I've caught the bug...not that I didn't already have it, but it's worse this time - LOL! It's the "Scrapping" bug. Yes, I too have succumbed to scrapping instead of getting my duties done. Duties...do children/dh REALLY need to eat? Do they REALLY need clean clothes and a towel after their shower? I do believe we, as Americans, have life entirely too easy and should have to go without once in a while to truly appreciate what we DO have...especially when Momma wants to scrap! I mean come on! Is that too much to ask? Clearly...it is! I can't really complain. I've scrapped about 13 pages in the last 24 days, whilst tending to other things/duties. "Super Star" and "ahh...snake!" are based a sketch by "Jill" at Memories 2 You. The other two are based on sketches from the July Pagemaps. The photos in the "Beauty" layout were taken by my wonderful friend, Angelina Schwarz. I've scrapped them before, but I just love them so much I keep whipping them out.

We're currently trying to get ready for the kids' annual birthday party this Saturday. And, of course, I have a TON of stuff to do. Wouldn't you know it? The kids are completely underfoot. I mean every stinkin' time I literally TURN AROUND I'm accidentally knocking one of them in the head or stepping on their feet. All day long! Not only that, but they're at each other's throats! Even the two little ones, who are normally very nice to each other. They're on an aggravating rampage! Mom, WHERE ARE YOU!!!!????!!! That's a little tidbit for my dearly beloved mother, who forced me to take my children back - LOL! I'm just kidding of course. They're deeply loved my their father and me. It would just be nice to kick them to my Mom's while I'm getting ready for this party. I do not have that luxury.

I don't know about anyone else, but I am a giant Harry Potter fan! Yes, I was there at 12:01 a.m. for the release of the latest/last HP book. Yes, I saw the madness and the anticipation on all of these people's faces. I felt so bad for the people who waited to long to actually come on down to good, old Wal-Mart to get in line. They had to wait longer and may have not even gotten a book. I didnt' stick around to find out. I went home and stayed up until 2:30 a.m. reading...until my eyelids couldn't take it anymore. It is a fantastic read. Loved it! Can't wait for the next HP movie already - 11-21-08.

That's all that's going on around here. Nothing really exciting, but then again, life is good...it doesn't NEED to be exciting!

See ya!

Shawn

I know, wonders never cease. It is I! Yes, I'm updating my blog. Imagine that!

There has been quite a bit going on over here since my last update. The kids are currently in Michigan with my wonderful parents. GOD BLESS THEM! Which, of course, gives me opportunities to get a great deal of things/chores/projects completed. Well...not as many as I'd like, but better than nothing. The freedom to do what I want...when I want is almost overwhelming, but not quite :)

So, what have I been doing...besides a tad bit of scrapping? Well, I've been switching the kids' rooms around that's what! Kaila had a bigger room and for some reason I thought the boys needed a larger area to destroy...I mean be comfortable in. Not only did I switch their rooms, but I painted Kaila's new room. Yes! It is complete! Can I just say that two little humans of the male gender can cause such HAVOC in a living space? It was worse than I had feared, but still manageable. We also had to order some beds for the kids that would look more presentable in their new areas. They shan't be in until September...sigh! When all is said and done, someone else may enter their rooms without silent gasps sounding in my head.

I was lucky enough to be able to spend last Friday with my good friend, Lori. She started out by giving me a pedicure. Yes, what better way to start the day than your friend "messing" around with your feet. I have to say that it was a pure delight and I may just have to do it more frequently when the children start school. Talk about a good friend, eh? We then proceeded to the great LSS to spend the rest of the day scrapping. Nancy was there when we got there, so we all went out to lunch. We were starving! We'll be going again on August 3rd for anyone else that would like to join us. The more...the merrier!

I know that that doesn't seem like a lot going on, but I didn't give you every stinkin' detail. I'm tired ya know!

Here are some layouts that I created with the "Love, Elsie" kit over at Memories2You. The "Fuzzy Accessories" was created using a sketch from July's Guest Designer, Shannon Pressner. I used a July Pagemaps sketch for the other two. Memories2You has a monthly sketch challenge. You get all month to complete it. You should see what these scrappers are coming up with. Amazing!






































Here are some of my creations from the past week. I used last year's Chatterbox paper on these four, which is 50% OFF at http://www.scrapncircle.com/. Take a jaunt over and snatch up whatever is left. I don't really think this paper gets "old." I just loved working with it. Did I mention that it is double-sided? That's a plus for me. Three out of these four were created using some July Pagemaps sketches for inspiration.




















Thanks so much for stopping by! Drop me a line, if you get a chance. I love to read your comments.

Shawn