Getting to know Kobi

Kobi 

Kobi is our Chocolate Lab. He's been with us for 5 years. With it just being Mark and I left at home and all of our children grown and in their own homes, Kobi is very important in our daily lives and is definitely a huge part of our family. Anyone who has experienced this kind of relationship with a dog before knows the depth of the love and the sheer joy (and frustration) they bring to your home. Kobi is a great dog and with our children grown and moved out before he was even born, he makes us a family of three and provides companionship, entertainment, and lots of snuggles to our lives. He may be the tallest Lab we've ever seen, but he still thinks he's my lap dog. It's my fault, I really wanted an affectionate dog that would snuggle, etc., so from the day we brought him home as a tiny pup I held him on my lap and made sure he was used to close physical contact. Kato, the lab we had before Kobi, was very short and more like the runt of the litter. We went from one extreme to another.

Cocoa Mulch *WARNING*

Please tell every dog or cat owner you know. Even if you don’t have a pet, please pass this to those who do. Over the weekend, the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. The dogs loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog (Calypso) decided the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn’t acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Halfway through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly. Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company’s web site, This product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats. Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey’s, and they claim that “It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won’t eat it.” *Snopes site gives the following information:http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp.asp> Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman’s Garden Supply and other garden supply stores contains a lethal ingredient called ‘Theobromine’. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker’s chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine. **PLEASE PASS THIS ON** Shared from: http://midwestdogblog.tumblr.com/ May 20, 2013

Life Changes

I don't have any new projects to share. I was doing so good with this blog and crafting, and then I just had a major downward spiral in my world. It wasn't any one thing; that is what made it so hard for me - that I was getting so low, depressed, and could be so down yet not be able to identify why. Yes, losing my Mom is still very raw and I miss her so much, and my health is very limiting... but I think I've survived other things that were very traumatic and painful and never got this low or unstable. So I have no clear answers about why, all I know is that I am better now, and I feel like I'm at least finally headed in the right direction and that I hope it lasts. I spent my whole summer crying. Even when I was doing things I love (swimming or spending time with loved ones) I was still so sad and empty. My health had a lot to do with it. I am so limited by my health and pain issues, I can't do normal things. Often I can't stand or walk for more than 5 minutes without excruciating back pain. There are lots of other problems, but that is the one that dictates my life. I hate people who walk around with a chip on their shoulder and complain "poor me". I know that everyone has their own issues and I also know and accept that life isn't fair and it is not for me to judge for myself or anyone else. So, instead of complain I tend to withdraw and pull away from everyone and everything that I can. I do not want to be a burden on anyone. Now I am working harder to be more positive, to do more and more even if it hurts, and remain hopeful and optomistic that having weight loss surgery will decrease my pain (losing weight would seem like it would have to help if my poor joints are carrying around a LOT less weight than it is now). I think it will also help my fibromyalgia pain and breathing issues. Maybe it will cure my obstructive sleep apnea (which is severe and isn't even consistently controlled using an APAP). I miss working. I worked so hard working and going to college as a full time wife and mother to earn my nursing degree. This certainly isn't where I planned to be now when I was doing that. I have been told that it is unrealistic, but I do want to work as a nurse again. I am keeping my nursing license active, and I will continue to hope that I will physically be able to work again some day. I will pray for and believe in miracles. I don't know what God's plan is, but it seems he isn't done with me yet (if he was I don't think I would have made it through this summer). So here I am, struggling yet seeing light again after spending a very long time in a very dark and hopeless hole, and climbing out ever so steadily. Thank God for my wonderful husband who has been by my side loving me through it all. No matter what happens we remain solid and I do believe he is my true soulmate. If you are readying this Mark, I love you to infinity and beyond. I haven't forgotten all of you who are my dear friends, I just have not been able to talk on the phone or do much of anything. Having any sort of conversation has been a struggle because I have not been able to control my crying. How I hate that... I envy those who are able to not cry. I'm much better now and that is good. I find crying in front of others to be extremely embarrassing. If I didn't return a phone call, that is why. I hope you can accept my apology for that and now understand why you haven't heard from me. Hopefully you will see me around more and maybe I can even get crafty again. I bought a ton of new stamps back in May that I haven't used yet. They need to be broken in soon. These days we are also very busy finding a new place to live. It feels very bittersweet. This house is beautiful and is just the kind of house I always dreamed of living in. When we first moved in Michael and Mark's 3 girls were still living home with us. Oh the memories, and I just loved having a big family. The sibling rivalry was fierce at times but Michael wasn't about to have his 3 step sisters getting the best of him. This is the last home Michael lived in. It is where so many of my best (and worst) memories of him were made. So, in that regard it will be hard to leave, yet moving feels right on most of the other levels. All the kids are grown up and living on their own and this house is way too big for us. My body is going to love having a 1 story home so I don't have to climb stairs as much (climbing stairs is painful). We've been looking around and really trying to figure out what our options are, and what will work best for us. Because of Kato (our Chocolate Lab) many places won't rent to us. We are heavily leaning towards buying a double wide manufactured home. Mark found it this week. It was used as a classroom for one of the school districts. That means it has all the basics but is almost like a blank canvas for us to finish it off the way we want. Right now it 2 HUGE classrooms (all carpeted and walls finished) with a bathroom, a couple of storage closets, and a small entry way. I am very excited. We've done a lot of research and it looks like we will be able to remodel it into a home within our budget. I am happy to get a place we will own. If everything falls into place as we hope, we will be putting it way back behind my brothers house. Perfect spot, private, and closer to family. I will miss Augusta and being close to everything... but not knowing where Mark's job will lead us, we need to make sure our roots are too deep wherever we live. Mark has been working on getting rid of things we don't need or want. So far he has taken 4 truck loads full of stuff to Goodwill and 5 loads to the dump. He's also taken a couple of loads of things to store at my Dad's until we get moved. You should see this place.... you'd never know we've removed anything. Moving is going to take a long time. We have way too much stuff. Wish us luck. Between all this I am making lots of trips to Portland meeting all the requirements needed to be approved for the Gastric bypass surgery. This is a big deal and I know that the risk of NOT having the surgery is far greater than to have it. I dread the process but I have researched everything and I really think I have what it takes to make my surgery and recovery be a success. I know it will be a whole new way of life and I say BRING IT ON!

Trip from Augusta, ME 04330 to Damariscotta Lake Farm, 15 Bunker Hill Rd, Jefferson, ME 04348

Directions to the Cottage we are at on Damariscotta Lake in Jefferson. From Augusta follow rte 17 east, turn right onto rte 32 in Jefferson. Follow until jct of rte 32 & rte 126 (this will be before reaching Jefferson Village), turn right onto rte 126 (Bunker Hill Rd.) You will see Damariscotta Lake Farm Restaurant and B & B. Take immediate left directly across the rd from restaurant onto Lake Circle DR at Damariscotta Lake Farm Cottage Condos (this road is a complete horse-shoe shape, see Mapquest close up. We are in the last cottage in on the left (closest to the lake). It is the last red building on the left. Center and click on link to see map and driving directions. Actual destination is 40 Lake Farm Circle. Trip from Augusta, ME 04330 to Damariscotta Lake Farm, 15 Bunker Hill Rd, Jefferson, ME 04348

Nancyllake's Gallery: Mr & Mrs 1 of 2

Nancyllake's Gallery: Mr & Mrs 1 of 2

Nancyllake's Gallery: Mr & Mrs page 2 of 2

Nancyllake's Gallery: Mr & Mrs page 2 of 2 Finally uploading the layouts from Beckie's wedding album to my scrapbook.com gallery. Click on link to view more close up photos of the entire album. Sorry that I wasn't able to figure out how to post them in order. I am sure there is a way, but so far I haven't had much success in learning how. lol! I would love some feedback... this album was over 90+ 12x12 pages.... it actually took 3 albums to hold it all and there are still so many awesome photos that never made it in here. There are also tons of beautiful Cancun honeymoon photos that maybe some day I can scrap also. Right now I am so far behind on every project I have going that I won't be taking on any new ones unless it is for business not pleasure!!

And here is my 4th thank you card that goes with the set I've been posting. This, too, was made using Basic Grey Origins papers. The stamped sentiment was from my Studio G stamps. This card was simply embellished with a torn paper rose that I made and stamped with distress inks. I hope you like it. Now I am excited to move to some brighter and more feminine projects!! Thanks for looking! ~Nancy

Free Cricut Cut File Blog Links Share

Blogs with free cut files: *http://cricuttop40.com/ - has links to top sites *http://capadiadesigns.blogspot.com/ - one of the first and best sites *http://okieladybugsscrapnmore.blogspot.com/ - another of the best and first *http://amkscrap.blogspot.com/ *http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=341674 *http://mycricutscrapbooking.com/ *http://scrapbooking.craftgossip.com/free-svg-and-cricut-cut-files/2009/06/25/ *http://www.obsessedwithscrapbooking.com/2009/07/beautiful-free-cricut-cut-files-at.html *http://www.4shared.com/dir/11423019/79882cc6/Everything_Cricut_DS_Cut_Files.html *http://www.wishingstardesign.com/cricuts/ *http://www.google.com/search?q=free+cricut+cut+files&hl=en&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS357US357&ei=bNEgTJaZOYHGlQe3v6GrAQ&start=10&sa=N *http://www.hookedonstamping.com/index.php/cricut/cricut-cut-files/ *http://blucricut.wordpress.com/2010/01/13/cricut-gypsy-and-design-studio-free-cut-files/ *http://www.scrapbooking-die-cutters.com/cricut-design-studio-cut-files-353 *http://www.squidoo.com/cricut-design-studio-designs - top 10 Cricut Design Studio Blogs *http://www.ehow.com/how_5694595_cricut-cut-files.html - How to find Cricut cut files *http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/ - And don't forget the wealth of information and links that can be found on the Cricut Messageboards. This is where I found links to many of my favorite sites. You can find some really awesome blog links in the signature line of a lot of the posts. If you have any blogs that you love, please share them with us. I am always interested in free cut files. I have Design Studio, the Cricut Expression, the baby bug, and the Gypsy (which I have not learned how to use yet due to lack of time and the need for helpful resources. Thanks in advance for sharing!!! Nancy

Thank You Card

Below is another A2 card from my Thank You card set. I used scraps of Basic Grey Origins papers, distress inks, Studio G thank you stamp, Prima flowers,and I pop dotted the matted sentiment. My biggest goal for this set of cards was a more masculine look. I usually prefer more feminine colors and images so these cards are a bit 'outside the box' for me. I hope you like them.

Challenges on SF

Below are 2 challenges that have been posted on Scrapping Friends. I can't wait to see what you all come up with. If you aren't a member you will need to come on over and join. It's free and lots of fun. First go to www.yuku.com to create a user account. Then go to www.scrappingfriends.yuku.com to apply to join our group. I promise I will accept your invitation the moment I see it come in. Feel free to email me with any questions at nancyllake@yahoo.com (My apologies for the too large photos below... I am still learning and can't seem to get these to post smaller. Just click on the photos to see the whole image.) Sketch posted by dscrapyard on Photobucket Card posted by scrapaholicmt on Photobucket

Another Thank You Card

Here is another A2 card from my thank you card set. I made this using the Basic Grey Origins paper. I used a blog sketch as my inspiration, but I didn't get it uploaded before the deadline last week and I don't remember now which blog I got it from. Still working on fine-tuning this process of doing blog challenges. Anyways, the rose on this card seems to be a very popular technique in the paper crafting world these days. I tore circles of different papers and sizes, crumpled them as instructed, and pop dotted the layered rose onto my card. I then very lightly added some yellow Stickles glitter glue. The sentiment is Studio G and is matted using 4 brads and is pop dotted. This card is one of a 4 card set of thank you cards I am making. Hope you like it.

Family BBQ

Mark and I are soooooo happy!! The WHOLE fam is coming for an inprompto BBQ!! This rarely happens because everyone works different jobs and different shifts. Maybe there will even be time to play games!! We really love our family!♥ ♥ ♥ Off to make potato salad now. Yum! If I have time I've got a couple more cards I made to post later.

Scrapping Friends Card Challenge

Sharing a cardsketch that I posted on Scrapping Friends as a 'spot' challenge. All may enter, but if you aren't a member of the group yet you will need to join @ www.scrappingfriends.yuku.com And here below is my interpretation of the sketch. This actually meets a few blog challenges, but I never did get it uploaded and entered in the challenges in time. Papers are Basic Grey (origins, I think). Flower is made out of heart punchies with brown zig zag twill for the stem, and more hearts for the leaves. The button and brads are also Basic Grey. I used a Studio G stamp for the sentiment and yellow stickles to further embellish the card (although if I had it to do over again I would eliminate the stickles from the paper strips and just use it on the flower). Have fun - I can't wait to see what you all come up with!! Deadline to upload your images to this thread is May 31st at midnight EST. Winner will be chosen using random.org. Prize will be a couple packages of Bling embellishments and will be shipped to winners within 2 days of challenge closing!!

Don't Honk At Old People

Layout Sketch by Nancy

Here is another layout sketch I wanted to share.  I originally created this to use as a challenge on my Scrapping Friends group back when MSN hosted groups/communities.  Scrapping Friends still exists, but it is unfortunately not active like it used to be.  We always welcome new members.  We are now hosted on Yuku, join us here! Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy my sketches.  If you use them I would love a link back so I can see how you used it!!  Thanks!  ~Nancy

Wedding Album

I finally finished my step daughter's wedding album!! This album (actually it took THREE Albums) contains 92 or 93 12x12 layout pages total. Because it is so large I chose to post small thumb print photos here, but to really see the full affects of the many techniques and embellishments that are included in each layout click on any image to get to a full size photo and scroll through the album. I didn't include the sign in registry pages that were also included in this gift.