On to Chalet Survivor Round 4!!! Thank you!!! I seriously appreciate whomever voted for me!!! We had to alter something. I usually like to alter something that I'm actually going to use. I'm not one for altering something for decoration. So, I decided on altering a puzzle for Kaila. She's really been into puzzles lately and is quite good, in my opinion. I thought it would be interesting for her to have to put a puzzle together that had a picture of her and her siblings on it. I went with a "Seasons" theme and was happy with the results. I haven't altered too many things, so it's always a learning experience. I purchased the Creative Imaginations puzzle at the LSS for around $4.99. It's basically naked chipboard and really easy to work with. I used Stampin' Up patterned papers, SU cardstock, MM rubons and brads. I also added a Frostcreek frog charm.

I'm curious/anxious to see what next week's challenge is now. It has to do with Valentine's Day, that's the only hint we were given. I'm hoping for a card, or candy box/item.

There are only 16 more days until our semi-annual Scrap-A-Way. We spend 2 nights and 3 days in a hotel and scrap our hearts out. I can not tell you how much I look forward this this event. So, I'll be getting my page planners ready. I usually make about 15 of them for weekend. I'm a very slow scrapper, so that's more than enough. I do take "extra" photos, just in case I have a REALLY productive day.

Speaking of scrapbooking, I may have mentioned that I was taking my unwanted scrapbook supplies to sell at the LSS's Yard Sale. I ended up making over $300 in store credit! What's my first purchase you may be asking? Well, I did already purchase a couple small items, but my next purchase will be for...the Quickutz Revolution! Yes! I can't wait to put that puppy to work! I've had a Quickutz, but it was so strenuous to operate. I'm hoping this will encourage to whip those die cuts out more frequently.

Anyway, I must get back to work and accomplish some cleaning today.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

Chalet Survivor!!!

I forgot to mention that I did make it to round number 2 and it looks like I'll be moving on to round number 3. Thanks to the angels that voted for me!!! If you haven't visited the gallery over there, please take some time and check these great creations out. They have some great photography and some awesome designs. This was challenge for me. We had to use 3 pictures regarding "Our Town." We also had the stipulation of using at least 2 patterned papers. I had to call my mother-in-law to see if there was anything interesting to photograph in our huge (insert sarcasim) town of Pulaski. She mentioned the Octagon house, which is really cool and then I thought about the sheep farm. I wanted the buffalo farm, but they were either not there or sleeping. I had the hot air balloon photo from July this year. I used the Scrapbook Chalet's February Chatterbox kit to complete this week's challenge.

I was also able to complete an AAM challenge at the Chalet regarding the 5 things I love about being alive. That was interesting to do as well. I also used the Scrapbook Chalet's February Chatterbox kit to complete that challenge. I'm all about killing two birds with one stone. Chatterbox papers work for a variety of layouts AND they're double-sided. You just can't beat it!

Margo has posted a "Chore a Week" over at Scrapbook Chalet and for the last two weeks I have chosen to clean Kaila's room. I'm not scared...I could MAKE the time, but this scrappin' bug has got me by the horns and it isn't pulling me in that particular area of the house. I know I still have 4 more days. It just isn't looking very good right now. I gotsta pick me a different chore. Is scrapping considered a chore? - :)

Laura (owner of Scrapbook Chalet) is currently taking pre-orders for items being released at CHA this Winter. SO, if you have a hankering for somethin'...check out the thread on the message board for further details. There is some seriously awesome goodies coming out!

I completed another page for my BOM challenge over at ScrapNCircle. I'm loving how this is turning out. I'm trying to use all Cosmo Cricket papers for the majority of this little album. That's some great stuff there!

ScrapNCircle is going to start to have an all day challenge day/evening titled "Thrillin' Thursday" once a month. I'll have further details when they have been finalized. It's sure to be a good time. There are a lot of spunky, energetic girls over there. They'll keep ya hoppin' with there challenges!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I really appreciate any comments you take the time to leave.

Shawn

Scrapbook Chalet's gallery is Hopping!

The gallery is being bombarded with Survivor layouts for Challenge #1 and they are GORGEOUS! Run, don't walk over to the gallery to check the entries out. Wow! The challenge was due today and hmmmm, here's mine titled "Priceless Smiles." We had to use a sketch from Pencil Lines. I added some bling and just couldn't stop myself! I used my Heidi Swapp mini iron for the first time on the "SMILES." It was very easy to use, but I had to put it down for approximately 30 seconds, as opposed to 5. Hey! It worked! No complaints here. Wish me luck for the voting tomorrow. I'm SERIOUSLY gonna need it!

I also completed two DT projects for Scrapbook Chalet using January's 3 Bugs Smitten kit. It is just so bold and pretty with its little bit of pinks thrown in. I still quite a bit of the kit left. I'll be completing a couple more things within the next couple of days.

Feel free to click on the layout if you'd like a closer view.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

Book Of Me - over at ScrapNCircle.

I've never done one of these books, so it should prove interesting. I have completed the first three pages consisting of a Title Page, Dedication Page and a Table of Contents Page. I used Cosmo Cricket papers for all of them, as well as some of my "old" stash. Imagine that! The book is only 7 x 7, so it's really easy to work with.

Roo has decided to two bi-weekly challenges for the Trimmed Scrappers over at ScrapJazz. I think this should work quite nicely due to all of my upcoming deadlines. Thanks, Roo! As far as the actual weightloss is going...it isn't. I'm having a difficult time getting back on track...still! I'll at least get some good exercise tonight at volleyball. We'll be playing 6 games again, so I'm bound to lose water weight.

I've accomplished quite a bit in the cleaning department. I had company last night and in order to prepare for their arrival there was much to be done, as I'm sure you can imagine. I finally cleaned the refrigerator, vacuumed the floors, scrubbed the kitchen floor, dusted the ceiling fan in the kitchen, dusted in the livingroom AND cleaned the bathroom...including the tub! I know...wonders never cease! I should be good to go for three more months - just kidding!!! I don't know about you, but a clean house just makes a lot of things better, or should I just say, "less stressful." I'm continuing to make progress today in honor of my 2007 word, "anti-procrastination."

So, in order to keep on track, I must end this post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

Happy New Year!!! I'm looking forward to a year of change, not only physically, but also geographically. Now just hold on! I'm not moving very far away from my current location. Heck, we may not even move at all, but it IS a possibility. We plan on looking for something this Spring/Summer. How exciting and scary at the same time! Do you realize how much CRAP you accumulate in the span of 10 years? It ain't pretty, Folks!

As far as physically, well let's just say I wish for a little less of ME! Here is Scrapjazz's Trimmed Scrappers Weekly Challenge #2 layout. My three year old daughter, Kaila, took this photo. Do you think she was a tad close? That's why I'm laughing. These are some of my problem foods. There's just not enough space for all of my downfalls...food-wise. I used part of The Memory Safe's Fancy Pants kit. So pretty IRL! Double click on the image for a closer view. I have an alterior motive for losing weight, besides feeling better about myself. We will have been married for 10 years in the middle of June and I want to do a photo portfolio for my DH. My good friend, Angelina, has agreed to take them for me. I think he would really be surprised. We all know that if I'm not thin enough they DARN WELL WON'T GET TAKEN! That's where the surprise will come in, if I actually lose the weight.

I have some other goals as well. There's a thread over at ScrapNCircle regarding inspiration by Ali Edwards (thanks, Michelle). She focuses on one word all year long. I decided that my personal word would be "anti-procrastination." I don't know about you, but I make excuses as to why things don't get done. Hopefully, this will be a word/action/personality trait of my past. I'm looking for a solution to a lot of my "problems" and focusing on this particular word will definitely put me in the right direction.

What are your goals for 2007?

One last thing before I zip out of here. As some of you know, I took a little trip to Michigan with my three small children to visit relatives. I mentioned in an earlier post that my Mother is losing weight and weighs less than I do. Her new nickname, given to her by me, is BEAN POLE! I've never seen her so thin! She looks great! She is technically still about 40 pounds overweight, but good grief! She looks soooo thin to me! I regret to tell you that I don't have any before/after photos, but I hope to within the next couple of months. She's my inspiration for a thinner, healthier ME!

That's all for now.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn