Testing,Testing..........

is there anyone still here?????????? Seriously I don't know why I haven't just shut this down.I never seem to have anything crafty to report,but maybe I'll change that.Anyway,I saw a fun post on my friend Vanessa's blog,so I thought hey......I might as well do it,at least it gives me some inspiration.

A. Age: Dear Father.........the big 40 in two freaking days!!!!!!!
B. Bed size: Queen
C. Chore that you hate:Putting laundry away!
D. Dogs: Would love to have something hypo-allergenic
E. Essential start to your day: Coffee + Facebook
F. Favorite color: Navy,Burgundy,Black........call me Johnny Cash.
G. Gold or Silver: I have more gold,but I like silver too.
H. Height: 5'8
I. Instruments you play: Spoons.....LOL.I can play a little piano.
J. Job title: Domestic Engineer,and Homework Hitler
K. Kids: 3 that I adore
L. Live: White Head Island
M. Mother’s name: Karen
N. Nicknames: Jule,Jules,Norman,Babysquinchface( from my brother)
O. Overnight hospital stays: Several for asthma,3 times for delivery of my children,a longer stay in ICU following brain surgery.
P. Pet peeves:Gobbed up toothpaste tube,when someone doesn't properly cover the cheese! I could go on.....
Q. Quote from a movie: All I can think of is......." feels like warm apple pie" LOL
R. Right or left handed: Right.
S. Siblings: Two brothers
T. Time you wake up: 6:40 am on a school day,and around 7:30- 8 am on the others.
U. Underwear: Ya,I don't like chaffing:)
V. Vegetable you hate: I love em all!
W. What makes you run late: Always other people
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Chest,head,sinus,arm,leg......you name it.
Y. Yummy food that you make:taco macaroni salad,hing hang goo,love to cook
Z. Zoo animal: Monkeys

Maybe I'll be back with photos of my grand hamster children :)

Z.U.M.B.A.

Yep,I've been bitten by the Zumba bug.A lady started offering classes twice a week here,so I thought I'd try it out.You get a discount if you have a child who would like to attend,so Allyson goes with me.She is so cute,and in no way shape or form should be embarrassed at any of the moves,but she is.I love watching her when she has to shake her bootay......lol.It's a great workout,but you can put as much into it or as little as you prefer.I still feel most times like salsa is something I should just stick with on my nachos,but I will get it sometime.They have the coolest clothes too,but a little pricey.So have any of my blog readers tried it?????????? If so tell me all about your experience.

Not much else too exciting happening in my life,other than work and home life.I need, I stress I need to get scrappy real soon!!!!!!!!!!

Well I'm back...................

Howdy blog friends.......man, it is cold and dusty in here.I guess I haven't been around in a bit,like a whole summer to be exact.Well I feel my mojo slowly coming back,so I think I'll be updating more often.

I worked more this summer,so that put a damper on scrapping,plus our weather was unbelievably good this year,so I enjoyed the beach with my kids,and going away with them etc.I also got the worst sunburn of my life.........ON MY LIPS!!!!!!!!! I am telling you, I have never ever had anything like it.It hurt for over a week.I didn't want to eat,smile or a thing.It kept me taking advil,and it looked disgusting.

Evan and Allyson both contacted swimmers ear too.They have both had earaches,but never anything like this.The pain was unreal,and Allyson's wouldn't go away.We had to switch antibiotics and she needed to go every second day to the Dr.It was a mess.Her poor ear looked like a Mexican party dip inside.....GAG! I never saw an ear bleed like that.

My mom's 6 mth marriage to a loser ended!Actually it never even really began as the dough head who performed it never sent the papers to vital statistics,so she was never labeled as being married..........Thank You God:) I cried through the whole ceremony for a reason people!

Later I will update with the few summer photos I took,and I hope to soon be back with some layouts also.Lots of inspiration out there!!!!!!!! Make sure to check out this week's Creative Scrappers sketch,Mission Create is having a blog-aversary...WHOOT,WHOOT............and Creative Prompts4U has added a new little twist to their challenge this week also.

Good Sunday Afternoon All

Isn't it nice to see the sun? I sure hope that the sun is peeking out where ever you are. I've had a busy weekend,but I did manage to complete a layout for this week's challenge at CreativePrompts4U.I just love the color combination they asked us to use.So bright and nice for those summer photos.My layout features photos taken last summer when we met our little cousin Atticus for this time.He was trying out his new wading pool.

Creative Scrappers Sketch 103

Just wanted to share a layout I did with this weeks Creative Scrappers sketch.It was a wonderful sketch by Aphra Bolyer.I used a photo of my daughter and niece,at my niece's wedding a few summers back.My niece was my flower girl.I love comparing photos from my wedding.

How True It Is !

I got these from a friend on facebook.Some of them are,well most of them,if not all are so true and kinda funny.

1. I think part of a best friend's job would be to immediately clear your computer history when you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?1.

6. Was a learning curve really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this - ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

21. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

22. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

25. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a dick from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?

29. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

30. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

31. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

32. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my ass everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

33.Even when opportunity knocks, you still have to get off your ass and open the door.

Some Scrappy Goodness

Just wanted to share a couple recent layouts that I've done. I had the photo for the first one for eons.I scrapped it once,but didn't really feel that I did the photo justice,so I waited until I got some new scrap supplies and was inspired by them.The photo is of three of my on-line scrappy friends.I just wanted to showcase them in a pretty feminine way,and journal about how I've never met them in real life,but still they are very special people in my life! I got a sheet of burlap and it kinda scares me,but I decided that it looked great on this layout.Primas.........oh my,what I weakness I have for them.I love every color,shape and design!




The next layout is of my youngest Evan,actually working at school.The photo was taken by his teacher,it was hat day,so they could wear them in class.



I hope to be back with some more layouts shortly.Right now we are renovating our kitchen and most of my cupboard contents are right where I scrap!GRRRRRR....it will be worth it in the end though.

Check It Out!!!!!!!!

I was fortunate enough to be able to submit a layout for Creative Scrappers Birthday Bash! I got to work with an awesome sketch by Zarah Peterson.Everyone did a wonderful job,and much to my surprise this morning,my friend Vanessa was playing along with the same sketch and I had no idea........LOL.Great job ladies! If you decide to do this layout,leave a comment and let me know.I'd love to see it.Thanks Kristine for the opportunity.

Here is my layout.I used a photo of my daughter,taken last year by her school teacher on a class trip.I think she's quite pretty,and photogenic,but I might be biased.




Stay tuned for some more scrappy goodness coming up soon:)

Something Near And Dear To My Heart

Quite some time ago I heard that there was going to be the very first Relay For Life, right here on my island.I was so excited,and wanted to find out all I could about it.I knew I had to be a part of it one way or another.I started asking some of my friends if they'd be interested in being on a team with me and everyone jumped at the chance.It wasn't long before I had a team and many others waiting to see if they could join my team.

Cancer was something that other people dealt with in their families,not me.Well in the fall of 2003 my dad started having some back problems which wasn't something new to him.He came in from fishing and decided he'd rest and maybe call a chiropractor later on.Not many days after,he couldn't walk.He was flown out to a larger hospital where we found out that he had a malignant tumor on his spine,which had originated in his kidney.My dad was given 18 mths roughly to live.He made it 15,but he never walked again.The Cancer Society was so good to my family during dad's illness.They were quick to set up an account for help with travel and medications that weren't covered by his insurance.I knew right then if I could help in any way to assist another family dealing with cancer, I would.

Now I am proud to be the captain of the White Head Walking Hotties...........I did not pick the name however......LOL.

We have already raised well over $2000 in on-line pledges alone.I am truly overwhelmed by the response.I could scarcely believe my eyes when the pledges kept pouring in.I have great family and friends.

If you would like to donate towards our team and such an awesome cause,please feel free to click on the link,that I will give at the bottom.You can also check and see if there may be a relay going on in your area to participate in.It will be great fun and for a worthy cause.

To donate click............The White Head Walking Hotties

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!!!!!

I'd like to wish all my blogging friends near and far a very Happy and Blessed Easter.I don't think that we celebrate Easter like we should.I am sad to say that I am so busy making sure the kids have enough candy and hiding it...........like they don't get enough treats on a normal day eh? I worry about getting a ham and who is going to be here to eat it,and about how much rushing around I'll be doing getting the kids ready for a Sunday Easter service and fighting with them to wear something special,that I totally think I forget what the real meaning of Easter is and why we celebrate it.I must try harder.


I managed to get the last Mission Create challenge completed using all 5 elements before the cut off time.Tomorrow is a new one..........make sure to check it out!

Here it is...........I decided to do a photo of Evan sleeping.Man, he's so innocent and precious when he's asleep.Some mornings he wakes up the same way,but others he's full of it! I will never wake him unless I have to....lol.

Spring Is In The Air

I can just feel it.I haven't been feeling too springy the last few weeks,but this past one has got me hopeful.The robins are out,the days are longer,the weather is better.My kids have started with the spring fever thing way too soon.Already they want school to be over with.I do,for nothing more than the fact I hate making lunches.

I have been such a bad blogger,but life has been a bit turned upside down recently.I am hoping to get back into the swing of things real soon.


How about taking part in this.Lots of fun and inspiring sketches.Make sure to stop by April 1st.........and this isn't a joke:)

The Three Words.............

no one who lives in a small fishing community ever want to hear........."Two Fishermen Missing"!:)

My day went fairly well until my mom called me to see if I had heard anything about two of our island men missing up the bay scalloping. I hadn't heard a thing,but I called my husband at work to see if he knew anything and shortly he called back confirming my worst fear.............it was true.

When you come from a small area such as I do,these aren't just fishermen,they are our men.My friend's husband,my son's best friend's dad,my sister-in-laws brother,my fellow classmate and childhood friend,our bus driver's son........the list of connections and relations could go on,but the main thing is that they are loved and missing.

I know how cold the Bay of Fundy is this time of year and the time that they have been missing for.I hold little hope of survival at this point,but please pray that God would allow a body to be found for the families,for some sort of closure in this horrific tragedy.

Hold those you love tight my friends,think before you deliberately set out to tear someone down or hurt them in any way shape or form.Life is too short,and too uncertain.What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind????? Make it right why you have the chance.

A Girl On A Mission

Mission Create posted their latest challenge Sunday and I got right on it and completed it using all 5 of the concepts on Sunday,but believe it or not it has taken me until now to get some decent sunlight to photograph it.I had one near mishap as the layout started to blow away in my yard,and then I quickly snapped the photo and took for the house before the neighbors thought I'd lost my mind.

Check out the Mission and create your own layout for a chance at an awesome prize :)



A nice photograph of Evan with one of his scowls that he always seems to through at you.Especially when things don't go his way or sometimes when they do.I can't quite figure the kid out.

Kustom Die Kuts!!!!!!

Wow am I ever glad that I went to the Creative Prompts4u blog and clicked on the link to Allison Cope's new business venture, Kustom Die Kuts .These look great and such an array of colors to choose from.Check out her blog and grab yourself a blinkie too.You could win a prize :)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

are coming live to you from Capture These Sketches.For the month of February there is going to be a great contest on the sketch blog involving Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.That is basically all I know,but I'm super excited to find out more.See the little blinkie I have off to the side? This is all part of the contest,so head on over and grab yourself one.

Oh I'm sooooooo bad

Seriously I have neglected my blog. I get it all made over and looking pretty and then I do absolutely nothing with it.I'm gonna change that........I truly am.

Well I felt a little mojo yesterday so I decided to try my hand at Mission 0009 at Mission Create.I wasn't too sure that I could do all the elements,but when I sat down and realized that I just had to have a tiny bit of whatever was stumping me on my page......book print paper..........ahem Deborah,that I could do it.These girls work so hard to come up with a great mix of items and awesome layout samples for them that it only seems right to promote them and play along.Not to mention the fact that there is always a great prize involved,and that they are my friends and friends should support one another.So I Julie Duncan pledge that I will complete every Mission Create challenge from here on out if it kills me,and it might very well :) Man, it feels good to get that off my chest.So here is my layout and I used all the concepts.I downloaded the new Picasa and quite frankly I was lost.It took forever to download my photos and edit and well my picture never looks as nice as the layout does IRL.I seriously need some tips on better photo taking for my layouts.I don't know what I am doing wrong,but here it is anyway.
>I might also encourage you all to check out my friend Nicole's new venture with Allison Cope.........at Creative Prompts4u.This is a new sort of challenge blog starting I do believe Feb. 1st with the introduction of the new DT and perhaps the first challenge,or a bit of info on how the whole blog is going to work...Not completely sure about that.I am sure that it will be awesome and inspiring.

Busy,Busy,Busy

I love Christmas,but I must confess that I do not like the hustle and bustle and busy,panicked feeling that I have until it is over.Between work,concerts,projects,shopping etc. I find myself on edge and stressed.Not to mention the fact that the money tree is not producing the fruit that I would like this year:)It is just a busy time of year. I enjoyed it much more when I was a child.Now I see all that my parents went through to make Christmas for us.

Well there is going to be a wedding in my family this weekend.Yep, my mom is getting married.Something I never thought would happen.I am a bridesmaid,a slightly lower position than I started with,but I'm fine with that.....lol.I just really want it over.I'm sure I'll have an update after the festivities.

Check this out! I wasn't the Cover Girl for The Paper Passion's newest contest,but I was the one behind the camera,who helped Jillian get on the front page of a classy mag:) The photo I submitted won and all the participants had to do a layout using it. It was an awesome contest and I can't wait to do another! You need to click on the blog link btw.





Check this wreath out.I think it is pretty cute and I may try one next year. A great way to use up some of my Christmas paper stash.The possibilities are endless as far as color combos with this one.



Now off to make myself useful this festive season.I hope you are all doing fine and having a wonderful Christmas Season.

Over The Top

Ok,so Nicole gave me this little award and all I have to do is respond to the questions with one word,so here I go..........

All I have to do is respond to the following phrases with one word:
where's your cell phone: Away
your hair: messy
your mother: changed
your father: Heaven
favorite food: chicken
dream last night: none
favorite drink: coffee
what room are you: living room
hobby: scrapbooking
fear: water
where were you last night: candle party
something that you aren't: organized
muffins: blueberry
wish list item: vacation
where did you grow up: White Head Island
your pets: Penny
friends: Several!
something you are not wearing: makeup
favorite store: Old Navy
favorite colour: Burgundy
last time you laughed: Yesterday
your best friend: Jo/Marlene
place you go over and over: store
person who emails you regularly: Nicole
favorite place to eat: Jungle Jim's

Now I have to pass it out to some people,so I choose

Laura
Jenn
Cindy
Carole
Kristine

The rest of my friends have been chosen already..........

Mission 003

Well something good has come about from being stuck in the house sick,and no I don't have the swine flu,or at least I don't think so.You wouldn't believe the phone calls and messages I have gotten wondering......lol.OK,tomorrow there will be a new mission up on Mission Create,so make sure to check it out.I am sure that it will be a good one,and if you want a small peek you can check out Vanessa's blog.I'm thinking animals have something to do with it,but I'm not sure.Can't wait to see......

Anyway here is my layout for Mission 003. I chose the sketch by Kristine,which I truly did use. I just flipped it,and went kinda foolish with the embellishing.I also used pink and buttons.So three out of 5 for me :) Thanks girls,for the great challenge,and awesome examples!

SKKKKKETCHYYYYYYYYYY

Yep, I love a good sketch.Vanessa did last Saturday's sketch at The Paper Passion and below is my take on it.I have started trying to incorporate more than one photo on my layouts and I'm liking it, I must say.Thanks to Vanessa fro the great inspiration.Make sure to check out a new sketch tomorrow :)

Here is the layout.......I mixed some Fancy Pants and Sass for this one.My first time using Sass products in a longggggg time.