Ch{all}enge Masters "Jingle Bell Hop"

Jingle Bell Hop

Hello & welcome to the first ever Ch{all}enge Masters Holiday Blog Hop.
Here's how to play along with us...
*Your first stop for this hop is the Ch{all}enge Masters Blog. There you will find a complete list of all the participating blogs.
*Visit all 22 blogs, leaving a comment at each one.
*Return to the Ch{all}enge Masters blog to let us know you are finished. This will get you an entry to win a $25 gift card to the online store of your choice.

For this blog hop, you should have come here from Kristi Beisel's Blog, if not, head back to the Ch{all}enge Masters Blog and start from the beginning! My blog here should be your 17th stop.

I have my own RAK to give away too. I am a part of the "Scraplift" team and find myself without "mojo" on numerous occasions, so I have found myself lifting my own layouts from time to time....here is an example....


To qualify for this RAK, all you have to do is this...while leaving your comment here today, tell me what YOU do when you have no "mojo" flowing and you really, really want to be creative....that's it.

The next stop on our hop is Jennifer Campbell's Blog ...

After you have visited all the blogs and posted a comment, please be sure to go back to the Challenge Master's blog and post that you are finished. Thanks for hopping with us!

Thanks so much for joining our Jingle Bell Hop & the Happiest of Holidays to you & yours!!!!

Jingle Bell Hop At Ch{all}enge Masters

Details to follow .....

Card A Day Challenge at Cookin' up Creations

Over on my site, we're having a card a day challenge for the entire month of November...hope you'll come check it out and play along with us!



Cookin up Creations

Is this challenge for you? If you have ever had a birthday slip up on you and you had to rush to the store to purchase a card or scramble to make one at the last minute, then this challenge is definitely, for YOU! During the month of November we will be building up our card stash - if you don’t have a card stash now, then you will at the end of the month.

Now for the motivation...how does a $20.00 Gift Certificate to your favorite online store sound?? Sounds pretty good to me, especially this time of year!! And just think, that's $20 for YOU to spend on yourself!!

Have you visited Paper Secrets today??

It's a new site that I've recently stumbled across, and am really enjoying the inspiration there....and get this, they're having an awesome giveaway! Come on over, visit, and join in on the fun.

http://papersecrets.friendhood.net/ps-challenges-contests-f34/ps-member-giveaway-ends-11-15-t571.htm#2028

Ch{all}enge Masters

November Challenges are up!

The challenges are up at Ch{all}enge Masters!! And let me tell ya...they are awesome! Come check them out at

http://challengemasters.ning.com/

Here is my sample for the Scraplift Forum...I'm not going to spill the actual challenge...you gotta come visit for that!



Of course I needed a black and white pic, and my printer decided not to like me that day, so I did the best with what I had....will fix it ASAP!

The Flu is Officially in the House!

Yesterday afternoon was like a blur to me at the moment, as the chain of events all kinda seem to run together...I mostly remamber the 105 fever and taking it over and over again to make sure the thermometer was working properly....and after taking my "normal" temp and then redoing Tylers, we decided he needed to go to the doctor ASAP. I dropped Garrett off at his Dads, and I called Shawn, and told him to meet us. Tyler was hallucinating and that was kinda scaring me too! The media has completely gotten everyone on their toes about the flu, and I was no exception.....we took him to an urgent care who told us with his fever being as high as it was, that we should take him to the ER which is where they were going to send us too!. So we went straight there. Luckily Cape Fear Valley has a pediatrics emergency room and there wasn't a long wait...so now...all of our fingers are crossed that we don't get it. And I get to go get Garrett from his Dads today. For now, I'm off to buy some Lysol and spray this apartment down! Any volunteers to come help?

Arnette Park Haunted Hayride, Trail & House

Every year since I can remember we’ve taken Garrett on the hayride. Even after Richie and I split up we still took him together in 2007. Then last year Shawn and Tyler went with Garrett and I. Last night, we all four went again…kinda like our “own little tradition” now.

There really is no GOOD time to go. The average wait is anywhere from 30mins to an hour, regardless of what time you get there….this year we decided to try and be in the first crowd of people when they opened at seven. So we arrived at 6:20 prepared! Sodas in hand, and Garrett with his DSi and Tyler with his I-touch!! I managed to take a few pictures…you know, of us waiting and all!!





The hayride for some reason seemed to be a let down for me. Still not really sure why. It’s not because I was prepared, because they really do try to change things up every year! It just wasn’t the same for me….the haunted trail was short, and luckily the people either in front of us or behind us got most of the people jumping out at them. And then when we got to the haunted house, we had to wait, and wait, and then wait some more. Apparently they were having technical difficulties last night and kept apologizing for the wait….and the whole time Garrett is being a chicken butt, and complaining that he had to pee, and of course with no bathroom in site….just what I was afraid of, an 8 year old having the piss scared out of him! LOL Sorry if that offended anyone, I just have always wanted to use that!! Luckily he (and me too) made it to the port-a-potty afterwards!!

Once we made it through the house, the smoke inside was pretty bad. We swallowed a bunch of it, got lost inside it a few times (it was like a pitch dark maze inside with smoke/fog all inside), and probably missed over half of it as we kept going out the exit and going back in only to get lost again….and of course Garrett clinging to me to no end….and he’s not even scared. He’s just playing scared….any woo, we did have fun…then home to do homework (which I should have made him do before we left), a late dinner, showers, and bedtime…

Our Pumpkins - 2009

Just thought I'd share them....looking forward to scrapping these pics! Going on a Haunted Hayride with the "boys" this evening....looking forward to that! Happy Halloween Everyone!

Scrap Sketch

As most anyone who knows me knows, I absolutely love Stephanie's sketches....well now I get to use them even more often, and I actually have the opportunity to be one of her newest Creative Team Members....I really am excited about this. So if you haven't had a chance yet, make sure you go and check out her sketches!!
Scrap Sketch

Ch{all}enge Masters Very First Design Team!!

WOO HOO I made it....my first Design Team in a very long time, and I am so looking forward to getting back into the groove of things! Hope you'll come play with us!
Ch{all}enge Masters

Scraplift – *Elizabeth Rosemond - Tammy Folk

Gotta love scraplifting....

Look What I Got from Colorbok!

Sometimes I participate in online surveys for Colorbok and they offer the first x number of people who respond a gift....

I was lucky enough to be one of those "lucky" ones this time! My package finally arrived and was delivered by Fed Ex! I had no idea what the gift would be until I opened the box....The kit has over 1,000 pieces and it even came with a matching 12x12 album.

Live Chat with Darcy McNairy from Pink Persimmon Stamps

I wanted to let you all know that we are having a live chat at Cookin' up Creations with Darcy McNairy, the Owner of Pink Persimmon Stamps.




The chat is scheduled for Friday at 9:00 EST on October 23rd, 2009. So mark your calenders!!

We're looking forward to having Darcy on the site with us, and I hope that you'll join us for this awesome event.....now go, spread the word!

Cookin' up Creations

Pink Persimmon Stamps

Ch{all}enge Masters

A few of the members on my site, are also on another site called
Ch{all}enge Masters. I've been to the site and registered, and it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun...lots of different challenges each month. Hopefully as I participate there, I'll be able to bring some new knowledge as well as techniques to my own site, so I'm very excited about that as well.

So, the reason for my post....you ask? Well let me just say this, they have a design team call out now!! And I wanted to give all my scrapbooking friends a heads up!


Ch{all}enge Masters

Day #272 - September 29, 2009

A Wedding Present from Shawn's Parents


This came in the mail yesterday from Shawns Mom & Dad and I immediately fell in love with it...and had the perfect place for it - right beside the picture of them when they were a very young couple. My only hope is that Shawn and I will continue to have the relationship that we have now, and that I can continue to look at his parents' 45+ year marriage and tell Shawn that I want what they have. Life is good for me today and I am very happy, as I celebrate eleven days now of being Mrs Shawn Patrick Folk...

Day #271 - September 28, 2009

Facebook Addiction...


Okay, so this is bad. I have to admit that I am completely addicted to the games on Facebook, but now my son is too....or at least one of them anyways. Fish World is his game of choice....easy enough to do...buy tanks, clean tanks, buy fish, feed fish....fish grow up, you sell the fish and then you start over again. And since he's always wanting to use the laptop, I moved it to the dining room table for him....so now he can play whenever he wants. I think he's actually up to 14 tanks now....and since he's going to his Dads tomorrow for 2 days, guess who gets to clean those 14 tanks and feed all those fish....yep, you guessed it....ME!

Day #270 - September 27, 2009

The Mattress on the Floor

Okay, so yesterday when Garrett and I came home from Applebee's, Shawn had our mattress on the living room floor...Why you ask?? Well, Shawn has some back problems and they are a constant thing for him, as well as the pain, and lately it's been getting worse. We think the bed isn't helping matters, as here lately I've been waking up with lower back pain myself. We're not really sure whether it's the mattress or the box springs or the whole thing....but since beds are expensive, we're going to try a few things first before we make that large purchase! Last night we actually slept on the mattress just as you see it...yep, on the floor and in the living room. I have to admit that I slept well and woke with no back pain, and Shawn slept better too...so last night was the first test....not sure what we're doing tonight though.

The reason for the picture today is this...Garrett has been jumping on the mattress all day and has stuffed the pillows between the sectional and the mattress so he doesn't "hurt himself" he said...Can't help but laugh at him for having some fun....as I'm typing this, he's preparing to lay down on the floor with the covers (ours and all of his) and read another AR book....maybe I'll run take another picture.

Day #269 - September 26, 2009

Yesterday was a busy day...

First off, it was Shawn's 41st birthday! Happy Birthday Baby!!

Secondly, Garrett and I went to Applebee's first thing in the morning for a fundraiser that my ex-mother in law was having....so I took a picture or two there....It was a "flapjack" type deal and you got all the pancakes, sausage and bacon that you could eat.....and I swear that Garrett probably ate about 15 slices of bacon today!
Garrett with his Uncle Steven, and his dog Holly.

Then we came home and just hung out for awhile until Shawn had to go to work....then Jackie came over for awhile, and convinced us that we needed to go downtown and watch Richie Play (my ex). He's in a Bravarian Brass Band, and they were playing during the International Folk Festival that's going on this weekend. So we headed that way, in the drizzling rain (went on all day) and went to listen for about the last half hour or so....funny thing is, they played the "chicken dance" and my "chicken" son actually decided to do it, and I didn't have my camera...so I used my cell phone.....not the greatest pictures, but hey, I at least got to document the event! He did it quite well too! I was very proud of him!


Then afterwards, Richie came to pick Garrett up, and I sat around watching movies until Shawn got off work....and since it was his birthday, I was taking him out to dinner...The guys he works with gave him a sort of surprise party and they had cheesecake...so by the time he got to me, he wasn't very hungry, but we both managed to have a nice big salad from Ruby Tuesdays...

Nothing like getting your picture taken with a mouthful of food. Sorry Shawn! You know I love ya!
Then Shawn came home and still managed to find room for cake and ice cream...I swear, he's 41 today and is still a growing boy! LOL

Today is the day....

that I am going to marry this man...



...and become a step mom to two great kids, Tyler and Sarah...and this will be my family. I am truly, truly happy!

Marriage License

Well...it's done. Shawn and I went this morning to apply for one. Rings have been bought too....just waiting for Friday! :)

Picture #210 - July 29, 2009

Library for AR Books

With the new year starting and the Accelrated Reading proogram starting as well, we were already 2 weeks behind....so I told Richie I was taking Garrett to the library with me (even though it was his day), and that I would drop him off when we finished picking out some books.....so today, we went to the Bordeaux Library to check out some AR books...

Picture #209 - July 28, 2009

Subway

Shawn and I are always taking advantage (and I do mean always) of the $5.00 footlong special that Subway has. We probably eat there at least twice a week now and tonight was one of those nights!

Too Funny Not to Share

Another Dream Shattered!



Finally, someone has managed to photograph the Pot at the end of the rainbow!!!
Wouldn't you know it!

Day #208 - Picture #208 Monday, July 27, 2009

Captain Underpants

is Garretts new fascination, now that school has started back. I've been pushing reading again, since we're gonna be taking AR Tests again this year as well....his books of choice these days are the Captain Underpants books, but to my knowledge they're not on the AR list......bummer. But hey, at least he's reading!

Day #207 - Picture #207 Sunday, July 26, 2009

Hanging Out

Now that Jackie is staying with us until hers and Daniels apartment is ready, and they get some money from the military, Jackie is having to share Garrets bedroom with him. So every chance that Garrett gets to go into his room and play on his computer and watch his tv, he does....and today was one of those days. Jackie and Daniel were gone ALL day and Garrett lived in his room ALL day too....I just have to keep reminding him that this is only temperary.

Picture #206 - Day #206 Saturday July 23rd, 2009

Flat Tire


Well my ex-husbands newest hobby is restoring old bicycles...and I was the recepient of one of these bikes so Garrett and I could ride together....well after about an hour of hard core chasing each other all over the funeral home parking lot....I blew a tire....BIG TIME! Richie said the tire was so old that it was probably dry rotted. Regardless, our fun ended real quickly...Garrett was SO happy TO FINALLY have someone to ride bikes with too....tire will be fixed by this upcoming Tuesday though!

Picture #205 - Day #205 Friday July 24th, 2009

My 40th Birthday.

Can't believe I'm posting a picture of myself in my pajamas and no make up on, but hey it was late when we finally got around to doing cake and ice cream tonight. Had to wait for the Newlyweds to get here! Love ya Jackie!

Picture #204 - Day #204 Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Garrett Pumps Gas.....Again!



Yep, he's really feeling like a big kid now.....$10.01 again today, and he seriously concentrated on trying to stop at $10.00 even...

Picture #203- Day #203 Wednesday July 22, 2009

Renewing my Drivers License

So nothing like waiting til the last minute to get your drivers license renewed!! And yep, you guessed it, mine expires this coming Friday on my "40th" birthday....but luckily I went this morning, and handled it. I'm good to go now for another eight years.

Picture #202 - Day #202 Tuesday July 21, 2009

Mother and Daughter Dinner at Red Robin (Jackie's Treat)

**Thanks again Jackie

Picture #201 - Day #201 Monday July 20, 2009

Garrett Pumps Gas for the First Time