4th Favorites

We enjoyed a great celebration on the 4th ... thanks to our party planners, the Petersons. It was so nice to have Don with us this year. We had awesome food ... great cake, Mary! Even got to celebrate a birthday in the Jackson 5 group ......... next year's the BIG ONE, Janet : )
The little ones had so much fun in the sand, on the slide and in the pool ... what a fun "grandkids" playground!
We ended the day with pre-Wallowa s'mores around the Peterson "campfire."


Here are a few of our 192 pictures taken that day ....

Ikea Idea

I discovered another use for a great Ikea product ... intended as a potting bench ... but after we assembled it I had another idea for its use.
Every time we have company on the deck we never have a place to set the food, dishes etc. We had intended to put the potting bench under the deck -- instead, at least for this year it will be a serving "hutch." Ikea had them on clearance a few weeks ago ... love that store : )

Wallowa Gals Pedicure Day

I think this should be an annual tradition before Wallowa. It helped us feel refreshed ... and fashionable before the big event.





Now on to planning
and packing ....

Wedding ... Hawaiian Style

We traveled over to Tillamook for a wedding Saturday ... but Saturday Tillamook was transformed into Maui... every detail made you feel like you were at a Luau. What a fun, creative idea and a day filled with JOY as we spent time with the bride and groom, friends and guests.

One added bonus was spending time with my cousin Vickie (Cindy's sister from previous post) and her family. They are now part of the Tillamook "family tree." It makes me smile to think of the many connections we have to Tillamook through friends and family : )
The theme for this summer: Weddings ... two more to go. Each one has been unique and it has been a JOY for us to be a part of their special day!

Our Thirty-Fourth

As I'm writing this, I see a pattern in our anniversary trips to Cannon Beach. We enjoy spending time there year after year because it is so relaxing and we feel so refreshed when we come home.
When we arrived we were greeted with cloud cover and a breeze ... compared to Portland where it was already 92 degrees before 11:00 a.m. Such a nice relief.
We love pitching our sunshelter on the beach and in the following hours indulge in good conversation -- even some tech talk : ), reading, napping, journaling etc.
It's a JOY to spend time with your best friend!

Short But Sweet ...

While Cindy was on a road trip for a wedding in our area we were able to squeeze in an overnight visit. It was filled with good talks, good laughs, good shopping and was much too short!
Even though we live in different states and have been very busy over the years being "carpool moms" etc., when we get together we instantly pick up where we left off as if it has only been days instead of years.
In 1999 we had a weekend "cousin reunion" ... it would sure be fun to do that again : )

Tennis Anyone?

I had fun putting this layout together today from our 2005 SunRiver Memorial Weekend trip. We enjoyed playing tennis with Matt and Tim. Although, most of my exercise from this sport was chasing balls inside and outside the court : ) BUT it was a fun memory.
With each digi layout I do I am learning many new skills and getting more familiar with my files. It's very addicting. However, my right wrist is sore and has a permanent red mark from moving the mouse around on the mousepad. Wonder if someone has a good suggestion for that?

Credits:
Template: DigiTreat/Princess Pamela -Template 2
Font: Betty's Hand, Kilroy was Here, American Typewriter
Elements: Tracy Drane Round Up -Mesh1 ; Digitreats Jump -Play
Journaling: Wendyis Crafty Creation -Tagged 2 #9
Paper: Pure Scrap Velour #11, Ams Digi Scrap Autumn Stripes

Digi Layouts

Since I've been without a car for two days ... a body shop follow up appointment ... I found it addicting to work on four layouts for Mother's Day 2005 today. I am moving forward on my schedule ... doing some layouts by hand and some digital. I have eleven events I want to complete in the next three weeks. Of course, I have been working on this between gardening, house organization, reading and walking.
I've put in an order to our nearby Costco Photo Lab and then they go right in my album. I love how it's filling up!
I created this arrangement for blog display only.






Credits:
#1: Alphas: Little Dreamer Designs/ Michelle Coleman -MCO Hand Stamped Brushes
Template: Neverland Scraps/Gotta Pixel -Layered Template 89
Paper:
Scrappifolies-Le Scrap De Steph/Stephanie Trouve -So Shabby Spring 02, 06,11
Brads: Vicki Parker/A Work in Progress -AWP Pompey Brad 1, 2 3
Doodle: Krista Mettler's Designs/Skye Scrapz
DYMO Label: Andrea Cox/Authentic Artistry -Happiness blue
Font: American Typewriter, Betty's Hand
#2 Template: CK8071 hmlentz
Elements: Shabby Princess Designs/Sara Carling -Dinner Party -chalk blank
Paper: Brothers Overlay
Font: Chalkboard, American Typewriter, FanciHand
#3 Number 4: Val Gouveia Designs/Digital Scrapbook Pages -Alpha Chipboard
Template: CK9072hlentz
Element: Shabby Princess Designs/Sara Carling -Dinner Party -let's eat
Word Art: R Penn -Express Yourself -a joy to me
Paper: Scrappinfolies-Le Scrap De Steph -So Shabby Spring 02, 06
Font: Marker Felt, Ghostwriter, Almagro
#4 Template: Text Path Template by Britt-ish Designs - Scrap Matters
Paper: Two Boyz00 -Paper 8
Element: Vicki-A Work in Progress -AWP Citrus Berry-Heart Cluster;
Nicole Seitler/Sugarplum Paperie -Sugarplum-grasshopper flower
Word Art: RPENN Express Yourself -Remember This
Font: Cochin, American Typewriter

A Day for Dads ...

June 15th
Honoring Dads ...




















The greatest gift ...


Spending time together.

Special Guest Appearance

Yes ... that looks like Darth Vader
at our Father's Day Celebration.

Germer Girls ...

Germer girls go for grahams : )

A Father's Day treat.

Memories ...

Even though I had a lengthly "to-do" list I tagged along with Walt Wednesday in joining his grade school classmates. We had a 2:00 pm appointment to tour his grade school and then dinner at Kennedy McMenamins for a Faubion 40-year reunion planning meeting.
Since we both grew up in the same area but went to different neighboring elementary schools -- and a year apart -- it was fun to share in their joy and memories.
One fun event was driving around the neighborhood and trying to remember where former classmates lived and taking pictures of the houses the planning team grew up in. I think we took nearly 250 pictures of the school and neighborhood.
It was so nice to be on summer break to share in such fun activities.

Reply to JP ... yes, they did make it down the slide : ) I caught them on camera ...

Check It Out

When Google came through our neighborhood taking pictures for Google Maps Walt and the "Storm Trooper," as we've nicknamed our truck, were captured in the photo.
Check it out here. If you look closely you can see Walt waving : )

enJOYing My Summer Break

How nice it has been to have my summer break start a week earlier this year.
Yesterday I started my walking regime, started organizing the garage, got a pedicure, filled my flowerpots with beautiful flowers from Al's and ended my day playing Bunco. It felt good to get things done and the blue sky & warm temps gave me added energy.
Following my morning walk today I worked on a digital template layout and finished several layouts by hand. I am now up to April 2005. My goal is to do at least one layout a day in addition to household organization.
Well, I'm off to spend some time in the garage. I would like to make room for our car again before we start our kitchen remodel : )
Credits
Swirly Words: Beezenbloomz by Lollipop Designs
Beach: Hand Stamped Alpha by Little Dreamer Designs
Paper: Summer Breeze by Lemonaid Lucy
Journaling Tag: Wendy's Crafty Creations - tag #6
Font: Garamond Premier Pro, Bambino, American Typewriter
Template: Text Path Template by Britt-ish Designs - Scrap Matters

Photo-a-Day 05.31.08

This is my last Photo-a-Day in May entry. Saturday was the perfect yard work day. We spent hours pulling weeds, trimming plants, staining the deck and putting out yard decor. It was fabulous. I decided to take a picture of the sky while laying down in our sweet smelling grass. It's good to know blue-sky days are coming soon : ) ... even though tonight is gray, dreary, wet and cool.

Photo-a-Day 05.30.08

Here's a new product I've tried this month. Found it in the Costco frozen food aisle.
A very tasty treat ... check it out next time you're there.
The next best thing would be to enjoy one on a warm, blue-sky day : )

Photo-a-Day 05.29.08

O.K. ... so it's getting late and I suddenly remember my picture of the day. It's too dark to go outside so I use what I have at hand ... Walt : )
He spent the evening making his Shepherding calls for church -- something he enjoys doing ... talking!
So, if he called you Thursday night, this is a view of how things looked on the other end of the phone.

Photo-a-Day 05.28.08

I took a personal day for a Dr. appt. and lab work Wednesday and this is how I spent my day before and after the appt. --- IRONING!
Several weeks ago (on our one and only 90 degree weekend) we pulled our summer clothes out of storage and washed them. I have slowly been working on a towering ironing pile. Now if we could only enjoy a few sunny days so we could wear them. This has been the strangest Spring weather I can recall.
Anyone else ready for some sunshine????

Photo-a-Day 05.27.08

When I returned home from Bible study Walt was busy working on fence details.

The band saw was too loud for him to hear me
take the picture. Didn't want to scare him with that moving blade!!

Only 4 more days to take photos in May.
It has been fun and I've learned more about my camera and photo techniques along the way.

Photo-a-Day 05.26.08

Ahhhh ... the perfect topping to our holiday weekend
Spending time with the grandkids ...
and Brian
Michelle was home sick : (

Photo-a-Day 05.25.08

Even though our plans were altered by the rain and cooler temps for the holiday weekend, our landscape is benefiting.
I've never seen the plants so large and healthy.

Photo-a-Day 05.24.08

We took Matte to the airport and then spent the morning shopping in that area. The weather cleared unexpectedly so we headed home to get a few things done before the predicted rain.
Our plans were to stain the fence, decks and porch during the Memorial Day Weekend but the rain changed all that.
The fence is nearly completed -- only the gates and copper caps are left. What a tremendous difference it made to the exterior of our home. This was the last big project in our 3-year improvement plan : )

Photo-a-Day 05.23.08

Our car is back from the body shop and I've never seen it so shiny! They also detailed the interior ... looks like new.
I used the edge blur effect in iPhoto to bring focus to the repair area.

Photo-a-Day 05.22.08

Jet-Puffed ChocoMallows found at Target.
I thought they would make yummy krispy treats.

Something else to consider ... s'mores. Can't wait for camping!

Photo-a-Day 05.21.08

Our rental car while ours was in the body shop.
I used the blur effect in iPhoto.

Photo-a-Day 05.20.08

The Oregon Primary results.

Photo-a-Day 05.19.08

Here's my corner of the craft-world. I have actually been scrapbooking the old-fashioned way ... by hand. It has been fun to use my supplies -- and boy, do I have supplies!!
I am working on March 2005 and plan to spend this summer getting closer to 2008. Digi will help speed things up a bit but I still enjoy the hands-on approach.
I used an antiqued effect in iPhoto on this picture ... and I must have cleaned up my workspace for "company" (my photo) I don't think it looks like this too often : )

Photo-a-Day 05.18.08

This is a photo of the damage to the Taurus caused by a "flying" fence panel. A gust of wind knocked over the fence panels in the driveway Saturday leaving a dent in the fender and door plus decapitating the side mirror on our car.
This fence is becoming expensive : )

Photo-a-Day 05.17.08

Calleigh is so excited about her first birthday cake. The theme for her party was "ball" -- everything round. She loves to say "ball" and play with them. Michelle did such a nice job decorating and found creative ways to incorporate anything and everything ROUND into the fun. It was awesome to celebrate a special day with family and friends.
This overlay, Feuillage 1 is from Monique Gascon on Digiscrapbook.net. It added a special flair to pick up the color in Calleigh's party dress.

Happy Birthday to you .....

Photo-a-Day 05.16.08

I merged two photos to show the time and temperature Friday night -- and how we found relief!
No overlay necessary : )

Photo-a-Day 05.15.08

How fun was that?!?!?! Michelle stopped by with the grandkids after Calleigh's immunization shots. What an awesome mid-week treat on such a hot day!



They arrived just in time -- I really needed some great subjects for my photo of the day :)
The overlay, Brook was a download from Kirsty Wiseman.

Photo-a-Day 05.14.08

Caught Walt working away on the fence before the big weekend Heat Wave.

This inked-edge overlay was a freebie I downloaded from ScrapArtist / Nancie Rowe Janitz. I like how subtle it is.

Photo-a-Day 05.13.08

I thought it would be fun to try a few new things in Photoshop Elements for this week's --
Photo-a-Day in May.


Having fun trying a new overlay, Felicity by Kirsty Wiseman. It almost makes you feel the music.

Photo-A-Day In May

One of the blogs I subscribe to, Sprague Lab - Scrapbook Alchemy had a challenge to "Come Play" -- A Photo A Day in May. With our new camera I thought it would be great to join the fun. Instead of posting each picture individually I decided to add some creativity and use Stamp Cluster 9 by Lindsay Jane Designs. It gives me the opportunity to learn something new with the camera and gain a few skills in PSE. Hope you enjoy our predicted warm temperatures this weekend! It seems like winter lasted much too long. Well ... off to take the picture for today : )

First Birthday

Calleigh turns one today. It's hard to believe an entire year has passed ... it seems like she has been a part of the family for several years. She has been such a blessing to all of us.
I put together a digi layout to celebrate her first year in pictures. It has been a joy to watch her grow.


Credits:
Elements: Crown -Lindsay Jane Design
Heart: Scrappy Pony Designs -Valentine3
Ribbon -Lindsay Jane Design, Just Pink
Journaling Strips: Mira Designs
Paper: Melanie Ann Designs -Chocoberry Creme Paper 03
Royanna Fritschmann Studio RA Designs -Summerloser-paper 01
Fonts: Milk & Cereal, Prestige Elite Std., CK-AlisWriting
Template: Miracle's Momma Designs -MMD-2007-YIR

National Scrapbooking Day

This weekend we had the pleasure of having the grandkids ... oh, my have we had fun! While Colin and Grandpa played Star Wars I put together a layout for "Uncle Tim." I was amazed at how many times this weekend Calleigh reminded me of Tim when he was a toddler. It was that sparkle in her eyes, her charming personality and having "no fear" of new things -- thus inspiring my layout.
Both kids were very charming today ... as we ate lunch at Wendy's (where else???), Colin and Calleigh were smiling and waving at those waiting in the drive-through line. It brought smiles to many faces.
Just passing on the joy ...

Credits:
Template: Pineapple Plantation Designs - sbs_template 2
Paper: ALP Simple Beauty 9,
Graziela Mendes-My Father 02,
Lisa Corthell August Round Up paper 1,
Lindsay Jane Designs Iced Berry 2
Element: Heidi Larson, Little Dreamer Designs - Charmer
Font: Ali's Writing, Milk & Cereal, American Typewriter

Wallowa Wonderland

Since we've only been to Wallowa Lake in the summer it is hard to imagine the state park with a blanket of snow. Recently Don and Paula made a trip to the area and sent us pictures of what our annual vacation site looks like in the winter. I thought it was a great subject for experimenting with my new Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac.
It's just hard to imagine all the snow when it's sweltering hot in July!
If you've never been to northeastern Oregon, check it out here.


Credits:
Paper: Matthew solid paper (1), by Andrea
Journaling Tag #6: Little Dreamer Designs, Jackie Eckles
Font: Silom, Black Boys on Mopeds, An Unfortunate Event
1875 Photo Frame

Good Advice

When you have a chronic illness or ongoing health issues it seems everyone has some advice for you ... mostly good advice and given in love. As I was discharged from the hospital last week (after a 3-day stay) a volunteer wheeled me out to the car ... and had the best advice I've heard in a long time.
She shared that four years ago her husband passed away after more than 30 years of marriage. I would guess that she is about my age. She shared how much she missed him and all the things they used to do together. Her advice ..."don't put off something you want to do together."
It's so easy take the Scarlet O'Hara approach -- "I'll think about it/do it tomorrow" and get bogged down with projects, chores, work etc. -- putting off dreams until later. My dream has always been to go to Italy and while that isn't a good financial idea in this economy, I hope to find another avenue in making some lasting memories. I need to remind myself ... chores and projects will always be there.
As she shut the car door before we left the hospital, she reminded me to remember her advice. It's amazing the people God brings along our path with just what we need to hear at the right moment!