sketches and Valentine Cards

soooo I woke with yet another migraine... hope when the next babe comes it will take away my migraines... they really are a pain! I think I found the stuff I used to use from China. A guy I used to tutor while in college- I needed him for my linguistics courses and he needed me to decipher his work for his disertation- gave me some stuff that worked like a charm! A new store went in the next town over and they carry this stuff.. now to actually buy it when I go there again! duh.. I just keep hoping they will go away magically!!!

I created a sketch for The Shaker Box and am pretty proud of it.. Now it's no Jessic Sprague but hey, I am not complaining! I think I finally understand the layers thing- just watch it all change into something so bizarre I'll never catch up!! I do have one question... how do I open up a zip file... I have all these wonderful digi kits I have downloaded for free but for the life of me can't unzip them...
Well, anyway, we have a February challenge to come play- stampers, digi and paper alike!!! I did have a good time with the computer adding things to my scanned in sketch... lol! I wouldn't have been able to do it if it were not for Jessica's Photoshop Friday I love having a quick lesson on something- she showed where to find SHAPES for thing.. there are so many!! love that!

Today's image (up above) is brought to you via that wonderful swap that Sarah & The Stampstars created!!! It was made by Denise Foxworthy. Her blog is so great- I found "Organizing Junkie" I can't find her site right now... will have to post later. But let me tell you it is good! Anway, back to Denise- her cards in her
gallery are simple in design but when you start looking you see the beauty in her simplicity- love that! It's the little touches that make it worthwhile!!
You have to go visit her blog to find out what she is up to- she has a lot of interests and I bet one of them is one of yours!

I did get some pics of my kids today... Lady G, Queen V, Mr T and my old lady, YoYo... they all look so sweet together!!! I will have to post tomorrow.
Gotta go scrap before I forget how!

silliness, stamping, photoshop, and BOYS

a little conversation with Queen V yesterday..
picture this:
we're in the van coming home from Burger King where we met the other mama's we hang with
Mr. T is asleep in his carseat because of going to "bounce time" at the library prior to this field trip
Queen V: mama, I kissed a boy!
me: huh?
Queen V: I kissed a boy!
me: where?
Queen V: on the forehead!
me: where were you when you kissed the boy?
Queen V: in the tunnel
me: Why did you kiss the boy? (makes me hear the song from Little Mermaid)
Queen V: because I like boys!
me: ok.. you can like boys but why kiss them??
Queen V: because I love to kiss them!
me: almost wrecking the van by now... ummmmm where do I go from here.. searching my brain... uhmmmmmm
I mean, what do I say? she is not even in school yet!!!
did I mention this is a friend's son..... he is homeschooled.... uhhhhhhhhhhh

so tonight at church I discuss this little show of affection with my friend... looks like we'll be drinking margaritas and dirty martinis- whatever they are- they are my friend's favorite... lol! soooooo now what???

My friend goes to talk to Queen V and asks her what was up... she puts one shoulder up and has a coy smile.. lol!
oh boy!! AM I EVER IN TROUBLE! LOL



this card is by
Cindy Lou Who What a talented stamper she is!!! If you haven't been to her blog she gives away FREE blog candy every Friday!!! Who doesn't like FREE??? lol! All you have to do is sign up and see if she draws your name. I got the first ever blog candy she made- and those petals for the flower- she made them with the extra rubbah you have when cutting out unmounted stamps- gotta love a girl on a mission!! This card glitters so much with all the dimension she added!!! If you haven't joined in on her FRAKs as she calls them then you are definitely missing out!!! She is also having a tutorial on her word phrases she uses and how she does it - makes it look so smoooooooooooth! lol! Her tutorial is accompanied by a deal on getting these cute little stamps.. seems she knows somebody that knows somebody.. lol! If you get a chance to look at her gallery it TOTALLY cracks me up! She has a quick wit about her!

I joined an image swap by her and I can't wait to see what all I get back! Several of the girls are using Bella Stamps. I can't wait to get some images of these gals! lol! So fun and sweet!!! I will have to find some sassy sayings to go with them!! Now... for me.. I have to figure out what to stamp for these gals... I am leaning toward Spring things.. I jump from image to image- it will all be a surprise.. hope Cindy doesn't mind... lol!

So from RAKS to stamps to Photoshop...
I went to Jessic Sprague's blog and wanted to look up some ideas to use for my photos. I love her style!!! Anyway, if you know me from The Shaker Box you know I am longing to learn about PSE2 and digi scrapping.... more of nursing babes sucking out my braincells.. I swear when I taught history and ESL I showed my kids how to do presentations using all this stuff and now.. kaput... nada... nothin' registering upstairs... until I found Jessica and now my new digi friend Verna. I have learned so much in the last few days following their lead.. lovely!!! ***clap like Paula Abdul*** lol! Such clean cut descriptive directions.. and when I posted on Jessica's blog a question refering to not being able to do something she walked me through it where I *could* figure it out!! yipee!! She will update her blog now with the little adendum to help out others in my perdicament!! Yea, Jessica! Yea, me! lol!

and last but not least... an SCS Valentine Blog!!!


I love what Amanda Sewell did with this card- really adult!! The lips change from red to black when going from one layer to the next- gotta remember to do something like this- take a stamp and just change the color from one layer to the next.. What a simple thing but it makes it stunning!! love that! You have to stop by her blog Inkspirations and check out her creativity!! From recipes to family to her card making - it is so fresh and inviting!! like going to a friend's for a cup of sugar! lol!

Alora Sweetser... her name says it all- doesn't it?
get a load of her FRESH card!

the colors are yumm-o!!
it's all in the details, I tell ya!! Alora stamped the background in a monochromatic color and then layered it on from there! I *love* her watercoloring and how well she blends- awesomw! Good things come in 3s: faux stitching, dotted ribbonm and the barads- all these elements keep your eyes flowing! The sweet little stamped "valentine" is just the right touch. It's not your ordinary Valentine... it's for sure special!
Her gallery is full of inspiration and she curls her images to give dimension!
I love dimension on images and my scrappy friend Jeanne does phenomenal work like this. I first saw this curling of objects in an Aussie site and fell in love! I need to get on the ball and do it too!

cards and cocoa

ice
snow
freezing rain
blue gray clouds
smiles and open mouths


we've seen it all today... sounds like a good day for my homemade hot chocolate!!
here is the recipe:
1/2 c cocoa
1 can of Borden's Sweetened Condensed milk
1/8 t salt (I use sea salt in everything calling for salt!)
1-2 t vanilla (if you can get Mexican vanilla it is delicious and so close to a vanilla bean!)
stir these in a pot and then slowly add 6 cups of hot water.
do not boil this mixture- just get warm and steamy...
top with a marshmallow or even better is some whipped cream :) delish!

here is my update on the Valentine Swap at SCS.

This wonderful art is created by Stampin' Terri
This card has so much dimention to it - unreal! To get this as a Valentine's Card would be a real treat! I showed it to a friend of mine and even she mentioned the silver embossing going around one of hte hearts- you have to see it and feel it- so much texture!! I once taught a boy who was blind- I had to convert all my history notes to braile for him. This card has so much going on and every layer has something to offer the sense of touch!!! Go ahead, the next time you get a card close your eyes and touch it.. does it strike that sense in you?? where you know it's special?? This would be the card I would give Michael. He could feel all the time and talent put into it!
Materials she used for this card are: Fancy and Flexible Phrases, Wild Hearts, Loving Hearts; Paper:Shimmery White (which has a texture to it too!) Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Silver Metalic; Ink: Craft White, Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Taken with Teal, Uniball White Gel Pen; Accessories: Silver Metalic Brads, silver cord, rose grosgrain ribbon, winter white EP, silver EP, Microbeads(what a texture these have and make a great shimmer!), chipboard hearts- provide great dimension!
I'm impressed- are you?? Go over to her site and check her out!!!

I gotta crash... the kids have been hopping all day... here's one more I did for another shaker swap... enjoy!

shaking out the cobwebs!

yep, I finally figured it out.. I made a watermark into a brush..
it took 3 scrappy/stampy websites to figure it out for all the cobwebs in my brain.
I commented on Gina K's blog that it was either lack of sleep, kids running around or how much they nursed...
sucked the brain cells right out of me!! lol!
I hopped from The Shaker Box where the owner, Michele C., gave me her input (thanks, girlie!) to Two Peas in a Bucket to SCS to figure out what I was doing right and wrong! whew- finally figured it out!!! and in the mean time not only did I figure out how to make a watermark but created a brush!!! Have you see how fun those things are? If you are a digiscrapper it is so cool!!! I've seen Rhonna Ferrer use them on her things- lovely!!! (I am so envious of digiscrappers... it seems to fast to me.. make a mistake- no worries "control z" that baby outa there! lol!

Anyway, I hope to make a "class" at The Shaker Box on how to create a watermark and a brush. It really is easy and fun to do!! It's a brave new world when I shake out a cobweb or 2! lol!

So.
onto posting a swap I was in at SplitcoastStampers! Sarah had a fabulous idea about creating a Valentine's swap just for bloggers! How cool is that?? The idea was that we would create the cards, send them to her, she would swap them out and send them back to us. We had 12 in the group - it might seem like a lot but when I got into the grove of it I had a great time and had a ball working with my new stamps! (more on that in a minute) Anyway, so we each got one card from all the other players- love this- we get to see someone else's creativity and share in their excitement!! The catch to this special swap was to post all the cards on our blog and a link to that person's blog- great idea, huh??? I LOVE It!

Without further a do... here is the first card I want to share:

I used DeNami Design Stamps and American Crafts paper. The ribbon I have had in my stash for quite some time. The heart and cupid are both on foam tape and have also been colored with PrismaColors and then blended using Gamsol and stumps. It did take some time but it was all worth it. I had first stamped the cupid and then masked him off and stamped the heart around it....and then followed it up by restamping the cupid and using foam tape to pop it up again! I love the pink tushy it has! lol! The wings are covered in glitter glue just for that extra sparkle! gotta love glitter glue!


This second image is by Stamperosity. I think her style is clean and simple.. I love checking out what she has come up with lately... did you see what she got for Christmas for taking photos??? really an awesome set up! gotta love that! Do you know when you see a card from far off and there it is- the one that stands out because of the unexpected?? This is the card- the unexpected is the teal blue- really striking in a Valentine!!! The textures of this card are super in that Lynn used glitter, embossing, lots of layers, and 2 types of ribbon- lucious!
here is her recipe for success:
technique (thanks for doing this one- I had never seen it in person!) alchohol Polished Stone, Heat Embossing
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Glossy CS, Temping Turquoise, DS PP/Loves Me
In: Craft Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Real Red
Misc: rubbing alcohol, embossing powder, stickles, ribbon, dimensionals
Stamps: Noteworthy, Double Line Doodle, Floral

font crazy!!!

I've gone dog-gone font crazy!!! I love a good font and have been saving them in a folder to place in the word section.. just don;t know how to do it and use it. Anyone have any good tutrial for me to follow???

font siites I am haunting :)

Da Fonts
Search Free Fonts
!Simply The Best


I have a ton to do today and need to drop by The Shaker Box and post today's challenge. I think it will be an art challenge today.... won't you join us??? Jas, you know you have spare time to play with scissors and glue :) lol

I can't seem to add an image this morning.. .so I will have to do it later this afternoon :)
Have a great day!

watermarks...

oh.. I have been looking alllll over the net trying to learn how to do a decent watermark on my things... and on the Blogger's Valentine Swap...
there are so many ways to do it and I don't have all the right stuff on my computer to make it work so I am coming up with things on my own- go figure...

I hope to learn how to "make my own brush" and even apply it on a batch of images... will wonders never cease... I have brain cells that actually work and make a connection on a synapse! lol!

dd had her 100th day of school today... She did such a great job

power outs and restarts

where to start.... power out again on Sunday took out the computer and before that a user error screwed up the blog.....

ever been in church, a restaurant, or somewhere you are to be composed.. a child SCREAMS... you look around to ask, "where is this child's mother????" Only to realize it's YOUR child?? LOL! yep, user error.. lol! Seriously, I do this when one of my angels acts up- totally takes the eyes off of an embarrasing moment only to lighten the mood of the moment :)

found a cool site this eveninh and thought I would share: Color Blender I just love sites that help a little like that! How coolis this person to have set that up- all so colors would blend!!

A little Bit about me

I was tagged by Lula's Corner so here I am getting ready to share a little bit of me with you.. others I tagged are either family or friends :) enjoy!
A - Available or Single: Neither; been married for 15 1/2 years
B - Best Friend: My Husband, Jeff... best girlfriend would be Jeanine
C - Cake or Pie: this is tough.. depends on who is making it...and where it's from
D - Drink of Choice: Non-Alcoholic (Diet Coke with Lime) Alcoholic (Sangria or Gin & Tonic if Mom is making)
E - Essential item you use everyday: my car
F - Favorite Color: depends on my mood but I do prefer reds and yellows
G - Gummy Bears or Worms: Gummy Bears
H - Hometown: Memphis, Tn
I - Indulgence: chocolates
J - January or February: January- it's a great beginning, a fresh start
K - Kids & Names: Lady G, Queen V, Mr. T
L - Life is incomplete without?: faith
M - Marriage Date: June 6 (D day)
N - Number of Siblings: 3
O - Oranges or Apples: Apples; Honey Crisp are THE best
P - Phobias or Fears: being attacked, having my kids missing
Q - Fave Quote: (I said this over and over while in labor with all 3 kids) I can do all things through Christ (don't ask me where in the Bible it is.. I have no idea. lol)
R - Reason to Smile: my family, my faith, my hope
S - Season: each one brings excitement to my world!
T - Tag 3 or 4 People: inkastamp
Dancing Queen Jeanine
my crazy sister
Jeanne
Sarah and the Stampstars
U - Unknown fact about me: I wanted to not go to college but teach windsurfing instead and go on the surfing circuit as a semi-pro and then pro
V - Vegetable you don't like: Peas
W - Worst Habit: procrastination
X - X-rays: chest for plurisy and a broken ankle I got when dancing in college
Y - Your Fav Food: Mom's rice, monocotti and cheesecake, paella, fresh sangria, tortilla de papas
Z - Zodiac Sign: Libra

snow... lovely... white... snow!

oh, how I love snow!!! The day is so calm.....
I love to walk outside.. be the first one to walk in the solitude...
It is something close to being on the shores of Lake Michigan for me...
I think I was born in the wrong place... live in the wrong place... lol!

at the beginning of the week I listened to the crackle of the limbs as they hung with ice
today I walked listening to the scrunch the snow made under my boots and then
stood silent
only to hear
nothing
silence
not even a whisper
quite
gentle
snowflakes
landing on my coat

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh sweet silence...
after my blog of blessings I slept better.... rested... fulfilled knowing I have blessings beyond my wildest dreams!!! and then all to be snuggled under a light blanket of snow.
just lovely!

Mr. T put on his first pair of shoes today.. yep.. first pair- I struggled, he giggled... and we finally got a pair of shoes on. First pair of shoes and he goes for a walk in snow... how great is that???
Queen V stuck her tongue out gathering snowflakes.
Lady G picked berries and hit trees with a stick to see if more snow would fall.
Just a lovely morning!!! How great a blessing is this??? just the best!

We have a driveby snowman... yep, we didn't build it... someone else did... it's at the top of the driveway. I'll add pics later... they got orange sidewalk chalk from where the kids left it for the nose and then rocks for the eyes!

chores to blessings

overwhelmed...

housework

ebay

more housework

spending time with kids

not being frustrated...

how do you handle it? what comes first? I think sometimes if I make a list it will be accomplished...
if I do the 15 min thing it will get done..

why can't we have a genie in a bottle every once in a while to make even one measely wish or chore come true...

why can't we wrinkle our noses and have it all great like in Bewitched???

I DO have faith.. if you read my blog you know I am full of faith... but just the mundane chores to disappear if given half a chance I would do!!! lol!

I did...

I prayed for runny noses... rubbing against me.. ok.. .maybe not that but you get the pic...

I prayed for extra loads of laundry...

I prayed for having to find a menu that will work for more than just me and dh...

I prayed for no hair do days... more like "hair don't days"

I prayed for toys strewn across the floor...

I prayed for snuggles...

I wished, I prayed..... I even wrinkled my nose a time or two...

so why do I feel overwhelmed???

because of all these blessings....

whew- journaling is a good thing- don't you think??? you get it out in the open... and then figure it out... it's all a blessing that is all across my floor... in the hamper... on the counters... outside by the sandbox..... it's all a blessing...

I am so glad I am so blessed... I remember nights and days of tears hoping for these blessings...

as I tried to explain my sense of overwhelming thoughts to my dh I explained my desire to have yet another baby... yep, amidst this chaos... amidst all these blessings.....

**angel above was stamped in Stazon, colored with Prismacolor pencils (my Christmas present from my dh) and then I used Gamsol (odorless mineral spirits) and a stump. I think she turned out really well... I will take her and make a card for a friend. She always sends the kids things in the mail... she told me she keeps all the handmade cards I send her. Sweet. She collects fairies but I was in the mood for an angel for her. I have stories of angels and will some day blog about that too. Probably in February. **

anddddddddddddddd she's back!!!

finally, I got my computer (thanks, sweetie!)

I snuck into my blog via Twistedsoda (thanks, Michelle! enjoy your vacation!)

my son is running around the house with toilet paper... little did he know I would squash his fun by stepping on the roll... yep, he went around the breakfast room, through the kitchen, in the dining room and now the study... he looked behind him and the roll had stopped...

where did it go?

he sees the stream of white behind him

retraces his steps...

nope, no roll.. why not?? he was rounding the corner into the frontroom to make the loop...

retracing again.... (I'm impressed at this point)

he throws his hands up in disgust... only to go back to the breakfast room..

my dd calls me to come see what he is up to now...

he is throwing pieces of toilet paper around... at least it's not wet!!! hahahahah

cards to come!

I joined a swap at www.splitcoaststampers.com and have had a ball with them.. I used DeNami stamps... I can't show you until the big reveal... in a few days... but will share other creations I have made since my computer was on the fritz ;)

lessons learned...

so much happening in my family... so many lessons to learn...

breathe, just breathe (this song rings in my head.. you know it from Grey's Anatomy?)

we had 2 deaths in our family last week- on the same day.. one for my family and one for my dh's...

I just keep hearing the song "breathe, just breathe!"

it takes me back to when my father died when I was a teenager... I just wanted everything to slow down so I could catch my breath!

so strange to think that this world is minus 2 souls that loved so much!

did you take a moment to tell others you love them?

to tell them you are sorry?

to just "be" with them????

I did just that with my friend, Mr. C, last week.
He was so excited to see me.. he had just been given Last Rights and I walked into his room. His face lit up and he tried to talk to tell the priest about our 2 families and how they have been intertwined since I was a kid...

I had not seen him in way too long... and knew he was at the end... you could see it in his face.

He was tired.

He had loved and been loved.. you could see that in his face.

I got the chance to tell him that I was sorry for not coming by to see him.

I got the chance to tell him one more time I loved him.

He held my hand tight and told me it was all ok.. and he loved me too.

another song that rings in my head is by Cat Stevens... "cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon" I heard this song over and over in my head as I spoke to Mr. C.. prayed over him... held his hand... where had the time gone? What was I so busy about??

Cats in the Cradle

by Harry Chapin

A child arrived just the other day

He came to the world in the usual way

But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay

He learned to walk while I was away

And he was talking before I knew it and as he grew

He said, "I'm gonna be like you, Dad,

You know I'm gonna be like you"

And the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man in the moon

When you comin home, Dad,

I don't know when,

But we'll get together then,

You know we'll have a good time then.

My son turned ten just the other day

He said "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on lets play

can you teach me to throw?"

I said, "Not today, I got a lot to do"

He said "Thats okay"

And he walked away but his smile never dimmed

And said "I'm gonna be like him, yeah

You know I'm going to be like him"

And the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man in the moon

When you comin home, Dad,

I dont know when, But we'll get together then,

You know we'll have a good time then.

Well he came from college just the other day

So much like a man I just had to say,"

Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"

He shook his head, and he said with a smile"

What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys

See you later, can I have them please?"

And the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man in the moon

When you comin home, Son,

I dont know when, But we'll get together then, Dad

You know we'll have a good time then.

I've long since retired, my son's moved away

I called him up just the other dayI said

"Id like to see you if you don't mind"

He said "Id love to Dad, if I could find the time.

You see my new jobs a hassle, and the kids have the flu.

But It's sure nice talking to you, Dad,

It's been sure nice talking to you........"

And as I hung up the phone it had occurred to me

He'd grown up just like me,

My boy was just like me..............

And the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man in the moon

When you comin home, Son,

I dont know when, But we'll get together then, Dad

We're gonna have a good time then.

so.. do you get it?? go and tell that one person you have been waiting to talk to... send that one extra card you have been putting off. Don't wait... don't put it off till later... it only takes a moment.....

and it is so worth it!

yummo

this recipe is a winner.. it is super rich but oh so good!

Chocolate Pecan Critters:
1 (11 1/2 oz) package MILK chocolate chips
1 (6 oz) package semi sweet choc. chips
1/4 c butter or margarine
1 (14 oz) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed milk
1/8 t salt
2 c coarsely chopped pecans (San Saba pecans are the best I have ever had!)
2 t vanilla extract

1. line baking sheets with waxed paper. In heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt chips and butter with Eagle Brand and salt.
2. Remove from heat; stir in chopped nuts and vanilla
3. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets.
Top with pecan halves (makes it pretty!)
Chill.
Store tightly covered at room temp.

*makes about 5 dozen.. I get a little more- these are super rich and a little bite goes a LONG way!

enjoy!!

energizer bunny

I swear my kid never sleeps and when she does is

RECHARGING!

I haven't had a chance to gather my thoughts except for this

while snuggling Queen V down for the 4th time I decided to ask 20 questions..

I love to ask "the favorites"- you know, "what's your favorite ___________"

well, I learned some new things.. or maybe she is changing a little and has found some new favorites...

what a great moment to capture.. the glow from the neighbor's Christmas lights up... snuggling my middle child that I am sure feels left out or forgotten from time to time.. I felt this way growing up.. I am the 3 of 4.. until my "sister" came along (hi, Jas!) and then I was the 3rd of 5 :) lol! still the middle..

anyway, the moment of Christmas to capture today was just this...

snuggles, favorites, Christmas glow from across the street..

pretty cool moment, huh?

one quick card made.. from an old set I had a while back.

I also used a paper piercer my dh got me YEARS ago.. he went into a stamp shop and the gal told him it was all the rage and only going to be more popular.. she was right and he is a cool guy for getting me something so neat. (i"ll scan it tomorrow to show you)

and here she is again.. it's almost 10pm and she is after icecream.. time to go snuggle again.. lol!

sweet dreams!

She gets it.. the true meaning...

finally getting some cards done
blogger is letting me put up pictures
getting my house cleaned and ready for the holidays!
even my girls are.. I bought them a tree at the Target Dollar Spot. It's about 20" tall.. perfect for a dresser!!! I didn't have ornaments so they pulled out their dress up costume jewelry and adorned it themselves!! beads, rins, earrings, bracelets.. anything pretty and girly! It fits them to a t! lol! Will get pics up when I get the camera downloaded- it's just precious!

before I get to my cards, I found a link to Shimelle's blog classes and on there was a picture of a Starbuck's cup. Now, this wouldn't ordinarily get my attention.. but the word "eggnog" sure did!!! Who cares what a latte is but EGGNOG!?!!! I am all over that bad boy! lol! My mom and I will take a little trip to the local one just built here and indulge a little!!!



Now, on to the cards... I had a challenge at The Shaker Box about using old cards to make new.. and really take that card and make the most of it!! bookmarks, tags for presents, new cards, ATCs.. whatever struck your fancy! Here are my 2 takes on it...

The True Meaning of Christmas.. she gets it!

I asked Lady G " What do you want for Christmas?.

She told me, "I had a mommy, a daddy, a Queen V, and a Mr. T... what more would I want?"

I then asked her, "What are you going to get Queen V?

She replied, "I am going to give her me. I will play with her and just be with her!"

24 more days till Christmas!

Queen V
From Queen to Pharoah.. I saw the exhibit,Hatshepsut with my 3 kids in tow! Yep, braved an art museum.. while there I told them to look for triangles and kitty cats. They searched each piece. I really thought there would be more cats.. should have told the kids to look for cows! lol!
The exhibit was amazing.. Jas- when you come home I will go again!!! The kids were so good- one lady (about in her 70s) came and even commented on how good they were. :)
Mr. T was amazed and gasped and stretched out his arms when we would see another sphinx or another tall statue... it was amazing.. did I say that? I can't wait to scrap this adventure for my kids.. something I want to remember and want them too. When I was a kid I went to King Tut's exhibition... that was cool!

on to scrappy news.. I got my giga scallop punches today!! I got them from Frantic Stamper! I will be punching out some shapes for a little blog give away next week!!! Stay tuned!
Lady G


Are you getting ready for Christmas? I am going to make my Advent wreath for the family.. if I can....I found this pinecone wreath and love it! My dh likes this one though. I will see what I can do by myself. If I can't make it cheap then I will go ahead and buy it. I want my kids to have a wreath this year. Teaching Lady G her CCD this year has me thinking more of what I want to teach her.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

finally, a little white stuff to put me in the mood!!!
I hung some garland just out of Mr. T's reach... and hung pretty bows with beautiful gem colors on it- lovely!!
This flanks my fireplace..
I will get more done this weekend at the Dashing Through Your Stash Open House at The Shaker Box.
We have Diva challenges for the 15 minute dash around the house.
We have Martha and her Alter Egos creating something out of nothing.
We have Dashing Card Makers creating the most fabulous of cards using sketches only to be found at The Shaker Box and themes as well!
I am so excited... Sarah from
Stamp Stars is going to do some tutorials on Monday!!! Wait till you see what she has in store!! She has a great talent! She will post and answer questions if you have any for her!

All this for what?? To get us and hopefully YOU into the mood for the holidays!!
I have lots to get to....

The kids had a great time playing in the snow today... not too long... they aren't use to this at all!
My horse, YoYo, loved it- she is prancing around just like she was 3 again.. she is 30 ;) Love that grey mare!!
Mr. T needs shoes.. his don't fit.. he suffers from fat feet and a high arch.. like his mama.. poor boy.

will come back and post a photo or 2 a little later.. gotta get ready for the Open House

Dash Around Your Stash crop

**sung to the tune of Jingle Bells**

Dashing through your stash
Making gifts, tags and cards all day
Over the pages we go, laughing all the way.
glitter on gift-tags bling, making spirits bright,
What fun it is to scrap and stamp a crafty gift tonight!

scrap and stamp, scrap and stamp, digi all the way
oh what fun it is to play in a studio tonight!
cards and tags, cards and tags, alter that one quick!
oh what fun it is to play in a studio tonight!

Come and join the fun
in a wild and crazy time
Over the dreams we go, wishing all the way.
ShakerBox will rock, making creations grow,
Join the Shaker crew right now, get ready to crop, let's go!

WHO? The Shakers are holding an open house!
WHAT? challenges, gift tutorials, card sketches, unwinding time before the Holiday Rush!
WHEN? beginning Friday, December 1 and running through Monday, Dec. 4
WHERE? here at The Shaker Box!
WHY? to clean house, organize cards, address those envelopes, make some cool gifts, come to some AMAZING tutorials... TO HAVE SOME FUN!

she was right.. 3 years old is tough!

yep... my Queen V wore flip flops today.. she had a big day!
she was in the last class of gymnastics today..
she got a ribbon instead of a medal like her sister..
tears gushed!!! I had to explain to her about accepting a gift graciously..
good sportman like conduct..
she was right.. 3 years old is tough!

then later we were out enjoying some Indian Summer and she choked...
while jumping on our trampoline..
I never ran so fast... I grabbed her out of the net and threw her upside down...
another explanation...
we don't jump with candy... ever!
I told her, "you scared me to death!"
She told me, "I scared me to death too!"
she was right.. 3 years old is tough!

I *had* to get these cards up to share.. I had been working on these for a bit..
they are stamped and colored with General watercolors and Craft T chalks. The chalk I used an EZ chalk enhancer. I was thinking it would give me a look like the Gamsol gives other people using colored pencils (I still call them map pencils.. it's what I used in my class with my students... oh so long ago....) Some of the chalks have a shimer to them- beautiful! If you can get these they are worth it!

This last card, Let Your Heart, I had so much fun! I got the sketch from SandyG at www.theshakerbox.com . I used the tips from Sweet Miss Daisy about coloring in part of your white object blue.. it makes them actually seem more white... I think I over did it but, boy, I had a good time! lol! She did a card where there were polar bears sliding but her entire background was white.. looks great!

Room for Him

H. Satterberg stamp

"It's so hard being 3.. "
famous words of my 3 year old after she got caught fibbing...
"can't I just get a hug and a kiss from you?"
such sweet innocense.. how could I resist...
teaching right from wrong
good from bad
mad from sad

it all stems from last night's experience... my 3 year old, Queen V, cut her hair...
it has NEVER been cut!
such beautiful blonde locks..
how could I cut it???
well, I didn't.. she did... or Max or Emmy did...
nope, she said her sister did it..
only thing is.. her sister was at a friend's house..

what to do..
what to do...
3 is tough?? try being a MOM! geeze!
she knows.. just when to turn it on to make my heart melt...

my buddy, Jeanine, wrote about her 2 year old granddaughter crawling up in her lap last week at 2 am...

2am - shouldn't she be asleep at that time???

well, that home rocks at all hours.. and there is ALWAYS plenty of love.. plenty of lap to jump on and just enjoy the moment. How many of us would do that? or scurry our children to bed?? A lesson is to be learned there.. to make room.. make time for our little ones... make time for the little things that mean SO MUCH!

I learn so much from Jeanine... she has no idea... patience of a saint she has!! Her last 3 and my 3 are days apart in age from each other and we SEE and EMPATHIZE with each other because we are in the same spot in life.. for some things...

so... can't you just give me a hug and a kiss???

you bet... there was a discussion of right and wrong

of mad and sad

even a touch of the 10 Commandments...

but all followed by hugs and kisses..

and I love yous.....

there should be "room for Him"

Top 10 reasons I am glad Jasenka is my Sister!

Here we go.. no particular order until the end...
We got to chose each others as sisters
We can argue in the Grand Canyon and still come out singing "I was walking in Memphis!"
Tweedles
Big discussions on life.. even if we don't agree we still listen to each other.
toothpaste.. want some? hahaha
singing in the car with you
chatting on the phone with you
I have another home.. in another city and even another country... any time I want!
being there for me.. any time
I LOVE YOU!

I hope your day was a good one.. that you get all the wishes from blowing out your candles... Less than a month and we can celebrate together!!!

pictures pictures pictures

A wife invited some people to dinner.
At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?"

"I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied.

"Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife
answered.

The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people
to dinner?"

man, all I can say is.. Thank You to my brother for having Thanksgiving dinner at his house! lol! CAn't you just see this being said???

ok.. pics- tons and tons of pics.. my dh thought we were going to be at the botanical gardens for about 30 minutes to get this generational photo... yep, 3 generations in this photo.. it is his mom's idea.. if they thought 30 minutes was all it was going to take for an "on location" photo shoot they should have scheduled for Target or JC Penney. Nothing wrong with them- I've used The Red Dot Boutique, as my friend Tracey calls it, but for this.. it needed to be nice.. The photo will be placed on a piece of linen paper and from there dh's grandma, who is 85) will be making a quilt block from it... yep, she does it all by hand- one stitch at a time... it will be beautiful when she is finished!

I got this one while taking the kids on a "break" They needed to really get away and stretch legs and be kids.. all I did was ask them to hold hands and this is what I got! I love this shot!


This next one is of Mr. T telling the girls he was DONE holding hands.. DONE walking with them.. he had his OWN agenda and it didn't involve big sisters!! lol!



this last photo is one of the final shots.. we were all exhausted, tired, hungry, and hot! I asked us to turn and look at Mr. T as he holds his hands on his ears.. he is trying to play peekaboo but doesn't know not to cover his ears but his eyes! hilarious! this just cracks me up!

note- these are not the pics for the quilt.. these were taken with my little camera... nope, I didn't get my other one fixed... I still want to purchase the Canon Digi Rebel!!! ugh!

hopefully, I will get to stamp tomorrow.. I have 3 cards complete.. just no time to scan and I am a little worn out.. took 175 photos today.. the focus on this camera I am using drives me insane.. it has an autofocus I can't seem to shut off... ugh!

shhhhhh listen....

Emmy.. oh no.. you're painting my foot!
My middle child has come to name her hands.. yep, her hands. One is Max and the other is Emmy from Dragon Tales. Yep, Max scribbles on her just completed artwork, breaks crayons and Twistables that don't belong to him or my lovely blondie... and Emmy is artistic... now drawing on my dd's foot...
don't you just love imagination!!!
I had to add a photo. I have some scrappy stuff but have not loaded it on the computer... so you get this! lol!

so on to my post.... shhhhhhhhhhh listen!
what do you hear???
are you listening to me??
this seems to be going in my head so much right now... is it the craziness of the holidays already??
I want to get things done so that I can demonstrate what it truly is about for my kiddos....

I have found a site that is too cute for words! I found them a while ago but now.. oh, I have looked even more in depth to inkyantics and have fallen head over heals! lol! I wasn't sure what
gamsol was but now I know.. it's a blending solution that when used on colored pencils (Prismacolors are the ones I see most illustration artists or stampers using) will blend them without sketchy lines you might get in other pencils. These are not watercolor pencils - which I use a lot of!
Anyway, the stamps that are there are so cute. I like the innocence found in the stamps there :)

While I was there.. I found one of the illustrators, Monica Lee had a link to her site.. can't find it now.. from her online journal I read about her asking for prayers to heal a neighbor's SIL. do this.. ask for peace.. I followed a link to Thomas's blog . Look at the entry about Thanksgiving... it is so touching.. At his young age he has figured out so much already!!! I didn't comment on his wife's blog.. I think she's got so much on her plate that some gal from who knows where commenting on her blog is wierd... but her dh's words drew me in.. I was welling with tears over it...

Once again... as I have previuosly written.. God always seems to put things into perspective... as I discussed where to put our dog's fence... not agreeing with my husband of the placement of it.... it just doesn't seem to matter... I wanted to just say, "shhhhhhhhhhhhhh. just listen to me."
did it matter what I had to say? nope.
did it matter if he didn't hear me? nope.
what matters is that he kept trying to listen to me.. even if I didn't make any sense... which I am sure is plenty of time since I am chasing 3 kids around... I think he should get it.. but when I am caught up in something I forget to BREATHE!

what really needs to happen is me doing what I suggest....
shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh listen

I wonder what I might hear....

blessings

my faith that give me belief in God
my husband who gives me constant comfort
my children for allowing me to see things through their eyes
a roof over my head to keep me cool in the summer and warm in winter
food on my table that keeps me nourished
friends far and wide that help me remember good times and anticipate the future
my extended family... for loving me no matter what
creativity... it helps me cope with the everyday

did you ever stop and think of the little things?
at night when my kids are saying their prayers I have gotten them to pray for family and friends... aksing God's help in their lives...
but what about saying thanks just because...
for breathing
for birds chirping
for leaves that change colors
for warm sunshine
for the sandbox
soft cotton sheets on a bed
Dora, Curiuos George, music... the things that make my little ones giggle

little things all add up!

I love to cook!

I love it..
I thrive on it!
give me a holiday and I will cook up a storm!
I don't want anyone to go away hungry- that would be awful!!
so, what have I prepared for tomorrow???

sweet potato casserole- I love this
what's in it you say?
sweet potatoes, of course!
brown sugar
Granny Smith Apples and a Honey Crisp because they are my all time favorite apple!
pecans
butter- yea, baby!
nutmeg
cinnamon
this is all layered several times and baked for about 30 min in the oven at 350* or so...
at the last minute you put on marshmallows till tan and puffy!

brine your turkey!
yep, you heard me- brine it!
what do you do? how do you do it? you ask???
well, get your mop bucket and a garbage sack and line that bucket with that sack
next get warm water and mix with chicken broth and kosher salt - if not regular salt is fine.
throw in some apples (I threw in the cores and the peel from the apples I used in the sweet potatoes.. don't let anything go to waste!), oranges, lemons, rosemary, thyme - we all need some extra of this during the holidays!- and stir!
oh wait.. what is it missing?? garlic, a little wine still in the fridge... and brown sugar! yep- you need the salt and the sweet!
next wash your turkey inside and out before she gets her bod wet in this luxurious bath!!!
place her in the garbage sack and then in the fridge she goes until the next day

you might think this is really strange but if
Alton Brown and Emeril think it's a good thing then MOVE OVER Martha LOL! I even checked her site.. she doesn't have a recipe for this..
at any rate- when cooking your bird - DON'T FORGET to cook her upside down! Yep, let the fat pour out of her juicy thighs to baste it for you!!!
It's the best turkey you'll ever have! I have given this recipe out so many times to strangers at the grocery store and they come up and thank me.. not just the wives but the husbands! lol! silly, huh?? lol!

I also cooked a spinach fritata kind of thing
cook Stovetop as on box
fluff with fork but put in one egg- mix fast so you don't get a soft boiled egg on top!!
in saute pan cook onion (one med. chopped) until see through
add in thawed, drained chopped spinach and warm through- take off of burner
over stove top sprinkle on a layer of Monterrey/Jack cheese
now sprinkle half of spinach and onion over the cheese
layer strips of red bell pepper over that
add another layer of spinach
add a layer of tomato slices
drizzle 4 eggs (that are mixed up) over all that
sprinkle another layer of cheese
**this recipe is YUMMO as R.Ray would say!!!
place in oven for 30 min at 400*

of course I had to make Green Bean casserole.. I don't like it but dh does... it'll go to his grandma's house ;)

cranberry orange relish.. love this
bag o' cranberries
2 orange
1/2 cup of sugar
mix like crazy in the Cuisinart- aren't these a Godsend? lol!
my mom asked if I put Couintreau in it.. wouldn't that be yummY?? lol!

for drink- in the fridge already-
cranberry juice
sprite
it looks good, tastes good, and by golly, it's good for you! hahahaha

I'll make a cake or something for dessert.. the kids love to do that :)

so what is on your plate for tomorrow??? any special family goodies???
I still have yet to take pics of toilet paper turkeys.. they are coming... patience, young Grasshoppa! lol!

little somethings

A little boy was overheard praying:

"Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't
worry about it.

I'm having a real good time like I am."

this would be so like my Queen V to say something like this..

had a great day making Toilet Paper Turkeys...
pics coming tomorrow.
It's a little tradition we started about 4 years ago
we have quite a grouping of them now..

if a bunch of cows are a herd
geese are a gaggle
bees are a swarm...
what do you call a bunch of turkeys???

my family! hahahahaha

Great Day!

Great Day!

this card was inspired by !Denise Foxworthy and Kindred Spirits

so much to share tonight!

naps for kids
baby in backpack
6 year old carrying around sugar in cup
3 year old looking for stool to stand on
makings for Sweet Miss Daisy's banana bread all over counter
this all adds up to a priceless evening..
after bathtime
curled up on their daddy's lap
watching Monday night football
warm banana bread

I ran across a new blog for moms. Since I am always telling anecdotes about my kidsand the conversations we have I found
this one really amusing. It sounds just like something that would happen in my house.

Have you heard about Prism Paper Give Away Go to the link and on the right hand side going down to the bottom there is a link. You have to answer some questions and from this after 4 weeks or so you will get some free paper.. can't beat that with a stick, huh? Gotta love free

all this on the heels of my son choking today.. it was so scary and I turned to tell my dh we were on our way to the ER... I finally got his throat cleared... scared me to death and my heart has been racing all day. While at the grocery store today a lady was complaining about waiting 20 minutes in a line.. I was thankful my son was alive and she was upset that it took her checkout girl 20 minutes to check one person out and another gal took care of 6 people in that time.. where is the gratitude?? Life always seems to be put in perspective one way or another.. you know?? My boy is fine.. scared to swallow spit now.... but fine.. hope we never have to do that again....

bountiful

things I am gratEful for...
my faith
my family
understanding dh
loving children
roof over my head
yard for kids to play in
imagination
creativity
friends around the world
time I get to learn and explore

how to on my card:
cut background paper to fit card front
cut strip of pp
punch Giga scallop punch on pp
layer pp over cs and punch square
stamp on the card front
stitch cs to pp
stamp top of cs
adhere ribbon across seam of pp
adhere front to the card body
voila! my card.. kind of like a window but not punched all the way through the card

I love to learn.. I am so glad I am curious about things around me.. but one thing always catches my eye.. about evolution, anthropology, brain research, DNA... just facinating to me! I finally got to see this special on PBS today about
the family that walks on all fours It was truly a facinating hour of tv. I watched in amazement with my daughter... talking about things that have occurred over millions of years... So many reasons why this has occurred in this family.. is it DNA? a throwback in genes??? what do you think? What do you see in this?? This is not the only family with members who do this.. they have found others in other parts of the world. Science does continue to grow... I hope my daughter sees opportunity in learning what she can become, what others can become.. what she might want to be when she grows up.

autumn splendor

warm
crisp
colorful
crunchy
shorts
sweaters
apples
pumpkins
pecans
squirrels

all this added up... fall in my town...


enjoy the scenery

finally.. a moment...

gathered my things
put the babe in the backpack
cut
pasted
tied
voila! cards!!!
I am sending out cards to my buddies at The Shaker Box We started a card RAK there. I need to get my cards out to some folks at Splitcoaststampers they have been so kind in sending birthday cards and just general RAKS. The way the second group does it is a little different- they put a post it note in the card so I can use it again if I chose :) Sometimes I do and other times I use it as an inspiration .. or even an element in a scrapbook page! gotta love that!
Anna really got me inspired with her cards on her blog- man, she's got some style!!! This is her !!gallery .. I need to put it on the side bar to refer to... great style, Anna!

I have to mention that there is a challenge going on at The Shaker Box The more you scrap, stamp, or alter the more points you enter and can win a prize from the sponsor!!! How great is that? Come and join the fun... we're waiting for you!

One more thing.. I have THE BEST husband in the world!!! He came home from a long trip and all is right.. .when we are together it is like a well tuned piano.. some times we might hit the wrong key but when it's good... it's good... the family is all back in one piece and I am happy.

handwring and biting

just some qick notes to go out during the holidays...
don't you just love to get mail?
real mail
the kind where you see a new stamp, real handwriting on the envelope

there is a carpet cleaning company in my town
they've gotten smart
they use an ink on the envie that looks real
I've figured it out
I've even sent the letters back
I can't stand junk mail
let them deal with having to recycle it

so
the next time you have the feeling
all I ever get is bills... write a letter to a friend and send it away
make the postal worker happy and decorate the envie
my post office laughs when they see me
wonder if it's from the kids hanging all over me or the artwork....


we've been very sick around here.. that's why I was not around
update on yesterday: Mr T bit me twice during Mass
once on my cheek-I have teethmarks to prove it- he started with a kiss and bit the stew out of me
the secondwhile he was nursing... during Conceration

OUCH!

see if I let him do that again during Mass

silly babe

creativity does a body good!

3 out of 5 are sick in my house.. sounds like a good reason to scrap and stamp? right??? you betcha! I got a few moments for myself.. after some much needed Tylenol for my throat...
got a LO and a card done

background on the LO:
my kids love their greatgrandparents
2 died within the last year.
it's been very tough on the girls..
Queen V has created a masterpiece on the porch of her 2 greatgrandmothers
one is living and the other died last year.
She tells me stories about them like she saw the one that died just last week.

we see one of them still.. she tells her, "Mema, you're my girl!" It makes Mema's day! Makes mine too knowing that my kids have such a big family that loves them!

Mom on the Move!

6:00 am baby jumping on my belly
6:25 radio goes off... good music
6:30 realize the music is telling me to get out of bed
6:32 finally roll out of bed and get dressed
6:40 get kids up... and dressed...
6:50 brushing hair and putting in puppy dog ears... not mine.. theirs! lol!
7:00 realize I am going to need coffee today!!!
7:05 breakfast on table for all kids... making lunch now... picking out candy to put in lunchbox
7:20 time to read one more book with my dd
7:30 brush teeth.. check for shoes... clean faces....
7:40 all in van and headed to school!
7:50 drop off kiddo and head to next town to drop of shoes
8:30 on way to gymnastics.. call Mom on way to make sure she is up...
9:00 I am throwing away, giving away, cleaning out linen closet...
9:45 leave to pick up dd from gymnastics
10:00 back at Mom's to clean some more.. she wants to have a party so I am there! I am here for the next several hours.. only to leave to pick up dd from school
3:15 Queen V is asleep in the van... told me she had a tummy ache before she fell asleep
4:00 voting... yep, did my civic duty! I always smile when I get to do this- like a kid in a candy store... I know I belong.. it's just so exciting!!!
5:00 practicing 32 new words with dd to have memorized by Friday morniing... am also trying to get dinner on the table...
5:30 microwave has died.. yep, died... damn. apples look good though.. I'll have one of those! lol!

I am pooped! I am not sure where my evening went except to watch Emmit Smith on Dancing with the Stars.. hope he wins... my gubenetorial candidate won't.. damn...

I have to run but will leave you with this- pictures from Halloween :)

learn something new every day

Did you hear about the dolphin with 2 hind legs?
nope. it's not a joke.
Some fishermen in Japan found a dolphin with 4 fins. Scientists believe that dolphins and other mammals walked the Earth and when they took more to the water they lost those 2 back legs... They also said in the article that they were kin to deer- did you know that???

so what did you learn new today?

**having trouble uploading to blogger tonight** will add pics tomorrow

time flies...

we had not been to see dh's grandma since August... where does the time go?? who knew it would go by so quickly!!! so we loaded up the kiddos and headed north for the day.
Since All Soul's Day was during the week the church had it's Rosary and procession into the town cemetary today. Yep, I said procession. This town, my dh's hometown, is really small but has been around for a very long time- since the 1850s. It is a small German farming community and there is but one church in the whole town- St. Peter's. It is a beautiful church with statues, stained glass on every window with the names of saints written in German. I never noticed that until I was taking photos today. Since I am teaching dd her CCD we are talking about art in the Catholic faith- what it looks like, the interpretations we can take from it and what it means to us. It was just beautiful.
Anyway, we went out to the cemetary and continued to say the Rosary that we prayed indoors... after the last prayer was said each family- and there were lots- went to their family members' graves. The graves were decorated for fall- lovely oranges, yellows, browns... it was a gloomy day but to see the cemetary bursting with mums, maple leaves and other flowers it was great! Looking around you could see families that have not seen each other in a while get together, hug, ask about grandkids or great grandkids... just a wonderful moment. When I get a chance tomorrow I will post pics so you can see what I saw.. something that isn't done much any more... quite a change from the hustle and bustle of "city life." The girls walked around graves, reading names, looking at flowers while cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents hugged and chatted...
Grandpa's grave is getting grass.
Grandma's grave is even with the others..
time flies...

Ho Ho Holly

I know.. only a few days away from Halloween and look what I've done.. got the cat out of the bag and shook it so hard I got goosebumps! hahahaha
no stamping here tonight.. using my scrap goodies to create a tag for gifts!!! I'll be asking some gals to come over and make some tags with me for their gifts....

I have always wanted the holly soooooo I got it! yep! so happy about it too... sure it will be used a lot!
and the goosebumps are so cool! This is the first QK g.b. I have gotten... I think I'm in love! lol! all this with that giga punch to boot!!! gonna be a good one!

I pulled out some lighter greens and pinks to make this same tag... but don't have time to get into that.. .I had to clean up my avalanche of a room! yikes!