All is lost...or is it?

Anyone have experience with data recovery companies?

Our desktop died about a month ago. I found a place certified to do Apple repair (thanks for the info, Chick!) and took it in last week. Hard drive is dead, kaput, totally gone. And they were unable to recover any data. All 4,500+ pictures in iPhoto. All my kids' iTune downloads, all the Photoshop actions I have purchased, all the fonts I have either purchased or downloaded....all gone.

Had a good cry over it, especially my photos. Most had been printed out. But the last 3-4 months had not. Dad's wedding. Mason's 3rd birthday. Stuff that is irreplaceable!

The computer shop gave me a brochure about a data recovery company that has great success with dead hard drives. Their services START at $500. Holy cow! I'm sure I'll eventually decide it is worth it.

Get a back-up system in place. NOW. Get two back-up systems in place. I was working on it with a new external hard drive, but had only just started. Hard lesson to learn...

New layouts

but an old photo on one and really, really old product on the other (Mrs. G stickers!)

For today...

Outside my window... heat, heat and more heat. No relief in sight this week.

I am thinking... that after all the birthday prep this past week and weekend, I feel the need to head to my scraproom for some creative time.

From the learning rooms... doing a lot of pondering on the talk cousin Lisa gave in church yesterday. Very insightful and thought-provoking.

I am thankful for... a house full of family over the weekend, including a surprise visit by Uncle John, Aunt Katie, Hailey and Colton.

From the kitchen... watermelon, cherries, canteloupe, just-picked blackberries and raspberries and tomatoes from Dad's house. I love summer food!!

I am wearing...my robe. Haven't managed to find clothes I want to wear yet.

I am reading... "Inkspell" by Cornelia Funke. It's fun to share books with my kids!

I am hoping... to find a tent that will fit our family.

I am creating... some great photos out of my camera lately. Now to carve out some time to scrap them...

I am praying... that the recovery company can get some of the data off our defunct hard drive, mainly the 4000+ pictures in iPhoto.

Around the house... balloons and streamers and leftover birthday cake.

One of my favorite things... mint body wash. A fabulous way to wake up!

A few plans for the rest of the week... driving to Spokane tomorrow to pick up McKelle from the airport and heading to Montana on Thursday for the Stott family reunion at Holland Lake!

Friday fill-ins #133

1. Fresh artisan bread from Costco and cold cuts/cheese make a quick and easy dinner.

2. "Inkspell" is the book I'm reading right now.

3. July brings back memories of family reunions at Holland Lake. We're finally going again this year!!

4. That Harry Potter #6 would be brilliant was obvious.

5. They say if you tell your dreams people might think you're loony. I had a doozy last night - Michael and I getting married, but me dressed in orangey-yellow to match his blue and yellow tux. All sorts of crazy followed that!!

6. Taking time to think it over is something I do almost too well. I'm definitely an over-thinker.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to baking cakes, tomorrow my plans include a triple birthday party for Max (5), Matthew (16) and my sister Giana (35) and Sunday, I want to watch proudly as my oldest is made a priest!

Something new for Monday...

For Today...(inspired by The Simple Woman's Daybook)

Outside my window... the aftermath of a good rainstorm, complete with thunder and lightning. Much appreciated after all the 90 degree plus days.

I am thinking... about all I need to get done before my sister arrives tonight from Utah.

From the learning rooms... reading several books on photography and photoshop.

I am thankful for... a clean fridge!

From the kitchen... almost nothing! I've been too busy for grocery shopping. On my list to do today. I did make a yummy cheesecake last night and there is a small slice of leftovers....unless one of the boys found it.

I am wearing... jeans and a navy blue t-shirt, no shoes.

I am reading... just finished "The Other Boleyn Girl", "The Boleyn Inheritance" and "Kathryn." Yes, I was reading them all at once. I picked up "Inkspell" this morning. Should reread HP#6 before I see the movie tomorrow night.

I am hoping... for one particular child to realize that laziness will never equal happiness.

I am creating... lots of scrapbook pages with my Studio Calico, Jenni Bowlin and Scarlet Lime kits!

I am praying... for my brother and his family.

Around the house... slightly messy after boys came home from rafting. Waiting for my cleaning angels to arrive this morning.

One of my favorite things... my little room piled with elements of creation and design.

A few plans for the rest of the week... hugging my daughter after she arrives home from her trip to Utah, hosting my sister for a night, meeting my niece Samantha for the first time!! planning a triple birthday party for the family - Max was 5 Friday, Giana will be 30-something on Friday and my oldest will be 16 on Saturday!!

Max is 5!!

He woke up this morning and asked if it was time for school!

Time flies. I can't believe my sweet, mellow boy is old enough for kindergarten. We'll be celebrating next week when all the kids get home and the "orange cousins" arrive from Utah.

More layouts to share...

What I've been up to...