Blog your heart

I've been a fan of Stephanie Howell's blog for some time now.  A while back she invited her readers to join her as she blogged one day a month whatever was on her mind.  No theme, no layouts, or scrap business, just whatever was on her heart at that point in time.  I really liked the idea and tucked it in the back of my mind to use at some point on my own blog.  Today is the the day. I thought it would be a great way to finish NaBoPo (National Blog Posting Month).  Here's what's been on my heart these days.

1. I am pretty proud of myself for having blogged every single day (and twice in one day a couple of weeks ago) this month.  I have a ton of respect for those who do it all the time, especially those who actually have something to say each day, and don't just throw up a photo for the day.

2.  I've had a real sense of blessing lately when ever I grocery shop.  Sounds weird, I know, but for some reason the last few times I've stopped to pick up groceries I've been overcome with gratefulness as I'm loading the back of my van with everything my family needs, and even things we just simply want, to fill our tummies.  I thank God that we have all  we could ever need here in North America, it is a luxury so many people on this planet cannot afford.

3. I've still not set decorated our home for Christmas.  I've noticed this year, that many people in our neighbourhood put up their tree on Remembrance Day.  I have never noticed before that a lot of people seem to do this.  I think the fact that we have 3 birthdays in our home between November 20 and December 10th is what keeps me from doing it any earlier than the second week of December.  We also prefer a real tree, so that prevents us from putting one up too soon. 

4. I'm wanting to change up the look of my blog and go to something really simple.  Clean lines and only a pop of colour. The only thing stopping my, is the time involved.  Whenever I've changed the look of my blog I end up getting sucked into it, adding this, removing that and tweaking away for an hour or so before I'm happy with it.  I've decided to leave it alone for now, until I have some undivided time to devote to it.

5. I've been enjoying my job at the Scrapbook Cottage, and feel privileged to be there every time I walk through the door.  The girls I'm working with are all so sweet.  We all come from such different backgrounds, it makes for a lot to talk when we're not serving customers.

6. I'm feeling more tired these days than usual.  I don't know if it's the fact that I haven't worked out in a few months (oh the shame, but there's no time), or the fact that there's less sunshine these days, or simply the fact that I'm on my feet a few more hours per week now that I'm working, and my old body has to get use to it.

7. I'm looking for some good ideas for a vacation for our family this winter.  We've decided not to go skiing as we have for the past 2 years, but now need something else to do.  It was nice to have something to look forward to in the cold winter months.  I'd really like to take the family to Disney World, but don't even know where to start to book it.  I've heard of amazing deals some are able to get.  I want one of those too :)

8. Feeling grateful for my mother and father in-law, who have so graciously agreed to watch our girls this weekend, so D and I could get away to Banff for a couple of nights.  I am so looking forward to the fresh mountain air, and getting to spend some time alone with my honey.  It has been such a busy year for him.  A lot of travel, a lot of early mornings, and a lot of late nights.  This will hopefully make up for all the date nights we've skipped over the last 9 months or so.

9. Lastly, I'm looking forward to a fun announcement that should be made next week.  Can't wait to share it with you.

That's about it for me.  See, no order in particular, just what's been on my heart.

What do you say I invite you to join me on this Blog Your Heart out journey?  I'll shoot Stephanie an email to make sure she's okay with me using her idea, and we'll go from there.  I'm thinking the last day of every month will be 'Blog Your Heart Day'.  How you get involved is simply do one of two things.  If you have a blog, do your own entry for the day, and leave me a comment telling me you've done so, and I'll pop over and read what's on your heart that day too.  If you don't have a blog, simply blog your heart in my comments section, and I'll read all about what's on your heart right here.  Sound good?  Who's in? 

Happy Wednesday friends.  Thanks so much for stopping by friends!  Oh and don't forget about the the Christmas Inspiration Blog Hop.  Lots of craftiness, prizes, deals and plenty of inspiration.

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A winner & A Sketch

I put together a fun little scrappy package last night for one lucky winner.  A selection of papers from the recently released Echo Park Times & Seasons line with coordinating trim and embellishments.  There's enough there to scap a couple of pages or complete several cards, or even alter a project.  Once again Random.Org helped me to select a winner, but first a layout.

Creative Scrappers sketches are my go to when I'm looking for a little design inspiration.  Sketch 183 went up last week, and was created by fellow Winnipeger Nicole Nowosad.  Once again, it didn't fail to get me the creative boost I was looking for.
Here's the sketch:

And here's my layout:

The photo was taken during Sheila & Kyles wedding ceremony, a couple of years ago.  The colours were a perfect match for the new Echo Park Times & Seasons papers.

Now on to my winner. Here's what's up for grabs.

sorry about the crazy shadows

Without further ado...

Congrats Tara, you are my winner. Let's be in touch and figure out how to get your goodies to you.

Don't forget to check out the Christmas Inspiration going on over at Scrapping Everyday Miracles, for today's Christmas project, and deal/giveaway of the day.

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Christmas Inspiration Week

I'd like it invite you all to join Scrapping Everyday Miracles in their Christmas Inspiration Week.  A full seven days of blog hopping, focused on Christmas themed inspiration for you to enjoy.  SEM designers have some fun and creative holiday themed projects to share.  They've also teamed up with some amazingly generous sponsors for fabulous daily prizes and deals.  At end of the week all who participate in the inspiration by sharing their creations will have an opportunity to win a really great prize pack from this month's sponsor Burlap & Buttercups.  To kick off the fun there's a chance for everyone to get in on the winning early.  Check it out for yourself here.  The hopping starts today so be sure to check out Wendy's kick off day of Christmas inspiration post here. Pin It

Go Blue!!!

In our house
today is all about the
Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

D and I are big fans of our local football team.  Three hours of our day today, will be spent cheering on our favorite Canadian Football Team with friends.  The Blue and Gold as they're often referred to have had a spectacular season this year.  They came out with a bang and spent seven weeks at the top of the standings.  There was some faltering in the mid-season, but they got right back on track to earn their spot in the biggest Canadian sporting event of the year, the Grey Cup. We are so proud of these guys, many of whom are our brothers in Christ.  They've worked very hard, and sacrificed a lot to get here.  Time away from home for many who are from the US, time away from their home church, and close friends.  These are all factors that play into what shapes these guys and grows them in humility, grace, and character throughout the season.  We are so thankful for our friend, Lorne Korol.  He's the Blue Bomber chaplain.  He encourages these guys with scripture, and teachings throughout the year, reminding them of the God who created them, and like Ephesians 2:10 says "prepared good works for them to do in advance".  Football is just one of those good works.  It's their job, the way they provide for their families.  Their office so to speak, where they live out the plans the Lord has for them.  Where they shine the light of Christ through everything they do, everything they say, and how they act towards their fellow teammates, and opponents in the game.  I pray for their safety today as they play, that the Lord would watch over them, and keep each one safe in body, mind, and spirit.

Go Blue Go!
 

You still have until midnight (CST) to enter the giveaway posted here.  I'll draw a winner tomorrow morning.  Good luck to you.

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A few cards

 Go here to enter the giveaway.

We are in the middle of a busy weekend here.  Seems to be a recurring thing for us.  Tonight we'll be taking kicking off the Advent Season at church with a fun family event.  I'll be leading worship with some friends.  We'll be rocking out to upbeat, energetic Christmas tunes, like you've never heard them before.  The kids love them, and have a ton of fun dancing and singing along.

I have a couple of cards that I've not yet shared and thought I'd do that today.

Another Scrapbook Nook card from Danni & Leah's card class

Isabelle's birthday card - there's a pretty cool pocket inside that held her b'day $$$

Darwin's birthday card - no $$$ inside for him though :)

Hope you're in the middle of a fun weekend.  Thanks for stopping by! Pin It

Meet the Birthday Boy

This guy makes my life so full.  He's my partner in this journey called life.  He's supportive, giving, caring, funny, intelligent, a lover of golf and football, a hard worker, and mentor to his colleagues.  He's one of the best dads I know and the perfect piece to our Funk family puzzle.  I love him immensely, and consider my life richly blessed because of him.  Things have been super crazy for him these past few months with work, and today is no exception.  In spite of the busyness of his day, I wish him the very best of birthdays.  My prayer is that he'll know the love of the Father, and experience the very best this day has to offer as he works with pride and with integrity to provide for his family.  May he know just how much all of his girls are crazy for him.

Happy Birthday honey!

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Working on a few things

Today, I thought it might be fun to show you the beginning stages of what a layout looks like before completion.

Here's the layout I mentioned yesterday as it looked this morning. 

Here's a little peek at what it looks like now.  Unfortunately I can't show you the completed layout until next month.  It's a surprise, I have yet to reveal *sneaky, sneaky*

And here is the makings of a Christmas wreath I'm going to make today.  I'm pretty excited about it, I had so much fun making the Fall one, that I just had to tackle a Christmas one too.

This one will be a gift.  And this time I'm going to create a step by step for you.  You'll see first hand how easy it is to make one on your own.

Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by!

And a happy, happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends.

♥ S. Pin It