It's been a while... My darling friends keep telling me I need to "update your blog!" Yes, well, here is my update.

Here are several of the layouts I've been working on the last month, but not all of them. It's been a good scrapping month. I even managed to crank out a card. I know...wonders never cease. A lot of these are sketches from either Pagemaps or Scrapbooks, Etc.



One of the exciting things that I've done since my last post was get some acrylic nails put on. I wasn't sure how I would like them, or if I could even function with them. I'm here to tell you that I LOVE them! I'm actually going to get my first "fill" tomorrow. They're not at all what I expected. I've been procrastinating for years on getting them. I played volleyball with them last Thursday and everything. Love 'em! My darling friend, Lori has her own shop called "Jazzie nails." If you're ever in Saxonburg, Pa, be sure and check it out.

Another event, that I absolutely LOVE, is our semi-annual Scrap-a-Way. I look forward to this even immensely! The girls and I get together and scrap all weekend at a lovely hotel in Butler, Pa. I was able to complete 15 layouts while locked inside. Good food, good friends and great scrapbooking supplies. Ya just gotta love it!



Hunting season has begun for the Archer. My DH has decided to participate in this year's quest. I'm rooting for him all the way! Small game is also in, so Nick will also be "harvesting" for the family. I love his enthusiasm. Especially, when the freezer starts filling up with squirrels. I know some of you may think that's brutal, but I assure you that they are delicious!

School is going okay for all three children. Nick is non-chalant as ever with his studies, so that's a constant battle. Blake states that every day is "boring." And little miss Kaila LOVES it! So, she is a joy to get ready. We're still in the midst of field trips for all of them, but other than that, they have no extra activities.

I'm currently participating in ScrapNCircle's Crop for a Cure Crop. They have a lot of challenges going on right now and it's for a great cause.
Well, I have whiney children, so I must go locate some ymmy cashews to shove in their mouths.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

Family...Friends...remain calm. I am updating my blog!

I realize I have some faithful followers and I thank you for checking my blog only to be disappointed at its lack of new content.

August was CRAZY busy. There was so much scheduling/traveling that went on, not to mention illnesses, etc. I'm glad it's over, let's put it that way. So, now I'm back and won't be leaving on any long trips until December.

School started at the end of August. I now have three children in the following grades, 4th, Kindergarten and Pre-K. Let me just tell you how weird it is to only have one kid at home most of the time. Kaila only has Pre-K three days a week for about two hours. It's nice, but weird. I'll have to force myself to get used to it ;)

How stinkin' cute are these pictures? Blake insisted on having "spikey" hair even though it is too long. He likes it that way. Take a look at what the first day of school did to poor, little Blake. He was overcome by exhausion! I had to physically remove him from the bus. Luckily, I had my camera handy and could snap a couple photos first ;) Blake seems to like it, but the verdict is still out on Nick's new school.

I'm also happy to report that I did complete several layouts Labor Day Weekend. I was going to scrapping withdrawal. I'll see how many I can actually upload for your viewing amusement. I used Pagemap/Scrapbooks, Etc. sketches for all of them. I completed another two-pager at the crop last night but it's not uploaded yet.

I have a lot of stuff to do today, so I must cut this short. I should be updating a little more regularly until the end of the year.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

Jozzie's Chalet Blog Challenge --- #13

If I was a T-shirt I'd definitely say, "I'm skinny on the inside." Because I certinaly don't feel as large as I am. It's sad, but true. I hope to be able to join the country club over near me soon, but until that happens...I thus remain as I am.

I was able to complete a couple more layouts using the M2Y MOD kit. I'm not usually a very bright colored person, but I really enjoyed working with these papers. Click on each photo for a better look. I used a Basicgrey sketch for the two-pager and a Scrapbooks, Etc. sketch for the single page.

Thanks for popping in.

Shawn

Chalet Blog Challenge...my most favorite indulgence.

If we're talking food, it's definitely my homemade apple pie. It doesn't get any better than that and I just can't resist it! My Mom taught me how to make pie, but she says that mine tastes better than hers. I really don't get to eat hers very often, so it's hard to say. My husband says that my pie is the best that he's ever had BAR NONE. He says he's never tasted a better crust and that I get it so perfect every single time. That makes me feel good. So, if I need to lift his spirits, or make him a little happier than normal...I whip out the granny smith apples and get busy.

I had the pleasure of creating a layout using the August kit from Memories 2 You with the inspiration of a Basic Grey sketch. I decided to do more of the frog photos that I took of Kaila in May, because I took SO many. She's just hilarious with her love of frogs and all of those other slimy creatures. I also used my new Autumn Leaves flourish stamps. Those things are so versatile and you can create such a huge flourish with all of the little stamps. The flourish in the bottom left of the layout is three stamps.

Anyway, I have to get ready to go shopping and everything else.

Thanks for popping in!

Shawn

My most prized possession...

is the hope chest that I made in eleventh grade. I paid $74.50 for the wood/hinges. It's made several moves with me from Michigan to Pennsylvania (a couple different locations) until resting in its current location. I didn't really care what happened to anything else in my dwelling, but I was very involved in the relocation of this one piece. I'm not a terribly sentimental person and I could always purchase a new hope chest, but it wouldn't come with the memories of carefully choosing the wood, designing the "backsplash" or the many hours of sanding it to get it to the exact smoothness that I desired. I have a lot of great memories going to my shop class my Junior year. It was one of my most favorite classes. I loved to make things that were going to be useful. I'm not into things that aren't practical. So, when I look at this hope chest I not only see an heirloom for my daughter and her daughters...I see the many cherished memories that go with it.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

Scrapbook Chalet Blog Challenge with Jozzie!


I'm not sure how many of these I'll be able to do, but it's a great idea to keep my blog hoppin'!

Number 1 on the list is the one scrapbook item I cannot live without, as I'm sure no other scrapper can live without as well...a camera!


I have some very exciting news in my little world. I did post it on the Chalet, but some of my bloggers don't know that I received my new Nikon D40 via DHL yesterday. I charged that baby and I took it on a test run. I took a total of 75 photos the first time out. It is so different than my other camera, which is why I already LOOOOVVVVEEEE it! I've been waiting so long for this. Can you tell I'm excited? I can't wait to see what other amazing images I get with this. The lighting was really low yesterday and I haven't read the entire manual, so I didn't touch very much except the automatic setting. I'll get into everything else later. I just wanted to PLAY!



You can click on the image to see it closer, if you so desire.

I guess I better get on to less enjoyable things...like cleaning. UGH!

Thanks for popping in!

Shawn

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

Just a quick update...we're enjoying the Summer and looking forward to our trip to Michigan to drop our kids off for 2 weeks. Yes! Two whole weeks of "freedom!" Can you blame me for scheduling something every single day? I have to say that there are two events I'm REALLY looking forward to. #1 - a whole day to scrap with my friends at Scrapbook Station and #2 - Harry Potter movie!!!! Pure heaven, I tell you!

I'm seriously trying to get the kids out more this Summer than I normally do. I usually stay home ALL the time! Can you believe that? It's true. Well, today we tried to get together with friends for a photoshoot at the park, but alas, it was not meant to be. Next time, Ange! I then decided that I would take the kids, all 5 of them (nieces too), to a movie. No problem. Now, if the movie would have been good...it would really have been nice. What did we see, you ask? We wasted our money on "Surf's Up!" Yeah...did NOT like it AT ALL! A complete and utter waste of money. I really wish I would have gone and seen "Shrek 3" or "Meet the Robinsons."

Anyway, I was able to complete a two-page layout the other night while out with the girls. I did this for a challenge over at M2Y. I completed the "Funny Faces" layout as well. I have one more sketch to complete. It's almost done...just need to add the journaling. It's been a great challenge to complete all of Becky Fleck's June Pagemaps sketches.

Here's to another great day of Summer!

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

It's been 10 years since DH and I took the plunge into the institution of Marriage. I suppose 10 years goes by pretty quickly when you've been blessed, which is exactly what we continue to be. It's hard to believe it's been that long. Nieces, nephews and small cousins have since grown up quite considerably. Who would have thought we would be where we are today? We have three beautiful, healthy children, a home and a loving extended family. It's just amazing!

Charlie and I were lucky enough to be able to go out to dinner and a movie last night while the kids spent the night at my in-laws. I couldn't possibly have better in-laws...another blessing. Charlie and I ate dinner at Lone Star in Boardman, OH. MMMM! I had delmonico steak! Yum! I just can't get over how good it is there! Jaci, if you have a chance to pop on over there...take it! We then proceeded to take in Ocean's 13 at the Westgate Cinema in New Castle, PA. It was good, but not great. Of course, that is just an opinion. Oh, prior to leaving for the restaurant, I received a delightful gold/diamond bracelet! So, so pretty! What a doll he is!

Anyway, I took these photos before we left last night. Don't we look happy? Well, truth be told..he's pinching me ;)

Cheers, Everyone! And thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

I know...I know!!! She actually KISSED it!! Try not to freak out too badly. She's just too quick. For your information, she also kisses fish! I try to explain to her all of their germs, etc. She doesn't seem to care yet. What's a Mom to do?

I did this layout using one of Becky Fleck's June PageMaps sketches. M2Y is currently having a month long challenge. The challenge is to complete as many of PageMaps June Sketches as you can by the end of June. There are a total of 10 sketches and I have done 5 so far. I'm leaving the double pagers for last. Imagine that! I'm happy with how everything's turning out so far. So, I'll keep a-scrappin'!

I've accomplished quite a bit today. Laundry, dishes, floor scrubbed, floors vacuumed, counters cleaned off...yes, it's been great! I think I deserve to scrap now. Well...it COULD happen!

This is just a quick post to show you what I was doing until midnight last night. I was down here scrapping...listening to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on CD...the time just FLEW!

Jaci - I'll be waiting for that phone call ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

What do you think? Do you like the new look? My dearly beloved friend, Angelina, made this banner for me. Can you say, "What a friend?" It goes very nicely with my color scheme. Thanks, Ange! You rock,Girl!

There's been some scrappin' goin' on in my house. I've been able to complete a couple challenges are various websites using things that I love...sketches and my stash! How could anyone go wrong? I'm lookin' to scrap again tonight if my sinuses will cooperate.

Well, school is finally out. And, yes, there is already some, "What are we going to do now?" questions floating about on the premises. Imagine that! Well, Nick spent the night at his grandparents' house last night, so I'm not hearing much of that today. There's plenty of Summer left for that! I actually plan on doing some things/activities with the kids this year. We usually just stay home ALL the time, but not this Summer!

Gotta go...bad storm!

Shawn

Holy Cow! I bet you all thought I dropped off of the face of the earth. It kind of felt like it there for a while. Now I know why a lot of you don't update your blogs very often. I haven't updated since I left for Texas.

Texas Trip - It was great! Weather...perfect. Very relaxing. I even scrapped a bit with my buddy, Becky!

Thursday - We went to a big scrapbook store called "The Scrapbook Pad." It was very nicely arranged with lots of goodies that were cheaper in Texas than in PA. I spent about $60. I also found things there that I couldn't get up here, so it was nice. We took a trip the Cabela's, ate at a cute little restaurant and caught one of Nathan's baseball games. Boy, did that game bring back memories of my days playing softball!

Friday - We took a trip to Fort Worth to tour the Stock Yards, eat and go to the RODEO! That was so stinkin' cool I could barely stand it! I took a lot of photos, but can't find the memory card that I used. Imagine that! I took some photos with my 35MM point and shoot, so all is not lost. I need a better camera - plain and simple!

Saturday - We had a cookout with some friends and their reletives. Yeah, and we "tried" guacamole. Ummm...didn't care for it. Well, apparently, if we don't like guacamole...we're Un-American! I didn't see that in the rule book, Becky! - LOL!

Sunday - Charlie wasn't too keen on the idea of going to a Catholic church that didn't speak English, so we ventured to my religion..Baptist, which is what Becky and Chris are. Can I say how happy I was about that? Becky is on the Praise Team and was unable to sing with her Mother/Partner, so I filled in for her. I'm not quite sure if anyone even heard me, but I sang anyway. It sounded to me like I was really loud, so I backed off of the mic. I had a good time and felt very comfortable. Later that evening, we went back to church for a pot luck. Aren't those the best? Man! It's been ages since I've been to one of those. OH, and let's not forget we had great TEXAS Home-Cookin'! Ya gotta love it!

Monday - Becky and I scrapped most of the day while the guys went to pawn shops, etc. We then prepared a nice homemade pizza dinner for everyone. Yum! I believe the guys watched A Night at the Museum while Becky and I scrapped.

Tuesday - Our last day there...sad, but true. We scrapped again for part of the day, while the guys left us again...no problem. That night, we played dominoes for about 3 hours. Wow! That time went fast. It was so fun. I rarely get to play any games, so it was perfect for me, since I LOVE games!

Wednesday - We left early for the airport to get back to PA and our darling children, who were taken care of so well by my inlaws. It was awesome to see Chris and Becky again and we're already planning another trip with them for next year.

I returned home to scrap...just a little...for ScrapNCircle using the My Mind's Eye Tres Jolie papers and embellishments. I used some of Becky Fleck's (pagemaps.com) sketches for Half Maps. How cool are those! So many sketches! It's a new size for me, but it's great to work with. ScrapNCircle is having eatch Design Team member put coordinating kits together to purchase beginning in July. What an awesome idea! So, be sure to check it out to see what we come up with! ScrapNCircle also has what we lovingly call "Thrillin' Thursdays" about twice a month. It's an online challenge day with challenges, questions and chatting. Feelin' froggy? Then stop on by and join in on all of the fun!

My most recent creation was put together using a kit from Memories2You called Junkitz Extreme Boy. Can I just tell you how fun that was! I did an Ad Challenge at ScrapNCircle on our Thrillin' Thursday. Thanks for the inspiration!

I'm currently in "get the stinkin' laundry done" mode. What a drag! My dryer is way too slow at drying these clothes, so it takes twice as long to complete anything. It doesn't help when you have 20+ loads to do either. May I borrow anyone's "Laundry Fairy?"

We still have 4 days left of school. I can not believe that Nick is just about done with 3rd Grade already. Wow! That year went fast! Next year will be 4th Grade for Nick, Kindergarten for Blake AND Pre-K for Kaila. Imagine that! Two hours of freedom three days a week. I can hardly wait, but then again...I can. Sniff! Sniff! They're growing toooooo fast!

I think that's enough for now. I hope you've all enjoyed this post and drop me a line.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Happy blogging, Everyone!

Shawn

Wow! It's been a VERY long time since I last updated. I can not believe how time flies!

I've obviously been pretty busy, but don't ask exactly what I've been doing, because it's not very exciting. The only really exciting thing is preparing for our trip to Texas. It's a mere 13 days until we depart. We're still figuring out what we'd like to do while we're there. I had mentioned seeing a Medieval Fair/Dinner, which I think would be COOL! Oh, and let's not forget the possibility of attending our first ever RODEO! I never would have thought I'd be luky enough to go to one, let alone take some photos. I'm really looking forward to that. If any of you have any ideas or information on some good activities...please let me know.

Easter was fun up at my parent's house. It was great to see everyone. Those kids are so stinkin' cute! My Aunt Connie even joined in our festitivities. My husband helped me prepare the main meals. He's such a dear! We fed anywhere from 13-20 people. It was delicious! I'm not thrilled that we had too much snow to have the egg hunt outside, but it's been a long time since there was snow for Easter. So, I'm not complaining. I got some really cute pictures of the kids. I'll be posting them later.

I made it back in time on Monday to help win the championship for our volleyball team on the co-ed church team I play for. It was fun, but maddening. Sheesh! I can't believe the season is over, but I welcome the 6 month break. Hopefully, I'll be in better shape come October for another great season. We finished 2nd in the league and won the overall championship.

I've been lucky enough to receive advance sketches for layouts/cards from Di Hackman for her blog. There's nothing like a bunch of cool sketches and examples to go with them. Take a minute and check out her blog. It's very cool! Here's a couple things I've done for her.

Who's ready for some serious Spring time weather? I'm waving my hand furiously! I am so ready for sunny days and 70 degrees. I want to kick those kids outside to explore and burn their energy. Okay...okay...I would like some great outdoor shots as well, but I'll settle for wearing them out.

I don't really do any outdoor sports during the Spring/Summer, but I'm waiting to hear if I can possibly get on a beach volleyball team for one day a week. Sand is harder to play in, but at least I'll get a little sun. I like to look more tan than ghost-like.

As it turns out, the kids and I will be in Michigan for quite a few days on and off this Summer. Nick, my eldest son, would just like to stay for three months with my parents. It ain't a-happenin'! It's bad enough, or good enough - however you'd like to look at it, that the kids will be there for two weeks straight WITHOUT me! I'm looking forward to some "me" time, but I'm a control freak when it comes to them and many other things, if you'd ask my dearly beloved Mother. I just like to know constantly that they're safe, and I won't have that luxury when they're there. Believe you me, I'll be calling at the very least EVERY day! You may be asking exactly what I'll be doing whilst the children are away...well, let me tell ya...a whole lot of whatever I WANT! I can't wait, but then again, I can.

Thanks for stopping in and taking the time to comment. Your thoughts are great appreciated!

Shawn