Cropper's Cottage Cyber Crop!

Calling all Cybercrop Divas!!!

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ANNOUNCING OUR FIRST CYBERCROP FOR THE NEW YEAR!!!

January 1st – January 7th Croppers cottage will be hosting 7 days of classes, challenges, chats, contests, and prizes.

Our theme will be for all of you DESPERATE SCRAPPERS out there so we hope to see you on Wisteria Lane for our week of fun and games.

The crop will officially kick off at 2:00 pm on Sunday, the 1st. Watch for an announcement in one week, on the 7th of December at approximately 9:00 pm (central time zone) with the schedule for the week including class lists, kits, and challenges. (Watch this space as that time may change…I have a Christmas party to go to that night )

We are really excited and hope that you are too. This is a fantastic way to jump start the New Year with a jolt of creative inspiration. So which Desperate Scrapper will you be???

Find us here at www.cropperscottage.com

Hope to see you there!!!!!!!!!

Celebrity Look Alike

Okay..can't resist..this link was posted on Scrap Jazz. You can go to this site and upload a picture of yourself to see which celebrity you most closely resemble! Talk about fun!

Okay..I used this picture of me:




And my results were:

Lucy Lui!!!!!!!!!!!! (I checked it out though and our face shapes are alike..definitely not our eyes!)
Renee Zellweger
Penelope Cruz..hey Matthew..how about this!
Hilary Clinton (that's different!)
Jennifer Aniston..WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

So here's the link..go give it a try!

http://www.myheritage.com/FP/Company/tryFaceRecognition.php?s=1&u=g0&lang=EN

Let me know what you get!

Merry Christmas

Well the Sandvoss family had a very nice Christmas this year. Our tradition started off as always with going to my Grandparents house on Christmas Eve. The kids were so excited during the day and had changed the countdown calendar to 00 days remaining. Then Connor got the idea to do an hourly countdown..needless to say they were really really excited!!

Snapped some pics at Grandma and Grandpa's house..here's a really nice one of the r5 of us...



The picture of the pj's left for the kids by Santa..the kids were trying to outwit us and wouldn't go downstairs knowing he was coming soon!haha



Fast forward to Christmas morning..lots and lots of presents to open..here's some good pictures of the kids favorite gifts they opened..

Here's one of Haley's..


One of Parker's...


And one of Connor's many cool gifts..(that I want!)


So what did I get you ask..a matching pair of Tanzanite earrings set in Platnium to match my ring I was given 3 Christmas' ago..a complete and total suprise! The best kind!! He also popped into my stocking the Black Eyed Peas and new Madonna Cd's!!!

It was a really nice holiday! Hope yours was too!!!!!!!!

Weekend Update

Wow..the weekend before Christmas and we were definitely busy! Saturday got up early, headed to Gymboree..had fun..sold tons..bought some too!(When don't I?) Then headed home, got a bite to eat, headed to the Cigar store for a surpise for Mark & Scott, then Target(DANGER!) then back home. Painted my nails while watching Hitch(LOVE THAT!), got ready, picked up babysitter, then headed to pick up Mark and Tammy..and on our way to heaven.......Bahama Breeze and their Bahamarita's!!!!!!! Best drink ever! And their onion rings and their amazing food..it's the best there! We took them out to thank them for referring a friend to Scott to sell their home. Lots of fun!

Sunday involved all things Christmas! Christmas cards, candy, gingerbread house, Chrismtas ornaments, Christmas presents and more! But it's all done and that's what is important to me! I still have some present to wrap..well all the presents to the kids from Santa that is..and need to pick up some treats for Parker's Xmas party..but such a good feeling of things being done! Hopefully these items I ordered early last week show up in time!





And as a final note to our weekend we watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith. A movie with much controversy..but it's hard for me..I like Angelina in her Tomb Raider's..so I knew I would like her in this and with the hunky Brad. Well, I wasn't dissapoitned at all In fact..I thought it was a great movie..fun, action, all that I expected. And surpised when who else should be in it...but Vince Vaughn. Interesting huh? Wonder if he helped fuel the fire as he would have been on set with those two! Nonetheless..I liked it and the life they live is theirs to do!

Well, I'm off..trying to be a better blogger this busy time of the year..have a good one!

Christmas Pictures

Well last night was the night! The night my parents came over for dinner and to take pictures of us for our cards. I wanted to do something different for a change instead of packing everyone up and going to Picture People at the mall. So..what started off as a quiet evening and thoughts of sweet, soft photos..wound up being a funny, three ring circus event with lots of veiled threats to the boys of xmas presents that will dissapear if they didn't knock it off!LOL The funniest thing is that I took pictures of all their antics knowing that those would be the best ones to scrapbook of all of the "posed" shots we were aiming for!

Here's a sneak peek into our crazy photo shoot!(don't forget you can click on them to see them bigger and use your back arrow to return to see more! If you dare!)











But admist the chaos and complete silliness..we did manage to get some really really good ones..here's just a peek..

Flurries

Flurries floating, flying, frosty flurries everywhere..........




Do you feel it? I felt it the whole time I worked on this and the entire time guess what? I couldn't stop smiling! Bet you smiled too!!!!! Do click on this to see it a bit larger! I wish you could see it in person as those snowflakes are raised up and those tiny touches of rhinestones..are just right!!:-)


Flurries!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And hey..aren't this new Bo Bunny papers and stickers fun!

New Layout

Here's a new DT layout. I needed to use these large vellum quotes. At first..not my style..but last night I got the one out..and I tell you...this is my new favorite layout! And the poem is really neat..it's a starter poem for an album. So this is the first page for Haley's new book I just got her.

Snow Pictures

Check these out...some great ones of the kids!!!!!!!!!!!

Life

Wow..it's been a while! And that doesn't mean I haven't thought about stopping to blog..but lately it's just seems too indulgent when there is so much to do. But I do promise to at least try to get back to posting pics and layouts if anything! Although I'm sure you really missed my sarcasm and attitude rants over things right?

Well our house is decorated and looks great! I added just a few new things this year..but the biggest change is that the tree is downstairs. I wasn't sure how I would feel about it..but you know..it looks great..fits perfect and now I don't have to worry about the little guys messing with it. Here's a picture of it..I swear it looks right out of a department store with how much is on it...



Is that one loaded tree or what? Connor, Haley and Parker helped this year and did a great job. It's absolutely amazing how many ornaments we now all have with receiving at least one or two every year.

Here's a shot of it with lights off...love this..



This week we are having my Mom and Dad come over for dinner and take our Xmas pictures for something different. I've got us all wearing pink for the girls and green for the guys. Can't help it! Blame Target and all those adorable pink, green and red things that they have in the $1 section! Loved it all..great fun colors!

I worked this weekend on some Xmas ornaments for the little ones I watch. Trying something different..will post those as soon as they are finished but so far so good!

So that's it for now..I'll post some pics of the kids in the snow..but I'll try better to keep up!

Julia

Helloooooo Harry!!!!!!!!!!!!! & Matthew!!

Well today is the day! Today is the day that Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is released and it's killing me that I must be patient and wait 6 more days before seeing it! I'm not sure if I can contain myself from hopping into my car and going to a late show and seeing it. But I will! I will because the thought of us all going together on Thanksgiving Day for our annual movie outing is too good to pass up! So..6 more days until I can soak myself up in another Harry Potter movie!!

And...did you hear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG my man..Mr. Matthew McConaughey is People Magazine Sexist Man!!! I could not possibly agree more!!! I turn to mush not only when I see him but hear him talk!! Now to figure out a way for him to notice me and give Penelope the bump! ha



Two good things!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great weekend..I'll try to blog more!

Where Have I Been?

When I say that I think of the line in Harry Potter where Ron's Mom asked "Where Have You Been? No note..car gone!" But when she says it..it's with a British accent so Been sounds like "bean" in a way. Very cool...and speaking of Harry Potter..YES!!!!!!

Goblet of Fire Opens this FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will have to be very patient as we won't go see it until Thanksgiving Day...it will make me crazy knowing it's out there and I can't go! Maybe I could sneak out late at night at catch it huh? Would be fun..then when I get home Scott would ask me.."Where have you Been? No note..car gone!" haha

Anyways..I have been away from my blog for a bit. Life has been keeping me busy. With the new babies starting, working at Gymboree, kids, Scott, me..just hard to find alot of extra time lately.

I took Friday off last week and we had the best day! Got up..whenever..padded around in my pj's, worked on some projects..loved the results, got ready, picked up Sonic

and then headed to Suson Park with the kids. Walked around..saw the horses, feed them lots of grass,




found the coolest big walnuts..gathered them up for my hurricanes(a Martha Stewart "It's a Good Thing" Moment). Then we headed to South County Rec across the street as they have a great new playground.

Only 2 kids were on it..so my guys had a blast!


After that..headed to the bowling alley. Where everyone bowled! I don't think I have ever seen a cuter 5 year old bowling then Parker was! He was so darn cute and so excited about bowling with everyone. Scott won by 8 points over me..but hey..I bowled really well!

Then..yes..another then..headed to Blockbuster and the kids picked a movie..Shark Boy and Lava Girl and also Xmas with the Kranks. Headed home..relaxed and watched movies and hung out! It was an awesome day off!!!!!!!!!

PS..opted for smaller photos this time as I have so stinkin many! But you can click on them to see them larger! The one of Parker is priceless in person!

Let's Make a List

Are you like me? Do you find you can't function properly without a list made of things to do? Sometimes I feel like Dakota Fanning, the little girl, in Cat in the Hat who is sitting there with her Palm Pilot making a list of the things she needs to do and one of the things she has to do is make the next day's list! It totally cracks me up! Reminds me of me! Scary!



Anyways..my life lately is a long list. It seems as always my plate is a bit full! Not that I feel like I can't do it full...just full that I don't think my poor Mommy brain can remember half of the list full! So..lists are good right? My list has some things that are long long overdue to be done and new things that somehow I must get done by tomorrow's Open House or else that list is hitting the trash can!

So here's some things on my list:

1)Find order forms for SLiving and CTMH to take to Open House.DONE!
2)Make drawing slips for SL & CTMH for Open House. DONE!
3)Take things to Amanda's tonight.DONE!
4)Decide what to take to Amanda's tonight!ha DONE!
5)Finish November 16th class so someone may actually come to it! DONE!
6)Get the class to the store!DONE!
7)Write calendar article for Scrap Jazz by Monday and complete several layouts to use with it!(yikes!) DONE!
8)Work on ornaments for crop on the 18th so people actually know what we'll make and if they want to.
9)then go get the ornament stuff!ha
10)Remember Gymboree meeting Sunday night! :-( Yuck! Sunday night!!DONE!
11)Find out next week's work schedule at Gymboree DONE!
12)Prepare for new twins who are starting next week! Which means I am officially FULL! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DONE!
13)Email everyone about CTMH new specials before the year end and new catalog comes out.
14)Send Thank You card to publisher.DONE!
15)Send Thank You cards to sponsoring product companies.DONE!
16)Coordinate Xmas gifts for Design Team.
17)....I know there is more..but my brain won't allow me to list more!!ha

Anyways..maybe this list will help me...I'll come back and mark things off as I get it done..you can be the judge of how good I do!

Until then..I leave you with my new favorite layout!

Halloween Kids

Well our Halloween was filled with rain! Lots of it! In fact enough that the kids didn't want to go outside and trick or treat! BLECH! So we gathered for a few photos..and then headed to the mall. Got there..and everyone was there and no candy left! GESH! Funny as I had Scott bring our bucket with treats and give them out to kids. But I didn't see anyone else doing that which made me think. If all these parents are here with kids and not at home..and it's raining..where's all their treats? Why didn't they bring them and hand them out? Good question? I think so too! I leave you today with some funny pictures of the kids..









oh and I think a spook has gotten into my blog as it is doing all kinds of weird stuff! You may need to refresh your screen a time or two!

That's it for now...

Julia

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!

Happy Halloween to you today!!

Well, it's dark, yucky and rainy here in St.Louis. Gives the feeling of Halloween..but we could do without the rain when it comes time for the kids to Trick or Treat tonight! Which reminds me that the kids haven't picked out any jokes to tell! Uh oh..better get going on those!

Busy day today as I am working, running to Connor and Haley's school to peek in on their parties and then Scott is going to Parker's. Family stopping by tonight to see the kids before they head out and then me hiking around(hopefully not in the rain) with the kids while the trick or treat!

Hope where ever you are..Sharon in Scotland, Dee in Connecticut and Ali in Virginia..that you have a very Happy Halloween! Oh and special birthday wishes to the Halloween girl Dee..what a cool day to have a birthday!

I'll leave you with some pictures of the house as requested by Sharon!!

Boo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Deidre!!!!!!!!!!

Just want to take a moment on this very busy day to wish my very best friend, Deidre, a very Happy Birthday today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I'm so grateful for your friendship! Hard to believe it's been 3 1/2 years since we met and look forward to many more years!!!!!

Hope you have a great day and have fun going out this coming weekend!!!!

Julia

Family Page Frames

Here's my design team project for Scrap Jazz this month using the Page Frames. I am so darn pleased with all these and how they turned out!!

 
 

Haley Page Frame

 
 

Connor Page Frame

 
 

Parker Page Frame

 
 

Here Weekend..Here Weekend..Come Here Weekend..Where Did You Go?

Ever feel like that? Like your much anticipated weekend has just passed you by in a blur and you wish you could call it back? That was mine. It was fun..lot's of things happening but in reality much too short!

We started off Friday night with Haley's pom pon performance at the High School Football game. She was cute..did a great job too! Here's a pic of her practicing before they performed!



After she performed we came inside and got her dressed in her Halloween costume to take her to the School Halloween Fair. She was meeting a friend. So here is Haley transformed into Helen of Troy or as we told her for the kids who don't know who that is..a Greek Goddess!HAHA



After dropping off Haley..Scott and I watched Fever Pitch..very cute! Fun..like those for a change after last weekend's Vampire movies!ha

Saturday morning..my first day of work at Gymboree...and I did great. No worries..I told myself that if I felt like it was work..than I didn't need it. I think 50 hours a week of childcare is enough work really. But it was fun. I helped lots of nice people who I think appreciated my being a working Mom too who wouldn't pressure them into buying all 6 kinds of hair pieces!ha I of course had to try out my discount and got some much needed sweatpants for Parker..theirs are the best! And a pj dress and slippers for Haley for Halloween. That discount is nice!

Saturday afternoon..saw the Burke's!! They are too cute! We miss Grace alot..she is getting too big Deidre!! Handed off the Princess buckets I made for Deidre..they looked good I think!

Then..Saturday night..date night! We think our last dinner and a movie date night was in January..how sad is that!! I drooled heavily over Matthew M in Two for the Money! WOWOWOW..he looked just fine!!!!!!!!!!!!! Scott laughed at my noises I made. Then we headed to Cheesecake Factory for an amazing late dinner with my favorite friends..their Shrimp Rolls...heaven on earth!!!!!!!!! And of course we finished off our meal with a to die for piece of Chocolate Turtle Pecan Cheesecake!!!!!!

One word....YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday..worked on DT work, the umpteen piles of laundry and changing out my clothes from summer to most definitely fall!! And the best part..I called and talked to Sharon and she's doing well!

No wonder I think the weekend flew by..that's alot!

That's all for now...pics of new projects coming soon...

Julia

Fun Day!!

Well it was a really fun day off for me and Parker too!! We followed the school bus to the Zoo and headed off to find the kids. They kids were broken into into groups of 6 and we had personal tour guides take the kids around to different animal exhibits.



When the kids broke for a class Parker and I headed off to the train. We took the train around the entire Zoo..which made him very happy!

Then we met the kids for lunch..and had about 30 minutes after to go off on our own. We went to the Penguins..brrrr!!! And then I had tickets for the Carousel which was fun too!





Then we had to take the kids back to the bus. Parker and I headed back in to the Children's Zoo..he wasn't too thrilled with a guy walking around with a snake. After that we had to find the Zebras as Parker had talked about them all day and I knew we couldn't possibly leave without seeing them. He and I walked over 3/4 of that Zoo before we found those cuties..but it was worth it.

I decided since Parker is so crazy about them and he loves his little stuffed animals he sleeps with..that we needed to find a Zebra. So yep..we got the cutest and softest Zebra for him to add to his sleeping buddies collection!haha

All in all a great day off for Parker and I!!!!!!!!