I love my BFF!!

I just have to say I have the best BFF in the world!! Karen, a/k/a Happy Mrs. White made this delicious homemade dinner for me. My bride's maid gift from her was a week's worth of home cooked meals. IS THAT THE BOMB OR WHAT?!! Well, there is a funny story behind this delightful meal.

I am NOT (stressing the word NOT) a cook! I like to bake, but cooking, well, it's not my thing. A few weeks back during our wedding preparations frenzy, I needed Karen's help getting something prepared for dinner. My cooking skills usually involve some sort of cream soup and cheese, you know, those dishes where you literally throw everything into a baking dish and mix it all up casserole-type-dish. This particular night I was trying to make tater tot casserole, yes you heard me, the Duggar Family tater tot casserole only I didn't have all of the ingredients. I believe Mrs. Duggar was busy having a baby or she would have cried at my attempt of her casserole. My friend Karen was ABSOLUTELY appalled having to cook with any ingredients that begin with the word cream!! After several questions from my friend (who is now wearing dark color sunglasses and a large hat) wondering if cheese or the oven was involved, my meal that evening turned out great and was given a thumbs up from my family. SWEET!

That being said, tonight's dish included Chicken Bruschetta Pasta, herb focaccia bread and a bottle of Sexy Wine Bomb. All of course being homecooked and the use of fresh ingredients. It was SCRUMPTIOUS! Also included in the delivery were these cute little paper napkins Chris and Karen got me while on their honeymoon. I think they fit my personality to a T.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/

Friends

Whew, what a week. I am absolutely, 100% exhausted. My friend Karen's wedding last weekend was a huge success, but with rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and the wedding, not to mention my daughter Sara's Tallahassee trip, I am one POOPED girl.

The wedding was absolutely wonderful. It did however include a "STRESSFUL" moment when the zipper broke on her beautiful dress. Famous new words are "Sara run downstairs and get an emergency sewing kit". Other than that, I would like to introduce you to my new BFF. Her name is Mrs. Christoper White.

This week I plan on actually getting some shut eye. As many of you know, sleeping doesn't come easy for me. After a few restful nights of sleeping will be just what I need to get creative again.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.blogspot.com

Silly ME!!!!

Okay, this is non-craft related, but I just had to share how silly I am.

On Saturday, I was doing my usual laundry, floors, dusting, etc. I heard scrubbing sounds coming from the bathroom. I got so excited because I thought my son Kody was doing his part by keeping the "kids" bathroom clean. Only to find out he was washing car parts in there!!! Silly me!

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Me, over commit ...Seriously??!!!

Well, I think my title says it all. I consider myself to be the QUEEN of over committing. Dictionary.com defines over commit as - to commit more than is feasible, desirable or necessary. Yep, I think that about sums it up!! What can I say, I am a people-pleaser. I kinda like it though. I think I function best being under my own time restrictions.

During my blog hiatus (Christmas and New Year), I have managed to find time to do several fun and interesting projects. I LOVE PROJECTS!!! But first, a few photos of my family and our Christmas. On Christmas Eve I came down with an awful sore throat and spent most of Christmas weekend in bed.

After our enjoyable Christmas and New Year, my first project was to help my dear friend Karen make her wedding invitations. What a treat that was. She and I have been friends for well over 16 years and compliment each other so well. We have raised our kids together, been through so much together, taken Thelma and Louise vacations, you name it. When she asked me to help her make the invitations, I was honored, especially when we were working on them, she asked me to stand up for her. YOU BETCHA!!

She found an invitation online, but switched it up a bit and here's what we came up with.

What do you think? I would love to get feedback from you.

Stamps: None

Ink: None

Paper: Basic Black, Brushed Gold and Very Vanilla

Accessories: Miscellaneous ribbon and rhinestone buckle.

Be Blessed Everyone!

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

A promise is a promise

As reflected in yesterday's post, I have been working on some things lately. Christmas Cards to be exact.


I have been making my own Christmas cards since my son Kody was born. I remember my first homemade cards and getting that perfect picture of my precious little boy to send out to all my family and friends. That perfect picture turned out to be quite the ordeal. I came up with the idea of wrapping a paper box and putting Kody inside (I know, how original...). The box kept flipping over and he would cry so I tried changing his outfits several times. Remember how difficult it is to change your baby's outfit, much less try when he has been placed in a box and keeps dumping over!!!! Needless to say, after all these years, I still enjoy making my own cards and enclosing photos of my precious little ones (yes, I know, they are grown). If it makes you feel better, they still give me a hard time when it's "Christmas photo-op" time.

Here is this year's card and a blast from the past.

I'm Back, well sort of...

Where do I begin!! It has been so long since I have posted anything and here is the reason why ...



Since the beginning of this school year, I have been so busy with my daughter Sara. We are a homeschool family and years past have been just so so. We didn't get too involved in many "groups" as my kids were older and they were having a difficult time finding "their niche". This year however, is the exception. Sara has gotten involved in Youth In Government, FISH Hawks Football and a social life too. Not sure I am ready for the last one :(.






We began our year with YIG and since this year was an election year, we were priviledged to be a part of our local candidates campaign. Little did I know I would be taxi driver or shuttle to not only my kid, but other YIGGERS (I didn't make that up) as well. Even though I don't consider myself to be very "political", I had a blast supporting our local candidates. I have also enjoyed getting to know the members of YIG and their families. Most of them are also FISH Hawks, which brings me to FOOTBALL.


It has been AGES since I have gone to a high school football game. I am not too much of a football fan (except UF vs. FSU), but let me tell you, those guys can play some mean football. The season ended up with the Hawks making it to the semi-finals.

Of course, during football season we managed to squeeze in a homeschool homecoming. Being the parent of a TEENAGE GIRL, there is always so much to do. Shopping for dresses, shoes, makeup, manis and pedis, oh my!! It was an awesome experience for Sara, one she will never forget. I am proud that my daughter did so well in picking her friends. The young women and men she "hangs out" with are truly exceptional kids and their parents are just as great.

Hopefully now that some of the functions are out of the way (for now), I am hoping to get back into the swing of CRAFTY things. I promise to share some really cool items I have been working on over the last few days. On Saturday, I am hosting my Christmas Stamp-A-Stack/tea party. I can't wait to have a day to enjoy my friends and my crafts.

Be Blessed Everyone!!



Shannon Willis


http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/

Aren't They The Cutest??!!!

Aren't they just the cutest boys? I know, I am bragging, but I can't help it. Andrew and Carlos just melt my heart. I had such a great time with them this past week. I have to admit, they wore this Mimi out, but afternoon walks to the park and ice cream are the best. I sure do miss them and can't wait to see them in October. We are going to host Andrew's 8th birthday party here. He and I are planning an EXTREME sports party. I have the perfect stamp set for the invitations. Andrew gave his approval before he left. We will be Skyping each other to finalize the details.

It's great to be a Mimi!

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Just a post

Sorry for the lapse in postings. My grand "boys" have been here this week and we try and squeeze in as much time as possible. They are leaving this morning so I am a little blue today.

I did want to post this photo I took of my dog Weezer. I got my Stampin' Up! Gala tote today WOO HOO! It has so much room. I can get all kinds of things in there. After unpacking my tote, my dog Weezer likes to spend time in my craft room. This day she found the Stampin' Up! box to be the perfect spot to nap.

I have two cards challenges to finish, a card swap to prepare for and a little house cleaning to do. Having to very active boys in the house left my house a little cluttered (I wouldn't trade it for the world though.)

I will post photos of my boys and my other projects later.

Be Blessed everyone.

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/

Meet Cookie

After running some errands this morning, my daughter asked me to take some photos while she rode her horse Khandi Bey (aka Cookie, KhanKhan, Beymare, Beygirl, CookieMonster, Cookieface... Monster Mare on the bad days ;-D). I thought I would share some of my favorites with you. While watching her ride, I remember when I was a teen and rode my horse Lady. I was so carefree. It is amazing to see that in my daughter.

This is Cookie (she loves treats.)

This is the two of them jamming (I can tell by the smile on Sara's face). BTW, that is not my barn in the background!

This is after their ride. Cookie doesn't really like the water, but Sara had carrots so she tolerated it. I can't wait to scrap these.

On another note, I am almost done with my gift project for a very special friend and upline Jeannie. I will share it with you tomorrow after I put the finishing touches on it.

Be Blessed and have a great weekend.

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Order Online 24/7

Little Did I Know ...

I should know by now that "my" Fridays are never really "mine". I had big hopes and dreams that this Friday would be different. I was going to work on some unfinished projects, get ready for my scrapbooking crop, catch up on the laundry, but little did I know, my beautiful Sara and equally beautiful adopted daughter Hayley had other plans for me. I should have seen the RED FLAGS when my child offered to stay at home and clean up. Nope, I was basking in the moment, savoring the thought of shopping for groceries while Sara picked up. NOT!!! She and BFF Hayley were planning "our" day. Actually we had a terrific time at the movies watching Charlie St. Cloud. Yeap, just us girls, or as Sara says ..."seestahs". I was more like the debit card toting, taxi cab driver, MUCH OLDER SEESTAH. It was fun. I really love being around my girls.

They are such goofs!!

I did however get a project started. Started being the key word. I am taking the advice of one of my fellow demonstrators Sherrill Graff and made these business card holders. I am pretty happy with the way it turned out. I just have more I need to make.

Stamps: Vintage Vogue

Ink: Bravo Burgandy, Mellow Moss, Close to Cocoa

Paper: Kraft, Old Olive and Whisper White

Hopefully I will be able to finish them up over the weekend. I should probably check and see what my families' agenda is for ME :)

Be Blessed

Shannon Willis
http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/
Order Online 24/7

Christmas 1993 Part II

This is the second part of the four page Christmas layout I worked on over the weekend. I just realized that I am so close to having ALL of 1993 scrapped. Woo Hoo!!! I have been working on a pile of photos for months and it is almost complete. After I am done, I can put the photos in one of our new Linen or Designer Printed Albums shown here. If you are interested in any Stampin' Up! products, please feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I am here to help you with your paper crafting needs.

On a lighter note, my beautiful daughter Sara and adopted daughter Hayley spent the afternoon at the beach yesterday. I had to share some of the photos Sara took. I hope you like them.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis
www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Beautiful Things

I so badly wanted to sleep in this morning, but my husband was getting ready to play golf and my brother in law got the time messed up so he was here very early (5:15 am.) I thought maybe I could go back to sleep, but I decided to get my coffee and read a bit. As I went outside to let our dogs out, this is what greeted me at the front door....

In my busyness, I hadn't noticed my beautiful gardenia bush is full of buds. This bloom immediately caught my eye. I have been trying to work on my photography skills and had to grab my camera to get a picture of my prize flower (not too much a green thumb either.) I had written earlier about wanting to slow down and recognize all the beautiful things around me.

After enjoying a wonderful cup of coffee, I spent the most amazing day in my scraproom. I finished four pages and started my fifth. I will share these with you this week.

I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Be Blessed,

Shannon
www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

It Can't Get Any Better Than This!!!

Today there was an auction in our neighborhood. Our neighbors sold their house and since their children are grown, decided to auction off the contents of their home. They did not have room in the new house (also wrong decor.) Since I have never been to an auction, I talked my son Kody into attending with me. I am not a bartering person and don't do well in situations where I have to negotiate anything, but I played a good poker face. I registered for my number and walked around like I knew what I was doing. There were a few items I wanted to bid on but when the moment of truth came, I CHICKENED OUT!!!

The whole process was exciting but so intimidating. I was afraid that I would be bidding against MYSELF. Kody on the other hand takes after his Uncle Bum and bid on some sort of lens assembly for his truck. Personally, I had no idea what it was, but he knew the value and told me to give him my number. I gave him the "be careful" speech and he gave me the "look" (you know, the one where you are actually getting the hand ... I know what I am doing look.) Thankfully he does not take after his mom and didn't choke last minute. He won the bid for $25.00. As we were walking back to the car, he casually mentioned the parts are worth about $200.00. I am a proud momma of a NEGOTIATOR.

The best part of the day was after we returned home. I layed down to cool off and relax a bit (excitement wears me out) and actually took a nap. Yep you heard, a nap!! It was wonderful. The cherry on the top was when I woke up, my husband told me that my darling daughter went and fed the horses too.

Life is good.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/

My Little Bugger is 19!!!

Okay, I am feeling a little old today. My Sunday was a slammed packed day. First, my son Kody turned 19, yes 19!! It really does seem like yesterday I was changing diapers, running after a toddler, etc. Today I was looking at gray hair and wrinkles in the mirror. Since we threw a large party last year, this was a quiet birthday with just my darling husband, beautiful daughter and birthday boy. Since my growing boy has quite the appetite, I found a cheeseburger birthday cake. Needless to say, I didn't win the mother of the year award. It seems my sense of humor doesn't work.


Next on the agenda was the awards banquet for Equine Corral's Open Horse Show Association. My daughter Sara placed third in her division. It was an amazing season. We met so many wonderful people at the horse shows. I was so proud of her. She looked so pretty up on the stage receiving her award. She wanted to look extra special as we had a guest come along with us. You know, the kind of guest that puts a smile on your face ;) I was disappointed with myself as I forgot my camera (go figure.) Thankfully, my cousin Heather had hers and Sara's guest Andrew takes awesome photos and I will have something to add to my scrapbook. (Sara is top row 2nd from right, white sweater over blue dress)

The Empty Nest Has Begun

I can't believe it has been almost a month since my last post. So much has gone on the last few weeks. I feel as though I am on auto pilot. Some of the experiences over the last few weeks have made my faith in God overwelming at times. I am so thankful I am a believer.

Yesterday, I sent my son Kody off to North Carolina. It isn't too bad so far, however I have to keep reminding myself that this is part of growing up. I find myself wanting to call him and "check in." I am hopeful that he will decide to attend the community college there and continue his education.

Our family owns a camper park and he has shown some interest in running it seasonally. The camper park was a dream of my grandmother. My mom ran it for a while, but it got the best of her and she had to shut it down. Kody has always enjoyed it up there. It is beautiful and I like to visit, but it is a little more secluded that I prefer. I am the social butterfly in our family and there isn't much to do up there.

Our sadness is finally lifting. On May 2, we had to put our beloved horse Romeo down. It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. Losing an animal is hard, but losing a horse is something totally different. The sadness lingered for several weeks. We have other horses and it was difficult taking care of them while dealing with the overwhelming sadness of losing Romeo. I am thankful for the time we had him. He really was such a beautiful boy. During this time, I am so amazed by my daughter Sara. She completely takes me by surprise sometimes. She is growing up and maturing right before my eyes. To experience something like this only made our relationship closer.

I am so thankful that God has blessed me with such great kids.

Missing the boys! :(

Wow, what a week. My daughter-in-law Javiera and my two adorable grandsons Andrew and Carlos came to stay with us. We had such an amazing time. The boys have grown so much since Christmas. Carlos is walking and Andrew must have grown at least 5 inches. We went to the park, enjoyed popsicles, played with the dogs, fed the horses, swam in the pool, played video games, ate pizza, you name it, we did it. Since they live in Jacksonville, we don't see them as often as we would like to. To make up for some lost time, Javiera is planning to visit more during the summer. It is very hard for us to travel due to having the horses.

Saying goodbye to them is so hard, even though I know that we'll be seeing them again very soon.

Scrap Room Re-Do

After spending the last month preparing for several craft events, my scrap room (see sidebar) was a disaster. I spent much of the afternoon cleaning it up. I have been inspired by many other blogs that post their crafting spaces that I figured now was a good time to post so of mine. Unfortunately it won't stay that way for long.

A little bit of me...

I spent much of today with my daughter, Sara. She made a deal with me that if I took her to Starbucks, she would go to Joann's with me. Even though she knows there is always ONE more stop. We do enjoy our Starbucks (although going on Saturday = BAD IDEA. It was busy, busy, busy!)

After our errands, she managed some time to ride as she is preparing for a horse show next weekend. As I watched her ride, I remember when I was her age. I could ride for hours and for that short time, it was just me and my horse. I see a lot of that in Sara and her horse. I have to admit that she is so much better at riding than I was. She rides english and is so disciplined, making sure her posture is good, leads are correct and has very quiet hands. I was more of a "hop on your back and ride where ever." Even though we are very different, she is a little bit of me, and I love that. :)

Christmas Photos 2009

Well, I spent most of the day cleaning the house, especially my office/scraproom. During the holidays it was the "command center, catch-all, wrapping center, etc". What a mess! I took a large contractor garbage bag full of stuff out of here. I am happy to announce that at the moment it looks pretty good. During my cleaning frenzy, I was able to download my Christmas photos and must admit they are pretty good. I am anxious to get busy scrapbooking. Hopefully I can get back on track with my Fridays to scrapbook with friends.

July 4th Weekend

What a great 4th of July weekend I had.

Friday started off with a used, but new to me tractor for our barn. We are calling her "Gertrude". She is a little rough around the edges, but runs great. It is going to make barn chores much more manageable.

Saturday we spent most of the day working around the barn with our "Gertrude". Each of us took turns, however my turn was spent "hopping" around. I haven't quite gotten the gas and clutch figured out, but no worries, I am soon to be a pro. I did happen to manage reverse very well, as can be seen in the photo.

Sunday, was the best day of all. I got to SCRAPBOOK THE WHOLE DAY!! I haven't gotten to scrapbook in such a long time. It was wonderful. Hopefully I can have a few more days like this and get some more layouts done. I am anxious to use some of the new Stampin' Up Designer Paper and other goodies I received.