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!