nylene
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,779 
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Post by nylene on Dec 1, 2023 14:58:29 GMT
This challenge is for those who scrap slowly and need encouragement to keep scrapping all month or those who want a little encouragement to continue scrapping. It is great for those new to Challenges and is a fun place to come chat with other Pokey scrappers. 1. Post a layout each week, or four layouts per month. These can be posted in the thread or in the gallery. If you post in the gallery, be sure to come to the thread and tell us you posted and tell us the name of the layout so we can find it. You can copy the URL from the gallery and paste it directly into your thread for a link. 2. This challenge can be combined with any other challenges and can be paper, digital or hybrid scrapping. These can be cards, layouts or altered items or any other creative projects. 3. Please comment on the work of others on the thread as your time allows. We all love comments on our layouts. 4. Have fun with this! This should be a "no pressure" challenge. Just post what you finish whether it is one layout or more than four. Come chat with the group as time permits. We love to welcome new members.  If you are on a Team, complete the 4 challenges and post them on this thread for an extra 4 points. |
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nylene
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,779
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Post by nylene on Dec 1, 2023 15:01:04 GMT
It's hard to believe that this year is almost over, but I am really anxious to get into the Christmas decorating.
I want you to know how much I appreciate all you Pokeys and the friendships we have developed here. Hugs to each of you.
I look forward to the crop tonight. Thanks those who set them up!
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Post by grammadee on Dec 1, 2023 15:20:24 GMT
Happy December! Thanks, nylene , for setting up our Pokey threads each month. Hoping to do some wrapping and some baking today: will see how that goes. On track for having all gifts that need to go into the mail to the post office on Tuesday. Would be nice if at least the out-of-country cards could go with them, but if I am an energizer bunny I think I need new batteries. Am feeling good about the shopping/wrapping, but need to step up my game in decorating and baking. Looking forward to checking in with you this evening. |
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nylene
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,779
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Post by nylene on Dec 1, 2023 17:46:15 GMT
I am slow getting these posted, but here are 2 pages I have finished.  Growing Too Fast Angie & Sam 2023 I have stacks of photos that need to be scrapped. I need to get back into it! grammadee, you are still an Energizer Bunny. Even bunnies have to relax sometimes. I hope to start addressing cards today to the out of country peas. |
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Post by Linda on Dec 1, 2023 18:55:08 GMT
Thank you nylene for always setting up the new thread. I love your layouts - That tree is perfect for a growing boy and those flower clusters are beautiful! grammadee - you are well ahead of me on the Christmas prep. I feel way behind. nylene - Dh had his eye appt this morning. The eye pressure is back to normal which is good but he goes back on Tuesday to see his eye surgeon (he's been seeing an associate since the eye surgeon has been out of the country) and it's probable he'll have another surgery on Thursday - and they are talking about putting oil in? which will then require surgical removal down the road. And he still needs to get scheduled for cataract surgery. But he's down to three eye drop prescriptions from four so...overall progress? I'm looking forward to the crop this evening -what time is it? 7 EST? I'm addressing Christmas cards this afternoon |
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nylene
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,779
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Post by nylene on Dec 1, 2023 19:37:10 GMT
Linda , it is so amazing the things they can do with eyes. It doesn't always work, but it's so much better now than it was when DH's mother went blind. I hope the procedures (oil?) they do will help him see. Wow, he's had a rough road! He and you are both still in my prayers. The journaling on the tree layout says that this summer he was the same height as his older sister. Since June he has grown 4 inches. He loves it! I am assuming that the crop will be about 7 Eastern. If that is not correct, will someone correct it.
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,621
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Post by kitbop on Dec 1, 2023 22:29:08 GMT
**edit** going for a quick walk! Let's say 6:30! I'll open the crop about 6:00 EST and wait for company! I'll post it here. Thanks for the new thread (!already!) nylene |
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Post by Linda on Dec 1, 2023 22:33:27 GMT
kitbop - it'll be 630/7 before I can hop on - see you all then
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kellyr21
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,000
Location: California
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Post by kellyr21 on Dec 1, 2023 22:37:54 GMT
Happy Friday! Waving hi and hope you all are having a good day. Thanks nylene for the new thread. Can't believe it is December already. I got out a little today and enjoyed the warmth. I had a few cooking class this week and I have my sketch class tonight. Saying a pray for all of you and/or your loved ones dealing with health issues. Hugs! Here is the premiere video of my "Glitter & Glamour" art collection. So happy share it with you and hope you all enjoy! Link Herenylene - We don't have a lot of cold days here. Maybe a few months and some days here and there. Today was very warm but this week was cool. Great to see Angi in the picture. She looks great! Waving hi to her!  joyfulnana - I am like you and want to find some simple cooking ideas to help me get back into the swing of things. I saw the Pioneer Woman this week and she showed how to do "meal" kits. I haven't tried that before but it looked cool to prepare veggies and items in advance and put them in the refrid until you are ready to cook. Might try that. |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,621
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Post by kitbop on Dec 1, 2023 23:25:34 GMT
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Post by grammadee on Dec 1, 2023 23:32:24 GMT
Thanks for the link, kitbop. Just getting supper organized here. Will try to check in to the crop to chat for a bit in about an hour. |
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joyfulnana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,043
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Post by joyfulnana on Dec 1, 2023 23:39:59 GMT
Grabbing a quick bite. Be there soon!
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Post by scrappyrabbit on Dec 2, 2023 0:17:40 GMT
I’m feeding the baby then will join you.
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Post by grammadee on Dec 2, 2023 1:24:24 GMT
Here we are during the crop. kitbop maybe your pic is better?  And I took a pic of my cookies today. Recipe to follow.  |
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Post by grammadee on Dec 2, 2023 1:27:38 GMT
Here is the recipe for the cookies. The first couple of years I made the dip, but my family ignores it and just gobbles up the cookies, so I don't make it any more.
Spice Cookies with Pumpkin Dip
These are delightful ginger snaps! They can be served alone or with a pumpkin dip for a decadent cookie eating experience.
1. In the large mixer bowl, at medium speed, combine the following ingredients:
1 ½ cup soft butter
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
½ cup molasses
2. In a small bowl, stir these dry ingredients together:
4 cups flour
4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
3. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mix as much as possible. Form into a ball, and refrigerate overnight.
4. Form the dough into ½ to ¾ inch balls, and roll each ball in granulated sugar.
5. Bake at 375 for 6 minutes.
6. Meanwhile make dip. Combine in a small mixer bowl:
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese
2 cans pumpkin pie mix
2 cups icing sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
*The cookie dough can also be used for the base of a very delicious cheese cake. Just line an 8” square pan with the dough, bake, then fill with cheese cake filling.
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Post by Linda on Dec 2, 2023 2:38:16 GMT
Thank you kitbop for hosting - it was great visiting with everyone! grammadee - thank you for the recipe. I have a very similar pumpkin dip recipe that I usually serve with apple slices - mine uses pumpkin not pie mix and adds orange extract. I love gingersnaps but haven't ever made them so will be trying your recipe -it sounds delicious. |
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Post by AussieMeg on Dec 2, 2023 2:56:09 GMT
hey AussieMeg, we’re wondering if you’re around? I wish I could join today, but DSO and I are busy putting together our new (huge) entertainment centre. The instructions said it takes 2.5 hours. Yeah right!  Then I have to vacuum in readiness for getting the carpet cleaned. I hope you have / had fun! |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,621
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Post by kitbop on Dec 2, 2023 3:36:01 GMT
AussieMeg - putting together furniture is always a relationship test Hopefully another time. nylene would like to meet you! I will post the photo I took- I haven't looked closely yet (it's on my ipad) but we were all looking at the "camera"! grammadee - that is very very similar to my recipe and yes I use much more spice than recommended. I also use lard...because it's an old Mennonite recipe that came from a friend's Oma, and that's what they used. And boy does it make those cookies chewy! However, I've never made cookie dip  I think I've been missing out. Glad the baby napped scrappyrabbit ! gramma - hope you can get that dang audio fixed. I miss you when you aren't there.
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Post by scrappyrabbit on Dec 2, 2023 3:55:29 GMT
kitbop thanks for hosting! Thanks to my baby as well for napping 😂😂 AussieMeg good luck with your furniture assembly! Great to see everyone else nylene grammadee linda joyfulnana justjac gramma I can probably join again next week, but after that we plan on going to my parents’ for a few weeks until Christmas.
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Post by AussieMeg on Dec 2, 2023 10:58:13 GMT
Well the 2.5 hour furniture assembly took closer to six hours give or take. And DSO is very handy at things like that, so I have no idea how anyone could possibly do it in 2.5 hours. It required power tools as well, so not a simple allen key assembly. We had to screw every piece of timber into place, every shelf, every door and drawer and handle....  |
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joyfulnana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,043
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Post by joyfulnana on Dec 2, 2023 13:20:24 GMT
AussieMeg it looks great though! But yeah, there is no way in yeah, that I would have had that done in 2.5 hours. 2.5 days maybe? LOL. Hope you'll be able to join us again soon! thanks for hosting kitbop it's always so good to hang out you all. gramma I hope you can get your tech working, I miss you when you aren't there too. grammadee thanks for the recipe. I've never made ginger snaps, but I do like them, and my Christmas baking needs to be refreshed, I may give this a go. I love that photo of us kellyr21 thank you for sharing your art, you've been busy! The detailed pattern on the models dresses is beautiful! was that a stencil? It's awesome. The name Jade Angelique was perfect for that particular model. I love it! I'm getting some quiet in before the tree action starts lol. Cody said yesterday that Rudy is stoked to come help today. He'll be here around lunch time and of course I have much to do before he gets here lol. Less procrastination would be a good resolution or goal for next year LOL! I hope you all have an awesome weekend!
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Post by Linda on Dec 2, 2023 14:14:49 GMT
AussieMeg - it looks great but wow - tons of work. We're not very handy here so it would have taken much longer for us. Have fun decorating joyfulnanaI won't be able to make it next Friday - it's the company Christmas party - but hopefully after that. I always get so much done while chatting with you all. DD17 is off to her SAT this morning. DH dropped her off and then went to the flea market and yard sales. I went back to bed - I didn't fall asleep easily last night and I'm still super tired -waiting for the caffiene to kick in. I have a phone call with a friend this morning - I'll probably craft while we chat - and then grocery shopping this afternoon. At some point I need to pack up Thanksgiving decor and pull out at least some Advent stuff since tomorrow is the 1st Sunday and we'll be busy most of the day.
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nylene
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,779
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Post by nylene on Dec 2, 2023 15:45:00 GMT
Thanks for the link last night, kitbop. That was really fun chatting with all the Pokeys. It was great to meet you, scrappyrabbit! Now my goal is to meet AussieMeg and kellyr21. I have never been on when they are present. gramma, I hope you can get your audio fixed. I missed seeing and hearing you. kellyr21, I love your beautiful artwork. I could watch you paint all day. I think each of your girls has a piece of you in them. Gorgeous work. I love the glitter added to their outfits. Keep it up, friend! I hope to get everything ready so when Alex and friend come on Wed. after school they can carry up all the boxes and help me get started on the Christmas village and tree. I love getting it all set up, but just can't make that many runs up and down stairs. Have a great weekend, everyone. We had snow plows going by all night so I didn't sleep well last night. I may have to nap today. |
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Post by Linda on Dec 3, 2023 3:42:14 GMT
Hello all.
DD felt she did ok on the SAT - yay! We had bad storms here this afternoon - loads of thunder and lightning, rain, and even a tornado warning. It's still raining but everything else has calmed down thankfully but my phone alarms were going wild for a while.
Talked to my best friend for 3 hrs on the phone - we've set up a monthly phone date to catch up. She lived with us for 7 years when my kids were small but lives in a different part of the country now. She's the one who got me started with scrapbooking.
I finally packed away the Thanksgiving stuff (except for the front porch - it's too wet to deal with that today) and started pulling out the Advent stuff. We're in the city tomorrow for DD's Girl Scout meeting so I won't have time to be hunting for candles and the wreath and books when we get back. I cheated and bought cookies for this week's advent ceremony - no time to bake today or tomorrow.
Now I need to count up my November points - yikes. Not looking forward to that at all.
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,621
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Post by kitbop on Dec 3, 2023 18:17:29 GMT
I'm counting my Christmas cards today and making the final batch. I realized that AussieMeg hadn't been included in our card exchange message. AussieMeg - would you be OK with receiving a card from me? Can I have your address? You can PM it to us instead of posting it publicly here. Planning to mail cards tomorrow. Linda - glad the SAT went well and hopefully she can relax for her senior year! |
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Post by AussieMeg on Dec 3, 2023 21:47:46 GMT
I'm counting my Christmas cards today and making the final batch. I realized that AussieMeg hadn't been included in our card exchange message. AussieMeg - would you be OK with receiving a card from me? Can I have your address? You can PM it to us instead of posting it publicly here. Yes that would be lovely! I'm not sure whether anything I'd send now would get to Canada and the US in time, but we can but try! Is there a group chat or a list where I can get addresses? I will PM you my address kitbop. |
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Post by grammadee on Dec 3, 2023 22:11:21 GMT
I'm counting my Christmas cards today and making the final batch. I realized that AussieMeg hadn't been included in our card exchange message. AussieMeg - would you be OK with receiving a card from me? Can I have your address? You can PM it to us instead of posting it publicly here. Yes that would be lovely! I'm not sure whether anything I'd send now would get to Canada and the US in time, but we can but try! Is there a group chat or a list where I can get addresses? I will PM you my address kitbop . I will add you to the group chat with our addresses and then you can add your own, AussieMeg. |
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Post by Linda on Dec 3, 2023 23:43:40 GMT
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joyfulnana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,043
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Post by joyfulnana on Dec 5, 2023 4:31:15 GMT
Hello Pokeys! Getting into my feelings over here tonight reading this thread, and thinking how much I have loved getting to know you all. Online crops were one of the best things to come out of the Pandemic. Linda I'm glad the SAT went well. I'll be trying your ginger snap recipe grammadee - I just noticed the footnote about using it for a cheesecake crust. I'll bet that would be delicious! I won't be able to crop this Friday either, I'll be doing baking prep for Saturday. I can't believe the year is almost over, it's gone by so fast for me. |
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Post by grammadee on Dec 5, 2023 4:45:48 GMT
Good evening, Pokeys. Yes, this group has meant a LOT to me over the past few years. So glad we have this place to hang out.
Got all my cards signed and addressed. Still need to fold "the letter" and stuff it into envelopes ready for it. Realized I don't have enough cards (or at least not ones I like enough to give to close family), so I need to put a few more together. Good thing I still have lots of diecuts and papers to play with!
I won't be able to drop in to chat on Friday if anyone strts a crop: dd is dropping dgs off Friday afternoon and then she is leaving for the airport to go to her conference, and I will be heading with the boy to a hockey game two hours away.
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Then I have to vacuum in readiness for getting the carpet cleaned. I hope you have / had fun! 