A MINI A MONTH - 2011 CHALLENGE

Karen on UKS has started a great challenge  A Mini A Month , she will be posting prompts and instructions for a different mini book each month and there is a great thread on UKS. This months challenge was to make a book using envelopes.

Here are some photos of my mini book, the papers I used are from the range of  DCWV, Mariposa. I have made this book for a Scrapbooking retreat I am going to in March.
 I am looking forward to the next project from Karen, and would like to thank her for all the hard work she has put into this project.

ALBIE'S VISIT TO THE HOSPITAL

Today we have been to Murcia Vetinary Hospital.  Last week my beautiful dog Albie collapsed after chasing a bird in the garden, at the time it was very, very stressful for us as he could not stand up and was struggling breathing.

After a full examination at the Vets Hospital, Albie is now good and well, he had a full examination, ECG, Scan of his Heart, X- Ray, and  Blood test, there is no sign of a Heart murmur or an enlarged heart, which is a problem in this breed of dog.  His blood test showed no problems and his X- Ray showed there are no problems too with his, wind pipe and lungs.

SO THAT'S GOOD NEWS - WE LOVE YOU ALBIE XXX

HOUSE CHALLENGE ON UKS - JANUARY

Ready ... Get Set ... SCRAP!!! This is the first House Challenge of 2011 on UKS. This months challenge was to use the sketch below and of course, as with all sketches, you can turn it around, upside down, whatever you wish. (J) is for Journaling ....On the  layout you have to include at least 50% or more, of Journaling or journaling spots.   So this is my take on this months challenge, hope you like it.  I really enjoyed this challenge as it took me a little bit out of my comfort zone, do not really do a lot of journalling ,so I enjoyed the challenge. The first photo is of the front of the Layout and the second photo is of the inside of the Layout, the inside journalling reads: My boy Travis is the best friend you could ever ask for. I talk to him when I'm lonesome and I know he understands me, he rubs his nose against my hands and legs making me feel all warm inside. He makes me laugh, he makes me cry with happiness and his affection is never ending. I Love You Travis, My Big Brown Cuddly Bear.

ALBUMN FOR MY DEAR NIECE

I have started to make a scrapbook for my dear Niece, she is now 18 months old, so I thought that I had better make a start.  I have only done a couple of pages and they are quite simple Layouts.

JANUARY CRAFTING

Well my crafting for this year is going well so far, this is my first Layout of the year, the photo is of my beloved Charlie who is no longer with us, we miss him so much.
The papers I  used for this Layout are from the December kit from Sarah's cards they are called, Upsy daisy - Home sweet home.

BEACH BOYS!!!

The weather has been very kind to us, blue skies and warm sunshine for January, so we decided to have a day at the beach with our boys (dogs).  I took a couple of snaps so hopefully will get round to scrapping them.

LOS TRES REYES - THE THREE KINGS

Three kings day in Spain is the night of the 5th January it signifies the end of Christmas celebrations.

On 5 January 2011 Spain  celebrates the end of Christmas with a great party where everybody gives and receives presents. It is to celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men - Melchior Caspar and Balthazar - to the city where Jesus was born.




In the same way that the Three Wise Men gave gifts to baby Christ, here they share out presents amongst children around Spain - in fact; they are more popular than Santa Claus.



There are lots of processions of the Three Wise Men in each city, the children go along with there parents to see the kings and receive sweets from them.

Before going to sleep, children put some milk and biscuits next to the Christmas tree for the Three Kings and some water for their camels. They also leave out their best pair of shoes to be filled with presents.




On the next day, 6 January children wake up and see how many presents they have received. If they have been good, they will find a lot of good presents but if they have been naughty they will find coal. These days, the coal is actually made of sugar, but some years ago it was real coal.



During this day, all families enjoy a piece of roscon (a sugar-frosted fruit-filled bread) for breakfast tradition says that the person who finds a novelty such as a coin, in his or her portion will have good luck for the next year.



Both young and old enjoy opening their presents on this day, but sadly it also marks the end of Christmas.

Hope you enjoy reading  one of the many traditions in Spain.

Feliz año nuevo 2011!!!

Another Year has gone and a new one started.
Where has the time gone?
I would like to wish all my Family and my dear friends.

A Very Happy New Year  and may
                         2011
bring you lots of Peace and Happiness