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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Life, Organization, Scrapbooking and Valentine’s Day

(Photo heavy post ahead)

2011 is already zipping on by.  We have been keeping busy with long work days, home organization projects and trying to fit in some creative/hobby time (usually late at night after the boys go to sleep.

Today’s challenge at ScrapTiffany was to use metal or wire. I ended up making 3 layouts using this challenge. This is the one I submitted to Tiffany for the design team layouts.

This layout was rolling around my brain since a few days after my mom passed away in December. The Orianthi song Courage came on the radio and I knew this was something I needed to make….

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For this one I used some old metal flowers mixed with new. 

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and this one I embossed a thin sheet of metal with the cuttlebug for the heart in the title and the photo corner. Pictures were from our photo shoot with Maggie Holmes.

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We have been on a clean out, get rid of and organize mission lately.  Two weekends ago we attacked the pantry and the linen closet.

This is what the pantry looked like when we started.

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And now, although I am not happy with a few things, so I have ordered some more of the larger baskets and will move some of the smaller ones to the laundry room cabinets. But it is nice to have a place for everything,.

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This is the start of the new backsplash, behind the stove. I have one more piece on backorder that will fit below the shelf area down to the counter top. But this is making me very happy.

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Superbowl Sunday was spent hanging around the house. Or climbing if you are Jackson…

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Making some yummy treats…

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Nicholas liked watching half time and the commercials more than the football game (just like his mommy)….

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I was home early from a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday. Jackson was playing and then suddenly it was quiet….

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Nicholas now knows how to play Daddy’s train game on the computer….

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This past Saturday, Mike’s mom came to watch the boys so Mike and I could attack this disaster.  Our house has a 2 car and 1 car garage set up. The 1 car garage has become a dumping ground for everything….

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We took out everything opened all the bins and boxes. Moved all the shelves, swept, and wiped down everything.  Then we added new shelving and a file cabinet. And we actually have a garage again.

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In January I also did the larger garage. It wasn’t as crammed with stuff. This side just needed a better set up and a good clean out.  I guess I didn’t take a before shot, but here is how it looks now….

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my favorite area is this one. We do most of our grocery shopping at Costco, saving money is great, but storing the bulk stuff is a pain. Now it is all in one place, convenient to grab when we need it and easy to unload after the Costco trip each week.

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Nicholas in daddy’s shoes (showing off the closet that is coming up on the list of things to clean out).

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Mike has been busy working on his radio project.

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We celebrated Valentine’s with a few goodies for the kiddos.

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my Valentine’s present will be shipping from Verizon soon….

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After the kiddos went to bed, my Valentine and I spent the rest of the evening enjoying

Dinner….Greek Salad

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Wild Mushroom Lasagna and Meatballs….

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and a movie…

Life as We Know It Poster

Have a great week!

6 comments:

JaiDee said...

i really admire your "courage" LO. btw, love your kitchen organization.

Beeceecreativity said...

beautiful LO's and great clean up too.. hugs Bev

Renee said...

Michelle, I love both of your layouts. The first one is such a lovely tribute to your Mom. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Renee

Katie said...

All three layouts are just wonderful! I am drawn to the one about your Mom. Amazing! hy

Rebecca Keppel said...

Beautiful layout about your Mom and the boys ones are so fun. You guys are organizing machines! I wish I were bitten by that bug ;)

Kristi said...

The layouts are gorgeous Michelle. Great take on the metal challenge. So glad to see I'm not the only one in the cleanup/out stage. It is hitting everywhere in our house. We are making large piles in the gargage to get rid of everything. Then the garage will be next.
I love visiting your blog. I feel right at home.
THanks for sharing.