After really enjoying Shiver (you can see my review here) I decided to continue on with the trilogy.  The second book was Linger, and I didn’t enjoy this nearly as much as the first.  It was pretty much a whole lot of nothing to get to the plot (which you knew in the first ten minutes anyway) during the last 3 pages. 
     I continued to like Sam and feel indifferent about Grace.  I did however really dislike the turn the book took with her parents.  They go from the carefree, never home types to grounding her, taking about her cell phone and forbidding her to see Sam every again.  It came across very contrived. 
     I did however like the introduction of Isabel and Cole’s point of view, but the conflict with them went nowhere and really left you hanging.  Don’t get me wrong, I know an author has to leave loose ends to get you to read the next book, but for me this wasn’t loose ends…it was more of get you involved with the characters and then completely drop you.  I really hope to see this resolved in book three.
     I also disliked the green type.  I’m using it here to stay with the theme, but I found it hard to read in more than small doses.  I will read book three only to see if something gets resolved, but I have to say I don’t really have high hopes at this point for liking it.

     I enjoyed the challenge I did last month with the About A Boy Scrapbook Challenge Blog so much that I’ve decided to try to keep up with them.  They do challenges twice a month on the 1st and 15th.  
    The challenge for the 1st was Hoarders.  You were to make your page(s) using items you’ve had for at least a year.  Given how many supplies I have I figured this wouldn’t be very hard. 
    The first page of my layout is using a pre-made page from Ez Laser Designs.  I purchased this when I was still pregnant…Michael is now 30 months old!  It’s very hard to tell, but the background paper is a subtly shimmering shades of aqua.  It looks very much like lapping waves.  

     
     To complete the two pages I used some wave paper that I’ve had for so long I can’t remember when it’s from.  Michael loved the beach for his first time (as all the smiles indicate), and it thankfully worn him out.  He was a very bad napper in his first year of life, and this trip was really the first time he willingly went down.  

     I recently finished reading Shiver (the Wolves of Mercy Falls #1) by Maggie Stiefvater, and have to say I’m pleasantly surprised. I didn’t have high expectations since it was a teen drama book, but wanted something light to fill my lunch break.  This was perfect.
     I would imagine this is what Twilight would have been if about Jacob and Bella rather than Bella and Edward.  I rather liked the main male character Sam as you really can feel that he wants to be a better person, and tries to do what’s right. 
     I did feel about Grace the same way as I do about Bella though…ugh!  Sam wants to be a better person…to learn…to do the right thing.  Grace only wants Sam.  I’d really like to see a teen heroine that can stand on her own two feet, and have a boyfriend!
I’m interested to see where the series goes though as this really could have ended with just this book.  I’ll keep you posted on my thoughts about Linger and Forever, and I’d love to hear what you’re reading right now.

      I’ve always done my scrapbooks for my enjoyment, and never given it another thought.  Then this month a friend of mine entered a challenge on the About A Boy Challenge Blog.  She shared her creation on her blog C’est La-Vie Designs Unltd., LLC.  
     I’d never heard of a challenge blog, but it was it a fun thing to look through everyone ideas.  I decided that since all of scrapbooking revolves around our son Michael it shouldn’t be hard to have something to enter.
     I took the pictures from the first day of his first vacation.  The top two are him waiting to go, and the bottom two are when we arrived. We left two days before his 7m birthday.  It was also Dylan (I have always called him just D) and I’s sixth anniversary, and D’s first Father’s Day.  We went with my parents and my younger sister (she was 17 at the time and I was 30!).  It was such a special trip.
    I would say my scrapbooking style is very simple, but I’ve been trying to use some new techniques and branch out.  The ribbon on the page was something new for me.  I never seem to have luck getting it straight.  
    Thanks for looking, and I hope to have lots more to share with you soon.

Patterned Paper – Linen Door Boy Stripe @ Hobby Lobby
Green Paper – Certainly Celery – Stampin’ Up
Blue Paper – Bazzill
Ribbon – Purchased at Scrapbook Expo
Stickers – Creative Memories sample pack (I’ve had this for almost 10 years)
Writting – Zig Memory SystemWriter – Pure Brown
Adhesive – Scotch ATG

     I recently heard of an idea to use your toilet paper rolls to make mini albums.  I had been saving mine for toddler crafts, but thought I’d give it a try. I’ve wanted to start making some mini albums to have on hand for gifts rather than always having to run out and buy a little something.  I don’t know how others are getting this to look good, but it was a total fail for me.  Please watch, and I’d love to hear your suggestions!