Dimensions Frangrance

#freesample Not free, but discounted. I really like the Dimensions Fragrance diffuser and the way it works. It will stay on for 8 hrs, dispensing small puffs of fragrance every so often. If you don't turn it off, it will start back up the next day and go for another 8 hrs. I chose the Energetic collection and it's very nice. The ladies at work enjoy it and it looks nice on my desk. I think I'll try the Sleep collection next. I give it 2 thumbs up! #dimensionsfragrance #smiley360 #ad

Help a Friend: Memory Loss Quick Reference Guide Review

Help a Friend: Memory Loss - Quick Reference Guide

Joni Eareckson Tada

This Quick Reference Guide is just that - basic information that you need when you have a very limited time to learn as much as you can about memory loss.  I appreciated the detailed examples of some possible signs of Alzheimer’s and the encouraging Scriptures for both patients and caregivers.  It’s very frightening and frustrating when a loved one begins forgetting things.  Personally, I thought that my spouse was just being lazy because he suddenly couldn’t remember how to use a computer (something he’s done for years) and wanted me to type everything for him.  He constantly asks, “who is that?” for people he’s known for years.  Our children get tired of answering the same questions over and over.  Reading through this guide, I was able to gain a better understanding of some of what he’s experiencing and some insight into what changes we may be facing in the future.  The guide also gives suggestions for ways to create joyful memories with someone suffering from memory loss.  And I always like the “What Not to Do” advice because frankly, I just don’t know enough to know what not to do!  Overall, I recommend this helpful guide to anyone who may be experiencing memory loss in themselves or a loved one and for those who want to develop a ministry to helping patients and caregivers.  I was provided a copy of this pamphlet in pdf format and all opinions are 100% my own.

Book Review - 40 Answers for Teens' Top Questions

40 Answers for Teens’ Top Questions

by Gregory L. Jantz, PhD and Gregg Jantz, Jr.

I was pleasantly surprised by both the questions and answers in this book.  Questions run the gamut from routine puberty and zits conversations to heavier topics such as worrying about future success and life planning.  In asking, “Is it harder to be a teenager today?”, the author’s bottom line answer is “So why is it important for one person’s experiences to be considered harder or more difficult than someone else’s?”  I love that answer!  I also enjoyed the conversation about music (“Why do my parents hate the music I like?”).  The interjections from Gregg Jr. are applicable and relatable.  Many of the answers provided are ones I’ve struggled with myself - finding the right words to express my thoughts to my kids.  Dr. Jantz puts them in clear language that makes sense, is not “overly adult” or preachy, and provokes conversation from both teens and parents.  Anyone who deals with the mysterious preteen or teen (or parent!) will benefit from the insight this book provides.  It would also be a great small group or family study.  Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and will refer back to it often as my own two teenagers continue on their journey of adolescence.  I was provided a copy of this book in pdf format and all opinions are 100% my own.

Book Review

52 Weekly Devotions for Busy Families: Choose The Level that Fits Your Life Style

by Karen Whiting; Published by RoseKidz

Perfect for families desiring to grow closer to God and each other. Easy for parents to plan and prepare, fun and engaging for everyone. Starts a great tradition of memory keeping and valuing time spent together. Detailed Table of Contents is very helpful when you have a specific topic you’d like to stress with the family. Very clear and simple instructions on how to use the devotions, with plenty of ideas to personalize each to your own family. My daughter and I both like creating a scrapbook and illustrated prayer journal to document our devotion time. My son likes using a Bible app to look up verses and enjoys the physical activities that can go along with a topic. Devotions are flexible so you can shorten or lengthen based on the amount of time you have. Geared toward families with younger children but very easy to make more applicable to tweens & teens. Illustrations are cutesy but not overly so. Devotions are well written and really did spark conversation. I was provided a copy of this book in pdf format and all opinions are 100% my own.

Reese

Reese will be coming to his new home tomorrow!  We're all very excited.  He will be coming home on his 2 month birthday.  Here's his latest photo:

Say what!?

I can't believe I haven't been back here since September!  I'm a bad blogger.  Well, we moved and are getting a puppy!  Winter is almost over and we're all looking forward to Spring.  Here's a picture of our newest addition, Reese.  He will be coming home sometime this month and we just can't wait!

My first doggie ever - Reese!

It's been a while...

It's been an interesting 5 months around here.  We've had tornadoes, earth quakes, hurricanes...  Good news is that all is well.  We were without power and internet for a while and I'm currently battling a computer virus, but other than that, things seem to be evening out.  School started and there have been no classmate or teacher dramas (yet).  And today, after it seemed like the rain would never end, the sun is shining outside of my window.  The fall temperatures are supposed to make an appearance this weekend.  So now I need to update my blog and show you some current pictures - I'll get right on it!

A new Mom layout

My Mom - using Daisy Jane by Sweet Digi Scraps.

Daisy Jane Kit

Peek A Boo Stacks Template

Both by Sweet Digi Scraps

ADSR Is On!!

Or should I say off?  For those who don't know, ADSR is the Amazing Digi Scrapping Race.  It's sponsored and put together by NDISB and I'm racing this year for the first time.  My partner is Ophelia aka navaja77 and we've both completed our first assignments.  Round One was sponsored by Digi Scrap Connect and we had to create a layout that lists 6 fun facts about our family and includes at least one family photo.

Everything I used to create my layout is by Crisdam Designs.  Click on the title under the photo to go to the Gotta Pixel gallery and see full credits and links.  On to my next assignment... (or should I say off?)

6 Facts About Us by Me

Agatha

Love this kit but I'm not pleased with this page so I may re-do it but this is it for now!  Created using Agatha by Crisdam Designs.

Some Recent Layouts

Here are a few layouts I've done recently using kits by Crisdam Designs. 

Using Julieth

Using Spring Dream

 Using Project February 

 Using Isabel's portion of the February Daily Download - Sweethearts

Layouts!

Here are a couple of recent layouts of the kids.

Josh's 6th Birthday

Using Make A Wish by Crisdam Designs

New Year's 2011

Using Project January by Crisdam Designs

SNOW!

It's been a while since I've blogged.  I've thought about it though!  "They" are now predicting that we are definitely going to get snow on Christmas day.  How much remains to be seen of course but "they" are estimating double-digits.

Hopefully I'll be back with some new photos of the kids soon so be sure to check back.  I wish you all a very Merry CHRISTmas!!

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  Luke 2:8-14 KJV

New kid pictures!

We're doing a new pictorial directory at church and I got the photos from our photo shoot today.  I thought this one was just adorable!  See how they look like they actually like each other?!

I used the Sibling Love kit and Word Art, both by Sweet Digi Scraps.  Will do more soon!

Batman

Josh had his face painted while we were on vacation.  It was really cool!  I wish I could recreate it for Halloween (although he wants to be Spiderman).  I'll post the before-after-and the next morning pictures later!

Used Bootiful Nite Page Kit and Word Art by Kristmess Designs.

Apple Picking

Sam's teacher invited the class to go apple picking with her and her family.  So we all went up to Charlottesville to Carter Mountain and had fun picking apples.  I discovered a new variety that I like a lot - Jonagold.  The kids had fun and it was a beautiful day.

Here are just a couple of the photos from the day which I scrapped using Autumn's Medley by Sweet Digi Scraps (font is Pea Cara).

School is almost here!

My school layout in the post below was featured on the My Pic Tales blog!!  It's always exciting and flattering to be recognized.

Josh has Kindergarten Orientation morning on Wednesday of this week.  They didn't do this when Sam started school.  I think it's actually very nice.  He'll be there for 3 hours and he'll meet his teacher, get his desk set up, and then tour through the school and learn where everything is.  Hopefully this will also help with Sam who believes that it is her job to lead him around everywhere and deliver him to his classroom!  I don't think he's looking forward to even more bossing around by his big sister.

Here's another new layout of the two of them playing robot dog (or something like that) with a box.  They are always coming up with some creative games together when they're not fighting!

I used a kit by Stacy Carlson, Robot Love.

Hope to get some more scrapping done this week.  I have tons of pool pictures that I need to scrap!

Another old one

Here's another old one of Sam on her first day of Kindergarten.  I can't believe that she'll be starting 4th Grade this year!  And Josh will be the one starting Kindergarten so there will be lots more 1st day photos (hopefully).

I used a kit from Stacy Carlson - I'm Ready to Go!

Pretty Girl

I know this is an old photo but I'm gearing up for the Fall - trust me!  This was Sam's school picture last Fall (I love this one!) and I want to be able to do a comparison with the one she'll be having done in just about a month.

I used the kit, Pretty Girl, by Stacy Carlson.