Digi Layouts

This post is for Trish (thanks for asking about my layouts!). I mentioned that I would post some of my recent digital scrapbooking pages (and then forgot!), so here they are! So fun to create!

(You should be able to click on them to see them larger.)

Random Q & A!

A fun (long!) Q&A post that I got from Jody's Nitty.Gritty. blog:

1. What is your current obsession?
Digital scrapbooking - so much fun! Easy, less mess, and I can tote my laptop around anywhere in the house (car, library, etc.) to work on it!

2. What are you wearing today?
My favorite jeans and a button-down black shirt. Plus my favorite necklace from Brad. :)

3. What’s for dinner?
Homemade macaroni and cheese from here, (the second of several new recipes I am trying this week!), plus steamed broccoli, bread, and fruit.

4. What’s the last thing you bought?
Shopping at Target this morning - a black ink cartridge for our printer, and a cute $5 Valentine's t-shirt for Riley.

5. What are you listening to right now?
Riley and Quinn chattering about: building a fort, their school day, and setting up a store!

6. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
Somewhere warm and tropical - an island in the Caribbean (though if you had asked me a few years ago, I would have said a remote cabin in the mountains with lots of "woodsy" decorations!)

7. What is one thing you want to change about yourself?
I'd like to be less bossy. :)

8. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Right now, I'd love to be pampered with a full-body massage, manicure, and pedicure - but I can't get all of that in an hour!

9. Which language do you want to learn?
I know some Spanish and quite a bit of French, but I'd love to know French better!

10. What’s your favorite quote?
"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to my death your right to say it." I STRONGLY believe in freedom of speech and allowing others to have their own opinions (even if I don't agree with them!).

11. Would you cook for me?
Yes! I love to cook and try new recipes - come over anytime!

12. What is the right way to avoid people who purposefully hurt you?
I believe the best way is to take it to God in prayer. After that, I think you should confront the issue if necessary, or just let it go if it's truly not a big deal.

13. What are you afraid of the most?
Losing any of my loved ones. Making wrong decisions.

14. Who do you want to meet right now?
I really can't think of anyone I'm itching to meet! I enjoy personal relationships with those around me more than "celebrities" or famous people.

15. What is your favorite color?
Sunny yellow. And this is my dream car. :)

16. Give us 3 styling tips that work for you.
I'm not really into style. :) Have a great hairstylist, buy clothes that flatter you, and always have an easy "go to" outfit.

17. What is your dream job?
A small business owner. Working for myself. Helping others with personal finance and budgeting. Working out of my home. Lots of computer work - spreadsheets especially. :) Hmm - sounds like a business plan already!

18. What’s your favorite magazine?
Just one??!? I LOVE magazines. These are my favorite: World, The Old Schoolhouse, Simple & Delicious, and People. Eclectic, I know!

19. If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?
Digital scrapbooking supplies, and printing some of my scrapbook pages. Send cash!! :)

20. What do you consider a fashion faux pas?
Hmmm . . . sandals with socks.

21. Who, according to you, is the most over-rated writer?
I don't think I have one to mention!

22. What brings a smile on your face instantly?
Tickling my kiddos. My husband's jokes (most of them!).

23. What is one word that you say a lot?
Stink!

24. What kind of haircut do you prefer?
For me? Medium or long length, and straight.

25. What are you going to do after this?
Eat dinner with my family.

26. What do you do when you are feeling low or terribly depressed?
Eat (not good, I know!). Cry. Take a nap!

27. What makes you go wild?
Cranking up my iPod and dancing with the kids.

28. What are your favorite movies?
Son-In-Law, A Few Good Men, P. S. I Love You, Shawshank Redemption

29. What inspires you?
Thinking outside the box. Creativity. Bright colors.

30. What do your friends call you most commonly?
Outspoken.

31. Would you prefer coffee or tea?
Neither. I don't like either one. Maybe hot cider or hot chocolate on a really, really cold day.

32. Which other blogs do you love visiting?
Lots. See my sidebar for a few faves. Although I do need to update it with some more!

33. What is your favorite dessert/sweet?
Hands down, strawberry pie! No contest!

34. How many tabs are turned on in your browser right now?
Just one.

35. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
"Oh - I need to brush my hair!"

36. What is your favorite season?
Christmas and Valentine's Day.

37. What is one wish that you really want to see come true?
I'd love to own my dream home in the country someday.

38. What breaks your heart?
Seeing children hurt. Child abuse. Neglected kids.

39. What's one thing you really want to do in life?
Enjoy life and raise great, Godly kids. Maintain a strong marriage. Help other kids. Lead others to Christ. Other than that, see #17 & #37! :)

I Know Karate . . .

"I know karate, I know kung fu . . . you mess with me, I'll mess with you!"

This silly little jingle was about all Quinn knew about karate until the past two weeks. He had the opportunity to take two preview classes of karate and he LOVED it. He is our serious kid, even though he can at times climb the walls and be all-out ornery!

But with the focus, respect and concentration that karate demands, this was an activity that completely 'fit' him! He did great with it and was so excited each week. He's currently not participating in any sports, so we may consider enrolling him in classes in the near future. He also loves golf and the focus it requires, but it's a little cold (brrrr!) for golf here right now!

Now I Know My ABCs . . .

Remember I said that I am doing preschool with Owen? It's a good thing, considering that this is his ABC song! :) (And ignore the ketchup on his face; it was lunch time!)

Fortunately, this was recorded a few months ago, and he does know his song much, much better now! :)

Christmas!

So it might be a little late to blog about Christmas, but one of our favorite things over the holidays was making gingerbread houses. All three of the kids got to help decorate them, and they had a great time (really, what's better for kids than making a mess and eating candy with your friends??!?). :) And of course, we thought they made masterpieces!

MIA!

I realize I've been MIA for the past three months - I'm sorry! October and November were rough months health-wise, and December brought the busyness of Christmas, but I am hoping to get back to writing more often. I'm so thankful to be healthy again! :)

This photo was taken yesterday morning of our boys . . . just an ordinary day in our lives! So thankful for these normal days, and especially thankful that we aren't super-busy right now.

We are keeping busy with school and really enjoying this year. We switched curriculums to this year to Sonlight, and the kids love it.

Quinn is completely immersed in Greek mythology right now. Who knew?? Riley is involved in a lot of musical arts this year (choir, handbells, piano) and she enjoys it. She has quickly developed her piano skills in the past year - so proud of her and the determination she has!

Owen is our crazy little sidekick to our busy life. He just fits into whatever we are doing and definitely keeps us on our toes! I have started preschool with him, and he loves getting to have his "school" time just like the bigger kids!

Brad is staying busy with two jobs (he works so hard to provide so well for us!). He is anxious for softball season to start, though, and getting antsy being inside! It doesn't help that football season (for us!) is over already! :(

I have been spending a lot of time digital scrapbooking, and it is a lot of fun! Fast, and much less clean up than traditional scrapbooking! I've taught myself a ton, Brad has given me pointers, and I've taken some online classes. I enjoy the creative outlet. :) I'll post a page soon that I've done!

What are your favorite blogs to read? I am looking for some new things to read, and would love to hear about your favorites! Thanks for any ideas you have! :)