Project Life 2013: Week 1

It is hard for me to believe that we are in week 21 of this year. In so many ways the time has dragged by slowly, and in others it has quickly passed by. I am behind on Project Life (no surprise there), but I actually do have more than just one week completed. :o)

Some people start their weeks with Monday through Sunday. Sunday has always been the beginning of the week for me, so that is where each week starts. Now the first of this year was on a Wednesday. When I take the photo a day approach, I will put that picture in that day's slot. That meant that this year I had some extra spaces to fill at the beginning of the layout. It varies year from year what I fill it with. I usually don't worry about it until the end of the year, but this year I decided to tackle it first.

The top left card is a card that was designed to be used for the title page. I trimmed it because I wasn't a fan of the clock motif in the right bottom corner. I wanted to use the card though because it says "Living Life One Day at a Time." And that is exactly what I am doing with the help of loved ones.

The orange card is one of Becky Higgins's freebies that can be found on her blog. It is her reason for creating Project Life products and very much influences the way she lives her life. "Part of Cultivating a Good Life is Celebrating the Little Things." And that pretty much sums up what Project Life is all about. By capturing the everyday moments I come to realize how important they are and how much they influence the big things in life.

I am a lover of quotes, so don't be surprised to find them spread throughout my album. :o) I have been known to buy scrapbook paper and then want to create a memory so that I can use my new favorite product. Yes, that is a little backwards. Ha! I sometimes can get caught up in trying to get the best photo that I forget to really experience the moment. I have felt plenty of guilt for forgetting to snap a photo because I got too caught up in the moment. That is O.K. It means that I was living in the moment instead of worrying about capturing it on my camera.  I've learned that my favorite photos I have taken are ones that are candid and unplanned.

January 1st my parents, Tom and Chris paid a visit to the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge. I picked three photos from the experience and had Tom do the journaling since I wasn't there. Two of the photos were taken by Chris I believe and one by my dad. (He loves capturing shots of birds.)

January 2nd Chris drove my mom and I around Vancouver. I was on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans for Chris (part of his Christmas present). Chris learned quickly earlier last year that taking photos is important to me. If he is out and about with us he usually takes on the role of photographer. It is such a HUGE blessing because he gets shots that I never would. And yes I actually end up in some of the photos. :o)

January 3rd was quite a full day. Chris helped my mom put away some Christmas decorations, and a song came on that she loves, and she started to dance. My mom is known for her zest for life, and she had Chris join her, and he actually did! He was shocked that she actually knew how to dance (her father taught her). Chris also got his first experience chopping wood with my dad. I think Chris experienced many "firsts" with my family, and he was a great sport about it all. We also headed back to Eugene.

January 4th I made a trip to Kohl's. My youngest sister asked if I had gotten the new Dr. Seuss animals. I wasn't aware that they were the choice for Kohl's Cares for Kids at that time. They had different animals around black Friday. I was disappointed to find out that they were out of Horton. We have been wanting to add him to our ever growing collection. But I did bring home these two. The alligator is in Dr. Seuss's "ABC" book and the yellow one is in his "Sleep Book" (this story has the ability to make me tired and ready for bed). Tom was excited for both. For the journaling I had Tom write his top 10 reasons for loving Dr. Seuss. You will also note a tab that says, "Remember this*." It pulls out to share something kind Chris did for us that I felt was important to document and remember but that didn't have a photo to illustrate it.

January 5th Tom made a trip to WinCo to stock up on groceries since we had been out of town and were running out of food. I found it funny that WinCo still had their Christmas paper bags for bagging groceries. I included the receipt and circled the total cost.

I had fun putting together the insert for week one. My brother-in-law got me to try "Draw Something," and before I knew it many of us were drawing pictures back and forth to each other. I like my inserts to be smaller than 12x12 so that they are sandwiched between the weekly layout. This page protector is Design F that I trimmed down. All the photos are screenshots that I took with my smart phone. I cropped them to 3x4 in Photoshop Elements.

The other side of the insert showing more of the drawings that were sent my way. I thought about putting what word was being drawn but thought it would be fun to look back and see if I could still guess them. :o) I just have to say my brother-in-law is amazing! I don't know how he draws such detailed photos and his screen is smaller than mine! I attribute it to the fact that he just finished up medical school. Ha!

A close up of the top of the backside of the insert. I cut the card out on my cameo. I took a screenshot of the kind of options you are given of what to draw and cut it out. I wanted to show a little more detail on how "Draw Something" works. The harder the word the more coins you earn. If you collect enough coins you then can buy a new set of colors to draw with. It is nice having a game where I don't feel stupid. ;o)

Family Fun

Last year my sister Christina and her son Sawyer came out for the full month of June while my brother-in-law Nate studied for two important tests (he is in medical school). Christina and Sawyer started their trip here in Eugene and spent a week with me and Tom. It was fun to have them here and show them around even though Sawyer was sick and then Christina caught the bug. They then spent the rest of the month at my parent's in Washington. Tom and I spent his summer break there so that we could see them again.

In December Christina let me know that she was planning on making the same trip again this year in June. Nate had three huge tests to study for this year. Once it became apparent that I was in it for the long haul with the anxiety and depression, Christina and Sawyer went straight to Washington for the month of June.

My youngest sister Brittany, who lives in Utah, made it to Washington for a week to spend with my parents, Christina and Sawyer. She just loves Sawyer! My family let me know a number of times that I was invited to come up that week. It happened to be the same week that the kids were moving, so I didn't make a commitment. I didn't know how I would be doing emotionally at that time either, so I was wary of getting their hopes up. I was also worried about making the drive up since I tire so easily.

The day after we said our final goodbyes to the kids came the moment of decision. I think that my family at that point had given up the hope of seeing me. It was Wednesday and I either had to drive up that day or I wouldn't go at all. I started to pack my things to see how it felt. Tom left for school not knowing whether I would be going or not. I knew that my family would be understanding if I didn't make it, but that they would also be sad. I felt a burst of strength and packed the car and headed out. I didn't let my family know that I was coming.

When I am driving by myself I like to blast the music. Not just to hear it but to feel it. My parents live on a gravel road and are the last house on the road. I came swinging around, and the place that I usually park was taken by Brittany's car, so I hurriedly had to make the decision to drive on the grass around her car and park. My family was confused at first who was coming up the road because they are still not used to the new car. Brittany recognized the song that I had playing, so I think she was the first one to realize that it was me. They of course came running up, and I got a lot of hugs.

My trip home was a good one. It was good to see Sawyer since I never know when I will get to see him next. Well that also goes for Brittany and Christina. Brittany and I shared a room which I loved since we grew up sharing a room. I made the trip home mostly for my family rather than for myself. I had recently become more silent, and it had been some time since my parents had seen me. I provided the proof that I was still alive and still kicking. :o)

We spent time with Kari and her mom watching "Lark Rise to Candleford". Christina hadn't seen it, and I had forgotten how fun it is to watch movies with her. She flipped at one point and ran out of the room. She then calmed down and we had to rewatch that part. :o) It brought back many memories of Christina's reactions to movies.

We took a trip to the zoo on Friday and had a lot of fun watching Sawyer's reactions. He thought the giraffe was a cow (probably because of the spots). Loved the turtles! I guess that is one of his favorite words to say. Many times he would just sit in his stroller and stare at the animal. Brittany and I made the most of our opportunity to get snow cones, and she shared hers with Sawyer. He loved it and kept wanting more. Most of the animals were active, so that was fun. By the end of the trip I think we were all ready for a nap. Sawyer fell asleep on the drive home. He was such a good sport. One thing that made us smile is that he kept grabbing at leaves. He lives in Arizona, so he isn't used to so much green vegetation.

Another highlight of my trip was an evening spent with family friends that we have known for years. Ken and Marlene are so much fun. We love playing Mexican Trains with them. They have an awesome set because it actually comes with a train station with little trains to use as markers. If someone is taking too long there is a button in the middle that you can push that makes a sound. Over the years there were the Ririe rules and then the Paine's rules. The Paine's rules were more challenging. Well their rules have evolved, so now it is more of a combo between the two. It is a game my dad will actually play. Brittany came out ahead and won the game. She rocked it!

Brittany drove back to Utah the day I returned to Eugene. She left much earlier than I did, and I was half asleep when she said her goodbye. When I left, I left my mom, my dad and Christina in tears. It is very unusual to see my dad cry. Did I cry? No. That is unusual for me. If I see someone crying and I'm feeling emotional I usually can't hold back the tears. It may seem heartless that I didn't shed any tears, but I guess I have gotten used to stuffing them way deep inside. I sometimes go into therapy telling my therapist that it is her lucky day because she is going to see me cry. I may tear up a bit, but even in circumstances where my heart is breaking I do my best to stuff it down. I'm not really sure why. The waterworks only turn on if it is just Tom and myself. I will get teary-eyed and maybe have a few tears run down my cheecks, but the heartbreaking sobs only escape in front of Tom.

I love my family. They have been a huge support to me through this trying time. My mom has sacrificed weeks to keep an eye on me, and my dad has sacrificed time without her. They have also welcomed me home even though I was not myself. My dad even stayed home from church one Sunday so that I wasn't left alone for long. My siblings have sent me encouraging texts, letters and phone messages, and I know that they have kept me in their prayers. Family has always been important to me, and that is a big part of why I picked the major I did: Marriage, Family and Human Development. And no, this is not the 'mommy' or 'Mrs.' degree. I can get quite defensive about that. :o) Now sure it has blessed my life in many ways. I'm sure I'm a better wife because of it. But it is the stepping stone to go on and eventually get a masters degree in Marriage, Family Therapy. But because of the classes I took I came to understand my own family dynamics better and my place in my family. My family is far from perfect, but we love each other. And I believe we are each trying in our own ways to become closer as we have become adults and are seperated by miles. I am thankful that Heavenly Father sent me to the family he did.

My Sister, My Friend

When my family moved from California to Washington I had to make a tough decision. Did I want my own room that was tiny or to share the big room with the wonderful bay window? I hadn't had my own room for very long and I wasn't sure if I wanted to give that up, but I also fell in love with the big room with the high ceiling and huge bay window.

Little did I know then what an important decision that was. I opted for sharing the big room with my youngest sister Brittany. We are seven years apart in age. I don't remember ever regretting my decision. Over the seven years that we shared a room we forged a bond that I believe can withstand anything. Even my getting married. ;)

Brittany is my sister, my friend, my confidant, my music guru, my angel, my reading buddy, my hero, and my shinning star. I honestly can't imagine life without her. I can think of countless experiences where she was there for me like no one else could be.

I went through three hard years in a row. By the end of those three years I was worn out and ready to give up. Literally. I remember laying in bed next to her (the big room was her own room now and I was home from college for a short time) wishing that God would send me an angel to help me find the desire to move forward in life. All of a sudden it hit me that He had already sent me the perfect angel and she was right next to me.

Happy Birthday Brittany!

Love you more than a million stars in the sky!

Seaside

Our final destination was Seaside. It has been years since I've visited this beach. I had forgotten how busy it is! Our first stop was The Candyman a shop that boasts having 170+ flavors of salt water taffy.

I think this was my first visit to The Candyman. I don't remember ever going here before but I could be wrong. Look at all this salt water taffy!

Brittany was in 7th Heaven! Brittany spent a little over $10. I should ask her if she has any left. :)

I assumed that Tom & I would be sharing a bag. Nope! It took me a while to realize why Tom didn't share. He doesn't like fruity flavors and I LOVE them. Between the two of us we spent close to $20! One of my favorite flavors was Black Widow. It is a combination of cinnamon and black licorice. Yummmy!

We also got ice cream as well as the salt water taffy. Ice cream is a big weakness of mine! If I lived in Seaside I would visit this ice cream shop everyday and try every single flavor. Good thing I don't live in Seaside huh? ;)

After all that sugar it is a good thing that we took a long walk along the shore. I love the feel of the waves coming in and going out.

The perfect end to a perfect day! So glad that we were all able to visit the beach together. This is one trip I will always remember. Thank you Mom, Dad, Spencer, Kimber & Brittany for making this day so special! Love you!

Fort Stevens

I am so behind on blogging. :) Part of me just wants to share links to my sister's blog so I can just be caught up! I am not so sure she would like that though. So here we go...

After eating at the Bowpicker in Astoria we went to visit Fort Stevens. Before checking out the bunkers we stopped to see the shipwreck on the beach. It was fun to take pictures and take a walk along the shore.

Brittany and my mom

Brittany was clever and put her flip flops in her back pockets. Don't have to worry about holding them or losing them. Genius!

I'm a big fan of jumping pictures! I'm not really sure why. :)

Kimber, Brittany & Me

It was so fun to have Spencer along on this trip. It is nice to have someone else taking pictures too! Plus that means I actually end up in some of them. Thanks Spence!

It still was a lot of fun to run around Fort Stevens even as an adult. There were some girls running about and they kept trying to scare us. :)

This is a great place for spying on people without them knowing you are there.

Brittany jumping for joy or maybe because I told her too. :)

Well since I made Brittany do it I decided I better jump for joy! Plus it will be fun to scrapbook.

Flying High

While visiting my parents earlier this month we decided that we wanted to take a trip to the Oregon Coast. Tom has never been! (Pathetic since we have been in Eugene 4 years now.) Our first stop was to visit the Astoria Column. It has been quite some time since I have visited it. The last time I did I didn't climb it because I got quite nauseous. (I have a fear of heights.)

I'm proud to say that I didn't get too queasy climbing up this time around! I just made sure not to look down while I was climbing the 164 steps. I didn't feel too sick hanging around on top either. Yay! The highlight of the visit was buying the little planes and throwing them off the column.

We put our names on all of our planes so we could find them once they landed. Well none of them landed where we could go and get them. I did see a couple of people searching for theirs in the bushes. We weren't that ambitious.

Tom was the first one to throw his plane. If you look closely you can see it in the picture. I believe that Tom's flew the furthest distance. The awesome part was that it stayed in the air for a couple of minutes. It was fun watching it fly here and there and everywhere!

My plane did pretty good too. It was a windy day and we used that to our advantage. It is most likely that my plane landed in a tree.

Here is my youngest sister Brittany. Brittany's plane did pretty good too.

My brother Spencer didn't really throw his. He just let the wind take it out of his hand. It didn't go as far as the others but it still wasn't retrievable.

My lovely sister-in-law Kimber. She threw her plane into the air at the same place that my brother did. Didn't go as far but she did better than he did. :)

After we threw our planes and snapped some pictures we made our way back down the column. Here is proof that my parents climbed it with us. I LOVED this visit to the Astoria Column. I will have to make sure not to let so much time go by before I visit it again.

Lunch In Astoria

Last week was one-page sketch week at Sketch Support. I made the layout in the blog post below using it. Many of the Creative Team Members take the one-page sketches and turn them into two-page layouts. I decided to give it a try with this sketch.

"Lunch in Astoria"
Supply List - Patterned Paper: DCWV; Cardstock: Wausau Paper; Ink: StazOn; Letter Stamps: Studio G; Border Punches: Fiskars

While Tom and I were in WA earlier this month we took a trip to the beach with my family. My good friend Kari told us about the Bowpicker and we thought it would be the perfect place to get some lunch. This little boat was just sitting in a parking lot in Astoria. I thought the fish and chips were delicious. It was quite the dining experience. I'm glad that I've already captured this memory on a scrapbook page.

Les Miserables

I noticed on facebook a few months ago that a lady I know was going to purchase some tickets to Les Miserables and wanted to know if anyone else wanted tickets. I immediately called my mom to see what she thought. I wasn't sure if I would be able to go or not but I knew my sister, Brittany, really wanted to see it. Everything worked out so that my dad, mom, Brittany, Tom and I could go on August 4th.

I grew up listening to the music from Les Miserables. I remember the couple of times my mom went to see it in San Francisco when we lived in California. She always came home and played the music over and over again. She explained the storyline to us and so it was at a young age that I came to love Les Miserables. I read the complete book when I was in 8th grade. All 1463 pages!

I had the opportunity to see Les Miserables in the Keller Auditorium years ago though my mom thought Brittany was too young to see it. I loved it! It is one of my favorite plays.

Early on in our marriage I introduced Tom to Les Miserables. We have watched the VHS of the 10th Anniversary Concert a couple of times. Tom fell in love with the music so we have the piano music. He loves playing Castle on a Cloud, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables and Stars. I am so glad that we got to see it together.



Les Miserables this time around was AWESOME! I liked it better than the first time I saw it. It is the 25th Anniversary Production and they have made some small changes that I love. The music was fantastic! Loved the props and scenery. They had this really cool screen that they projected the background of the scenes onto. It really added to the set. In one part when the towns people were marching down the street the cast just marched in place and the picture on the screen moved making it appear as if they were walking. It was very cool.

I'm hoping that we have the opportunity to see Les Miserables again in the future. Thinking about reading the book again. I know I would understand a lot more of it now.