Detail Pictures.

Here are a few close up shots from around the room. I will start at the top and comment on each one. The first picture is a re purposed microwave cart. It holds a lot of stuff. Die cuts and acrylic stamps are organized in containers. Paper scraps sized for the die cuts are stored in the basket. The drawer holds cutting tools. A 12 x 12 cutting mat is on top of the cart. A cute wire basket holds small bottles of glitter and flowers.

Next is a collection of favorite photos. They are from trips to Disney and other places. Below the shelves are storage drawers holding miscellaneous items. These came for Target long ago.

The next photo is ink pad and ribbon storage. The idea is to have like items grouped together for easy use. All the stamping stuff is within arms reach. This is stored on top of an old chest of drawers. Each drawer has wooden stamps and supplies stored by category.

The bulletin board is next. It is more of an inspiration board. It will hold favorite photos and new scrap supplies. These are the things I hope to scrap soon. I am sure Sarah will fill the chalkboard with art. I love the rainbow of paint stored on the shelf. On the table below you can see a clipboard on an easel. This will display favorite layouts before they go into an album.

The ladder shelf near the door holds photo storage boxes and large chipboard pieces. Decorative items include old cameras I picked up at a flea market. A family beach picture I love is framed and displayed. This room is a combination of old pieces of furniture, Mike's office furniture, and scrap pieces. I really think it all works well together. Most of my ideas are from a book on scrapbook organization. It guides you through the process step by step. It helps you decide what you use the most and how to best lay everything out.

Now the question is- Will I organize the rest of the house? I sure hope so. The rest of the house is looking pretty neglected. I think Jamie's room is next. I have a panic attack every time I walk in. He is ready for a teenage room with a rock n roll theme. Sarah's room isn't much better. That really surprises me. For now I will just enjoy my room and catch up on actually scrapbooking.

Scraproom Pictures.

We are all battling some sort of sickness in this house. I am not going to call it the flu, but it's close. It has really wrecked this week to pieces. Jamie started on Monday. By Tuesday night Mike and I were not feeling well. Sarah went to the school nurse today with a variety of complaints. I will take her back to the doctor tomorrow for the second time this week. We already have an ENT visit scheduled for the end of the month. I'm afraid she can't wait that long. We went through this with her last year and ended up at the allergy center. Her tests all came back non reactive. So on Monday I told Dr. Brashears Sarah had not breathed through her nose since November. It was time for another specialist. I was only able to work one day this week. Major bummer all the way around.

On a lighter note, my scraproom is looking really good. It is finally camera ready. I took advantage of being home during the day with good light. Today I am posting big pictures. Tomorrow I will post detail pictures. I really love it. The room is all around fabulous. A huge thanks to Mike for making it possible. I so love having drawers to put things in. Not only is it pretty it is totally functional. Each area is organized with specific tools and products. I will give more details tomorrow. I need serious medicine and a bed right now.

Watchdog Dad.

Caldwell has a cool program for Dads. They can volunteer their time and spend a day at the school. The dads help all around the building. Typical duties include: recess, lunch duty, reading tutor, patrolling the halls, car duty and more. Their day is coordinated with their child so they spend time with them. Sarah got to introduce her dad during morning announcements. Sarah has been begging Mike to do this for a while. She was ecstatic this morning. They both wore the official watchdog shirt. Mike says the day went well. I'm sure he will blog about it. I am so proud of him. It is a great program. The kids and teachers are used to their presence and love to have their help. As a volunteer and sub I love seeing the men there. They provide a male role model where there is often not one. Caldwell does not have one man on staff currently. I have seen how some kids bond with the men who come often. Honestly, I think all parents should spend a day volunteering just to see what really happens in those classrooms.

I made beef stew in the crock-pot today. Delicious! It smelled heavenly when I came in. The puppies were about to have a nervous breakdown. The smell was driving them crazy. Shy little Dean was in my face begging for a bite. They enjoyed a bowl mixed with their kibble. I received rave reviews from the canines.

Cake and Presents.

After church we invited the grandparents over for some cake and ice cream. It was a beautiful day. The puppies have never seen so many people at one time. They were overwhelmed. Jamie loved his gifts. The Beatles picture is for his room. We are planning to redo his room in a cool rock n roll theme this summer. He absolutely loved the gift from Ma and Pa Freeze. The sword is hidden in a beautiful wooden cane. It has been a fun weekend and I am worn out from all of this celebrating. Jamie had a fabulous fourteenth birthday.

Lunch and a Movie.

The boys stayed up till 2 am last night. I was fast asleep for that kind of fun. The plan today is to take Jamie out to lunch at the restaurant of his choice. He invited Alyssa to come and then to a movie. Mike took them to see Paul Blart Mall Cop. That movie has done amazingly well for such a silly comedy. Jamie and Alyssa loved it. Is she beautiful or what? She is incredibly sweet too. Then they hung out and played some of his new games together. It was a great way to spend the day. How cool is this- it actually snowed today. Just enough to thrill the kids. I missed pictures of the flurries. I had a ladies prayer meeting at the church. Our weather is crazy.

The Party Begins.

This is painful. Jamie's birthday weekend begins with a guy's night out. He invited several of his friends over. Fourteen year old boys do not appreciate Mom's with cameras. I was very self controlled and sad. They ate pizza and played games. I took them bowling. They had a blast. Jamie loved it. I would have snuck a shot at the bowling alley but it was so dark it was pointless. Two of the boys were new friends from junior high so I was on my best behavior. Jamie is a very laid back kid but he has definitely hit the teens. The only thing harder than Jamie being 14 is Sarah. She will be 10 this November. My baby will be 10. That's tough. So here I have pictured the evidence of a party. They really had a good time.

Piano Practice.

Sarah has piano practice on Thursdays with Mrs. Lena. Both my kids love her. She is such a positive influence on them. I love how they leave each week with a feeling of confidence. I enjoy listening to their progress each time. I am so thankful for her. I believe she was purposely placed in the lives of my kids by an awesome God. The beautiful spring flowers are from her garden.