Weekend Wrap-up

I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day and were treated like royalty. We had a nice quiet weekend where I managed to read a book, eat some really good food that I didn't have to cook and my boys even cleaned part of the house. There were some moments but life would be boring if there weren't any crazy intense moments, right? 

I took some time on Saturday to walk the trails while one of my boys had practice until I was interrupted by the other kid who had left his game jersey in my car and needed it for his game. Do you ever wonder how our kids think their mom's are miracle makers? I was in the middle of the woods and he needed his jersey now or could you just check if it's in your car? *eye roll* It all worked out with a shortened walk...Diego was not happy...and mom to the rescue.

The weekend turned out even quieter when games and practices were re-scheduled due to weather and the boys had tons of homework. One had a take-home test/final and the other had a project complete with presentation board. How many scrapbooking supplies can you identify in this picture?

Bazzill cardstock, Souffle white pen, stickles and he availed himself to all my tools...metal ruler, ATG gun and trimmer.

I did get this gem of a photo though...one of those moments captured where they're the best of friends discussing strategy for a game. One moment at a time, taking it all in even when they're being brats.

Weekend Wrap-up

It was cold and rainy at Point Sebago for their annual scrapbooking weekend but we didn't let it stop us. Armed with umbrellas and rain boots it was business as usual. Space was a little tighter so I had to get creative with my set-up.

I also had a full class for my You Go Girl! canvas class and as usual, loved how everyone walked away with a unique canvas. I didn't get a group photo and am hoping the girls will share their canvases with me ;)

Looking forward to Point Sebago 2018...will I see you there?

Weekend Wrap-up

If you follow me on Instagram, you would've noticed a lot of time spent time outdoors last week when it was nice out...most of it at baseball games, practice overlaps and walking Diego. Seems it's what spring break is all about with high school athletes. I'm not complaining, it was actually really nice to slow down and catch some games as well as walking the trails at the high school. Rainy days though, we were all like Diego...looking outside and wanting it to warm up. I did use that time to go through 6 boxes of products - new and re-stocks!!!

Saturday, the boys had the day off from sports so we let them sleep in and I spent the time in the kitchen baking before heading to a friend's for a baptism party. Check out my big boys supervising all the younger ones in the playroom. It's what happens when you're the oldest kids in the FRamily! Totally wishing I had taken a group picture of all the kids but I was busy chatting and I'm sure there are pics floating around somewhere.

Sunday, varsity had morning practice so we attended early mass before heading to practice. Hubby and I brought Diego along so we could walk the trails with him while we waited for practice. It was so nice out and only an hour long practice. We walked the cross country trail and marveled at how the kids run it in under 30minutes. We walked for an hour and only made it through the first 2 miles...we did also stop and let Diego run to his heart's content at the top of the hill.
All in all it was a wonderful and restful weekend. Now it's back to reality, lots of games, practices, travel and back to back crop weekends! I hope to see you at one of them :)

Weekend Wrap-up

Finally finding a few moments to come back to the blog. I'm going to go back a few weekends to when I had the opportunity to spend a weekend with the girls at Purity Springs. This is an amazing event if you haven't checked it out...they actually start on a Tuesday and go through Sunday!!! I have the best space ever...right next to the shuttle pick-up door, ideal for meeting and chatting with all the scrappers.

I also love the fact that White Mountain Laser is there for the weekend and I took the opportunity to get some custom sign work done.

Yes it did snow while I was there, a little over a foot and business went on as usual. There was a shuttle to get you to the restaurant for meals and staff was on hand to help clean off cars and shovel. Although by Sunday, it was warm enough the snow just slid off the top of the cars and there was minimal shoveling.

 The resort was closed for skiing but it didn't stop some very determined skiers...they snow shoed up and skied down! Some of the scrappers even took the opportunity to sled. It looked like a lot of fun. Note to self: if snow is in forecast next year, pack snow pants!

Weekend Wrap-up

I'm pretty sure the vendors were louder than the scrappers on Saturday night at Cool Crops Portsmouth 3. Cool Crops weekends are always awesome but LOLPIMPing into the wee hours plus friends to share amazing desserts with makes for an amazing weekend. 

As usual, I taught my 3 classes and the canvas ladies came up with beautiful work. Here they are proudly showing off their art.

There were also some new additions to the store...they're slowly coming in and it's so much fun getting deliveries. Next up are the new stickles colors and Nuvo's jewel drops.

And best of all, my baby turned FIFTEEN and we celebrated when I got home. Not quite sure how the years go by so quickly but I am hanging on for dear life and soaking it all in.

Weekend Wrap-up

Two Portsmouth's down, one more to go...and a different view of my store. It was another chilly weekend in the hallway, good thing I learned from weekend 1 and packed warmer clothes.

Class in progress pics are always good too...here is a group of ladies in the middle of my Crazies card class. Inky fun at its best in this class. If you haven't yet, join me! ps. I'll be teaching this class on Friday at 3pm at Portsmouth 3.

Look who's here for Portsmouth 2 (and 3)...it's Jen Pitta of Stampin' Up...and when we're together at Portsmouth, it's dessert time. So nice to have someone to share desserts with especially when the slices are GIANT!

Weekend Wrap-up

One Cool Crops Portsmouth event done, two more to go! Teaching my usual classes - a layout class, the Crazies card class and the You Go Girl! canvas class. Here are the ladies (minus one who went home early) that were super happy with their canvases. Some of them weren't sure about the class and left happy, happy they took the class and totally in love with their canvases.

And just because I'm super excited about it...here is my homemade table cloth. Homemade? That's iron-on vinyl designed by me and cut out on my silhouette :)

And a pic of the store all set up...it looks so neat and tidy :)

Weekend Wrap-up

The boys had the week off from school and hubby took most of the week off from work. With a high school junior and a freshman in tow, we took them on a whirlwind tour of schools in the surrounding area - WPI, UMass Amherst, UMass Lowell and UConn. The goal was to see a variety of schools to help with the selection process. We each had our clear favorites and still have a substantial list of schools left to visit. While at UConn, we decided to take in a men's basketball game...it is a big part of the school and fun for all my boys. The kids declined to take a pic so we had them take one of us ;)

We then spent the rest of the weekend at a one game after another. The boys had basketball playoffs, baseball practice and hockey. What will we do with ourselves when they go off to school? yikes!

Weekend Wrap-up

I had the pleasure of spending my birthday weekend doing what I love...running a scrapbooking weekend and with lots and lots of my fave peeps. There was some shenanigans of course...we stole Jean's bowls for hats while she was trying to set up her booth for a photo op lol

And since it was my birthday weekend, we had to have cupcakes for our dessert social. It couldn't be just any cupcakes...we had to have mini cocktail cupcakes - margarita, pina colada and mudslide to be exact!

Here is a view of 1/2 the room. We had 71 total in the room for the entire weekend. And yes that You Go Girl canvas class is still a big hit.

 When April is in attendance, Just Scrappin' isn't Just Scrappin' if there isn't a late night dance party :)
Next Just Scrappin' event is June 1-4 at the Sheraton Hartford South. See you soon!!!

Weekend Wrap-up

"A little bleary eyed this morning and maybe a little hoarse too. We held our breaths, I started knitting and watched the Patriots re-write Super Bowl history.

The boys were so hyped and I asked, "want to go get some new gear?" They were all in, and even though it was my idea to go, I traded kitchen clean-up duty with Jorge to take them. The line was out the door, freezing temps but what an experience. Now the debate begins on whether to hit the parade or not.

Before all this excitement...we celebrated a big academic achievement for Jori with sushi at his fave sushi place.

I watched a hockey game and missed a basketball game...happens when there are only 2 games on the schedule and both are at the same time.

And this crazy guy became a card carrying member of Barkbox's Destroyer Club...this toy lasted about 45 minutes. It was a duffel bag with two tennis balls inside. As you can see the bag is completely ripped apart and he even skinned and split one of the tennis balls. Shhh...don't tell him but I put the other one away for later, you know, when I'm busy and he's being a pill ;)

Weekend Wrap-up

Happy Lunar New Year! We celebrated with a hot pot dinner and lots of Facetime calls with family. We spent the weekend at practices and games yet still had plenty of downtime at home. Here hubby is taking a nap and Diego is in his usual no respect for personal space position. What you don't see is his tail wrapped around his shoulder and his head is resting on Jorge's head!!! Love it!

There was basketball...

and hockey.

Weekend Wrap-up

Happy Monday! I caught completely off-guard by the snow flurries this morning. I do have to admit it was pretty out and the snow covered grass made me think of Nemo and ane-me-ne-mo-ne 😊 I had a wonderful weekend the best of ladies at Cool Crops Nashua...Thank You for your support! Always have to get a shot of a sale in progress.

While at Nashua, I discovered The Pressed and totally wishing there was one nearby. It could be dangerous but everything I tried was delicious and healthy. Looking forward to the next time we're in the area or maybe I'll just have to take a drive up just for a meal, or two!

I had some new products delivered this weekend and the one I'm most excited about is the Chibitronics intro pack. Light-up cards here I come. Looking forward to playing with it and thinking my engineering boys will want to play along.

But first, we need to get ready for Chinese New Year. Stay tuned!

Weekend Wrap-up

I had the pleasure of spending the weekend at Creative Escapes with a group of the nicest ladies. Shout out to Diana & Michele for a wonderful time. If you're looking for an event in the Peabody area, check them out! Lisa and Kim...thanks for taking time out of your busy days to stop in to visit. The rest of the ladies...thanks for your support and I appreciated the wonderful feedback! I hope to be back for future crops.

Having the crop relatively close to home was an added bonus. Made it home just in time for D's very rare mid afternoon hockey game and got to watch him sit in the box PLUS score the winning goal. Both are really rare for him since he plays defense!

Weekend Wrap-up

Hello Monday! How's everyone holding up? It's a tad chilly out there today but I bundled up and survived. This crossing guard gig of mine is turning me into one of those hardy New Englander's that I keep hearing about. 1F...whatever, I'll break out the hand warmers when it's negative temps...Hah!

We had a pretty busy weekend starting with a gathering of Darin's friends at our home for 3 King's Day followed by some rink time. The girls showed up, spotted some layouts and my sweet teen boy pulled out his baby scrapbooks to share with them. They oohed and awed and tried to pick out friends they knew from my pictures. That's what scrapbooking is all about, eh?

Saturday, the boys started their CYC basketball season and then the snow canceled everything and we had a lovely time hanging out at the house in front of the fire. Actually, it was just me, the husband and Diego since the boys opted to hang out in the man cave on the PS4.

Sunday, we lost poor Tigger, who succumbed to large cell lymphoma in her stomach. We knew it was coming and are loving on our remaining kitty and Diego. We spent the remainder of the day at basketball, hockey and church.

RIP Tigger...the sweetest little furball. You will be missed. Cross that rainbow bridge and look for your sister. May you spend your days eating your fill and laying in the sun.

Happy New Year!

The holidays are officially over and it's back to work for me...hi ho hi ho! I hope you made beautiful memories over the holidays and are refreshed and ready to tackle 2017. We made our shortest Christmas trip to the in-laws ever, 4 days driving and 5 days in Florida so we could come back and care for our sick kitty, Tigger. She doesn't have much longer and needs multiple meals a day plus meds. We made the best of our vacation time and had a blast with the family.

We spent New Year's with our FRA-MILY here in Massachusetts and are trying to get back into normal mode. I've been thinking about resolutions and goals and intentions. My word for 2017 is Present...to be in the moment and less distracted. I love the idea of picking a day of the week to unplug (baby steps...maybe an hour to start and work my way up).

Goals and resolutions are also good to have as long as they are achievable. My goals for 2017 are...I'll just share a few with you and would love it if you would share some of yours here. Maybe be can keep each other accountable, eh?
1. A family photo once a month. I have an ongoing daily photo project but noticed we don't have many as a family except for out annual Christmas card photos.
2. Scrapbook for myself once a month even if it's just ONE layout.
3. Send out more cards...they don't have to be handmade or perfect but I do need to get more out especially birthday cards to family.
4. Start a "Good Things" jar -  Fill a jar with notes of feel good moments for a year, open and read it on New Year's Eve (or Thanksgiving).
5. And this...yes please!

These goals seem achievable to me as I sit here writing this post on New Year's Day. I'll check back with you from time to time with an update on them throughout the year. Do share your One Little Word if you chose one or a goal/resolution.

Weekend Wrap-up

Last week was a little crazy with Darin finishing up on his model for school. It was a scale model of an apartment building and a tri-fold board to go along with it. He of course got into my stash and helped himself...bazzill, adhesive and even foil cardstock. My Cameo of course came in very handy when he needed a title for his board. All other attempts to assist were rejected...it's a good thing he's independent and determined, right?

Once the project was turned in, we had a wonderful quiet family weekend. The boys cut back on their sports for the winter season which freed up our weekends quite a bit. It will pick up again after the holidays but for now we'll enjoy it. We spent Saturday at a few stores and then visited out favorite sushi restaurant in Natick, Minado. If you love sushi, you need to give it a try.

Sunday, we stayed home and we each did our own thing. I hunkered down in the scrap cave and worked on Christmas cards and as I write this blog post, I have the entire pile of cards sitting on my desk waiting to be addressed. How many cards did I make? That's another post but I'll show you the adhesive tape in my trash...