Silly Hair

Camryn has a dance performance this afternoon and has to have really curly pig tails. So last night I cut a bunch of old fabric into strips and rolled her hair in them. She slept in them last night and is wearing them to school today. After school I'll take them out right before her performance and smooth them out a bit! Of course, Cara wanted "rags" in her hair, too. Her hair is so short now that I could only do the top. It was a mess when we took them out this morning but it turned out cute. She looked like a little rockstar when I took her to preschool today. I'll take a picture of Camryn's later in her dance costume!!!

Home Again!

Well, we had a great trip to Las Vegas. Spent too much money, but it was so relaxing and fun! I forgot how nice it is to be away from everything for awhile! I missed the girls tremendously and I was glad to come home. I had the best time ever with Wendy Reed! We went to Starbucks, had some yummy chai latte drinks, visited and then headed out to three different scrapbook stores. Wendy brought me a bag full of fun scrappin' supplies that I can't wait to use! Then we picked up her handsome son Shon and went out to lunch at Macaroni Grill! It was so good and we had the sweetest dessert! I had a terrific day with her and she is just the sweetest girl!!! Here are some pics that Shon took of us!

New Design Team!!!

I am overjoyed...seriously....I just found out that I am one of the new members of the Scrapbook Chalet's Creative Team!! I am honored to be part of such an amazing group of designers and just plain great people!!!! If you haven't been to the Chalet...you'd better head on over there. It's one of the fastest growing scrapping communities on the web! Great talent, fun atmosphere and wonderful friends!!!

I'm SO excited!!! Maybe this means I'll win big in Vegas, too, huh???

Hair Cut

I got my hair cut yesterday! It's basically the same style but I had him cut several inches off for a new look! I've lost some weight over the past few months and I thought a change was in order. This isn't the best photo, however, since I had to snap it myself! Hopefully I'll get some better pictures with Wendy next week in Vegas!!

Do you ever look at pictures of yourself and think...YUCK??? My eye looks droopy, my chin looks huge and pointy and well...just not too pretty now that I've added it here! Oh well....such is life and there I am!

Vegas Bound

I'm getting ready to head to Las Vegas, baby! Although I'm really excited about going, there is just SO much to do! It's hard when Steve and I are both gone at the same time. There's all of our packing to do and I have to get the girls ready to stay with a friend for a week! It's nice to get away, it really is....but I have to say that I've really been dreading this! So much work prepaing! Ugh! Since I'm a contract employee I don't get vacation. Well, paid vacation, I should say. My plan was to get 2 weeks worth of work done this week so I wouldn't feel guilty being gone next week. THAT HASN'T HAPPENED! Hopefully I'll be very productive this weekend!

I am SUPER excited to meet my friend Wendy Reed in Vegas, though. While Steve is in meetings I'm heading out on the town with Wendy! Not sure what she has planned yet but I'm really looking forward to spending time with her. And let's face it....Steve is really looking forward to me NOT spending time in the casino. We both like to gamble a bit and being there a week can get quite expensive!

Hoping to get lots of work done and try to do at least one layout before I go. I'm taking the laptop so if all else fails I suppose I can work while I'm there. But that won't be any fun! Maybe I can get online there, too, and see what everyone is up to while I'm away!!

HOF....down the drain!!!

Well...I had the best intentions, really I did. I read the assignments early, planned out a few and really tried to find time to work on them. However, tomorrow is the deadline and I only completed four layouts! Guess I won't be waiting around for disappointment again this year...that's the good thing about not finishing my entry, right? I do love the 4 layouts that I completed and I'll post them here later! Hoping to do more scrapping this weekend! I was sort of in a grove last week but haven't scrapped since then and I'm not sure if my mojo will return!!

Sunday, Sunday!!

It's Sunday morning...and it's cold! There has been a cold streak around here and it's not warming up! It was -15 this morning when I got up. The sun is shining and the snow is glistening on the ground but it's too cold to go out and enjoy it!!

I had a great time chatting with the Scrap That Moment girls last night! They even inspired me to throw my hat in the ring for HOF this year. I've tried three years and haven't even gotten an honorable mention...but at least I'll get some layouts done and challenge myself creatively! I was worried about completing the Inventive Technique layout...but after getting some inspiration last night I whipped out an inventive technique and even completed the layout to go with it! Woo hoo!! I'm on a roll! Well, okay, really I'm just starting but we'll pretend it's a "roll".

Steve is in Mesquite for his week long trip. He won't return until late Friday night! It's really good for him to get away every January but I sure miss him. It's hard to do everything by myself and I just miss his company sometimes! It is nice to not have to cook a big dinner every night, though! The girls are totally happy with easy stuff!

I don't have anything really exciting to blog about today...just thought I'd work on my resolutions and stay active! I need to get some work done today so I'm not putting it all off until next weekend! Shouldn't be too bad since it's too cold to leave the house!

Here's a picture I took of myself the other day. I rarely get photos of me unless I take them myself. My eyes are bit shadowed from the sun but it's kind of a fun one! I used a brush in photo shop around the outside for a different look! Have a great Sunday!!

2007 Goals!!

So I haven't posted about my goals for this year yet. And I suppose if I don't write them down where others can see them then nothing will happen, right?? So here they go:

Scrapping Goals:
1. Design for a manufacturer
2. Be published in paper mag.
3. Actively participate on new DT at Scrappy Chick.
4. Get out old albums and go through with the girls.
5. Put all layouts into albums this year!
6. Scrap at least one day per week.

Work Goals:
1. No procrastination.
2. Set a schedule and follow it.
3. Be positive around co-workers.
4. No late papework!

Personal Goals:
1. Lose 10 more pounds.
2. Exercise at least 3 times per week.
3. Attend church more consistently.
4. Spend more time with Steve.
5. Have more patience with the girls.
6. Read with Camryn daily.
7. Keep in contact with my family more frequently.

Here are a few layouts I did on New Year's Eve day!!

Saturday Blahs!!

Well, it's the first Saturday in January and it's definitely a blah one! Cara has had a rash since Tuesday that won't go away with Benedryl so I ran her to urgent care this morning...Strep Throat! Yuck! She cried so hard because her and Camryn were invited to a Princess Tea Party birthday party today and she couldn't go. So devastating. Think I may have to scrap this one! I feel bad for her!

The weather is cold, windy and snowing. It's so dang cold!!! I do enjoy snow but not when it's 20 degrees and the wind is blowing 30 mph. Ugh! Camryn is at the party now, Cara is settled in the living room watching t.v. and Steve is at the gym. I've got to work here at home most of the weekend. Steve's playing poker at a friend's house tonight so I may rent the girls a movie to keep them busy while I work. If I can get enough work done I may scrap tomorrow! Yea!!

Waiting for a box of product to do some Scrappy Chick stuff! Can't wait!!!

A New Year

I can't believe it's a new year!! Where did the time go? I haven't blogged in months and I've decided to renew my commitment to keeping this thing current! The holidays were great with Steve and I both having some time off.

My DT term at Create My Keepsake is over but I still love that community. I was asked to be on the DT for Scrappy Chick Magazine and I'm super excited about this!! Things are looking great heading into 2007!

I updated my blog with Tim's new video! Can't wait til the new album in March!! Woo Hoo!!! That's all for now!

I haven't blogged in weeks!!! So...I've decided to renew my commitment to my blog. Here's some random happenings around the Giles household lately:

Cara: she starts 4 year old preschool next week. Yep...4 years old! She had a birthday on August 19th! Can't believe my baby is growing up so quickly! We go to a "meet the teacher and your classmates" thing tomorrow and she's so excited! Same teacher as last year and the one Camryn had for 2 years before Cara...Mrs. Dance...we love her!!!

Camryn: They are building a new school in our neighborhood and it's not done. Ughh!!! The other kids in the district started a week ago. We're hoping that the new school is done by the proposed start date of next Tuesday. She'll be in 1st grade....all day long!!! I can't believe it!!! She's been testing my patience and although I'll miss her during the day....I have to admit that I can't wait for that first school bell to ring!!

Me: I've been working away lately. Haven't had much time to scrap....but as soon as school starts I'm hoping to get back into a good schedule!! I'm waiting on the KI Memories Album contest...supposedly they're making calls on Friday!!! I really want this one!! I wasn't sure I'd like the Color Theory line but can I tell you? I LOVE MY ALBUM!!!!! It's really freestylin' and fun!!! I'm also waiting on the Piggy Tales DT call!!! They are supposedly announcing by tomorrow! Haven't seen anyone "tooting" for this yet! I'm going to die waiting for the KI call!!!!

Steve: not much new with Steve!!! He is taking another college course that started last Wednesday. History of Western Civilization. Fun!!! Blech....so glad I'm done with school. He's also coaching grid kid football so he's gone most evenings until supper time. It's nice that he's got some "manly" stuff to do since we only have girls. His nephew is on the team and he is coaching with some people I work with. Should be fun to go to the games...we've watched for the past 2 years.

Well....that's about it for now. I'm hoping to re-dedicate myself to my blog and be more consistent posting!!! Thanks for reading!!

Sunday Blog Challenge for 7/16

1. Tell me why your blog is named what it is. Giles Girl Designs....my last name, I'm a girl and I'm showcasing my designs and work....pretty simple!!
2. Tell me one person you admire as a scrapper/artist and why. I really admire Elsie Flannigan because she does her own thing, doesn't follow the rules and isn't afraid to be unique, regardless of what people think of her!!
3. What is one thing that you've never tried on a layout or project that you'd really like to try? Well, I tried sewing with a machine once and it didn't turn out so great! I think I'd like to try the dry embossing...haven't done that yet. I've done the wet embossing and like it, but never the dry!
4. What is your favorite time of year to scrap and why? I like scrapping in the winter....there's nothing like being warm, having fun creating, being surrounded by all my favorite supplies and looking out the window to a beautiful snowy day.
5. List 2 other people's scrappy blogs that you enjoy reading and post a link to them.
I love reading Elsie's blog A Beautiful Mess
and Donna Downey's blog Simply Me
Donna is so funny and has some entertaining posts. Elsie is just full of life and creativity! She gives some good pointers and ideas, too!

New CMK DT Layouts!!

Just thought I'd post some fun layouts I've been working on for CMK!!! This month's product sponsor was Lil' Davis Designs!!! I wasn't sure I'd like their stuff, but WOW!!! I love it!!!

Junkitz Top 30 and July 4th Photos!!!

Hey! Just a quick update.... the Junkitz Designer Draft is officially closed and I'm very pleased to have made the Top 30. Of course, like any other scrapper, I would've liked to have been chosen....but I am absolutely thrilled to have been recognized with all the amazingly talented women who applied. I don't know how many entries there were but I'm excited to be on that list!!

Here are a couple pics from the 4th of July parade yesterday. We went with some friends....Cara very rarely smiles with her eyes open...she thinks it's funny when I get mad at her for it!! {great!!}

Design Team Projects for Scrapbook Memories!!

I had so much fun playing with the stuff I received for Scrapbook Memories this month!! Here's my projects!!

The Weekend Update

Camryn was in her first golf tournament last week and this is the first chance I've had to load these photos. She got 3rd place and was excited to receive a trophy! She couldn't believe that her dad has never received a trophy for golf and proudly displayed hers in her room immediately upon getting home! She was quite timid and didn't like people looking at her when she hit the ball. But overall...she did great and had a lot of fun!

News of Note: Create My Keepsake will soon be announcing 2 new design team members. What a tough decision that will be. Take a look at the entries here. Rebecca has such an amazing site and it is growing so quickly!!! If you haven't checked it out yet...you'd better get over there and see what you're missing. There are so many talented scrappers and artists there....not to mention some great people!!!! I am truly loving my DT work for them!!!

My Regular Life Stuff: I am swamped with work. I can't seem to focus enough to get things done. I sit down at the computer to work and get about an hour into it when I get this sudden urge to play online. Darn it!!! I need to get so much work done this weekend so I'll get a decent paycheck this week. Someone get me off line...quick!!!

Movie Review: I took the girls to see the new Disney/Pixar movie Cars tonight. It was super cute and the girls loved it. They absolutely loved Larry the Cable Guy as "Mater" and I have to admit that he was super funny!!! It was a great show and I think kids of all ages will like it. As in other recent Disney shows...there are always wise cracks that only adults get that make it interesting for us parents, too! Go see it....you'll love it!!

Well...that's it for now. I'm sure I'll find something else to blog about tomorrow! Have a great weekend everyone!!

Kenny Chesney Concert

We went to the Kenny Chesney concert down in Salt Lake last night. What an amazing show!!! We got stuck in traffic and completely missed Carrie Underwood...which I was totally bummed about. But we were there in time for Dierks Bentley and then, of course, Kenny!! Our seats weren't terrific...but they were free from a friend so I'm not complaining!! Kenny entered in the middle of the arena....17 seats from mine...but I wasn't in it! Ugh!!! So heartbreaking...I was trying to get back to my seat when he was coming on and they had everything blocked off so I couldn't get back there....shouldn't have left for a break in the first place I guess. So anyway...the silhouette type pictures are the ones I got while waiting to get back to my seat. Dierks was great...love his sexy voice. Kenny was great as usual...that man has so much energy!!! Uncle Kracker even showed up as a surprise!! We had a ton of fun!! Here's some pics.

Father's Day

It's almost Father's Day again. Steve won't tell me what the heck he wants and my dad's present is probably going to be late. So typical of me!! Steve is golfing in a 2 day tournament this weekend and says that's his present....that'll be real fun for the girls to buy, wrap and watch him open now won't it? Ugh!! Men are impossible. I got my dad's gift sent today. I made this clipboard and card and also sent a gift certificate! Hope he likes it!


Not much to blog about today. I got my Junkitz Designer Draft entry sent in last night and then my stupid Yahoo mail kicked it back...twice!! Now what??? Freaking out about that and hoping to try again later tonight. Here's some of the stuff I sent in. I was amazed at how easy these layouts came together for me...they were just plain fun!!

Another day....another pee'd bed.

Don't ya just get so tired of changing sheets? My 3.5 year old pee'd her bed again last night. Can I tell ya.....about to scream over the pee-ing thing. She refuses to go to the bathroom by herself and will literally pee her pants in the hall dancing around waiting for someone to go with her. Ugh!!!!!!! Getting really tired of it. She has pee-d her pants every day this week...sometimes more than once. Just had to vent about that!!

On a happier note...we planted a little garden Monday night. Here's some pics of the girls planting seeds and one of our fat dog Callie enjoying us being outside.

Create My Keepsake Design Team Work

This month's Design Team sponsor at Create My Keepsake is Imagination Project! Don't ya just love Gin-X, Chloe's Closet and Center City Designs? Not to mention Blue Cardigan designs. They have some really fun stuff! Here's some stuff I've done with the Center City Designs line that I was sent. You can also see it in our Imagination Project Gallery at Create My Keepsake.

The shadows are kind of bad since I took photos of the layouts early in the morning yesterday. It was sunny and beautiful...is today, too! I've got to get some work done today and then hoping to scrap more. Cara's having a meltdown this morning...she can't find her "kitty". You know...the beloved kitty in most of her photographs. I think she left it at daycare yesterday so Leslie {the daycare lady} is searching frantically this morning for us. That'd be just great if she couldn't be found....last month Camryn left Pooh Bear there, which she's had since I was pregnant with her, and he's never been found. That drama still exists and now Selina {the cat's name}!!! Wish us luck on finding the missing stuffed animals today!!