In the Storm

Project Life 2018 | Week 32

Wait!

Wait, just a minute!

What happened to Project Life weeks 13 through 31? Yeah, that.

They didn't happen.

That doesn't mean they won't. Because I might be able to scratch (I mean scrap) together a week here or there - but probably not.

Will there be a week 33?

I'm glad you asked.

We'll see.

That's the plan right now and this week is going good so far - picture taking wise.

So, here is week 32. It was a really. good. week. Sure. There were some down spots but even those were infused with good things. My post yesterday pretty much highlights the same week I just expanded on a couple of the stories rather than bullet statements of good things.

Digitally, of course, 2- 12 x 12 pages for the Stories 2018 slash Project Life 2018 album that I am putting together in addition to my All About Me album. Except for the digital templates by Cathy Zielske all digital chipboard and stamps are by Ali Edwards and they are all about summer.

Project Life 2018 | Week 12

While I missed documenting week 11, I almost passed on week 12 intentionally.

It was one tough week. Both physically and emotionally my body and my heart and mind were spent. Nothing left.

Or so I thought.

Then, I held on to my date night - that was fabulous.

The 1000 yard swim that made my body feel so good - and my mind in control - and my heart believing.

A intense deep-water running class that simply rocks the body, moves muscles lain dormant, and gets the endorphins flowing that I feel on-top-of-the-world!

And, then there was that full-belly laughing at the family King Sunday morning while serving at Elevate. Getting to know this family little by little has done my heart so good. They are beautiful people.

And, yes, we finished Star Trek Voyager with a whoop and holler and a good cry.

Project Life 2018 | Week 9

A mish-mash of stories from our week. Watching Star Trek Voyager on Netflix; an oldie but a goodie. Reading through the In Death series by J.D. Robb. I haven't done this in three years so it was time. I missed them - all. Seriously, some beautiful skies this week; I had to choose one, though, for my pages.

I joined a deep water running class at the aquatic center in hopes of getting into shape for my mission trip in October. The next weekend my back went arrays. Our tunes on the drive south to Orlando on Saturday: Christian music; on the drive north and home to Savannah, because Jeff was driving and the driver has dibs on music: 70's Rock. But, all three of us, Jeff, Jarrod, and I were rockin' out to some good tunes! I made some yummy fish this week; a new recipe, a blackened tilapia with sautéed green beans and onions. Simple, but delicious fare.

As I mentioned we drove to Orlando on Saturday to deliver our older couch to my nephew. He gifted us lunch at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse as a thank you. Short trip and quick catch up with some family but - just. so. great. For The Sunshine Girls this week I made a simple braided blueberry, almond, and cream cheese tart. I snuck a bite or two off the ends because it wouldn't fit in the container I was using to transport them in as is. Jeff's current jobsite received their substantial completion certificate and a bit of a breather. The job was plagued with problem after problem when he and another superintendent were called to the job to takeover and get it to completion on time. It's been a long, hard, road.

Project Life 2018 | Week 8

Project Life 2018 Week 8, 19 February - 25 February is in the books. Digitally, I kept the page super simple. Firstly, I made a 1-page instead of a 2-page because I had so few photos and they were all vertical (which rarely happens). But, also, except for the weekend, the week was 1) painful, and 2) long.

The weekend redeemed our week. Jeff got home early enough on Friday that we had a great date night downtown City Market at Vinnie Van Go Go's. Always love the atmosphere and their pizza! Although we scarfed on pizza we brought some home, too! Saturday was a few errands but mostly relaxing. The weather was perfect enough that we were able to go out on the porch and read for quite a while.

On Sunday, besides our normal making breakfast for Elevate volunteers, church, and serving, I had my first short term mission trip meeting for my Austria trip in October. Wow! Oh, Wow! I'm excited!

Digitally, again, I kept it simple, also, because I used one digital kit for the entire page. Kits are created to 'go together'. I made this one work for me.

Project Life 2018 | Week 7

Because it is February and because week 7 centers around Valentine's Day I thought I'd go with the color scheme to match; red, pink, and a pretty light turquoise/blue. I changed things up this week by using all 3 x 4 photo templates plus 3 x 4 journal and filler cards.

I had a ton of photos (although many of them were terrible) to choose from because Ash, Brad, and the kids were here for a long weekend. Gonna' have to do something about my photography skills. Driving me nuts!

We began the week with John getting in a little car accident. Thankfully, not his fault and he wasn't hurt - and he was in old Blue so the truck wasn't hurt much either.

The rest of the week was anticipating the kids coming and spending time with them. Ashley, Brad, Jeff, and I had an after Valentine's Day double date at Boars Head Grille and we had a wonderful time. We sneaked out of the house while Samuel's back was turned and eating his dinner with Jarrod giving him his attention. This was enough to set the course of the night. Not one time did Samuel cry while we were gone. 

Ian planned a Nerf war, even down to his own rules, before they came down because he wanted a Nerf battle with John and Jarrod. Ashley joined in, along with Wyatt, of course. They had a blast. Ian's 'rules' had him not being allowed to get shot at. Ah, that didn't happen!

Samuel has grown up quite a bit since their last visit. He allowed Jeff to hold him for quite awhile without any trouble at all. He gave numerous kisses, willingly. He smiles and plays easily. It's a nice, beautiful change.

 

Project Life 2018 | Week 6

Stars and labels for repetition and a unifying approach to this 2-page, 12 x 12 Project Life® digital scrapbooking layout of our Week 6, 2018. I used journal cards, journal spots (those labels), and embellishment pieces and stars from Ali Edwards Design™ Story kit™ BEST and MAGIC to tell our story, mostly about our weekend away after a long, tiring, and frustrating week.

We had a really good long weekend in Jacksonville, firstly, to see The Lion King on stage at the Moran Theatre, and second, to relax and recoup. And, of course, eat good food. Because anytime we visit somewhere, it is about the food, too.

I was thrilled my brother Rich was able to join us for a Saturday morning breakfast. We actually visited a restaurant he hadn't ever been to, the Maple Street Biscuit Company. Which was delicious, by the way; and, we found out a store is coming to Savannah!

Except for seeing the Lion King and having breakfast with my brother we had zero plans for our weekend. Well, we did plan on eating at Sonny's BBQ on our way to Jacksonville on Friday morning. Sonny's is very much a favorite place to eat BBQ these past 25 years, so every chance we get - and we made it work so we could eat lunch at Sonny's on the way - we navigate our way through their doors and eat their yummy BBQ.

Near the Maple Street Biscuit Company there is an old-time little movie theater with an old-time marque; comfortable, roomy, leather cushioned seating with a table between the seats and a concession stand that serves everything from popcorn and candy to nachos and pizza; from water and sodas to beer on tap. After breakfast we formulated the idea of an afternoon movie with a tub of hot buttered popcorn - instead of eating lunch.

It was back to the hotel and an afternoon of relaxing and reading before dinner at another new-to-us restaurant, Ted's Montana Grill for some gourmet burgers. Then, another movie in the evening, Den of Thieves. Both movies for the day were good, but not great.

Sunday, rather than stay until the last minute to check out, we decided on an early morning breakfast at our favorite Metro Diner and drive back home in time for church at the 11 o'clock service.

Project Life 2018 | Week 5

Surprisingly, I am not have too much trouble keeping up with Project Life each week. As evident by all my posts and pages this year I am spending quite a bit of time scrapbooking, digitally. It has been most enjoyable of late and I'm having a ball!

Our weeks are pretty much routine but there is enough 'different', 'new', 'changes', or 'varied', that I don't feel our weeks are simply ho-hum. For instance, this week, I realized I wore scarves to work almost everyday of the week. Boom! Told that story. And, Jeff is eating out everyday of his work week. Another story - and why. What I'm reading. Clouds, of course. Life - as it happens.

Digitally, I kept this super simple without overthinking it much. I used multiple templates, both 3 x 4 and 4 x 6, inserting photos, with journal spots within the templates. Easy! Journal cards, re-colored some, became filler cards. I used both Ali Edwards' Story Kits (various kits) and Paislee Press templates (multiple templates). Love how the pages turned out, too.

Project Life | Week 3

Today I am sharing my Project Life, Week 3 pages. This is week 3 of 52 weeks in our life. I realized as I was putting these pages together that it would be easier if I didn't stress over the specific day of the week, but that 'something' just happened during this week and, unless it's really important, it doesn't matter if it occurred on a Tuesday or a Wednesday or a Saturday or a Sunday. Thus, this weeks pages (which I'll make next week) will be designed and recorded differently, and hopefully, simpler.

I kept the pages uniform using the tags across the middle + days of the week for the journaling. Then each photo received a piece of chipboard embellishment. Simple.

While I did a terrible job of documenting our week, as in, I couldn't remember our week from exhaustion and one day over the next, I do, however, still love this project and hopefully will continue it throughout the year.

Project Life 2018 | Week 2

 

This was a really good week and ended with a great weekend, filled with good stuff. For these pages I used two unifying elements: a 'stories' brush set by Ali Edwards and a wood grain template set by Paislee Press. Keeping my goal of clean and simple. I knew if I wanted to keep up with Project Life this year I would have to keep it simple.

Big highlights for the beginning of the week: I began mentoring a lady from church. This came after I recently prayed for someone to mentor while reading the book Adorned - a book on mentoring. I received my One Little Word necklace - what I will wear to keep my word visual for the year. I made Symphony Brownies for The Sunshine Girls ministry (this is the ministry that goes into the clubs and ministers to the working girls in the clubs)

The weekend began early Friday morning with Jeff going to Band of Brothers men's breakfast where he is on the cooking team. He gets up crazy early (2:30am) so he can go and cook the eggs for 150+ guys who attend the Christian fellowship group each Friday morning. He hasn't been able to attend because he's been working out of town and he is thrilled to be back serving with the men.

Friday evening was date night! Jeff and I went Pistol shooting. I tried a Sig Sauer P938 compact handgun and I think I've found my weapon of choice. I loved the way it felt in my weak hands with no loss of strength the entire evening of firing. It was a challenging evening but I walked away so pleased with my improvements and identification of things I need to work on. I love that we have found a hobby that we both love.

Saturday was breakfast at Waffle House, errand running, an afternoon wedding and then family homemade pizza and a movie night! Great day! Sunday we began small group again for the new year and also began Financial Peace University. Super excited about the class.

 

Project Life 2018 | Week 1

Starting off Project Life 2018 right. I began putting these pages together on the 2nd of January with my idea already formulated. In keeping with my clean and simple goal for this project, I documented this first week of January - clean and simple.

I had a unifying embellishment - the thick, abbreviated days of the week brushes; and a second is the journal cards with the days of the week. The year began with the 1st on a Monday so it made the decision easy that I would document at the beginning of the week through Sunday, so, Monday-Sunday.

Because Wednesday was a crazy snow day Project Life will not be my only way to document this 'big' event that was our life, but, here I kept it to a minimum, one day, one photo. I caught the front of our house so pristine, without blemish from footprints when I finally pulled into the driveway after a very long day at work and a crazy slow and nerve-wrecking drive home. It turned my dismay to pure joy.

Loved our weekend. Jeff and I saw The Greatest Showman and loved it! I walked out say, "My mom would love this movie!" A stack of books came in the mail - my planned reading for the next couple of months. Then, Sunday, Dave Ramsey preached at our church for the opening and kickoff of our church's big push for Financial Peace University. Really looking forward to Jeff and I taking this class together with our small group.