HappenScraps etc.

Fall, what things may come

2011-10-16T21:59:00.001-06:00

This Fall, has been a very Pintersting one. Yes I said Pintersting!! I have learned some very pinteresting words. For instance, Pintervention - I may be in need of one soon. If you don't already know about it, Pinterest is (my description) like an online copy of all your favorite magazines that you can access all at the same time. If you are into fashion...it's there. Home decor...they've got it. Cooking and baking...yup. Crafts and DIY...You betcha baby. The topics are endless. If you are interested in something, you will find that there are tons of other people that are too. Take heed my friends... time slips away while you are browsing all the wonderful items and ideas on there. Go ahead, check it out, set up a profile and start PINNING!!!

Fall has also brought my usual amounts of volleyball, but this year a wee bit more. I am still doing my drop-in nights and coaching the Jr. Boys team, but this year I am also on a ladies team. I was emailed by a team of ladies who are all around(older) my age in Tier 7. We have now moved up to Tier 6 and I am loving every second of it.

Teri and I have made a pact to stop shopping for stuff to do projects. We find all this great stuff at thrift stores that maybe need a coat of paint, or a little tweek of some sort. I have quite a collection. We challenged ourselves to stop shopping and start doing some of these projects. I made a little logo but can't figure out how to get it on here. Once I do, I will share it. This pact I have called "Project Stash". Stash stands for Stop Teri and Adrienne from Shopping and Hoarding. I have no problem finding an item that needs some TLC or repurposing , but it's the follow through that I have a problem with(as I have said in a previous post). Well, procrastinate no more. I have managed to get a few projects done. Another part of our pact was to blog about each of the projects we get done. And yes, follow through, here we go. I am doing it. As busy as I have been this Fall, I am finding little bits of time here and there to get things done or at least started.

Well, enough for tonight. I will post in the next couple of days with some of the projects that I have accomplished so far.

Take care all,

Adrienne

I'm entering a challenge

2011-07-07T21:37:00.000-06:00

I love, love love CARDS magazine and I have an online subscription. They have amazing ideas and challenges and I always want to play along, but never quite seem to get it done. Well, not this time baby. I saw the challenge today and actually got a card done that I think is worthy of posting, so here we go...

The challenge is to make a card with an accordian flower. I have recently started making them and I think they are really cute! Hope you like it.

I'm back baby!!

2011-07-07T21:29:00.000-06:00

Back from where. Well, life I guess. School is done for another year and with the promise of 'gettin 'r done', I have managed to get into my craft room and dabble a bit. It's been a while since I have done pretty much anything. I'm having a tough time reaching my goal and really need to get back on the proverbial HORSE and finish strong. Ever seen that show, "Last 10 pounds Bootcamp"?.. I really need Tommy to visit me for a month and I can get rid of that last 10-15 pounds that keep hanging around. I know what I need to do, but for some reason, I just seem to have lost the motivation. It's been a year and a half and I have worked really hard to get where I am now, but REALLY need to reach my goal for myself.

Dabbling. I like that word. I guess I tend to dabble in a lot of things craft/home decor related. Again, there's my 'can't seem to finish' rearing it's ugly head. Maybe that's where the non-weight-loss is coming from. Hmmm, who needs to see a shrink, I've just figured it all out. Well, maybe not all, but......I digress!

Where was I? Oh, yes, dabbling. In my craft room. Came up with these beauties today. Not totally my own creation. Have been wanting to do a few things, but really needed some inspiration lately. Oh ya, did I ever get inspired. Thanks to Michelle Wooderson over at MishMash and Maile Belles at Simply Stamped. Those ladies completely inspire me.

Here's my take on their cards! Hope you enjoy!

A while indeed!

2011-05-16T19:37:00.000-06:00

It has been a very, very busy month. Not really busy doing tons of stuff, but very busy in my little world. I have spent the last month getting ready to go to my cousin's wedding in BC and working my butt off at the gym so I could look as amazing as I hoped to so I could show off my new bod to my family. Run-on sentence, I know! I have also been very busy (mentally) due to a HUGE change at school. I have recently begun working with a severely autistic boy in the mornings and it has definitely taken it's toll on me both mentally and physically. So I was giving all I could at school, plus at the gym. Can you say TIRED??!! So now that the wedding is over, and I am learning to work with this boy at school, I thought I should get my arse in gear and back on my blog.
I made a couple of really cute cards last week. One for mother's day and one for my cousin's wedding, but of course I didn't take pictures of them, so I will have to recreate them to put on my blog.
In my weight loss journey, I am sitting at 84 pounds right now. I was up to 86, but then with all the travelling and (not eating so great) and more coffee than any person should drink in a week, I managed to be up 5 pounds. I was pretty strict with my eating this last week, and got rid of 3 of the 5lbs I put on. So, I am now looking at losing 16 pounds in the next 6 weeks. I am bound and determined to be at my goal of 100 pounds by the last day of school. I see a very busy and sweaty 6 weeks in my future!

Here's a picture of the family from Danica's wedding. What a great time we had!!
Toodles for now!

BAD BLOGGER!!!

2011-03-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

Well, we are into the 3rd month of 2011 and this is my first post. Ya, I know, "where've you been" you're all probably saying. I didn't post sooner because I wanted to include a picture of me to show my weight loss progress, but I haven't managed to take any as of yet. I haven't been anywhere, haven't been doing much of anything. Well, no, that's not entirely true. I have been working out like a mad woman at the gym and playing volleyball. I am now up to 74 pounds gone. SEVENTY -FOUR!!! yeehaw!!! I was hoping to have lost 100 in the last year, but I have hit a few plateaus and at the very least, have been able to maintain and lose a little. Since Christmas, I was sitting around 60 pounds and couldn't do much to get the numbers to keep falling. I decided to sign up at the World Gym and it was the best decision (since deciding to lose weight a year ago) I have ever made. I started slow and worked at my own speed, and now, I am up to running on the treadmill for 10 minutes at a time without stopping. I spend a good hour and a half or more while I am there and love every minute of it. I have never felt better, or looked so good(in my opinion). Well, hope that appeases everyone for now, and I promise, I will get some pics done and post again soon.
Take care,
Adrienne

More or less.....in 2011

2011-01-01T21:24:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year everyone! Hope you are all looking as forward to the new year as I am! I have big plans for the next 12 months. Now that I know I have been able to be successful with big things such as weight-loss, I figure, why stop there?! I have bit of a more or less list to share with you. I guess you could say these are my New Year's resolutions, but I thought I would put my own spin on things. Here goes...

In the next near, I would like to accomplish..

1. more organizing...less procrastinating
2. more exercising...less couch potatoe(ing)!!
3. more crafting...less shopping
4. more reconnecting...less turtling
5. more mailing...less hoarding (i'll explain this one later)
6. more doing, being, seeing and loving all that life has to offer!!!

Okay, so the more mailing and less hoarding line. I make all these great (I think) cards and projects, but never do anything with them. I make all kinds birthday cards, anniversary cards, and just because cards, but again, I never seem to be able to send them. I love crafting, but hate sending. So, I hope I can start mailing my cards to their intended friends and family, and stop keeping them tucked away in a box.

Here are a couple of cards that I made today after sitting on the couch for about a million hours. Less couch potatoe(ing)!!!! Hope you enjoy them!

I have been wanting to include pics of either my supplies, or my process, so today I took a picture of a portion of the supplies that I used. The stamps are both from Hero Arts, some Kraft cardstock, butterflies cut from Stampin' Up exclusive Sizzix die, Cuttlebug and Quickutz embossing folders, copper Smooch sprtiz and a doily from the good ol' $$ store!
I guess I should also add more posting to my list.. Well, here's hopin'!!
Adrienne

After Christmas Activities

2010-12-28T18:49:00.001-07:00

I seem to get into the Christmas crafty mood - after Christmas. I guess with all the pre-Christmas Hub-ub, I never seem to find the time to get my craft on. With 2 weeks of holidays, the first is spend on getting ready for the big day, and the second is spend getting over it and doing what I want, when I want. I have been trying to keep things tidy around the house so I have the time to spend in my craft room. I spent some time on the computer this morning and was checking out Tim Holtz's blog. Man, that guy is talented. I was inspired by his 12 days of tags and thought I would see what I could come up with. So, here is what I did this afternoon.

Hope you like them. Let's see what I can do tomorrow!

Adrienne

News...Update...This just in!!!

2010-12-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

Yes. I know. I have not been posting nearly as often as I should, but well, I am now! I am hearing some grumblings about the fact that I have not been giving updates on my weight loss. Fear not dear friends, my resolve has not waivered. I am currently sitting at 60 pounds lost. It has been very slow going since the summer, but I am totally taking this as a win. Even though I hit 50 pounds this summer, and have only lost another 10, I am very happy that I have been able to (at the very least) maintain my loss and then some. I have recently joined one of the local gyms and am loving it. I have been trying to go in the mornings while we are off for Christmas break. I have fallen victim to the gruesome PLATEAU and will fight as hard as I can to banish it from whence it came. (does that make sense??...it sounds good in my head, that's all that matters!!)

So, this should hopefully give those interested an update on my weight-loss journey, and I promise to keep you posted on my future successes!

BTW...Merry Christmas to all and to all a Fabulous New Year!!!
Adrienne

A White Tree!!

2010-12-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

My husband once told me that he has always wanted a white Christmas tree. And I always thought he had flipped his lid. A few years ago, I told him that if we ever have a house big enough for 2 trees, I would LET him have his white tree.Little did I know, this would be the year. Big house or not. I, on the other hand, have finally created the Country Christmas look that I love(he loves it too!...I think). I decided last year that I would indeed, buy him a white tree and all the trimmin's to go with it. I figured that by waiting until after Christmas, I could get it all cheaper and then if we (mainly I) hated it, I wouldn't have spent a fortune on it. We finally dug the tree out today and decorated it. The tree is a lot smaller than our other one, so it went pretty fast. I actually had a lot of fun doing it. It was kind of refreshing looking at new and different ornaments. What a total departure from my usual country/primitive tree decorations and decor. I have not had glitter or bling on my tree for years, and NOW... well, just take a look!

Maybe I will attempt the outdoor lights this weekend too!
Hope you enjoy my new tree, I know I am!

A new era...

2010-10-30T20:01:00.001-06:00

Even though Adam is going to be only 10 in a month, he has decided that he doesn't want to go Trick-or-Treating this year. I am quite surprised by this. If I remember correctly, oh so many years ago, I was about 13 when I decided I was done with it. He has certainly grown up a lot in the last year or so. Not exactly sure why he has decided to opt out this year, but I have given him every opportunity to change his mind. We have decided instead to go out for supper and then we are going to go swimming. I am actually pretty happy with his decision and I don't have to buy a ton of candy and wait for all the kids to come a knockin'.

A couple of weekends ago I went to a Friday Night crop at Scrapbooks Made Simple. I didn't actually do any cropping, but I did make a fun Halloween banner. As mentioned in my last post, I used some spooky images from the Graphics Fairy. If you haven't checked her out yet, make sure she is on your list of blogs to take a gander at. I had planned to give it to Adam's teacher to put up in the classroom, but as usual, I never got around to giving it to her. Now it is sitting here, waiting to be put up next year. I really need to kick myself if the keester when it comes to my crafts and actually giving them away. Maybe my Christmas projects will be better for me. Here's hoping!!
Hope you enjoy it, thanks for looking!
Adrienne

I'm free!

2010-10-13T18:05:00.001-06:00

Well, I'm free for another week. Free from what? My family. My boys (son and hubby) have flown the coup for Newfoundland to visit Chris' family. As much as I love them both, I equally love my ALONE time. I love having the house to myself. The only mess to clean up is my own, the only dishes to wash are my own, the only clothes to clean.........well, you get the picture!

I can do what I want when I want. Hell, I could be sitting here on the computer in my 'birthday suit' for all you know! Lettin' it all hang out, swingin' in the breeze.....

You'll never get that image out of your head will ya? HeeHee!!

I haven't manage -yet- to get into my craft room. I have a crop to go to on Friday night and I think I am in the mood for some Halloween magic. I have never really been into Halloween crafts until the last few years. I love the colours, and I love the images. I love bats for Halloween decorating as much as I love snowflakes for Christmas. If you know me, you know I LOVE snowflakes. And if you do know me and didn't know how much I love them, where the heck have you been??!! Oh, ya, back to Halloween... So I have been thinking about doing a banner using some graphics from the Graphics Fairy. I love this gal! I love the black and white images that she finds and I get really inspired by them.

Here's a peak at one of the images I hope to use. Once I am done, I will hopefully link up to a few linky parties. So, I hope you can check back on Monday to see what I came up with!

Have a great rest of the week and maybe I'll manage to put some clothes on the next time I'm on here!!!!
Adrienne

Busy, Busy, Busy!!

2010-09-18T13:43:00.004-06:00

I usually feel time tightening it's grips on me in the weeks leading up to Christmas. I have currently fallen victim to my inability to say NO yet again. With school in full swing, I think I may be stretching myself a 'wee' bit thin already, and Christmas is months away. Thank God for that small miracle. Part of my contract at school involves running the canteen, which means, cooking hot lunches for who know how many kids. We don't know any numbers yet, but I am totally getting stressed out already. We will start this Monday morning prepping as much as we can. I say 'we' only because I am hoping to have a few moms in to volunteer their time and help me. Yes, as far as staff goes, I am the ONE and ONLY. Yikes!! Another thing that has been eating up my time is... I am the new Boys' Volleyball Coach! We have practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays. So, right after school, I quickly get to the gym and start practice. By the time we are done, I race home, and start supper. Thank goodness I live 4 minutes from the school.

I have been finding time to scrapbook lately which is like therapy for me. I love sitting down and mulling through all my paper and stamps and goodies. Last weekend I went to a crop put on by one of the stores here in town. I had such a blast. Teri and I laughed so hard at times I was literally crying. Not sure how impressed all the other ladies were with us being so loud, but hey...we had FUN!! And we're not afraid to show it. I managed to get 3 layouts done, 3 projects and a couple of cards. As usual, I packed way too much, but you never know what you'll need while you're there. I haven't taken any pics of them yet, so I thought I would share a page I did last month. Hope you enjoy.

Take care,

Adrienne

How long 'til Christmas vacation?

2010-08-30T16:16:00.002-06:00

Today was the 1st day of school. We all survived it! Thank God! The first day is usually totally laid back, not much work to do. Loved it. Wish everyday was like that! We'll have to see what tomorrow has to offer. Adam had a great day too. It's hard to believe that he is in Grade 5 already. Seems like just yesterday we were dropping him off at Kindergarten. Man, he is going up so fast. I made this pencil cup for Adam's teacher last week. Thought it would help her welcome a new year with a smile on her face.On my last post I mentioned that I think he is really (secretly) all of a sudden in his teens. One day last week we went to get our back-to-school hair cuts and he was all about the Justin Beiber hair. You know, the sweeping bangs, hair covering your face. I, and my hairdresser Tara managed to talk him out of it , thankfully. We decided to go with a Fauxhawk. I have to say I really like it on him and really likes it as well. I'm not sure which he likes more. The hair cut, or the fact that he gets to put :stuff" in it to keep it spiky.

I haven't posted much about my weight loss lately, so I thought I would update my followers. I had hit my first goal of 50 pounds in the end of July and I was so excited. Since then, I have been on a bit of a yo-yo. I have been gaining a bit and losing a bit. As of this morning I am sitting at 49. Now that we will have a much more structured day, I think I will be able to get back on track and start on my next 50. Plus, volleyball will be starting soon so I will definitely be exercising more.

Thanks for lookin'

Adrienne

Feeling scrappy

2010-08-26T13:07:00.004-06:00

I've been feeling a little scrappy lately. I figured I better clean up my craft room first. This is definitely the room the house that gets neglected the most, but also the room that I want to spend the most time in. It acts as the room that you put everything that you don't know what to do with. So, I needed to take charge in there and create a bit of order. If I don't tidy up first, I can't concentrate. I am a very messy crafter. I don't tend to clean up between projects, so I will go to do something and all the remnants and bits and pieces are scattered all over the place. I really mean all over the place. I wanted to use my cuttlebug yesterday, and I had such a mess everywhere that I was forced to use it on the floor. Sad, I know. But true.

Ok. So. Now that I have spent yesterday afternoon and into the evening cleaning, I was able to get in there this morning and work on a layout. I have had pics of Adam, my Mom and I now for 4 years. I have attempted scrapping them, but never quite 'felt' like it. I think it was the original paper I had picked out for it. So, I finally found some paper that I really liked. And here is what I came up with.

We had gone to Vancouver Island to visit my sister and her family. You can tell this is the ferry ride home because, back then, whenever we got together, Michele would cut Adam's hair. I loved him in a buzz cut when he was younger. Now, I would swear, he had turned into a 16 year old over night. That is a whole other story to be told at a later date.

It's challenge time

2010-08-25T12:18:00.006-06:00

While checking out some of my favourite blogs, I have been feeling less than adequate. So many people are getting published, or picked to be on a design team, or have TONS of followers. No, I don't think those are really important things to measure myself to, but hey.. I want in too!!

So, Paper Poppy Kit Co. is having a sketch challenge, and I thought to myself, "Self, you should do the sketch and enter the challenge. You have what it takes!" (positive self talk is always important!)

So here it is! I think that was the fastest page I have done in a long time. I think I will try to start using sketches more often. They just seem to take some of the guess work out of it and also help you try different things. This sketch is actually totally my style so it wasn't too hard to follow. I used some of the paper I bought while on holidays in Calgary too, so that is a bonus!

Hope you like it, maybe I will win!

It's finally done!

2010-08-22T19:10:00.003-06:00

OK. So those of you who know me, know that one thing I hate about myself is that I don't have any 'follow-through' when it comes to projects. I have a great imagination and ability to dream up ideas and see what I can make with things I find (my friends' words), but (my words) I either never get to said ideas, or never finish them. Well, I can truly - for now- say that is not true. I have had a project on the go or at least in my head for seriously almost 20 years. I am not kidding. When I was still living at home after college, my Mom bought me these beautiful coat hooks.

I HAD to have them, but they never got to see their potential... until now. I find it really funny that as unorganized as I am, I never lost them and never got rid of them. I attempted to use them years ago, but the piece of wood I used got left outside (dis-organized!!) and I never finished it. I found a cupboard door at the local rebuild center and knew what I would do with it. I have had it for probably 3 or more months and just during the break from school got it done. Hey, don't rush me. It takes my a while to get warmed up! I love how it turned out and I am thinking about adding some vinyl lettering to the recessed panel.

But, for now, I am happy that it is done, and actually hanging on the wall.

Hope you like it! Maybe in this last week of summer vacation I will get something else done.

Adrienne

How can it be?? Say it isn't so!

2010-08-20T11:21:00.004-06:00

How can summer be over already? It feels like just yesterday I was so amped up with all the possibilities that summer might bring. All the projects I would get done, all the trips we would take, all the exercise I was going to get. Well, the trips did happen, but the rest fell by the wayside. I did manage to (almost) finish one project I have had in the works. I guess I just need to come to grips that summer vacation is not the time for me to have big wonderful plans. Just go with the flow and see what happens. The trips we took were so fun and relaxing. We started out in Calgary for 4 days where we went to the Zoo and the Calaway Park and did a lot of shopping. After Calgary, we headed to Edmonton for a day to hit the Waterpark and more shopping! Man I love that place!

Then home for about a week and then Adam and I headed off for BC to visit family and friends for 2 weeks. We had a great time.. Again, lots of fun and shopping. I will need to post in a day or so to show all the great stuff I got. Between the 2 parcels I received from shopping online, and all the scrapbooking stores I hit in Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, and Williams Lake; I have gotten a ton of new stuff. Can't wait to get started in my room and play with all my new goodies.

I am totally bummed out that school for me starts in 7 days(BOO!!). One the other hand, I am totally excited that volleyball with be starting up again soon.

I will try to keep the posts up, I have more interesting stuff to show you all. Hopefully (fingers crossed) I will manage to get some of my projects done before the snow flies. Hey, this is Northern Alberta. Once September hits, it's fair game!!

Take care, Happy Fall

Adrienne

School's Out!!!

2010-06-29T10:43:00.004-06:00

It's official. I am on Vacation! Yesterday was the last day of school and now I am free. Free to do what ever I want. And what I want is to do all the projects I have been busy collecting stuff for. All the junkin' I have been doing. All the VV trips I have been taking. I need to get this stuff done and painted and put on display. So many ideas rush around my head of what I can and need to do. I need to buy paint and start painting. I need to stay busy this summer. I desperately want to kick-ass on my weight loss this summer. I've been having a rough time since I hit the 40 pound mark. I lose a few and then gain a few. This has been going on for probably a month now. I have 2 weeks to get to 50 and I don't think it will happen. I am so close, but things just aren't going the way I had hoped. I am going to start walking and try a bit of running in the mornings to start my day off. Then, I will be fitting in some tennis and hopefully swimming and more walking and hiking. Gotta get there. Once I have hit this 50, then I have at least another 50 to go. I am hoping to have 20 pounds gone by the time I go back to school. I will do it, I can do it!!!

Last weekend we went to Tumbler Ridge to celebrate Father's Day and see my parents. We had such a great time hiking to various waterfalls and sights. The first waterfall we hit was Kinuseo Falls. AMAZING!! There were 3 different viewpoints we went to. The first was a simple little stroll to where the water actually goes over the edge. The second was DOWN the edge of the mountain. I mean down. Way down. Straight down. No, I am not exaggerating. We climbed down the mountain to the base of the waterfall. SO worth it. I was lost for words while we were at the bottom. I just sat there watching the water fall and feeling the mist on my face. Then, we CLIMBED back up the mountain. The next viewpoint was up the mountain from the first one. Once there you can see the whole thing. The water falling over the edge and then crashing to the river below. Breathtaking! We had such a great time and I had a serious case of Jelly-legs after all that hiking. More to come in my next post.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer as much as I plan on enjoying mine!

Adrienne

Check out my gallery!

2010-06-23T09:00:00.003-06:00

Still trying to figure out how to attach my gallery from Scrap In Style to my blog, so this is the best thing I have come up with so far. Hope you enjoy checking out some more of my stuff!

Thanks for looking,
Adrienne

New(ish) layouts & a chance to be on a design team!!

2010-06-22T18:53:00.007-06:00

As I was perusing some of my favourite blogs today, I came across a very exciting thing. Crate Paper has a call-out for new members for their Design Team!! Wow! Just think! I have always wanted to get on the DT of a manufacturer that I love!

I have loved Crate Paper for probably 4 0r 5 years now! I am a bit of a paper hoarder and I hoard Crate Paper! In going back through my layouts, I have found a few pages that I have been able to use it. Some papers I love so much, it pains me to actually use them. I don't really like to use the same papers on more than one layout so, I have a hard time parting with them sometimes. Even though I'm not parting with them, they are staying with me in MY albums. {Now would be the time for any of you to tell me of a good therapist you know. I know I have a problem. I'm OK with it!}

So, this post has 2 purposes:

1. To share some of my recent & Not-so-recent layouts.

2. To essentially submit my creative resume to Crate Paper for their approval.

I love the layout of Chris & I at Maligne Canyon. It is one of my all-time favourite pages and I was excited to finally use one of those blingy and pearly flourishes. I love how it turned out! I used some of the Brook collection on that one. The LO of the 'Squirrel' uses Little Sprout papers. The LO of Adam in the creek uses paper from 2 lines...Orbit and Prudence. One really old LO I found that I used Crate Paper on was the page of Adam at the park with shades on. I used a little piece of Roper from the Cowboy line.

So, wish me luck on my Design Team application and I hope you enjoyed my layouts today!!

Have a great day. By the way, only 4 more days of school and I am on VACATION!!!

Adrienne

Where did the time go?

2010-06-07T19:23:00.006-06:00

Yes, I know. I have been a very bad blogger. I'm sorry. Please forgive me. No real excuses, not good ones anyways. I have been reading my fav's, but just not finding the time to post anything of my own. I don't know why, but I think most of the reason I haven't is that I don't have any exciting pics to share....until now! I started my 'Jasper' album and finished my first5 pages! I am very excited about this one. I am trying to do something a little different. I am really inspired by Stephanie Wheeler over at The Livingroom Floor. I love her graphic nature and bold, straight lines. I also LOVE that she splatters and mists practically everything! So, here are a few of my Jasper pages, hope you like 'em.

I just finished cleaning out my closet. I haven't been able to close it since I don't know. I continued getting all my TOO big clothes out of there and now I am up to 4 garbage bags full of clothes that are too big. On this whole too big clothes front, I am up to 42 pounds lost now. I am only 8 pounds away from my summer goal of losing 50 pounds by the middle of July and I still have 5 weeks to go! Yay for me!

Speaking of summer, I am kind of in shock (and completely relieved) that we are in our last week of school for the year. Where did it go? It went so fast. Seems like just yesterday it was December. Can't wait to have my days to myself to do whatever I want! Lots of hiking, tennis, and swimming. Gotta look good to go back to school in September!!

I have some more things to post about now so I should be filling you in soon, with pics too!

Have a great week!

Adrienne

Is this May Long Weekend or Christmas..you decide

2010-05-21T20:45:00.004-06:00

Just a quick post today. It's been a while. Nothin' much happening in my life these days. Pluggin' along with my weight loss. I'm at 38 now and can't wait to break 40! Feels like just yesterday I was antsy about breaking 20. I can't believe I only have 12 more pounds until I make my summer goal of 50 pounds. I would love to hit it before I see my parents in June in Tumbler Ridge for Father's Day weekend. Cross my fingers.

The last week has been so beautiful- weather wise. I have been for a few big walks around town with one of my co-workers at school. It was so hot the other day that all I wore was capris and a tank top. HOT. Now................. this is what we have.

It feels like Christmas out there. We had a very wet, heavy snow today. Unusual for here. We mostly get light, fluffy, dry snow. Not this heavy, wet, sloppy snow. Thought I would include a few pics for your viewing pleasure.

Hope you are having a better long weekend than me.

Adrienne

anniversary continued.....

2010-05-03T22:04:00.002-06:00

Not quite sure what happened there. Maybe too many pictures in one post. Well, here are a couple more for your viewing pleasure!

Enjoy!

Adrienne

12 years ~ what a weekend!

2010-05-03T21:06:00.003-06:00

It all started in Jasper. Chris and I got married 12 years ago, May 2, 1998 in BC. We had decided after our wedding we would move to Northern Alberta (yikes). So, a couple of days after the wedding, we headed up NORTH. The closest thing to a honeymoon was spending the night and a day in Jasper. We did a little bit of sight-seeing, but we had things to do and an apartment to find in Grande Prairie. So, our time in Jasper was short, but fun.

Fast forward 12 years to this past weekend. We had our friends watch Adam, and off we were on our own for the first time since he was born. Yup, NINE years!! Ok, so, we had an AMAZING time. I can truthfully say I was blown away and absolutely humbled and have never seen such beauty. My eyes are welling up just thinking about it. I am quite surprised that I didn't shed a few tears while we were there. What could be so remarkable you might ask. Well, for any of you who have been to the Rocky Mountains, you know what I'm talking about. If you have not had the amazing opportunity to see the Rockies, you MUST go. They have this power over you that you can't take your eyes off of them. Every corner you turn, a new vision of wonder is waiting to be seen. This all from the seat of your car. Now, venture off the highway a bit.

We have been to Maligne Canyon both times and this last was even more breath-taking than I remember. We hiked down farther than before, and even though it meant the more we had to go back up, it was worth it. Sheer beauty!

This trip we splurged and went on the Jasper Tramway. Heaven. This is the closest I will get to heaven while I am alive. I felt like I was on the top of the world. What a feeling of the realization that we are a mere speck on the earth. We ascended the mountain to almost 7500 feet above sea level at roughly 4-6 km/hour. There really aren't words to describe it. Breath-taking, spritual, and again, humbling. In the summer you can hike from the Upper Station to the summit of the mountain. There was still a lot of snow up there, and the wind was bone chilling.

One last sight we got to was the Athabasca Falls. Again, no words. Awe-inspiring. I could have stayed there all day just listening to the sound of the waterfall. The force of the water over thousands of years has carved away at the earth and left in it's wake is a raveen or canyon. So, if you have not had the chance to see Jasper and all that it has to offer, put it on your travel plans...SOON!! We can't wait to go back this summer with Adam and share all this beauty with him. (pictures to follow)

Oh ya, 2 more pounds!! I'm at 32 now. I'll just keep pluggin' away and before no time, my first goal of 50 pounds will be upon me.

Have a great week.

Adrienne

I hit 30!.. a card...and our anniversary!!

2010-04-29T20:15:00.005-06:00

Well, I know it has been a while since I posted, but, better late than never as they say! I have some rather sad news today. I was supposed to play volleyball tonight (the last time until Fall) but it was cancelled. Don't know why it was cancelled, but now my evenings filled with bliss are through. We did play on Monday, so that was officially my last night until September. Sad, sad, sad. Bring on the tennis. I hope it works out. I hope it is all I have been wanting it to be. I need to be able to replace volleyball with something that I will look forward to doing and something that still gives me a good workout. I think it will be great! A lot of my friends are interested in playing as well, so it should be fun.

In my weightloss journey, I am now at 30 pounds lost. I lost 2 last week, and this week I stayed the same. Hopefully this coming Monday will bring me a good number. I have started the Biggest Loser at school. There are 17 of us (I think) signed up and the grand prize is $400!! I am going to really kick my butt into gear so I at least have a chance at winning some of the prize money. 2nd prize is $300. 3rd is $100 and 4th is your registration fee back which was $50. It will go by percentage lost so I really have my work cut out for me because I weigh more than most of the participants. I am pretty excited about it and really want to win. I will spend all of my winnings on clothes probably.

An exciting thing happening to me this weekend is it is my 12th Anniversary!!! Chris and I are heading to Jasper this weekend to celebrate it. WITHOUT Adam! We have never been away from him like this. Of course, he has gone for sleep overs and stuff, but we have never been AWAY from him. I think all will be fine. He is spending the weekend with our good friends BJ, Darren and little Hayden. I think he will have a great time and I know we will. I really hope the weather is nice so we can get out and see some sights. I love Jasper and can't wait to take some pictures.

One more exciting thing going on is I have been asked to join a Relay for Life team for this June's walk. I really need to start training and fundraising for it. Gotta hit those trails in town to build up my stamina. Can't wait for it actually.

I thought I would include this card I made. I made it for one of the teachers at school, it was her birthday on the 9th. I forgot to take pics of it before I gave it to her, so she had given it back to me so I can take them. She can't wait to get it back as she said it is on dispay somewhere in her house and it is looking rather bare with out it. I figured I should get it done so I can return it to her on Monday.

So, that is all that is going on in my life these days. I have a lot more to blog about, most of which I am waiting on pictures to do so. Well, thanks for looking, and have a great weekend...I know I will..wink wink!!!

Adrienne

Plus sizes BE GONE!!!

2010-04-18T20:09:00.002-06:00

Sorry, no pics to go along with this quick post. Thought I would just chat a bit about my weight loss journey. I have to start with a HUGE thanks to those who are following me on my way to being happier, healthier and skinnier! It really means a great deal to me that I have so much support from my friends and family. It's interesting getting used to hearing the words small or skinny in a sentence referring to me. CRAZY!!

Another interesting thing to chat about is I am able to shop at a store that is NOT a Plus Size store. I have been banished to the back corner in so many stores that I was beginning to feel like a second class citizen. Even though there are stores out there that cater to plus size and you can shop freely in them, you are then forced to pay these disgustingly high prices. I went to our local Mark's Work Warehouse and I bought some clothes. To be able to walk into a store and shop freely among regular sized clothes and not have to chose the from only1 or 2 racks, but the entire ladies section!! Truly thrilling! I think Chris thought I was crazy because I was so excited when I got back to the van. Now that I have tasted it, I WANT it BAAAAAD!!!!

So, I hope I didn't bore you too much! Weigh in is tomorrow and I will keep my fingers crossed. I have been really active this week. I think I went for a walk EVERY day except Monday and Thursday which I have V-ball! Wish me luck!

Have a great week everyone!
Adrienne

New junk, old junk, good junk!

2010-04-15T18:13:00.003-06:00

A junkin' we will go, a junkin' we will go, hi-ho the merry-o a junkin' we will go!!! I hit every second hand place in town last Saturday with my partner in crime, Teri! I think I have her to blame for turning me onto Funky Junk Interiors! and all that is 'junk'. We hit VV, Sally Ann, Goodwill, a garage sale at the Elks, and the place where I found my latest treasure, the Habitat for Humanity rebuild center. I also found this bag of 'mostly' brass house numbers in different sizes and fonts that I have plans for. This summer is going to be good! Just think of all the junk I can find. Things pop out at me and I have this way of seeing what it's potential is. Teri's words, not mine!!! I have always been kind of a junk lover. I made my headboard out of an old panel door that I got for free from a garage sale about 7 years ago. Usually, my problem is follow through. I come up with these great ideas, and then never get to them. The headboard, on the other hand was done quite quickly. I will post about that later, once I get some more pretty pillows for my bed.

On a different front, I am up to 28 pounds lost as of this past Monday!!! I somehow GAINED last week...BOOOO! So I carefully stepped on the scale, saying a little prayer, and YIKES!!! 5 pounds this week! I went up 3, but then down 5! Not too shabby I must say. I am shocked at the sizes that I am buying at the stores and can't wait for more! We'll have to wait for Monday to see if it likes me again! Let's hope so!

Have a great weekend,

Adrienne

One quarter and a list

2010-04-03T20:08:00.002-06:00

I have had a great week. Let me count the ways................

1. School was the easiest ever this week. Grades 2-5 kids were off to the Leisure Center to take swimming lessons throughout the day and I got to stay and work (play!) with the Admin. Assistant who I love spending time with. A super quick week, plus a short week. That, in my books is the makin' for a great school week.

2. I got to play volleyball on both Monday and Thursday this week. Thursday was a little tough with only 7 of us. We started out so strong and now everyone is ditching us. I did get a great workout though. The gym was like a sauna so yes, I did meet my SWEAT quotient that night.

3. I am up to 26 pounds lost!! Hence the title of my post. I am 1/4 of the way to my goal and feeling great. Need to shop for clothes again. I have been hanging onto a couple pairs of jeans and they are just about ready for the too BIG bag. Can't wait to go down another size!

4. It is a long weekend. Not just a regular long weekend, but a 4 day weekend. Love those!

5. I picked up some great stuff at Value Village last week and I am super excited to see what I can do with them. I have a few plans in mind. I have bought my weight in spray paint this week and now I have to get to work.

6. The sun is shining and we are staying above 0 degrees Celsius for the whole week. The snow is melting and now I have a lake in the middle of my yard. With this warm weather, I should be able to spray paint my goodies and then post about them when they are done.

Take care and Happy Easter!

Adrienne

It's been quite a week!!!!

2010-03-25T11:21:00.004-06:00

So, a lot has happened in the last week! I don't know where to begin. Things are pretty exciting in my little weightloss, exercising, getting out there world. Last week, I was told by my school principal that I was to go with the grades 5, 6, & 7's for their ski trip. Me??!! I don't ski, I told him. I have never even been to a ski hill. I WILL NOT ski! I will just be there for supervision. OK, fine, so I knew I was going. No biggie. Right! Until I got up last Friday. I started thinking about it. It might be nice for the kids who have never skied to have someone with them. "If OLD Mrs. Harris can do it surely I can!" I could see them thinking. So, I got ready for school and packed my stuff for skiing. Totally scared to death. Who do I think I am? I am no spring chicken. I am at least a late summer chicken. Ok, so we got to the hill and I got my skis. I took the 1 hour class just like the rest of the kids and I did really good. It's funny that I kind of forgot that I was an adult surrounded by all those kids learning something new, totally out of my element. Until, someone would say, "Way to go Mrs. Harris, you're doing great!" So, I did it. I skied!!! I almost cried when I got to the bottom of the bunny hill the first time. I had this overwhelming sense of accomplishment! I was so amazed that I made it down the hill, and all my bones were in one piece. I will definitely be skiing next year with Adam. That is exciting thing #1.

Exciting thing #2: I went boxing last night. I have been talking about this for about a month now and I finally went. It was different than I thought it would be. There is a lot to learn about how to stand and punch and move. I thought it would be more intense, but I will have to work up to that. You gotta do it right. I can't wait to just wail on that bag. The guy who runs it is really nice and he has a lot to teach. I think I will be buying my own hand wraps and gloves though. They were pretty 'ranky-stanky'! I feel pretty good today. Not really sore or anything. I think I might actually be getting in shape. I am sure after all this new activity, I would be bed ridden if I hadn't been so active for the last few months. I will probably go back tonight and get some more training in.

Exciting thing #3: I have now lost 22 pounds and I have had to buy some new SMALLER clothes! I went down a size and it feels great. I have been trying to get dressed for school these days and nothing fits, in a good way. Everything is huge and baggy and I hate it. I went through my closet the other day and filled up a garbage bag of clothes that are too big! a few others are lingering in there that are just about too big and hopefully I will get a chance to wear them again before they are destined for the garbage bag.

So, in my world, this has been a pretty great week! I thought I would include something I made quite a while ago. I made something similar to it at my weekly stamping club at least a year ago and this is what I did with it. I took some envelopes and stapled them down the center and cut off the ends so that both ends were open. Once that was done, I made sort of an outer shell for them with a flap and a velcro closure. For each section (there are 12) I inserted a card, each with one of the 12 months on it and made a little tab. So, here I have made a little birthday/anniversary organizer. So, when I am making cards, I can pull out any month's card and see who's birthday or anniversary it is. Hope you enjoy it!

Can't wait to see what this next week has in store for me!

Adrienne

Take that 20 pounds!!!!

2010-03-15T18:47:00.004-06:00

I have made it! I am now the proud 'loser' of 20 pounds!!! It has been a long hard haul, but not that long and not really that hard. I think 'this' time, I am actually ready for it. I found that exercising really gets me excited and I feel a bit blue if I don't partake in some kind of physical activity. Is that weird? I know that years ago I LOVED working out. Heading to the gym as I stepped off the skytrain. Getting on the stairmaster, and pumping iron. When Chris and I first met, I worked out 5 days a week. Now, 15 years later, I can say the same thing. I love working out and feeling more energized. It's totally true that the more you exercise, the more energy you have to burn. BURN BABY BURN!! Oh, ya... dun dun da da... volleyball tonight!!! Very excited!

Ok, now that's all said and done, here are a few more cards I have made. I have been dying to try this technique I learned about layering stamps and I must say I think I have mastered it. Ya, I kinda got a big head here (gotta compensate for the 20 pounds!). I thought they would make nice Mother's Day cards or anything for that matter. So, I hope you enjoy them.

Take care, have a great week!

Adrienne

Let the creative juices flow!

2010-03-13T15:36:00.003-07:00

OK. I made this card rather reluctantly because of the materials used. I purchased this amazing hymn book from Value Village a couple of weeks ago. As my cohort and I perused it, we realized that it was almost 100 years old. My friend Teri, being an English teacher, wanted to buy it just to save it because it was so old. I, on the other hand, not having read a book in I'd rather not say how long, didn't really care how old it was. It's only a book. Right?

Well, she decided she did not have to get it and I the opposite. Thoughts of cards danced through my head. Oh, the beauties I could make with this little gem. I could even make flowers and other embellies with it. So, I got it home and couldn't wait to tear into it. Sorry Teri!! I know it hurts, but think of all the beauty that can be made from it.

This second card I made just this afternoon. Again, I had someone in mind when making it. I wish this person had a couple more birthdays so I could give her more cards. Yes, I know, I don't have to wait until some one's birthday to give them a card. I think she is wonderful and beautiful and is obsessed with all things 'Robin's Egg Blue'!! Ya, you know who you are! Yes, I will inevitably give it to you, but it will be when you least expect it!

On a completely separate plane, we bought a new van. We upgraded from a tiny little hatchback to a monstrous Grand Caravan!! We love it. Can't wait to take a trip and really take advantage all the space it has.

Hope you enjoyed my rambling today. Take care and keep creating!

Adrienne

Have you seen my guns? or Do you like to sweat? Can't decide which title to use!

2010-03-09T20:21:00.005-07:00

Hell ya! I love to sweat. At this new phase in my life, if I don't sweat, it doesn't count. We went for a walk to BJ, Darren and Hayden today through the trails. It was a pretty good walk, but still too much ice. If it wasn't for the ice, I would have had my SWEAT on! Totally can't wait for the trails to clear up and we can really give them a run for their money. We walked for an hour or more and I felt great afterwards. It was a bit chilly, think we are jumping the gun a bit. Spring is almost here, but we have to be patient a little bit longer. After we came home, I know that I still wanted to exercise. I figured since I keep saying that I have been using my treadmill, I better keep using it. I got on it and started walking. And walking, and walking. Before I knew it, I had walked half an hour. I was watching the Biggest Loser and on the commercials, listening to a CD. I also used my resistance bands for a few sets of arm exercises.

On that note,have you seen my guns? No, Teri, I am not referencing your amazing GUN cabinet!! No, I do not own any guns, nor am I missing any. I am talking about the set of guns I got going' on!! I am driving Chris nuts! I have recently realized that I am able to find my pipes, or pythons, or what ever you call them. I am enjoying calling them my guns! I interject them into every conversation I can, no matter how insane I sound! I thought I would take a picture of them to share with you.

One other interesting piece of information, I am about to break 20 pounds!! I hit 19 on Monday and can't wait to blow 20 out of the water. I am loving myself more and more each day. I enjoy looking down and NOT seeing my belly past my chest. With that said, I have a sad announcement. Chris is in mourning! He is mourning the shrinking of my breasts! He is truly saddened by the shrinkage in that area. I, on the other hand, am ecstatic to see things changing!

So, that's enough for now. Hope you all have a great week!

Adrienne

A new chapter...

2010-03-04T17:27:00.005-07:00

Yee (freakin')HAW!!! It is officially Spring Break!! 10 glorious days off school. Nothin' to do but exercise, scrapbook and maybe do a few projects around the house. I have been looking so forward to this. I was giddy driving away from school today. What a sense of total bliss being able to leave those holigans behind!!! Of course, all those holigans will probably, at one point, be at my house to entertain my son, but hey, it's totally different when we aren't at school. I actually enjoy most of Adam's friends!! I have already made plans to walk with my gal pal BJ. We will hit the trails at Muskoseepi and walk 'til we drop. I would really like to do a few different things while we are off. I have been very interested in looking into boxing. I hear there is a boxing gym in the basement of one of the theatres in town and I am going to check it out if it is actually there. Another thing that is pretty exciting is volleyball will definately be continuing until the end of April!!! One other pretty major thing I am going to try to do is ....wait for it.....no not yet..........I am going to try to run a 10k. Starting in April, every Sunday morning, I will meet with a group and we will train to run or walk 10km!!! They start you out pretty easy, and work you up to 10k! I am pretty excited about this. Again, I am being compared to a junkie, even at school. I will try just about anything at this point. I am totally pumped to exercise and look forward to it. So, I will be updating this latest chapter in my weight loss journey.

On a different note, I thought I would post this layout I did about a year ago. We had gone to West Edmonton Mall for our 10th Anniversary. What a great way to spend a day with your family!! It is for a contest on Paper Poppy Kit Co. blog on using old or mismatched chipboard alphas. The alphabet chipboard that I used was from the Dollar Store and they were hideous! Bright bubblegum pink, soft Mint green, ew!!! I painted them and then stamped dots and embossed with clear powder. So, I hope you enjoy. Oh, and by the way, I did not win the Ugliest Page Contest. I guess my ugly isn't all that ugly!!!

Happy crafting and exercising!

Adrienne

This one is just because...

2010-02-26T17:49:00.003-07:00

As I was surfin' and bloggin', I came across a blog with this video one one of them. Normally I would just overlook this kind of stuff, but I was intrigued by the title...
FREE HUGS! <--(click here)
Hope you take the time watch it are as moved by it as much as I was. I think this is what the world needs more of. Not neccessarily more hugs, but more people and strangers reaching out to each other to say hey!! Life can get lonely and sometimes you just need to know someone, anyone is there, even if all you need is a HUG!!
Also, I would like to say thanks to everyone stopping by my blog.
Have a great weekend!
Adrienne

Almost peed my pants!!!

2010-02-26T10:59:00.006-07:00

Volleyball was amazing!! I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants! One of the girls brought her insane friend and I have not laughed that hard in ages. I am surprised my belly doesn't hurt. We played for almost 3 hours (supposed to be 2) and I was actually ready to go home. What a great workout! Can't wait for next week. If our gym is available, we are going to have it at our school.

So, I thought maybe Teri and I were going to keep our projects under wraps until we were done and ready to unveil them, but the bugger (I mean blogger!!) has already posted about hers. So, I guess I will do the same. I will give you a taste of what I have in store. Hope you come back to check it out when it is done. I am pretty excited about it. I got these beauties while we were at the VV Boutique last weekend. I snapped them up because they have a lot of potential. Not sure if I will keep them, or give them away as a gift. Will have to wait and see. Enjoy!!!

Adrienne

Another 7km!!

2010-02-21T17:53:00.004-07:00

In the last 2 days Adam and I have skied 7 km. I am so proud of us!! We say we are going to go and we go. I really wanted to stay and watch the Ski Cross on the Olympics today, but I did not give in. My willpower and determination and gone through the roof. He is doing great too. I don't want him to totally give up junk, but merely limit it. We were in the grocery store the other day and we went down the cookie aisle. He saw a back of Chocolate Chunk cookies and started to hug it!! 'I miss my old life!" he said. I think we all do, but it just feels so good to know we are doing what's needed to get in shape and lose weight! Chris on the other hand... is NOT exercising and still losing weight. I think I will sneak some rocks into his underwear before he weighs in. At least he is not shooting past me like usual. He has only lost one more pound than me.

On a more creative note, my fantastic friend Teri and I went to the "VV Boutique" yesterday and found some great finds!! I don't want to go into too much detail, but we are both very excited about the items we rescued and are planning an intervention so they can realize their true beauty! Once the weather really starts to warm up, we will start on our projects. Let's just say, there will be dust flyin' and paint sprayin' in our future!! Can't wait to get started.

Weigh in is tomorrow... hoping for a good number. Also, some great news....Volleyball tomorrow night. It's the intense one so I am really excited.
Have a great Monday, I (hope) know I will!!!
Adrienne

You'll never guess what happened to ME!!!!

2010-02-18T18:48:00.008-07:00

It's Thursday night, and all is well. No, wait!! All is not well in my little world. I got some very disturbing news this afternoon at school. So bad, in fact that my co-worker (worried about my reaction) thought it best to break the news to me after lunch for fear of the wrath I might bestow upon her. What could be so earth shattering, heart breaking, or gut wrenching? ........

............Volleyball was cancelled tonight due to lack of participants. What do you mean there aren't enough people tonight? This can't be true. I have been JONESING for my beloved volleyball since the 8th. Ten whole days without it. I am truly devastated. If everyone knows what is good for them, Monday night v-ball better go off without a hitch.

On a slightly more SANE note in my life, I forgot to mention that I lost 1 more pound on Monday. I am now at 14 pounds! Very excited about this whole weight loss, healthy living and 'can't wait to exercise' journey I'm on. Due to the impending depression I am falling in tonight because of the absence of the above mentioned sport, I shall take my frustrations out on my treadmill. I would rather beat someone up, but considering my hubby is the only one home at the moment, I will stick to the treadmill. Time to crank the music up, and sweat the 'poor little me' out of me.

So, there you have it. My life at the moment - in a nutshell. Volleyball + Me = Happy!!! Of course, there is so much more in my life that make me happy, but for now, I am not ready to leave my own pity party just yet.

Hope all is well in your little part of the world!!

Adrienne

And the ugliest page goes to......

2010-02-16T18:45:00.004-07:00

My wonderfully wacky friend Teri pointed me in the direction of this blog that is having an Ugliest Page contest. Well girls, you can stop bloggin, I've got this one in the bag!!

I HATE this page. I did it while I was in a Book of Me club a couple of years ago. A moment that I would rather not admit to. I should hide it in the back of my cupboard never to see the light of day again. No matter who I show this page to, I always add, "I Hate this page". They graciously reply, "I like it". Oh contraire mon amie...{my french leaves a lot to be desired as well} it is the ugliest page I have ever seen. This was my first try at glitter. I was going for a much more SUBTLE effect, instead of this smathering of glitter and glue. You know how they say "less is more" well, they are right, who ever THEY are!! I was pretty excited once I started putting this page together, but it just didn't come out the way I had hoped. Why I even keep it is beyond me. I guess maybe as a reminder that I can always do better.

I hope you all hate it as much as me. I will be strong, I will not cry when you bestow this honor upon me. In fact, I look forward to it. Finally, someone who will be honest and tell me how horrible it is.

Thanks for lookin'!!! Hope your ugly can compete with mine!!!

Adrienne

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2010-02-14T17:07:00.005-07:00

Today is Valentine's Day!!! We are not much for celebrating it, as my birthday is the day after. Why fight all the LUVY-DUVY crowds, when we can go out for my birthday the next day??!! The frame above is a little something I made Chris. I know he doesn't really like this kind of stuff, but I thought it would be nice to make him something, even though it will probably end up in my craft room. That was nice of me hey?!

Adam and I did go back to Wapiti Ski Club today to have another go at it. The weather was not as great as it was yesterday, but still, warm and calm. I did remember to bring my camera with me today. We did our 2km loop and then went to the chalet to have a snack and a drink. Oh, before I forget, as we came to the end of our run, I DID NOT ski down the hill. Adam decided he was going to give it another try and ended up falling. Once he got back up and continued down the hill, he really had to put the breaks on. And, again, he was amazing!! He crossed his skis and then slid to a stop. I am so proud of him. He has taken this exercising and eating right thing so well. From a kid who watched TV, ate junk, and never ate a salad, he had come so far. He, like myself, can't wait to exercise. He has also started REQUESTING salad at dinner. Absolutely in awe of this kid. He makes me so proud. Ok, back to skiing. We finished our first loop, and went for a drink and a snack. We then got our skis back on and went for another 2km. So, altogether, we skied for 1hr and 20 min and 4 km.

I have made myself a deal. I will not watch any of olympics unless I have or will exercise that day. I guess I have my work cut out for me. I have also done some thinking about volunteering at the Arctic Winter Games in March. As I watched to final legs of the Olympic torch run the other day, I really began regretting not going to see it when it came through town. So, with that in mind, I think it would be a great opportunity to be involved in something so great. I don't know what they are looking for as far as availability, but I think it is worth a shot. I will keep you posted on what I find out.

Tomorrow is my birthday (& Family Day) and I am not sure what we are going to do. I do know that I AM NOT making supper. That is one thing that I refuse to do on my birthday. I will make a big breakfast, but I will not make supper. Not sure where we will go.

Take care,

Adrienne

What an amazing February day!!

2010-02-13T19:01:00.005-07:00

The weather today was breathtaking. Not a cloud in the sky and it got up to about -5 or so. Not exactly sure what the temp was, but in Northern Alberta, in February, any day above -15 is a blessing. I had an extremely lazy morning. Watched some more of the Olympics and when I say some, I mean probably a mind numbing 4 hours. Ok, I know, a little excessive, but after last night's opening ceremonies, I had to see what's the what. I finally pried myself out of bed and went online to check out the hours for the Nordic Ski Club. Adam and I decided to go cross country skiing for the first time there. It was really great. Beautifully combed and groomed trails. Really friendly people (didn't have a clue which trail to take) to ask about the EASY trails. We did the FOX run which is 2 km in about 1/2 an hour. I was beat. So, as we are coming to the end of our run, we come to one final hill. The whole trail had a couple of hills. No, not HILLS. But they were still hills in my books. That last hill was a doozie. Adam went first and he was spectacular. His skis came out of the tracks and he was a movin'. He did this move, just like you would to stop yourself if you were skating. You know, turn sideways and dig in. Well, I thought that was the end. I was sure he was going to fall, but instead he came to this wicked stop and I was SO proud of him. Next was my turn. I contemplated taking off my skis, but decided to give it a whirl. Oops, my bad! I forgot that I have never down hill skied in my life. It was going ok until my skis came out of the track as well. I thought, if I can stop on skates, surely I can stop on skis. Again, OOPS, my bad. No, not the same. Alas, I fell and yes...there were people watching. So, when we go back tomorrow, I WILL WALK DOWN THE HILL!!!

We'll see what tomorrow has in store for us. I will remember to take my camera!!!

Adrienne

Ta-da...5 more!!

2010-02-12T22:20:00.002-07:00

Yep, 5 more pounds. That's 13 so far. In 5 weeks, I have lost 13 pounds and am starting to get those comments! You know, the ones that make all this hard work worth it. I was talking with Adam's teacher after school on Thursday, and she told me that she is really amazed with how good I look. It is such a great feeling when people you see everyday tell you they notice that you have lost weight. It's one thing when someone sees you after a while and notice the weight loss, but to be noticeable to those you see everyday, it is even more impressive to me. I must say, I don't think I would be having these results without my newly rekindled love with volleyball. I am now playing volleyball twice a week, and still LOVING every minute of it. I played this past Monday, and it was INTENSE!!! I have the bruises to prove it. Gotta step up my game for Mondays. As I got out on the court, my heart beating, (pits) sweating, mouth drying, I readied myself for some amazing v-ball!! I really don't know if I would be having the same results without my volleyball nights. I guess I would have found something else to keep me active, but I am so glad it is volleyball. Dreading the moment when someone says it will be over for the summer. NOOOOOO, how will I live without it? Tennis anyone??? I think I will take up tennis for the summer. OK, I feel alright now. I might survive the end of my volleyball nights and replace it with some tennis. Just gotta buy a racket and find a court. So, I should get going. Just finished watching the opening ceremonies for the Olympics. Breathtaking!! Loved it. Pumped!!! Excited!! Can't think of any more verbs that describe my state of mind right now, so I will leave on this note. I am proud to be a Canadian!!! Proud to live in the TRUE NORTH. Proud to be strong and FREE!!!

Take care!

Adrienne

Just 1 more...

2010-01-27T16:27:00.003-07:00

One more what, you might ask?? One more pound. I lost 1 more pound last week. I had really hoped for even one more, but as someone said in the breakroom today at school, "Only 1 is still 52 pounds in a year!". Nothing to scoff at really. I would love to have 50 gone by this summer, but I will honestly take what I can get right now. I know I could be working a bit harder at it, but it will come. I am still addicted to volleyball. Can't wait each week for Thursday! It can never come fast enough and I am dreadfully sad as soon as it is over. GOTTA get more volleyball. CAN'T live without it. WHERE can I get some? I am in a panic as soon as someone says it is time to go. "NOOOOOOOOOO, it can't be time to go. I didn't get enough. I need more! C'mon, just 5 more minutes!! I'll do anything!" Get my drift? I love it and need it...lots of it!!!

So, I am absolutely, completely, not ready for crop this weekend. I really shouldn't even be on here. I should be in my craft {junk} room right now instead on this thing. So, I should really wrap this up. Well, I hope you enjoyed my slightly odd, kind of addicted post today. Catch you after Crop Away!!!

One more sleep until volleyball!
Adrienne

Drum roll PLEASE!

2010-01-18T18:39:00.003-07:00

This morning was a typical Monday morning. Chris turned OFF the alarm and I woke up thankfully at 7:05. Knowing that I was OK for time, I wasn't worried that it was a little late. So that time had come. My date with the scale. After my dream about weigh in the other night, I gingerly stepped on the scale. Hoping and praying to the LOW FAT GODS! Well, there it was. I lost............... 7 pounds!!! I was shocked! I couldn't believe it!! I would have been happy with 4 or 5 after nothing the week before. I am so LOVING the scale today. After I cursed at it last week, it has redeemed itself. What an amazing affirmation that I am doing well. I usually lull myself into this false sense that I did good and that I think I have lost weight. With that, I step onto the scale to find no change and then realize and say to myself... "You didn't really try to lose weight, you shouldn't be surprised" But after last week, I knew I did good, and I knew I really tried. So, this week, I have conquered the scale, and I look forward to doing battle with it next Monday!!

How was all of your Mondays? I thought I would include a layout that I did with this post. I have so many to post that I just need to get them done.

Have a great Tuesday!! Only 3 more days until I get to play volleyball!!!

Adrienne

Tomorrow is the day!!!

2010-01-17T12:09:00.003-07:00

So, tomorrow is weigh in day in our house, and I have to say I am a bit nervous. I think I have lost weight. I feel different in some areas and I think I look smaller in some areas. I dreamt last night that I was weighing in and I kept stepping on the scale over and over and every time it was different. Not just by one or two pounds, but by 11 or something like that. I just really hope for a good number tomorrow morning.

I have included one of the pages that I did at the Keepsakes crop back in October. I have to say it is one of my favorites. You know how you always bring stuff in the hopes of actually using it. Well, one of those things for me is embroidery floss. I always bring in and never use it. I finally used it on 2 pages that weekend. So, I will try to bring something again to Crop Away that I haven't managed to use yet and make a point of using it. I can't wait for Crop Away. It is going to be so fun. I think I already said that in my last post. Well, I can't lie, I can't wait!!!

Have a great day!!

Don't forget to create and exercise!!!

Adrienne

This one's for you TODD!!!

2010-01-16T19:31:00.003-07:00

Ok, well, I guess it's not just for you. But I really wanted to give you something to look forward to in the morning!!! It has been a while, I know. Now that Christmas is over, company is gone, and Chris is done school, things are getting back to normal. But not just a normal normal. A better normal. Stick with me here, am I losing you? I am finally REALLY getting serious about getting healthier, losing weight, exercising, and eating better. I have been really active in the last couple of weeks. We have been skiing and sledding a few times. I have been playing volleyball on Thursday nights, and I have been using my Wii Fit just about every day. I am LOVING the volleyball. I could play every night if I could find somewhere to play. I forgot how much I loved it in high school. So, it has been almost 20 years since I played, and it is all coming back to me. I pulled the treadmill back out into the living room again, so I will be getting on there too. We have been eating extremely well in the last couple of weeks as well. Tons of veges, fruit, whole grains, NO JUNK, lots of water. I really feel like this time it will stick. I feel great and after I work out, I feel pumped. I almost feel addicted. Just like a junkie looks for their next high, I look forward to the next time I can exercise. So, weigh in is on Monday. I am hoping for some good numbers.

On a different note, I have been scrappin' quite a bit. Not lately, but November and October were great months for me. I got roughly 20 pages done, which is huge for me!! I turned my first Design Team page and have until the end of the month to get my next one done. I am heading out for the next Crop Away and the end of the month as well, and I am hoping to get a ton accomplished. Can't wait to be sitting across from my SOB, croppin' and laughin'!!! Well, how was that Teri? Enough?

Take care, keep creating...

Adrienne

I have some news!!

2009-12-07T19:15:00.002-07:00

I got an exciting piece of information the other day!! I have been chosen to be on the Design Team at Scrapbooks Made Simple. For any of you who don't know what that is, it is a new scrapbook store in town behind the Prairie Mall. I am very excited about this and can't wait to see what I create for the store. I have had most of my recent pages at the store, kind of like my resume. So, now that I have it back, I will DEFINATELY be posting some layouts. Really trying to get a few things done. I am almost finished sewing my nephews' Christmas presents, so I now I will be one step closer to sending out their parcel. Still in the process of decorating the tree. I seem to be the only one around here that is interested in this activity. Maybe I will just have to do it by myself. Adam is too interested in playing with his (TIC TACS) Tech Decks and playing his new games for the Wii. The tree is started, but I will have to push to get it done. Will post some pics of the tree as well. So, I should get gong. I decided to take a little break from sewing, I gotta get back at it.
Take care all.
Adrienne

Not so good.

2009-11-21T20:10:00.003-07:00

I know it's been a while. With my last few posts, I was talking about losing weight, getting organized, etc. Well, neither are going very well. I am pretty sure I have heel spurs, so I haven't been able to get on the treadmill. My foot hurts so much, that the thought of walking on it anymore than I have to is dreadful. I have also been busy with some other things so I haven't been on my organizing kick. I have 4 more weeks until Chris is done school and until my parents come for Christmas. I know I can get a lot accomplished if I set my mind to it. I MUST get something done.

Chris came home for the weekend from school and we got together with Nadia at the City Centre Park and she took some family pictures for us. The weather was pretty good, except for a bit of wind. I am SO please with the pictures she took. She is truly an amazing friend and I am so lucky to have her.

Nadia and I have also started a new obsession. I made a tote bag to give to Nadia for her birthday and she loved it so much that she has made a bunch as well. She has been experimenting with other patterns as well. If it's not one thing it's another with the two of us. It is so great having a friend who enjoys all the things you do.

Well, wish me luck on my next 4 weeks, and we'll see what it has in store.

Take care,

Adrienne

3 days in a row!!!

2009-10-28T20:05:00.002-06:00

I have been on my treadmill for 3 days in a row!! I really hope I can keep this up!! I have walked an average of 1.43 km a day and and average of 20 minutes a day. I almost gave in to not doing it tonight, but Adam and I got watching this program on TV about a guy who was over 600 pounds and now weighs just over 200. He did it through eating right and working out. I told my self if he can do it so can I. Thankfully I don't have THAT much to lose, but I have at least 100 pounds to lose. I gotta get this body moving and eating better. I have even gotten Adam interested in getting on the treadmill. I think we should give ourselves a treat every week and go swimming or rock climbing or something fun, but also exercise!! I can't wait for someone to see me and tell me they think I have lost weight. That is the best motivation ever!! It is one thing to know you have lost a few pounds, but so amazing when other people start noticing it!! Well, here's to the next 3 days on the treadmill.
I will take some pictures this weekend of my latest pages and get them posted, I promise!!!

What will the next 8 weeks hold?

2009-10-25T15:30:00.002-06:00

Chris has just driven away to attend his second year of his parts apprenticeship in Fairview. I have so many plans of what I would like to accomplish in the next 8 weeks. I remember from the last time he went to school I hoped to get so many things done. Cleaning, organizing, scrapbooking, etc. I didn't get much done at all. I am hoping that maybe because of the time of year, we will be inside more and that will help me get more done. We'll see. Some of the things I would like to accomplish are:

1. Organizing (always something I hope for)
2. Cleaning and keeping things clean
3. Scrapbooking/cardmaking
4. Christmas gifts (hoping to make most of them)
5. Try to use my treadmill everyday after school. (Gotta get my body moving)
6. Eat healthier (more time to focus on what I should be eating)
7. Beginning a new routine. If I can do these things, I should hopefully have a good start keeping up a better routine in my day to day life.

That doesn't sound like much does it? Ha, who am I kidding?! I am going to need some divine intervention to pull this off. So, if you have read this post, PLEASE, shoot me a comment and ask how I am doing with my list and keep me honest. I am hoping to be posting some weight loss, and some changes to my daily life.

Halloween is coming!

2009-10-18T19:20:00.003-06:00

I don't think I have ever been this excited about Halloween since I was a kid. I have been madly making Halloween cards and do-dads, and have a tonne of stuff to make favors for Adam's class. I got a great idea from Papertrey Ink. I was going to add the link, but do you think I can find the original project? So, they are sugar cookies, with icing or white chocolate on half and then dipped in Halloween sprinkles. They look so nice. I thought I would include some of the projects I have been working on as well in this post.

I spent this weekend at a crop in town put on by one of the local scrapbooking stores. I had a great time (of course, given the girls I was with) and got 14 pages completed. I don't think I have ever gotten that much done. I was just hummin' along. I was amazed that I ONLY scrapbooked. No cards, and no frames. Once I photgraph them I will start adding them on upcoming posts, so stop by often as I should have a bunch of new posts coming in the near future.

Chris is leaving for school in a week, so things are going to be pretty busy around here for the next few days. It is also his birthday this Friday, so I need to make a card, a cake and go shopping for his birthday. Lots going on here lately, so, I will try to post again this week, but expect more the week after for sure!!!

Take care, keep creating!

Adrienne

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-10-12T11:15:00.003-06:00

No pictures to go along with my post today. We had our turkey dinner yesterday, just the three of us. It was great to have a nice dinner together without having to be a good hostess. Don't get me wrong, I love having company. It was nice to not have to worry about everything being just so. I spent the day getting the turkey ready for the oven, working on a halloween craft in my room, and then getting everything else ready when the bird was almost done. What a great day! Super relaxing. I should finish the Halloween craft today, so I will post again either later or tomorrow. Hope you are all enjoying your Turkey Day!!!

Take care,
Adrienne

There's something in the air!

2009-10-08T19:12:00.003-06:00

Living in Northern Alberta, you come to expect a few things. A bustling oil industry, strong winds blowing across the prairies, and snow in October. We got our first snow yesterday. Yikes, not cool. It didn't last long, it was all melted by the afternoon. Today, we got hit a little harder. It was, to say the least, chilly and windy. Touque and gloves weather. Not too happy, but what can you do? So, I have been in the mood for some Halloween crafts. I made the 'bats on wire' do-dad last week and the card yesterday. After looking on the blogs of the Papertrey design team, I decided I needed to glitz things up a little. I had so much fun making it and putting on the glitter. Need to go make some more. The other day, when Nadia was leaving after our WCMD festivities, the air smelled so wonderful. I remember saying that it smelled like fall, and more specifically, if smelled like Halloweem. I was possitive that I could smell Jack-o-lanterns out on people's steps with candles burning inside of them. I guess that's where the whole Halloween crafting started for me. It got me thinking of Halloween and wanting to make a few things for it. So, I hope you enjoy these latest projects.

Don't forget to keep creating!

Adrienne

More World Card Making Day!

2009-10-04T12:08:00.003-06:00

Here are some pictures of the cards I made yesterday! And the yummy pizza. The pizza, by the way, Teri said is even better than the one you get from Earl's!! Yay me!

It was a success!!

2009-10-04T11:56:00.004-06:00

World Cardmaking Day has come and gone, and we had a great time! I had Nadia and Teri over to celebrate this wonderful day with me! We spend the day making cards, eating homemade California Shrimp Pizza, laughing and having tons of fun!! I hope all of you out there had a great day as well!

Don't forget to create everyday!

Adrienne

World Card Making Day!!

2009-10-02T16:50:00.004-06:00

It's world Cardmaking Day!!! (tomorrow) I have been making cards for about the last
7 or 8 years. I started out with my friend, Nadia. We shared a lot of supplies and wow, those cards were something else. Just like anything you do, your taste, style and ability changes with time. We were so proud of our cards. We used to make each one of our Christmas cards different. So, we were coming up with 20+ designs! YIKES. Needless to say, we now come up with a few designs we love and then mass produce them. Much easier! In celebration of this day, I have invited
Nadia, along with another amazing friend, Teri to join me and we can spend the day doing cards. Hopefully all you other bloggers and cardmakers out there are doing something with your friends who also share this passion!! Hopefully, we will get the chance to take some pictures while we are doing what we love tomorrow, and I will post them!

Happy Crafting!!
Adrienne

It's been a while, I know!!

2009-09-30T18:20:00.004-06:00

With the first month of school gone, we are pretty much in our usual routine. We are walking to school close to everyday, but it sure is starting to get cold. Had to break out my new VV Boutique find. I found a great winter coat there a while ago. So, what else has been going on here? Well, we kind of had a new member of the family, but we don't think it is going to work. We got a dog almost a week ago, but he is a HORSE!! We don't have a ton of room in or out and Adam is a little scared of him. So, we think it is better to take him back and move on. What else. Let's see. I have been crafting A LOT! I went to a crop last Friday and got my Christmas cards started. I've been playing with my Cricut and Cuttlebug as well, making some Halloween stuff. I have also been redo-ing my craft room. Once I have it all as I want, I will take some pictures and post them. Well, that is all I can think of right now. Don't want to bore you. Hope you enjoy some of my latest creations.

Take care, keep creating!!

Adrienne

I survived...barely!!!

2009-09-08T19:47:00.004-06:00

OK, so maybe it's not that bad. I survived the first week of school fairly unscathed! I did however have a run in with a boy in grade 3. YIKES, so thankful Adam is SOOOO awesome!! The first day went very smoothly, except for the blisters on my ankles from my new shoes. But damn, did I ever look good!! :) I had blisters before I even got to school. Ouch! Not much else new. I really need to get on here more and start posting some more pictures. If you would like, you can check out my profile and portfolio on
Scrap in Style at www.scrapinstyletv.com/portfolio/
and my user name is charliegirl.

Hope you all have a happy week! Keep creating!

Adrienne

School starts tomorrow :(

2009-08-30T13:37:00.002-06:00

Even though Summer isn't technically over until Sept. 21st, it is SOOOO over for me! School starts tomorrow and I am serverely bummed. This was the first summer I have had off since I was in school and I have to tell you it was great! Even though I feel like we didn't do a ton of fun stuff,{which we really did} it was great to just chill and go with the flow. I am just sad that it is over. Back to the grind, the schedules, the busyness and all that goes along with Back to School. I don't have a picture to go along with this post, but just imagine me with a VERY sad look on my face. Hope any of you out there going BACK to school or have kids back to school are looking forward to it more than me!
Take care, don't forget to create!

Adrienne

House work

2009-08-12T15:40:00.003-06:00

Well, I made myself a deal. After yesterday where I did pretty much nothing else than watch TV, go on the computer or go in my craft room, I knew something needed to be done. I decided this morning that I had to earn my time on the computer or in my craft room. I started with the laundry room/recycling. Cleaned everything and got the recycling ready to go. So, I earned my first access to the computer. So proud of myself. Then, the dreaded bedroom. Worst room in my house. Tons of laundry, old computer, dirty floor. ALL done. Laundry is all folded, computer is out and ready to be returned to friend and floor has been vacuumed. This may seem all way too HUM-DRUM to blog, but I feel really good about what I have accomplished today. I really thought about taking a picture of the clean laundry room and all the folded laundry but I decided that might be a bit weird, even for me. But then I decided while writing the post...why not. I want this blog to be about me and my life. So, I am going to grab my camera and add a couple of shots in! So, thanks for reading and don't forget to keep creating!!

Adrienne

Trying to create everyday!!

2009-08-11T13:46:00.004-06:00

Well, at least I am doing ONE of the things I keep trying to do. So, my house is a mess, and I can't even get to my treadmill, and the yard needs some attention, but, I AM CREATING EVERYDAY!!! One of these cards I made last night and the other this afternoon. Using my new purple onion stamps. I absolutely love them. I got a birthday one like this and a tree. I will post them as I get to using them. Hope you enjoy them.

Have fun creating!

Adrienne

Off we go!

2009-08-10T16:04:00.014-06:00

Well, my blog is still 'under construction', but I thought I would add this little tidbit today. This is something I made in the last couple of days. I bought this frame at the dollar store a few days ago and I just had to do something with it. (went back and bought more today!) I am really trying to CREATE every day. Even if it means creating less mess in my craft room(aka: cleaning up my mess). It feels good. I am also starting the process of redo'ing my room so I will be taking some pics throughout and will share when it is all done. I have a lot more pictures and projects to share, so I think August will be a busy bloggin' time for me. Gotta get it all done before school starts again.

Take care, have fun, and don't forget to CREATE!!
Adrienne

Well, I did it!!!

2009-07-06T16:20:00.000-06:00

I finally did it! I am now a BLOGGER! We just got this new computer yesterday, and I (we) can't pull ourselves away from it. I will be playing around with it for the next little while until it looks the way I want. I am also waiting to download pictures of me and my family and projects, cards and layouts. I can't wait to see who leaves my first comments! Take care for now!
Adrienne