A List:

Ok I know I have done these lists before - and I probably have done less than a quarter of the things on said lists - but it's still fun to dream.  And hey my list might inspire you to try something new!

I have decided to do 6 changes in the year 2010.  I like the approach so I hope to be successful. 

One of my changes will be to become a learner or adventurer or a doer - not sure which word best works.  But basically I want to try new things this year - learn - be taught - grow/bloom -  not be such a chicken to try new things.  

So this is my list of things I would like to try - a large list - that I will add to as I discover new things - my goal is to try at least one new thing a month.  That's reasonable right?

1.  Dancing lessons with my McDreamy - I just think this would be so fun - not because we are in dance type settings all that often - but for that exact reason it would be fun - it gives us a reason to dance.  Dancing is good for the soul. 

2.  Sew more - I would love to be able to really sew - not quilts right now - but decorative home items - and more stitching with paper/scrapbooking.  

I really want these books:  Layered, Tattered and Stitched by Ruth Rae and Stitch Alchemy by Kelli Perkins

maybe they will be just what I need to get started.

3.  Collage - The Art Mill in Omaha has a class on the calender for January that looks good.  I have also found several books I would like to purchase on the subject.

4.  Yoga - classes are rather expensive so I am not sure I will actually join a studio - but our on demand selection of fitness classes in wonderful - so I will start with that.  (Actually this really will be one of my 6 changes - incorporating yoga/walking/fitness every day)

5.  Try lots of new recipes - I am in a total recipe rut - and I want to cook healthier.  Maybe try a cooking class - Whole Foods, and Williams and Sonoma all have cooking classes.  OK - I just signed up for a free Italian Comfort Foods class at Williams - Sonoma - free how cool!!

6.  I want to crochet something - other that my funky cuff I made my niece Maggie over Christmas break.  My mom taught me the basics - so I will keep practicing.  She does BEAUTIFUL work - I wish it was as easy for me as it is for her.  Our favorite beanies and scarfs are all made by mom - LOVE THEM!!!

7.  Blacksmith Classes - yes I can actually take a blacksmith class at the Loken Forge - wouldn't that just be amazing????  

8.  Glass Blowing

9.  Wood Turning

10.  Ceramics - these last three can all be done at the Omaha Creative Institute for a wonderfully affordable price.  $35.00 per class.  Class are located at the Hot Shops Art Center - which is the coolest art gallery and artists studios.  How fun to just be in that creative environment! 
The Art Mill also has ceramics classes - that is where I did my first ceramics piece - I love working with my hands - creating something totally organic and me. 

11.  Paintball - this will be a summer thing.  Connor really wanted to do this last summer and we didn't get it done.  I think it would be a blast to do this with our whole family (minus Xander cause he is just too young - bummer).  What good fun!!! 

12.  A tropical vacation!  :)  This would be something new - and we have already agreed that we will do this sometime during 2010.  What a learning experience.  We haven't decided where - Belize, The Bahamas, Greece - who knows.  But it will be wonderful! 

13.  I would like to incorporate the Card Drop concept into my life - how fun would it be to find one of these little gems out on your daily routine.  Even better to leave them for others to find.  I might feel a little goofy tucking them into places - but it will be worth it.     

14.  Tai Chi - The Om Center has really affordable classes - I just think it would be cool.

15.  Etching metal - I have the supplies - I am just to chicken to take the plunge.  It's really cold now and working outside really isn't feasible - so imight wait till summer.  I just don't have the right set up to do it inside yet...which leads me to:

16.  Set up a silversmith shop in my basement - we have a unfinished basement - so it would be perfect setup - just a small table with a small tank, some ventilation, a grinder/polisher, a locked cabinet for chemicals.  Oh the beautiful things I could create.  The things I could learn.

17.  And right in there with this - take an Intermediate Silversmithing class at The Silversmith.  There is a lot I still need to learn and just to feel more comfortable - plus it's fun to meet new people.  

18. Batik - I am so sad I missed the Class at The Art Mill - she has another one coming up in January.

19. Encaustics - I have been watching lots of You Tube videos - it just looks so cool.  The Art Mill has a class on this as well!!!  I won't teach myself this - I will definitely go to The Art Mill to do this as it might get messy and stinky and again I don't have the right studio for that yet.....maybe if I get different floors in my studio then......but that is a different year!  :)

20.  Plant a vegetable garden.  Steve and I talked a bit about this at the end of summer.  We have plenty of space in our backyard for raised beds.  We might give it a shot.  I do not have a green thumb - I am rather impatient and sort of lazy with the weeding and upkeep - but I REALLY want homegrown vegetable - so I will learn - I will give it a shot - I am sure there are gardening classes I could take plus books to read.  This would be a perfect family project.  It will take a lot of hard work but we can do it. 

Whew - what a list - and there are so many other things - if you have stayed with me this long - thanks - if not that is ok - maybe I have inspired you to try something new as well.  If you have a list of new things to learn - please do share - maybe I want to try that too!!  :)  

It's a good year to grow - to widen our horizons - to LOVE IT ALL!!!

And here is a little something for you to think of - thanks to Values.com :

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!”

—Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel

(1904-1991); Writer, Cartoonist 

 

Love it all....

I think this will be my motto for this year
LOVE IT ALL
because we should - love it all - it makes us who we are....we are right where we are supposed to be.
I look back over the years and I think of how much time I wasted wishing for better - now I look back to those moments - the same times I was wishing for more - and I think wow we were lucky then....
like when we lived 8 miles outside of Sheridan in a house we paid pennies for each month in rent - it wasn't so pretty on the outside - dirt lawn and weeds instead of grass and a few other cosmetic issues - I was embarrassed at times because we didn't own our own house and because it was a little rough. But you know what??? We were TREMENDOUSLY lucky to have lived there for the 5 years we did - what a HUGE blessing. We lived next to a river! We had deer and pheasant and turkey and herons and rabbits and coyotes and owls in our yard!!! It was beautiful - the stuff dreams are made of. We explored the river banks and fields - oh how we explored! We went shed hunting and fishing and hunting and sledding and for walks as a family - often - almost in our backyard. Sadie and Macey and Connor explored and had fun - such a freedom - such a wonderful experience - wonderful memories.

Then it was time to move - we bought our first home in a beautiful location in Sheridan. It was a wonderful house - so close to the grade school and all the things we needed. We enjoyed playing at the parks, running our scenic routes, walks, and wonderful times with wonderful friends - my best friends for life - a good life that we all enjoyed. A new season in our life that was perfect. But I wanted more. I thought a bigger city would bring about more opportunity and more fun - so guess what we moved after two years - to the big city - and I have spent a lot of time the past two years wishing for it all back.
So I need to stop seeking for bigger and better. To stop living in the past. To LIVE RIGHT HERE and RIGHT NOW!! Because it is beautiful. We have each other - we continue to be blessed - all our needs are met and most of our wants.
So this year I will focus on art and family and friends and spirituality and personal growth. These are the things that bring me the greatest pleasure.

So what's your motto - how do you want to live your life? I really would love to hear.

Tomorrow I will post a list of fun things I would like to accomplish this year!

And a big hello to you....

I have so neglected my blog.....poor thing...

Anywho...did everyone have a wonderful Christmas? I do hope so. We did. I love being back in Montana with family and friends. We had good travels - we beat the storms that hit the midwest - thank goodness. We are still in shock about how much snow Omaha has - it is insane - isn't Montana supposed to be the state with that much snow??? Not Nebraska. Right??? We are just so glad we left when we did - took the kids out of school two days early - best decision.
It was a very relaxing visit. Lots of good food - great talk - fun games - like spit - which is so fun with six people - oh we had fun. Taboo - what a blast that game is. Dancing and lip syncing and singing and acting crazy silly - oh and lots of name calling - right mom - so flippin funny!!!! It's so nice to be with people you feel 100% comfortable with - people that just get you...I LOVE our family. We also did some sledding at the skating rink - just like when I was little - minus the old smelly warming caboose. I think I had a much fun as the kids did. Lots of time with the little girlies. Oh and bowling which is always a good time. I don't bowl well but I always have fun and so does EVERYONE!!
Oh how I miss all these loves when I am here.
The last night we were home we made Chinese food - not an Italian feast but a Chinese feast and man was it good. Egg Rolls, Beef and Greens, Almond Chicken, and Fried Rice! YEEUUUMMM!!!
There are lots of pictures......lots and lot and lots of pictures - most of them on Dad's camera - so as soon as mom shares I will share with all of you!!!
Now we are home relaxing - the boys are excited to play with their new gifts - Xander couldn't wait to get his new lego sets built - that is all he has been doing since we got home last night. Connor playing his new video games and texting like a fiend on his new phone. Macey was excited to see her friends - she unpacked in record time just so she could go see them. Today she is already back at work as is Steve. I am pleased I have another week off! WOOHOO!!!! I think I see some scrapbooking in the plans, maybe snuggle time with Xander while watching my new Transformers 2 movie. And we should definitely sled since we have ALL this snow - I will take photos I promise.
I hope you too are having a wonderful holiday season!!!!

Warm Blessings to you!!!

Stacey

A Little Music For You to Enjoy

Macey shared this song with me today - it very beautiful!

Enjoy!

Some Christmas Fun

Where Women Create is a terrific magazine showcasing the creative spaces of all sorts of artists! I LOVE THIS MAGAZINE!!! They also have a blog - and they are doing 12 days of Christmas giveaways ending on the 12th. Run on over and check it out! Good luck!

For the Greater Good

Dynamic fundraising meter for your Red Kettle campaign.

Fitness Bootcamp

Well I started Fitness Bootcamp last night - I went to what I thought would be an informational orientation - ha - let me just say I am sore in places I didn't even know I could get sore. I am truly not complaining - I am excited - I'm just saying SORE!!! It's twice a week for 4 weeks and I think it might kick my butt (I mean sheesh if I am this sore after orientation I am scared to think of what next week might bring)- hopefully kick the flab off my butt - we'll see - wish me luck!!!

Color Inc is having a giveaway

Color Inc is having a very generous giveaway on their blog Go check it out!!! You could be the winner! Go sign up!

Oh and don't forget this:

How about 25 free prints

Well not from me - but from Color Incorporated
I just ordered mine - can't wait to get them - it's nice to have a reliable lab for printing needs - think Christmas cards!!! :)


Use promo code: cur09
Offer good 1 per household.

Fun Layouts

Here are a few pages I made for Feeling Scrappy's Sketchapalooza 5 class - what a wonderful class - you really should join!!

Sketch by Tracy Kosofsky:



Sketch by Stacey Lokovic:



Sketch by Stacey Lokovic:



Sketch by Stacey Lokovic:



Sketch by me:



Sketch by Tracy Kosofsky:



Double page sketch by me:

8 Things: Movies

Top Movies - this is hard to narrow down to just 8 - but I can watch these over and over and over again.
#1 has to be Goonies
2. The Family Stone
3. 16 Candles
4. Pretty in Pink
5. Serendipity
6. Mr Magoriums Wonder Emporium
7. Transformers
8. Disturbia

Fun!

Love this song!!

Thought for the day

From values.com today in my inbox was a quote I thought was so worth sharing....

“Because life is a living, breathing work of art, you are a painting as you go. Be a masterpiece. Drink in life. Laugh too loud. Compliment others constantly.”

—Nicole Johnson
author, performer, motivational speaker

LOAD

Days 29 & 30

Almost done - I was able to stick with it - a layout a day for 31 days! Acutally more! Woohoo!!! Thank you so much to Lain and Tami for LOAD - it really was a fun challenge!

8 things: I love about my big family

I am pretty lucky - I have an awesome family! I was born into a pretty terrific family and married into one. So here are my 8 things that I love about being part of this clan!!!

1. Friends galore - there are soooo many of us - parents, grandparents, sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

2. Family get together - lots of noise - on my mom's side - they are Italians - and loud - and we all talk at once - I love it - but it can be intimidating to people who are not used to it.

3. Forgiveness - sure we fight - but we forgive - no matter what!!!! That's just how you do it!!! If we offend someone or hurt their feelings - we mend, we forgive, and we move forward - still loving one another. We would never let a hurt ever drive a permanent wedge - NOT EVER - NO MATTER WHAT!!!

4. Support - we are always there for one another. And if we are not we get a swift kick in the rear and make it right. But we cheer one another on - that's just what we do.

5. THE FOOD!!!! Can I say that??? I mean this family can cook - and we like to cook lots of it. (I will do a mini 8things here - favorite foods: 1) Grandma's spaghetti with vinegar & oil salad (Grandma's vinegar and oil salad is just the best - don't know what the trick is - it's her loving touch :)) 2) Mom's Green Chili & Chimichangas 3) Suzy's Greasy Delicious 4) Airport Inn Pizza (OK this is totally not my families food but we always have it when we get together in Miles City and I love it) 5) Jodi's Cajun Pasta 6) Dad's Philly Cheese steaks 7) Grandma's Japanese Fruit Pie 8) Debbie's Apple Salad - and this is what sounds the best today - ask me tomorrow and I probably will be missing 8 other favorites :))

6. FUN - we really can have fun - doing whatever - cause it's easy hanging out with people you love - and fun is sure to follow. (bowling, games, sledding, coffee, bars, you name it we can have fun doing it)

7. Fierce Bond - we love each other fiercely - and this makes me happy!

8. That we need each other - when we are all together it feels better - even if we get crazy or tense it's still always great to be together.

LOAD Days 27 & 28

Sketch by Jayne Jones from Feeling Scrappy's Sketchapalooza 5 class:

So pretty

Great tutorial can be found here.

To My Beautiful Macey

Happy Birthday sweet girl - 17 years old - how can it be - my how time flies by. I remember 17 years ago like it was yesterday. I was just 16 so young and scared yet so excited to finally my baby. And then you came - my sweet Macey - you were perfect in every way. We were blessed, you were a true gift from above.
These days are sometimes difficult - being a parent to a teenager - it's all new to me - and I screw up a lot - but I try - this gift of being a mom is a wonderful gift - but not without it's trials and tribulations. One thing remains exactly the same and that is love - so much love for you. I hope you know, Macey, just how much Dad and I love you!
Happy Happy Birthday! Hope you are having a terrific day!

LOAD

Day 26 Sketch by Tracy Kosofsky for Feeling Scrappy Sketchapalooza 5:



Day 25:



Day 24:

LOAD

Days 20 - 23

Fun

Made this fun photo of Xander at Picnik for a post at Feeling Scrappy.

Pssstttt....

I am excited to say that Star Hitched Wagon™ is one of this month's sponsors over at Stephanie Howell's "place"! I LOVE her blog - it is fantastic - I mean the girl is crazy talented. Her scrapbook pages are just FANTASTIC!!! SHe has fantastic style - clothing and flea market finds. She is just fun - weeeellllll I don't actually know her - I really just stalk her blog and now it's your turn!!! She is doing a few drawings this weekend - all you have to do is leave a comment on HER blog post by Sunday!!! Easy peasy - right? Oh and my Calliope bracelet is what you might win!!! Go on over and check it out - good luck!

8 Things: I love about being a mom

1. I love their excitement that they share with each new experience, to get to share in their wonder and joy.

2. I love their love - Xander shares his hugs and kisses a little more frequently - but I still get hugs from Macey and Connor at bedtime. :)

3. I love doing things with them - baking, reading books, playing games. Last week Macey was out and Xander and Steve were at Scouts so it was just Connor and I. I asked him if he would like to help me bake some pumpkin bars. He is getting older so I wasn't sure if he would want to - but he did and it really was nice. When he was younger he baked with me all the time - but those moments are few and far between. We visited and joked and laughed - and we even played some cards afterward. It was a night I will cherish.

4. Getting to play like child with my children - Frisbee, racing, tag, jumping on the trampoline. I will admit I don't do it often enough but when I do - it is SOOOO good for the soul.

5. When you receive confirmation that they are on the right track in life. It really is the best when someone tells you how well behaved or well mannered they are. Or you see them lend a helping hand or help out the underdog....because really our job as parents is to raise our children to be healthy happy adults.

6. The holidays with children truly are the best - they are so excited - it just so much more with children.

7. Volunteering in their schools - not because I love showing off at school - but because my kids are always so proud when I am there helping out. To me that is a huge thing. They are not embarrassed of me - they really want me there.

8. Watching these three amazing children work things out - becoming who they are meant to be. It's not easy being a mom and many days I want to bang my head against the wall - but they are going in the direction they are meant to go. They are three beautifully strong-willed, unique souls that will no doubt touch the lives of many around them.

A Picture Taking Nature Walk with Xander

Steve ran out at Platte River on Sunday and invited us to tag along - it was a beautiful fall day. I decided to bring my camera so I could snap some photos. Along the way I decide to offer Xander the camera - what a great eye the little guy has. He took some really cool photos and several shots of me and I think they are some of the better photos we have of me - you can't help but smile big for the little guy!

Here are some of my shots:










And here are some very cool shots taken by Xander:








This is the stuff that perfect days are made of!

LOAD

Days 17, 18 and 19. I have now officially created 34 layouts in 19 days - between LOAD and my Feeling Scrappy assignments I am a scrappin fooL! Wow - that's a lot of pages!

Fantastic Projects from Feeling Scrappy's........

.......Simplify the Season Class!

Stacey showed us how to make these great gift card holders - love this!!!



Lee showed us all how to make these awesome Button Trees. I had such a blast with these - even Xander helped me out!




I did a how to on how to make these wonderful boxes in all different shapes and size - oh how I love them - then will be finding their way under the Christmas tree this year to house many special gifts.





I also did a fun mitten that holds candy canes




Stacey had a great how to on gift mixes in fancy jars. This was mine - it houses a playdough mix. Such fun!!



We even had great cards sketches and layout sketches.

From Lee:


From Jayne:


From Me:


From Stacey:


From Me:


From Lee:


Both layouts from Lee:




Really you have got to sign up for all the classes that Feeling Scrappy has to offer! The value is incredible. There are prizes galore - fun people - and you get so much done! And when finished you have the tools to do everything we learned in class on your own whenever and however you want! How cool is that!?! Our next class will be Sketchapalooza 5! It starts October 26th - it's only $25.00 for 20 sketches - that is AWESOME! I really hope to see you there - I promise you will love it!