Sweet Summer Time

I have very fond memories of Summer. My mom would always give me a shorter hair style, my freckles would come out, my hair would become sun streaked and I always wore sundresses. All signs of summer.

My Eda also loves the sweet summer time!

Proud Mom Moment

It seems like just yesterday, I was putting my only child on the school bus, for his first day of kindergarten. He was excited, but apprehensive as he boarded the bus...he could only imagine the experiences this adventure would bring.

Throughout his years, he played football, basketball and baseball, as well as maintaining a high honor GPA. He won numerous academic, athletic, and leadership awards. His hard work and determination, brought him to Wesleyan University, where he continued his football career, and academic excellence.

Today his adventure takes a new path. In this man, I still see the little boy who is excited, but apprehensive. He has his dream, and now must work hard to fulfill it. I know by past experiences, he can do it!

I love you Ryan, you have made me proud! It has been an honor to be your mother, and I look forward to what this new part of your life experience will bring to me. God bless!

Sassafrass Lass

House of Paper just received a very funky, fun line of papers. Sassafrass Lass has a very kitschy feel. This line reminds me of my favorite Dick and Jane childhood stories. This paper is perfect for scrapping photos from my childhood and of course I had a field day making cards.

If you are a scrapper, or want to try your hand at making homemade cards, run don't walk (because it will all be gone) to houseofpaper.com and add some sass into your life!

Yummy Goodness

Well, this week was my debute as a design team member over at House of Paper. I was so lucky because this week's featured product was the new 3 Bugs in a Rug line and it was so fun to use.

My first lo is of Alec back in 2000, when he was still "Baby Alec". He would wander around with his "nanight and bubba", and look for Bill our dog. When he would find him, he would snuggle up with him. I used the "flip side" of the Animal Stackers line, and it was perfect for these photos.



Next I did a lo of Annaka, using the chicks line. This line is so adorable for little girls. This is Annaka on her birthday, performing her song and dance. The entire week of her birthday, she would tell complete strangers, "Hey, it's my birthday!"



Lastly, I made a Spring Treats goodie package using the Chicks line, and this was so much fun to make. It will be so fun giving these goodies to someone.










Thanks for looking, and head over to www.houseofpaper.com for more of the 3 Bugs Line, and lots of new goodies are arriving daily.

Chick's Rule

Living in a house that is evenly proportioned is funny. The boys say, "girls stink" and of course the girls say,"girls rule, boys drool"! Well I love them all the same and they each have a special place in my heart.

The girls love to help their daddy, and no job is too big. They love helping him around the house, and get a kick out of their "super human strength". So for today I will say, "girls rule".

This layout features the new 3 Bugs in a Rug, Litttle Chicks line. Head over to http://www.houseofpaper.com/ before it is all sold out. Also, check out the gallery, there is some amazing talent. I am lindstrom6

Aloha!

Winter has definitely set in, and I for one,am tired of the bitter cold temperatures. With a Nor'Easter looming over us, and the thought of receiving 7" to 10" of snow on Wednesday, I have decided to share a bit of the tropics.

I have been in a creative mode, and dug out these kitschy papers from Rusty Pickle. It was fun to make these cards, and I hope to spread a little warmth and sunshine to all of my friends.

Our Wish for You this Holiday Season

As we look out the window, it certainly is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Freshly fallen snow covers the ground, twinkling lights are all around us and the stockings are hung. Time just seems to pass so quickly, and we can not believe that 2009 is coming to an end. Our children are growing, and as parents, we have realized to grab on to these years, and try not to let go of the precious time we have together.

As the years pass, one thing remains constant in our lives…family. We do not have much time for ourselves, because we have devoted our lives to our children, and we would not have it any other way. Our love for one another and our children is what fills our heart with gladness. That love and our faith in God is the best gift we could receive this blessed season.

May your season be filled with love and joy, and we hope that you are surrounded by the greatest gift of all…family

Merry Christmas andHappy New year!

LSNED Sept. 30th

When I first heard of this project, I decided not to participate. September is a very chaotic month, and I thought I would never have the time to complete it.

I am thrilled that Ramona gave me this class as a gift. It has made me slow down, and really enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

I truly am blessed with a wonderful family, friends who I care deeply for, and a very rich life. God has been very good to me, and I am thankful.

LSNED Sept. 29th

One lesson that I have learned, as I get older is...that your children grow much too fast.

My babies have started school, and today they are six years old. Lately, they keep reminding me that my babies are growing up. They can NOT wait until they are "teenagers".

My advice, stay young at heart and enjoy your care free, fun filled childhood years!

LSNED Sept. 28th

Today Alec received the "BIG HIT" tee shirt. This shirt is awarded to a player who has a fantastic game on defense. His great game was against Clinton. He had 4 tackles, and he sacked the quarterback. He made a huge impact that day.

When I asked him what makes him so good on defense, he said..."I'm CRAZY, that's why!"

LSNED Sept. 27th

When you have a mix of heavy rain, mud and football...you have an afternoon of fun! (for the players, not the Mom's) The kids love sliding all over the field, and getting filthy.

I don't like it because I have to deal with the wet, muddy, stinky, laundry.

LSNED Sept. 26th

This past summer, our days were ruled by All Star baseball. Between practices and games, we could not plan a vacation. Our solution...we started letterboxing and hiking. It was a wonderful and fun way to explore the area around us.

The time we spent together was a learning experience, a time for laughs, healthy exercise, and a time to enjoy one another.

Now that school is is session, we all miss our hikes.

LSNED Sept. 25th

Ingrid was so excited today. She has been practicing for a few weeks, to tie her own shoes. Well today was the day, and she did it. She was so proud of herself, and I was as well. Ahe is now very independant, and feels all grown up.

This small, little task is going to make mornings a little easier!

LSNED Sept. 24th

It is very difficult to shop for a man who is 6' 8" tall. I can not find a 36" pant inseam or a 19/39 dress shirt in a traditional store. Even a big and tall shop does not always carry the sizes.

The hardest item to get for Chris is shoes. He is a 13EEEE, and has a very high instep. Every time he goes shoe shopping, he returns empty handed.

On Tuesday, I speical ordered some wing tips, and we needed themshipped next day for an interview Chris has today. I was so worried, luckily the shoes fit!

LSNED Sept. 23rd

It has been almost a month since Ryan has returned to Wesleyan, and he is greatly missed.

His sisters love and adore him, and the boys look up to him, and want to follow him where ever he goes. It drives Ryan nuts, but we just love him.

I am sure that deep, down inside, he misses us...but is having too much fun to admit it.

LSNED Sept. 22nd

Today was a bitter sweet day, my first born turned 21 and I am simply amazed at how times does pass much too quickly!

Journaling: September 22, 1988 was an absolutely gorgeous fall day. I had no idead that my first born child would enter the world that day.

You were not due for 2 more weeks, but you decided you were going to attend your baby shower, and you were the hit of the party.

I just can not believe 21 years have passed. You have brought me so much love, joy and pride. No matter how many years pass...you will always be my baby!

LSNED Sept. 21st

Today is the end of an absolutely spectacular weekend. Beautiful sky, warm temps., and a crispness in the morning air.

Unfortunately, summer is coming to an end. No more long days, no more relaxing by the pool and an end to warm days.

Fall will be here in two days, and I am sad to see summer leave us.

LSNED Sept. 20th

About 6 months ago, the unthinkable happened...my external hard drive crashed! Unfortunately, I am far from a techie, and did not have my photos backed up.

I was devastated...eight years and over 200 files of photos wiped out! I was in a state of depression for weeks.

Well today was a shock. Kathy's brother was able to recover my photos, and I cried tears of joy when she shared the news. I have now learned to back up my photos, and I am thrilled to have my photos back.

LSNED Sept. 19th

Today the girls spent the day with Grandma Tere, and they had a blast. They went shopping at Whole Foods Market and had a fun filled hour of face painting, arts & crafts, baking and they received a goodie bag filled with organic treats.


Then it was off to Lordes' house, and a pizza party and play date with her girls. They can not wait for another day of fun!

LSNED Sept. 18th

Not crazy about how this turned out, but I am not going to sweat the small stuff. A lesson I try to adhere to daily!


Journaling: I have been going to Dresser Hill all of my life. A trip to Dresser Hill entails a special treat of icecream and watching the sunset, from high above the valley.


Today however, Shelley and I decided to meet there for lunch. A platter filled with fried clams, onion rings and of course dessert. A wonderful treat and a must have for a late summer afternoon.