How a Thunderstorm Changed My Outlook

We rushed home. It was Friday and I just wanted to relax. I unloaded the car and ushered the kids into their father's care. After flipping on the TV, I stared into the pantry to find what we would eat.


The weather man was talking. The regular programming was interrupted by a storm warning.


On and on the forecast continued. Town after town warned with the time the storm would bear down. Finally, our town was named. 30 minutes would elapse before it was our turn.
80 mile per hour winds. Baseball size hail. I started to get bit worried. I brought a few things into the house. My husband pulled all the cars into the garage.


I started to get even more worried. The kids were finishing their supper. I was ready to rush them downstairs to take cover.


We stood on the back deck and watched the rain and clouds roll across the fields. The rain started and we ran inside. Hail! We looked out the window and in about 60 seconds the wind died down and the hail stopped.


We turned to each other and exclaimed, "That was it?"Yep, we lucked out. The storm died out just as it reached us.


What is the lesson here? Sometimes, while we're waiting for a thing to occur we make it bigger and scarier in our head than it turns out to be.


I'm not discounting being prepared and taking action. But, imagine how much less stressed we would be if we didn't try to live the emotion of a situation in advance?


I'm going to try and keep that in mind more often.

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Scrapbooking Tips - Scrapbook to Relax

Scrapbook to relax? Sure!

“These kids are driving me crazy and no one is helping!” This or something similar has crossed many a mom’s lips. When things get to be too much, often the ones in mom’s direct path take the brunt of the frustration. The way a mom deals with stress can affect her kids.

Stress can be both good and bad. When we respond favorably in stressful situations, we learn to cope with the event and go on. A positive attitude keeps us looking for the bright side of the situation. No matter how long it lasts, it won’t last forever.

Distress is when stressful situations turn bad. Instead of directing our frustration in the direction of the problem or seeking someone to listen, we make our kids the target. Moms don’t set out to do this, but high stress has a way of making us act in a manner that is not the way we normally act. This doesn’t mean that moms don’t love their children.

Kids are visual people. They learn by watching us. If our attitude is negative they will pick up on it. Kids sense changes in the climate of their home. This includes a change in a mother’s temperament. When mom gets angry, kids know it. If children are used to seeing their mom smiling and laughing, hearing her get angry or shouting can frighten them. They may run and hide.

Whenever mom is like that, kids will turn away. They may learn to shut down themselves if they think that something they say or do will cause mom to get this way. When stress causes a mom to lash out at her kids, they may believe that they are the cause of the anger.

Stress can lead to impatience. Moms can become impatient with their kids. If mom is going to be late for work, she may rush a child to finish their breakfast. Slow eating can lead to mom getting upset or the bowl being left on the table with food still in it. Kids learn to be impatient with others. Moms may notice this when they see their child playing with its siblings. The child will rush others or snatch toys away even if it makes the other children cry.

Moms who are stressed can stress out their children. But if they manage stress in positive ways, they will teach valuable lessons to their children. No matter what situation arises, the way that a mom acts towards her children is important. Children will always scream, holler and cry even when things are going well. Separating the stressful event from the behavior of the children gives them security that mom’s love and care doesn’t change at these times.

Stress affects kids. So, what are going to do about it? We're going to scrapbook to relax.

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Learning to Scrapbook

Learning to scrapbook will take some commitment and it is really like a piece of art. When you learn the techniques to scrapbook you will be able to enjoy, however, you will have to get to know a few basic tools, supplies, and learn some skills before you get started.

Pictures First

Everyone has boxes filled with pictures, but you may notice that some are discolored or warped because of the poor storage. The world around us in our homes is full of acid and moisture, which breaks down the chemical balance, used to produce photographs and causes them to change appearance. With scrap booking, you will want to use acid free supplies so that you can preserve the pictures for many years and decades to come.

Basic Scrapbooking Tools

• You'll need a cutting tool. You will need to get sharp scissors and specialty scissors that will cut scalloped edges, but you may also want something that will cut a straight line and circles.
• You will also need some form of adhesive. Beginners may find that the easiest products to buy are photo mounts, which are tiny pre-cut pieces of tape, and glue dots, which are pressure-sensitive strong spots of glue to hold larger embellishments.
• Create fancier pages with rubber stamps, paper crimpers, and punches. Start with a few smaller items and increase your inventory as you learn more and more scrapbooking skills.
• Other supplies that add interest to your pages include paper dolls, stickers, die cuts, and three-dimensional elements.

Scrapbook Album

You will also need a few basic supplies before you begin, the most important of which is the album itself. Make sure whatever you purchase is large enough to hold all the pictures you want to include; two to five pictures will fit on a standard 8 ½ x 11 page with cropping, with the most balanced layouts having three pictures. You can also choose from larger or smaller albums.

Remember that the size of album you purchase will affect your long term costs. 12x12 pages means no extra scraps from the papers for making embellishment. Larger albums cost more, but you may get more pictures to fit into the album.

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Digital Scrapbooking

Digital Scrapbooking, also known as Digi Scrapping, may be a better alternative compared to traditional paper scrapbooking.

When it comes to scrapbooking you will find that it takes time, space, and plenty of dedicated time

Those who are interested in the craft will need to find the time to complete their album, but also will need to find the space. All the paper, stickers, tools, and other supplies you will need may require an area for scrapbooking. A newer trend is to have a whole room dedicated to the craft. There are a lot of supplies that you will acquire and you need room to put the pages together.

By the time that you get everything together you need just for one scrapbook session, you will notice that you have wasted ten to twenty minutes. You don’t want to spend time looking for stamps or that perfect tool to make the layouts beautiful. There are other ways to solve all your problems with scrapbooking. The perfect solution to the hassle of paper scrapbooking is digital scrapbooking.

Digital Scrapbooking is Easy to Learn

You shouldn't be intimidated by not having computer skills. Digital scrapbooking is easy to learn and can make designing pages and creating albums go more smoothly. This leaves much more time for the other things in your life. When you follow a few steps you will be able to begin your digital voyage in this then the time it would take you to pull the paper and book out.

First, you need to find a way to put your pictures online. You can easily get your pictures online with the use of digital camera. You will may want to scan some hard copy pictures onto your computer. Even if you do not know how to transfer pictures from your digital camera to your computer, you can put your pictures onto a CD at any photography center. At one of these centers, you can also scan your printed pictures and put them onto a CD as well.

For those who are looking to go beyond the basic digital scrapbooking steps, you may want to go online to register to share pictures. You can also use photo-editing programs to change the look of your picture, but this is not necessary for beginners. In any case, once your pictures are on your computer, you can use them to create scrapbook pages.

Tips for considering digital scrapbooking

** There are many programs available to help you to design, edit, and print pages. You can buy a program at the store, from a scrapbook consultant, or you can purchase a downloadable program on the Internet.

** You can sign up for services to share your album online.

** Compare prices and services on the programs before making a purchase—not all programs are made the same way, and you’ll want to find one that’s appropriate for your skill level.

** Once you have chosen and purchased a scrapbooking software, you will want to look through the tutorial steps. Learn to use all the functions of the program from the start, and you’ll save yourself a lot of time when you’re trying to create pages.

** Every program works in a different way. You will want to create the pages and print them out or you may just want to create the pages and post them on a website for your family from a far to see. You can print your layouts at home or have them printed at a photo processing service.

** Digital scrapbooking makes it easy to show those who don’t come around often or those who don’t travel that far to see the pictures of the family.

** You will also feel good knowing that you have an online security. If anything ever happens to the hard copies, you have them preserved online for you to print.

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Organizing Your Scrapbooking Area

Scrapbook supply organization is the worst part of scrapbooking if handled poorly.

When it comes to thousands of different types of scrapbooking papers and other accessories you will find that it can be overwhelming at the local scrapbook store. Since you do have so many options, you will find that it can be difficult for a person to scrapbook but you can get organized and keep things looking good and clean and that will help you to be able to scrapbook more efficiently.

Organization Tip #1

It will take up the most space and time when it comes to getting your papers organized. A good option for this is a paper saver, as made by most of the larger scrap booking companies. These folders are made of plastic most of the time and they can be tagged and hold hundreds of papers. This will help you to categorize your papers. If you find that you do not have enough room in a paper saver, you might also find it useful to invest in a filing cabinet or one of the sets of drawers made especially for scrapbooking. You can purchase these in any of the local craft stores or you can go online as well.

Organization Tip #2

Decide how you want to categorize your supplies. You will find that color is most often used, but you can also organize in themes like a certain day or holiday. You may also want to think about matching patterns like stripes. You can also use this system to organize flat embellishments, such as die cuts or stickers.

Organization Tip #3

You also need a place to store your tools and embellishments that are not easily filed. You will find that one good way is to use baskets and a shelving system to help your to store and organize your tools and embellishments. Store cutting tools in one basket, glues in another, markers and paint in a third, and so on is a good way of approaching the art of organization. By buying baskets in bulk, you will save more money then if you use photo boxes, and the display will be uniform and attractive. Make sure that you label your baskets or shelving so that you can find everything quickly.

Organization Tip #4

If you need to save space, however, a basket and shelving system may not work for you. You will want to make a kit of some of your most often sued tools and supplies so that you can keep them close and you won’t have to dig or look around. That way when you only have time to do a quick page or two, you can use your kit to complete it and then quickly clean up. However, you can use all of your time in one day and book a whole scrapbook together and also you can pull out the supplies and storage so that you can complete the album.

Keeping the space that you use to scrapbook is clean and organized will allow you to enjoy your time scrapbooking. When you learn how to label the storage containers and learn how to organize your papers, you will be able to quickly be able to pull out the tools that you need. Once you have gotten over the mess, you will be able to get comfortable with scrapbooking.

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Cream of the Crop Chops

If you are heading out for an all day scrapbook crop, the last thing you want to worry about is fixing dinner when you get home. Or maybe you won't be coming home for dinner because you'll be eating out with the girls. Give this recipe to your hubby and put him to work.

Cream-of-the-Crop Chops

Ingredients:
1 (10 ¾ oz.) can cream of celery soup
3 Tbsp. sour cream
4 baking potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Salt and pepper
4 (1 inch thick) pork chops
2 Tbsp. olive oil

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9 x 13 inch ovenproof baking dish. Combine soup and sour cream in medium bowl. Arrange half the potatoes in prepared dish. Season with salt and pepper. Pour half of soup mixture over potatoes. Top with remaining potatoes. Pour remaining soup mixture over. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown, 90 minutes.

Meanwhile, season chops with salt and pepper. In a large heavy skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chops and cook until lightly brown, about 5 minutes per side. Place chops atop the potatoes. Cover and bake until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

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Causes of Stress

Stress does not just crop up overnight. The causes of stress may not be apparent at first, but they may have been there for some time. If this applies to you, don’t ignore the signs of stress in your life anymore. Recognizing them is the first step to discovering the source.

Feeling cranky and tired is not always the fault of your menstrual cycle. These feelings can be the result of too much stress in your life. Not being able to fall asleep is a sign of stress as well. When it takes an hour or so to fall asleep, it’s time to look for a root cause.

Stress can cause troubles throughout the systems of the body. The digestive system can experience ulcers, bowel trouble, and lack of appetite. You can have an overactive bladder. Migraine headaches and colds result from negative stress. Stress literally makes you sick if it is not dealt with.

Find what is causing your stress

Start with your job. Are there pressures at work? Getting passed over for a promotion can make you resentful which can cause stress. Every time you walk into the office your stomach will be in knots when you think about it. Something as normal as asking for a raise can cause stress. You’ll worry about the outcome — whether you will get the raise or get fired for asking.

Work pressures don’t always stay at work. We tend to carry out unhappiness or frustrations home to our families. We keep an attitude all evening long because of something that started in the workplace.

Family situations can also be the root source of our stress. Kids can take us through a lot of stages, especially when they are toddlers, entering puberty, or becoming teenagers. Worrying about them when they are away from us takes plenty of energy.

Marital problems can lead to stress. When our spouses won’t help lighten the load at home, we feel taken for granted and resentful. Lack of communication on the part of both parties leaves hurt feelings unexpressed. Both partners feel cheated, and coming home creates stress.

There are triggers that can cause stress. Some of these triggers come from experiences in life. Having a spouse that drinks excessively can trigger memories of a father in childhood who did the same. Worrying about the similarities in the situations can cause stress. Illness in children can remind you of a bad childhood experience and cause fretting over the kids.

Take time for yourself

Are you taking care of yourself? Do you allow yourself time to participate in a hobby? I believe that mom's put themselves last and often we don't even realize it. It's especially easy to do when you have a baby to take care of. Months and weeks can go by in the same routine. That's why I advocate scrapbooking as a hobby. Your baby is incentive enough to have tons of photos to work with. Scrapbooking is a natural extension of your nurturing feelings.

Once you understand what is causing the stress, it is time to fix it. Before involving members of the family, try to deal with what is stressing you out. Talk to a friend to discover why the trigger gets you so wound up. If you are having difficulties discovering the triggers of your stress you may want to consider journaling. Grab an empty notebook and start writing. Don't think about if you are journaling right or wrong. Don't worry about creating some finished product. You can always go back through the journal later.

Next you can enlist the aid of your family. They may not realize that what they are doing or not doing is affecting you. A little communication can change the situation. This can work on the job as well. Talk to you boss and let them know your feelings in a non-threatening manner.

Stress is a part of life. To overcome it, it is important to know what is causing it. Take a look at all areas of your life to find a solution.

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Making Memorable Baby Scrapbooks

Making a baby scrapbook can be very helpful in preserving your memories. You can fill the pages with virtually anything that you would like to. One thing is for sure, though, the more memorable that you make it, the longer it will provide you with happiness. There are plenty of things you can do to make a scrapbook more meaningful to you and to your family. By personalizing it in just the right way, you can create a book that you will love showing off to your friends and family.

Make sure your memories come through

Insure that the scrapbook is made to provide you with a clear picture of your memories. If you have many photos of the day that you are depicting, this is easy. If not, there are other things that you can do to create this look. What you will want to do is to create pages that will bring back those memories to you.

Add memorabilia to your scrapbook layouts

If your child is celebrating his first birthday, you can use things that are from his party to help make the scrapbook meaningful. This can be anything from the napkins that were used to the candle that was on his cake.

• Keep a few of the paper plates that you used, with his favorite theme. Make a mini album and place his picture inside it.
• Keep the streamers.
• Scan the mylar balloons.
• Use the invitations and the thank you notes. Make sure you take a close up picture of the cake. Cut it out and use it like a die-cut.

Enjoy the results

When you create a memorable scrapbook, you will be able to look back on the pages and think to yourself that this was a great day or that you remember that your son grabbed right into the cake. It is fun to make your scrapbook in this way too. Just be creative and think of things that are easy for you to do to hold those memories dear to your heart for a long time. It does not really take any more time to do either. Just find the things that really mean something to you about this day or this event and get them into your baby scrapbooks.

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From My Scrapbook Room - The Big Mess

Hello from my scrapbook room.

I was so excited that I was going to have part of a nice room to scrapbook in. Our home has a nice office area. We moved in 4 years ago. All my boxes of scrapbook supplies, the boxes of cardmaking supplies, my scrapbook albums and all my projects in progress were stacked into that room.

Some things have been unpacked. Many boxes remain full! I've had two babies and I've done a little paper scrapbooking during this time. It hasn't been to the extent I'd like.

I've done almost zero cardmaking. I can't remember the last time I made a card. Who has time? That makes me sad.

I used to live close to a couple consultants who had wonderful workshops. I'd rather pay for a nice workshop and go home with completed projects than buy a bunch of rubberstamping supplies. What good does it do piled up? Now, I live by no one that scrapbooks or rubberstamps on a regular basis. I used to be a Stampin Up junkie. I find it not as fun to stamp alone. Maybe it's just me?

So anyway, the scrap room is big mess. I'm tired of it. The kids are finally getting old enough that I can craft again. We're finally starting a big clean up to get rid of some of the mess. I think I'm going to clean out a bunch of stuff and start over with new supplies.

I promise to post some pictures.

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Baby Scrapbook Ideas

Here are some scrapbook titles that are sure to help you come up with baby scrapbook ideas.

See How You Grow
What Little Boys Are Made Of
My Wish For You
What Do You Dream?
Angel Baby
Many Special People
I Am Wonderfully Made
Those Who Love Me
What You Bring To Our Lives
I Promise You

Here are some scrapbook titles that start with the letter A.

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Scrapbook Titles

Nothing completes a scrapbook layout better than catchy scrapbook titles.
Here are some ideas that start with the letter A. Let me know how you use them in your baby scrapbook.

A spoon full of sugar
All the news
Another completely different day
All the children laughed and played
A bit understated
All together now
A big difference
As fabulous as you are
A good life
Alphabet Soup
ABC, 123
A+
All that matters
Adorable
Angel Baby
A time to laugh
As time goes by

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Types of Scrapbook Layouts

Some scrapbookers like to create an album by doing one page at a time. They will only on a page or two at a time. Then there are people will work on scrap booking two pages at a time. There are a lot of advantages and disadvantages to doing a one page or two page layouts.


One-page layouts work well for busy scrapbookers. When you do one page at a time, you will have more time to complete the scrapbook and then have plenty of time to clean up. One-page layouts also have a sense of intimacy because the pictures are placed closely together on the page, along with the journaling and embellishments. You will have an album that is full and complete bursting with color and pictures. Because the layout is smaller, this is also often an easier option for beginning layout designers or for crafters who do not have a large workspace to spread out two pages at a time.


Two-page layouts, on the other hand, create an album that is more spacious. If you have a lot of pictures then it will be almost impossible to put all the pictures on one page. You can split them up over multiple layouts; however, by creating a two-page layout, you give the pictures a sense of togetherness. You will want to spread out the pictures over three or four pages and carry a theme to each page so that there is a consistent design.


Two-page layouts also work well when you have a few pictures that cannot be cropped and will therefore not fit onto one page. When you do a larger layout you will be able to place everything you want in the pictures and have plenty of room for writing or doodling.


When I started scrapbooking, I started by doing two page layouts. I've found that as time has went by, I've slowly converted to one page layouts. This is mainly because I'm busier and I think I'm pickier about which photos to use. I find I don't want to think about endless two page spreads since I'm working on my pages and pages for my children. Has your scrapbook layout changed over time?


How To Scrapbook

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Choosing The Best Car Seat For Your Baby

Everyone wants the best car seat for their baby. A baby's car seat is probably the most important purchase you will make for her. Heaven forbid you get into an accident, you want to be sure that she will be well protected.

There are 3 types of car seats you should be familiar with.

Infant car seats are great for newborns because they fit so snugly. They are designed to fit infants up to about 20 pounds and 26 inches long (maximums vary from one model to another). Most babies outgrow it after around six months, though you may get more or less use out of it depending on how fast you baby grows.

A big plus with infant car seats is that they come in two pieces. The base stays mounted in the car, while the seat comes out. An attached handle makes it easy to take the baby in and out of the car without having to remove her from the car seat. There's no need to disturb your sleeping newborn.

Moving up to convertible car seats

Once your baby outgrows her infant car seat, she's ready to move on to the convertible car seats. Convertible car seats get their name because they convert from rear-facing to forward-facing.
Until your baby reaches the age of one, her car seat must remain in the safer, rear-facing position. After her first birthday, you can switch it to the forward-facing position. This is nice because you are able to see each other.

Most convertible car seats are good for babies up to about 40 pounds, though there are a few models that go higher. Look for a model with adjustable straps so you can raise them as the child grows.

Booster Seats

For children who are too big for convertible car seats, the next step is the booster seat. Booster seats use a cars over-the-shoulder seat belts rather than built-in straps. A child should remain in the booster seat until they are big enough to safely use the car's seat belts.

A few more car seat tips

Never, ever, sit a child on your lap or allow him to ride without an appropriate car seat. It's against the law and you are risking his life.

There's no such thing as 'the best car seat' because every child is different. You need to find the car seat that fits your child and car properly.

Newer cars support the LATCH system, which is easier to install and does not require the use of the car's seat belts.

Car seat installation instructions are notoriously confusing, and the installation can vary from one car to the next. Have your car seat installed by a trained professional. Contact your local police department. Most have one or two officers trained specifically to install car seats properly. No matter what type of car seat you buy, it won't do a bit of good if it's installed incorrectly.

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Baby Nursery Decor That Will Grow with Your Child

While waiting for your baby’s due date to arrive, use that time wisely to design a baby nursery decor that will grow with your child. A little planning now can save you time and money down the road as your baby becomes older.

Quick and easy decorating ideas

Painting: When painting the walls of the room, most people tend to go with an off-white. But if you want to be more creative, a popular idea is to paint below the chair rail green for grass and above it blue for the sky. From there, you can simply change the decorations to fit the interests of the child.

Decorations: Posters and other artwork are an easy and inexpensive way of decorating a room quickly. This allows you to keep up with the child’s interests and letting them select the posters gives them input for their room.

Fabric Designs: There are many wonderful novelty prints available in the fabric store. They are a great way to decorate and make a coordinated room. Purchase a yard or two of the print, cut out the designs, and use a fabric starch to stick the designs to the wall (use a liquid spray starch, soaking the pieces, apply them to the walls, they will stick after they dry). This works wonderfully, especially in apartment where you may not be able to use nails. If you sew, you can also create matching curtains and possibly bedding as well.



Not your ordinary paint job


Magnetic paint: A recent addition to the decorating tools available is magnetic paint. While a bit more expensive than regular paint, it’s great to use in a child’s room. Paint a coat, or two (following the directions) over the primer, then paint over the magnetic paint with the main color used in the room. Alphabet and number magnets then become not only a decoration, but educational.

Chalkboard paint: Another fun paint to use in a child’s room is chalkboard paint. Using it either below the chair rail, or just in one area, makes a great place for a child to be creative, without damaging the rest of the walls.

Probably the most important aspect to keep in mind while decorating a room to grow with your child is the furniture. There are many "convertible" beds, that can be used as a crib, then a day bed, and eventually a twin bed, with the simple addition of support braces and a mattress.


Most of all have a little bit of fun with your baby nursery decor!

I've done a baby snoopy nursery theme and a road construction theme.

What have you done with your nursery?

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How to Scrapbook

Scrapbooking is an ideal way for you to preserve memories and share thoughts. It is a great way to spend some time too. Every one of us has memories that mean so much to us and the thought of losing them is something that no one really wants to think about. Yet, when we get them together and get them on paper, they can be with us for a long while and they will be there even when we are not.

Don't get distracted by all the scrapbook supply choices

Wondering how to scrapbook? Getting started in scrapbooking may seem overwhelming. If you walk into the local craft store, you are likely to see a wide range of products to purchase. You’ll find a lot of kits that you can use, stickers, papers and fun colored markers and paint. You’ll find a wide range of choices and this may have you thinking that you need to purchase all of this to create a great looking scrapbook. The fact is, though, that you really do not need to do all of that at all.

When getting started in scrapbooking, you should carefully consider the options that you have and the things that you really would like to use. You don’t have to use pricy products to have a great looking scrapbook either. Here are some tips that can help anyone to get started with their scrapbooking project.

Start practicing your scrapbook planning skills

• What will you put your thoughts in? The first thing that you should consider is the book or album that you will use for your scrapbook. You can do these on the computer if you like. You can use a photo album or your can purchase a specific scrapbooking album. But, whatever you use, make sure it is what will give you the most freedom in design. This way, you can make it personal.

• What will you use to personalize it? Adding pictures to the scrapbook is easy. But, from here, you’ll need to personalize it. Now, you can do this in many ways. If you enjoy stickers, you can use them. Or, you can take some colored paper, cut fun shapes and sizes out and use these. There are plenty of ways to add sayings and messages that are easy to do.

• How will you preserve the images? It is essential that you use paper that is acid free and preserve your images. This will help you to get the best results and it will help you to get a scrapbook that is going to last for many years.

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Love Quotes From Songs

Set Sail Layout

Love quotes from songs are the perfect addition to any baby album. Inspire your layouts and journaling by borrowing a few perfect words from someone else. Do you find you feel love for you newborn like you never knew was possible?

Pick one of these scrapbook quotes that rings true to your heart.

It's incredible, that someone so unforgettable, thinks that I am unforgettable too. - Nat King Cole, "Unforgettable"

At last my love has come along. - Etta James, "At Last"

I've looked around enough to know that you're the one I want to go through time with. - Jim Croce, "Time in a Bottle"

I can fly higher than an eagle for you are the wind beneath my wings. - Bette Midler, "Wind Beneath My Wings"

I know this love of mine will never die. - The Beatles, "And I Love Her"

I'll be adding more scrapbook quotes soon.

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Bow Tie Ham n Cheese

Here is a toddler friendly supper idea

Ingredients:
2 cups (8 ounces) uncooked bow tie pasta

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

2 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard

2-1/2 cups shredded Colby cheese

4 ounces sliced cooked ham, cut into strips

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:
Cook and drain pasta as usual. Melt butter in a saucepan. Saute garlic in this for a few seconds. Whisk in flour, salt and pepper, stir until smooth. Add milk and stir constantly while heating to a boil. Continue to boil for a minute then stir in mustard and cheese. Cook and stir until cheese melts. Stir in cooked noodles and ham cubes until well coated in melted cheese. Sprinkle lightly with parmesan cheese at serving time.

*TIP: Keep a jar of cheese sauce around or use the package of cheese sauce from macaroni and cheese for those rushed/in a hurry nights.

More Food for Crop

Wake Me Up Tacos

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Wake Me Up Tacos

Floral Focus Layout

Welcome to the Food for Crop section of my blog. We can't scrapbook all the time, right? A gal's got to eat. Ok, maybe it's that the family has to eat???

Wake Me Up Tacos

Ingredients:
6 ounces of breakfast sausage
1 can refried beans
1 tablespoon butter or margerine
8 eggs, beaten
12 taco shells (crunchy or soft whichever you prefer)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups diced tomatoes
2 cups green pepper
2 cups favorite salsa

Instructions:
Brown sausage in skillet, drain as usual. Mix sausage and refried beans together in a large bowl. Melt butter in skillet, add eggs and scramble as you usually would. Fill taco shells by layering meat/bean mix, scrambled egg, cheese, tomato, pepper and salsa.

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Baby Shower Games

Peek A Boo Layout

Baby showers are a fun time for all. They are a time for family and friends to celebrate and honor the mother-to-be. Typically, the guests at a baby shower are a variety of close friends, acquaintances, and the families of both the mother and father, and it's unlikely that everyone knows each other. So a fun way to break the ice and get acquainted is to play a few games.

Play short, fun games

The games are short and fun to play. Everyone has a good time and gets to know each other a little. The winner of each game wins a prize. You can decide whatever type of prize you want to give out depending on what you think your guests would enjoy. You could give out candy, a small gift basket, candles, or evena bottle of wine.

Don't know any fun games to play at a baby shower? Here are a few suggestions.

Measuring Mommy
This is a fun game in which all the guests haveguess how big mommy's belly has gotten. Bring a long roll of string (toilet tissue works in a pinch too). Each guest estimates the size of the mother's belly and cuts a length of string based on their guess. After everyone has had a chance to guess, take turns wrapping the string around the mother's stomach. Whoever guessed the closest wins the prize!

Sing It, Baby
Have all the guests sit or stand in a big circle. Starting with the mom-to-be, each guest must sing a line or two from a song that has the word "baby" in it. If a guest can't think of one when their turn comes, they're "out". It's not as easy as it seems. Songs can't be repeated, and you'll be surprised how quickly people get eliminated. The last person left wins.

Who's who?
When you mail out the invitations, ask each guest to include a picture of themselves as a baby in their response. On the day of the shower, number each picture and display them in the room where everyone can see. Give each guess a piece of paper and let them guess who they think each baby picture is. Whoever gets the most right wins.

How Many Q-Tips?
Get a big jar and fill it with Q-Tips. Be sure tocount them as you put them in. Guests have to guess how many Q-Tipsare in the jar, and the one that comes closest wins!

Take lots of pictures

Most importantly, be sure to have your camera out and get pictures of everyone!
Happy baby shower planning.

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Valentine's Day Scrapbook Titles

Cutie Pie Layout

Here are a few Valentine scrapbook title ideas to give your album a little love.

Love is in the air

All we need is Love

Makes my heart go pitter-patter

Celebrate with Chocolate

After all, Romance is just one small piece of the love equation

A day dedicated to love

Lovin Life

Pucker Up

I'm hot for you

Every day moments that spark my passion

You melt my heart

Little Cupid

You'll Always Be Mine

The Season of Love

Dedicated to You

Why I Love You

Heart's Content

You Are My Valentine

Silly Love Songs

Perfect Valentine Treat

Love in Bloom

Songs from my heart

Take Heart

Endless Love

Live Laugh Love

The smallest things bring the biggest love

Snuggle Up

You Have My Heart Today and Always

My Family Loves Me

Much Sweeter Than Sweets

Sweet Little Fingers, Cute Little Toes

Call Me Dr. Love

Simply Adorable

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Winning Tactics for Formal Baby Pictures

When you take your baby the very first time for baby pictures you are probably going to be very nervous and excited. You may be worried that you'll get carried away. That's ok. This is a once in a lifetime event and those first pictures are going to be favored. Your little darling will never be that little again. Relatives will treasure the photos as well.

Choosing a place to get your baby pictures taken

There are many great places to go for getting your baby pictures taken. Some, by your own opinion, will be better than others. If you know others that have had pictures taken recently, you can ask them about the experience. Find out what they like and what they didn't. Ask to see the pictures to determine if it is a style you like.

Try calling around to find out about the businesses. Can you bring props or extra clothing changes? How much time is allowed?

Determine how many times you want to go have baby pictures done

Every photography business is going to offer different packages. They may have a type of membership program. Determine up front how many times a year you wish to have new baby pictures taken. Ask about the programs when you call around. This tactic for formal baby pictures will ensure you don't overbuy a package or membership. It's harder to make a sound decision when you feel pressured to make it on the spot, but this way you'll go prepared.

Make a list of the sizes of baby pictures you need and the quantity of each size

Spend the time making a master list of who you would like to give baby photos to. Include what size of picture you would like to give them. Compare this list to some of the picture packages offered. This is a great way to avoid panic ordering and sticker shock. You may determine you need to scale back the expectations of how many pictures you can purchase based on what you can afford.

Save the master list. It will come in handy not only when having formal baby pictures taken, but when you order your own reprints too.

Make sure you allow for a few extra photos. You'll be able to tuck them away and it will avoid reprint costs if the need arises.

First baby pictures are a great way to celebrate milestones. Plan ahead and have fun with your little one.

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Scrapbooking Ideas

Don't feel like you have to come up with your own ideas

Having a wide range of scrapbooking ideas can be one of the most challenging aspects of creating a memory album. I know I get stuck on albums because I'm afraid I don't have the right ideas to get started. How about you? Are you currently not moving forward on your dream to have meaningful scrapbooks? Just take a moment to remind yourself that you do not need to be skillfully trained or have unlimited ideas for types of scrapbook layouts.

Journaling ideas to start your album

Ask yourself a few questions about scrapbooking. Write out the answers. This will help you gather the right information.

1. What would you like your scrapbook to look like?

2. What memories do you have of this person that you would like to come through in the scrapbook?

3. What would you like the scrapbook to say about all the people in it?

4. What qualities do you love about each person?

5. What milestones, important aspects or life changing events have occurred in their life that should be included in their book?

Scrapbooking ideas are everywhere

Asking questions like these will help you come up with great ideas for your layouts. I like how it allows me to visualize what the finished product will look like. The next stop is magazines, analyzing color combinations I like or poring over scrapbooking specific publications. Look at the orientation of elements on a page. Look at the color combinations of your clothes. Walk through the card aisle at the store. Finding ideas does not need to be too hard.

Learn more about types of scrapbook layouts

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Making Scrapbooking A Part of Your Life

Making Scrapbooking a Part of Your Life

I've been thinking about starting this blog for a while. It combines two of my favorite things - babies and scrapbooking.

There are many rewards of scrapbooking. You get to provide your loved ones a way to remember the important events in their life. You also get to show them that you love them. They will always remember the time you took to put together their story.

Scrapbooking is a fun way to let your creative energies shine. How cool is it that the end result will last a lifetime or maybe it will last many lifetimes.

How to Get Started with Scrapbooking
Don't Be Overwhelmed

It was difficult for me to start scrapbooking. Maybe it was for you too. I thought about it for a long time. I wanted to decide if it was an undertaking I really wanted to start. I felf slightly overwhelmed. Do you feel like you need to work on some huge project?

I found it better to just think about completing a few pages and then building from there. A scrapbook kit is a good way to try this hobby. Use the things around your home such as cards, receipts, invitations, or announcements from your child's past.

Use Other People's Ideas

Making scrapbooking part of your life is easier when you realize you don't have to come up with all the ideas. Other people's ideas are available in magazines, in galleries and on blogs. Keeping an open mind will allow you to enjoy the wide range of helpful hints available. Soon you'll be on your way to completing unique scrapbook albums for your family that will be cherished forever.

How to Scrapbook

Scrapbook Ideas

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About Earth Day

April 22nd is Earth Day, a nationally recognized day set aside to improve public awareness about the environment. Gaylord Nelson, a senator from Wisconsin, was an environmental activist and decided to move forward with the momentum gained in the early and mid-60's by The Wilderness Act, which was drafted to protect the 9 million acres of federal land.

Senator Nelson first approached President John F. Kennedy in 1962 about including environmental issues on a conservation tour. President Kennedy traveled to eleven different states over five days to share the message of preserving the environment in September of 1963. While it took until 1970 to have Earth Day officially recognized, it was a start.

Taking inspiration from the "teach-ins" in the 60's, where anti-war protestors had sit-ins on campus to share their views on the Vietnam War, he began having "teach-ins" for the environment as well. They announced the plans for an environmental movement in September of 1969 and the response was pouring in from all over the country. People sent letters, and telegrams and called Senator Nelson's offices for more information.

Denis Hayes was selected to organize the first Earth Day out of a donated office and with a few college students as staff. The grassroots movements across the United States led to nearly twenty million people celebrating Earth Day.

Earth Day's date is the same as Julius Sterling Morton's birthday, the founder of Arbor Day. Some think it was the inspiration for choosing April 22nd as Earth Day. While Arbor Day is still celebrated on April 22nd in Nebraska, it varies around the rest of the world. It is usually changed to fit in with the best planting time for the area. There are some organizations that promote Earth Day around the vernal equinox, around March 21st.

Earth Day has continued to grow over the years. Some cities have even started having Earth Weeks, which usually begin on April 16th and conclude on April 22nd. Earth Day is celebrated in 175 countries by more than a half billion people worldwide.

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Reducing Stress

Reduce stress with exercise and scrapbooking!

Exercise is important for a strong body. Regular weekly exercise not only maintains a healthy weight, but it also helps the body to deal with stress. Just thirty minutes a day of physical exercise can relieve stress. Just thirty minutes a day of scrapbooking can make you feel good by connecting with your loved ones and the good times in your life.

Exercise produces endorphins in the body. These endorphins produce a "feel good" attitude in the body. To continue to experience this feeling, people continue to exercise. Many people find scrapbooking is their outlet for having a better attitude.

Exercise also increases the flow of blood to the brain. As a result, our mental clarity becomes sharper and we see solutions to problems where at first we thought there was none. Our cardiovascular fitness increases and we enjoy an abundance of energy for the tasks we face each day.

Exercise has so many benefits, so why don’t people do more of it? One reason that people don’t exercise is that they can’t find the time. What a pickle. We all need to find time to exercise so that we can take the time to deal with the stress in our lives. Who has a box/desk/closet full of scrapbooking supplies waiting to be used? How often have you said "I don't have time to scrapbook."

For busy moms, exercising or scrapbooking in the morning may be a good option. Before the day gets going and life happens, we can get our mental boost. In the morning, you are often not interrupted. You don’t need to go to leave your house. Exercise videos and DVD’s are available that give just as good if not better workouts. Online layout galleries are quick and easy to refer to. And, you don’t have to get up, shower, get dressed and drive.

Walking is still the best overall exercise and all you need is a good pair of shoes. Why not take a brisk walk around your neighborhood in the morning to clear your head and go over your schedule for the day. For working moms, lunchtime offers a chance to walk with friends and put the stress of work behind you. For families, walking in the evening after dinner is a way for everyone to de-stress and increases their health.

Exercise boosts our immune system. It prevents the depletion of minerals in our bodies that usually comes with a prolonged stress response. Have you noticed that people who are under a lot of stress often catch colds? This is why. Exercise can prevent this type of result by keeping our minds sharp enough to deal with the stress in our lives.

I don't know if anyone has ever claimed that scrapbooking keeps you healthier, but I know that working on a hobby that is rewarding is bound to make you happier. Happiness is a good way to fight and reduce stress. Let's start scrapbooking!

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