Just a quick update with a new sketch/layout featuring the April Boy Kit at The Scrapping Spot.

This is my darling son, Nick. These are pictures from the first day of school. I took about 150 pictures (ya gotta LOVE digital!). He was killing me! Hilarious kid! To get the full effect of his craziness, you must click on the image. I did get some decent photos of him that day. These are just funny. BTW - he has grown a ton since August. I just can't believe it!

For those of you who LOVE sketch challenges, I'll be starting one tomorrow, May 1st, at The Scrapping Spot. It's an every other day sketch, so if you like sketches - just click on the above link! It takes you exactly where you need to be.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

You are NOT going to believe this! I must have been sending ESP messages to my husband, because after 1 1/2 years without gutters/downspouts...he has completed the back and side of the house with functioning equipment. I know, wonders never cease. It looks awesome. I can't wait for him to finish, so we can get some mulch around the house and trees. Ahhh, it's the little things, People!


I have some more layouts to share from my crop weekend. Halloween Cupcake is from one of my sketches. The other two are Becky Fleck sketches from Pagemaps.



















I

I used the Boy Kit over at The Scrapping Spot

to create

"Joy."

Thanks for popping in and be sure to checkout this week's sketch over at Nuts About Sketches.

Shawn

Busy! Busy! I don't know about all of you, but I'm an SO in the "throw away" mood. I could pitch so many things today it isn't funny. Needless to say, this will be a quick post, as I must return to my purging.

I used one of Becky fleck's Pagemaps sketches for this double pager, along with The Scrapping Spot's December Kit. Click on the image for a better view. Nick was only 8 years old here. He's almost 10 now. He's getting too big!

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

Ahhhh, Spring is in the air...flying through the air that is. The Spring that I speak of is the first fresh cut grass of the season. It's a beautiful thing really. The smell just makes me happy. The fact that it's done for about a week makes me even happier :) Since today was the first time the back had been cut, there were a lot of chestnut spiky shells in the yard. Well, we can't have these children stepping on those things the entire Summer. So, we spent about an hour digging them out and raking them up. To complete aforementioned task, I needed to acquire the great skill of driving an ATV. Yes, Shawn has a new toy :))) I have to say, I'm a fast learner. Good luck letting these males drive it again - LOL! Anyway, the kids and I completed the task and I took the two little ones for a ride prior to eating dinner. We HAD to take advantage of this beautiful day, because tomorrow isn't going to be so good.

Without further ado, here are today's layouts.

"Please?" and "Cute Photos" - I created using two more of Becky Fleck's awesome sketches over at Pagemaps.

"Cute Photos" was done using the awesome April Kit over at The Scrapping Spot.

I used one of my sketches for "I know you did that!" I had to flip it though, because Blake was pointing the wrong way.

Again, if you'd like a closer view...just click on each image.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Shawn

I have all girly layouts for you today. I'll have more boyish layouts tomorrow. I just have to upload them. I managed to complete 7 the first night of my scrap-away. I know! 7 BOY layouts! What was I thinking?

Anyway, "Sweet adorable" I just whipped up after about 1 1/2 hours - sheesh!

And "Sleeping Angel" is from my following sketch:

The weather is AWESOME here! I can't wait to kick the kids...I mean get outside and enjoy the fresh air! One of the downsides, obviously, is grass to mow. My sons have decided that they need the fresh cut grass for some sort of fort, so they're just waiting...

Thanks for popping in!

Shawn

Just a couple more layouts from this past weekend. These are all based on Becky Fleck's sketches.

The "Not Fair" layout is using papers from the April Kit at The Scrapping Spot.

Also, just a reminder that I have a new Sketch Blog called "Nuts About Sketches." Check it out!

Thanks for peeking!

Shawn

Here are a few sketches/layouts that I completed last weekend. I used the April Kits over at The Scrapping Spot.

Thanks for taking a peek!

Shawn

Sketch Blog ---

I have created a dedicated Sketch Blog called "Nuts About Sketches." Laurie over at The Scrapping Spot came up with the name for me. Thanks again, Laurie.

I'll be posting sketches and creations related to that sketch each week. Week 1 is already up. Brand new...never seen before...

Check it out!

http://nutsaboutsketches.blogspot.com

I'll post again tomorrow with some of the layouts I did this past weekend.

Thanks for popping in!

Shawn

So many of you are just gonna LOVE this post! Well, those of you who don't mind SNAKES that is! You may be asking me why on earth I could allow my children to hold, touch or even WRAP snakes around their necks. Let me assure you that the snake was not a constricting snake and I would have just torn it apart to get it off of them if need be. Believe that! Without further ado....enjoy these photos!

















On a lighter note, here is another layout that I made using one of my very own sketches ;)











Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

I am so excited to report that my darling husband has finally created/installed bunk beds for the boys!!! It's hard to believe that those poor kids have been sleeping on mattresses on the floor since July 2007. You too could possess these lovely set of bunk beds for $10. We went from possibly spending $1,100 on bunk beds and a bed for Kaila, to $10. Unbelievable! We had a frame for Kaila's twin bed in the garage. Her room isn't really large enough to fit all of her furniture anyway. Check it out! Blake was nice enough to pose for me with his new crocs. He thinks they make him run faster. Too funny!


















Another one of my sketches has been posted at The Scrapping Spot for their April Sketch Challenge. It's not too late to join in on the fun. You have all month to complete the sketches.




































I did sooooo much cleaning/organizing this weekend. I have to tell you though, it felt GREAT! I'm not even close to done, but it is refreshing to be able to walk through my room without killing myself. I rearranged/vacuumed the boys' room also, so it's got a lot more room.
I'm going to try and work on the scraproom today, but I also have Ebay to do.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

Holy BUSY, Batman! So much has been going on here! I know that it pales in comparison to most of your schedules, but it's definitely making my head spin here.


First, we started swim lessons Monday-Thursday for two weeks. The boys were old enough, but Kaila has to wait for the Fall session. Nick jumped from Level 1 to Level 2 the very first night. Blake followed him to Level 2 the next night. How cool is that? I was shocked. They were finally tested Wednesday night to see which level they would each be recommended for in the Fall. Nick moves to Level 3 and Blake has to stay in Level 2, which is fine. It will give him more practice. So, I'll have Blake and Kaila in Level 1/2 (5:30-6:15) and Nick in Level 3 (6:30-7:15) - something to that effect. My point is, I'll be spending a couple hours at the c0llege for two weeks straight. Gee...I can't wait.


Volleyball has ended. We didn't win anything on Thursday nights and Monday nights we lost the championship and ended up with second place. I was exhausted. I thought for sure I was going to pass out before we even started! It was fun and I was sooooo sweaty. I wish it was like that every week. Now, we'll have six months of much needed rest. Who am I kidding? I'll be ready to go again in a couple weeks.


During the midst of the last two items, we purchased a new vehicle. We traveled 1 1/2 hours one way to get it. We were there a ridiculous 4 hours! Man! Just cut to the flippin' chase already. Tell me what I want to hear and don't waste my precious time. Well, we drove home in a new 2008 Envoy 4x4. I was disgusted with the salesman - sloppy, potty-mouthed and many other bad attributes I won't mention. It's sad to say, but I think we actually got the pick of the litter of salesmen though. Pathetic!


A day after we purchased our new vehicle, I had a scrapbook supply party that went very well. It was a gorgeous day, Mary wasn't very late and she had a ton of new stuff. It was fun.


Here are a couple layouts that I've done in the last several days. I used Becky Fleck sketches for both of these.








Thanks for taking a peek!

Shawn

Don't forget! Just a little reminder to all of my friends and family that live around here regarding the Scrapbook Supply party at my house this coming Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Our email address has changed, so if you emailed me at the old one...you're out of luck getting through. If you haven't RSVP'd, please just comment here and I'll be able to see it. I hope to see all of you there!

The Scrapping Spot is currently holding a Sketch Class with a weekly sketch from either myself or Dalis. This week's sketch is one of mine and is as follows along with my interpretation:




















The boys are currently participating in swimming lessons. They started in Level One, but quickly advanced to Level Two, which just shocked me. I'm hoping they pass Level Two and will begin Level Three in the Fall. Kaila will be able to go in the Fall as well. You have to be 5 years of age to be able to enroll. I think Kaila's a tad jealous, but she gets to go play with one of her friend's, so she doesn't have to wait.

Everyone is anxiously awaiting the arrival of consistent warm weather. Blake still thinks it's Winter. Imagine that! How many days until my birthday? How many days until Spring? How many days until school is over? ---- etc. etc. He wasn't happy when I told him that it is already Spring and it's still not warm. I hear ya, Buddy!

Anyway, thanks for stopping by!

Shawn