My Everyday Life

[Erica]

I thought I'd start this thread to tell you what's happening in my everyday life, a place to chat when we're not in the chat room, a place to leave messages, make ordinary or extraordinary comments, about you, your family, friends or about life in general, even the latest flavour ice cream is a good topic :p

Anyway, feel free to post here anything that comes to mind. Derogatory or negative comments are NOT welcome of course but then you ladies don't do that :hug:

I'll start off:
Our Christmas day was very quite, with Ian and I going to Rob's house (Son) to take gifts that Santa had left for him and DGS Lee. Lee is a Christmas baby (December 23) and turned five this year, I can't believe he'll be going to big boys school in February, next intake after the summer holidays here. Anyway you can imagine the amount of presents he gets, for birthday and Christmas, it all became a bit too much for him this year because he had 3 birthday parties, the reason being is that my son and DIL have been separated for 4 years, with both having equal parenting time of Lee, week about type of thing and it's certainly worked very well for Lee, he gets to be with his Dad 7 days out of 14, I am so proud of my son's abilities at parenting and more especially as a Dad who has taken care of a small baby from the age of 1, Lee adores him. Anyway I digress, just a bit of background for you, so 1 party with each of his parents and this year 1 was at his Kindy. After that we came home and cooked dinner for 5, Sandy, Ian's DD, Samantha, Ian's DGD and Andy her BF and us of course, very small by previous celebration standards but very welcome also, we didn't have a turkey this year just chooks and lamb which we we're still eating two days later. :wave:

This Lee opening one of his dads presents:
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/Lee-Opening-Daddy_s-Presents.jpg

[Leslie]

Ours was quiet too - the cats playing with the wrapping paper were quite loud though! I flew mom down from Brisbane from Christmas Eve to New Year's Eve. We all opened presents and stockings and scratched out scratchits.
Oddest present? The little tea light type chocolate fondue thing - I had snorted with laughter when I saw one in a shop the day before Christmas. Do you know, I don't think I'm very keen to eat a pink marshmallow dipped in melted chcolate, then to have to wash the whole thing out! I don't think it will last long.
Question: as one who declutters for a hobby, why do you think Christmas presents come in such huge, sturdy cardboard boxes? You know, the ones that you have to carve up with a bread knife to fit them into the overflowing recycling. :)

[LadyCarolyn]

We had a very eventful holiday season starting in Calgary with my brother's 60th birthday bash . . . .. a very elegant and divine affair . . .. wonderful food and lovely people, only a few of whom we knew.

Finished Christmas shopping in Calgary to avoid the tax in BC . . .. and then off to BC to see the grandkids. Lovely Christmas morning, and due to the fact that our son was off to Chicago very early Boxing Day, he Skyped in to be part of the festivities. (His trip to Chicago was a nightmare taking over a day to get there . . .... grrrrrr. . .. weather)

Took lots of pictures and did my pages up of each grandchild while I was there so they could see the results.

Now this is a serious addiction . .. .. worked on other pages during our 11 hour journey home on the laptop in the car . . ... I think it should be . . .. Hello, My name is Carolyn and I have a scrapping addiction problem!!

We are now home safe and sound . ... thank goodness . .. it was not a pleasant trip at all. grrrrr . . .weather again

[sandygb]

Leslie - You declutter? When can you come to my house? LOL. I like the house to be neat and clutter free, which means that all the clutter ends up in the basement where I can't see it...well, at least I don't see it as often. The basement is cluttered witn boxes moved to get to Christmas decorations, and empty boxes from all the online Christmas gift purchases. I'm saving them (I tell myself) so I can pack up my paper scrap supplies and get them out of my guest room.

On another note, I ordered lots of baby things last night - a combo stroller and car seat to give Carrie (DD) as a baby shower gift, a big box of disposable diapers and a diaper caddy for my Mom to give her as a shower gift, a crib, crib mattress, crib sheets, mattress pad and bedding set for the guest nursery that I will set up in my house for the upcoming grandson...

[Leslie]

Decluttering and DSP are my two hobbies. :)

I never miss a post on unclutterer.com

The website makes me feel better about my need to rid my house of superfluous stuff.

[idtwinmom]

Erica - a lovely idea to start a chatter thread! And before I give brief highlights of our Christmas - what are "chooks"? I just love learning about things from all over the world, which is why I just love hanging here at DSP!

Our day was anything but quiet with the 3 kids (for those who have not been introduced to them I have 2 five year old boys and one just under 3 years old girl). But we didn't have a big family gathering either. I have a strict no-travel policy for Christmas because the kids need to be at home where they can play with the new toys. All of our family is a distance to get to with the closest being about a 4 hour drive from here and much of it being accessible by airplane only. My home is still a toy obstacle course, but since the boys are home one more week from school (they started kindergarten in September) I figure I just won't worry too much about it. I will have to shuffle things soon to vacuum though as the dog hair is getting totally out of control. My DH had most of last week off (only really worked one day) and will have another long weekend this week, so I'm getting lots of scrapping time! (he is sooooooo good about being with the kids and letting me hang on the computer!)


Now this is a serious addiction . .. .. worked on other pages during our 11 hour journey home on the laptop in the car . . ... I think it should be . . .. Hello, My name is Carolyn and I have a scrapping addiction problem!!


LOL! I thought I had it bad. Of course, I would have scrapped in the car on the way home after Thanksgiving if I had a battery in the laptop that lasted more than 15 minutes! :rofl: Old laptop - old battery - not worth the cost to replace either!

[suemack]

Chooks are chickens down here in New Zealand :D

I had a lovely day spent mainly at SIL with family and friends. Jonathan and his friend brought their new 9 week old dascund, Casey, up and it was so funny watching her grow courage with Emma and Cody (2 retrievers). By the end of the day she was bouncing round full of life, joy and mischief. Of course I got 'the odd' photo of her :D

[Betsyfru]

Well, Christmas was pretty quiet for us. We are by ourselves, with just one kitty now, Harley. After we opened our presents, we went to my son's house nearby and opened presents there and had brunch. My DIL usually makes a big breakfast but her mom & I decided that it took too long, so she made 2 breakfast casseroles and brought them with her. They were great! Much less trouble! Then we drove to my SIL's house to open more presents and have a late lunch.
We decided to give ourselves a Wii for Christmas, after playing someone else's bowling game on Thanksgiving. My SIL gave us the Wii Fit balance board to go with it, so when we got home, we played with it. We slalomed down a ski slope, bowled, and did step aerobics! It's pretty much fun, but I fear it will cut into my computer/scrapping time some...
And Leslie, if you need to get your declutter fix, please come to my house! I have no idea how to obtain a clutter-free house!

[gram2nic]

We had a pretty busy Christmas too. It just went by way too fast! Christmas Eve we had some friends over for dinner and played on the Play Station 2 with Guitar Hero and Karaoke. My husband is a big kid at heart and one of his presents was the rock band kit for play station 2. We had our friends 14 year old son playing the guitar, his dad playing the drums and my dear hubby singing! Oh my! let's just say they won't be getting a record contract anytime soon!
Christmas morning we headed out to our daughters house with a 2 hour drive ahead of us. I know it could be worse! Got to see the DGS opening presents and ate a lot of turkey, then headed back home. Then the realization that Christmas was over as soon as we walked back in the door! It seemed so quite here compared to kids running all over the place and playing with their new toys Santa left them. I miss having kids in the house...but only at Christmas! I do enjoy my peace and quite too!
All in all it was a pretty good holiday. I got a new 17 inch laptop and a new lense for my camera. I'm trying to get used to the laptop. Thanks Carolyn for the suggestion about using it in the car! I guess I'll have to find a car charger for it! I usually sleep in the car but I wouldn't if I could scrap instead!
We are going to a New Years Eve party then recuperating the next day.

Hope you all have a Happy New Year!

[LadyCarolyn]

I got a new 17 inch laptop and a new lense for my camera. I'm trying to get used to the laptop. Thanks Carolyn for the suggestion about using it in the car! I guess I'll have to find a car charger for it! I usually sleep in the car but I wouldn't if I could scrap instead!


They really aren't that expensive and then you don't have to worry about your battery dying. I don't think there is a battery out there that would last the 11 hours we were in the car, so for any journey it really is the only way. Doesn't do as well when it is bright and sunny as there is glare on the screen, but yesterday was just cloudy and snowy so it worked PERFECT!!!! Got about 4 pages done and it certainly helped pass the time on such a long road trip.

[GrandmaCrys]

Neat thread, Erica; thanks for starting it! There's just the two of us here and no one in either of our families (we're blended) would consider *over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go*! So, yes, you guessed it, we ALWAYS travel.

Headed to my older son's on Christmas Eve. (2 hr. drive.) Because of weather and work day we got to our destination too late for the Christmas church service, but we did meet up for the annual dinner at Texas Roadhouse with DS, DDIL, her mother and DGS, who's a real treat! After dinner, it's drive through a Christmas light display and on to their house, where we watched Jackson open gifts and learn to play the harmonica! What fun.

Up early Christmas morning and down to KY. (another 3 hour drive) to DH's DD's house. All the family was there, at one time or another, except for one GS who has *issues*. My younger son and family were unable to attend because of illness in their family. Bummer! :(

We did get to see and exchange gifts with each of the 6 DGGK, which doesn't happen often.

Back home on Fri., with a stop by younger son's, but two of the boys were too sick to even acknowledge our presence or open their gifts, so we hit the road before we picked up their germies. (Hopefully!)

(This was not a total bust, as we had had my family's Christmas on 12/14, when my two siblings and I and all our offspring (23 of us total, including 7 kidlets, 5 yr and under!!!) were in one place at one time. AND we did a BIG photo shoot! :S)

Now we're having several days of rest and relaxation! YAY

[Erica]

Thanks for sharing your Christmas 'doings' sounds like everyone had a wonderful time with their respective families. My son only lives half hour drive away and Ian's daughter Sandy only 45mins so it's really easy to catch up with them. Wendy (Ian's No2 D) and her 4 girls live in Sydney so it's only telephone chat with them on Christmas Day and my sister lives in France so I can't just pop over to see her, more's the pity, but we did chat for 2 hours on the phone. Can't seem to get Skype and my Web cam working together.

You're a bit of a dark horse Betsy, playing with Wii, some of the 'games' look fun and skiing would be a blast as I have no ambition to try it on real snow! Sue, thanks for answering the 'chook' problem, you can sometimes forget to try and speak universally and slip back into local idiom. You do a lot of traveling Carolyn and take some awesome photos of your travels. I am seriously thinking of getting a new Camera as I think I did something to mine when I slipped on the wharf steps in Vanuatu and fell in the water up to my waist, my own fault I was very intent on photographing a scurrying crab and didn't look where I was going, actually cut my hand open pretty bad and was rushed to 'hospital' I use that word tentatively as seeing the hospitals in Vanuatu is something else, I was very happy to get home and have my hand look at by our local clinic I can tell you. My photos just don't seem as clear now, could be the fool at the front end of the Camera though, probably is :yikes:

I have finally purchased a new keyboard as the other one kept cutting out on me while typing, sooo frustrating, I am using my new Logitech to type this, doesn't it look so much better :rofl: Have a great New Year everyone :party::party::hug:

[idtwinmom]

Erica - hope your hand wasn't seriously injured! Doesn't sound fun! And don't worry about using idioms. One of my greatest joys in spending time here is the 'world' that I get to learn about! You are going to here me suggesting chooks for dinner often in the next few weeks, just so my kids will know that there is a very big world out there. (Besides, if I call them Chook Nuggets, maybe they will eat them! :lol:)

[Erica]

You could also see if they'd like some snarlers (sausages) :)

[idtwinmom]

:lol: I have no doubt they would take one look and run. You see, not one of my kids will eat meat, and I'm sure snarlers would sound good, but to see it on the plate would be a different story.

[Roberta T]

Chooks and snarlers eh? My DGS's are already so picky if I even told them they were having that they'd refuse to even try!
My Christmas was one of the best ever. For years, it seemed that my Christmases were always sort of destroyed for one reason or another (hard to have an ex who makes things difficult). This year he was stuck in Vancouver. I had to hide me glee! Everything went without a hitch and my SIL, DD and 3 DGS's had a wonderful time!
Erica, this is a great idea. I still feel such a bond with your 'bunch' although I don't always make the challenges or the chat.
I have SO enjoyed doing 'you' in the Featured Designer Challenge. How gracious of you to cc us all! I can tell you, it is very very appreciated.
I'm busy starting a Designer Bootcamp with SNL. My recent foray into designing for the contest left me wanting more.
I hope some of you will come and give us the cc's we are eager to get. Real cc's that will help us improve, just like DET Bootcamp.
Here's the link to our brand new gallery which Margie so kindly got us http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=6647.

[Leslie]

Oh I could really go a roast chook right now. I've just had spaghetti and Asti Riccadonna, now I think I go get a waffle with "real" maple syrup.
And when Alessandro goes out to do the New Year's Eve "thang" - I will be blissfully home alone for a few hours.

[idtwinmom]

How much longer until the clock strikes 12 in your neck of the wood?

[idtwinmom]

Roberta - I have bookmarked your gallery and will try to get in to do some good CC's. Seems I always have something I'm working on these days!

[Leslie]

It's 5 hours and 57 minutes until New Year. :)

[GrandmaCrys]

So, Leslie and others in your part of the world, what's 2009 looking like so far??

[idtwinmom]

http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq231/idtwinmom/happy-new-year.gif

Erica - when will you be posting the next challenge kit? Trying to decide what I will buy today!

[Erica]

:party::party: HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE :party::party:

Well my NY eve was typical - the last few years has seen Ian as President of the Howick Club and it was part of his duties to attend the big party and now he's Past President I thought we would have a relaxing one at home and probably an early night :shocked: But no! The current President was away overseas so Ian still had to attend and of course by default, me. I'm not a big party fan when it involves lots of loud music and alcohol, if there was a Scrooge for NY's it'd be me - bah paper streamers. I'm the smaller family and friends type party girl :D

Neat idea Roberta, hope all goes well with the new SNL group.

5.45am 1st January here and you guys are so last year :rofl:

Hope you all have a fantastic New Years and a wonderful 2009!! :hug::hug:

[Erica]

Next chat will be on Friday Jan 2, 8pm est as usual and the next kit to use is Comfy Cozy :) and the challenge will start Sat 3 Jan, I'm trying to get back into our usual Sat to Fri challenge time frame.

[idtwinmom]

Thank you! Since your chat is a bad time for me, I can never attend (although with DH on vacation maybe I can get him to let me come this time! :)) I loved that kit when I saw it, so am off to the store! I even have some really good snow photos that I can scrap with it!

[idtwinmom]

http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq231/idtwinmom/happy-new-year-1.jpg

[Betsyfru]

Happy New Year to all! I spent the most unremarkable New Year's Eve by myself watching all the reruns of one season of the Food Network's Next Star, a reality show that chooses a person to host a new show on Food TV. I got started in the middle of the afternoon and could not turn it off, even though I figured out who won early on from seeing one of the contestants' commercials for his second season of shows! I fixed dinner & we ate it, me with one eye on the TV. DH went to bed about 8:00 and I didn't even notice! The fireworks here in Baltimore were postponed until 7:00 pm tonight because of high winds, so maybe I can talk him into going!?!

[Erica]

Happy New Year Betsy, I know what you mean, sometimes you just can't drag yourself away from these foody programmes, I used to watch Iron Chef America avidly. Hope you get to see the fireworks. :)

[GailS]

Happy new year all! And congrats on Sr Designer Erica!!!! That is SO awesome! MORE of your stuff!!! :yahoo:

[Penny M]

Congratulations on Senior Designer and DSU Instructor, Erica! Your designs are awesome! So well deserved!

[Roberta T]

Erica, what a happy new year for you!!! So well deserved. A huge CONGRATULATIONS :yippee::yippee::yippee::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yaho o::tup::tup::tup::tup:

[Erica]

Thank you for your congrats and well, I have to tell you Roberta you could have knocked me down with a feather as they say, because I was only invited to become a senior on Sunday, all very quick, of course I said YES straight away and I was sooo excited and I'm still wearing a silly grin :D :yahoo:

We're going to the Zoo today (that always makes me want to sing that song, you know the one that goes - we're going to the zoo zoo zoo, you can come too too too etc - I haven't been to the zoo since Rob was a child and I can't wait to see Lee enjoying all the animals, he's been lots of times with his Dad but not with me. I feel a photo shoot coming on - hope my camera doesn't play up. Anyway, I may not be around much today until later this afternoon. Hope you're all recovering from your NY celebrations. :love3:

[sandygb]

Woo Hoo...........Huge Congrats Erica!!!

I can't wait to see your fabulous designs included in the DSP Designer kits. YAY for YOU and for US!!!!

[idtwinmom]

Erica - let me add my congrats! I think I mentioned it somewhere, but don't see it here! I guess being up til midnight is just not good for my brain! I do believe the post is deserved. Have a wonderful New Year too!

[Chellie]

Congrats Erica! :applause: Now on a somewhat sad note. I spent New Year's Eve and part of New Year's Day morning in the ER. Found out that I am diabetic. :shocked: Anyway, the good news is that I am "mildly" diabetic... LOL meaning it can be controlled with diet and no meds. I am alright, I would have to change my eating habits and lifestyle a bit but I can do it and so I shall.

[sandygb]

Congrats Erica! :applause: Now on a somewhat sad note. I spent New Year's Eve and part of New Year's Day morning in the ER. Found out that I am diabetic. :shocked: Anyway, the good news is that I am "mildly" diabetic... LOL meaning it can be controlled with diet and no meds. I am alright, I would have to change my eating habits and lifestyle a bit but I can do it and so I shall.

Ooo Chellie - I'm sorry you had to go to the ER, but at least they found the problem. It's sounds like it's early enough to make the necessary changes too. I fear I am in the same boat. My blood sugar is high normal, and I really need to begin a diet in another week or so. Cutting down on carbs and eating 3 meals a day instead of cramming it all into dinner and late night snacks should work for me....I hope. I hope you are successful with the life style changes too!!!!

[idtwinmom]

:party::party: HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE :party::party:

Well my NY eve was typical - the last few years has seen Ian as President of the Howick Club and it was part of his duties to attend the big party and now he's Past President I thought we would have a relaxing one at home and probably an early night :shocked: But no! The current President was away overseas so Ian still had to attend and of course by default, me. I'm not a big party fan when it involves lots of loud music and alcohol, if there was a Scrooge for NY's it'd be me - bah paper streamers. I'm the smaller family and friends type party girl :D

Neat idea Roberta, hope all goes well with the new SNL group.

5.45am 1st January here and you guys are so last year :rofl:

Hope you all have a fantastic New Years and a wonderful 2009!! :hug::hug:

I can totally relate to your NY's bah humbug attitude. I loved the fact that the real party was at 5:30 PM with DH and the kids around our table. We had noisemakers, crowns (as you saw in my Resolutions LO) and poppers. (For those who might not know - little bottles with paper streamers inside. You pull a string and it ignites a tiny bit of fire powder of some sort and makes the streamers pop out. Loud, but only for a second.) At 10 DH and I shared a toast of Sparkling Cidar (totally non-alcoholic) and DH went to bed. I did stay up and chat here, but I could have gone to bed and not missed more than a little companionship with fellow DSPers.

And I just copied all this to use on my New Years LO. :lol:

[Erica]

Sorry to hear that Chellie, it's good that you found out early in the piece and that it's not going to entail medication. Lifestyle changes can be managed so much better.

[Erica]

Look what we're planning - Calling all interested people to attend the first Aussie Crop. Check here (http://digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35969)if you're interested. :tup::tup:

[scamptx]

Just found this thread--popping in to say Happy New Year and CONGRATS, Erica!!!

[Chellie]

Sorry to hear that Chellie, it's good that you found out early in the piece and that it's not going to entail medication. Lifestyle changes can be managed so much better.

Ooo Chellie - I'm sorry you had to go to the ER, but at least they found the problem. It's sounds like it's early enough to make the necessary changes too. I fear I am in the same boat. My blood sugar is high normal, and I really need to begin a diet in another week or so. Cutting down on carbs and eating 3 meals a day instead of cramming it all into dinner and late night snacks should work for me....I hope. I hope you are successful with the life style changes too!!!!

Thanks ladies. I am doing good though. I am involving myself more into scrapbooking! :love2: This is a good thing right? :D

[idtwinmom]

Dear Miss Erica, How are you today? Well, for you I know it is already nearing the end of Monday, while Sunday is winding down here. That blows my mind. I love having friends that span the world. I wish I had some deep thoughts to share, but alas - no! And I wish I knew you better. Your world seems far away tonight, and yet this place brings us together.

Well, just wanted to pop by and say Hi! And I am totally rambling and making no sense! Just laugh at me, I am.

[Erica]

I have been very remiss the last few days, blame it on work overload or blame it on the weather but here I am and thanks for the prompt Lisa :)

Well! the weather has been glorious here in the 20's for about the past fortnight, so summer is well and truly here. We've been having BBQ teas most nights, I love the warmer months and don't think I could ever live in Britain again and experience a winter there. Last weekend we went to friends for another BBQ and just a general get together to start the new year off right. :party:

Lucy had to have surgery again last week to remove another lump, on the side of her nose, she's full of scars poor little girl but she's a battler. If you don't already know, Lucy is my dear black and white cat. We discovered she had cancer December 2007 and she ended up having her back left leg amputated. I was devastated to say the least, then she has been in and out of the vets to have various lumps removed and again last Thursday but she is a real little trooper and she enjoys a great lifestyle but I hate it when I find another lump, especially when they are on her face. She had one over her eye removed and you can still see a slight baldness and her eyebrows are still growing. Here's a pic of her. She spends most of her day in the garden watching the birds or looking under the fence or on my desk in her basket. :wave:
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/500/P1080654.jpg

[sandygb]

Aww - poor Lucy. She looks none the worse for her ailments though. How wonderful she has you to care for her. Pets are such loving companions!!!

[idtwinmom]

What a sweet kitty! Have you done a LO of her in the basket on your desk? If not, you might want to squeak that one in to your schedule. I know from experience it will be a treasured memory! If only I had the pictures of my sweet Aurora (she was my first Sheltie) so that I could remember her properly!

[spotty]

Erica, have you sorted your Skype problem yet? It could just be a matter of telling your computer to use the cam sound & pic [via the camera settings]; I had this trouble - still can if I am caught without my cam plugged in - and one time I could hear my daughter in UK saying " I can't see or hear anything. It will be Mum's end - it always is." :o Her camera is built into the laptop so no problems!

I am looking forward to meeting you at the Auckland Crop in May :yippee: - Jo

[Leslie]

Erica, you asked me about what a Gizzy Quilt is - it's a little project by a quilter in the States, who had a cat called Gizzy who loved having his own quilt.

Now she makes and sells quilts for pets and for people, on commission, in her spare time. :)

http://bizzyforgizzy.blogspot.com/2009/01/topcatrules-gets-christmas-present.html

[Erica]

Erica, you asked me about what a Gizzy Quilt is - it's a little project by a quilter in the States, who had a cat called Gizzy who loved having his own quilt.

Now she makes and sells quilts for pets and for people, on commission, in her spare time. :)

http://bizzyforgizzy.blogspot.com/2009/01/topcatrules-gets-christmas-present.html

Thanks Leslie I'll take a look :)

[Leslie]

Trixie rudely kicks Pye off it.
It was fun ordering something in colours I chose - and then having it come in the mail. :)

I have to have bedding for them on my bed or they pull threads badly, by accident, in my quilts.

[Erica]

Erica, have you sorted your Skype problem yet? It could just be a matter of telling your computer to use the cam sound & pic [via the camera settings]; I had this trouble - still can if I am caught without my cam plugged in - and one time I could hear my daughter in UK saying " I can't see or hear anything. It will be Mum's end - it always is." :o Her camera is built into the laptop so no problems!

I am looking forward to meeting you at the Auckland Crop in May :yippee: - Jo
Isn't it exciting I'm so looking forward to meeting you too, do you have your flight details yet?

And no! I haven't, in fact I haven't looked at it for a long time but this could well be the problem, I'll have to give it a try - thanks Jo :D

[Erica]

Trixie rudely kicks Pye off it.
It was fun ordering something in colours I chose - and then having it come in the mail. :)

I have to have bedding for them on my bed or they pull threads badly, by accident, in my quilts.

I love the colours in Pye's and just checked out the link and see her there all proud as punch of her new gizzy :D I just may have to get Lucy one, then the boys would both want one :)

[spotty]

No flight needed, Erica; I am just over the bridge from you! Not far from Lauren and Shazzt. Not that we SEE each other :doh:

[Erica]

I have a new challenge called - What Now? (http://digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36451) this is a Challenge of Collaboration and Cooperation.I'd love for you all to join in :D

[idtwinmom]

Wow! A whole month went by without us talking here! How is it we let that happen? :lol:

Well, I had a reason for popping in! Are you having a chat tonight or are they every other week! I thought while DH is not working and we still have internet, I might just be able to pop in! (It's usually right at dinner time, but if he's here to cook and do kids...... gotta find the bright spots where I can you know!)

[Leslie]

It's next week. :)

[idtwinmom]

That's what I was starting to think! Only every other week! Well, I'm going to get it on the calendar with DH so that maybe I can join in!

[Erica]

Leslie you are sooo on to it :D thanks and yes it's next week Lisa.

My life to date:
* Since Lee started school at the end of January I have been doing the grandma bit and picking him up after school, he is a delight to have around :love2: but boy am I tired at the end of my time with him :rolleyes:. He slept over on his own for the first time Thursday and I was preparing myself for a sleepless night but I was very pleasantly surprised that he slept right through. He'd only stayed overnight here with his dad before.

* Second piece of riveting news is that I bought a new camera - a Canon 450D or called a Rebel XSi in the US. Still have it on auto until I learn more but there is a tremendous difference in sharpness to my Panasonic. :wave::wave:

[Raphne]

Ooooh, Erica, congrats on the new camera! You will just love it-- and it even makes a great point and shoot hehe. I have an xti (one model earlier, I think) that I use that way ;) And what more can you want? A great camera, and lots of grandma time?

[idtwinmom]

What wonderful updates Erica!

I'm happy to report that I might just make your chat next week. But even happier to report that DH is one step closer to a new job! He talked with an old employer that he had heard had positions available and they are interested in seeing his resume! Since he is a known entity I think they are kind of interested! Also, some of the reasons he left have been taken care of, so he is more interested in them too! This will mean a big move for us (back to Alaska), but it is one that we have wanted from the day we left. (OK, to be totally honest, it is what I have wanted - didn't want to leave, but DH has learned that it's what he really wants too)!

So say those prayers, guys! We really need this to happen soon!

[idtwinmom]

Hey - the big news of the day! That employer I mentioned has said they want to hire my DH! We are now in the negotiation stage (how much pay for how much work, that sort of thing) and the planning stage as this will be a big move! I will probably have internet after the end of March, but may not have a lot of time to use it! I will be on my own with the kids and will be doing the majority of the packing and readying for the move. Sure wish I could afford a new camera for this trip! Would be nice to get some really good photos of this journey!

[Erica]

Oh that's wonderful news Lisa, hope the negotiations go your way :tup: How exciting to be moving back to a place you love, more great photo ops coming up I see :D - I'm so happy for you and DH, this is such a trying time for some that this good news must have given you a lift in your step after all the stress of the past few weeks. :yahoo::yahoo:

[idtwinmom]

You always surprise me at the hours you are online! Would never have expected to see you here!

Yes, I have to say I have been on cloud nine all afternoon! I'm even seriously considering doing you latest challenge kit! (drooling over it actually!) And that kit name is so perfect - 'Dear Diary'! It just suits my mood. We are extremely hopeful about the money portion. By all the research, the money will more than pay the difference in cost of living. If we can get some financial help with the move will only be a bonus for us!

[Erica]

It's only 5.30pm here so I haven't made tea yet, Ian is still out golfing but it's just started to rain so I expect they'll end up in the club bar :rolleyes: So is it a lot cheaper day to day living in Alaska? I must say that is one place I'd love to visit, I have a friend who's done about three cruises up there, lovely photos. So pleased for you Lisa - big smile on my face. :hug:

[idtwinmom]

Oh, Why was I thinking it was really early morning. Let's see, at Sunday Chat it is noon my time, but was before the time change 7 AM Leslie's time (in Australia). Are you a different time zone from Australia? Gosh - I can't seem to get my head around that. It is nearing 10 PM here!

Actually the cost of living is about 7% higher, but wages look to be running 12 to 20% higher! Even the low amount they are likely to offer will be better than what we have been making here! Just gives me happy goose bumps!

[Betsyfru]

Lisa, that's great news! Good luck with the packing and the move!

[Raphne]

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Erica, Happy birthday to you!

Isn't it cool that I get the present on your birthday? I think you may even have a few kits that I don't already have, too lol

Hope you have a really, really fantastic day!

[Erica]

Thank you :) but do you want to know a secret ;), my real birthday is the same as DSP's so I decided to celebrate with an early sale :yikes:

[Raphne]

LOL thank you, Erica! I'm always eager for more opportunities to spend--- err, I mean, save-- money ;-)

And I guess that just means you should have a really fantastic day on both your pretend and your real birthday lol

[Donut]

Oooh Ericas just like the Queen! :)

[Marriedin79]

Happy Birthday!

[Betsyfru]

Happy Birthday to you!:party:

[HeatherL]

Happy Birthday Erica and on your true special day too. It's a special one right.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a171/scrapdogs/birthdayrocks5.gif

[idtwinmom]

http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq231/idtwinmom/101747.gif

Thanks for our early presents! LOL

[Erica]

Oh thank you so much ladies :cry: (tears of joy :love3:) I can't tell how lovely it is to receive your well wishes. :hug::hug::hug:

[LadyCarolyn]

Just popped in too say Happy Birthday to your Erica .. . ... hope you have a wonderful day and pamper yourself. Take a day off from all your very creative designing!!!!!

[spotty]

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/data/5087/thumbs/c020108fda694127006b7439941c5743_happy.gif (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php?photo=308216) :yahoo:http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/data/5087/thumbs/34a84e28edd73628209d7c82a1427641_birthday.gif (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php?photo=308214) :yippee:
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/data/5087/thumbs/38ec2f581022ad67fcdb496c18c9b127_erica.gif (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php?photo=308215) :rofl:
:hug: :love3:
from a Beginner!

[Raphne]

mmmmm, mmmmm-- can I just say "yum!" Erica? I just saw those new backpacks in the store. Beautiful! I can't decide which one I *need* most lol!