I just wanted to take a minute and post the layout I did for a challenge over at Scrapjazz posted by Nancyroo. Thanks for the challenge, Roo! I've lost a total of 9.4 pounds since December 12th. My ideal weight is 130, but I'll settle for 145. I'll keep you all posted.

I'll be heading to Michigan tomorrow, if all goes well. So, I'll be offline until Sunday/Monday.

Have a Happy New Year!

I won't be on for a while, so I thought I'd do a large update, if Blogger lets me.

I completed some DT assignments for ScrapNCircle using Chatterbox papers, which I LOVE! The fact that they're doublesided is an added bonus. I also participated in ScrapNCircle's December Crop (Scrap the Halls) last weekend. I didn't do nearly as many layouts/projects as I had wanted, but I'm happy I did a couple. I completed "I just call him Dad." I did one more layout, but I can't find where I filed it. **Sigh!**

I just started participating in Scrap Jazz's "Trimmed Scrappers" challenge. Yes, we all know I'm a little pudgy and the fact that my own Mother weighs about 7 pounds less than I do is driving me over the edge. My Mom has been overweight most of her adult life. She hasn't seen her current weight for at least 30 years. She's wasting away! I'll see if I can get a photo of her after Christmas with me to show you the difference. I'm really happy and proud of her and for her. She's my inspiration for getting back on track. I call her with my progress and she calls me with hers. Anyway, ScrapJazz has a daily and weekly check in, not to mention some challenges posted by Nancyroo. I haven't completed the first challenge yet, but she's giving everyone extra time, so I hope to finish it within the next couple of days.

I'm not ready for Christmas yet, but I'm excited for the children. Their anticipation is overwhelming! Everyday I'm asked if Santa's coming. And everyday I tell them how many days are left. They get such a look of excitement on their faces. It's so CUTE!

I'll be traveling with the children to Michigan (6 1/2 hour drive) after Christmas by myself! I've done it several times, but I don't like to do it as well in the Winter. We haven't seen some of our reletives in months, so it's time...if the weather is good. That's the deal breaker. Bad weather...we stay put!

I have volleyball tonight! We have to play 6 games! Yes!!! I love it! I should weigh less on Friday AM. I just love that game!

Well, that's it for now. Happy Holidays, Everyone! Stay safe!

Shawn

I have two Scrapbook Chalet Design Team assignments completed and would like to share with you. I used photos that are from 1999 and 2002. They are of Nick and Blake. I used the Scrapbook Chalet's Nov/Dec American Traditional Designs kit. I did add a couple of additional items to each layout, but for the most part I used the kit.

It's snowing here! Finally! I hope to take the kids sled riding at my MIL's house Friday or Saturday. It's been several years since I was able to take Winter photos. We just haven't had a lot of snow, or it was to wet to sled ride. So, this will be cool if I can get some photos of the kids ;)

I'm going to attempt to venture out in the snow tonight for volleyball. I hope it's not as bad as the weatherman said it was going to be.

That's it for this short updtae.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

I posted a New Sketch Challenge at Scrapbook Chalet. Be sure to check it out and see what you can create. I find that I go faster when I start with a basic sketch.

I plan on scrapping tomorrow evening, as well as the next couple of days after that. I have a lot of challenges/DT assignments I'd like to accomplish.

First on my list is a challenge posted by the Scrapbook Chalet's owner, Laura Gordon. She would like to see a layout created using 2 pp's, 3 photos, journaling, ribbon and 1 flower accent. Sounds easy, eh? It's due Monday the 4th of December. Oddly enough, I've already chosen a sketch I found at Heather Ann Designs posted by Jennifer. I believe it's a digital website, but the sketches are great!

Reminder - ScrapNCircle is having a cyber crop beginning on December 15 through December 17th. Feel free to pop in and complete a challenge, or two...or three ;)

Nothing gets my mojo flowing better than a good challenge!

Volleyball was brutal on Thursday! We had one straight hour of bump-set-spike...bump-set-spike! I was literally DRIPPING with sweat! We then proceeded to our next match, which was OK, but not nearly as grueling. I just LOVE this sport! It's basically the only exercise I get.

For those of you located in the Western PA area, did you get wet on Friday??? I got SOAKED! Kaila and I were coming out of the Dollar Tree and it was just an open faucet! It looked like I just took a shower. That's what I get for not having a hood on my jacket. Kaila was a little more fortunate in that respect. I can't complain though. The city I'm from, Grand Rapids, Michigan, was pelted with a FOOT of SNOW!!! Yeah, count your blessings!

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn