Hillary Heidelberg at scrapbookgraphics has a new template set, Inspired by...Mondrian. These are they layouts I did with the template.
Other Credits...
Kit: Awaiting Autumn: Julia Makoktinsky'
Background Paper, Swirl, Alphaand Glitter: School Stuff by Pamela Donnis
Paper: Solidly Embossed by Sara Marie
Ribbons: Ribbons Galore by Heather Roselli
Buttons: Button Chippes by Fee Jardine

A photoshoot with Boofy

I just bought a tripod and remote control for my new camera. The main reason I wanted these items was so I could get good family photos, which are few and far between. We are going to Yellowstone in a couple of weeks and my main goal is to leave with at least one family photo that will work on a Christmas Card.
I took the new toys out today and played with them. I grabbed Boofy from the henhoue to pose with me. She took it all quite well.

Close encounter with a predator

I bet everyone thought that we got ourselves a new pet after looking at the first few photos. We actually went to the zoo to see the new Predators of the Serengeti exhibit. Christian and I tried to go on the opening day, but it was so crowded we could barely move and the animals did not seem to be very happy either. They were hiding.
The crowds were small today, both kids were in a good mood and cooperative and the animals wanted to show off too.

New sprinkler system

Not only are our ducks organic pest control and yard fertilizing units, they are also a sprinkler system.
Today is the first day of autumn, but the temp is in the 90's. I filled the wading pool and the ducks were thrilled. They stayed in for about 30 minutes.

I took some updated pictures of the turkey yesturday. It looks the turkey is a tom. He will not be with us long enough to meet his full manhood. He is very sweet and easy going. He does not like to be picked up. He is a good eater. We bought a chick when we picked him and she is very close to him. It will be sad for her when he goes to the butcher.
Credits: Kit - Shades of Fall by Lindsay Jane Designs at pickleberrypop, Frame - Leaf Stamp Clusters by Lindsay Jane Designs

Project complete

I finished my scarf today. This was my first big knitting project. I am going to learn how to knit socks in early October, so until then, I will be working on a birthday present for Liam and a couple of other small things. Stay tuned.

a layout

Linday Jane Designs has moved to pickleberrypop! Here is her new kit she just released, Shades of Fall. I also used her Simple Masks.

I received an e-mail from twittermoms saying that my blog is a featured blog. If you are stopping by from the site...Welcome.

I hope to be back later today to share a finished project that I have been working on since July.

Not Back to School Camp Out

Yesturday we joined a group of home school families for a Not Back to School Campout. We went on a hike, spent time playing down at the river, did crafts and just ran around in fields.

Sleeping In

It is 9:45 am and Liam is still asleep in our bed. I am fighting a cold and I think he might have the same thing. A quiet house is nice on a holiday morning.

Different Layout Sizes

Hillary Heidelberg at scrapbookgraphics has a couple 8.5x11 template sets. I have to admit that I was not too eager to work with that size. Then I got a notification for some discounted 5x7 photobooks from Artscow. All of a sudden working with that size had more allure for me. I have now completed one layout from each set and I love them. The layouts would make wonderful wall art or look nice in a photobook. I am not sure what I am going to do with them yet, but I am having fun working with the size.
Credits:
Template: 8.5 x 11 Resized Templates 2 by Hillary Heidelberg
Paper and Flowers: Snapping and scrapping - A collab kit from The Daily Digi
Frames: Everyday Moments by Lindsay Jane Designs
Word Art by The Glam Fairy
Splatters: Millenium Tree House Graffitti by Tangie Baxter

Resized Template Set 1

Night at the Symphony

Last night was the annual free Oregon Symphony Concert at Waterfront Park. I used to go to these concerts when I was in High School and College. The concerts did not happen for many years because of the cost and then started back up a few years ago. This is the first time I have been able to go in 19 years.
Portland Taiko and the Portland Youth Symphony also performed. It was a fun time. Liam had a hard time during parts of the conects. Loud music freaks him out. The highlight of the concert was the finale of the 1812 Overture (which was a tradation even when I was in high school). The Oregon National Guard brings actual cannons and shoots them off into the Willamette River during the final movement. After the piece is over there is a fireworks display. Liam hated all this and had a sweatshirt over his head. During the fireworks, he was shaking and I could feel his heart pounding. This was the first time Christian has seen fireworks and he loved it.
I am letting Christian use my old camera and he took the photo yesturday.

We went to the park this afternoon.
Credits:
Template - Resized 8.5x11 Template Set by Hillary Heidelberg
Frames & Staples: Art & Craft by Lindsay Jane Designs
Kit: Snapping and Scrapping - Collab kit from The Daily Digi
Splatter/Graphitti: Mill Tree by Tangie Baxter

This is a layout I did for a kit that was just released today.
Kit: Cottage Life by Alana McCarthy

Crescia al Formaggio

I am working my way through the Bread Bible by Beth Hensperser. I baked this loaf today. It is cooling right now. If it tasts half as good as it smells, we should be fine.