What was I thinkin?

Tami Potter brings Lists to Photo Mosaic Scrapbooking

Turn Journaling Fear into FUN with Life.in.Lists! Use your lists to inspire your scrapbook pages. Integrate them into your layouts with our FREE downloads available on snapncrop.com. You are going to LOVE scrapbooking the Mosaic Moments way!

To prepare for a busy summer schedule  - Tami Potter/Snapncrop.com will make a change beginning JUNE 1st. weekly drawing will change to a Monthly drawing (see details below).

 Monthly Drawing: Participants will be entered in a monthly drawing for a $30 Coupon good for Mosaic Moments™ products on Snapncrop.com. (To participate simply add your list to our comments on posts - the more times you participate the better your chances to win.) Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

CraZy RandOm LiFe - Shared Moments - Saturday June 2

Five BIG Shared Moments in my life:

1. September 11, a date shared with my family, with my country, and with the world.

2. June 27, A date Kevin and I shared with each other and with our families (especially with his brother & sister-in-law - it's both of our anniversaries.)

3. August 13, a date I shared with my mother (my birthday.)

4. May 18, 1980, a memory date I share with all of the residence of the Pacific Northwest. (Mt. Saint Helens erupted.) It changed our landscape.

the day before the eruption.

image source wikipedia

5. The days each of my children were born - big days for Kevin and I, and each of them, as well as our parents, siblings, friends, and all who have been part of their lives.

 Add your list of shared memory dates to our comments to be entered in our snapncrop.com drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Recipe for a Canning Memory - Friday June 1

Summer Canning

My siblings and I dreaded blackberry season - the bushes had thorns and bees hovered everywhere around them. At my mothers insistence, we were right in the middle of them - picking the berries, and hating every minute of it. But, when it came to eating the cobbler, pie, and jam we were ready and willing!

My mom did a lot of canning over the years. The canning jobs I remember most:

1. Peaches (this was a tough job - getting off all the peels.)

2. Tomatoes (also tough - similar to the peaches.)

3. Pickles (Mom mostly packed sweet or bread and butter pickles - I didn't like them.)

4. Blackberry Jam & pie filling (hated picking the berries; but, the jam and pie filling was really good.)

 

Kevin and I are not big caners; but, we started making strawberry freezer jam a few years ago. (It helps me appreciate my mom's efforts.)

 

Do you have canning memories? Add your canning list to our comments to be entered in our weekly drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Happiness is...kind words - Thursday May 31

Happiness is... Kind Words and Kind Deeds

 

Happiness is...

1. Cindy Keller, who said at the beginning of her comment: "Tami, I love your lists!" (Totally made my day.) As have all the sweet comments I've received in prior weeks about Life.in.Lists, Mosaic Moments, and Journella. THANK YOU! It really means a lot to me.

2. Bright Light's and Angels Wings - a story about service added on the Journella Story Board by Andrea Fisher. It is always wonderful to see young people offering their time to help others. (And great to see someone so lovely as the receipiant of their service.)

3. Journella Cheers - I am so grateful to all of the people who have been willing to take a few moments to Cheer for the Design Team and other "story tellers" on Journella. I want to you to know I appreciate the effort you have taken to register, to view their work, and to let them know you were there and that you enjoyed what they shared. It brightens my day - and I know it brightens theirs too.

What made you happy this week? Add your list to our comments to be entered in our weekly snapncrop.com drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Oh My Word, Tips - Wednesday, May 30

 

One of the best things about the internet is an unlimited amount of TIPS you can find on just about any subject! There are even people who blog about all kind of random tips (like one of my favorites - the tip junkie.)

My 5 favorite TIPS for flower photography

1. You don't have to own a macro lens to get a good shot. A zoom lens is a great tool for flowers. Standing at a distance and zooming in on a bloom will put the background out of focus and the attention on your flower.

2. Take your shots from a variety of angles. The temptation may be to shoot down at flowers - which can be great with a single bloom, but getting down next to the flowers can bring more interest to your shots. (This same tip applies to children.)

I had to lay on the ground to get the shots of the tulips at this angle. I think it was worth it (see top border created on page below).

3. Shoot while it is cloudy (overcast). The colors are more vibrant (not washed out by the sun.) Better yet, after a good rain with all the water droplets - (and while the sky is still overcast.)

4. On a sunny day, the best options are in the morning or late afternoon. Position yourself where the back-lighting of the flowers has a nice effect.

5. Where to find flowers to shoot: Theme parks, zoos, botanical gardens, farmers market, garden centers, grocery stores/florist.

Do you have 5 favorite tips? Add your list to our comments to be entered in our snapncrop.com drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

It's My Life - Background Music - Tuesday May 29

It's My Life - Music

A few days ago Alexis was watching an old movie (black and white version of Les Miserables.) As the background music began playing I found myself grateful that movies have come so far! Have you ever wondered what your life would sound like as a movie? What song would they play in the background as you go about your daily activities?

If I could pick 10 songs for my life...

1. A song for doing the laundry, vacuuming, etc. - Mockingbird by Carley Simon and James Taylor

2. A song for those frustrating days - Keep Holding On, Avril Lavigne

3. Working in the studio (early in the morning) - I have a Dream, ABBA

4. Making Cookies/Treats - Sugar Sugar, the Archies

5. Family Activities - I Gotta Feeling, Black Eyed Peas

6. Anytime I'm away from Kevin or the kids - Ain't No Sunshine, Kris Allen

7. Exercising - Hips Don't Lie, Shakira

8. Spending time with Kevin, Sweet Escape, Gwen Stefani

9. Spending time with my little Guy - Return to Pooh Corner, Kenny Loggins

10. Spending time with my teen daughter -  Firework by Katy Perry

 

What are your background songs? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our snapncrop.com drawing.

Mosaic Moments Scrapbooking - Memorial Day - Monday May 28

In Honor of Memorial Day

In honor of the Memorial Day Holiday I am posting one of Kevin's favorite's. A page I created after a visit to the Arlington National Cemetry. (This was originally posted under the Oh My Word category - Respect.)

Upon arrival at the Arlington National Cemetery a sign is displayed reminding visitors to please conduct themselves with dignity and respect. 

While we were in the Washington DC area, Kevin and I decided to take our children to see our nations most sacred shrine. The visit was a wonderful opportunity to teach Cole (5) and Alexis (12) about "dignity and respect"  as we talked to them about the cemetery, those who are laid to rest there, and how we can show our respect and gratitude for their sacrifice and service.

We walked through the cemetery to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched as soldiers performed a ceremony, "The Changing of the Guards." All who are present are asked to remain standing, in complete silence, for the duration of  the ceremony.

Cole is a typical 5 year old boy. He is a little on the wiggly side; but, he did a really good job during the ceremony. Kevin only had to remind him to be silent once, with a quick shush, when he started to make a little noise.

Challenge: I hope you will find an opportunity to create a scrapbook page about "respect." Share your values with your loved ones. Tell them about something you respect and how you show your respect.

Childhood Memories, Scars - Sunday May 27

 

Childhood Scars. Do you remember how you got them?

 

1. Two scars under my chin. I remember getting one of them (bicycle accident.) The other, I was told, came from a fall down the stairs when I was a toddler.

2. Right knee - I put my knee on my sister's glass mouse cage. It broke.

3. Left knee - a stick that was poking up under the "slip n slide" my niece and I made with a big sheet of plastic.

4. Left wrist - I tried to climb over the fence at our grade school - it had metal pokers on top to discourage people from climbing over (they worked!)

 

What do you remember about your childhood scars? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

CraZy RandOm LiFe - I am a teacher - Saturday May 26

 

10 Things I've taught someone else:

 

1. How to create a photo mosaic.

2. How to use a grid to design scrapbook pages.

3. How to tie shoes.

4. How to read.

5. How to write.

6. How to say a prayer.

7. How to brush & floss.

8. How to make a bed.

9. How to cook: Mac & Cheese, chicken, tacos, etc.

10. How to plant a garden.

 What have you taught another person to do? Add your list to our comments to be entered in our weekly snapncrop.com drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Receipe for...a family meal - Friday, May 25

Family Meals can be a challenge especially living in a house where everyone has different ideas about eating. Kevin is pretty easy - he will eat pretty much anything (but he thinks he should be able to put pepper on everyone's food (we don't like pepper!) I try to avoid certain foods and Alexis and Cole are both REALLY picky eaters - especially Cole who doesn't want anything mixed together or even touching on a plate.

Meals our whole family will eat:

1. Strawberry Crepes - This is a long process as each crepe is cooked individually; but, they are so good that everyone sticks around - waiting their turn for a second helping.

2. Pizza - a weekly Costco shopping trip tradition (because even though we all eat pizza we don't want the same kind - Costco sells it by the slice.)

3. Sunday Roast - a family tradition (passed down by my mom) with one alteration - we include extra carrots. At our house the carrots are more popular than the potatoes.

5. Crab Legs with homemade fries. Never a problem getting everyone around the table on a crab leg night!

6. Salmon - broiled or grilled we all love it.

7. Omelets - One of the best things about omelets, Kevin makes them to order. (my favorite: cheese, fresh spinach, fresh tomatoes, onions, a little sausage, and green olives - topped with sour cream.)

8. Pancakes - again made to order works best at our house. Cole likes shiny pancakes (plain with maple syrup on top.) I like to mix bananas & chocolate chips or coconut into mine. Lexi's pancake of choice changes with her mood. Kevin, well, he will eat pretty much any pancake you set in front of him, and he likes to try new combinations.

 

Which meals bring your family together? Add your list to our comments to be entered in our weekly drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Happiness is... Thursday May 24

Happiness is... Cake Pops!

a few years ago I discovered a blog called Bakerella. I will admit, I have personally never made a cake pop. I tell myself that someday I will. Either way, it doesn't matter because looking at what Bakerella makes (cake pops desserts, etc.) is fun and looking is calorie free!

Happiness is...

1. Bakerella. This week she made the cutest "snow-cone" cupcakes.

To see Bakerella site and the rest of this post click here.

 

2. Sweet Shop LuLu - This site has so many cute things that make me happy - like the stripey paper straws.

to go to Sweet Shop Lu Lu's click here.

3. Pinterest - I love to have a place I can organize all the wonderful things I find on the internet (along with all the wonderful things other people find and I re-pin!)

Here is a little sampling of my boards:

You can follow one or all of my pin boards (look for the follow me on Pinterest button) in the far right column.

 

What made you happy this week? Add your list to our comments to be entered in our weekly snapncrop.com drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Oh My Word, Laugh - Wednesday, May 23

I am not a big fan of spoof movies like "Robinhood Men in Tights, or Airplane" or movies like Dumb and Dumber. I get that a lot of people love them. Everyone has their own sense of humor. Some people tease, some prank, some make gross noises...

What Makes Me Laugh?

1. I love a smart comedy act (that isn't vulgar or filled with foul language.) Tim Hawkins - is one of my favorite commedians.

 

2. Some sitcoms (currently: The Big Bang Theory, & How I Met Your Mother.)

3. Weird Al songs (at least the few that I've heard.)

4. Kids - they say the funniest things!

5. Old family stories.

6. The Laugh Floor (a "ride" at Disney World.)

7. Romantic Comedy Movies - too many to mention all but the first that came to mind was: How to Lose a Guy in 10 days.

What makes you laugh? Add your list to our comments to be entered in our weekly drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

 

In case you didn't get enough of Tim Hawkins - here is a great one to share with your husband:

It's My Life - LESSONS - Tuesday May 22

It's My Life - LESSONS

Many years ago Kevin and I were assigned the job of "Sunday teachers" to a group of 11-12 year old kids. One of the lessons we taught them (from a lesson manual) has always stood out in my mind. The lesson was called "Thought, Words, Deeds". It was about a process: how thoughts enter our minds, and if we let that thought continue to grow, or have a place in our minds, it will eventually come out in our words, and then in our actions. Years later, I found that lesson to be a great blessing in my own life.

How I've applied the lesson about "Thoughts, Words, & Deeds" in my life: 

1. I've learned to pay more attention to my thoughts.

2. When negative thoughts come to my mind, I replace them with positive thoughts. (or I work to change my thoughts by listening to something good - like uplifting music.)

3. I try to avoid entertainment (TV shows, Movies, Music, etc.) that is dark, negative, disturbing, etc.

4. When I am angry with someone that I love, I work to get rid of the anger by thinking of all the good things I can about them.

5. I try avoid people who are not a positive influence in my life.

6. I've learned that happiness is a choice I make with my own thoughts. Most days, I choose to be happy. (Other days I choose to curl up in bed with a fluffy comforter, plenty of pillows, a remote, and if possible, some chocolate.)

 

Was there a lesson that made a lasting impression on you? How did you applied it in your life? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

Mosaic Moments Scrapbooking - Monday May 21

SCRAPBOOKING COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG with PHOTO MOSAIC STYLE:

When I create a page, I often crop photos to fit the grid. Sometimes, the "excess" from images comes in very handy.

On the page above, I wanted to include a photo (image below) I had taken of a picket fence, with a Crepe Myrtle draped over it, in Colonial Williamsburg.

After cropping the photo to fit my 3x3 square space, I had enough of it left over to use as "photo mosaic accent pieces" above and below the image in the top left corner. The squares not only fill in the space, the little splash of color also helps to balance out the page.

To see Page Pattern 58 (used for the above page) - go to Pattern 58 on our Mosaic Moments Page Patterns blog.

 

10 Things I love about visiting Colonial Williamsburg:

1. The authentic period costumes.

2. The gardens.

3. The wells - each with it's own roof top.

4. The stacks of chopped wood.

5. The colonial shops - (learning about the crafts.)

6. Though it is often "loaded" with tourists there is a peaceful atmosphere.

7. The apothecary shop is one of my favorites - so organized!

8. The houses (and other buildings.)

9. The signage on the taverns.

10. The iron and picket fences.

Have you been to a living history Museum? What were some of the things you enjoyed while you were there? Add your comments to be entered in our weekly drawing.

Childhood Memories, Best Friends - Sunday May 20

 

Childhood Friends

I met my best childhood friend in first grade.

1. Her name was Linda.

2. I never forgot her middle name because it was the same as my favorite aunt's name, Jane.

3. She's a twin.

4. Her mother often dressed her and her twin in matching outfits. One would wear a red version and the other blue.

5. She lived on the same street I lived.

6. We played after school together - almost every day - and all through the summer.

7. We were assigned the same teacher every year from 1st grade - 4th grade (until I moved away.)

8. Her family had a black dog named Peyote. One year, Peyote had puppies, a very large litter. (Later they had her spayed.)

9. Linda & Laura, her twin, were the youngest of 6 - all girls. Most of their sisters were older and had all ready moved out of the house.

10. Their mom worked at a department store, I think it might have been Montgomery Wards.

11. They had shelves filled with National Geographic magazines in their basement. I loved to look at all the pictures.

12. We wrote letters for a couple of years after I moved and I went back to visit once; but, I lost track of them after that.

 

What do you remember about your childhood friends? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

CraZy RandOm LiFe - Adventures - Saturday May 19

Some people are obviously more adventurous than others. I am more adventurous in my heart then I am on paper. :)

CraZy RandOm List of 10 Adventurous Things I've done:

1. I've jumped on a trampoline.

2. I've been to the top of the St. Louis Arch.

3. I walked 30 miles in a walk-a-thon.

4. I've been snow skiing.

5. I've had three babies.

6. I moved across the country - far from all of my family.

7. I rode the Maid of the Mist up to Niagara Falls.

8. I've ridden all kinds of roller-coasters.

9. I repelled down a cliff.

10. I climbed up a real rock wall (not one those "fake" rock climbing walls with all the great hand/foot holds!)

 Add your list of adventures to our comments to be entered in our weekly snapncrop.com drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Receipe for... Shopping Habits - Friday, May 18

 

Grocery Shopping Habits

When Kevin and I were newlyweds we lived in a third floor apartment (with no elevator). The last thing we wanted to do was buy huge amounts of stuff that would have to be lugged up several flights of stairs. (The goal was to be able to carry everything up in one climb.)

There are many factors that weigh into our grocery shopping habits. Where we live, mode of transportation, the size of the refrigerator - extra freezer? What markets are available? What is grown locally? And, warehouse shopping has changed the shopping habits of many small business owner (and others)- who are introduced to "bulk" shopping. 

 

My Grocery Shopping habits:

1. Because we stock up on (and buy in bulk) many items, we rarely shop more than once a week.

2. We love to buy crab legs from the grocery store down the street - they cook them so they are ready to eat.

3. We buy most of our fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables from our local grocery store.

4. I don't like to buy condiments in large containers that don't fit in the refrigerator door.

5. We don't subscribe to the newspaper; so, I only use coupons at Costco (they mail them to us).

6. During strawberry & Apple seasons we like to pick our own - fresh at the local growers.

7. I love to shop in "gourmet" and speciality grocery stores like Fresh Market, Trader Joes, etc. But it is more of an occasional novelty than a routine. One of my favorite grocery stores is the Hubbell and Hudson we discovered while traveling to Houston TX area. (So wish we had one of those in our neighborhood!)

I used a hidden flap on the page above to add more journaling (see below.)

8. I also love to shop in bulk. There is something about saving money and BIG containers of stuff that makes me happy. (May be it's becasue I know I am not going to have to buy it again for a long while.)

I get my bulk shopping fix with...

• Paper & plastic Products (toilet paper, tissues, paper plates, cups, garbage bags, paper towels.)
• Frozen Chicken & Fish.
• Cold cereal.
• Snacks for the kids (i.e. Goldfish crackers)
• Shredded Cheese (I put the big bags in the freezer and thaw as needed.)
• Chocolate chips (Can a bag of chocolate ever be too big?)

 

 

What are your grocery shopping habits?  Add your list to our comments to be entered in our weekly drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Happiness is...blessings - Thursday May 17

What Made Me Happy This week?

This has been a tough week with some difficult news. We all have days or weeks when our hearts feel heavy. I've found on those days that it helps to look for the blessings in my life.

Happiness is...

1. Friends - Especially those who trust that I am capable and strong, but, who offer their support anyway.

2. Shelter - Yesterday there was a big storm with lightening and thunder. I was happy to be inside safe and warm.

3. Reminders - After the storm was over the sun came out and it was gorgeous. I love how God reminds us - "this too shall pass."

4. Patience - mostly Kevin's. It is probably unfair that I depend on his patience so much but I am very grateful that he has it.

 

What made you happy this week? Add your list to our comments to be entered in our weekly snapncrop.com drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Oh My Word, Naturally - Wednesday, May 16

 

naturally |ˈna ch ərəlē|
adverb
1 in a natural manner, in particular
• in a normal manner; without distortion or exaggeration : act naturally.
• as a natural result : one leads naturally into the other.
• without special help or intervention

 

I am Naturally...

1. Quiet. (My house is quiet too.)

2. Observant. (I tend to notice things other people don't.)

3. A Fixer. (When I hear or see a problem my brain starts thinking of solutions.)

4. Forgiving. (I don't see the benefit of holding a grudge.)

5. Curious. (I wonder about everything.)

6. Skeptical. (I don't automatically trust the things I hear. I research & determine the value/truth for myself.)

7. Reserved. (You probably won't see me in front of a crowded room sharing my deepest thought/concerns/beliefs. I reserve that part of myself for close family and friends.)

 

Finish the sentence "I am naturally..." Add your list to our comments to be entered in our weekly drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

It's My Life - Favorite Fiction - Tuesday May 15

 My favorite fictitious couple is...

Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett. I can relate to their story. 

image source: www.fanpop.com

1. Elizabeth had a big "crazy" family (not so different from my own.)

2. Elizabeth didn't have a good first impression of Mr. Darcy. (He made a lot of girls swoon with his southern accent; but, I was not exactly excited about Kevin when he and I first met.)

3. Elizabeth didn't trust Mr. Darcy's motives. I was suspicious of Kevin's intentions.

4. Mr. Darcy, going against the judgement of his family/friends loved Elizabeth. Kevin's roommates told him he should give it up - I obviously wasn't interested in him. But, he didn't heed their council.

5. Mr. Darcy continued to do "acts of great kindness" for Elizabeth - even after she told him to "get lost." Kevin was kind and thoughtful - surprising me with notes of encouragement, flowers, and gifts - even though I told him I didn't have any interest in him beyond friendship.

6. Elizabeth came to realize that she was wrong about Mr. Darcy. I realized that Kevin wasn't - at all - the person I judged him to be when we first met.

7. Mr. Darcy won Elizabeth's heart. As much as I tried to resist, I couldn't help falling for Kevin - he won my heart too.

 

Who is your favorite fictional romance couple? WHY? Add your list to our comments and be entered in our weekly snapncrop.com drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details. 

Mosaic Moments - Made from Scraps - Monday May 14

 "Mosaic -Made From Scraps- Moment."

I seem to always print a few extra images when I am preparing to make scrapbook pages. The extra photos often end up tucked away in a box somewhere - I can't seem to throw them out. Over time I've collected a lot of random photos.

Having a few sheets of 6x6 Mosaic Moments™ grid paper on hand gave me the opportunity, with very little additional effort, to use my extra photos as well as the paper scraps that would have otherwise gone into the trash.

I have been giving these mini "made from scraps" pages to my children. They display them in their bedrooms. But, for those who have a grandma, I think the mini-pages would make wonderful grandma gifts.

VIEW MY FULL SIZE PAGE on Journella.com along with my latest list: Things we did at the Zoo.
 

CHALLENGE: The next time you are creating a full size page make a mini page with the left overs. (share it on Journella.com or your own blog).

 

Add your comments to be entered in our weekly drawing.

Childhood Memories, Mother - Sunday May 13

 

A family photo - My mom - pregnant with me, my Dad, my three older siblings, and my grandmother. 

 

My mom was one of those wonderful mothers.

10 Childhood Memories of my Mother:

1. She seemed to always be in the middle of sewing clothes, quilts, curtains, etc.

2. She baked bread and made wonderful cinnamon rolls.

3. She wore very little eye make up; but, always wore lipstick.

4. She could not resist the candy counter at a department store.

5. She corrected us when we used improper English - we were not allowed to say "ain't."

6. She volunteered at the grade school - working with the children who needed extra help learning to read.

7. She took us out for milkshakes after we had dental appointments.

8. She was a cub scout leader - even after all of her own cub scouts were grown.

9. She enjoyed writing & painting - (she wrote skits, plays, poems and short stories).

10. She liked to wear red things and she loved high heeled shoes.

What memories do you have of your mother when you were a child? Add your list to our comments to be entered in our weekly drawing.

 

CraZy RandOm LiFe - Preferences- Saturday May 12

 

CraZy RandOm List of Preferences:

1. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
2. What do you usually have for breakfast? yogurt & fruit
3. What food do you dislike? slimy/chewy seafood like squid or clams.
4. Favorite item of clothing? Jeans.
5. Are you a morning person or a night person? morning
6. Favorite soft drink? Root beer
7. Summer or winter? Summer 
8. Hugs or kisses? chocolate kisses - real hugs 
9. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate - the darker the better.
10. Salty or sweet? both
11. Road Trip or Commercial Flight? Road Trip
12. Bare foot or shoes? Slippers
13. Action or Comedy? Comedy
14. Muscles or Brains? Brains
15. Early or fashionably late? Early

 

Copy this list - delete my answers add yours. Add your list to our comments to be entered in our weekly snapncrop.com drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Recipe For...Mom's Cookin' - Friday May 11

Mom's Cookin

Things I remember Mom Cooking...

1. Spaghetti - Instead of tomato sauce Mom added tomato soup to the spaghetti - (she didn't like tomatoes).

2. Tacos - Mom didn't like spicy stuff so she poured ketsup on our tacos. I didn't know what salsa was until I ate dinner at a friends. I was a teenager by then. (I like salsa.)

3. Hot dogs with sauerkraut. I was the youngest so she didn't force me to eat the sauerkraut - my older brother and sister didn't think that was fair.

4. Sunday Roast - she let it cook while we were at church. Once we came home (mom had forgotten to turn the stove down) and the roast was burned so bad the dog wouldn't even eat it.

5. Fried Chicken. I always got a drum stick.

6. Cinnamon Rolls and Cookies (see my mom's simple peanut butter cookie recipe here.)

7. Runza - Bread rolls filled with a mix of hamburger, cabbage, and onions. (Mom got the recipe from my Aunt Jane.) She would make them in big batches and freeze the extra for quick future meals.

images from google.

What do you remember from your mother's kitchen? Add your list to our comments to be entered in our weekly drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Happiness is... Thursday May 10

What Made Me Happy Today?

Happiness is...

1. Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Kevin bought them for me before he left for the Great Lakes Mega Meet.)

2. A fun decorative font (link to Rapscallion font - pictured below) - (I was able to use this font and my design skills to help a friend with an invitation - that always makes me happy!)

3. Cole - He always makes me happy - with his unexpected hugs and kisses.

 

 

What made you happy this week? Add your list to our comments to be entered in our weekly snapncrop.com drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Words on Wednesday, May 9

ACROSTIC - LIST CHALLENGE:

Write your name down the left-hand side of the page, (like you would for an acrostic poem). Next to each letter write a positive word that describes YOU. (That begins with that letter, of course.)

Thankful

Artistic

Motivated

Ingenious

Mine was easy - I have a short name, it's not my fault. My mother gave it to me. :)

I used a summer acrostic to design a Mosaic Moments page (click here for larger view.)

Having a tough time with the words? this website has an A-Z list of positive words.

Which words describe you? Add your list to our comments to be entered in our weekly drawing. Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Free Day - Tuesday, May 8

If you had a free day - to do anything you wanted - what would you do?

 

FREE DAY!

I am sure all this would change, depending on my mood at the time; but, if I had a free day...

1. I'd get Kevin to spend the day with me.

2. I'd get up early. I am an early morning riser and I would not want to waste a minute of my free day!

3. I'd go out to breakfast - some place like Panera Bread. I love their breakfast soufflés.

4. If the weather was good I'd do something outdoors - like go for a nature walk or on a sailing tour.

8x8 Mosaic Moments page by Shannon Johnson. The schooner pictured above sails from Yorktown VA.

5. I'd take lots of pictures.

6. If the weather wasn't good I'd go to a fun indoor place - like the aquarium.

 

What would you do with a FREE DAY? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

Made From Scraps - Monday May 7

My mother made many quilts over the years. Some of the most cherished included fabric scraps from clothing she made for us. I love the idea of making my "scraps" useful like she did. Mosaic Pages are a great way to use those bits and pieces that are left over from a varity of projects.

With just a few small photo and paper scraps, a one inch punch, a sheet of 6x6 Mosaic Moments™ Grid Paper, and a little time, a lovely little art work can be created:

I created the Mosaic Moments page above to share on a recent Journal Post. VIEW MY LIST on Journella.com: 10 Things I LOVE about... Alexis.

I made a second page for her little brother. VIEW: 10 Things I LOVE about... Cole.

 

CHALLENGE: Create a page about someone using your photo and paper scraps (share it on Journella.com or your own blog) AND create a list of the reasons why you love them.

Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

Childhood Memories, Kindergarten - Sunday May 6

 

Childhood Memories: When I was in Kindergarten...

1. I attended a private kindergarten (at the same place I went to pre-school) because my mother worked. The public school only offered a half day program.

2. We had to take naps every day. (They spanked children who made noise during nap time.)

3. I loved the time on the play ground - especially when I got to bounce on one of the "hoppity hops."

4. The preschool/kindergarten had an indoor sand table - they only let us play with it occasionally. (I'm sure it was messy.)

5. I don't remember the actual name of the school, but I remember thinking the name had something to do with deer - or Bambi. (It was held in a church.)

6. I remember, once, being one of the last children to be picked up. It had gotten dark outside. I thought my mother had forgotten me. My older brother came to get me.

7. There was always plenty of toys and kids to play with.

8. I remember eating cold cereal - Lucky Charms (without milk) as a snack. I liked the marshmallows. (My mom never bought "sugar" cereal.)

9. I remember learning about music notes - but, I don't remember learning the Alphabet.

 

Do you remember Kindergarten? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.

Life.in.Lists.

Life.in.Lists. Weekly Drawing: Participants will be entered in a weekly drawing for a $15 Coupon good for Mosaic Moments™ products on Snapncrop.com. (To participate simply add your list to our comments on daily posts - the more days you participate the better your chances to win.) Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.

Out of Place - Saturday, March 31

Out of Place

Do you ever wonder how things got where they are?

 

1. There's a plastic candy cane in the pencil holder on my desk - I have no idea what it is doing in there. (It really should be packed away with the Christmas tree ornaments.)

2. Inside that same pencil holder I found a ping pong ball and a measuring tape. I have no idea how those ended up in there!

3. Once I found a slice of dried up pizza sandwiched between the cushions on our couch - I was not happy!

4. A few weeks ago I went to get a drink of water and found tiny ants in my cup - a group of them decided it would be a good idea to climb into the water/ice dispenser on my refrigerator. (I am pretty sure they had regrets about that decision.)

5. I have to admit, when I am driving along the freeway and I see a shoe on the side of the road, I wonder how it got there. Was the owner of the shoe driving with their foot out the window when suddenly it (the shoe) fell off? 

6. A bird built a nest in our rain gutter - I am not sure why it thought that was a good location. It laid eggs; but, they never hatched. 

7. We purchased a used mini-van many years ago. There was a quarter stuck inside the air conditioner vent. A few years later we traded in the van for a newer mini-van. I wonder if the quarter is still in the vent or if the new owner was more clever and got it out.

Is something in your life "OUT OF PLACE"? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.