New 'Skye-pup' pages!

"Winsome face" 

Journaling: 

Skye had the cutest facial expressions- she was an endearing  and very loveable pup. It seemed we were always snapping photos to capture  her sweet,  winsome Leonberger face with its' deep brown eyes and  beautiful black mask.  We never tired of it, and  Skye didn't seem  to mind a bit!  Good thing, 'cause we took a LOT of photos! Pretty nice to be able to create this puppy scrapbook album all about her first year with us-  we had lots of photos and lots of cuteness.  :)

Mid-December 2014

Skye- almost 6 mos old

Photos taken by Pete & Ali/ Mom & Dad 

Supplies: 

Lagoon CS (journaling block and photo mats): CTMH

Clear green & blue glass gems: CTMH

Butterfly: CTMH

Small tan lettering: CTMH

Small flowers, each with leaf: CTMH

Wood veneer flowers: CTMH

Lagoon and Twilight water-based inks: CTMH 

Tiny cream coloured brads: CTMH

All other supplies: from my stash 

"Smiley Pup" 

Journaling: 

*Skye "smiled big" on Christms day- So cute! 

*She was happy that Santa came! 

*Pictures Dec 25 and 27, 2014

*Skye's face in profile- more serious. 

Supplies:  

Twilight CS ( background, journaling strips): CTMH

Clear green glass gems: CTMH

Small and large triangle studs: CTMH

Wood veneer stars: CTMH

Twilight water-based ink: CTMH 

Tiny cream coloured brads: CTMH

All other supplies: from my stash

"Snow Shoes" 

Journaling: 

Skye sported a cool pair of "snowshoes" after a heavy snowfall in January 2015. It was the first big dump of snow we'd had that winter, and a harbinger of the MASSIVE amount of snow we were going to experience from January-April. It was unreal!

We soon learned that big furry puppy-feet collected a great deal of snow between the toes, and every time Skye came inside after playing, she needed to have her "snowshoes" removed!

January 2, 2015

Skye 5 1/2 mos old

Photos by Dad/Pete

Supplies: 

White daisy CS: CTMH

Patterned papers: all "Zoe" collection from CTMH

Lettering cut from Zoe patterned paper using the 'Nouveau' font (Sizzix) 

"Snapshots" 

Journaling: 
*Waiting for Argo to come home on the school bus

*Snuggling with Argo on Saturday

*Hoping the homemade bread falls off the counter

*Having a snooze while Argo is at work 

January 1-11, 2015

Skye 5 1/2 mos old

Argo 5 1/2 yrs old

Photos by Mom/Ali

Supplies:

Smoothie CS (background): CTMH

Flaxen CS (journaling strips and lettering): CTMH

Circles fussy cut from hopscotch collection patterned paper: CTMH

Bracket, arrow (Hopscotch complements): CTMH

Wood veneer hearts: CTMHTiny cream coloured brads: CTMH

Lettering cut using the 'Nouveau' font (Sizzix) 

All other supplies: from my stash

  

"Kong Happiness" 

Journaling: 

When Argo left for school with Noah every day, Skye seemed very "down," although she understood that Argo always came home at the school day's end.

After Skye watched Noah, Argo and their EA Debbie pull away on the bus and head off down the road, I always gave her a Kong stuffed with treats and peanut butter. It kept her busy for a little while and made Argo's departure less sad for her. Skye really liked her daily treat-time! That said, she loved seeing her buddy Argo after school most of all. LOVE how they are such good friends!  

  

Feb  24, 2015

Skye 8 months old

Photos by Mom/Ali 

Supplies: 

Kraft CS used as photo and journaling mats: CTMH

Patterned papers all "Pathfinding" collection: CTMH 

Terracotta water based ink: CTMH 

Desert Sand water based ink: CTMH 

RAK items from friend Amy Paegel: Chipboard heart,  circles and word "Happiness"

All other supplies: from my stash

  

Thanks so much for coming by! More pages to come! :)
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A few more Skye-pup pages to share!

As the year winds down, here are some new puppy pages to share! 

"Win-win: So happy here!" 

 Journaling:

Skye was certainly relaxed and seemed "at home" with our family. We all loved her endearing, kind Leonberger personality. Pete took a lot of beautiful photographs that showcased her gorgeous puppy traits. We could tell from early on that she'd grow up to be a stunning girl. Most importantly, we could tell that Skye was gentle and smart, just the companion we'd hoped that she would be for Argo, Noah's Autism Assistance Dog Guide. Win-Win!

Photos by Dad/Pete

Skye 5 months old

November  2014

"Doggy Sleepover"

Journaling: 

In December,  we decided to put a new doggy bed out to see what Skye thought of it. Argo climbed onto it right away, although he already had his own! Skye came for a "sleepover" and we did get lots of sweet photos of them together.

They really had become such good friends!

Despite her comfy new bed, Skye decided to take a few "bites" out of it.

Since it wasn't meant to be a "snack," we ended up taking it away. We decided that when she got a little older, we'd get a new one and try again.

Silly, silly girl!

Skye and Argo

December 14, 2014

Photos by Dad/ Pete

"Sleep? Fun"

Photo Caption:  

More endearing "sleepover" pictures of Skye and Argo on the new bed we bought for Skye. 

December 14, 2014

Photos by Dad/Pete

Hope you've enjoyed these new pages... more to come! Have a great day everyone! :) 

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Puppy Pictures and Layouts!

So happy you're here! I have some new pages to share with ya'll!

Since Skye, our Leonberger pup, is over a year old, I felt it was time to do some pages of her baby-days! 

Like animals? Especially puppies? Then- sit back and enjoy!

"Today was a Wonderful Day"

"Skye"

 "Buddies"

"Baby Skye"

Journaling:

Skye, our Leonberger pup, was twelve weeks old when she joined our family and became Argo's buddy. Leonbergers  originated in Germany. They are bred from Newfoundlands (Newfs), Saint Bernards and Grand Pyrenees. The Leonbergers  are intelligent, fast learners with a great temperament. They are good with children and other pets. "Leos" are a working dog and can work at mobility support, water rescue, cart pulling and are often used as therapy dogs at hospitals, for the elderly, etc...

Female "Leos" like Skye can  weigh up to 115lbs. Skye weighed 33 lbs when we first brought her home.  :) 
Love our "Leo"-- and so does Argo!
Photo: Sept 21, 2014

Journaling: July 6, 2015

Supplies:

'Skylark' paper collection- CTMH

'Seaside' paper collection- CTMH

'Timberline' paper collection- CTMH

Thick twine: Glacier- CTMH

Twine adhered with Liquid Glass- CTMH

Word strip- 'Seaside' collection- CTMH

Pinwheel punch- Fiskars

Basketweave border punch- EK Success

Floral shapes- Sizzlits

Tiny lettering: Glitz 'Tiny Type'

Flowers: from my stash

Pearls: Dollarama

 "Baby Dawg"

Journaling:

When Skye was little, she loved to lie on Noah's mini-trampoline in the living room. She had a cute way of relaxing in what Daniel had very affectionately dubbed "the pose."  It was adorable! :)

A lot of times when Skye was lying on the trampoline we'd see her busily chewing her 'Nylabone.' She loved giving her little puppy- teeth a workout on that thing!  

Photos- Sept 29,  2014

Journaling- July 10, 2015

Supplies:

ALL patterned paper: 'Hopscotch' paper collection- CTMH

Sunset cardstock- CTMH
Glacier cardstock-CTMH
Lagoon cardstock- CTMH
Floral sticker: 'Hopscotch' complements- CTMH
Turquoise resin flower- CTMH
Flair badge button- 'Hopscotch' complements- CTMH
Orange enamel dots- Simple Stories
Title lettering using CTMH Sunset cardstock- Sizzlits "Nouveau" collection font
Sunset and Crystal Blue inks- CTMH
Chevron accent strip: Chevron Border Punch- CTMH
Green chevron 1/4" ribbon- CTMH
Fine-tipped scissors for fussy-cutting- CTMH
Scalloped border punch- Fiskars
Pinwheel punch (for turquoise flower) - Fiskars

"Toy-Joy"

Journaling (done on strips): 

More fun on the mini-trampoline

New chewy toys to play with. :)

Skye- Sept 30, 2014

Cute as a button- 14 weeks old

Supplies:

ALL patterned paper and fussy-cut pieces: 'Hopscotch' paper collection- CTMH

"Hangin' out" word strip: 'L8tr Sk8tr' collection- CTMH
Number strip: 'Hopscotch' collection- CTMH
Tab: Hopscotch complements-CTMH
Turquoise enamel dots- CTMH
Smoothie Cardstock- CTMH
Title lettering using CTMH Smoothie cardstock- Sizzlits "Nouveau" collection font
Autumn Terracotta and Crystal Blue inks- CTMH
Birds: fussy-cut from 'Happy bird-day' collection patterned paper- 3 Bugs in a Rug 
Fine-tipped scissors for fussy-cutting- CTMH
Scalloped border punch- Fiskars

"Sweet as Honey"

Journaling:

This is Daddy's favourite photo of Skye.

When I asked him why he loved it so much, he said "It's just so funny, she looks cute with her hair off in all different directions!!"

She also has a sales receipt in her mouth- Skye was mischievous and sneakily loved to steal papers out of the recycle-bin and chew on them!  

Plus, look at those HUGE paws!! 

Cutest picture-- and cutest puppy-- EVER.

Skye 15 weeks old

Photo by Daddy (Pete)- Oct 11, 2014

Supplies:
Glacier Cardstock- CTMH

'Hopscotch' paper collection

'Hopscotch ' complements- hexagon border
'Hopscotch' complements- "Love this" sticker
Tab: Hopscotch complements
Turquoise enamel dots- CTMH
Metal triangular studs- CTMH
Autumn Terracotta and Crystal Blue inks: CTMH
'Sweet as Honey' stamp w/ hexagons- C1537 "Honeycomb Flair"- CTMH
Fussy cutting done with CTMH fine-tipped scissors


"

"Nose, Ears Toes"

Journaling:

Skye has grass on her nose,  a winsome face, cute floppy ears, and HUGE puppy feet in these pictures. Sitting on the indoor trampoline in that sweet pose, she's adorable! Can't help but love her! 

Skye- 15 weeks

October 11, 2014

Photos by Mom/Dad- Pete/Ali

Supplies:

'Blossom' paper collection- CTMH

Inks: Autumn Terracotta and Crystal Blue- CTMH
Blue/turquoise enamel dots-  CTMH
Brads- CTMH
Flowers- old stash (MME)
"I love you"- old stash (MME)
Title lettering- Basic Grey (coloured with SHINHAN markers from CTMH) 

"1234567890"

 This is the facing page for the "Nose, ears and toes" layout.



Journaling:

While Argo was at work, we'd find Skye lying on the cool floor, relaxing-- and if she was sleeping, she looked like a big ball of furry fluff! She also really loved the vantage point that sitting or lying on the mini trampoline gave her.
Skye- 15 weeks old
Oct 11, 2014 

Supplies:
'Blossom' paper collection- CTMH

Baker's twine (Autumn Terracotta)-CTMH
Inks: Autumn Terracotta and Crystal Blue- CTMH

Tab and number strip from my scrappy stash

"Shining Thru"

 Journaling:

The longer Skye was a part of our family, the more we could see her "personality" shining through. She was such a sweetheart! Skye was a super-fast learner, picking up commands and routines like nobody's business. Very quickly, she started to follow the same commands that we'd been taught to use with Argo. This made it easier for everyone!
Smarty-pants girl!
Skye- 16 weeks old
Photos- Oct 27, 2014

Supplies:

CTMH inks in Sorbet, Crystal Blue and Glacier
NEW Zoe collection patterned paper
Vellum camera: Zoe collection complements
Veneer butterflies coloured w/ CTMH's 'SHINHAN' markers
Flowers all from from my stash 
Floral centres: CTMH resin flowers
Title lettering-  BasicGrey from my stash also coloured w/ CTMH's SHINHAN markers

"What is it?"

Journaling: (on strips of cardstock)

What IS that thing? Hmmm... 

Just a little farther... STRETCHHHH!

GOT IT!!!  Darn... doesn't taste very good...

Late October 2014

Skye- 16 weeks old

Supplies:
'Skylark' paper collection- CTMH
'Rockin' Topcoats overlays- CTMH
Saddle and Crystal Blue pigment inks- CTMH
Brads- CTMH
Word strip- 'Skylark' paper collection- CTMH
Chevron strip- 'Skylark' paper collection- CTMH
Lettering: 'Nook and Pantry' collection- BasicGrey

 "Mellow Girl"

Journaling:

Skye, like many Leonbergers, liked to be up off the floor 'cause it gave her a better vantage point. The mini trampoline we kept in the living room for Noah's use was her chosen spot when she was small. She soon grew too big for it, but these photos of her relaxing there, playing with the 'Gator, are just more mellow puppy-cuteness!

Skye, 17 weeks old
November 1, 2014

Supplies:
'Pathfinder' paper collection- CTMH
Saddle and Kraft Cardstocks- CTMH
Olive and Saddle pigment inks- CTMH
Veneer heart- CTMH
Sparkles- CTMH
Enamel dots- Simple Stories

That's it for today!...I have more puppy pages though, and I'll share them really soon! Thanks for popping in!

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Mini Album: Christmas 2014

 When Christmas 2014 was over, I decided to get the pics scrapped as close to the event as I could. I needed to "finish" a project-- I just wanted that satisfaction! There was a bit of a delay as my big Shutterfly order was lost by Canada Post. Shutterfly (such an awesome company!) graciously replaced the order free of charge. When my pics arrived, I created THIS book. :) 

Enjoy!
I used CTMH CS in Glacier as a base and a gorgeous dye ink in the same shade... I also used up a partial set of  Figgy Pudding CS and embellie stickers that I'd been HOARDING since Heaven only knows when. I am so satisfied with the fact that this got used up! The metal floral embellie  and the "2014" number stickers on the title page are from CTMH as well.

Here we go, a set of  6x6 layouts from Christmas 2014- 

First and final pages (mini-album)
 Christmas Memories: 2014

"Cherish"

This white bisque  nativity scene is a traditional symbol of "Christmas" to Pete, me and the kids. It was a wedding gift (in 1992) from my parents after we found it in a shop in Grand Centre, Alberta. Pete and I chose it for its beauty and meaning. In December, our family  places it on top of the piano where we can  easily see it and enjoy this peaceful manger scene in its classic simplicity.

"My Pal"

Argo the Autism Assistance Dog Guide and his new friend Skye, the gentle six month old Leonberger pup, enjoyed cozy time asleep relaxing near one another. This sweet nose-to-nose image, lovingly captured by Pete, denotes the carefree and relaxed start to our family's holiday! It was a wonderful few weeks of just spending time together. 

Photo: mid-December 2014

 "Merry Christmoose"

Noah creates fun handprint art regularly at school. 2014-15 is his last year at KDS--- his final year of elementary school--- and although I HOPE it won't be the last of his school handprint art, it may well be. When we received this in his backpack, Daddy and I took a photo of it because it was just such a treasure. We sent a copy of the picture in the mail along with our Christmas card so that Noah's Grandma and Grandpa, plus his Oma and Opa (all in NB),  could smile right along with us. They loved it, too!

"Christmas Tree" calendar page

We always know that when the calendar is flipped to December, Noah will begin his requests for a "Christmas tree". As soon as he starts asking, I choose the square for the first Friday in December and draw a big triangular tree on it. We label it 'Christmas Tree!' This way he knows we'll be getting the tree soon and he won't have to ask about it so many times!  He loves the tree and decorating it. Our family always goes together down to the old Stork's Landing on Kingston's Main Street. There we choose a tree that was freshly cut (locally) in Lake Paul. Noah always has to give the tree his "sniff of approval!" and that seals the decision for us! This year Daniel chose a tree he liked, and Noah gave the "sniff!"

"Decorated Tree"

 Our Christmas tree, all decorated, at night: it looked so stunning!

(Photo:  December 23, 2014)

(R) Noah helping to decorate the tree, right after Daddy put on the lights. 

(Photo: December 7, 2014)

"Together we have it all"

It isn't often Pete and I have a chance to have our picture taken together. Bryan took this one on  Christmas Day in front of the living room window. We had been opening gifts. Sure loved the way this one turned out! Thanks Bry...  2014





Dad & the boys/ Mom & the boys
(Kate was working on Christmas Day) 

Pete and I live for our kids, and Christmas Day is a chance to  spoil them all. Love these very special photos of  us and the boys on Dec 25th! (We missed Kate, who was working.)  



"Christmas Dinner on the 28th"

In our family, we don't have  our Christmas Dinner until the 27th or 28th: We're "all about easy!"  Basically, this choice means that everyone gets to "RELAX and ENJOY"  on Christmas Day. This year, Kate & her boyfriend Nathan joined us for Dinner on Dec 28th. We had a lovely visit! 

"Cracker Candy"
(A special treat we only have at Christmas)

The special treat at Christmas-time at our place is "Cracker Candy." This delicious confection starts with butter and brown sugar, spread over crackers, cooked, then topped with semi-sweet and white chocolate... finished off with a sprinkling of  toasted, slivered almonds. We give  Cracker Candy in Christmas tins as "Thank you" gifts and use it as a treat here at home, too.

Delicious... NO--- Scrumptious!

 

Hope you've enjoyed the album!! Thanks for popping by!  

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More "Surf's Up!" layouts!

Here are the rest of the layouts I created using the kit I made up from my stash (as seen in previous post) for "Scrap Stash Kit Club" in August 2014. I wanted to share the rest of the pages I'd made since it is now past time to go along to the next thing and I'd kind of left things hanging  and I hate to have done that to those reading the Blog. :) 
So, here are the pages! I am super pleased with what I created using that kit.

"Storm"



"Daniel's Fort"

"Be Unique, Be you!"

"Deck"

"Bright eyes"

"Stain"

"This is GOOD!"

Thanks for looking, everyone, and sorry about the lapse! I'm going to write a new post about LOTS more recent SB'ing now! :)

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My "Surf's Up!" Kit for August 2014

Here is the kit I put together from my scrappy stash for the August "Surf's Up!" Kit at Scrap Stash Kit Club (SSKC). The colours were navy, yellow and aqua...:)

"Surf's Up!" Kit Cardstock

"Surf's Up!" Kit Patterned Papers

"Surf's Up!" Embellie Kit  (Wide view) 

"Surf's Up!" Embellie Kit (Close-up view) 

"Surf's Up!" Add-on Kit 

And here's my first SSKC August 2014 layout!!

Layout #1 created w/ Surf's Up! Kit
"No Monster Man"

Journaling reads:  

Noah, you are a child who rarely has tantrums.  A “meltdown” is unusual… You probably have 3 or 4 really big ones in a whole year!

 Despite the fact that your Autism Spectrum Disorder can make the world a confusing and sensory-overload filled place, you usually seem to take it all in stride. We are so proud of you, and we do our best to make your world and path in this life easier for you. Making things predictable really helps, and we are masters of that!

Not to focus on the negative, but if you DO have a tantrum, usually it is sparked by:

1) …Not being able to access something on the computer that you were able to get to at one time. This sometimes happened if the company removed a kid-stuff video you liked. “YouTube” is REALLY bad for doing this!

2)… The words “Just wait!” Yikes, they can sometimes make things stressful for you. You become upset and repeat the words “You have to way-ait!” and cry. It’s hard to explain that it would just take a few seconds to help you or locate the thing you wanted.  The phrase “My turn” results in the same reaction.

3) …Being told that you’ve had “Enough white noodles for now” upsets you sometimes (LOL)-  OHMY…you sure LOVE your white noodles! (GRIN)

4) …The stubborn part of you sometimes lands you in tantrum-land, too.

You (ahem) take after Daddy and me, and we’re both rather stubborn!

So, what helps?

Distraction sometimes works, but that has become a little bit harder as you’ve become older.

Dr. Bach’s Rescue Remedy almost always seems to help you cope. (It’s homeopathic.)

Prevention really works too- we have set up good predictable routines, and we’ve also noticed that if big brother Bryan takes you outside to play on the swings-- or in winter, to use the sled; or if Dad takes you and Argo for a walk,  you’re calmer and better able to cope. In warmer weather, swimming or bouncing on the trampoline is therapeutic, too.

You are not a child that we would ever call a “tantrum-er.” We are very lucky that you smile a lot and “putting on the grumpy monster-face” is a rarity!!!! Love you, Noah!

Photo by Daddy: Nov 19, 2012

Journaling by Mom: Jan 2013 (updated Aug 2014)   

The above LO was based upon a sketch created by Lain Ehmann in August 2014- @ the ScrapHappy site.

Thanks for popping by, be sure to visit Scrap Stash Kit Club, sign up for FREE, create a kit based upon the inspiration provided, and then have fun USING THAT STASH!! It's fun, friendly and free... :) There's even a FB group! Hope to see you there! 
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Two more "Squeeze kit" layouts

Although "We don't DO crazy" is our family motto, July was just that- CRAZY.
Despite this fact, I did manage to create two more layouts with the "Squeeze Kit" that I made up from my own scrappy stash using inspiration gleaned at Scrap Stash Kit Club (SSKC) where I am a member.
 SSKC is such a supportive and fun place to share and inspire one another! TY to our leader, Margareta Carllson for creating this positive place where we can all relax and share our creations-- memories for our families, loved ones, and those who will come after...

Here are the final two pages I created with my July 2014 Squeeze Kit.

They are both "Oaklawn Farm Zoo" pages. I will include the journaling for you as well.  Oaklawn plays such a huge role in our family's life!! It opened later than usual-- in mid-April this year... after a terrible winter. As you can see, the kids were still wearing their "still-almost-winter" jackets-- and these photos were taken after Easter! We were 'ever-so-glad' to see the winter of 2013-14 pass!

"Zoo Open '14"
 SSKC "Squeeze Kit" layout #3

Journaling;  Noah has a lot of noise sensitivity…as you can tell by the fact that he is protecting his ears… but he still loves going to the Zoo!  We are pretty sure it’s his favourite place in the world. He asks for it from closing in November ‘til it reopens in April!

Photos: April 2014

"Four Lions" 
 SSKC "Squeeze Kit" layout #4

Journaling: The winter of 2013-2014 was horrible all over Canada and the Annapolis Valley was not exempt from its fury. Although Oaklawn Farm Zoo in Aylesford had planned to open on Easter weekend, the date had to be changed. (This was the first time in 18 years that we can remember that happening!)  The miserable, stormy weather just hadn’t allowed the staff to ready the Zoo for visitors.

Needless to say, as soon as the Zoo opened Daddy took Bryan, Daniel and Noah for a visit to see all the critters. Most notably, there were now THREE new lions in residence: “our” Zoo was hard at work rebuilding its’ pride. Sterk, who’d arrived in the Spring of 2013, was joined by Nyah the lioness and little Obi. Mama to the former pride of lions, Esther, was still at Oaklawn. She was in her sunset years and boasted a well-earned private spot, sunning herself daily and enjoying leisurely catnaps.  Daddy had been following the three new lions’ progress all thru the winter via Oaklawn’s Facebook page, and the way they had grown since their arrival at Oaklawn was exponential. Such beautiful, regal creatures; each with their own look, personality and quirks!  

Photos by Dad (Pete) ~April 18, 2014

Journaling by Mom (Ali) ~July 17, 2014 

Remember-- if you have a "scrap stash" and are interested in using it up in a fun, positive, and supportive environment... it's waiting for you at Scrap Stash Kit Club!! It's a free site...  Sign up RIGHT HERE for the emails  and be sure not to miss new stash kit inspiration!! There's even a Scrap Stash Kit Club facebook group... it's my favourite place... Hope to see you there!  :)
Hope you've enjoyed these pages... :) Thanks for popping in to visit my blog... I appreciate it!


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