I mentioned the other day that I scrapped with my BFF, Lori. I did complete 3 layouts, one of which will be revealed tomorrow. So, stop back if you'd like to see what I did with this week's Sketchabilties' sketch :)

I'm attempting to participate in the August THAW challenges at Willow Traders. Week #2 is sponsored by Treasured Scrapbooking, which is also who provided the sketch below for one of the challenges. I combined two challenges in one layout. First, we were to use this sketch. We were allowed to combine it with another challenge. I combined it with Challenge #6, which was to use school related items in a non-school related way. Easy enough, eh?

The darling boy in the above photos is two weeks away from turning twelve. My...how time does fly!

Thanks for taking a peek!

Shawn

Well, we just finished a lovely, relaxing visit with my Mother here. Very little work was done on my part, but my Mother found it necessary to do some cleaning (scrub tub), etc. What does that say about me, eh? I, on the other hand, wanted to play Scrabble...lots of Scrabble! Who cares if I lose 90% of the time? I'm a sucker for punishment. I thoroughly enjoyed getting whooped :)

The day my Mother left I was able to console myself with the fact that Lori, one of my BFF's was coming over to scrap!!! Wahooooo! We had such a good time until the weeeee hour of 3:00 a.m. :) She is so awesome that she brought my darling children glitter tattoos, which they LOVE!

When my Mother was here, she dragged me into one of my favorite stores...Fashion Bug. Not a good idea! One of the items I purchased was these CUTE shoes!!! How fab are these? FYI - that is a glitter tattoo, not permanent.

Now, on to my next adventure, which my HUSBAND is participating in!!! I'm really excited about that. We drove an hour to purchase decent, slightly expensive running shoes. Our first tryout is tonight. Can NOT wait!

After we were done purchasing shoes, Charlie took us out for ice cream :) This was our first time out this season for ice cream. Yes....we don't get out much. The kids' cones were huge. I don't give them this much ice cream, so they had a difficult time consuming them. Blake was OK, but Kaila ended up throwing some of hers away. I got Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream...YUM!

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

52 Week Challenge

Week 2:

The challenge was to create a layout using paper piecing. I used the August 2010 kit from The Scrapping Spot. Everything is from the kit, except the yellow jewels and the blue circle alphabet. I cut several things apart, used circle punches and rearranged it a tad.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

Here are my darling little ones posing for the camera :) I just love this pink dress that Kaila's wearing. She received it for her birthday last year. It's still a little big, but she's happy with it.

It warms my heart that the kids love Molly, our cat. They take such good care of her. I do believe that Molly is going to have kittens though.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

52 Week Challenge:

My friend, Deanna Koontz is hosting a 52 Week Challenge. Here is week one: Week One. The challenge is to create a layout using an article of clothing, or an outfit as your inspiration. Here is one of my very favorite shirts/blouses. I basically drew inspiration from the butterfly and gems.

Thanks for taking a peek!

Shawn

It's that time again! Another Sketchabilities reveal day! Checkout this wickedly cool sketch. Also, be sure to get to their blog and see everyone else's awesome creations.

Here's what I did with it :)

Let's see what you got! Create a layout based on the sketch above and link it to the Sketchabilities blog :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

It's Sketchabilities' reveal day!!! Finally! I'm so excited to be able to share my layout that I created using the Sketchabilities' sketch AND the May Scrapping Spot Kit :)

Be sure to checkout the Sketchabilities site to see other examples for this sketch.

Blake and Kaila were so thrilled to be able to dance the night away. They really wore themselves out. They can not wait for the next wedding OR dancing occasion :)

Incidentally, The Scrapping Spot is having a sale now through Saturday. Checkout their message board for more details.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to checkout the next Sketchabilities reveal day on the 30th of July.

Shawn

Here is our July 4th photo, along with my lovely new blonde hair. It's a little too blonde...I think. Charlie doesn't seem to think so. Oh, and just so everyone knows...my hair doesn't like heat or humidity.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

This Oreo Cheesecake has become one of my very favorite desserts ever! My darling friend, Charlene gave me the recipe. We just polished off one of these delicious wonders :)

My friend, Anna and I took a trip to Dresden, OH home of the Longaberger factory, etc. It was quite different than I expected. I didn't think there would be so much to see. The size of the factory absolutely blew me away! Longaberger makes baskets, dishes, jewelry and purses. They actually have several lines of products, but I didn't take pictures of everything.

Here's Anna :) She was nice enough to do all the driving, which was an enormous help to me, because I just don't travel much.
A lady offered to take our photo, which explains why it's blurry. She didn't quite know how to operate it. Oh, well...beggers can't be choosers.

So many candles...soooo little money... I did get some on sale and they are divine :)

Here's me in front of that awesome basket. Anna was gracious enough to force me to raise my lovely arms :( Oh, well... Maybe one day I'll look at this and won't even recognize myself ...in a good way.

Here is a layout of my darling husband preparing for some target practice with his new gun. He is so good at that. We all know what he uses it for...MEAT!

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn

Happy Birthday to my dear friend CHARLENE!!!! HA! Now you're the same age as I am :) I hope you have a great day, but I wish YOU were spending it with ME.

Here are some of the last cards I'll be able to make using The Scrapping Spot's April Kit. I'm fairly certain they have some papers available, but the kit is sold out. This is my all time favorite kit. I believe I've mentioned that. They have their beautiful July kit up now. Be sure and checkout what the design team did with it! Very festive :)

Below is the layout that I completed for July Pagemaps using The Scrapping Spot's May Kit.

Here we have the happy, little campers. They've just returned from Fort Faith Baptist Camp after a glorious time. I was concerned about how Blake would do at camp. Apparently, he had a fabulous time with "tacos" being his favorite part. I find that highly amusing. Nick had a shot at winning the jalopeno pepper eating contest, but only ate 7 as opposed to the winner's 9. I'm still shocked that he even attempted it. I guess it's better than the crickets/worms from last year :0

Here's a photo of the beautiful work my awesome friend, Lori did on my toes. She does the best spa pedicure EVER! I can't wait for my next one. I may actually surprise her and get a color other than red. I hadn't had a decent pedicure in 3 years! I really needed it. I'm currently healing my poor heals with Lori's recommended "Bag Balm." I bought some at the local feed store. I'm on day 2 now.

Today, I got my hair highlighted. I had to have a different beautician do it, because my original girl is on maternity leave. I think she did pretty well. It is REALLLLY blonde. Charlie said it's not TOO blonde. So, I'm assuming he likes it, but didn't actually tell me that. I have to say, it does feel better. I'm not a fan of my dark brown hair. I may, or may not add a photo later.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shawn