LivingLovingScrapping

Life has changed

2011-07-07T15:28:00.000-05:00

I was reminded that I have a blog while recently visiting another blog. WOW...has my life changed. My scrapbooking hobby has been replaced by a stenography machine. I started attending The College of Court Reporting last fall! My days are consumed with speedbuilding, drills, and misc. homework. It is difficult to balance school with having a family, and I would encourage anyone to do it out of the way before you start a family.
I don't feel that I can be the best Mom I should be when my kids need me while I am doing homework or in class.
I don't have the time for a lot of the things I used to do. Casually shopping for groceries (or anything for that matter), meal planning, just hanging out with friends, doing "nothing", scrapbooking, reading, cleaning!!! It's all gone by the wayside and gets done when I can squeeze it in. My house is not dirty, but it is not as sparkly clean as it used to be. I have had to let go of things. I savor my "free time" now and try to make the most of it.
I have had some enlightenment in the form of certain classes at my school. In court reporting you also need to know how to be socially "able" and we have had a couple of classes that have helped us with that, but the instructor has gone far and above just social skills and has taught us critical thinking. It's done wonders for me. It helps me in all aspects of life...as long as I remember to apply it. Hopefully, I can keep this in mind the next time I feel the need to call the Sheriff to complain about my neighbors.

SUPER Scraplift Challenge for July! Angela Pietro!

2010-07-03T12:57:00.000-05:00

Here is our July SUPER Scraplift Challenge from Chatty Scrappers! This month we are lifting Angela Pieto. She can be found at her blog http://angelaprieto-bluejeans7.blogspot.com/

Here is the layout by Angela that we are lifting!

June SUPER Scraplift of Kelly Goree is UP!

2010-07-01T10:27:00.003-05:00

I just updated Chatty Scrappers website with the June scraplifts that we did of a Kelly Goree layout! Here is the layout we lifted:

and here are the layouts by a few of our members, including myself!

Carrie

Karen

Christine

Sandy

The {Stamps} of Life sponsoring Chatty Scrappers!

2010-05-18T07:23:00.003-05:00

The {Stamps} of Life by Stephanie Barnard is sponsoring Chatty Scrappers during the month of June! We are super excited to work with these high-quality, made in the USA stamps! Tune in to Chatty Scrappers in the month of June to see what we've created with them! For now, you can visit both sites here:

http://chattyscrappers.net/
http://www.stephaniebarnardstamps.com/index.htm

SUPER Scraplift Challenge for May! Lifting Julie Bonner...

2010-05-06T10:29:00.000-05:00

Over at Chatty Scrappers this month, we are scraplifting talented artist Julie Bonner for our SUPER Scraplift Challenge!

Here is Julie's layout that we are lifting:

And a link to Julie's Blog: http://julie-bonner.blogspot.com/ and her 2peas gallery: http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/userprofile.asp?user_id=429260

Click here for the link to the challenge! http://chattyscrappers.net/forum/index.php?topic=3889.0

Anyone can join in at anytime! When you are done with the lift, just PM me on Chatty Scrappers (username: ScrappyC) and I will send you my email address to send your version of the layout to! At the end of the month we will post all of the lifts at once!

National Scrapbook Day coming up!

2010-04-26T21:19:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again, a special day just to celebrate our favorite craft!! Come over to Chatty Scrappers for our challenge/tutorial filled crop from April 30- May 3rd!

www.chattyscrappers.net

Spring is Here?

2010-03-26T22:42:00.000-05:00

I know I say this everytime, but TIME FLIES!! Lots of things have been changing around here. Sold a vehicle, bought a vehicle...bought a camper?? LOL! Looking forward to some camping this summer!! Thinking about returning to college also. FIL was diagnosed with lung cancer, has had part of his lung removed and is recovering. Mom was here for a visit, it was good.
I am realllllly looking forward to my brother's move, which will be much closer to us. For the first time, in a long time, he will be a 4 hour drive away, instead of a 3 day drive. The time is closing in, his departure will happen the 2nd week of April, but I'm not sure when I'll see him...but hopefully not too far after his arrival to Kentucky! I did just see him in January...but I am selfish when it comes to my "little" brother.

My baby is 7...

2010-02-12T20:13:00.000-06:00

I am feeling the years are flying by toooo fast...my baby girl turned 7 today! She had a bowling party with 4 of her closest friends and her sister!

In scrapping news, we have been plugging away at the SUPER Scraplift Challenge over at Chatty Scrappers!! Here is the January layouts! We lifted a fabulous artist named Ginger Williams. Here is some info on Ginger:
I'm 29 years old and have been married to the love of my life (Marc) for 9 years now. We have 3 wonderful boys, Ty (7), Blake (4), and Spencer (2). We moved into our first "real" home here in Texas a few years ago and we love it here.

Besides scrapbooking I love to read, surf, swim, go camping, sew, quilt, eat chocolate, and I also love photography! My favorite subjects are my boys of course, but I also enjoy the opportunity to do photo shoots for friends and family.

As for scrapbooking I've been doing that now for about 12 years, but it has been the past 7 years where this hobby has really exploded for me. I have had the opportunity to work as a scrapbooking instructor, design for several wonderful companies (currently designing for Keeping Memories Alive, Queen and Company, & Melissa Frances), have layouts and projects published by most major scrapbook publishers, and best of all, I am having a great time recording those sweet (and sometimes not-so-sweet) moments of my life I never want to forget!

I also wanted to add a huge thank you to all of you sweet people here at scrapbook.com! You overwhelm me with all of your kind words about my work! Thank you all so much! Your kind and sweet comments mean so much to me! =)

You can check out her work here:

http://www.scrapbook.com/myplace/index.php?mod=galleries&u=167875

And here her blog: www.truekodakmoments.blogspot.com

Check out Chatty Scrappers for all of the completed scraplifts here:
http://chattyscrappers.net/forum/index.php?topic=3670.0

SUPER Scraplift Challenge layouts posted at Chatty Scrappers!

2009-09-29T09:22:00.003-05:00

Our first Chatty Scrappers SUPER Scraplift Challenge is done! There were lots of great layouts, and our featured artist even scraplifted herself! You can find out more about KariAnn at her blog: http://nkbsweeney.blogspot.com And she says, "I currently design for Kraft Girl Kits and have been a Guest Designer at ScrapFreak and Paper Popsicles. I was recently laid off BUT on a happy note we are expecting #3 in Jan/Feb.!!"

Here are the layouts:

Original:

LIFTS:

Angela (scrappychick):

Sandy (gmathis):

Christine (SierraScrapper):

Janice (FidgetMarie):

Carrie (ScrappyC):

KariAnn Sweeney:

A big thank you to KariAnn Sweeney for allowing us to scraplift her, and to all of the participants at Chatty Scrappers!!

New Challenge at Chatty Scrappers

2009-09-17T15:16:00.002-05:00

With the fall of Mojoholders Blog, I have now started a new challenge at Chatty Scrappers!! It will be somewhat of the same basis, only monthly instead of weekly! We will find a talented scrapper, scraplift them, and post all of the scraplifts at the end of the month. I am really excited about this endevour, as I was really sad to see Mojoholders go. (sniff sniff)

For our first "Super Scraplift Challenge" we are lifting a talented artist named KariAnn Sweeney! Check out the challenge, and the layout that we are lifting here http://chattyscrappers.net/forum/index.php?topic=2879.0.

Also, don't forget to check out the Chatty Scrapper September Sponsor, My Favorite Things stamps and the gallery! http://chattyscrappers.net/forum/index.php?topic=2905.0

On a personal note, I've not been well. Pneumonia hit me hard last week, but with the help of modern science I am back on my feet!!

Crop,Vacation and a Heart Attack!

2009-07-19T09:23:00.005-05:00

It's been an interesting week. I dropped the girls off at my Mom's in Knoxville last weekend, hubby picked me up and we joined our group of friends for a 5 day tour of Tennessee and North Carolina's twistiest roads. We rode the "Tail of the Dragon" which is an 11 mile stretch of road with 318 curves...by the end we had ridden it 3 times. We even stopped to white water raft down the Nantahala River half-way through the trip! It was a great break from the riding and a lot of fun!! Here are a few pics!

On the last day of our trip, after dinner I got a voicemail from my Mom's best friend that she had a heart attack and was in the ICU. We left very early the next day and broke off from our friends to get back to Mom's. The neighbors watched our kids, and we were able to go and see her that morning. She had 100% blockage in one artery, and they installed 3 stents to unblock her. She is home now, and is feeling better. She has some new eating habits to learn, and needs to learn to relax a little more. We are all feeling very fortunate that the circumstances weren't worse and that we still have her here with us.

On a scrapping note, we are having a Christmas in July Crop at Be sure to stop by http://chattyscrappers.net/forum/index.php and participate in the challenges!

We are having fun over at Mojoholders, check out the fabulous Friday lifts by the fabulous artists that are out there in the scrapping world! http://mojoholder.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Summer is here!

2009-06-18T22:19:00.009-05:00

Wow...today was a beautiful day here in my part of the Midwest...the storms that they were calling for didn't hit us!! They did, however, delay hubby on his way home! :-(

I haven't been doing a LOT of scrapping. There is so much to do outside this time of year! I have done a bit of gardening...filling in a "water feature" that the former owners left. Filling in other spots and planting some vegetables in pots.

I am going to a crop...so I'll be posting some new layouts soon! I have added my last few layouts from the Mojoholders Blog into my slideshow! You can check out everyone else's lifts at http://mojoholder.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Oh, I have a blog!!

2009-05-26T08:53:00.002-05:00

How time flies when you have 2 young children to chase after!! I cannot believe that it's been months since my last post! We've done so much in that time...Disney, surgery, suppper clubs, and the school year is nearly over.

I am still participating in Mojoholders Blog, and at ChattyScrappers! I have started attending a monthly crop and a bi-monthly Stampin' Up card club. I am also taking a Wilton cake decorating class with my girlfriend!

We are ready for summer here in our house!

2009-03-17T08:50:00.002-05:00

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band...a marching band! LOL
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18.. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language--tried but failed...oui'?
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Gone without food or water for 24 hours or longer
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris- okay...I only went 1/2 way...it was closed at the top!
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Stayed up for 24 hours with NO sleep at all
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies-with my kids!
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma-yep, then I passed out!
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy-still have Panda!
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades-kindof?
75. Been fired from a job
76. Changed a light bulb
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Mowed the lawn
84. Had your picture in the newspaper- and the society pages in England!
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Have more than one college degree
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Lived in a foreign country

New Favorite Site!

2009-03-04T08:33:00.001-06:00

Check out this site for a great deal!

New Chatty Scrappers blog!

2009-02-24T11:01:00.002-06:00

Check out the new Blog for Chatty Scrappers! Our resident techno-dude, Rick, has been busy updating the forums, gallery and the blog!

Click here for the blog: http://chattyscrappers.net/blog/
Or click here for the forum and then click on the link to the blog: http://chattyscrappers.net/forum/index.php

And don't forget to check out my Mojoholders 100th lift celebration! I have updated the prize!! A $25 gift certificate will be awarded to one lucky scrapper at random, the more you play...the better your chance to win! Here is the link to that: http://chattyscrappers.net/forum/index.php?topic=1330.0

Mojoholders 100th Lift Celebration!

2009-02-22T19:42:00.006-06:00

I am part of the DT over at Mojoholders, this weekend we are celebrating the 100th lift! I am also co-owner of ChattyScrappers, so I am combining my resources by hosting a challenge!

Go to www.chattyscrappers.com and check out the challenge here:
http://chattyscrappers.com/forum/index.php?topic=1330.0 (If you are not registered, you will need to.)

Complete the challenge of scraplifting one of the past Mojoholders lifts, post it in the gallery and you will be entered to win a cool prize! I will be posting a picture of the prize this week. You can look through the past Mojoholders lifts here:
http://mojoholder.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Where have I been?

2009-01-23T07:49:00.004-06:00

LOL...here!! I don't know why I don't update this more often, just busy I guess. Well, we've made it through all of the holidays. My brother was here from Arizona for Christmas, had lots of fun and finally beat him at Scrabble!
Had a wonderful time at New Years with our friends, I have to get those pics from dh's camera! I paid for my fun the next day, but was fortunate to have had the girls have a sleepover with a friend!
The weather has been absolutely brutal here, I figured that would happen for our first winter back in the area, but geeeez! This is ridiculous! -37 windchills and below freezing temps! Looking forward to Spring!
Things are back up and running after the holidays at Mojoholders! And ChattyScrappers is thriving! Come and visit them!

Here is the newest addition to our family, the girls have been begging for one since we moved back!

Thank goodness it's over...

2008-12-01T19:48:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-01T11:13:00.001-05:00

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!

2008-10-25T10:24:00.002-05:00

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...

2008-10-21T06:37:00.002-05:00

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

2008-08-26T15:11:00.002-05:00

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?

2008-07-16T15:59:00.001-05:00

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!

2008-07-13T05:45:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-06-26T06:46:00.001-05:00

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

2008-06-18T17:19:00.005-05:00

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!

2008-06-04T10:54:00.002-05:00

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...

2008-05-31T08:28:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-05-08T11:12:00.003-05:00

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!

2008-04-20T15:38:00.007-05:00

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...

2008-04-15T09:55:00.003-05:00

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??

2008-04-01T03:41:00.005-05:00

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??

2008-03-24T15:31:00.003-05:00

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!

2008-03-07T04:34:00.002-06:00

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!

2008-02-14T05:21:00.002-06:00

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

2008-02-02T05:09:00.000-06:00

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!

2008-01-28T07:04:00.001-06:00

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!!

2008-01-19T05:56:00.000-06:00

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

Movin' on Up!

2008-01-14T03:59:00.000-06:00

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!!

2008-01-11T07:13:00.002-06:00

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??

2008-01-04T05:53:00.000-06:00

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!

Back from holiday...and ready to ring in a new year!

2007-12-27T12:33:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays to everyone! We have spent the last few days celebrating, and recooperating from our 9 day driving holiday! We drove from the UK, through France into Germany (stayed there for 2 days), moved on to Salzburg, Austria for 2 more days, and then off to Zell em See, Austria for some skiing. We finished off our trip with a night in the Alsace Region of France! Wow! What a trip! I could probably type for an hour straight, but you would get bored...it's never the same when it's not your holiday!! I was definitely the trip of a lifetime for us!

Here I am skiing in beautiful Zell am See, Austria.

Austria here we come!

2007-12-10T04:17:00.000-06:00

I am so excited...uber excited! We have decided to drive to Austria, and since it's a 11 hour drive we are stopping along the way! First stop...Black Forest, then Salzburg, then Zell em See for skiing! I have alot to do before we leave, but it will be worth it. Now if we could all get rid of this "cold", maybe that fresh mountain air will help!
Happy Holidays!

On our way to Christmas...

2007-11-29T15:32:00.000-06:00

Wow, I know I say this all of the time...but I cannot believe that it's almost December...almost Christmas...almost another year gone. I just had my 36th birthday, it coincided with a school-parent Christmas party and was great fun! Nothing like getting all dressed up, getting a sitter and going out purely for fun!!

We are all recovering (I hope) from a nasty cold/cough...and I think my little one even managed to turn hers into croup. I feel like I should set off an antibacterial bomb in the house! Last week we had 2 Thanksgivings, a Christmas party, my birthday, the school Christmas Fayre and we went to a football game (a.k.a. soccer). Fun, but exhausting!

This week has been a bit slower. Catching up on laundry and cleaning, lunch with friends, coffee with friends, Crafting some xmas gift bags, researching ski holidays... Need to do our Christmas cards tomorrow, and I still haven't taken a picture of the girls with their reindeer antlers on! I did NOT make my own Christmas cards this year...first time in a long time! The kids drew cards and the school had them made into Christmas cards!! Less work for me, more fun for them!

Looking forward to a quiet weekend. Tomorrow is Friday and hubby has the day off! The only other commitment we have is dinner at our friends and a little Christmas "do" of drinks and nibbles at our neighbors house. Nothing too stressful!

Banner Week!!

2007-11-17T06:26:00.000-06:00

Check out the mojoholders blog! I was chosen to be scraplifted this week!! That and my DT coordinator position....what a week.

Here is the link: http://mojoholder.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/11/challenge-38.html?cid=90279520#comment-90279520

Movin on up!

2007-11-15T04:37:00.000-06:00

I have been promoted from DT member at The Shaker Box, to DT Coordinator! Woo Hoo! I am looking forward to getting more involved in the behind the scenes of the site! Come by and see what we are up to! I just posted the Inspire Me Challenge today!

Autumn...time for the germs...

2007-11-13T03:16:00.000-06:00

It's already started...the germs are invading! LOL All of the girls in my house have a nasty cough, and the littlest is bordering on fever. She's prone to ear infections...

The scrappy part of my life is good. I haven't been able to get too much done, and what I have is being donated to the school Christmas Fayre! It's a good cause, new music equipment for the school! I am loving my part as a DT member on The Shaker Box and hope to get even more involved!

I am waiting for a repairman, I hate that! Hmmmm...what else is going on? Need to book our vacation for December. Need to do some Christmas shopping. Need to find a dress to wear to the Christmas parties.

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-10-29T15:57:00.001-05:00

From a Dublin newspaper...

2007-10-26T15:16:00.000-05:00

I'm not much of a political person, it's never been something that interests me. It probably has something to do with my parents lack of political interests...I don't know. Occasionally, something will catch my eye and I know deep down in my gut that it's just wrong. During a recent visit to Dublin, I came across a free newspaper called "Metro". There was a very small article by Con Doherty titled "IRA attacks worse than 9/11 says Nobel author". The title intriqued me, but the article itself left me in disbelief. Here is the article, in it's entirety.

"Nobel prize-winning British author Doris Lessing has called the September 11 attacks 'not that terrible' compared to the campaign of terror waged by the IRA.

Lessing, 88, who won the Nobel Prize for literature earlier this month, said the attacks, which led to George Bush's 'war on terror', were not as 'extraordinary' as some Americans think.

She told Spanish newspaper El Pais: 'September 11 was terrible, but if one goes back over history of the IRA, what happened to the Americans wasn't that terrible.'

'Some Americans will think I'm crazy. Many people died, two prominent buildings fell, but it was neither as terrible nor as extraordinary as they think.'

'They're a very naive people, or they pretend to be,' she said of the Americans.

'Do you know what people forget? That the IRA attacked our government. It killed several people while a Conservative congress was being held and in which the prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, was (attending). People forget,' she said.

Nearly 3,000 people died and tens of thousands of people were injured in more than 30 years of violence in Northern Ireland.

Lessing, the author of The Golden Notebook, was praised very highly by the judges of the Nobel Prize for her 'scepticism, fire and visionary power'.

Okay, I don't think that any terrorist act is meant to be forgotten, but when it happens in your OWN country you tend to remember it more and relate to it more than one that happens far away in another country. What good does it do to make 9/11 seem less of a tradgedy than it is? There have been terrorist attacks before 9/11, such as Lockerbie, Scotland. I'm sure the pain is somewhat dulled in Lockerbie, as it has for the US attacks...but none of them will ever be forgotten.

Furthermore, there is a huge difference between an army of rebellious Irishmen running rampant over 30 years and a suicide attack by Islamic terrorists. Quite extraordinary in my opinion, but maybe that is because I am a proud American.

Beautiful English Autumn

2007-10-14T10:40:00.000-05:00

We've been having lots of fun with my brother here. I sometimes forget how important he is to me...at least with the busy schedule of trying to balance kids, family, school fun, cleaning, scrapping and keeping in touch with everyone. This has been a great visit for us, I love showing him around London and the English countryside. This past weekend we went into London and saw Spamalot!! It was great! And, we've had some beautiful weather while he has been here! We've done some hiking and got some great pictures of the English countryside!

OH....the exitement!!

2007-09-27T14:40:00.001-05:00

My little brother will be here in "jolly old England" in just 39 hours (barring any flight delays ! LOL) I cannot tell you how completely and utterly excited I am. I haven't seen him for 17 months, which I believe is the longest I've ever gone without seeing him. We're close, we're buds!! I can't wait to show him around London and just enjoy being with him. My dd's are almost as excited as I am, they just LOVE Uncle Wade!!

In scrappy news, I've been doing a whole lot of scrapping! Dh is on a business trip in The Netherlands, which always gives me extra time to scrap because I become a slob and wait until the day he comes home to clean!! Hey, we all have our priorities and cleaning toilets is NOT one of mine! Yeck!

I got my first kit from The Shaker Box's new kit club and it is fantastic! I couldn't believe how fast I got it over here "across the pond"! And, of course, had to dig in and start working with the stuff right away! Here is my first page from the kit:
http://www.theshakerbox.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/20357

and here is where you can get your own kit from The Shaker Box! http://www.theshakerbox.com/store/

Catfight!!

2007-09-19T06:06:00.000-05:00

Ugh...I have been dealing with some crabby women lately at school. I just hate how some women can be. I am the "room Mom" for my 6yo's class and after 2 weeks I am already fed up with the whole thing.

In other news...just 10 days until my brother arrives for his first visit to the UK. The girls and I are counting down the days!!

I should be cleaning right now...but it's just not as fun! LOL Maybe I'll go plant the Mums I bought this morning!

2007-09-06T14:39:00.000-05:00

Aaaaah....the first day of school is over. Everybody was exhausted by dinner time, since we also had our first swim lesson of the season tonight!! My baby is in school ALL day now, and my oldest couldn't get away from me fast enough to get to her class! So, now both girls are in school all day and as my hubby puts it..."to do whatever you do". He's lucky he phrased it that way, and not "to do whatever I want to do". I have a lot of cleaning after all of the visitors have gone, especially since I am expecting another in a few weeks. Little brother is coming to visit, can't wait for him to get here and I know it will go by much too quickly.

Weird thing happened today...I was looking out the window of our 3rd floor townhome and notice a police car. Then, I noticed that she was checking out hubby's car!! Then she started heading to my front door!! Turns out...someone saw my kids in the back and thought that my oldest was Madeline McCann (the missing British girl)...so they came to check out the lead. I was a bit worried until she told me the purpose of her visit!

I am starting on a couple of assignments for The Shaker Box (www.theshakerbox.com) and am completely "stoked" about my appointment to the DT!!

Almost time for school to start...

2007-09-03T14:29:00.000-05:00

we are getting excited here...school starts in just 3 days!! I have been getting absolutely NO scrapping time in lately, we have just had too many visitors and other things keeping us busy!

Our old friends from Virginia paid us a visit this weekend, they were also visiting their relatives that live over here. We had a couple of really fun nights with them! Sadly, it makes me miss them even more. I'd move back to Virginia in a heart beat, loved it there!

Tomorrow is my last day to be "summer break" lazy...the girls and I have vowed to stay in our pj's all day. I am going to do laundry, scrap, clean, scrap some more, talk to Mom and Beth on the phone, scrap. You get the picture! LOL

Exciting news!

2007-08-27T14:26:00.000-05:00

I have been chosen to be on The Shaker Box Design Team! www.theshakerbox.com
I am soooo excited. I've been hanging out with these ladies for a couple of years now, and have dreamed about it...I can't believe it's really happened!! I can't wait to get started on my assignments!

In other news: the in-laws have gone home, after a whirlwind 3 week visit. We've spent the weekend recovering, cleaning, and doing laundry. We have friends visiting this weekend from the States, and I have confirmation that my little brother will be here at the end of September. I am really looking forward to seeing him....it's been toooo long.

My first real blog

2007-08-15T03:19:00.000-05:00

Okay, I've been thinking about doing this for awhile. It's a form of peer pressure, all the other scrappers are doing it, right?

I'll start with a little background about me, LOL, what else? I grew up in a small town about 2 hours south of Chicago. My Dad was a construction worker, and my Mom stayed home until they divorced. Then she worked her butt off to raise us. I have 2 older half-sisters, one cool little brother, and another younger half-brother. My Dad died a few years ago, lets just say he was on a bad road and had been for awhile. My Mom is remarried to a great guy whom I refer to as 'Papa'. I love him for his patience and acceptance of my family.

I am married to a great guy. He's charismatic, has a great smile that still makes me feel "melty", he is a wonderful provider, hard worker, Mr. Fix-It, musician, techno geek...you name it...he's got it covered! And, we have 2 beautiful daughters. They are the center of our universe.

About a year ago, we moved from NW Indiana to England. It was a great opportunity to further my hubby's job and for us to travel and just experience a different culture. Fortunately, they speak English since neither of us are fluent in any other language! But there are things that are different here, some good, some just different. I'm glad it's different! It was a little daunting at first, but I have made friends and gotten used to the differences. My daughters love their school and have lots of friends. We all miss our friends back home, but we'll be back soon enough.

Scrapping: I started scrapping in 2000. My SIL had shown me her newest interest, scrapbooking, and it seemed like something I could do. I've always loved taking pictures and had done a crude form of scrapbooking in high school. So, I went to a home party with a woman I worked with and that was all it took. I was recently married and newly pregnant with my first child, so it was perfect timing. My first album was my wedding album, I look back and think "how novice", but I also see things that were just "me" in my creativity. There are WAY too many stickers and deco scissors in my first albums, but I would never change them. It shows the graduation I made, the learning, the growing. Now, I can proudly say that I have been published by a UK Scrapbook Magazine (Scrapbook Inspirations) three times. Hopefully, that won't be the end of it! I don't always have the free time to scrap, but it is an important outlet for me. Thankfully, my husband understands this...to a degree. My 6yo has started her first scrapbook, I'm soooo excited!