nichol magouirk

Project 365 | 2010 (April Review)

We are well into May but I figured it's not too late to share my Project 365/Life April 2010 Review.

I won't lie. I did not edit one single photo last month. Not one. I was just a tad bit behind. 

So today, I made it my goal to get April completely caught up and for the most part I succeeded. I have one photo I still need to fill in but 29 out of 30? That's not bad!

Here are some highlights from April:

 

The egg photo. A classic and tradition. Fun to see how it evolves (or stays the same) year after year.

 

Springtime in Kansas.

 

A little more spring. Love when we start to see some color after the cold, gray winter!

 

Ethan modeling his sister's spec's. Totally cracked me up. This kid is a ham.

 

This picture represents a major headache is April. The crash of my hard drive. Recording the good with the bad. That's what it's all about.

 

A significant accomplishment was achieved: learning to swing himself! Yay!

 

A new puppy to love.

 

Surprise flowers from a friend. Made my day.

 

First dip in the pool this season.

For more photos of April, you can check out my Shuttercal calendar HERE.

Now, I am 5 days behind with May. Let's see if I can't get all caught up by this weekend. :)

Have a great night!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Project 365 | 2010 (March Review)

It's time for another month in review where I check in with you all on how my Project 365 is going. I read the best quote with regards to Project Life/365 this month (I wish I could find the link to who originally said this). 

"Project 365/Life Close Enough".

This is my new mantra. There have been a couple of days where I just didn't get a photo but I made up for it with other photos that were "close enough".

A great example of this:

Last month I missed February 19th. I have no idea what happened that day. None. BUT I had really hoped to take a photo of Payton with this little note her Elementary School Principal had given her telling her that she had received a 100% on her State Match Assessment Tests. We lost the note so I printed up a sign for her to hold and took a photo (a month later). But this still tells a story from February that I don't want to forget. I love that.

Here are some favorite photo shares from March 2010. To see all of my March photos, you can check them out at Shuttercal.com HERE. 

Ethan and Payton's newest obsession: Zhu Zhu pets. I didn't even know what these were when my friends were talking about finding these for their kids around Christmastime. Now we are the owners of four of these little critters. They are actually kind of cute and fun. What I love: Ethan helps himself to his sister's Zhu Zhu pets while she's at school. Just look at that grin. 

Daddy and Brenden at the March 3rd KU game. What I love: This was Brenden's only request for his birthday and Dad came through. They had a blast.

 

Bathtime with froggy. Ethan doesn't take many baths due to his eczema (showers are better...less time in the water drying out his skin) but he begged tonight and I let him. He was so happy! What I love: that the froggy in his hand is in focus and the rest is somewhat blurred.
  

 

"Mom! Take a picture. I'm Handy Manny!" How could I not? What I love: his expression + I have a whole bunch more photos with equally as precious facial expressions.
 

Skiing with cousins, Daddy and Grandpa during Spring Break. What I love: just because I didn't go doesn't mean I didn't get a fabulous photo! Way to go Daddy!

Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes. My fav! What I love: just a random weekend treat that Ethan and I made while the bigs and daddy were away skiing.

 

New floral arrangements Ethan and I put together over the weekend. What I love: how bright and springy these make our house feel.

  

Little Cutie Clementines. Ethan has been gobbling these up. I bet he eats 4-5 daily. What I love: I had to snap this quick as he was snatching them up almost faster than I could get a photo.

 

Ethan was diagnosed with Asthma today. Finally after a few weeks of doctor visits, a trip to the ER for breathing treatments and lots of worry. So happy to know what we're dealing with. His very first nebulizer treatment at home with his brand new machine. What I love: documenting life as it comes. 

Ethan and Daddy playing a little Nintendo DS. What I love: just a daily activity here lately. These boys love Mario Brothers. 

 The sun coming up as I was driving home after taking the kids to school. What I love: I snapped this with my little point and shoot that I carry in my purse. I just pulled over and snapped it quick.

The weather has been gorgeous here the last couple of days. The kids have spent as much time as possible outside. What I love: those gorgeous blue eyes. 

Snapped this quick after Ethan's pre-school Easter party. They dyed and hunted eggs and got treat bags. I wanted a photo with his mask. He said, "I'll wear the bunny mask tomorrow okay?" He was NOT happy but I threatened a nap so he complied. ;) What I love: I have photos of all 3 of the kids at this age that are very similar. I feel a scrapbook page coming on....

That was March.

Bring on April!

 
 

Project 365 | 2010 (February Review)

As we're nearing the end of February I thought I'd check in with a review of how I did this past month.

I started off great but lost some steam near mid-month. I managed to get a photo almost every day (had to take the photo from the 19th later since I missed the actual day) but I just didn't feel like I was doing as good a job at keeping up or making the photo a day a priority. I'm caught up with my Shuttercal calendar now and back on track. Ready to tackle March. How are my fellow Project Life/365 participants doing?

Here's a few favorite photos from the last half of February:

I call this the sugar-induced crazy face after the pre-school Valentine's party. The meltdown followed closely thereafter. I like that the photo captured some of the spoils from his party as well.

Counting change with Daddy and putting it into rolls to take to the bank is a favorite activity of all the kids, however, Ethan was the lucky one tonight and was assigned the task of stacking pennies. I like that this photo fell so close to President's Day. A happy coincidence. :)

If you read my blog regularly you've seen this photo scrapped (already!) HERE. I added some fun actions for the Pioneer Woman to the photo on the layout. Kept it simple for the Project 365 album. What I love: those cute faces and big smiles!

 
Chopping scallions and cilantro for supper one night. I use both of these ingredients often. What I like: a very good representation of every life for me.

I finally remembered to take a photo of the beautiful roses Chad sent me for Valentine's Day. They were gorgeous (and Payton got her own roses too!). I am lucky. What I love: the pops of color against the green foilage thanks to photo actions from Maggie Holmes. 

Ethan's Cars cars. These have been a staple play toy for him. He loves the movies and his collection of vehicles. What I like: this is my everyday life. I find these everywhere during the course of a week. 

I thought it was so cute tonight as I cleaned up the kitchen when I found Buzz Lightyear among Brenden's Geography homework (courtesy of Ethan). "To infinity and beyond!" What I like: the snippet of another everyday life activity: homework.

More food. Our good friends, Stevie & Cindy, invited us over for Pho one day for lunch. Yummy. She makes a bunch and it feeds a ton of people. What I like: even though this photo is of the food, it evokes good memories and celebrates friendships.

This was the sky yesterday as I was driving the kids home after school. The kids even commented on how cool looking the sky was. I ran in the house when we got  home and grabbed the camera to capture several shots. What I like: It was so overcast and cloudy but every once in awhile there would be a break in the clouds and a peek at the beautiful blue sky. 

Getting ready to place my photo order at Scrapbook Pictures tomorrow so that I can fill in all of February in my album!

Have a super weekend!

Project 365 | 2010 (checking in)

Still taking a photo a day (well, except for Friday but I'll get to that in a moment). 

I will be updating here periodically with some photo shares as the 365 journey progresses. I have to say that shuttercal.com is really, really helping with this process. Having a place where I can upload my photo + write a few words about it makes this process so much easier for me. For one thing I don't forget what I want to say about the photo or day. The journaling is already there. Not to mention I love that I can check out my friends' photos and see what is going on in their lives. Makes me happy + it inspires me to keep going!

So, Friday, I forgot to take a "life" photo. I do have a photo. Several, in fact, but they are scrapping related.  (See THIS post). I am going to use one of these because a) I don't have any other photos from the day and b) it is a part of my life. I was one of the hostesses for the Two Peas online crop on Friday evening and getting ready for it took a good portion of the day. That and the plumber that was here for hours messing up my hot water. ;)

Back to photo shares, here are a few favorites from the last couple of weeks:

I really love this photo of my oldest engrossed in a book. We were spending the evening hanging out, just he and I, and it was just one of those great moments where I caught him being himself. Not posing. Not rolling his eyes that Mom has the camera pointed at him. He's growing up. There are new trials and challenges. But also lots and lots of joy. Chad and I were just discussing yesterday what a young man he is becoming. We can see it happening right in front of our eyes. I am so, so proud of this kid.  

My latest obsession. I posted about them HERE. I love the rainbow of colors so I wanted to record that + I want a record of me in this album, too. I don't want to forget to include what I'm into these days.  

 This really isn't a great photo by any stretch of the imagination but I absolutely adore the smiles and laughter on these two faces. They made an obstacle course out of the kitchen bar stools and were racing a car through them while I cooked supper. This photo just made my heart happy. Proof that they don't always fight. ;)

 A little Valentine crafty project that Payton is working on. She found a book at the school library with Valentine crafts and couldn't wait to bring it home and show me. We saved paper towel holders and a tissue box for a couple of weeks so she could put this together. Once she finishes painting and decorating it she can use it as her "mailbox" for the Valentine's she gets at school. She said to me this morning, "why are you sharing it, it's not done". Because sweet girl, I needed a photo the other day and this just spoke to me. She rolled her eyes. 

 Food photos: I tried this Cherry Tomato and Ravioli Soup recipe last night and it got rave reviews from all three kids (Daddy is out of town and sorry he missed it!). Mellypea shared the link for this recipe the other day and gave it two thumbs up so I immediately put it on my "must make soon" list. I've really been trying to make new things. I feel like I've been stuck in a bit of a food rut lately. This yummy soup is going on permanent rotation, though!

Speaking of food: I haven't made these Strawberry Banana Crepes in years. I have no idea why I waited so long either. They are just as delicious as I remember and the kids ate the heck out of them. Another recipe that is going on permanent rotation for Sunday Brunch.

Recipe:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 - 1/2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 -2 tbsp butter or margarine (I used shortening)

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, milk and eggs; mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

In an 8" nonstick skillet, melt 1 tsp. butter. Stir  batter, pour about 2 tbsp into center of skillet. Lift and tilt pan to evenly coat bottom. Cook until top appears dry; turn and cook 15-20 seconds longer. Remove to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter, adding butter to skillet as needed. When cool, stack crepes with waxed paper or paper towels in between.

FILLING:

• 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
• 1 carton (8oz.) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the filling ingredients. Spread 2 rounded tablespoons on each crepe; roll up.

TOPPING:

• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 2 medium firm bananas, sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar, optional (I left this out, my kids don't really care for sugar on their fruit)
• we also had fresh blueberries :)

Combine topping ingredients; spoon over crepes. (I don't combine the fruit, I just place bowls of each on the table and everyone can help themselves to the toppings they like).

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. We're getting ready for snow today (not as much as so many of you have been getting the last few days, though)! Stay warm if you're snowed in. Have a great day!

Project 365 | 2010 (more photo shares)

I already have a better start on this year's Project 365/Life than I ever did last year. I feel like I am really looking around me each day and taking photos of our life, as we live it. Not only do I have a photo every day for my album but it's encouraging me to take a bunch of other photos every day too. Such a good feeling. Now, to find myself a photography class. Anyone have suggestions for that? Anyone taken a really great photography class that they would recommend? Learning to take better photos is on my list of things to do this year.

I am still keeping up with my Shuttercal daily calendar. Such a great place to keep track of those daily photographs and to jot a note about each before I forget.

Here are a few more photos that I've added Ali Edwards photo overlays and/or brushes to (all from Designer Digitals):

Everyday Life: Shopping. Thought it would be fun to have a visual of something so basic but so integral to our lives.

Pets. If you're a pet owner you know what a big part of life these rascals can be. Found my yellow lab puppy taking a nap in a lawn chair on the back porch. Totally cracked me up and just check out those big paws. She has a lot of growing left to do!

Food. I'm working on taking better and more interesting food shots. We all eat everyday, why not take photos of our favorites? These cream puffs are SO yummy!

 
Family Members Activities: Project 365 isn't just about MY life, but the life of my family. However, I have come to the conclusion that trumpet practice every evening isn't cruel and unusual punishment for the kids, it's cruel and unusual punishment for the parents. Ha! 

Remember the photos I shared the other day in THIS blog post? I received that order last Saturday from scrapbookpictures.com. So fast! The photos look great and I'm extremely excited to see my album taking shape.

I'm working on a blog post & video featuring Project 365. Not quite sure when I will share that but it is coming: eventually. 

Have a great evening. :)

Project 365 | 2010 (revisited)

Project 365 | 2009 was a huge failure. Huge.

I think I made it only through the middle of March 2009 before forgetting it altogether. I had holes everywhere where I had forgotten to take photos, forgotten journaling and I just gave up. But every time I looked at my album on the shelf I was sad. I really, really wanted to finish my album. I saw Becky Higgins' new Project Life kit and it rekindled that desire to record an entire year of daily photos in one album, to see my life/my family's life in day-to-day photos. So, I removed the unfinished pages from my book, I reorganized the components (of the 2009 Project 365 kit), removed the items I didn't want to use. Went through and wrote the dates out on the weekly cards for the whole year and put everything in one place, ready for photos + journaling. I'm not going to stress myself out about it, I'm just going for a low-key, easy way to document my story, one day at a time. I can do it.

One of those things that is helping me is Shuttercal.com. I just add my photos + a bit of info about each and I have a great record of my daily life. As I get around to it, I can print my photos and add them to my album. Loving this system right now. 

I'll share bits and pieces of my book as I go along, what works for me, what doesn't. And yes, I totally love the 2010 Project Life kit but I still have a gorgeous 2009 Project 365 kit that is awaiting my photos + memories. I am all about using what you have and making it work. 

Here's a peek at some of my photos so far (I started my book on Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 so that my book goes Sunday to Saturday):

Looking out across the snow/frost covered golf course. So beautiful.

I redecorated my family room fireplace mantel with cheap finds from Hobby Lobby's clearance sale. All browns/naturals/whites. Love.

Tried a new recipe tonight and the family loved it. Mongolian Beef with Wide Rice Noodles. Delicious.

Daddy and Payton on the slopes. Love those smiles.

Saying good-bye to the last of the lidded cups in our home. Started regretting it after cleaning up the first spill of the day. 

All photo overlays/brushes are Ali Edwards for Designer Digitals. I've had them awhile. Again, just using what I already have.

I'll share more on this soon. Have a super weekend!