Time Flies

Where the heck did July go??

Our trip to Wiesbaden was too short and ruined partially by the weather. We arrived early afternoon on Friday and our first stop was the Fasanerie, a zoo-like park that has nature trails through a beautiful forrest. There are different animals (boars, deer, bears, birds) found in the park. We spent about 2 hours there and was spent. I didn't take too many photos. Honestly, I felt bad for most of the animals.

Afterwards, we headed to our hotel to get cleaned up and let the kids catch a quick nap. One of the reasons we planned the trip last minute was because...and this is silly...we wanted to see the new Batman movie at the army theatre up there. It isn't being shown down here. Crazy huh? So getting the kids to take a nap (especially Sebastian) was imperitive if we wanted to have a relatively stress free night. I'm sure you're wondering how it went. Pretty good actually, better than expected. Anberlin watched "Cars" on my iPod and Sebastian played "the New Super Mario Bros." on my DS. :) That boy loves my DS. I've been trying to keep it from him for the longest time. Then one day, I walk into the living room and find Josh helping him play Mario Bros. He's not even 3 and he's figured out the basics of the game. I do have to say, it's helping with the potty training. He gets gaming privilages if he uses the toilet.

Saturday morning we woke up early so we could take advantage of the free breakfast at the hotel. It was not first class dining by any means. Breakfast choices consisted of 3 types of cereal, variety of bread (not fresh bakery bread, but sliced bread or bagels), boiled eggs, frozen jimmy dean breakfast sandwhiches, breakfast hot pockets (I snickered at those), and Otis Spunkmeyer muffins. I looked at the bright side though...I could snag a few extra muffins and juice boxes to take with us for snacks later. Free is free afterall.

We drove downtown, not far from the hotel. Our first stop was the Lutheran Marktkirche (Market Church). It was built by Karl Boos from 1852-1862 as a Gothic Revival basilica with 3 naves, the western tower reaches 98m, making it the tallest building in the city. It was the first brick building erected in the Ducy of Nassau. the monument in front is "Der Schweiger" and was built in commemoration of William I the Silent, Prince of Orange (1533-1584).

Brief history on Wiesbaden, it goes back to about 2000 years. In 40 AD, the Romans erected a border fort as a military stronghold. In the 13th century, the city advanced to become a royal court and imperial city. In the 1900s the city flourished, and in 1945 it became the state capital of Hessen. It's also known as Germany's greenest city. It's location, lying between the Rhine river and the foothilsls of the Tuanus Mountains gives it a mediterranean climate.

Back to the photos. Twice a week, behind the church, is a fairly large farmer's market. It's been ages since I've been to one, but it automatically drew me back to living in Sicily and the markets in Catania. The colors from the produce were amazing! If only there was something similar in our area (there might, I just don't know).

Oh, this is how you attempt to keep 2 kids entertained while looking at old buildings and fruits and vegetables. Give them a toy camera.

I look forward to the day I can give them a real camera! Start them young! :D

Photo of the New Rathaus (City Hall).

Going into any large city means a stop at Starbucks. Notice the ever so thrilled expression on Josh's face. I call it the "at wit's end with the boy" look because at this stage, Sebastian was being REALLY bad. Somedays...I mean most days, he can be...how can I put this nicely...a pain. I'm talking screaming, crying, nothing will make him happy. Makes it hard to go out and have a good time, you know?
Shortly after that photo was taken, we left downtown. We grabbed a quick bite to eat on the base and it was back to the hotel to make Sebastian nap again. When he woke up, we went back to a restaraunt we visited the last time we were in Wiesbaden called Sushi World. Yummm. At this point it had been raining hard all afternoon. Luckily after dinner, the rain subsided long enough for us to take a stroll through a park called Warmer Damm (Warm Pond). It was gorgeous and had ducks, so you know the kids were all about being there.


Well I have a few more photos, but blogger is being a little punk. Plus it's late and I'm sleepy, so I'll finish my update tomorrow. :)

Finally!

I've never had a reason to make one of these, but now I do!


Woot! More details on that a little later.

This weekend we had a wonderful trip to the beautiful city of Wiesbaden. I have a bunch of photos to edit which will have to wait. For once, it's WARM outside and we're going to set up a little baby pool for the kids. Hopefully that will wear them out and they'll either take a nap later or just go to bed early. Actually, I'm hoping for both.

xoxo
jess

if vision is the only validation, then most of my life isn't real

Not much has been going on in the casa de Summers. We haven't travelled lately, but blame that on the rising cost of...well, everything. Josh has some vacation time coming up. I've been eyeing Wiesbaden for our next getaway. It's fairly close to Frankfurt, has a beautiful downtown, other sites, and more importantly, an Army hotel with reasonable rates.

Josh has been busy with school. He's taking online correspondence courses from Berklee school of Music. I don't remember the exact degree plan he's taking, but he is really enjoying it. That's important. His music seems to be taking off too. Believe it or not, they've had a couple of offers for shows...but being that he's in Germany and his "counterpart" is in the States, it would be kind of hard. A new song that is extraordinary is coming out soon. Be prepared to shake yer bacon.

Speaking of which, Josh turned me onto a new artist, Sam Sparro. Reminds me of Prince. He's got a soulful voice, with amazing beats, and poetic lyrics. He's gonna be big one day, trust me. If you get a chance, check out his self-titled album and some songs worth a listen (they're all good) are "Black and Gold," "21st Century Life," "Cut Me Loose."

A quick musical complaint. Josh has a Zune mp3 player. Basically he pays a flat fee to Microsoft and has unlimited downloads to his player. It's great b/c I can listen to a bunch of bands before deciding if I want to buy something to put on my ipod. Most bands are free, but there are a select few in which you have to actually purchase the album. And, for reasons I don't know, my fave band Fall Out Boy has become one of those bands. :( It doesn't effect me in the aspect that I have their albums on my ipod, but I like to steal Josh's Zune simply b/c he has more music. I feel so burned.

Anyways! I don't remember the last time I've been so productive, but I know why. I'm sick of making stuff for the craft fair and I'm avoiding it! Here are lots of photos of what's been going down in my dining room.
My Happy Place is my scrap area. It's getting to be quite large and I could seriously go for my own room, but I can't complain too much. The location is perfect, since I can keep an eye on the kids while they play. Or often, they join me at the table for arts and crafts while I scrap. You can see my Mary Blair collection along the top of my shelf.
Not completely happy with this LO, but you can't win them all, eh? This photo is of my husband and the owner of a local italian restaurant, Franco. The first night we went there, he came to our table and asked, "Do you like spicey?" Remember, read it with a thick italian accent. Josh replies yes and he leaves, then comes back with a bottle of his very own, "homemade hot pepper liquor." It was a regular fear factor at our table. Josh took a shot and took nearly 30 minutes for him to recover. LOL!!

This layout was made for a contest going on at SiSTV called "Project Catwalk." For round 1, we had to implement everyday household items. I chose coffee filters and a fly swatter (brand new of course). The coffee filters are colored with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist (I'm obsessed with this stuff). I then cut them into strips to resemble organza ribbon. The hearts are cut from the flyswatter then painted with black acrylic paint.

This layout was made for Heather's "Reel Classics" on SiS. I used the quote from Casa Blanca, "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." I altered the photo in photoship to make it have more of a vintage feel. I added a canvas texture, then a vignette. Another reason for doing this is the original was a bit blurry.

This was also done for another challenge on SiS called "Pass the Parcel." My item to use for the layout was a book page. I colored it with Glimmer Mist, then stamped with Autumn Leaves stamps. The photos are from 4th of July. Anberlin got a huge butterfly painted on her face. :) When we came home that night, she would not let me wash it off. The next morning she begrudgingly allowed me to wash her face, but then sulked the whole day.

This is an altered agenda book from Kaiser Crafts that I made using the new KI Memories Bloom line. Lots of work went into it. For a complete list of materials and a how to, please visit A Daily Inspiration.
The newest ScrapMojo challenge is up. The prompt is to scrap someone answering the question, "What would you do with a million dollars?" Then you also have to use a pin or a pen. These are my best friends...a few are missing though. lol. I have a big group of friends, but we're all spread out now. :(

That's it for now. I have another project to post, but I have to edit the photos. Here is a link to my other site, geared towards my Memory Works side project. Please drop by here and let me know how it looks. I only have one real entry, but hope to get more up tonight after the kids are in bed. Site is here.

xoxo

Jess

woot!

Guess who is now registered to have a home based business?

That's right! Me!

It's all legal.

And to celebrate, I've been scrapping today. My hands are covered in ink and I have an "ice cream social" to go to in a few hours. I hope to sink my teeth into some customers. lol.

Hmm..I had some things to complain about, but I'm in such a chipper mood, I think I'll save that for later.

xoxo

When Life Hands you Lemons...

I'm drowning in lemonade over here.

I got in touch with the manager at the hobby/craft shop on the neighboring base and it's a no-go. :( It's not that she's not interested. Apparently she has trouble getting groups of ladies to come in for classes. A big part of it is location. They're on an annex type base, about 15 minutes away from the main base. Plus the store is tucked away in the corner. But, she did tell me that when she had classes on my base she had a bit of success. So with a good luck wish from her, I'm back at square one.

However, she did ask that I call back after summer vacation. She may need an instructor for crafts aimed towards kids and teens.

I started another blog for my Memory-Works stuff. On that one (aimed primarily at beginners), I have an entry about the basics of scrapbooking. I plan on adding more. That site is also going to be layouts made with brands from MW and sketches to go along with the lo. I'm pretty excited about it, although I do wish my writing capabilities were better. Ah well.

Still busy with craft fair junk. I want to get started with cards, but I'm waiting for some stamp sets (all clear stamps were 40% off at Joanns), an embossing heat tool, and some powders to come in. I found a 6 pack of Pearl Ex powders for $6 on ebay...and also scored a 12 pack of Craft Essentials embossing powders for $5 from the same lady!

I don't have any layouts to show right now. Unless you're interested in scrapbooks in a box or paper bag albums. LOL. However, the new Mojo layout is due soon as well as a scrapbookmate lo, so I should have something in a day or so. But for now, I'm off to eat some sushi. It's been so long since I've had it!!

xoxo
jess

News

I guess I shall start with the bad news. My terms for Scrapping the Music is up and I decided not to extend it. Things are hectic these days, trying to get a business going and I don't want to put my other obligations on the back burner...it's just not fair to the others on the team. I'm going to miss that team...we were pretty tight nit. BUT the good news is that one of my fave people, Laura Fiore has taken over one of the spots so yay for her!!

I have an appointment to turn in my application for a home based business on Monday. Hopefully it won't take too long to get approved. SO...here is what I've decided to do. I am now an independent consultant for Memory Works. It's not exactly the route I WANTED to go, but it allows me to "legally" work from home.


I received my business packet in the mail yesterday and I can't wait to get started. I hope to have my first "party" at the end of the month. There's a few reasons why I chose this company. It carries the materials that I am familiar with and personally use. They put to company paper lines together in one kit at reasonable prices. Also, the monthly express kit is AWESOME. I'm waiting for the July one to come. At any rate, my website is all set up and ready to go. I've also started putting together an album featuring layouts that are made with what is sold on the site. I should also have a seperate blog setup for my customers with tips and sketches. Lots to do!!!

Yesterday was a great mail day. I got the Memory Works business packet, my Magistical Memories kit (OMG DROOOOOOOOL), and Josh's Dad sent me a computer. No more dumb laptop for me!!! I just need to get on the ball and reinstall all of my programs onto this one.

I've gotten word that there is going to be another Bazaar at one of the neighboring bases next month. I emailed those in charge and I hope to get a table to sell my crafts. I've gotten started on paper bag albums, then I hope to start on those word albums in a week or so. Then I plan on doing a bunch of cards. This is going to be a great way to use up my old stash and hopefully make some extra cash.

OH! Who gets the scrapbook.com newsletter?? Well, in the most recent one this layout was featured as one of the fresh pages! Pretty cool! I made it for A Daily Inspiration. We've started a new format. Instead of featuring layouts/projects with materials that Scrapbookmate stocks, we've started doing manufacturer spotlights. We're doing Luxe Designs for the next couple of weeks. It's great b/c I LOOOOVE their products.

Last week I made a going away gift for one of Josh's Sargeants. She's been a huge help since we've been here and I wanted to make her something special.

It was a big hit, and I'm glad. :) It's one thing to buy something for someone, but to make something from the heart makes it unique and special.

ScrapMojo is back after a short hiatus! And we have a super special guest...the one...the only ELSIE! I squeeled when I found out she'd be the guest b/c I LOOOOVE her line of products.

Ummm. That's it I believe. Hope you stop by the Daily Inspiration blog. Seriously there's some outstanding work going up!

xoxo
Jess

As Promised

Here are some things as promised.

Few are sneaks.

I have others that are secret. ;)

Spoke to someone in our legal office on the base. My original plans regarding teaching and selling scrap materials has been flushed down the toilet. Apparently I cannot use my mailing address because I do not pay sales tax (it's exempt). But I do have something else up my sleeve and I think it's going to work out better than my first plan.

On to the pics. The first few are from the Volksfest. Lizee, your comment cracked me up. A Volksfest is a festival ("Volks" meaning people I believe). lol. You're so cute. They had rides that the kids were able to take advantage of. Games, food booths, and a little flea market was also there. We spent a good amount of time in the Beer Garden enjoying some super yummy rotisserie chicken, german potato salad, and french fries. Oh, and this monster of a thing:

(Don't worry, he's sneaky, but not THAT sneaky).

Check this dude out. What you can't see are the three mugs he's holding in the right hand, while balancing the 7th glass ontop of everything! By the way, that's a liter of beer in the mugs. Josh and I people watched for a bit while in the garden and noticed that in the time Josh finished one beer, most of the guys around him were almost done with their second. It's like water here. ha!

SCRAP

Thank you card I made for Anberlin's Preschool Child Development teacher.
I finally made a door hanging for the front door. I used the new KI "Bloom" to cover the Fancy Pants chipboard. Also used some Hambly and Making Memories. Oh and I am officially in love with the Heidi Swapp mirrors!!

My crazy son. This isn't a super new layout, but I don't think I posted it on the blog yet. Used the newish BasicGrey Archaic line. Love the dinos!!

The latest Scrapping the Music challenge is up. Our song this week is the ultra sexy "Drive" by Incubus. I remember when that video came out, and drooling over the lead singer. lol.

My bulletin board, kinda unorganized. I've started hanging up my newest layouts up. And here are a couple of sneaks:

That's it for now folks.

xoxo

PS- Want to know something funny? Josh went to school with Gabriel Garcia, the Texan on "Nashville Star." They are both from Lytle, Texas. I watched an episode of that show for the first time last night (not a huge country fan) just so I could see who he is. Have to admit, I love what he did to "living la vida loca."