Sunday, June 16, 2013
No technology: Day Four (kind of)
I wake up at 5:00am. To my 200 pound dog trying to bulldoze his way upstairs to my room! Why? Because a thunderstorm is on top of us. And he, my friend, is a wimp when it comes to loud noises.
As I knew last night, we were going to get hit by a Derecho. Last year we got hit by one. And hit hard! We had trees down and no electricity for a week. Yay Me!
Once I was able to calm Forest down, I did something....bad... bad...BAD!!!
I had to {gasp!} turn the TV to the Weather Channel! Yep! I did it! And guess what happened!
If you said that the kids popped out of bed and came scurrying downstairs, you would be correct!
They turned the corner with smiles! What was that wonderful noise they were hearing from the big black box? Glorious TV! That is what!
They did not even care that it was just pictures of radar. It was TV. And it was ON!!
I gave them 15 minutes and then kicked them out of the room. They "moaned" as they left the room.
We got through the storm. It did not hit us like the weathermen thought it would. Very grateful for that.
The kids were upstairs. Playing quietly.
They went outside and played.
No real complaining.
We then had to go to Dress Rehearsal. I brought card games again, but I knew one of Jet's friends would be there to play with. So, how bad could it be. Well, his friend had an iPod. I knew I was not going to be able to monitor the boys during dress rehearsal. So, I let it be. Did find out that Jet played with the iPod while I was in the auditorium. For 10 minutes or so. Oh well. It is day four. I am EXHAUSTED! I caved. It was 8:00pm. I did not care.
Went home...and they went to bed. Tomorrow they will wake up. Turn on the TV. And the Wii.
It is over...or is it?
During these 4 days, I received an email from Michaels. They are having a 7 week art program for kids who are 5 years old and up.. 3 times a week (Monday, Wed, Friday). It is a 2 hour class for $2!!!!
It is called Passport to Imagination!
here is the link.. http://www.michaels.com/Passport/pti,default,pg.html
.. it looks like a lot of fun for them.. and it is exactly what I wanted to do for them...ignite their imagination...
I have planned that for the summer, "No Tech" Days will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
I think it will be good for them...and for the family.
I will keep you updated.....thanks for reading...
No Technology: Day 3
But I am back to recap Day 3 of No Technology.
The kids woke up late. Hard Labor the night before will do that. :)
The kids were dragging. No chores were done. They forgot. I have no idea what they were doing. Seems the No technology is making them zombies. Or they are fighting back. Silent protest.
Well, I am still not budging. I make them do all their chores.
My neighbor's grandson is outside playing. And they go out and play with him. I am alone in the house. Lovely silence. I am liking this.
I work a little outside in the yard. They come back home for lunch.
Then, we have to get ready for me to work at the studio. I bring card games with us, so they have something to do.
While we were at the studio, they played ball outside. Until Quinn comes in and I see welts on his face and leg. The poor boy is getting eaten alive from the bugs. And his reaction to the bites are not pretty.
I bring them all in. And I think all is well. I get a little caught up in studio business, when I look over and see Jet playing on another child's iPad! Grrrrrrrrr! *&%^%%$
Oh! Nay! Nay! I looked at Jet and asked him what he was doing? He looked up and knew he was caught. But also knew I could not and would not cause a scene because I was at the studio. Sneaky Kid!! Asked him to give it back to the child.
Came home from the studio and then the kids went to bed. Overall, easy day. Except for the one hiccup.
Thursday is the last day...oh please give me the strength to make is through...
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
No Technology: Day Two
I didn't. And right now I am paying for it. I woke up this morning to the kids screaming at each other. About balls. Yes! Balls! Kaileyne had 2 whiffle balls and would not share. Not sure what she was doing with them, but Jet wanted one. I told him that there were white whiffle balls in the toy bin. But noooooo! He didn't want the white ones. He wanted the blue or red one. And Quinn wanted the other. Good Grief!
And none of their chores were done. They forgot. Oh boy! How fast they fall.
I know this is their evil plan. I know they probably gathered in Kaileyne's room this morning and hatched out an agenda on how to "crack me."
Believe it or not, I am the "softie." Ask my husband. I cave. And most times I cave quickly. Especially, when the whining and moaning starts. I am weak. I have little patience. But revenge is sweet. They will not get me. Not today (but cannot promise anything about tomorrow lol)
I mentioned last night that we may take a trip to Costco. That brightened them right up. Out of the house. No imagination needed at Costco.
Well, I wanted to do some yard work outside before we went. That was a mistake. It felt like every 5 minutes, I was being asked "when are we going to Costco." Grrrrrrr!
So, now I start procrastinating. The more they whine, the slower I go. Yep! That went over well.
Kaileyne went in her room. She is my little "huff and puff." She loves to sigh loudly and roll her eyes when I am not doing things as quickly as she wants me to. Gotta love 11 year old girls! Do you want her?
We had a little hiccup in our direct run to Costco. The belt on the vacuum cleaner broke when Jet tried to vacuum the living room. He decided the ends of our rug were in his way, so he tried to suck them up with the vacuum cleaner. So, after dropping off the vacuum cleaner and picking up the kids' new glasses (another surprise detour), we finally made it to Costco.
Oh the kids were in heaven! All the TVs were on. Quinn was so mesmerized he almost ran into a few elderly people looking at camcorders. Kaileyne and Jet were talking about how nice it is to see the tvs with the same thing on it. I teased them a little bit by hovering there a few moments, slowly putting away my Costco card. Then, I pushed them forward. :)
They were good in Costco. How bad could they be? They love all the food demos. The only thing better than TV for them is free food.
We checked out and then they watched me load the car (helpful little buggers aren't they?)
We get home around 3pm. Only FIVE MORE HOURS until bedtime (yes! I have been counting down since I woke up to them screaming at each other!)
Found kids laughing hysterically upstairs. Jet is apparently stuffing his shirt with all kinds of things. Whiffle Balls. Stuffed animals. Looked weird, but it was a crowd pleaser with Quinn and Kaileyne. Who am I to judge?
Dinner was uneventful. They finished eating (did not put their dirty dishes away though)and outside we went. They will play out there and like it!
I came outside to dig out roots from a dead tree (I know my life is so exciting isn't it?). And the kids were a big help. We dug out roots until it got dark. We did have to stop for a little bit for a dog issue ( you do not want to know...) After we cleaned up, we went back to root dismemberment.
Took showers. Now they are in bed. Day started off looking like a disaster, but it ended well.
Day 3 is tomorrow. Is it bad that I am looking forward to Friday?
Monday, June 10, 2013
No Technology : Day One
I came downstairs to see all three kids playing quietly. Together. They had the legos out and were laughing at all the funny things they were making.
Then, Jet saw me. Told me that when he woke up, the first thing that came into his mind was that he was going to play his new Wii game today. Then he remembered that he couldn't. So, he .. WAIT FOR IT ...cleaned up the play room instead!! {gasp!} Cleaning without me asking? This cannot be my son. I still must be sleeping.
Kaileyne then joined in the conversation and told me that they fed the dog and unloaded the dishwasher.
HUH? I have been screaming at them to do it for weeks. They never remember. But they did today.
All day long, the three of them played together. No fighting. No complaining.
None of them asked me once to turn on the tv.
No one complained that they were "bored." And I did not yell at them once. Which is saying a lot. I am not a "soft-spoken" or "patient" soul. :)
Jet, Kaileyne and Quinn have planned some artsy fartsy stuff for tomorrow just in case it rains. Sock Puppets. You can never go wrong with Sock Puppets!
Honestly, it was a real nice day. The kids had nothing to distract them from doing what they needed or wanted to do.
Now, do not get me wrong. I know it is only Day One of my experiment. I know that this thing can blow up in my face at any moment. The only thing that is in my favor right now is that...they are SCARED of me! And I am using that to my advantage. LOL
That is it for day one. They are all in bed right now. So, you'll excuse me while I jump on the couch, turn on the tv, and watch the season finale of Games of Thrones. That's right! I am a hypocrite. But I earned it. I paid my dues already. My mom use to lock us out of our house and make us play outside. We were forced to play outside. And we were better for it.
See you tomorrow for Day Two's Update. Hopefully, it will not be raining all day long.
Mother of the Year...
Friday, May 6, 2011
For the Luv of Art May Digi Challenge
Here is my take on the challenge!

I could not wait to use these photos and the "Hope For A Brighter Future" Digital Collab Kit #1 was perfect for this!!
And there is more to come! I am getting an early Mother's Day gift tonight! The kids and James are letting me lock myself in my scrapbook room to...gasp...scrap! With no interruptions!
I am planning on working on my first hybrid album. I will let you know how it goes! :)
Monday, April 25, 2011
Dream Big Fundraiser!

Grab
This!
I am a little late, but better late than ever.
I fundraiser to help adopt a little baby boy.
read here for more information.
http://farleykids.blogspot.com/2011/04/dreaming-big.html
today is the last day. and any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Sunday, March 27, 2011
For The Luv of Art
I have been busy creating. Working on my Mount Vernon and DC album.
Also, been playing with new digital software from Panstoria. If you are looking to start doing digital scrapbooking or would like to just get your feet wet, then Panstoria is what you are looking for. Not only is it easy and inexpensive, but they have a 30 day FREE TRIAL on their software. You cannot beat that!! Check it out. Trust me. You will not be disappointed.
Now, back to Mount Vernon and DC. Here is a taste. In the past 2 weeks, I have cranked out over 40 digital pages. I am almost done. It is so nice to be able to get a few albums completed, when your life can get so crazy at times.
Here are some of my favorite layouts.
This Layout I used Olivia's Friend by Little Feet Digital Designs. This beautiful kit is available at For the Luv of Art.
This last layout was inspired by For The Luv of Art's March Digital Sketch Challenge. I used Laura Burger's Retrofunk Elements and Amy Teets' Digital Spring Fling Minikit.I cannot tell you how excited I will be when I get the pages printed out for my album.
And to my traditional scrapbookers, do not worry, I am still a traditional girl at heart. Actually, my next project is to work on my Hershey album. I just need to clean up my scrapbook room and find some time to hide in my scrapbook sanctuary.
Will post those as I do them.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Great NEWS!
I am thrilled to say that I am now a part of the For The Luv of Art Digital Design Team!You should check out For the Luv of Art! They are an online store (both traditional AND Digital) and a wonderful online community! I hope to see you there.
I will be posting layouts on my blog soon. I have been working on my DC album with some really cool kits!
See you soon.
Monday, February 14, 2011
SCRAPBOOK FLEA MARKET
Did you know that the county does not give ANY money to the marching band? All the money they need throughout the year, is made through fundraisers. I was shocked to hear that!!
So! Lynn needs our help to raise money for their marching band! And you can get some great bargains while doing it! Now that is a WIN WIN SITUATION!!
Below is a flyer. Rent a table or just come and enjoy the amazing bargains, food and fun!!

Thursday, January 20, 2011
Kids, Potty Training and Scrapbooking
I have been busy. As you all probably know, raising three kids keeps you that way. Busy.
Jet started playing basketball. First year. And for Christmas, Grammy bought him a basketball hoop. Now we just need it to warm up a little so we can play (I love the cold, but not THAT much! )
Quinn started and has graduated the potty training. In THREE days. Not sure who is prouder. Me or him. LOL
Do not think I am a SUPER MOM. I had help. My friend bought a book Easy Potty Training by Lora Jensen. And it worked! Who knew!? I highly recommend it to any mom's who are dreading the potty training like I was.
Kaileyne is still dancing. She is in Tap, Jazz and Ballet. I have no idea how she does it. I am tired just from driving her around.
And me... my scrapbook room is finally finished! And I love love LOVE it!! Of course I have not had a lot of time to play in it yet. But it is done! I know. I know! You are all saying ... why aren't you scrapbooking?...are you nuts? ... do not deny it! I know you are saying it. LOL
Well, I am scrapbooking. I have been teaching classes. Lots of classes! I am actually teaching for the next 5 weekends. So, not a lot of time to create. Just cut kits. But I will be in that room a lot. Soon! Real Soon! And my hubby may have a had time getting me out.
I am also applying to be a Design Team Member for an online kit club. I have realized I miss being on a kit club design team. I think I scrapped more when I was on one. So, keep your fingers crossed. I will let you know how it goes. :)
Sooooo, wanna see my scrapbook room? Ok. Ok. You twisted my arm. ;)
Here we goooooooo.....

TA-DAAAAAA!!!!!

this is my work table...I love Target!

this wall displays my favorite layouts.....

Framed my childrens' artwork.. so I will always be surrounded by them and their work....
What is behind that curtain???
paper....and...
my albums..and other scrapbooking goodness...
Some other goodies... I love my felt cupcakes!!
And that is about it...time to take Kaileyne to ballet.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Check out this giveaway!!
This is toooo coool! I have played with the SCRAP DOTS! I love them!!Check them out on Facebook or their blog to get all the giveaway info.!! Helmar Rocks!!!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Guest Designer for Jen Martakis Digital Designs
Jen has the cutest kits! This week I am designing with her Monsters Digi Kit!


Keep checking back...Jen is releasing some AMAZING kits this month! And I get to play with them and share them with you! :)
You can find Jen Martakis Designs at 2Peas.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Quick Post...
Digital Freebie Kit
Been catching up on some of my layouts. My free time is almost over. Life will be getting busy again soon.
So, I did this layout using Janet Carr's Bunny Trail Digital Kit and her Bunny Trail Digital Freebie Kit.

Ok off to do some more laundry...busy weekend coming up...
See ya soon!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Bunny Trail - Little Feet Digital Designs
I have been working on my White House Easter Egg Roll Album. My scrapbook room is not all moved in yet, so I have decided to do it all digitally. And I am LOVING it!
I have been using the Bunny Trail Digital Kit by Little Feet Digital Designs .
Another awesome kit by Janet Carr!
This is a two page layout.. I love the carrots!

I will be back soon to post more! I have to get a scrappin'. Before life gets crazy for me again. That would be tomorrow!
See ya soon! Janet Carr Rocks!!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Tickets! Tickets! Tickets! And Prize Time!
TICKETS FOR THE 1ST ANNUAL SCRAPBOOK FLEA MARKET ARE ON SALE NOW!
AND READ THE BOTTOM OF THIS BLOG ENTRY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE THAT WILL BE GIVEN AWAY THE DAY OF THE FLEA MARKET!
GET THEM NOW AND SAVE $2.00 ON YOUR TICKETS!!!
Ticket Prices
$3 prior to the event or
$5 at the door (CASH ONLY)
TICKET SALES:
Contact Tracy at 304-725-5527 or mail you check to
NJE SFM
c/o Tracy Franklin
112 Stratus Drive
Kearneysville, WV 25430
(make check payable to NJE PTO)
Need a Table?
Well, just email me at:
or call me at
304-725-3952
and we will get you taken care of!
Need DRIVING DIRECTIONS?
Then see the blog post below!
We are very excited about this! And the wait is almost over!
We want to know if you are coming and from where!
And you can WIN A PRIZE by just telling us that you are coming!
Leave a comment with your name on my blog letting me know that you are coming!
Then, your name will be entered in a VERY SPECIAL DRAWING!
A Drawing that you can ONLY be entered in if you leave a comment on my blog!
Want to know what it is? Well, I will give you a hint! It is Scrapbook Supplies!
Yes, I know it is a lame hint! But you will not be disappointed!
I will post a picture of the prize before the Flea Market! So keep checking my blog!
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE SCRAPBOOK FLEA MARKET!!!
AND YOU CAN ONLY WIN IF YOU ARE AT THE SCRAPBOOK FLEA MARKET!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Driving Directions - Scrapbook and Stampin' Flea Market
Well, it is not. We are close. We are in that tiny tiny panhandle that is close to all of you.
I wanted to post some driving directions. So you can see we are closer than you think.
We have over 50 tables sold already. And people are letting me know that they are "in" for this.
Even I am cleaning out my scrapbook room. And trust me I have a lot I would LOVE to clear out for LOW LOW BARGAIN PRICES!
Seriously, you do not want to miss this!!!!!
So, let's get to the driving directions...
Just click on the City/State link you are close to and it will direct you to mapquest with the directions.
- Chantilly, VA
- Frederick, MD
- Hagerstown, MD
- Arlington, VA
- Washington, DC
- Chambersburg, PA
- Baltimore, MD
- Winchester, VA
- Gaithersburg, MD
- Silver Spring, MD
Email us at scrapbookfleamarket@yahoo.com for more information on ticket sales and table rentals...
See you there on May 1st!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Scrapbook Flea Market Tickets on Sale Now!
Love bargains?
Well, then what are you waiting for?
Tickets to the
First Annual NJE Scrapbook Flea Market
are on sale NOW!
Tickets are just $3.00 when you buy them in advance!
How do you get them?
It's easy!
- Write a check out to NJE PTO for $3.00
- Mail check to:
And that is it!
On the day of the Scrapbook Flea Market,
we will have a Will Call Station that will have
your special wrist band waiting for you!
Include your email address with your check, if you want to be
added to our mailing list.
On this mailing list, you will be the first to
receive updates on the Flea Market, Tickets, Raffles, etc.
Please email scrapbookfleamarket@yahoo.com,
if you have any questions.
All proceeds from table registration, ticket sales raffles and food sales, go to purchase new playground equipment for the students of North Jefferson Elementary.
And if you want to RENT A TABLE at the Scrapbook Flea Market,
please email scrapbookfleamarket@yahoo.com!
Cost:
$30 per 6 foot table
$20 (if you provide the 6 foot table)



