Happy Holidays!

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May the season find you happy, healthy and full of cheer!

Some pics of the truck

Backseat, you can see the carseat buried in the snow! Our M&M bag is on the carseat, must have landed there after they tipped the truck back onto its wheels.

My door was practically unscathed...very strange considering how dented in the other door is on top!

Overall, the damage isn't quite as bad as I thought it might be, but the roof is worse than what I recall seeing on the scene.

On a funny note, when we turned the truck on in the compound so that I could get out my cd's, my favorite New Kids on the Block song came on blaring LOL I don't remember it playing after the accident though haha

Thank God for Guardian Angels! (long post)

So this past Tuesday started off as a pretty regular day for once. It had snowed the night before but the road reports didn't look too bad, but as always, there was no report for between Fox Creek and Whitecourt. I must admit, it's the worst section of highway probably in this area but I was feeling all right about it. So I left with Trevin in the morning and we got to Whitecourt without a hitch. Went to his Dr's appt, had lunch and then did some shopping at Walmart. When we were leaving Walmart, I put our packages in the truck and then buckled Trevin in and for some reason I re-checked his carseat a couple extra times, making sure that he was safe. Then we stopped at UFA to get some washer fluid and when I put the extra in the back seat I placed it somewhat securely tucked under the back seat and thought, okay, at least this probably won't bounce around should something happen.

When we passed the weigh scales, a semi-truck with flatbed hauling some sort of Atco type building was merging into the highway and I took my time (because I hate semis on the highway AND especially in winter!) and I wasn't sure if he was going to pull in front of me. He left me pass in the right hand lane and I continued on. Pretty soon my windshield was dirty and the washer fluid wasn't working so I pulled over into a rest stop and washed the windshield by hand before continuing on. Trevin was napping and all was good.

We finally got to Iosegun Hill (my most hated hill of the drive home) and I noticed coming over the crest that there was a truck in front of me that was driving slow because of a slow going Suburban. I was going to pull into the passing lane but hesitated because of icy-ness and then saw that an unloaded logging truck was coming up in the passing lane so I let him pass before venturing into the passing lane. I hadn't wanted to, but the people in front of me were creeping up and I was scared to try and brake, considering that there were two vehicles already in the ditch from an accident at the bottom of the hill. Things went fine and I passed them and then saw everyone moving over into the passing lane because another semi was stalled in the middle of the road heading up. He was out putting his chains on. As we passed him, I realized that two vehicles in front of me was the same semi truck that I had passed by the weigh scales. We finished climbing the hill and once at the top the semi finally pulled over into the driving lane and I continued to pass as safely as I could. I was nervous, but didn't accelerate to get by him quicker (like I would on good roads) because I could see the packed snow and ice on the road. All I wanted was to get safely back into the driving lane.

The semi kept up with me for awhile and I cursed at him more than once for not slowing down a little so I could get by safely. When he was finally out of the way, I went to go back into the driving lane and had an odd feeling go through me. That's when I realized that the tail end of the truck had swung out from behind me and then the truck started fishtailing all over the highway. I felt oddly in control but had no idea of what to do. The truck finally swerved for the ditch and I knew the second we hit the snow that the truck was going to flip over and it did. Everything was slow motion from there and it was very surreal. Oddly, all I kept thinking was "protect your head, protect your head Kendra, you can't be injured or you can't help your baby" and I had my arms up to shield my face. It really felt like I was a towel floating in the dryer for a few moments, even though I could hear glass smashing and could feel the cold from snow flying around inside the truck.

Once the truck stopped I opened my eyes and saw that I wasn't hurt and then I tried to look into the back for Trevin because he wasn't crying. It was awkward to turn and then I realized that I was in the air, drivers side up. I struggled with the seatbelt because gravity was pushing me into the clip and when I finally unlatched it I fell down into the passenger side of the truck. I scrambled to my feet and looked for Trevin. He was still strapped in his carseat but his top half was covered from snow that had come in through the smashed window. I quickly brushed off his face and he looked at me before letting out a yelp. It was then that a man came up to the truck window and offered help. I told him that we weren't hurt but that I had a baby in the truck. We freed Trevin and he took him up to a lady who'd stopped on the side of the highway, and then returned with a couple other men to help me out of the truck.

It was so odd standing in the truck with it tipped on it's side. Having the driver door above my head and the sunroof in front of my knees. I climbed out of the door to get out with the help of the men and we gathered what we could from inside the truck that wasn't buried in snow or stuck. The most important things were out of the truck, Trevin and I, but it was nice to get pretty much everything else like the diaper bag, our shopping purchases, the little stroller etc.

We had to wait for the police so I waited with the lady who had Trevin, and we sat in her Suburban (yes, it was the lady who was going slow on the hill) and in her vehicle she'd been driving another lady that I knew. How fortunate was it that they were from town too! AND she had a carseat in her vehicle. We drove up to the nearest roadside pullout because people weren't slowing down on the highway around us and it was deathly icy. Zane arrived just after we'd finished up with the ambulance crew (who just talked to us because we weren't hurt) and then he followed us home.

I hope and pray to God that this never happens again, but I am so very thankful that although it did, we were not injured. Not even a scratch. How does that happen? I will admit that I have a few bruises, but other than the seatbelt one on my shoulder, the rest are on my knees and happened after the crash. Not a mark on Trevin either. How fortunate is that? I truly believe that our guardian angels were watching out for us that day, and that they sent their earthly angels to assist at the roadside.

Now I'm just half-patiently waiting to see the truck so I can see the damage for myself and try to piece together just exactly how much we rolled. I'm sure we went over more than once, but with everything happening so fast, yet so slow, I'm just not sure anymore. And when I try to re-create what I remember happening, I can't get the vehicle into the position it ended up in. I suppose it's things that don't really matter ultimately, but I think I need to figure it out for some sort of closure maybe? That's why I really want to see the truck and get some pictures as well. I'll have to scrapbook about Trevin's and my first accident LOL

I found out today that the truck was towed into town here a couple days ago and no one called me about it, even though I'd left messages yesterday with the tow company. It's in their compound and Zane and I are going to go over later to clean it out. There are a few things I'd like to get out of it for sure, my New Kids cd's (yeah yeah LOL), Trevin's bear - Mr BearBuns, and my cell phone. When I told Zane that ALL of my New Kids cd's were in the truck he basically made a comment about how at least something good came out of the accident, or something to that effect haha

I'll post pictures later tonight or in the next day or so when I get a chance. I truly believe in divine intervention now and can honestly say that there Christmas miracles. I'm alive, healthy, have a beautiful little boy and a loving husband, as well as family around me and we're all safe and sound. I'm not sure I've ever felt more blessed as I do today.

Swap Time

So I finally got around to joining another ATC swap and it was through Tess and her group Addicted to ATC's on Facebook. I really enjoyed doing this swap and it was so nice to get my return ATC's in the mail after my crazy week!! There are definitely some talented women out there! There are a couple of cards that are definitely my faves (and they're not mine LOL) but I'm not going to say which ones because it's not fair to single anyone out. This way every one can assume it's theirs heehee :)



I'm tempted to do another swap now that things have settled down around here. November was a crazy month! Especially the past couple weeks with Christmas Chaos, and then heading to Edmonton with the girls for our concert. Yup, I went to New Kids on the Block because I was a die-hard fan back in the day. And I also got my picture taken with Jonathan, which I am so excited about!!!! I waited 20 years for this photo!!!!! (And yes, he's so handsome in person and he smelled fantastic too! LOL)

I also had another nice surprise this week too when I found out that I'd won Glenda's draw from her blog! She's been posting for a year now and had a RAK to give away. Definitely some cool stuff in here and those Heidi Swapp rub-ons (in the top right of the pic) are so cool!) I definitely have to get cracking and work on some projects. I've gotten so many yummy goodies over the past few months so it's time to use them! Thanks Glenda!!! And be sure to check out her blog, this girl has got talent! And she's a fun read too!

Lots 'o goodies from Glenda

Well, I probably should go and get cracking again on the layout I started a while back. I sat staring at it for awhile and kept thinking that it needed something more (seems to be a huge problem of mine lately). It's been sitting on my table for a few weeks now, so my fresh peepers should be able to detect the problem with it now.

Thanks again for stopping by! I know I don't post a lot, but I love getting your comments and it feels good to know that you've dropped in! Take care!

Fall is here...

Can't believe that tomorrow is Halloween already! Where has this month gone? Wow, already less than 2 months until Christmas! Glad I've started my shopping!!

Managed to find some time this week to work on a couple things that have been sitting and waiting for me to take care of. My sister sells Signature HomeStyles and I bought each of these words from her, but I really thought that the DREAM one needed dressing up. It just seemed so plain, so I used some Fancy Pants rub-ons and a bit of organza ribbon from CTMH and voila, this is my end result...for now...LOL I still think that I'd like to add a few more embellisments, but I don't have what I want at this time so it'll have to wait until I'm at the scrappy store in Whitecourt and I'll find something that will work.



This little HOME frame is super cute but I thought that adding some ribbon and a couple rub-ons just completed it. From a distance you can't see anything but the ribbon, but up close there is a little house between the "h" and "o" and a quote along the bottom.

My scrappy friend Tess (who I met at Scrappers Haven) started an ATC (Artist Trading Card) group on Facebook and I decided to join. Whomever on there can post a swap and then you sign up if you're interested in participating in a particular swap. The first swap is a Snowflake swap so I've been working the past couple of nights to get these done. I've only ever done one swap before so I still struggle a bit with ideas and how fancy they have to be, but this is what I came up with...

Personally, I like them both, and I like the simplicity of the white one. Snowflakes are beautiful in their own way so I didn't want to over do it. Of course, I second guess myself and wonder if maybe I 'underdid' them, but I'm pleased with them. I hope everyone in the swap likes them too! Can't wait to receive the other ones in a few weeks! There is a second swap posted already, but I'm not sure if I'll have time to work on it with all the prep I have to do for Christmas Chaos (my Avon display). I'll have to see how the weekend goes for pricing items.

Well, I'm off to relax for a bit, maybe even go to bed as I've been feeling super tired lately. Not sure if it's the weather, or how it gets dark so early now or what, but this girl just always feels tired. I must go back to napping LOL

For Kim...

Because she's been patiently waiting for a WHOLE week for me to post what I was working on last weekend LOL I finally got around to putting some ribbon on the top and then sat for awhile staring at it, wondering if I should add more embellishments...I seem to be wondering that on all my projects lately. I think it'll be just fine the way it is! I have been wanting to use these papers FOREVER and was glad that I had just the right project for them.

(Just a warning that I tried to put spaces between my paragraphs 3x and it won't let me when I publish this, so if it's hard to read, it's seriously not my fault LOL)

I have so many really nice papers but lately when I take them out to start a project, they just give off this girly feel to me. Maybe I need to have a daughter when we have more kids just so I can use up some of my paper stash! LOL

Spent a few hours over at my sister's last night and we made Christmas cards from her Close to my Heart stash. They're going to be sold at Christmas Chaos here in town in November, as she's setting up a table to feature her business and the products available. Nothing like beautiful handmade cards to get you in the Christmas spirit! I'm kind of eager to get designing mine, considering that two years ago, I had mine finished in August! And last year was a blur, having a newborn that I can't even remember if I made any at all. I think I might have used up some leftover ones from the year before and then made a few to make up the difference. I'm pretty sure Katrina and I will be getting together either tonight or another night to make more, seeing as I only got 10 made and she made about the same. I told her to take at least 40 or so (because who really knows how many will actually sell right?) and if they don't sell, then she has them to send out from her family this holiday season.

Hard to believe that Fall has come so fast around here it seems. Mind you, it's Block-tober now (yes, the NKOTB fan in me is coming out LOL) and the leaves turned awhile back and are now littering the lawns. I really wanted to have a few pics taken of our family but I'm not so sure we'll find a nice colorful area anymore.

Ok, so I think I've just died and gone to heaven! I was looking at the dates for Scraptacular 3 (in Cold Lake) and it's during a weekend when Zane is off shift!!! Do you hear that? Zane is OFF shift, therefore, I don't have to arrange childcare again like last year! Woohoo! I can't wait for registration to come!!!

Finally got creative!

I finally got around to making my friends Kristina and Chris a gift for their beautiful baby boy Nathan who was born last month. It's a name frame for his room and in real life, the color is more of a darker teal. I hope they like it!




Didn't feel like watching tv tonight (all tv'd out from Thursday night shows LOL) that I worked on a layout with a picture that I took of Zane in the summer when we were camping. This was at Buck Lake, AB. I just love this picture! Zane doesn't think it looks finished for some reason and I think it looks fine the way it is. What do you think? Please leave feedback in the comments section!

Inspired by a sketch from Tina Wilson

Smile Birthday Boy!

Just a quick layout I did the other day of my little guy. He's growing so fast and is celebrating his first birthday today! Papers and some rub-ons were Fancy Pants and title is Scenic Route Co. TFL~

Short update

The summer has flown by it seems and now fall weather has shown up, although the past couple days have been quite nice out! I didn't get much done as far as scrappy stuff, but I'm definitely all "camped" out I think. It was so nice to get out every second week for 4 or 5 days and it was strange to be home this past weekend and not be camping somewhere! I look forward to when we can get out and about again next year!

Did manage to get somewhat creative this past week or so. Been working on a baby gift for a friend who welcomed a little boy recently, but I'm stuck on which patterned paper to use LOL so it's slow going to say the least. I've also made a few birthday cards but I never took any pictures of them. I'll have to remember to do that next time! The little zebra cards I made for the safari party my nephew had were too cute!

CURIOUS

Found some free time yesterday in the afternoon and pulled together a quick layout. I just love these pop culture cutout papers. They're so pretty! TFL~

Summer if flying by

Summer is definitely flying by at lightening speed! How come winter can't go this quickly? Probably because it's twice as long!!! LOL

So other than camping when my hubby's off work and hanging around home when he's on shift, not a whole heck of a lot has been going on. Especially when it comes to creativity. I got a bunch of pictures printed awhile back so I'm eager to get working on a few pages! I just might have to find some more online challenges to get me in the mood!

Last night I actually got cracking and made a journal for a friend of mine who will be moving away on Monday. She always has a lot going on, so I thought this might be a good way for her to preserve some memories! I hope she likes it!

I didn't include the second page in because her full name is on it but it has a frame and a flower on it.

Then I threw together this quick plastic magnet fridge frame with a goofy picture of my son that a friend of mine played around with one night with. I think this picture is just too cute!

Can't imagine I'll get too much scrappy stuff done today as I have a wedding to attend of an old co-worker of mine. Hopefully it doesn't rain!!

Sketch Challenge!

I was checking out some blogs recently and found a great sketch/blog giveaway at LilyArt Designs and you can check it out HERE!

This is my take on the sketch!

Love these pics of my cutie kiddo in the tub! He loves splashing around!

Well, we're off for a week of camping as my hubby has his knee specialist appointment in Edmonton on Tuesday and then we have a 'family get together' on the weekend with my hubby's side of the family (aka family reunion but nobody seems to call it that LOL).

It's raining and cloudy here today, but hopefully the weather holds out!

RAK from NSD

National Scrapbooking Day back in May was a lot of fun and I participated in some games over at Dreamgirls and I won a RAK which arrived last week!

Once again, all I can say is WOW!

Love the acrylic stamps and Thickers letters (they're gold and sparkly!)

Losts of stitched flowers, some bling, Fancy Pants transparency pieces, Melissa Frances lace and another acrylic stamp.

Can't wait to use them!!!

Thanks Delores!!!

Ok, you know you're a diehard when...

you have a raging headache, have laid on the couch for 2 minutes and then remembered that you haven't posted your most recent layout LOL

Actually, my head is starting to feel a bit better since I took some Advil, so I'm going to post this and then try to have a big ol' nap when my kiddo goes down for his (which should be shortly). He woke up before 6:30 this morning and his daddy heard him and I woke up (barely) to see Daddy bringing him into bed with us. Trevin wanted to play, but I made him lie beside me and before we knew it, he was snoozing away on my arm. I breathed a sigh of relief and we slept until just after 8:00!! Yes, bless his little heart.

Over at Scrapbooking Fanatics there was a challenge to Re-do an old layout that you were not happy with or wanted to change a bit and I immediately thought of THIS layout that I did WAAAAY back in the dark ages (well, about 3 years ago LOL). I was never satisfied with it and it's always been in the back of my mind to do something about that. This challenge is what I needed.

Yeah, can you tell that I had VERY limited supplies? Crappy dollar store ribbon, not the greatest patterned paper and funny colored cardstock from a jumbo package I got from Costco LOL I'd even hand drawn the 'K' and cut it out. the other letters were lovingly done with stencils (yeah, I went a bit crazy buying those too...now they just collect dust LOL)

So now I'm sure you can understand WHY I decided to do something about this ridiculous LO.

Here's the updated version...let me know what you think :)

I 'm not sure if I'm 100% satisfied with this one either BUT it's a definite improvement over the last one. I may go back and add "soulmates" to it somewhere with rubons or something because that ugly sticky charm on the original says that (my sis and her hubby have that in a tattoo they share).

Well, off for a nap...maybe I'll find some scrappy time again tonight! At least I'm still being productive after competing in Iron Chef. I was worried that my productivity would fizzle out. Sure I'm not doing as many projects in a similar time frame, but I've gotten 3 layouts done this past week or so and that makes me happy.

An amazing contest!!!

I was just checking out some scrappy blogs and found an awesome RAK being given away at

Create Something Everyday

You definitely have to check out this blog, the work is amazing!!! I bet you will be inspired!

Thanks Trisha!

A few months back I won a little contest on Trisha Ladouceur's blog and I received this awesome RAK from her today in the mail! She is the ultimate talented lady and you should check out her work if you haven't already! I took a class with her at Scraptacular this past February and LOVED it!




Can't wait to play with my new goodies!!! I really need to get some more clips for my Clip it Up now!! LOL

A couple of recent LO's

A quick LO of my nephew Nolan. It's for a challenge at Scrapbooking Fanatics to use up some of your old stash. I used some old chipboard that I had as well as some rub-ons that have been kicking around for awhile.



This one was for the challenge to do something digital on your LO. It's been awhile since I've done any digital journalling, and I'm so glad I did it! I'm definitely going to have to download a bunch of fonts though, I lost all of mine when my old computer fried itself. So that shows how long it's been, because I've had my new computer for at least 6 months now. LOL

Sweet Costco Deal!

Went to Grande Prairie yesterday to do some shopping with my mom and guess what we came across in Costco... These cool scrappy totes from Portafolia Gifted Memories filled with goodies! There were three colors to choose from, dark blue, light blue and purple and everything in them coordinates. Personally, I thought they were a pretty good deal because they only cost $36.99 and I paid over $40 for my tote-ally cool tote and it was empty LOL

I'm not terribly excited about having more fibres, but hey, I got some other cool stuff in it and I just LOVE the tote. It's big enough to hold a 12x12 album etc so it's nice and roomy for taking to crops etc.

Here's what it included:

44 piece chipboard alphabet

5 chipboard frames

12 brads

8 chipboard labels

5 dimensional embellishments

30 feet of fibres

6 memory labels

7 metal embellishments

1 12x12 scrapbook album

1 scrap & tote

15 buttons

90 flowers

2 sheets glitter alphabet stickers

6 feet of ribbons

2 stamps

10 sheets of cardstock

2 scissors

1 paper punch

1 stamp pad

I figured if I'd bought all this stuff separate (even from a dollar store) it would have cost much more in the end than what I paid!

Clip It Up has arrived...

and has settled in pretty well I'd say, considering that I ran out of clips already!! MUST get more LOL

I spent some of the afternoon that day filling it up and then started re-organizing my scrappy space (yet again LOL). It's definitely better now. I think I just may have to re-organize every 6 months or so until I figure out exactly how I want it to be. It helps a lot though that I donated a bunch (well, okay a TON) of items to Scraptacular when my sis and I went and I've also sold some of my old Stampin'Up stamp sets because I was finding that I don't use them. It definitely cleared up a lot of space for me. I still need to go through my big shelf unit and get it to make more sense and not look so cluttered, but this was definitely a start. I'm really happy to finally have some of my creations on display by my workstation, so I'll have some inspiration now, instead of just white walls! Maybe a coat of paint would do the trick...hmmm...nah, it'll wait, cuz that would mean I'd have to move everything again! hahaha

WOWZERS!!!!

So I've been waiting patiently for the results for the final Iron Chef round and they were finally posted today when we got back from Whitecourt! Here's what Donna wrote...

"Ok - are you gals ready...

Believe it or not after 7 judges 1 point separated 1st to 3rd, 2nd and 3rd were tied and the winner won by one point! That is how close it was... so without further ado the winner of the clip it up system was...

KENDRA WTG!

And ladies you all deserved to have won... the cards were stunning and some of the layouts were like WOW! You are all too creative... thanks for having played along in our final Iron Chef and thanks for the DT for sticking around and voting!"

YAY, I can't believe I won!!! I'm actually pretty psyched to get the clip it up system, cuz now I won't have to dig in a drawer to look through my alphas! MUST make space on my table somewehre for it!

And to Happyscraps, Keelyowler and Tess...your projects were amazing and you were TOUGH competition! Thanks for inspiring me!!! I definitely don't envy the judges with the voting, it must have been SO hard!

Iron Chef - Round IV Altered Item

My altered item is a picture frame for a baby girl. I plan on giving this as a gift soon :)

Okay, now cross your fingers for me and hope that I win the contest! I've got some tough competition to beat!!! Guess we'll find out next Monday! It's going to be a long week! Thank heaven I'm leaving to go camping so I won't be distracted by this silly computer and checking in at ScrappersHaven all the time! LOL

Oh, did I mention that the prize is the upper and lower tier of the Clip it Up System by Simply Renee? Be sure to check it out!

Iron Chef - Round IV Layout

Here's my Layout, I love how funky it looks!