This is also for the 3rd Sketch Challenge over at Sweet Peach Crop Shop.

Jen, Michelle and I at dinner before the November crop – acting silly as usual.

The first one – the 2nd Anniversary Sketch was perfect for this photo of J and I.  I used the Vintage Love – the February “Juicy” kit from Sweet Peach.  Sorry, it’s sold out now.

I started Project 12 last year with all the best intentions – but here we are almost 3 months into 2011, and I’m still working on July 2010.   O’well, better late than never.

Here’s my May layout & the sketch from Project 12.

This was one of the last outings we took with Milo – the Humane Society of Charlotte’s PetPalooza.

June’s layout and sketch:

The garden – is too early to start thinking about the garden for this year?

And July.

A showcase of photos from the local shopping plaza.   It’s amazing what you can find when you take the time to slow down and look.

So, I’ve got 5 more months to finish for 2010.   I love the inspiration that the sketches provide, and have already have plans for 2011.

Have you check out Sweet Peach Crop Shop yet?  You totally need to check out their monthly kits.  I’ve been getting them for a few months now, and am head over heels in love.  <3  On top of the fabulous kits, they have a fantastic blog with challenges, and tips and tricks. 

I participated in the February sketch challenge.   Below is my take on the sketch.  I used the “Juicy” July kit from SPCS.  Ironically called, Treasures from Gramma’s House. 

Journaling reads:  it’s almost mandatory that you hang out around the kitchen table when you visit my grandparents.  There’s something so comforting being at that table.  Year of dinners and family fun all come rushing back. 

I hope that this burst of creativity continues, not only in my scrapbooks but also here on my blog.  I missed you both.

Whether you call it Fall or Autumn, it’s finally here.   My favorite time of year.  Ok, fine I say that for all 3 of the seasons (and only on snow days in Winter).  But really, who doesn’t love Fall?  In honor of Fall, I’m linking up to The Nester for her Fall Mantel Party.   I usually opt for a very simple fall mantel.  ‘

I am still using the altered paint can I made a couple of years back.  

 You might notice the candlesticks from Blessings Unlimited, I love them!   They’re perfect for holding the ceramic pumpkins.

The banana nut bread candle I found at Yankee Candle the other day is the perfect finishing touch.  I love the scents of fall, and nothing says fall more than baked goods in the oven.

There you have it, it’s not fancy or extreme but it’s all things fall to me.   Thank you for stopping by.

I’m still searching for that perfect print for the wall, and then it’s complete.

With everything that happened in August, we decided that we’d take a long weekend to head back to PA and just relax.  It seemed that Labor Day weekend was the perfect time.   We decided that we’d spend a little time with grandparents, friends, and at my parents camp in Erie, PA.

That’s my grandparent’s apple orchard.  As soon as we stepped out of the car, the smell returned me to my childhood.  Gathering apples, playing with my cousins in the backyard, eating Grandma’s apple cobbler.  I was overcome with the emotion, and that was the exact point of this trip, to reconnect and disconnect all at one time.

My grandparents, Homer & Lula.  As much as things change, these two and their home will always remain the same.  I found orange peanuts on the counter, Faygo pop in the fridge, and laughter at the kitchen table.  Ah, the kitchen table it’s where everyone gathers.  Always.

Our next day(s) would be spent along the river, hanging out with friends and sleeping on that boat.  Yes, SLEEPING ON A BOAT.  If you know anything about me, it’s that I don’t like to rough it.  My idea of roughing it is a cabin that only has local channels. 

Hanging out at the camp along the river, they cooked – ribs, homemade fries, pork, dips, jalapeno thingies, crock pot lasagna.  You name it, we had it there to eat and drink. 

We were going to miss the lighting of the large bonfire, it was to be held on Sunday night.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many pallets.

We spent Sunday afternoon into Monday at my parents camp near Lake Erie.  It was awfully chilly for early September.  Mom and I caught up and chatted while Jason and my dad manned the grill.

We feasted on corn on the fire, kielbasa, hamburgers, homegrown tomatoes, honeydew, and more chips and dips.  A late night run to the local ice-cream stand was the perfect end to the meal. 

Yes, the weekend getaway was just what we needed to reconnect and disconnect with friends, family, and ourselves.