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