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About Me

Married to my soulmate with 2 beautiful girls,and our English Springer Spaniel, Suki. Living a country life in Cambridgeshire, whilst baking, gardening, and photographing our daily lifes, where they find a place on my scrapbook pages.

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My little place on the web

This blog is just that, my little place on the web.You will find my daily (or not so daily, hehe)life, my love for my new vegetable garden, baking, photography and my scrapbooking!

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My Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a way of life for me now.It has been for over 4 years. I love journaling, taking photos of my family and love colour and texture, these are all part of my everyday life and scrapbooking.

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Scrap Art Zine

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/27/2007 06:28:00 PM 16 lovely comments
So excited to find out this week the interview I did for Scrap Art Zine in Germany has been published!. A massive thank you to Kimmy for getting the interview for Pencil Lines and translating my waffle into German! And its a double whammy as one of my layouts was chosen to represent Pencil Lines blog, it was this one i did with the half heart. I was inspired by a layout i had seen in Creating Keepsakes where they had used ribbons to draw the outline for a heart. When this sketch came up i just knew what i wanted to do. i used lots of scraps of paper, adhered and then sewed a heart shape over the top. I love all the photos in the middle that represent "The Contents of my Heart", my beloved family.


Back to today....... my poor girls are still stuck to the 4 walls called home while i busily scrap and write for magazines and online classes! I have finished my mini book for UKS, dedicated to friends I have met through scrapbooking. In fact it already has a place in my scrap room on a shelf!

Do you like my "splattered" overlay?? I made this last night and I am pretty chuffed, considering i am a complete novice when it comes to CS2, so much to learn, so little time. Anyways, if you like her, i will post a download tomorrow. Need to find out where to uplaod the file first!


This layout is a work in progress, for Scrummy Stash Cafe, using the Collage Press Seeds collection. I am hopelessly in love with these papers, and the Velvet ribbon in the kit is just divine! I have used my sketch I did for SIStv, and think it will be one i use over again, i really like the versatility of the sketch.
My Perfectly Posh kit for the UKS Summer Camp is live and selling fast. Available in 2 colours, Zingy and Calm. I am doing an online class with this kit showing the UKS ladies my love for distressed paper flowers . I know I am boring and these flowers as well as scallops seem to make an appearance on most of my layouts at the moment! I guess I will look back in a few months and think to myself "mmm that must have been my distressed period, summer 2007 was the year!"
The weekend is upon us, we have a summer part to attend on Sunday and I have my monthly crop as well. I will be packing kits for UKS and Scrapping Angels August kit me thinks!
Hugs

Anna xx

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Working...........

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/26/2007 12:17:00 PM 10 lovely comments
my size 5 creative socks off at the moment!!! and i cannot share, as its all for online classes, projects and DT work!!! But................I can share some sneaky peaks.


I have done this cute little tag and pocket for Lisa at Easy Craft Projects. I love this project, nice and easy and you need so little supplies!, some stamps, paper and a doodling pen!!
Check out Lisa's website for full supplies and instructions.
This is my Pencil Lines sketch which I love, changed the size had lots of fun with this one. Need to check back on Sunday to see the layout in its full glory.


I am now working on a mini book for UKS. I have dedicated mine to all the wonderful and creative women I have met on the web and in real life. I feel very lucky and blessed to have met so many talented women, of which i can call friends. Scrapping has bought such joy to me and my life, as well as my friends and family. They can appreciate what scrapping means and gifts of mini books and layouts are enjoyed by all, even my girls have their own albums that they fill with school friendships and days out. This really is a hobby that will only grow more and more.
Back to my mini book and some DT work for Scrummy Stash Cafe, boy you just have to get yourself the Seeds kit, it does exactly what it says on the box......Scrummy!!!!!!
Hugs
Anna xxx

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I'm a Rockin Girl Blogger!!!

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/24/2007 03:47:00 PM 9 lovely comments


How cool is that.
Thanks to Aline and Nancy for nominating me.I am now going to nominate 5 bloggers who i believe rock the blogging world!

Delaney - 1 seriously cool chick!
Annie - who has the cutest children
Katie - very talented digi artist
Gigi - she's a fashionista!!!
Lucy - artsy Brazilian living in Sweden!

go check these girls out and you may find yourself some new blogs to surf!!!


Its sunny, warm and dry!!!!! So we just had to head outside to the park in Buckden near the library. The girls played and i was armed with my camera just snapping away. I have some really sweet photos which i may scrap tonight. These photo's tell me that my two girls know exactly when i want to smile and tease me instead!

And this must be teh smallest flower ever!! Yes I believe i have photographed a flower that Lilly picked for me, she is adament this is a flower, bless......

We then visited the library and Izzy has joined the BIG WILD READ for the summer holidays. She has to read 6 books and review them, in 6 weeks. great way of getting your children to read and enjoy reading. Izzy has selected 2 books today. I then promised them both an ice cream if they were good while i went to the post office. They both selected Magnums!!! and ate the lot, shock horror.
Cannot believe we are heading for 2 weeks of postal strikes, how frustrating is this. I have photos i am waiting for from snapfish, handbag making stuff from U Hand blog, and i am sure something else i have forgotten, lol.

Here is the sketch I did for SIStv weekend challenge, feel free to interpret as you wish, and please post em a link, i love to see what you have done. Thanks to Anam for teaching me how to do my own sketches in CS2.Tonight has me on my lonesome again, and i am going to crack on with my 2nd class for UKS and a project for Lisa's "Easy Crafts Projects" website, and hopefully i am going to start on a layout I have been itching to do!
Hugs
Anna xx



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Schools Out for Summer..............

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/23/2007 07:55:00 PM 9 lovely comments


The school summer holidays started with a bang, literally (see yesterday's post)and i am glad to say things have settled down.

Our annual summer party on Saturday was a roaring success even though the weather was not to good to us. Sixteen golfers started the day playing golf, while us woman slaved away in the kitchen, dicing, chopping and mixing salads, sandwiches and all sorts. The bouncy castle arrived with a cover, but unfortunately still flooded, and a few bounces were only made!. The BBQ was able to go ahead in the dry couple of hours we had. Thanks to Annie for the brilliant marinade recipe, the steaks went down a treat. Izzy became our resident face painter. I can belive how good she was for only 6. Everyone ended up having something done, from tigers to the England flag on their cheek, we also had a Harry potter amongst us!



Then when the weather changed we all headed indoors for a good gaming session on the Wii. You have so got to love this machine, we had all ages playing from 2 1/2 - 79!!!!, bowling, baseball, tennis and golf!! The Bowkis and Merry's also kindly sponsored £100 between them for my sponsored 5K run in September, a big thank you from me.


Sunday we had a scrummy breakfast of croissants and chocolate de pain with chocolate milk and coffee for the grown ups. Our house guests left at lunch time and i must admit to a crash and burn, with me in bed from 4pm!!

I feel much better today, the girls have been great and Lilly headed off to her afternoon Pirates party whilst I had a little nose around the fabric department in Dunelm Mill and treated myself to some scrummy fabrics. Hopefully will get to play in the holidays and create something for me!
Received a package from Lucy today filled with creative delights for me and the girls, i am so blessed. Will take photos tomorrow of all my goodies
Finally finished one of the classes i was designing for UKS, now to work on the other class and a few other projects for websites. I also have a few bits i am dying to work on through the holidays to get my creative juices flowing again.

Hope you all had a good weekend, i am off to curl on the sofa for a quiet evening for one, as Peter has had to go into work
hugs
Anna x

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WEEKEND UPDATE

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/22/2007 03:11:00 PM 10 lovely comments
This is just a quick post to apologize about my lack of update!!
Unfortunately my Lilly had an accident on Friday at pre school, with a bump to the head and a limp Lilly for an hour, an emergency trip to the Doctors confirmed that she was mildly concussed. Lilly was very out of sorts friday and slept on and off, but then ended up vomiting several times Saturday morning and i ended up at casualty while she was observed. It has been a very stressful few days for us all,and as alot of you know we had our summer party going on this weekend as well.
Lilly is doing great now, the party was a great success and i am now resting up as i have Laryngitis now!!!
Unfortunately I will not be able to participate in this weeks Pencil Lines, but please don't forget to pop on over as our guest this week is a doodle queen!!!!
Will be back on tomorrow with tonnes of photos and a proper update.
Do pop on over to SIStv as I have a challenge going on with a chance to win a mini book kit (my travel book kit!)
love to all
Anna x

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26 hours a day please!!!!

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/18/2007 07:00:00 PM 14 lovely comments
I need extra hours, extra sleep, extra everything this week, hence the lack of blogging!!

Very busy with end of school for Izzy and Lilly, organising the weekends BIG party here and packing July's kits as well as designing a UKS kit and a challenge for SIStv!!!, but i am not complaining honestly. Actually thats a lie, i was complaining first thing this morning then i got home logged in to SIStv, as i do every morning, and Gigi chose my layout (see last post) for the catwalk!!! I feel so honoured to amongst all that talent this week, and both Nat and Nancy are also strutting the catwalk this week, and now i am smiling , lots and not whinging anymore.
I have put 2 kits together for UKS, done my sketch and now have my layouts to do tonight. Really love these 2 kits. Papers I have already used for a Scrapping Angels kit with a bit of a twist and I am in love!!!I also scrap lifted one of my own favourite layouts. Have you ever done that, scraplift your own work? I don't see any problem with it to be honest. It was your layout in the first place and you must have loved it, so why not use the elements you loved again and again!!!
This afternoon, Izzy and I have been shopping for balloons, Pinatas, sweets and party clothes as well as birthday presents and such for parties both the girls have this coming week, yep i know on top of our party!!
Lilly has a Pirate party to go to, and not having Sue's talent (check out Holly and her Pirate tattoos!!!) i cheated and headed off to Woolworth's and picked up a Jack Sparrow costume, well i can only repeat what Izzy said when Lilly tried it on, "WICKED", it is absolutely spot on, and Lilly looks so cute, yes I have a cute pirate! (photos are Lilly as Peter Pan and then Jack Sparrow!all in one afternoon, LOL).Of course this is only a teaser of how cute Lilly looks, next Monday I will have lots of photos to share I am sure!

The girls and Peter have gone to play some Golf at the local Range, and I am sitting here in my scrap room, admiring my garden from my window and looking at my blooming hanging baskets and window boxes, roll on Summer!!!!!
Hugs
Anna xx

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A Scrapping Idol

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/15/2007 07:22:00 PM 14 lovely comments
I love, idolise Keisha Campbell. Love her simple designs in scrapbooking and cards, love her studio, and how lucky was Pencil Lines when she said YES!!!! As well as my scrapping heroine we have the new DT showcasing for the first time this week, AND fantastic sponsorship by Making Memories. I guess you could say Pencil Lines is well worth a visit this week!!!!
I have lots of deadlines this week as I am taking part designing a challenge for SIStv and UKS this week as well as a kit for UKS. I have magazine deadlines again and our annual summer party this coming weekend with around 50 people to cater for!!! Thanks to Annie i do have some scrummy recipes in the pipeline and my SISters are helping me out with the pre golf breakfast.
Other exciting news is I have approached a very talented UK Digi designer to design some kits for Scrapping Angels, where all proceeds will go to the MS Society, I am really excited about this. The kits will appeal to both Digi and Hybrid scrappers, I am determined to do a Hybrid Layout for the DT gallery as well!!!


As the last week of school approaches. both the girls have parties to attend and I have teachers presents to make. This is Lilly's last week at pre school and then she heads off to BIG school as a reception pupil and Izzy will be in Year 2 of infants. The last few years are flying and my 2 babies are growing up so fast. I need time to STOP just so i can take in what is and has been happening!!!
Have a restful Sunday evening. I am off to cuddle with Peter and then crack on and pack the reminding kits!
hugs

Anna x

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Travel Journal

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/14/2007 04:09:00 PM 18 lovely comments

I have completed my travel journal at last from my trip to LA in January.
I used the Tinkering Ink Beyond the page kit with the mini chipboard book by Jenn Starr, you have so gotta love these beauties!

Added lots of ephemera from my trip, handwritten journaling and transparencies. Really enjoyed doing this mini book just for me!

Have a great weekend

hugs

Anna xx


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Sports Day 2007

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/12/2007 11:13:00 PM 7 lovely comments

As a family we love sports day. Its a fun afternoon for all the family, many of us mums have younger siblings and we all get together with blankets, picnics and bubbles !!!! Most of the younger kids know each other form pre school anyway and we all take it turns to be the sensible grown up while the dads cheer words of encouragement armed with video camera and cameras or in my case me and my camera, lol.


Izzy loves sports day and is a very sporty child, and i may add a tad competitive. She was limbering up this morning wearing her team colours and sporting my lucky cap!! And it worked, she got a place in all 12 races, not that we are competitive, lol. No in all honesty at this age it is a fun afternoon for the children, everyone gets a ticket with either a number or a smiley face. at the end, before presentation they are all given an ice cream.



I cannot believe that next year Peter and I will be there cheering both our girls on as it will be Lilly's first sports day and Izzy's last non competitive sports day. they do grow up so quick don't they.
I will leave you with a few photos from this afternoon.
Oh and before i forget i finished my travel album, yeah, will post photos tomorrow
hugs
Anna x

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Work in Progress

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/11/2007 08:09:00 PM 9 lovely comments
I have been working on my travel book from my trip to LA for a few days now, using the June Beyond the Page kit from Scrapping Angels. Using a black slick writer to outline all my pages for continuity, adding buttons (no surprise there then!) and transparencies to separate pages and add journal ling. I am adding maps and bits that I kept from my travels.The photos aren't always the best but this really doesn't matter to em as its the memories i am preserving not trying to enter a contest for the best photographs!! I have yet to add ribbon galore and fabric scraps to the rings , hopefully will add the finished book tomorrow night!!


I have also been getting some Etsy love and have purchased these little beauties, from the very talented Lucy, I think I am her number one fan!!! So cute and very me.....
I also came across this, which i rather like too

Today was Lilly's teacher chat with her key worker, to see how she will cope with the move from pre school to reception and to see her progress through out the year. Well lets just say beaming with joy, as Miss Sarah told me that Lilly was a credit to us all!!!! Then over to Izzy's school for open afternoon and meet her new class and teacher, still beaming!!!!!!!!!!!!



Nothing much more to say really, tomorrow is sports day, batteries are charging as i write and I am back to my mini book and start on my Pencil Lines sketch. Oh and do pop over as all the new DT have been introduced properly now.
Hugs

Anna xx

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Proud Mummy Moment

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/10/2007 12:52:00 PM 8 lovely comments
Yesterday Izzy came home with her school report, and we are very proud parents. She received 1a, which is top marks for year 1, for all subjects and received a 2c (lowest mark for a year 2 student!) for maths. She excelled in both maths and art. As you can imagine we are so proud of her. Don't get me wrong i am proud of her what ever her results are as long as she has tried and worked as hard as she can. She also excelled in tennis, which is a sport she did really well when i sent her on a tennis academy at Easter. This may be an avenue that needs some more exploration, don't you think?
We also found out which class she is to be in for year 2, and Izzy is very happy to be with Mrs Swepstone, who happens to be the head for religion, a subject Izzy is very interested in. All in all a great day for Izzy.

Picture is more random Izzy art done using the Paint program on the computer, titled "Starry Night". I believe this was done when i went to LA in January, but never made it to my blog while i was away.

I also had a good day. Ran from Southoe to Buckden and back again, totally 4.5 miles. I am really pleased with myself i have to be honest.

The sun is still shining, the flowers are happy, I am happy, lol. I am about to complete and editorial for TSBM while watching The Kid a Charlie Chaplain movie with Lilly, yes Lilly is a massive fan and I actually bought her The Circus for her birthday. If you have never watched a Charlie Chaplain movie you are truly missing out on classic humour for all the family. I will confess to have never seeing one of his movies until last Christmas and now I want his complete works on DVD, i am hooked along with Lilly!!!!

Have a good day, and go rent a Charlie Chaplain movie....... as he says so well, "A day without laughter is a Day wasted" so true!!

Hugs

Anna xx

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Summer at last....

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/08/2007 04:45:00 PM 7 lovely comments
That's why i haven't been around, we have had sunshine!!!!

The weather has been gorgeous here in Southoe and that means windows and doors wide open and outdoors fun for all.
Yesterday we did all head to the cinema to go and see Shrek 3 as I had promised the girls we would go. it had already been postponed from Friday due to unexpected visitors, Auntie Linda, Uncle Paul and John, and then a delivery of a 50" plasma TV!!!!! Not my idea may I add , but as you can see the cinema got put to one side, for Curry and a new TV!



When we got back from the cinema it was a quick stop off in the village for a BBQ and some food. Then home to cook burgers, lamb kebabs and bacon on the BBQ, all washed down with some Smirnoff for me.

Today we have been tidying the garden. All this rain has left em with a meadow to mow and weeds galore to pullout, although w e do have a healthy looking lawn and luscious plants because of all the rain.
I am now about to cook a dinner of sausage, mash and onion gravy for us all, great British tucker, and then maybe sit down tonight to some scrapping.
I have watched a far bit of TV this weekend. Yesterday was Live Earth, didn't see much but the Foo Fighters were amazing live, and today i have been watching the Men's tennis final while baking cookies.

Tonight is Pencil Lines night. Do pop over and check us out. Another great sketch for you all and remember to email us your layouts for the gallery to be in for a chance to win our monthly RAK.I have used this months Scrapping Angels kit for my layout,

Upsy Daisy papers,
Worldwin cardstock
Bo Bunny Rubons
Various buttons
AC slick writer


Finally look who this is busy scrapping away, yep Lilly at this years Scrapping Angels retreat, and adorning the pages of Scrapbook inspirations this month.

Hope your weekend was as sunny as mine
hugs
Anna x



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Big Toddle

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/05/2007 02:48:00 PM 8 lovely comments
Lilly did her BIG toddle charity walk yesterday, and it stayed dry. I took some photos of all the children with their medals to send to the local paper, and this photo is of Lilly and 2 of her best friends after their race. All the proceeds they raise got to Barnados. After such a successful race, i have signed us all, yes that includes Peter and Izzy to do a fun run 3K race in November. Need to think of a team name now, any suggestions feel free to post away!!!


Teddy's Bears picnic followed the race, although we did have to do this inside due to the flooded field. Our Bowkis luck carried on from the Bingo and we won 3 raffle prizes. Feeling slightly embarrassed we handed a winning ticket to one of Lilly's friends.
Peters interview went well yesterday and he made it passed the first and 2nd stage, now we are waiting on a phone call on the 13th July to see if he is going to be called back for the next round of interviews. Positive vibes guys!!!

Booked myself and Peters mum on a taster pottery throwing course next Thursday evening. And no Ghost jokes please, Peter is not joining me, lol
I am all on schedule for my deadlines and feel so good because of it, although it does mean my blog is lacking in layouts as they are all for publications. But that does also mean i can spare a couple of days for some me time!!!
Went for a great run this morning, did my 5k and took 4 minutes of my time. Really not long to go now and i need to be running this distance at all times and more if possible. My sponsorship page is still open for donating, please pretty please...........

This months Scrapping Angels kit has been so popular I have manged to add another 25 to the subscriptions. You have until 12th July to guarantee your July kit. I absolutely adore the kit and have had so much fun playing and doing a bit of doodling, it just screamed out for some black AC (slick writer) love!!!!

Doesn't Lilly look like a convict behind bars in this photo, lol. Taken in the car while waiting for Peter to get back from London!

hugs

anna x

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Lucy Love

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/03/2007 07:50:00 PM 9 lovely comments
Lucy.....aaahhhh where do I begin. Well , I don't know Lucy, never met her, until a few weeks ago when our paths crossed over at SIStv. Lucy is a Brazilian living in Sweden, now that on its own sounds pretty exotic!! As well as being very exotic sounding she is one hell of a talented lady!!! Remember the gorgeous wall hanging of Lilly??? that was made by Lucy, and now you see this, "Viva La Diva" is another Lucy creation.... Isn't she just amazing and I feel so privileged to have her art hanging on my walls.

All Lucy's creativity along with the SIS gallery has had my mojo pumping this week, and its only Tuesday i hear you cry!





I have completed a DT layout for a magazine, have already completed my Pencil Lines layout, made 2 cards, and this has all been done with this months Scrapping Angels kit, which is stunning, if I may say so.


In the post today I received this gorgeous, scrummy kit from none other than The Scrummy Stash Cafe, and it does exactly what it says on the pizza box, drrooooooooooool. And i get to play with it as guest DT for Maria, lucky me!!!!

Tomorrow is Lilly's sponsored toddle around the field for Barnardo's, and then the playschool Teddy Bears picnic, although that will have to be inside due to the wet field! Izzy is round to a friends for tea, and Peter has his interview, send all your positive vibes please.


I am off to play with my Beyond the Page kit from last month. Above is a sneak peak of week 40's Pencil Lines layout using this months kit from Scrapping Angels.
Hugs
Anna x

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Whats Up?!!

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/02/2007 11:24:00 PM 2 lovely comments
Nothing much here I'm afraid. Finished a layout for TSBM, sneak peek here, housework, chaperoning the girls around, the usual day in my life, lol.
Tomorrow is another non stop day. Write up text for a couple of magazines, Lilly has her school visit for lunch and Izzy has Rainbows. While I am praying the weather stays dry so I can go for a run!

Hope your Monday was a good one

hugs

Anna x


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What a weekend!!!

blogged by me domestic goddess On 7/01/2007 02:46:00 PM 14 lovely comments


We have been over at the Hafermann's this weekend for BBQ, bouncy castles and general fun, and I forgot my SD card!!! Panic as I start to make plans to go out and buy one, thankfully Spike's camera takes the same card as mine so all was not lost!, and photos were taken.....





The weather did NOT dampen our spirits as we were determined to eat outside whatever the weather, food was delicious as always. Annie had been marinading steaks since Thursday and they were so tender and tasty. We had roasted veggies, sweetcorn , garlic bread and yummy potatoes, all washed down with beer and wine of course. All this lovely food was followed by homemade brownies by Annie and a cheesecake by me. The children ate and played well. Lilly and Dean were Super Guy and Super Girl (picture Dean in superman PJ's and Lilly in princess PJ's), and Dean told Lilly she was "Beautisill" and not a dry eye in the house, how sweet is that.



This morning I was awoken to the smells of an all American breakfast cooked by Spike. American bacon is just out of this world, and hash browns with scrambled egg, mmmmm, with good coffee and fresh OJ.








We then headed of to Abbey Gardens for some fresh air and was kinda hoping for a photo shoot, but, Lilly and Dean were a tad grumpy due to lack of sleep. Dean is also extremely aware of a camera and does not play ball, Addie on the other hand, stops, smiles and hey presto!!!!


So it leaves me to say a HUGE BIG thank you to Annie, Spike, Dean and Addie for having us, it has been a joy to spend the weekend with you all. Love you guys!!!!

When we got home, I have to confess to going to bed and sleeping for 2 hours!!!! I then got up and scrapped for me!!. And I love my layout. My two precious girls tootsies.....
Finally, go check out Pencil Lines tonight for another great sketch and enjoy the rest of your Sunday
Hugs
Anna xxx
Pencil Lines Supplies
Chatterbox Sun Room
Bazzill cardstock
Doodlebug paper frills
Fibres
KI Memories felt flowers

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