These pics are a little older - just before Valentine's Day 2005.  

Did this layout a few days ago. I was so glad to get some new 4th of July papers in the Summer Stack this year. I got the star twill at a yard sale and I love it so much. If anyone would like a piece of it please let me know - I have enough to share!

Lots going on in the Powers household today.

There was a great wooden ship in the playground. Esme declared herself, "Pirate Esme," and took control of the ship. 

In approximately 36 hours we took 3 trips to the pool. Swimming was definitely a hit with all 3 kids! 

Esme was strictly Daddy's Girl in the pool. She would pose for a picture or two with me and then yell, "I want you, Daddy!" and try to swim after him.  

Canoeing on the lake.... 

Oh happy day! I just finished my Celebrate Life layout for the Memory Makers Masters contest! Yaaay!!

Inside the whale 

Esme learned how Jonah must have felt! 

If that last one said Summer, this one says Fourth of July. We were invited to my brother and his fiancee's new home today for a picnic. We got to visit with lots of people we love and meet some new friends too.  

I had fun doing a kind of basic layout tonight. Took that pic of myself earlier today!  

Had to post this pic because it just says, "Summer!," to me. Esme has a new Elmo sprinkler and has been enjoying it immensely! 

Have you heard about Scraptalk?

I am on the Design Team (the Pink Ladies) and I soooo love it there. It is a very nice atmosphere - very helpful and welcoming. If you ask a question you WILL get an answer, which is nice for newbies and seasoned scrappers alike! It's also a very laid back place - I've yet to encounter any controversy there. The gallery also rocks - I am a huge fan of Teri Anderson and she is also on the team. She has a very fun and flowing style - her own person freestyle. If you haven't seen her work, you must check her out.

At the moment Deb (the owner and founder) is having a referral contest, so if you haven't registered and said hello yet, make sure you do, and make sure you mention my name! (JennyLilac)

This layout scanned a little dark because of the thick title. I love going to Six Flags with these kids!  

Today is my anniversary! 7 beautiful years married to my wonderful husband, Ethan-Boo! What I remember most about our wedding is the way he held my hands while promising to love, honor, and cherish, and his sweet, loving smile. It's funny how early in a marriage you think you could never love your spouse more, but then with each day that passes, you do. In 1999 I was overwhelmed with a passionate kind of love. Passion is still good and I still find him interesting and exciting, but I've also come to deeply love and appreciate his constancy and kindness.

Speaking of sweet Ethan-Boo, he has a brand spanking new blog! He's quite the witty guy - check him out at: www.the-unreliable.blog.com

OMG my best friend, Lisa, is finally online!!! It's a miracle. Never in the history of technology has someone been so resistent. I'm posting this picture of us together in honor of her new email address. I can wait to send her all kinds of fun links!  

Another layout of my little girl outside the Atheneum... 

I loved these photos of Esme sooo much, I had to do a Friendly's tribute page. I found their logo on the internet, printed it out, and then layered UTEE on top of it. It's a fairly simple layout, but I'm happy with it. 

I cannot wait for Tuesday. As of Monday at one I am free woman for the summer. Tuesday I am planning to dye two purple streaks in my hair.

I've always wanted to dye my hair purple. I decided this summer HAS to be the time if I'm going to do it. If not now, when? I used to think I'd just put a layer of purple over the brown, kind of so I had highlights. Then a couple months ago I saw someone who'd done that and it looked just awful, so I decided I needed a different purple-hair alternative. I decided I need to bleach my hair so the purple will really show, but the idea of bleaching my own head is downright SCARY to me, and after all, I am the mother of a 3 yo so I don't want to be totally ridiculous about it. So I have settled on two thin streaks, near the front, one on each side. Once bleached I will dye them BRIGHT purple, and then dye them back to brown before school starts in the Fall.

Lisa has agreed to do the process for me. I think half of her is hoping I'll change my mind and the other is just afraid I'll like it and want to keep it that way. Fortunately I do have a job I have to go back to, so I don't see purple hair in my long-term future.

I've been having so much fun scrapping with friends lately. I went to Lisa's house Monday night and we stayed up til 2 in the morning scrapping! Last night Stephanie O. and I went over to Ellen's and scrapped the night away. I never get as much done as I do when I'm home alone, but I love sharing this hobby with friends!