend...... besides it is a July baby..... if it comes in June that means I'll have to go back to work in June 2010 and I think July 2010 sounds much better!

MNC supplies - Bo-Bunny Abbey Road paper and accessories

Pregnant me!

2009-06-21T22:46:00.003-06:00

I've been meaning to post these pictures, though I know I've expanded since they've been taken. The first one was taken at 25 weeks pregnant and the second one 2 weeks ago when I was 35 1/2 weeks pregnant. I'll be 38 weeks on Tuesday with a due date of July 7th, so hopefully it won't be long and I can pass from sicky pregnant to postpartum, tearing my hair out from no sleep Shannon!

25 weeks, March 23/09

35 weeks, June 6/09

Big news ....

2009-06-18T22:23:00.004-06:00

One of the reasons that I haven't blogged much lately (other than having a crummy pregnancy) is that I have been doing more scrapbooking than stamping and have always felt this was my stamping blog however, the time has come that the two arts are going to have to share.

This past weekend was the Summer Scraptular hosted by MondayNightClass.ca - have you heard of Monday Night Class. I discovered them a year ago after my first trip to the Bloomin' Inn. They are monthly kit that are designed by several different women in Alberta. Cindy and Christy are the co-owners of this company and both of them can Scrapbook!

I am now a junior designer for Monday Night Class. I feel like I have joined the ranks of scrapping royalty in Calgary!! My first kit is in the test phase and product is on order. It is pretty crazy system, they have thought of everything to make sure the kits are perfect for their clients. It takes about 3-4 months for a kit to go from a designer hands to the website for sale, product has to be specially ordered, the instruction are gone over with a fine tooth comb by two testers. I think my first kit will be up in the fall. I have 2 kits designed right now that are waiting on me to finish the instructions but I am going to share my first kit with you today. I think it has taken a title change for the final phase but it comes with a full pack of chipboard letters so really you can make the title anything you want. This is the joy of these kits the come with so much stuff. Tons of embellishments and different categories like simple and quick, try something new etc etc .......

Anyhow, let me know what you think of my first kit. I'm pretty proud of it. I'll you a sneak of the next one soon. I have one using Bo-Bunny Abbey Road paper and a second one using Upsy Daisy Circle of Friends line, I must write the instructions for both this weekend!

New blogger!

2009-05-29T09:36:00.001-06:00

There is a new blogger on the scene ..... my Mom. She just set it up last night and so far just has one post about her love of paper crafting. Please check her out:

Room of Treasures

Welcome Samuel!

2009-05-27T23:11:00.003-06:00

On February 11 @ 8:50 am, my oldest and bestest friend in the world had a baby boy. Carmen and Gord welcomed Samuel Gordon Corbett into the world at 8 lbs 2 oz. The little guy gave us a bit of a scare and stayed in the NICU for the first 10 days of his life but now he is a fast growing 3 1/2 month old little boy that can light up any world.

I made this card for the new parents in February but haven't shared it until now. I also have a picture to go along as Carmen and Sam had coffee with my Mom and I before we left to Camp Caroline and the Scrapbook Your Heart Retreat (more on that later).

Anyhow, this is Sam. I am sad to say that by the fall, Carmen and family will be moving to the Edmonton area as her husband is an RCMP officer and has taken a transfer as the team lead for the Emergency Response Team.

Supplies:
Stamp: High Hopes

Teddy Bear Album

2009-05-25T20:02:00.008-06:00

I've been encouraged by a really good friend of mine (Nancy!) to get back to blogging. I have been doing some work a lot of it is scrapbooking and teaching copic classes but I really should take the time to photography my work and share it on my blog.

I made this album back in March, one in pink and one in blue for a class that I was to teach tomorrow night at The Scrapbook Pantry but, the chipboard albums didn't come in time so I have postponed the class to June 10. I still have lots of room in the class to if you want to register, just call the store. {Class description}

Here are the covers of the boy and girl as well as pages 2 and 3.

Supplies used include:
Upsy Daisy Designs - Bebe patterned paper - pink on one side and blue on the other
Milk Chocolate Coredination - sanded down to show the pink and blue through
Upsy Daisy Designs - Bebe rubons and stamp set

A Scrap Page

2009-03-31T11:18:00.004-06:00

I'm such a lame blogger! I've made one other card this year but have made a lot more scrap pages so this might have to become Live, Love, Laugh and SCRAP rather than STAMP. I don't seem to be stamping much or at least completing cards as I color a lot. Right now I am teaching 4 to 5 Copic Marker classes a month at the Scrapbook Pantry. So, rather than not show anything anymore I am going to take pictures of my pages and put them up - perhaps I might get some following going again unless everyone has deleted me from their google reader!

So here is an one page layout that I made of my nephew Cooper last night. The paper is from Piggy Tales and their new line 'The Ants go Marching'. Such an adorable little boy, with a huge personality. I am looking forward to seeing them for Easter.

On anther note, I am now 26 weeks pregnant and have been feeling awesome since about 20 weeks. I did however, have a terrible cold last week but that is now in the past and I am focused on the babymoon that Ian and I leave for on Thursday am. We are on our way to Punta Cana in the Dominician Republic. An one week all inclusive vacation for just us before the baby comes. We get back late the night of April 9th and the next day my Mom, Step-Dad and Brother and family arrive at our house for Good Friday and Easter weekend. I am very excited to see them all especially Katelynn and Cooper!

So, please leave me a comment and let me know that you missed me and that you don't mind seeing my scrap pages. I will have cards again someday ....... I better or the Calgals are going to kick me out of the stamping club!

Changito ....

2009-02-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

It's been 2 weeks since I have posted not too bad. I still haven't been stamping much. I've taught at the Scrapbook Pantry 3 times though and have one more class this month on Friday am. I've been enjoying teaching the classes. I hope my students have enjoyed taking them. Monday is a day off in Alberta for Family Day, I need no excuse for another day off work.

I made this Changito card back in January at Nancy's house one Saturday afternoon. I think it took me 3 hours to make between all the chit chat.

Mojo Monday #71

2009-02-01T17:43:00.004-07:00

I know there are some people (ummm Nancy!) that are going to be amazed that there is a new card up on my blog after basically 4 months of not blogging (apparently she was counting). Anyhow, I did it.... I made a card, I took a picture of it, uploaded it my computer and am now posting it. It was a long ordeal, I needed to add Adobe Photoshop to my new laptop, charge the camera batter, find the camera cord, edit the picture and now type the post!

This is the first time I have used a Mojo Monday sketch. It was a great sketch. The card came together pretty quite as it was one of the images I colored when the Cal-gals were together on Friday night. No one made cards but we all stamped out images and colored with the thousands of dollars worth of copics that were on the table between the 5 of us.

Supplies:
Stamps: Stampabilities
Paper: PTI - Sweet Blush, SU - Basic Black, Making Memories - Sabrina
Ink: Memento Black, Copic Markers
Embellies: Taylored Expressions - Black glittery ribbon, Prima - Sweetheart flowers, Sweetie word from my drawer - company unknown?

Where have I been?

2009-01-26T16:19:00.004-07:00

It is amazing how 4 months can fly by! I had an email from one of my blog followers wondering where I have been well. I have a few things on my plate and little of it has been crafting related.

The first thing that has been keeping me busy is I am 17 weeks pregnant! Yeah - Baby Tompkins is due to arrive around July 7. However, Baby Tompkins has taken a lot out of me. I have had horrible morning sickness from week 6 onward and the label of 'morning' is a lie! I have been taking diclectin since week 8 and it has helped however, the experiment at week 14 to go off was not a successful one. I am continuing to work which has been a challenge a lot of days. This is Baby Tompkins from my 13w 4d ultrasound. He or she is healthy and growing perfectly with absolutely no problems. I have another ultrasound which works out that I will almost 21 weeks. This is the ultrasound that you would find out the sex however, Ian and I have decided that we will not be finding out the sex - we are having a baby and no matter boy or girl we will be happy. I figure it is one of the only suprises left in life.

I have also started teach Copic marker classes at my local scrapbook store, The Scrapbook Pantry. They started on Jan 16th. I am running a basics class and then you can graduate into my 'Shades' classes. I've had 2 classes to date and they have been so much fun. I was nervous at first but the timing my color lessons in the basics course have worked out. I teach again this week on Wednesday and then next week on Feb 4th is my first Shades class which will be 'Shades of Red' very appropriate for February.

It was hard decision but due to the demands of my pregnancy, my job and a new baby - I have resigned from the design team at Hanna Stamps. Telling Kristi that I would no longer be designing for them was so hard. I was in tears as I wrote the email as she is such a wonderful person and has done so much for me. I love the stamps!

I do have a few creations that need a picture and then I can get something up on this site. I hope all my readers have me in google reader and will start continue to follow along.

Hope everyone is well - I have continued to read blogs. This past weekend, I set up a new space in the basement (had to give up my scrap space in the spare room to be a spare room, as the bigger spare room will be the nursery) So, I once again have a clean space and it made me find my inspiration again. Ian is going away all week for some field work and I noticed the TV wasn't that good for the week so I should get something done.

Winner of my blog candy

2008-10-02T23:41:00.002-06:00

The winner of the Hanna Stamps blog hop candy at my blog is:

Kraftin' Kimmie a fellow Canuck!

Congrats to you Kim! Please email Kristi at kristi@hannastamps.com to claim your prize.

The following is all the winner from the Design Team blog. Congrats to everyone! Enjoy your new moose stamp!

BLOG HOP
You win a Riley or Sophie Stamp
email : kristi@hannastamps.com
to claim your prize!!!!!

Monique Hawrelluk
Kim-3 time mom
Kathy Hering
Elsa-wamu007
stampvanwinkle
Chirsscrappin andstampintx
Tojoco-Jolroz
Lise- belles-place
KJ Lowrey-sewstampscrapbook
Lori Barnett
Courtney-Created by Courtney
Nichole (Nichole cards)
Cindy Vernon
Kraftin' Kimmie
Linda-Java Fiend
Robbeeie
The crazy life of a Navy Wife

Blog candy is closed!

2008-10-02T13:56:00.001-06:00

Blog candy for a new Riley/Sophie stamp is now closed. I will be back to announce the winner later tonight during the Hanna Stamps release party that starts at 7 p.m. EST!

Happy Anniversary to us!

2008-09-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today, marks Ian and mine first wedding anniversary. The time has gone by so fast, it is hard to believe that a year ago today we said 'I do' actually I think it was 'I will'. Regardless, it has been a fabulous year and I know we will have many more years together.

Happy Anniversary, Ian! All my love today and always,

Hanna is going to be 1 and I have CANDY!

2008-09-29T00:01:00.001-06:00

In celebration of Hanna Stamps first year in business, Kristi has lots of giveaways for you!!!!!

Visit all the talented Design Team Blogs between now and Wednesday to see exciting sneak peeks and for the chance to win a never seen before Riley/Sophie Moose image.

Leaving a comment on each blog, will increase your chances of winning. One new stamp per Design Team member blog will be given out. Winners will be announced at the Hanna Stamps Release Party on Thursday October 2 at 9:00 p.m EST (7pm MST). So pop into the Hanna Stamps SCS forum for the party for challenges, prizes, chatter, more prizes and to see what the amazing Design Team has in store for you.

Blog hop on over to the other design team members:

Adela - Creations by AR

Amanda - Inkspirations

Beth - Freckled and Fun

Bev - Savor the Journey

Cambria - Stamp a Little Love Baby

Candice - Rubber Soul

Cindy - Cindy Haffners’s Corner

Frances - Stamp Owl’s Studio

Janette - Stampin with Style

Jeanne - Inky Paws

Judy - Rock is Dead

Kittie - Kittie Kraft

Niki - My Paper Creations

Pam - Iris Garden

Patti - Design {U}

ME! - Live, Love, Laugh & Stamp

Vicki - DT Coordinator - Summerthyme Studio

Kristi - Owner - Kreations By Krissy

This week is also sneak peek week. Ian and I got in on Sunday afternoon after a week in Cleveland, OH and of course, I have no samples ready for the sneak peek. But I know that the Design Team will! So make sure to check out all their blogs above for the sneak peeks and to enter blog candy also the HSDT gallery at SCS.

I was exhausted when we got home and slept for 3 hours, I would have sleep on our flight from Chicago to Calgary but the man sitting next to me had his elbow in my ribs the whole flight and no matter what I did he wouldn't move it. It was a long 3 hours and 37 minutes! To make matters worse I have to leave at 6:30 am today to head out for a 2 day planning session in Kananaskis with my team from work, it's only one night away but that night is my 1st wedding anniversary. Oh well, we celebrated in Cleveland and we've known this for months. I will be back on Tuesday night to make some sneak peek samples as well as finish up the scrapbook I somehow ended up making for my Team Lead that is leaving the group. Too many things on my plate at the moment.

I will leave you with this one last Riley card that I have in my stash - which is now empty!

Stamps: Hanna Stamps
Paper: Basic Grey, real red, old olive, always artichoke, PTI white
Ink: Memento black, copic markers
Accessories: always artichoke ribbon

Kiss the Cook

2008-09-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Wow! It's Friday again. Somehow the week slipped by with work on Monday and then a course Tues thru Thur. I was responding to emails at night and just plain busy. I haven't really stamped at all. I have a half done card for our monthly Calgals challenge tonight. I better get that done before I head to Nancy's or I'll be harassed!

I made this 'Kiss the Cook' card for the stamp release and then I never got it up for the release and plain forgot about it. So here is my take on Kiss the cook.

Supplies
Stamps: Kiss the Cook by Hanna Stamps
Paper: Bazzill, Basic Grey, PTI white
Ink: Memento black, copic markers
Accessories: Bazzill brads and Flowers, Basic Grey Infuse ribbon

I'm hosting HSC34

2008-09-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

I'm the host this week for the Hanna Stamps Challenge, on the Members forum on SCS. This week's challenge is my first sketch challenge. I actually figured out how to design a sketch in Photoshop Elements and it wasn't that hard.

Here is my sketch:

And here is the card I made with the sketch:

Be sure to check out the HSC34 gallery to see whatever one else has done.

I know its been awhile since I posted on my blog but work has been really busy and I haven't had the energy to stamp. It's really hard sometimes to use the left brain all day and then come home and get the right brain flowing. I'm an engineer for an oil and gas company not sure if everyone knows that so I spent my day with numbers and meetings. I'm on another course next week for some software training then Ian and I are going to Cleveland from the 21st to the 28th (our 1st anniversary is on the 29th!) as he has a training course and I'm tagging along then I come back and spent the 29th and 30th at an offsite meeting for work .... and it's October then. WOW! Because of all this I suspect I am going to be a little absent this month. I think I'm really going to miss stamping this month.

Supplies
Stamps: Ballerina Sophie, Sentiments all by Hanna Stamps
Ink: Memento black, Copic Markers
Paper: Europhia, lavendar lace, regal rose, certainly celery, PTI white
Accessories: Prima, Scrapbook sally brad, SU soft sky ribbon, designer label punch

Introducing Ballet Sophie G!

2008-09-01T17:45:00.003-06:00

I am so excited to finally be able to put this card up on my blog as I made it a month ago in preparation for the day that this cute little moose would be released! Hanna Stamps along with ecletic Paperie will be releasing this stamp with our release on Friday, September 5th. The proceed will be going to cancer foundation in honor of a friend of Daisy and Joy who's little girl has cancer. More details to follow later this week on the members forum at SCS.

Other news from Hanna Stamps!

Hanna Stamps will be celebrating it’s 1st “Hanna-versary” on 5th October. To celebrate this exciting event Hanna Stamps will be having a 1 month long contest.

For every $50 you spend, throughout the month (1st September to midnight 1st October) your name will go into a drawing, the lucky winner will have their choice of the Copic Air Compressor, or the $200 shopping spree in the Hanna Stamps store.

During our release party on Thursday night Oct 2nd, we will video tape Hanna picking the winning name out of a jar.
We are going to have weekly give aways during the entire month of Sept. So stay tuned here or on the Design teams blogs for these great prize give aways!

Don't forget to join us this Thursday 4th September in the Hanna Stamps Members Forum for our release party starting at 9pm EST.

Supplies
Stamps: Hanna Stamps
Paper: all PTI
Ink: Memento, Copics
Accessories: PTI ribbon

Friends

2008-08-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

I made this one single card when I was at Nancy's last weekend. It wasn't a Calgals night just an afternoon in which we both weren't busy well we were both without husbands for the day so we got together.

I've had a couple Elzybells that I picked up at a stamp store here in Calgary several months ago but hadn't used them. I inked up this one at Nancy's and created this card.

Supplies
Stamps: Elzybells, Friendship blooms - SU
Paper: lavendar lace, regal rose, bashful blue, Europhis - Basic Grey
Ink: Memento, copic markers
Accessories: Imaginasce button brads, SU pretty in pink tafetta, Bazzill paper flowers

Calgals challenge

2008-08-24T17:02:00.000-06:00

Somehow it is now Sunday even though I was going to post this on Friday. How fast time flies.

This card was made for the August Calgals meet up (see the names of the Calgals on the right side of my blog). It was my turn to do the challenge so I picked a color challenge using certainly celery, pretty in pink and chocolate chip. I also used SC190 for my sketch inspiration.

Another week of work starts tomorrow but it is only 4 days long then I leave Friday morning to spend the long weekend at the Bloomin' Inn with my Mom until Monday for a scrapping retreat.

Supplies
Stamps: House Mouse - Stampabilities
Paper: patterened paper - SU, certainly celery, pretty in pink and chocolate chip
Ink: Memento, Copic markers
Accessories: Doodlebug felt ribbon and brad, Kaiser flower, Mike's ribbon, nestabilities

Stamp or be Stamped!

2008-08-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

My course has been going well. I can't believe it is Thursday already but well I am ready for the weekend. Here is another card I made when I was in Dallas using some Rusty Pickle paper that Kristi had and we made pirate cards together. I also made one of the bag box with the paper but it didn't travel well back to Calgary in my bag so I won't be showing you the damaged good.

I am off to Nancy's tonight for our monthly Calgals stamping night. I have my Calgals challenge card all done. I will be showing it tomorrow as the rules are to keep it off our blog until after our meeting. I will tell you that it is a color challenge using chocolate chip, certainly celery and pretty in pink.

Supplies
Stamps: Pirate Hanna - Hanna Stamps
Paper: Rusty Pickle, pretty in pink, basic black, PTI white
Ink: Memento black, copic markers
Accessories: Heidi Grace glittered flowers, Amanda Blu polka dot brads, SU PIP tafetta ribbon, Dots, Dashes, Checks sheer polka dot ribbon, Long nesties (thanks Bev!)

Sketch Challenge with House Mouse

2008-08-18T06:00:00.002-06:00

This is probably the lamed title for a blog post yet. But I can't think of anything to name it. I made this card using last Wednesday's sketch challenge on SCS, SC189. I started with a House Mouse stamp and colored it with copics. I realized that my blender pen was out of fluid so once I grabbed the spare blending became easier. I guess I'll have to go by the art supply in Calgary and see if they have blender refill until then I have a sketch copic that I can use.

Monday morning starts a 5 day course for me on Oil and Gas Evaluations. I've been told its one of the best courses in the industry but it is still sitting in a classroom from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm which I am sure will drive me a little squirrly. Wish me luck!

ETA: I entered this card in a new House Mouse Challenge blog - we were to use the theme new and well this was a NEW stamp.

Supplies
Stamps: All Stamps by Stampabilities
Paper: regal rose, orchid opulence, PTI white
Ink: Memento black, Copic markers
Accessories: Dashes, Dots & Checks ribbon, Imaganisce flowers, Jesse James glitter dots

She's having a baby .....

2008-08-17T14:33:00.002-06:00

Sophie G is having a baby - NOT ME! However, my good friend Carmen is 13 weeks pregnant so I made this card for her using the sketch challenge from a few weeks back, SC186. This Sophie G stamp was released on June 20 with the other Riley moose stamps from Hanna Stamps. I am off to meet Carmen this afternoon for afternoon matinee, we are seeing The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2.

I spent yesterday afternoon stamping with my friend, Nancy at her house. We each only got one card done but we got a lot of chatting in. I am going back to her place on Thursday evening for the monthly Calgals meet up however, I better get my challenge card done as it was my challenge and I'm not done yet. I won't hear the end of it if I don't have my card with me!

Supplies
Stamps: Hanna Stamps
Paper: Bella Rosa - Stampin' Up, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Piroutte, PTI white
Ink: Memento Black, Copic markers
Accessories: Kaiser pink flower, Imaginasce pink brad, SU old olive twill

Christmas in July

2008-08-14T11:31:00.002-06:00

Well I made this card a while back it was suppose to be for Hanna Stamps Friday Challenge, HSC26 where Frances challenged us with a card sketch and for an added bonus if we used the sketch to make a Christmas in July card. I did both.

I really loved the Basic Grey paper Figgy Pudding the colors were so nice and I am still using it. I think I even have some 12x12 yet to use in my xmas papers stash.

I am glad this week is only a 4 day week for myself. I am heading to Calaway Park (amusement park in Calgary) for the day tomorrow as my step-sister is in town with her almost 5 yo and 2 yo. It should be a fun day. Then I am going to get some stamping in this weekend with a good friend. I should also start planning as in 2 weeks my Mom and I are heading to the Bloom' Inn in Pincher Creek for a long weekend of scrapbooking. Which reminds I still haven't showed my scrapping pages on my blog from when I was there in May!

Supplies
Stamps: Santa Riley, Things Riley would say - Hanna Stamps
Paper: Basic Grey Figgy Pudding, real red, always artichoke, old olive
Ink: Memento Black, Copic markers
Accessories: word window, circle nesties, Dots and Dashes ribbon,

Do the Luau!

2008-08-11T21:30:00.002-06:00

I made this card when I was in Texas at Bev's. I took this paper from Stamp-it Australia with me as I thought it would be awesome with the mini Laua set by Hanna Stamps.

I've been pretty busy at work so I haven't gotten online much to post at my blog. I usually upload all my pictures and then do my posts on my lunch break and schedule them for the next day. I'm going to upload some tonight so that I will have something to work with.

Supplies
Stamps: Hanna Stamps
Paper: Stamp-it Australia, summer sun, regal rose, PTI white
Ink: Memento black, copics
Accessories: window punch, SU ribbon (retired), Imaginisce fuzzy brads

Whiff of Joy Stamps

2008-08-07T12:42:00.003-06:00

Have you seen the new Whiff of Joy stamps on Katharina's Creative Place. I want them so I am entering her 100,000 blog candy to win..... you can too.

Here is a preview of one of the images.

If you want them too go check out this post at Katharina's.

Sketch Challenge 188

2008-08-06T22:00:00.002-06:00

I'm going to try to do the sketch challenge on the day that they are posted. This is a first time for me. It was fun to do this challenge, the fact I have so many images colored made it pretty fast for me. You can find SC188 on SCS.

I have some pictures from Texas plus some more cards I made there and I finally downloaded my camera tonight. I am hoping my SU catalogues will be at the house tomorrow when I get home from work. However, not sure how much time I will have to look at it right away as Mom and Gerald are coming in for the weekend and there is a Rider game on Thursday night ... I'm hoping for 7 and 0!

Supplies
Stamps: Hanna Stamps
Paper: Basic Grey Boxer, Night of Navy, Real Red, PTI white
Ink: Memento black, Copics
Accessories: navy ribbon, silver brads

Skiing into Xmas

2008-08-01T22:10:00.001-06:00

We are having a blast in Dallas. We went to the JFK museum today called The Sixth Floor which is all about the day JFK was assassinated. Bev and her husband have been wonderful tour guides. Tomorrow, we head to Fort Worth to watch a cattle drive.

I thought I'd check in and show you a card for today's Hanna Stamps Challenge, HSC28 which was to use buttons. I have a few on this Riley card that used Skiing Riley.

Supplies
Stamps - Hanna Stamps
Paper: Basic Grey Figgy Pudding, Real Red, Cool Carribean, PTI white
Ink: Memento Black, Copic markers
Accessories: Sassfrass Buttons, real red 5/8 grosgrain