Thank goodness it's over...

Thanksgiving that is!! We hosted Turkey Day for hubby's family this year, and had record setting numbers...20 people at the table)s)! We were busting out of the dining room into the foyer of our home, but everyone seemed to enjoy the food and company!

Not much scrapping going on in my life, and I missed last weeks Mojoholders lift...I hate it when I do that...but I just had too much cooking, cleaning, and company last week.

Managed to get out on Black Friday, but not until about 7pm with hubby's niece! We hit Target, Kohl's and Payless Shoes! Most everything was picked over by that time, but we managed to find a few things...don't we always? I was nearly done with my Christmas shopping anyways...just a few more to go and I am in "wrapping" mode.

I also just recently celebrated a birthday, no milestones...but a year closer to 40...ugh!

Come and join our Kick-Off Crop

We are having a Kick-Off crop to celebrate our opening of Chatty Scrappers! There are lots of challenges and fun to be had.

here is the link:

http://chattyscrappers.com/phpBB2/index.php?c=4

now get over there and PLAY!!

New Site!

Okay, in my last post I told you that my old "favorite" site is closed. Well....me and a few of the ladies from the old site have decided to start our own Scrapbooking/chatting/gallery site!

Check it out here!

http://chattyscrappers.com/phpBB2/index.php

We will be having crops, daily chatting, challenges and all kinds of fun. WITHOUT DRAMA! Yeah! Come on over and register!

Life goes on...

We are settling in our new home, the girls are loving their new school, and we have been visiting with lots of relatives! I get to see my Mom and Step-Dad, Gary, this week! Can't wait!! We haven't seen Gary since before we moved, and he misses his Grand-daughters! And, the girls haven't seen their Nana since May of 2007 when she visited us in London! I think we have most of the boxes unpacked, at least the stuff we NEED...like scrapping stuff! LOL! I am trying to adjust to my new space...it is smaller and very narrow...but it will do. I am lucky to have that, and I didn't want to suck up another bedroom with my stuff.

That being said, I am working on downsizing my scrappy collection. My BFF and I have resolved to buy NO kits for a year! We need to use the stuff we've got! And, with the economy the way it is...well it can't hurt to cut back on scrappy stuff!

I have recently resigned from my DT position at The Shaker Box, you might notice that all of the blinkies are gone from my blog. TSB had undergone a lot of changes in the past 6 months...mainly a new owner with no experience in running a scrapbooking website, store, gallery and blog. There was a comment about not having the time to do all of these things...and take care of her family...which leads me to the question of "why??". So without getting into messy details...TSB is now closed. It is a sad day for most of us...but then again...I wasn't having fun there anymore and was ready to move on. I'll keep you informed on that part. C'est la vie...life goes on!

I am still working with the Mojoholders Blog, those ladies are fantastic. They've been so sweet and patient for me during my move and I love them even more for it! Check out our latest scraplift here: http://www.mojoholder.typepad.com/

Back in the USA

Well, we've been back for nearly a month now but I am just now finding the time to catch up. I have been without internet for most of this time, having to borrow wireless from the neighbors and hang out in Panera!

The girls are getting settled into their new schools, I am waiting for the bus to bring them home as I type. They seem to have recovered from leaving their British friends and have made a bunch of new friends in the neighborhood. We choses a neighborhood with lots of kids for that reason! I am sure they do miss their friends back in the UK...but are just handling it well. They have finally stopped asking me "WHY" we had to move back!

We still have no furniture besides Aerobeds and lawn chairs, so I am kneeling in front of my computer typing! Word is that the sea container is getting closer, it will probably get delivered just in time for Labor Day weekend! We are making our first trip up to Grand Rapids (sil's house) for the 2 younger nephews birthdays. We'll be heading back to celebrate with our old and possibly new neighbors too!

I am back "on duty" at The Shaker Box after the move, and I am excited about my kit team! Check out the website for the kit previews! Linda is having a kit club special, if you buy 6 months...you get the 7th month for free!!

Wanna be on a Kit Club Design Team?

If you're interested in being a part of our wonderful Kit Club Design Team, here’s your chance.

Step One: If you don't have an account with us, please go and register at www.theshakerbox.com.

Step Two: Once you have an account, fill up your gallery with your best layouts and projects. A minimum of five layouts/projects must be featured in your portfolio. We are looking for someone to work with our fabulous kits! Pease make sure that at least three of your portfolio uploads showcase actual scrapbooking layouts, (at least 6x6 and with at least one photo).

Step Three: Email a link to your portfolio to carrie@theshakerbox.com by July 31st , 2008 at 9pm PST. You can also email us a link to another gallery of your choice, in addition to the 5 items you upload to TSB. Our panel of judges will view your submissions and let you know if you've been selected.

*All DT/CT members at The Shaker Box are expected to participate in our forum. Chatting, posting challenges and praising other members work on a regular basis is required. Also, meeting the Kit Club deadlines, attending monthy on-line meetings and coming up with newsletter ideas.
In addition, you will have projects to produce with the kit that is provided to you. We have a rotating team, so the requirments vary from month to month. You will either receive a full kit, half kit, or no kit...with discounts to buy in the months you do not get a full kit. (Any specific questions, please email me at carrie@theshakerbox.com)

Good luck everyone!

Winner will be announced on August 5th, 2008. Addition to the team is immediate, assignments start for September.

Schools out...for summer!

Well, it's been an absolutely crazy week. Into London with my girlfriend, last day of school for my girls combined with a leaving party for my youngest and a surprise birthday party for my 7 year old. Then High School Musical on Thursday, and a parents evening out that same night. Another good-bye party for me with my friends! We've hit a couple boot sales this weekend, a enjoyed the weather sitting out at a pub or two.

I miss my scrapbook room, but that is one of those things that will be there for me when I have the time for it.

Happy Summer! Only 17 days left for us in the UK!

Shaker Box Crop and SALE!

Come over to The Shaker Box and join us for 2 weeks of croppin' fun! We have challenges, tutorials, games, and prizes! You don't want to miss it! And while you are there, check out the sale in the store! You're sure to find something you "need"!

Calm before the storm

Well, it won't be long now. Less than 6 weeks to go before we move back to the U.S. It's a bittersweet departure, we expected to be here longer. Now that we are going, and have picked out a house...cars...and are in moving mode...it is getting easier to take. I am really going to miss the wonderful friends that we have made here, but I am looking forward to getting home and starting our "new chapter".

Speaking of new chapters...

The Shaker Box has been sold. Michele needs more time for her family & life...and to be able to actually scrapbook!! So, come and join us for the New Beginnings Crop being held from July 1st to the 15th. We still have the same great ladies running the crop, and lots of great challenges and tutorials! Just pop over to www.theshakerbox.com for details, and to sign up for the crop! There will be prizes!

I am really enjoying my recent Mojoholders lifts, and I am always amazed at how we each come up with something so different! Here are a few of my most recent lifts, and for the credits...please go to http://www.mojoholder.typepad.com/ or click on the link on the right!

New Home!

Well, we did it! We found a home back in the U.S. and our offer was accepted! Time for celebration! We can tick one more box off of the "things to do when re-patriating". Whew! I am really excited, nervous, and tired! Here is a sneak peek.

Life is getting a little more hectic...

Well, we've had our moving survey and hubby is in the U.S. looking for a house ask I type.

We did manage to squeeze in a 5 day vacation to Croatia and WOW! The weather was perfect, the people were friendly and our villa was wonderful! Here is a slideshow...but I must warn you it's 277 pictures long!

Croatia, May 2008

Whirlwind month!

It has been downright crazy in our house lately! Three seperate visitors in 7 weeks! My SIL, then my brother, and finally a good friend that was our neighbor before moving here! We had a great time, and even got to see sites that we hadn't seen! Went to Cornwall & Devonshire with my brother, and I got to take a wonderful overnight trip to Paris with Penne! I am slowly catching up with life, and the weather has also been just fabulous lately!

Here is a slideshow from the last couple of weeks! Enjoy!

Paris/Penne's visit

Been scrapping!

I had so much fun doing this layout today! My girls love to play dress-up and here is my youngest dressed up as a "Pop Star". I thought it was too funny not to get a picture of! Of course, she posed for me too!


Here is my latest Mojoholders DT assignment! A lift of a layout by Ngaire Bartlam! See the Mojoholders Blog for complete details and a link to her blog!

Been to Cornwall...

We finally made it down to Cornwall, and it was during my brothers visit which made it even more fun!! We just went overnight, but we packed a lot into 2 days!! Here are a couple of pics!

Is it Spring??

Sunday and yesterday were feeling very "springy"!! I need some warmer weather, I'm really tired of my winter wardrobe, since I've been wearing it for what seems like since I arrived in the UK!! LOL

In between the guests, I have gotten a little scrappin' done! I also found out that I am the April Queen of the Month at The Shaker Box! Can't wait to see what excitement comes through my mailslot!!

Here is a layout I did for a challenge at The Shaker Box Spring Fling Crop!


And here is one I did for my DT position at Mojoholders Blog. See sidebar for links!

Got Guests??

First set of guests left today...next guest arrives on Friday. Not much turnaround time, but definitely looking forward to seeing my "little" brother! The girls are on Easter break, so we've already got a leisurely day of scrapbooking arranged for tomorrow. It starts whenever we decide to get out of bed, eat and get a few groceries! I haven't had time until today to miss scrappin' since we've been out sightseeing with my SIL and nieces. Today, just the family went shopping and out for a nice quiet lunch in Windsor....it was lovely!

Here is a picture of me and the girls in London last Thursday. The weather has been awful...rain all day here and then it was sleeting sideways when we went back on Saturday! Any day in London is a good day though!!



Don't forget...The Shaker Box is holding a CT call for the Digital Team...see my last post!! And, check out the awesome Mojoholders Blog for some great inspiration at www.mojoholders.typepad.com

Digital Team Call & Life as I know it!

Busy, busy...not as busy as some people...but busy enough for me. I have been spring cleaning, which has consumed a couple of whole days. Then there is my ever consuming passion of scrapbooking. I've volunteered to make a travel scrapbook for a friends wife, a bit daunting for me since this is my first paid "gig". I make stuff for other people as gifts, so I don't hear many complaints! LOL

The big news is that we will be moving back to the US at the end of July. John's project here has been shut down, and he already has a new position back in Chicago. A promotion for him, and we are grateful for that. We are sad that our adventure has been cut short, but excited to be in a house we can call our own and the girls are excited about the prospect of having a big yard to play in! I am looking forward to having a place where I can hang pictures where I want to hang them, and John is SO excited about having his garage back. Now, to find our dream home! At least the market is with us!!

Mom also moved, from Arizona to Tennessee, and got her first taste of snow in a long time. Papa already found a job there, doing over-the-road short hauls around the southeastern part of the country. I am happy to report that all 3 dogs and 4 cats made the trip without incident!!

Busy at The Shaker Box, we have a Spring Fling crop coming up and there are always lots of fun challenges going on! The Mega Challenge is one of my favorites, and it is running from March until May...but you can join in at any time since it goes by weekly totals!!



Also, we are having another Digital Creative Team Call! So if you are a digital diva, follow the link and apply for a CT position today!

I've been tagged!

ive been tagged by Kelly so here goes...

A: The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.

B: Each player answers the questions about themselves.

C: At the end of the post, the player then tags 3 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 Years Ago: John & I were still "living in sin" in beautiful Virginia...enjoying our youth and freedom!!

Things on my to-do list today: school drop off, auction with a friend, surfing, maybe scrapping, pickup kids, groceries, dinner, bed!

What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire: new wardrobe, new house, new car, makeover, new camera, travel.

3 of my bad habits: on computer too much, don't eat right, drink too much soda

3 places I have lived: Virginia (USA), Illinois (USA), Beaconsfield (UK)

5 jobs that I have had: Bank Teller, Waitress, Medical Secretary, Operations Assistant for a shipping company, Mommy/Wife

5 Things people don't know about me: I grew up poor, I get very nervous when I meet new people (shy/insecure?), I've been in therapy, broke my leg in 3 places while skateboarding when I was 13, I want another baby.

I tag: 1.Beth 2. Tilda 3. Alli

Big Day

Today is my dd's 5th birthday party, her birthday isn't until the 12th, but she is super excited about today! She's never had a big party, all to herself, just family "dos". I haven't even taken the pictures, but I can't wait to get them printed!! It's a trampolining party, should be lots of fun pics!

I've had an extremely busy social calendar lately, which would account for my lack of blogging! With being my oldest dd's Form Mum I end up sitting around and drinking a lot of tea and coffee with the other Mums. It's fun, though I am glad that I only have a term and a half to go. Some people just cannot be pleased!!

My scrappy world is also getting busy! I really love the two communities that I am a part of, The Shaker Box and Mojoholders. Really a bunch of super talented ladies!
Check them out at http://mojoholder.typepad.com/my_weblog/ and www.theshakerbox.com! There is always lots of fun going on there! I was also a February Friend of PageMaps; which you can see here http://www.pagemaps.com/feb08maps.htm!!

I'm a Mojoholder!

My first 2 lifts as a DT member at Mojoholders are on the blog! Check it out HERE.

Not too much going on lately. Mom sold her house and is moving to Tennessee, little brother went in on a shop with his friend, the girls are doing great in their swim lessons and we are still wondering where we'll be this time next year! I'm having fun keeping up with the girls, sticking to some resolutions and scrapping...of course!

New Years Crop!!

Don't miss out on all of the fun we are having over at The Shaker Box!!

Movin' on Up!

After just recently being invited to the DT at The Shaker Box, I have been invited to be a DT member over at Mojoholders Inspiration Blog! I'm so excited, as I love the layouts they lift!! AND, I have been asked to contribute to PageMaps and CardMaps!!! Another of my favorite places for inspiration!! I am so honored and completely flattered by this! And, I must thank Beth for always pushing me to submit things...without her I might not have done it!

Shaker Online Crop- don't miss it!!

This is going to be fun!! Don't miss it. We are having lots of challenges, games and FREE classes!! Join in on the fun at The SHaker Box

How many more days??

5!! Five more days of listening to my girls bicker...I don't know if I can handle it!! Christmas break is too long in the UK...but that's just my opinion! LOL

Not much going on other than the same old stuff! I've been scrapping more, which is always good...but the cleaning seems to suffer from it!

I started a Pieces of Me album (with the prompting of friends over at The Shaker Box) and I am really happy with the first 2 pages! You can see them in my Gallery at The Shaker Box. Click HERE. And don't miss our online crop at www.theshakerbox.com from Jan. 18 - 20th!!

John is looking for a new postiion in the company since the project he is on was "permanently postponed". He's was asking about Alaska this morning...brrrrr....I don't know about that! Wherever we go, we will make it our home and enjoy our surroundings!