Scrapin4me gave us a little challenge/inspiration over at The Memory Safe. Thanks, Girl!

Lets share our scrapping habits... sharing ideas and answers is a great way to learn things about your friends that you may not have known. Use the questions below as the basis for your blog today.

How often do you scrap? 1-3 times a week...if I'm lucky.

When do you prefer to scrap? Evenings.

How long do you typically scrap for? 3-4 hrs.

How many layouts do you complete in a month? 5-10.

Prefer to scrap alone, with a friend or at a crop? Scrapping is scrapping, whenever...wherever!

Favorite scrappin munchie? Chocolate!!!!

Favorite beverage? (obviously, in a sippy glass... placed away from pictures and layouts) Diet Mountain Dew

How do you organize your sessions for scrapping? I just jump right in!

Do you build page kits? No.

Do you make power layouts? No.

How often do you use sketch challenges? I love sketches, so if I have the time I'm willing to do them.

How often do you scrap lift? Not very often, but when I do I really enjoy the outcome.

Do you watch tv, movies, or listen to the music? TV.

Do you crop sitting ot standing? Both, but for the most part standing.

What albums or themes are you currently working on? I don't work chronologically at all. I scrap what I want, when I want.

Any tips or tricks to share? Just the usual...have all of your most used tools/supplies at the tips of your fingers.

Anything else you want to tell share about your scrapping habits? I've been trying to clean off the area each time, so that it's fresh for the next project. That's about it.

 

 

We had a lovely time when my Mother came to visit last week. Of course there is a lot of housework to do due to the fact that I've been ill. So, it bugged her that there was clean laundry stacked everywhere. Ah, such is life. I kept telling her I was doing really well before I was ill. Laundry just sneaks right up on you really fast with five people - KWIM? Anyway, she took the boys back to Michigan with her and swears up and down that they're doing fine. I talked to both of them on the phone this morning. Nicholas just sounds so old!!! His voice sounds too deep for almost 8. Blake was a tad distraught because he wasn't allowed to go in the freezing cold pool that my Mother had just put up, because he's getting over pnemonia. Go figure! Needless to say, the house is sooooo quiet without them here. It's weird, but nice/different.

I'm sorry to say that I was sick on Sunday...again! I didn't even take any meds. I don't know what's going on. I slept most of the day and was still able to go to sleep very easily at midnight. Don't ask me. I just don't know. I want to finish the meds and be done with it. I'm not sure that I'll be healed, but at least I tried.

We're leaving for Michigan on Thursday for the weekend. I hope I feel well enough, because DH and I are going to a bed and breakfast for two nights. Yes, you heard it here! That's TWO nights, Baby!!! Wish me luck.

I've finished three layouts so far with TMS Daisy D's July Kit. I have to tell you that bright colors intimidate me, so I did the best I could. The kit was packed with so much stuff! I still have an altered project to do. I'm thinking about a mini brag book. We'll see.

I also did some layouts with the Basicgrey Urban Couture. How can you not LOVE this stuff? Basicgrey just rocks!

That's about all that's going on here. Not really exciting at the moment. Not that it ever is, but it's my life and I Like it!!!

See ya!

Shawn

This isn't good. I would swear that if someone were to chop my head off right now, I would shake their hand as my bloody stump of a body hit the ground. I can't even imagine what Angela's going through right now. God bless you, Woman! I hope they're at least giving you some pain killers. I have a bacterial infection, a.k.a. a sinus infection. It is in my jaw and teeth, as well as the rest of my head. My teeth are absolutely killing me! I got medicine - Avelox on Saturday night. I took the first pill that night. I woke up half dead on Sunday to the point where Charlie actually took care of all three kids the entire day while I was in bed. Yeah, you know it's bad when he takes care of the kids and I'm still in the house. DH took the kids to his father's house at about 6:00 p.m. I was puking by 7:00 p.m. and then again a little after 9:00 p.m. This medicine doesn't specify that it must be taken with food. I took it with water and a couple Ritz crackers. My appetite is absent, even today. I called the doctor and she said to take the meds with a larger meal. Ok. I took my Singulair and Avelox at the same time (12:10 p.m.) with some pizza and crackers. Yeah - you guessed it! I puked again not 35 minutes later. Apparently, I need to take the meds separately and with dinner, which is a much larger meal. I tell you what, if I take it tomorrow night and puke again - that might be a slight clue that I shouldn't be on this medication!

Needless to say, the house is a mess, I get a throbbing pain everytime I bend down and my Mom will be here any minute from Michigan. Thank God for little miracles. I was hoping this would be an enjoyable couple of days, but unless these meds kick in...this is going to be one sour puss! Throbbing, aching, pounding....PAIN! Please pray for me and my pitifullness.

Thanks for reading my rant and please don't think less of me ;)

Shawn

 

Today's a major milestone in many couples' lives. Yes, that's right! We've made it through year numer NINE! Nine whole years I've been married to this wonderful man of mine. It seriously feels like we're still newlyweds. We've been very blessed in that aspect of our lives and believe me - we know how lucky we truly are.

I've been waiting to post this photo of Nancy (Nancyroo) and myself. I just got the photos back yesterday. I was thrilled to be able to meet my first online friend in person. We had a blast at Scrapbook Station last Friday. I'm sure she could have accomplished more if I hadn't been yacking at her so much. Sorry, Nancy! Anyway, here we are in all of our glory. Just so you all know...my neck/chin apparently disappears when smiling. It even does this same exact thing when I am thin/slender (which we all know hasn't been since 1987). So, be not afraid...I do have a chin! Nancy looks great though!!!! That's all that really matters when posting photos of someone who hasn't seen them yet.

Well, I'm on the mend after struggling with apparent new allergies. I'm still not "good," but I'm feeling better to the point where I can actually accomplish something. I didn't do very much for three whole days. Let me just tell you that with three monsters...I mean "children" running around - that just doesn't cut it! Things are looking up. My Mother is traveling here from Michigan on Monday, so I'll have a little more help with the said "children."

I've been using my Mother's Day gift which is 20 sessions of tanning from my family. So lovin' it! I'm pale as all getout normally. So, it's nice to have some color.

For all of you that knew I was getting my cholesterol checked...it wasn't good. Well, the overall number was 211, but the bad cholesterol was 153!!!! Yikes!!! Did I mention Yikes!!!????!!! Okay, so the Good cholesterol was okay, but not great either. The Doctor told me that once is starts getting to 161 you're at greater risk for a heart attack. Sheesh! So, needless to say, she gave me some nice literature on the Do's and Don'ts of food consumption. Yeah, I'll get right on that. On the plus side - my triglycerides were really good. You had to know I'd have at least ONE plus side.

The additional photos are of Kaila (kissing the fish) and Blake (making the fish kiss) from Sunday. Ha! They slay me!

My insert image thing is working right now - DARN IT!!!! I'll try to post the photos later.

Shawn

Well, it's official! Nicholas is now a Third Grader! I can't believe how fast this school year went. He actually received Perfect Attendance this year. He won a little AM/FM radio. He's so proud and so are we! Now, here come the "I'm bored!" and "What are we going to do today?" comments/questions. Have I mentioned I can't wait until my Mom takes the boys to Michigan in a couple of weeks? Yes! The boys are going to Michigan and we'll only have Kaila here. It will be like having only one child again. Ahhhh, it's been so long - LOL! I'm looking forward to a little peace and quiet, but you all know I'll miss those Monsters horribly!

I also went out on a limb and entered the My Mind's Eye Design Team call, thanks to the girls at The Memory Safe cheering everyone on. I really like what I came up with. My DH LOVED the altered project I did. He just kept looking at it and smiling stating how COOL it is. I'm going to post it here, so you'll be able to see it. It looks soooo much better IRL. I'll be putting it on my scrap desk, so I can view their beautiful faces while I'm "working."

Tonight's the night! Tonight is the night I will be meeting Nancy (Nancyroo) from The Memory Safe at Scrapbook Station in Butler. I'm looking forward to spending time with her, creating some more "masterpieces" and of course, spending money!!! Hee! Hee!

And last, but not least, the photo with Blake saying, "Cool Dude! Cool Dude!" I don't know where he got that from, but I was about peeing my pants trying to get a good shot of him doing it. Enjoy!

Later!

Shawn

I created another layout with The Memory Safe June carolee's Creations kit. This is Blake picking me some flowers. I just love the look on his face. He's such a sweet child and he LOVES to bring me flowers. The paper and ribbon is from the kit and the rest is from my stash. I could LIVE off of my stash for a couple years...I think. That would not include adhesive. I soooo need more of that. I had purchased that big Scotch tape gun. Let me tell you it is awesome! I'll never go back to the small tape runners.

Well, the remainder of yesterday turned out pretty darn good. My dearly beloved friend, Angelina, graced me with her scrapping presense until about 3:00 a.m. It was nice to spend time with her and get some scrapping/organizing done. Just give me a reason to lock myself in my Scrap Room. I dare ya!

I'm off to do laundry, cleaning, organizing and Ebay listings. Ahhh, the story of my life. Hmmm, I'm hoping to sneak in a nap, but it looks like my schedule is pretty full. The sacrifices we scrappers make.

Have a great day!

Shawn

Have you ever had one of those days where it takes you a while to get up and going, but once you're going you want to take on the world? That's the way I feel today. I have so much to do and if I could just take care of these items and not have to worry about children I could accomplish so much. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't give up my life for anything. I just wish I could have a couple days...who am I kidding - a week to get somethings organized! I'm a true organizer at heart, even though it seriously doesn't look like it in my house. I just don't have enough time for everything! I try. That's all I have to say.

I did make a card from The Memory Safe's June Kit that I received this past month. I plan on giving it to DH in his lunchbox. I know...pretty mushy, eh?

Well, there is still a lot of time left in this day, so I guess I better finally brush my teeth and get goin'! LOL!

Later!

Shawn

It's another beautifully HOT day in Western Pennsylvania! I'm enjoying my air conditioning immensely!!!

Memorial Day weekend was gorgeous. We spent the holiday up at our camp in Leeper, PA. It started out pretty rainy on Friday night, but shaped up to be awesome, weather-wise. We celebrated Blake's 4th birthday on Saturday instead of his actual birthday due to some scheduling conflicts with church. He was soooo excited! Nick and I went to Dollar General that morning to purchase some gifts for him. He mainly wants shooting things, so that's what we bought. We purchase them at Dollar General because my children are so rough on toys it just makes it easier on us when we have to throw "cheaper" things away. KWIM? I made a strawberry cake for him, because he had requested it for months. That's all he ever told anyone when asked about his birthday. I'm gonna have a strawberry cake, but it's going to be red...not pink! I am a boy, not a girl! Pink is for girls! - LOL! The photo of Blake is with all of his loot. Nick's photo is with some of Blake's "loot." Kaila's photo is from a couple days prior to the party in her cousin's glasses. Those girls were so cute!

I received yet another awesome kit from The Memory Safe for June. I've posted two of the projects I've completed so far. I just haven't had a lot of time with everything lately. I still have quite a bit of the kit left and should get some more items done within the next couple of days.

School is not out yet for Nick. He has 6 more days after today. He's thrilled and just can't wait to be stuck at home doing NOTHING! He doesn't realize yet that's what's going to happen. Ahhh, he's in for a rude awakening. I, of course, can't wait to hear every five minutes, "What are we going to do today? I'm bored! Can I call Papa???" I'm sending him to Michigan to my parent's house for a couple of weeks. He can't wait for that.

As for me, I'm looking forward to next Friday when I'll meet a gal from The Memory Safe - Nancyroo! Don't forget, Nancy! You and I are hitting that big Scrapbook Store in Butler! I can't wait to meet/see you!

Anyway, I'll post again soon. I've been visiting other blogs recently from the girls at The Memory Safe and find them quite comical. It gives me a good giggle to know that I'm not the only one out there going crazy with everyday "life" stuff.

I'm off to try to accomplish something else today.

Shawn

I tried posting an update last week, but for some reason it wouldn't take :(((

Anyway, there isn't really a whole lot to update. School is drawing to a close. I'll have my 7 1/2 year old asking what we're doing everyday. Doesn't that sound fun? He would LOVE to spend the entire Summer with my parents in Michigan, but he'll only be going for two weeks (without me).

I just can't get over how fast this year has gone so far. I'm just floored. That's what I get for blinking!

I'm not sure if any of you know that I've been trying to lose weight. I went on the Atkin's Induction Phase two weeks ago, today is Day 14. I'm happy to say that I've lost 5 pounds and 7.5 inches. I haven't been exercising yet, so hopefully when I actually start a workout I'll lose more weight. I am bound and determined to get into the Summer clothes that I was in the Summer after Kaila was born. I can't afford a whole new wardrobe...there's scrappin' supplies to be had! LOL!

I wasn't lucky enough to move to the next round in The Memory Safe Spring Survivor. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed, but that's the way it goes. The layouts this week are just AWESOME so far. The ladies are really steppin' it up! Their challenge was to scraplift someone in the gallery other than themselves. I'm still going to attempt to play along. At the top you'll see last week's layout.

The other photo is of Kaila rummaging through Mommy's drawer and playing dress-up. How hilarious is this? Not quite as hilarious as her brother doing the same thing!!! Those are blackmail photos to be used at a later date ;)

Anyway, I'll post again soon. Have a Happy Memorial Day, Everyone!

Shawn

I've been tagged by SusieQ!!!


Four jobs you have had in your life:

1. Christmas Tree Trimmer
2. Dishwasher
3. Blueberry Picker
4. Engineering Assistant

Four movies you would watch again:

1. Diehard
2. Mummy
3. Lord of the Rings
4. Harry Potter

Four places you have lived:

1. Grand Rapids, Michigan
2. Manton, Michigan
3. Grove City, Pennsylvania
4. New Wilmington, Pennsylvania

Four TV shows you love to watch:

1. LOST
2. NCIS
3. CSI
4. 24

Four places you have been on vacation:

The only VACATION I have had was my honeymoon, so these are other places we've gone to to relax, but couldn't really be considered a vacation.

1. New York
2. Our Camp in Leeper, PA
3. Texas
4. Niagara Falls

Four websites I visit daily:

1. The Memory Safe
2. Trusty Red Wheelbarrow
3. Sassacraft
4. Ebay

Four of my favorite foods:

Great time to ask me this while I'm on a DIET! These are my favorites in this order.

1. Ice Cream
2. Pie
3. Chocolate
4. Oreos

Food-Food

1. Pizza
2. Steak
3. Bread
4. Chicken Parmesan

Four places I would rather be right now:

1. Sleeping in bed
2. Scrapping with a friend
3. Visiting The Memory Safe Girls at an agreed upon location - HEE! HEE!
4. Scuba Diving on a Deserted Island

Four names of your children you may or may not have?

1. Nicholas Michael
2. Blake William
3. Kaila Mae
4. Kelly Marie (if I had another girl)

Now I tag Jenn, Rachelsmom and Elise.

I've been tagged by SpoilAmy - sorry it took so long!

What's In. . .

My Fridge:

1. Milk
2. Slim Fast (who didn't know that one?)
3. Diet Pepsi
4. Amoxicillin (spelling?) for Kaila
5. Deer Meat
6. Soft Tortilla Shells
7. Baking Chocolate

My Closet:

1. Jeans
2. Slinky Nighties (don't get too excited...not very many of them fit, but they were $$$, so I'm not ready to part with them yet)
3. Bathing Suits (yeah, here we go again...none that fit)
4. Halloween Costumes (not mine)
5. Books
6. My Wedding Veil
7. My Scrabble Game (LOVE IT!)

My Purse:

1. Wallet

2. DD's pants/wipes

3. Whitening Gum

4. Receipts

5. Tampon (yeah, gotta have 'em)

6. Spare Change

7. Pen

My Car:

1. Scrapbook Supplies from Friday's Crop (going on another crop tonight, so didn't unpack everything)

2. Tote

3. Water

4. Pop

5. Stuffed Animals

6. Peanuts

7. CD

Now, I tag Jaci, Margo and Bree.

First Communion went off without a "hitch!" It was a little hair-raising getting the two little ones to cooperate while I was getting ready, but all in all, it went well. Nick didn't drop the host, so I was happy. He was more nervous than I thought he was. No one could get him to smile properly, but none-the-less, he looked very handsome in his suit.

We also had some family photos taken of the entire clan, but I do not have those at this time. My MIL was nice enough to email this one to me. What? You mean YOU didn't have a camera???? Yes, I know! I am sorry to report that I didn't think I would be able to take photos due to the fact that I would be a part of the ceremony, so being the knucklehead that I am, just didn't bring a camera! Lesson learned. Let's move on.

Mother's Day 2006 - It's been a great day so far. I don't usually get anything for Mother's Day besides the phrase, "Happy Mother's Day, Mom!" Oh, and of course the satisfaction that I brought these little munchkins in to the world. Did I say, "I?" I meant, "we." - LOL! Anyway, I received a nice, non-stressed morning followed by a gift certificate for tanning and tanning lotion from DH. Little Nick gave me a handmade bracelet and card. Wow! Not only that, but my wonderful husband cooked me breakfast!!! Can I just tell you out infrequent that is??? Ok. So, I have to go to Wal-Mart and I'm thinking - sheesh! This place is going to be packed! Not only was I able to move fairly freely, but I got part my film developed from this morning's photoshoot. Color me happy! There are many more photos, but I wanted to have the ones with each child and me to post and I don't have Blake's. So, Happy, Happy Mother's Day to me!!!

The Memory Safe Spring Survivor is going great! I'm loving everyone's creations and the overall feel of the way the contest/competition is going. I did a slightly different style for me for Challenge #7, but I love the way it turned out. Of course, the layouts always look better in person, but you have deal with what you have, eh? Challenge #8 - using stamps on a layout, is something I've been wanting to do, but haven't hunkered down and actually completed yet. I'm curious/anxious to see what I come up with.

I have alot to deal with this week, as far as cleaning is concerned. I have my semi-annual Scrapbook Supply Party on Sunday. So, I have to get everything spruced up for the ladies to come and ransack my home - LOL! It's hilarious! I'll have to take a photo this time. It's half-off of the supplies, so you can just imagine.

Well, I have to make a card, so I'll be signing off for now.

Until next time...

Shawn

We had a great time at Scrapbook Station on Friday. I only completed 3/4 of one layout, but I had fun spending time with "the girls." I'm hoping some of them will be able to come scrap sometime this week ;)

Sunday we had to go to an open house for the chapel at Thiel College that my husband did the electrical work for. We then picked up the children from their grandparents' house and took a little detour to Lowe's on our way to Coney Island. My DH had purchased some containers/organizers for his new van. I saw them and wanted two instantly! I've needed something for my chipboard for a while now. These are perfect!
While I'm on the subject of organization, I thought I'd share how I store all of my ribbons. I have quite a few and need to conserve space, as this place is still a mess!

I am the Guest Designer for June for Scrapnews on Ebay. I have purchased several of her items, which she sometimes has before the stores do and I get excellent service! I have to finish a couple more items for that within the next three weeks and I'm very excited about it.

Nicholas has First Communion this Sunday. We're having a party for him and his cousin following the service. He's so excited! I ordered his cake yesterday. The lady at Wal-Mart was soooooo nice! I love nice people! I have to make a banner for him to be completed by Saturday. We have an activity day from 9:30 until Noon to prepare for Sunday. It should be fun.

The Memory Safe Spring Survivor's challenge for this week is another sketch, which I'm thrilled about. It's a two-pager, which is about all I ever used to do, so it will be nice to complete another one. I haven't done one in a while, so it may take me a couple hours to get into the swing of it. I'm not scared - LOL!

Until next time, People!

Shawn

TGIF! Wow! Another week has gone by and Summer's creaping up on us. I can not believe how fast time goes.

I survived another elementary field trip yesterday. The 2nd grade class traveled to Pittsburgh, PA to visit the Science Center. It is huge! It is filled with so many facts and awesome activities for the children to experience. They had a blast and were exhausted! We couldn't have had a better day weather-wise. Talk about gorgeous! I have to say my favorite part of the center was the MALE Seahorse giving birth to tiny little Seahorses. Yes! You heard it here! The MALE goes through the agony of Seahorsebirth. HA! That slays me! They are quite beautiful little creatures.

My friend, Charlene, called me to schedule some Scrap-Time for last night. Yeah! Give me a reason to lock myself in here! I completed my project for The Memory Safe Spring Survivor Week 5, so I am one happy camper! Not only did I finally get to scrap last night, but I'll be traveling with my awesome friend, Angelina to Butler, PA tonight to meet up with another great friend, Lori, to scrap the night away. Ahhhh, life is GOOOOOOD!

Until then, I must complete many tasks to keep DH happy.

Later!

I just wanted to update everyone on the events from last night. We had to hustle and bustle to get the timing worked out between DH's Uncle's viewing and Nick's play, but everything went fine. DH's Uncle's viewing was so sad. It's heartbreaking enough to lose someone, but when they're so young it's even worse. I know for some people 50 (almost 51) doesn't sound young, but I gotta tell ya...to me you're in your prime. Then again, I may be saying that if I reach 80 ;)

Charlie's sister took Nick to the play so he could get there on time just in case we were late. I went back to his room to make sure everything was okay...his clothing that is. Well, it's a good thing I checked. He had missed two belt loops and his shirt was half untucked. So, being the mother I am, I went right in there and fixed everything in front of everyone. The little girls were laughing. I asked them if they wanted his pants to fall down in the middle of the play. There was an uproar of little girl giggles followed by several giggly "Nos." It was so cute. It was a very cute play filled with lovely songs and hand motions.

We finally arrived home at around 7:00 p.m. to prepare our dinner (sloppy joes). I sooooo wanted to scrap, but I think the events from the day just wore me out and I was in bed by 9:00 and sleeping by 10:05-ish. I know...sad, but true.

So, here I am ready to face another bright, beautiful day and take on all of my tasks in the hopes that tonight I'll be awake enough to get some scrap "work" done.

Here's hoping...