Snow for Easter??

I couldn't believe it! Snow on Holy Saturday.. they are calling for more tomorrow.
The kids had a great time at the grandparents' home..
Once again my Queen V was tempted.. by her grandmother.. all this coming on the heels of a stranger...


the other day while we were putting out eggs for an Educational Egg Hunt a gal tried to give my dd some chocoloate. She had already said thank you politely and told the lady she would save it for Easter Sunday because she gave it up for Lent.
The gal had some more chocolate and tried to give it to some mommies.. we all said no thanks with some adding that they had given it up for Lent. She came to me and said, "well, how 'bout you? Take it."
"no, thanks, I gave it up as well"
Another lady chimed in, "so close to Easter, I'm not blowing it now!"
So then this gal turns to my dd and says, "well, I just give it to her. She'll eat it."
I replied, "no, please don't tempt her. She gave up chocolates for Lent."
"Oh really," she said, "I gave her some earlier and I am sure she ate it!"
I smiled and said, "no, actually, she gave it to me to hold for her."
"OH! I would have thought she ate it... " She sounded rather disappointed. The lady tried anyway and dd who had been playing just said no and skipped off with another little 4 year old..

Can you believe the nerve of this gal?? I told Queen V I was so happy and proud of her for sticking with what she had said. We got in a big conversation about her faith, the lady tempting her.. Queen V's conclusion was that the lady was rude- not to her but to Jesus- imagine that!!! Out of the mouths of babes!

3 little ones and their blessings

My girl.. what a girl.. I see her here what she will become in the future.. a sweet gentle spirit..
she is so silly at times
so full of life
so fun to be around
and then it hits me
what a wonderful soul for God to have given to me to mother...
what a gift!













See the sun on her face?
A warm afternoon turned into a dreamy evening.
Right before bed the other night we went for a quick swing.
Look at the intensity in these eyes!!!
Are these the eyes of a future nun or mother?
Is this the child that will be a leader or a follower?
Nonetheless, we had a wonderful quick swing.
As a young girl I remember going for a run through the front yard in my nightgown after a bath. I had a favorite- thin, yellow, with a painting of an Indian Princess.. it made my dreams come closer I would think. I don't think my mom got it off of me if it weren't for going to school!













A place to sit with my boy.. love this.. he can sit and watch the cattle graze from his roost here..
wish I had a chair just like it..
Today he got ticked with himself so many times..
he was happy to see he could do a project at the library and nobody told him no, giggled that Mom and I were asking him where his parts of his face were... and then to take a fruit smoothie and dump it all over his tray only to smack his hands in it and make a huge mess- it was across the room on the wallpaper.. shhhhhhhhhh, don't tell my dh..... I got it all cleaned up.. he was giggling.. it was funny but I didn't want to encourage him.. even my girls were giggling at his giggling.. it's contagious!
on the way to Mass tonight I could hear his gears turning.. I turned around to see this smirk on his face.. his hands were moving like they were earlier when he was rather pleased with himself.. and then he started cracking up.. so funny!

First Day of Spring and Report Cards were blooming!

yipeee! The kids went to storytime today- all about spring!!! They made posters... Mr. T tried to eat some glue and Queen V was making sure it was all in a pattern- she worked very hard!

Report cards came home today.

I hated report cards as a kid.

Would my parents like what I did?

Would the scores be high enough?

Is that another mediocre grade??

being a former teacher I *know* what it takes to get into the universities.

It is NOT easy! I had a kid once who was class president from 8th grade through 12th, was involved in her church ministry/youth group, was on volleyball/basketball/track.. you get the picture- the ALL around kid- even graduated top of her class and took honors all the way!!! It took forever for the university to agree to take her!!! Kids have to walk in with a resume attatched before being accepted to college. This doesn't take into account how much it will be... that is for another blog entry...

I want to remember what it was like introducing my parents to my grades.... my thoughts... my work.. my daydreaming...

It was not until I was a senior in college that I took some tests to find out why I was not performing.. I was always told by Mom and Dad and the teachers, "if you just apply yourself you will get great grades and do anything!" Ugh! Being the 3rd of 4.. and being in between a dyslexic and an encyclopedia I kind of got overlooked. I talk to Mom about this frequently- not to make her feel badly but to let her know why I do what I do with my kids.. and probably even for reassurance that what I am doing with my kids isn't screwing them up! I think this is why I taught the way I taught... I liked teaching. I want teachers to be successful... and to know when they are not. I hope to someday help mentor more teachers.... for now I will correct mistakes others make, guide my little ones in their dreams, and pat them on the back for a job well done!

**ok, I know this LO has nothing to do with spring but I am on a roll!!! I love to share with you what I do to unwind at night! now it's time for some shut eye..... I think I am headed to the gardens tomorrow to scope out some great places for a shoot!

Cards for Troops

either way you do it the soldiers are waiting..
I know from reading so many historical pieces from men in war that they long to hear from "home"...

if you can, make and send a card to a soldier.
Iraq doesn't have a Hallmark

there is also this one:


Angel Stampers

just a simple note letting them know we are here, thanking them for taking on the duty of the missin abroad

love in bloom

I do have another kid- really, I do... :)
I love these pics of her- swimsuit, hair the way SHE wants, porcelain skin- sheer perfection! I love how she makes me a better person. The bottom right photo makes me almost drunk looking at it- so dreamy!

oh, she asked Mom what she wished for....
... mom said to be heatlhy, wealthy and wise. Queen V's response was, "noooooooooooooooooooo, you can't do that, Gran. You should wish to be a princess."
so much for being a potato or peanutbutter....

Since I don't have a Cuttlebug (an embossing machine) I do have some papers already embossed! I have had them forever and since embossing is "vogue" I thought I would take the chance to pull out papers I have and put them to use! and now Queen V has another page for her books!

what do you wish for??

my Queen V asked me this tonight..
Mama, what do you wish for?
I wish for your happiness and health.
No, Mama, what do you wish for?? you know not like that.. something!! Like you wish to be a ladybug or a fairy.
I wish for flowers to be all around the house that we don't have to weed.
Yea, that's a good one, Mama..
or you could wish for potatoes or peanutbutter.
I want to wish I am a potato or be peanutbutter.
Yea... hahahahahaha

Now, why didn't I think of that?? potatoes or peanutbutter. She is so silly!

whirlwind of an educational trip!

Alamo

Texas State Aquarium

Bird Island: no pics for this yet.. they are stuck on my cell phone. I can't figure out how to send them to the computer yet... The water was littered with windsurfers- how intoxicating for me!!! Oh, how I wish my sweetie was there so I could just borrow a board for a moment and let him watch the kids... another time perhaps!!!


National Seashore


Texas Capital

Peace Demonstration" this was outside the capitol when we came out of the building. Nothing like a demonstration of free speech. It is democracy in action. As a former social studies teacher it was exciting to see and to explain to my kiddos. We walked the halls where I explained the "rules" are made up, checked to see if they are fair (constitutional- and yes, I made my kids say this word) and written into lawbooks (which we saw the law library as well!)

As I dropped my dd off for school today I heard the DJ state that we only have a few more days left in this session and the representatives have only voted on one issue that has passed.. yep, one. You know, if we did that for our normal job we'd be sweating it out praying we could keep our job and not get laid off. As a former teacher if I didn't get a set of papers graded it was not pushed to the side but a pot of coffee was made and I read through those essays until it was done. Years ago Texans surrounded the capitol building itself and wouldn't let the representatives out until a decision had been reached... wonder what they would think if that happened now a days???? Maybe we could get the bills passed or put to death quicker without having things attatched to them to assure a death or passing. KWIM???? oh well... educatin on all parts... I pray that they make good decisions for our state and get it all accomplished...

cupcakes, pizza, polly pockets

What more does a 3 year old want for her birthday??
She made the plans and I made the invitations (which she told me she didn't like at all.. she picked out the stamps, ribbons and papers.. ugh! if it's like this now what is it going to be like in 10 years??)

We have pink cupcakes - which she told me weren't quite pink enough.. until we got to this point-
"stop, Mommy! it's PINK!"
"ok.. you lick this beater and let me get it all together..."
"I love you, Mommy, you're a genius!"

ahhhhhh, if life were so simple to be a genius getting the right amount of colored gel into the frosting.. by the way, I used Sarah and the Stampstar's recipe (thanks, Sarah!!!) Queen V loved it!


I had to use the birthday cake plate my dad had since he was a boy. Mom gave it to me when I got married- love it! My uncle saw it when Lady G turned one and was happy it was being used again. My grandmother bought it in a store in New Orleans while visiting a her sister, Vi. Anyway, I made a funfetti cake (love how moist those cakes are) and decorated it with one of Queen V's Polly Pockets and a squirrel.. and her new favorite color- pink!!

We had tons of pizza leftover so I sent some home with friends.. yep, adult goodie bags.. one less meal to fix this week or whenever :) Hey, pizza freezes you know!
The goodie bags the kids received had bubbles that had scents in them like mango, pineapple, grape, strawberries- all in the shape of icecream cones! hilarious! Charm lollipops, glow in the dark bracelets, and some tootsie rolls- all of these being some favorites of Queen V!

Favorite Thing about being 3

Mommy: Hey, Queen V, what was your favorite part about being 3?
Queen V: my favorite?
Mommy: Yea, your favorite thing...
Queen V: My favorite thing about being 3 is my cousin Lisa. She makes me happy. I love her.

all this without skipping a beat!! I so love the little girl she is becoming!
She melts my heart
She makes me crazy
She makes me laugh
She makes me think
She makes me a better mommy.

I love you Queen V!
I am so glad God gave you to me to guide through this world, what a gift I get each day being your mama.
Even if we butt heads we are "still friends"- we will always be Mommy and Queen V...
sweet angel...

I wonder what you are dreaming your last day of being 3....
you ran in my room this morning telling me all about your dream you had last night- so joyful and fun! I love that!!

can't download my daughter's play pics

I am so upset I can't stand it...

I can't download...
I took the greatest shots of her... saw them on the camera but when we got home I tried to put them on the computer and the file says they are not there...
the computer reads that there is information there.. .
I went to put the card back into the camera and it reads that there are no images....

have you ever had problems downloading or having the computer download from the chip???
I'm just heartsick!
help me if you can!

***UPDATE***
I got my pics!! not all of them but most of them.. Canon told me I was out of luck. Sans Disk said I was out of luck.. Wolf Camera told me I was out of luck.. I just refused to believe the... I got the pics and they are wonderful!!!
I did a memory image recovery thanks to some gals on ILP (they are so sweet!! thanks!!)

Passions and Definitions

such a wonderful thing to be in love!
to be passionate!
what are you passionate about?
what defines you?
are these 2 one in the same?
is there a difference???



I would love to know what makes you guys tick.. I see there are quite a few that drop by... leave me a comment....


no crafting today- but plenty of picture taking. I seem to be underexposing them.. figured out how to change the exposure tonight and we'll see if it will make a difference. I have a question about f-stops.. feel dumb asking it but I can't make the appeture go any higher than 4.0 Do any of you know why??? hmmmm

how many hobbies can one person have??

I think I have a sickness....
I jump from hobby to hobby...
hoping I will get the hang of it...

design for scapbooking
settings, composition, and color for photography
colors and techniques in stamping

I think I need a good pair of walking shoes... I need to get my fanny up and move it... lol! The closer I get to 40 the closer I don't want to have the "spread!" lol!
I love to work out- it gives me a sense of empowerment!
noone does it for you.. you have to do it yourself!




ahhhhhhhhhh but then calls my camera.... and now a new one I can't stand myself! I have spent some time surfing at 2Peas and then at KT to learn more. I have gone to the Canon forum but something tells me not to stick around... so I lurk and don't comment. I really want to learn how to get that shot.. the one SOOC (straight out of camera) that has someone say- she got it! She has the touch... right now I am lucky when I get that shot- you know??? I want to learn HOW and master it... I have the tool.. but need the time... with 3 little ones around it's tough!
Paintedmoon on 2P suggested reading megapixel myths and then someone else discussed reading this article. Both are really interesting ... at least to me.. a little food for thought about cameras.
Anyway, yesterday as we waited for Lady G to get out of school I got some shots of Queen V- hey, she was strapped in and couldn't go anywhere.... so I snapped away, dogearing my manual and adjusting the settings... I still underexposed and don't really know why so I had to use Levels and fill flash on these to get them ok- what do you think?
when blogger decides not to have hotflashes with uploading I will be back.. gotta get a quick shower... dh is snuggling our wee-one and is SNORING big time!

let's pretend

Lady G became sick this weekend.. poor babe-
I knew she was going to be because of her wierd sleep habits during the week- I could just tell. She came sleep walking into my room on Wednesday or Thursday and then got up on my bed and danced around.. saying, "let's pretend"
ok.. let's pretend, Lady G
"let's pretend I am mad"
"ok... you're mad... now what?"
"I dunno." then she climbs into my arms and sucks her thumb...

I take her back to her bedroom and put her back under the covers.
She appears again only to be talking to dh in the front room- he didn't know she was asleep... lol!
well, needless to say she missed her first sleepover/birthday party and a cousin's First Communion and her first Gymnastics meet. Sad day.. she came ripping into our room and I knew right away without touching her she had a fever and was going to miss her busy weekend... poor girl. She did get to pretend it was 1950 and go to a sock hop on Friday night... she had a great time!

soooooo let's pretend I am not late on getting cards posted...
let's pretend I am a super photographer and these shots I got were on purpose...
let's pretend I got allll the laundry done....
now- isn't that nice??? I get to blog??? lol!

We are going to start a new thing at The Shaker Box. A lot of blogs are posting about "blog candy" and Hemimom (aka Angela) also thought it would be a good idea to create some "Shaker Candy" so that is what we are going to do!!! I am the first to start this and will post some time this week what the first "Shaker Candy" will be!!! I am so excited!!! Are you ready to play?? Come over, join us- you know you want to... all the cool kids are doing it!!! What? you say you aren't a cool kid??? WEll... .we can PRETEND! lol! just kidding!!!



ok- so quickly - some photos of my son- love these shots even if they are dark... let's just pretend they are "warm!" Yeah, that's the ticket!! lol!

This card is created by Amy Rysavy. This gal has more galleries at more places than you can imagine!! She has one at Inky Antics and another at All That Scraps. She is also a designer for Gina K Each one of these sites has talented artists! You really should drop by Amy's blog to see her talents- she has many tutorials and explains her cards in great detail!

Keri Sereika aka Pink Lemonade shows off her talents in her galleries at Inky Antics where she is a moderator on the forum and at SCS You will find oooodles of work on her galleries to inspire your stamping whimsy!! I also love her gallery on her blog for Gina K grouping!

So.. let's pretend I had a lot of time to make cards to post here....
and let's pretend I have a lot of time to work my PSE2...
and let's pretend I got allll the laundry sorted, washed, folded and put away.....
and let's pretend I got to ride my girl today...

freebies and giveaways... had to tell you what I found!

PrismaColor Giveaway

Act Of Kindness

CK download

FRAK Friday

SU! blogger lottery tomorrow the information will be revealed :)

Inkastamp Blog Candy

Elsie's sketches

don't forget to link to the Craft Critique (it's in my sites to see -> )

brushes (donations accepted)

so many ideas!

For a little one'sirthday bash Would this not be the cuteset?
Queen V already has plans and you cross her path you'd be invited too! lol!
Polly Pocket
Pizza
Cupcakes
NO boys

I think Sarah has the best ideas! So since she is so groovy I thought I would share her card today! It's reminicent of cards we gave as kids but with her own twist- she made it into a little book! She is so sweet and giving of her talents- and she has many. You can find lots of tutorials for fun ideas for an adfult and a child- just now to find the time! lol! She once told me it was her ambition to have a giant shoebox swap for SCS. How fun would that be??? What is a shoebox swap you ask? Well, it's when a group of gals get together to stamp a set of cards. Prior to coming the individual creates one stamp as the example for her "shoebox." Inside said box are kits for all the other participants to copy that card! She will have collected the inks, stamps and cut out paper, ribbons and whatever else they want on the card... ool idea, huh? I would love to do this some day but since Mr T is stil nursing it's just not my time yet- maybe this fall :)

Yesterday wad a first.
I had my first Starbucks.
I think I have to go to confession it was so sinful!
Peppermint Mocha,
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm good!
Have you ever gone? What did you get???

After that I trotted down the street to a toystore with the wee ones and Mom. She - Mom- was having a blast!! Wait till you see what we got there- so many litte goodies for Easter baskets and Queen V's birthday! Next to that is a new store that sells cheese curds. I so love these and so do the kids! They don't quite squeak like the ones I found in Algoma, Wi. but they are as close as I can get! I got another cheese at this store the other day- apricot stilton- blech! We threw it away! Then into the car and down the highway... to get....

A NEW CAMERA!!!

Can you stand it???!!!? Pinch me!Pinch me! It didn't really hit me until I almost peed in my pants- not really - just an expression! After playing with it last night I have come to the conclusion that I am a blithering idiot!!! lol! It will take some time, practice and rereading the manual several times before mastery- but what a fun time, huh?

obsessions

My friend, Twistedsoda, is asking about obsessions.. what do we obsess about?
being late for my dd's school
learning digi
a new camera... still don't have one and it drives me nuts
selling on ebay.. gotta get the nerve to put myself out there
being heard... not letting others tromp on me (it happened 2 times this past weekend)
having a presentable home
spending enough time with my kids

As I looked on the fridge tonight while gathering things to pull together for dinner I saw pics of my dd when she was 18 mo, 24 mo and right before she started kindergarten... I remember taking that 18 mo pic like it was last night!! I wondered then what would her life be like in a few years... highschool... college.. and now I DON'T obsess about that- I want to savor each moment that I have with the kids I want to read with them, color with them, swing with them, talk and listen to them.... When my kids ask me to push it's all too easy to say no, not now.. when a push is what is really needed... dust bunnies will still be there- you know??? leftovers are fine and we really don't need placemats for every meal :) She can read now and is reading BlueBerries for Sal to impress her daddy for Valentine's. It used to be one of his favorite books when he was a boy and I found it at the library!!! How exciting... I want to savor the NOW ... I obsess about that I guess... savoring the NOW... and not worrying what the future may hold... I know the future makes her sprout her wings and fly away...
the other 2 are catching up fast... in their own way..

I obsess about being there for them.. I think it's a good obsession right now- don't you?

How about another fab Valentine??

This one is created by
Michelle Laycock She is a true ink artist!! details, details, it's in the details- from the different color inks, to embossing, to glitter, hemp, beads and eyelets- this card has it all!! Her blog is amazing and she has been doing it for so long. Like Sarah Moore stated in her blog about Michelle- it would take a good long while to sift through the files Michelle has!! Go check out her files and see what goodie you can pick up and try!

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 ;)