FOR SALE

Here is one of my huge boxes of stamps that I have for sale. Shipping will be based on how many sets you purchase but probably between $5 - $10. I will only ship priority with delivery confirmation. If you see a price and would like to negotiate with me please e-mail me. Background stamps do not include clear boxes. Payment is by Paypal only and within 24 hours of our agreement of purchase otherwise stamps set will be released back for sale. If you are interested in purchasing a set or two please click on "view my complete profile" in the left column and then click on e-mail me. Thank you!

Another Pick A Petal

Here is another Pick A Petal card that I got from Heidi. Isn't it super cute? I'm so happy she chose this set to make cards with! The flower petals themselves are stamped onto Naturals card stock and the upper petal is cut out from the top of the card stock. Heidi was thinking out of the box! And the leaves are stamped on and then cut out of designer paper which adds great contrast! Of course, there is a little bling with a fun Fire Circle Rhinestone brad. I like the fact that the naturals card stock is enough for the background on this card. Makes it cute and economical, too! Neat how the same set can make two completely different cards, huh? Wait 'til you see tomorrow! :o)

Stamps: Pick A Petal, Holiday's and Wishes
Card Stock: Regal Rose, Rose Red, Naturals, POP
Ink: Rose Red, Certainly Celery (?)
Accessories: Fire Circle Rhinestone Brad

Swap Card

Morning, everyone! A couple of months ago I participated in a one-on-one swap with my friend Heidi. Due to some health problems with her daughter (ongoing unfortunately) she was delayed in getting my cards to me. Happily they have arrived are are just great! So, over the next couple of days I'm going to share them with you. The card for today...ingenious! I just love the way she used the petals to make the tulip! And the outline petals for the leaves...fantastic! I love the 'from the heart' sentiment on it, too! Wouldn't this be just a great card to send to someone who is feeling down or not well? The stamp sets are Pick a Petal and Holiday's and Wishes. Cardstock is Soft Sky, Purely Pomegranate and Naturals Ivory. Ink is Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi (I think), and what looks to be Marigold Morning. What a fun, fun, card!

We have a winner!

There is no way I could choose a person for this super personal challenge. So, what I did was assign everyone a number and let the random number generator pick one. It picked #4 and #4 is Pat Sargeant! You can see her card HERE. Doncha just love the key? And here are her 10 reasons...

My 10 reason why I love him:

1. His heartwarming smile.

2. His beautiful blue eyes.

3. He wakes me with a kiss every morning.

4. He makes me feel special.

5. He cooks the most awesome meals.

6. Because he loves me.

7. He takes care of me.

8. His foot and leg massages.

9. He makes me giggle.

10. He is my best friend.

As the winner Pat will receive SU!'s Sealed With A Kiss set...new in the Fall '07 catalog...page #48 if you are interested. Pat, I will be placing this set on my next order (next week) and as soon as it gets here I'll send it on.

Thank you so much, everyone, for really making this a great challenge!

Awwww...

Awww...you guys...I had to take my Mitzy to the vet today because Todd found a weird bump on her hindquarter a couple of days ago. So, we proceeded to give her a bath because we thought that maybe something got matted in her long hair which is possible because she is so low to the ground. Well, when we gave her the bath the area started to bleed so we promptly called the vet (okay, the next morning) The vet felt it and promptly told me I was going to have to leave her there because she was going to have to put Mitzy under anesthesia The vet thought it was dead skin and it would have to be removed. Well, after starting my heart again I left her with the vet who promised to be good to her (I told her that she better be good to her!) and that she would call later this afternoon with an update. Well, not more than an hour later the vet called and said that when she shaved the hair that the dead skin came off and the new skin looks fantastic AND she didn't have to put Mitzy under anesthesia...yay! So, I went and picked her up. I just have to put hydro cortisone on the wound area and give her an antibiotic twice a day. Other than that and one of those silly cone thingies on her head she is good to go! Wanna know what makes me mad? She was bit...yes, bit by another small animal. Now, one would think it could have been our other dog but she is too big. So...either another small dog snuck under the fence (impossible!) or one of the neighborhood "stray" cats came in our back yard (totally torque's me off!) and bit her!!!!! I'm soooo angry about it as we have a neighbor that lets her cats out at night and in during the day. They poop all over the neighborhood, lay on our porch, even has entered our garage! Of course I can't prove anything but I just know it was a cat! My poor Mitzy! She is so sore this afternoon and she hates the cone thing BUT she is so good natured that she hasn't cried or anything!

Now, onto the artwork! I made this card today for my own challenge. I decided I couldn't ask you guys to make a list and card without doing it myself so here is the card! And here is my top 10...

The top 10 reasons I married my husband...

1. Have you seen him in a uniform (then army or now police?)...wow!
2. When I told him I had three boys (3, 8, 13 at that time) he didn't blink!
3. He exudes confidence.
4. He let me drive for our first date.
5. He wants ME to be happy.
6. His family is a little whacked but he loves them any way. Especially his grandma.
7. He's lived lots of places and wants to show me them all.
8. He is an excellent provider.
9. Life will always be an adventure with him if I just let it be.
10. He has emotions and he's not afraid to show them!

Thanks everyone that participated! Just an hour and a half until a winner is chosen! I'll be back after dinner! :o)

FALL PRIZE SWAP

***This post will stay at the top until the prize swap is over so please check further down the page for today's post. ***

All three groups are full! If you and 4 friends would like to fill another group then let me know! I have received TWO stampers submissions so far...can you believe it! And they are cute, cute, cute! I can't wait for you all to see!

Description: Halloween/Fall full cards (4 1/4 by 5 1/2)

Quantity: 5 + 1 you will send 6 and get back 5. I can and will open more groups if necessary.

Vendor Products: No Vendor Restriction . Please use quality card stock and at least 2 layers!

Please note your name and blog (if you have one) on a separate piece of paper that you will place inside your card, so everyone knows who it came from. Also, if you can, please place your card into separate plastic bags or clear envelopes to make sorting easier.

Due Date: I will close the swap on August 28th. All swaps are due to me no later than Tuesday, September 11th.

Mailing Instructions: Place your cards in a large Ziploc baggie (for waterproof purposes). Please write your full name on the bag. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail purposes. To ensure that enough postage will cover the returned cards, please include one additional stamp, which will be returned to you, if not used. STAMPS ONLY! When you are ready to mail them please email me privately for my address. There is an email me link on my side bar.

Who is signing up first?

Group #1
1.) Debby (rcvd)
2.) Courtney (rcvd)
3.) Janel (rcvd)
4.) Pat (rcvd)
5.) Lorrie (rcvd)
+1

Group #2
1.) Kimberly (rcvd)
2.) Jennifer (rcvd)
3.) Pat (rcvd)
4.) Courtney (rcvd)
5.) Kathy T (rcvd)
+1

Group #3
1.) Sarah (rcvd)
2.) Maggie
3.) Amber (rcvd)
4.) Debby (rcvd)
5.) Todd (rcvd)
+1

So...what is the prize gonna be and how do you win? Well...definitely something hand stamped! I'm sure I'll be adding more stuff as I go along too! The winner will be chosen on September 11th and all swaps MUST be to me by then or I'll be returning them unopened. I'll be mailing the swaps back on Sept. 12th.

If you have any questions please let me know!

Do you ever...

So, do you ever have to really work hard to keep yourself from being a total witch to people? Just about everyone I have run into today has totally ticked me off and I want to just yell at them. I have resisted the urge so far but I have a head ache and I'm just tired. No...I'm not pregnant...I don't have all the parts anymore. Yes, I guess it could be PMS but frankly since my hysterectomy last summer it hasn't been as bad. AHHHHHH.....

How about you?

Good Morning!

Remember I told you guys I had to make another 6x6 for a swap that I was in? Well....this is it! I decided to use the set Fabulous Flowers and make it more of a fall theme. I love the results!

So...I have a SWAP and a CHALLENGE going on here on my blog. Have you signed up for one or the other? Here are some important dates for ya...

For the Swap...
* Technically today is the last day to sign up for the swap. Right now you'd have to find some friends to swap with us though because we have three full groups so we'd have to start another group.
* Deadline for me to receive the swaps...Sept 11th. I cannot accept them if they are late so please be sure to get them to me on time.

For the Challenge...
* If you'd like to participate the challenge is this...make a list of the 10 reasons you married your husband, make a card for him and put the list inside. Either e-mail or link me your card and you'll be placed in a drawing for a stamp set. Don't forgot to give him the card!
* This ends TOMORROW (Wednesday Aug 29th) at 5 p.m. so if you'd like to join...get hoppin'!

Have a fantastic day!

How I made this 6x6 page...
Stamps: Fabulous Flowers
Cardstock: Textured River Rock, Apple Cider DP, Wild Wasabi, River Rock, Whisper White
Ink: Really Rust, River Rock, Basic Black
Accessories: Signo Gel Pen, Ticket Corner Punch, Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads, Dimensionals, Glitter
Notes: The flower is attached with a dimensional and the 'Dare to be Fabulous' are only partially attached so that a photo is easily attached onto the Wild Wasabi cardstock.

A challenge for ya!

I am going to post some artwork later today but I thought I'd post a challenge for ya. It is not stamping related but I hope you enjoy it anyway. It is inspired by a thread on SCS.

Your mission should you choose to accept it is to...

1.) List 10 reasons why you fell in love with your husband. .AND

2.) Make a card for your husband and either write or print your list and place it inside. Oh, and make sure you give the card to him! :o)

And you know what? Anyone who does this and links to or e-mails me a copy of their card/list by Wednesday, Aug 29th at 5:00 p.m. will be put into a drawing for a stamp set that you can use to make your husband more cards with!

I hope you have fun with this challenge and that I get to see lots of cards!

Farm Fever

I decided to make a card for Kyler's grandpa who had surgery a couple of weeks ago on his broken heel. Can you imagine...owwww! Anyway, he is in a chair with his foot up for a couple more weeks (I think) and I thought this card might make him at least smile a little if not laugh. How I made this card is HERE. This card didn't look like this in my head but I do like it and its simplicity.

Guess what today is? Today is the day that Jon comes home from 8 weeks with his dad. Much to my dismay I asked him if he was ready to come home and he said no. I asked him why and was told because that means it is almost time to go back to school. Now...it doesn't matter where he's at...he still has to go to school. I'm trying not to take it personally. I'm still excited to have him coming home though!

I hope you all have a fantastic Saturday!

Look...

Look what Kyler found on our fence yesterday? I was so enthralled by it but couldn't get a very good picture...darn it! In case you don't know it is a Praying Mantis. Did you know that the actual name is a Praying Mantid? Anyway, I guess they have seen other Praying Mantid's in our yard and I think that is way cool!

Sorry for no stamping today but I do have, what I consider to be, a cute card for tomorrow!

Until then...have a great Friday night!

***Update...if you haven't read the comments on this post please go do so! iteach...all I can say is YIKES!!!! That would have soooo grossed me out!***

Are you a mom?

I know lots of my readers are mom's but do you have SIX children? Go check out this eBay auction. Don't just stop at the title and picture but be sure to read the description! This lady's blog is hilarious too! She provides the web address further down in the description!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130144061675

Whatcha think?

So, I signed up for two one-on-one 6x6 swaps on a new group that I belong to. I like to do one-on-one swaps or smaller numbered swaps because I can really put a good effort into it if it is smaller. This is the first of the pages that I've made for the swap. Whatcha think? I think it is stinkin' cute but I want to make sure the general populace thinks the same thing. I think for the other page I'll do fall colors and maybe try the same stamp set...not sure yet. Oh! maybe a sunflower theme?! They are due to go into the mail on Monday so I have to finish the other one this weekend...nothing like a deadline!

And you guys!!!! I need TWO more people to sign up for the fall/Halloween swap listed at the top. Come on...it is only 6 cards and you know you want to! You have until Tuesday to sign up and until Sept. 11 to return your cards to me...plenty of time!

How I made this page...
Stamps: Pick A Petal
Card Stock: Purely Pomegranate Textured, Soft Sky, Whisper White
Ink: Soft Sky and Purely Pomegranate
Accessories: Three For You Punch, White Gel Pen, 3/4" and 1 1/4" circle punches, Paper Snips, Googley Eyes, Glitter, and Dimensionals

Well, it was updated...

It looks like they have updated the election site AND although he garnered about 11% of the vote Scott did not make it to the general election in November. And you know what? I personally think the people of Ellensburg were not smart in this decision but it will be okay because next year...with a little name recognition and more work he will get on that city council! Good news? Scott will sit on 3 boards at the college this fall including the 'disciplinary board' which is a BIG deal!

And, Scott, if you are reading this...I couldn't be more proud of you! Almost 11% of Ellensburg thinks you would do a good job on the city council and that is something to be proud of! Just think, if you are only 19 now...imagine what you will accomplish at 20! I love you bunches!!!!!!!

I'm trying to be patient...

I'm trying to be patient but they still haven't updated the Auditor's website for my county so I can see how my son is doing in the city council race! Ahhhh....don't they know I'm waiting? We don't get the paper so maybe today I should snatch one up.

I forgot to show you guys this card! I received this RAK in the mail I think 2 weeks ago...bad blogger, Lorie! Anyway, I know it was from someone in my Bellaholics Anonymous group (Debby you should belong to that group with me!) but I accidentally threw away the envelope. I did thank her on the group though so at least she knows I received it! Oh, wait! I just thought to open the envelope and take the card out and low and behold...her name! Anna Wegner sent this cutie to me! Thank you! She also sent me a couple of Bella images that I can't wait to use! One will make a super cute card for someone in particular (but I can't tell yet!). Am I teasing enough yet?

All right...I'll be back to post when I find out the election results!

Nice Matters Award

What is a Nice Matters Award?

This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. It is also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world.
Once you've been awarded please pass it on to others who you feel are deserving of this award."

Now, I am to name 5 bloggers whom I think deserve this award!

1. Courtney
2. Nancy
3. Amber
4. Kendra
5. Tracy

You Live In A Zoo

It was my friend, Angela's, birthday yesterday. And while I had full intentions of giving her a Bella card for her birthday I remembered that I have a really cute saying stamp combo (from Gina K Designs)that says...on the front, Happy Birthday To You...and the inside, You Live In A Zoo...You Know The Rest. I just had to use that saying! So, I pulled out my Monkey Business stamp set and decided to search SCS for an idea. HERE is my inspiration. Yeah, I know that it looks basically the same but it was just sooooo cute! I probably won't put it on SCS simply because it is too CASEd (I didn't change it enough to make it mine) so I'll put the recipe at the bottom of this post. And, this is the first time I've used this cute monkey set...I will definitely be using it more! I wonder if I could invent a 6x6 scrapbook page out of it? Hmmm....

Alright, ladies! I need at least 2 more swappers for my fall/Halloween PRIZE swap! You only have to make 6 cards and you still have about 3 weeks to get it done! Won't you join us?

I hope you all have a super fantastic day!

How I made this card:
Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Whisper White, So Saffron, Certainly Celery
Stamps: Monkey Business, Happy birthday to you...zoo set
Ink: Close to Cocoa, So Saffron, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Markers (for the pineapple), Brads, Celery 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals

Pick A Petal and Baroque Motif...together!

Okay, so...I've been saving these pictures to show you...why have I been saving them? I don't know! I guess because I wanted to show them to you today! :o) This is a photo stand that I made at my upline's Stamp Into Summer event in June (or was it July?). It is two pieces of 5x5 Soft Sky card stock stamped with the flourish from Baroque Motif. Then we used Purely Pomegranate for the flowers and the Three For You punch for the inside flowers. Pick A Petal was used for the ladybug along with two circle punches. The tab punch was used to hold the two pieces of soft sky card stock together. Now, there was soft sky tabs there previously but I really didn't like them so I replaced them with purely pomegranate instead. Now, I don't like those a lot either but I think if I had stamped them with the little flowers in the same color it would be okay. I think I'm going to use this as a template, so to speak, for a 6x6 page swap that I signed up for. I will use the flourishes and ladybug for sure. I would like to put those flowers from the inside somewhere too. Hmmm...check back in a few days for an updated size!

We need just 3 more swappers for group #3 in the fall/halloween swap that I have going! Todd even hinted that he might want to swap with one of the groups so lets get those last couple signed up!

Suspension Card

The tutorial for this week on SCS is Suspension/Spinner Cards. They are actually quite easy to make...especially with the really easy directions from SCS! I posted it on SCS HERE and I've only gotten one comment but 9 people have favorited it so I guess it is liked! I used my Watercolor Crayons on the Lovely As A Tree stamp and then misted it with a little water and this is the result. Okay, honestly, it is the 5th try result. The others just weren't quite what I was looking for. Now...I like it!

There are 3 more spots open in the 3rd group of my fall/halloween swap so if you are interested in participating in a small but fun swap check it out and sign up!

Punch Box Card

I bought the super fun and cute Three For You punch box that is on promotion this month. I have seen just a ton of samples on SCS and through other groups that I'm on and they are all just wonderful and so versitile. I decided that I wanted my card to be 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 as I think that size fits these particular flowers the best. I don't have a plan for this card other than I really like it!

It is Saturday and we don't have much planned here which is super fantastic! I need to work on some church stuff and I really want to stamp so hopefully that will be the order of the day!

I hope you all have a Super Saturday!

How I made this card...
Stamps: Three For You, Linen BG
Card Stock: Mellow Moss, Whisper White, Regal Rose, DP So Saffron
Ink: Mellow Moss, Regal Rose
Accessories: Three For You Punch Box, Circle Rhinestone Brad, Dimensionals, White Gel Pen, White Taffeta Ribbon, Pink Gingham

Mmmmmm....Yummy!

Kyler and I decided to make some cupcakes yesterday. Yummy! He chose chocolate cupcakes with butter cream frosting. I got the recipe for both from a cookbook called The Artful Cupcake. Although ours aren't all that artful they are yummy! It was fun working on teaching him how to read a recipe and correctly measure out dry ingredients. I think the most fun for him, though, was putting the frosting and sprinkles on. We even tinted the frosting a little. It ended up pink but he was good with that so yay! All in all it was a success!


It is time for Todd to send grandma her card this month so he sat down to make a card. He's been wanting to try heat embossing so he did that on the bingo card. He wanted to use hearts for the number markers so I got out my retired SU! folk heart punch for him. He decided to add the stitching on the hearts to go with the stitching on the ribbon. I think this is a super great card! Oh, and guess what I learned about grandma when Kyler and I had lunch with her? She hasn't been to a movie theater in about 20 years! Can you believe that? When I asked her why she stated it was because she and grandpa couldn't afford it. So, while in Wisconsin I bought gift certificates to the movie theater and we are sending them with the card this month. We also invited her to come out here to Washington to visit us and she didn't automatically say no so that is a good sign that she would be interested in coming. I'm excited about that. It would be good for her to get away from everything in Wisconsin for a little while.

Anyway, we are headed to Costco, Home Depot, and Olive Garden today. We are finally receiving the door to replace the one that broke about a month ago. I keep worrying that the one pained door will break and then we'll have nothing...yikes!

So...you all have a fantastic Friday!

Good Thursday Morning!

Here is another card that I got after my surgery. It is from my friend Jennifer. Isn't the color combination just beautiful?! I don't know who the flowers and vase is from...maybe Jenn will comment and let us know. I love the combination of the Cuttlebugged background and the scalloped edges. Each card I get from her is just a little work of art! Thanks Jenn!

I'm excited about the Fall Prize Swap! We have one group full and I'm sure we could get another group going! 6 cards is so easy to make...surely YOU would like to join in! Yes, you! :0) Just let me know if you have any questions!

Super Fun Mail Day

I had a great mail day yesterday! First my friend Jennifer sent me a great Bella card. Actually, this is the second Bella card that she has sent me recently. I should have taken a picture of the other stuff too...darn it! Trust me...it was awesome! Anyway, I can never remember this Bella's name so hopefully someone will put it in the comments. Jennifer she really made this card special with her added touches. The flower pot is popped up, there is a little bling at the bust line of the dress and the fringes on the bottom of the dress have glitter...WAY cute! Thanks so much Jenn!

The other fun mail I got was from Tracy over at Tracys Happy Place. Do you remember the anniversary card I made for Todd? Well, I entered it into Tracy's contest at her blog (which she has another contest that I entered going right now!) and I WON!!! Woohoo! It was chosen by her husband. I was so thrilled! Anyway, this is the prize that I won! I got two fantastic stamp sets, Cuttlebugged backgrounds, 6X6 designer papers, a clear block for the stamp sets, a baggie of ribbon and hardware, and the card that she made for the swap! How incredibly generous is that?! Thanks so much Tracy!

I hope that you'll check out and join my Prize Swap that is listed at the top of my posts! It was a lot of fun last time! Let me know if you have any questions.

Have a great Tuesday everyone! I know I will as I go and get Kyler from the airport today...yay!!!

Fabulous 2-5-7-10 Box

Morning everyone! I had fun stamping yesterday! One of the things that I tried was a 2-5-7-10 box with the directions that were on SCS a couple of weeks ago. I knew I wanted to try it but I also knew that sometimes I not the best at that type of stuff so I took a step outside my comfort zone and BAM!! A really cute (at least I think) box! I made this with my new Fabulous Flowers set from SU! I didn't think I'd like working with a flower that big but with all the samples I've seen on SCS I knew I would have to try to play with it. My all time favorite thing about this set, though, is the saying...Dare to be FABULOUS! I think that is such a great saying! Anyway, if you want to know how I made it (or if you'd like to comment on it) you can go to SCS via THIS LINK.

And, here is the last swap card that I received from the baby/kiddo swap. It is so super cute, I think! I love the little squirrels. That is what they are...right? Squirrels? Anyway, I love the way they are reaching out to each other. Also, the designer paper is very pretty! I almost forgot to link to Kimberly's blog...yikes! HERE it is!

So, there is your artwork for the day! Check back later for a fall prize card swap announcement!

Have a great Monday!

Good Sunday Morning!

Well, what does everyone have for this fine Sunday? It is supposed to be beautiful here today...sunny and 77 degrees. Yay! Yesterday, I spent a good amount of time at church and then at home cleaning our living area so today...I get to stamp! Later this evening we'll be going to one of Todd's co-workers homes and visiting with them. Should be interesting as I don't really know his co-worker and I've never met his wife. Believe it or not I'm not that outgoing of a person. I have found that it is Todd that makes the initial contact and then once I get to know someone then I can socialize fairly well. I think that is why it took me so long to find close friends here in Washington. You have to do that work on your own!

Anyway, thought I'd share with you a couple of cards that I received in a small swap that I was in last month. It was a baby/kiddo swap. The first card (with the car) was made by Erica Payne. I believe the car and beep saying are from a retired SU! set. I just think this is the cutest card. Look at those designer papers. Absolutely yummy! *I stand corrected...the car is current and the set is called By Land!

The second card was made by Tracy Houghton. I believe that is emboss resist on the sentiment in the main portion of the card. The stitching on the bottom is faux stitching and is done with a gel pen. Doesn't that just look so impressive? This is really a nice card. Something I definitely could see myself making!

I hope you have a great Sunday and that you get lots of whatever you want to do done! :0)

The struggle we all face...

This video shows the struggle we all face...whether we believe it or not. Take a gander. Thanks to Courtney for sending me the link!

Lifehouse - 'Everything'

Ever Wonder?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see your 19 year old sons name on a ballet for city council? Let me show you! That is right our oldest son, Scott, is running for city council. We think (and others...I'll have you know) that it would be great to have a council member his age serve. We also know that he would do a great job! We just have to wait and see what others think! :0)

You can check out his web page HERE!

Ahhhh...

Time away is so nice! When we go off to spend time together Todd and I like to go to Leavenworth. It is a little town about 1 hour and 20 minutes north of us. This town has found its tourism nitch by making itself into a Bavarian town. Everything in the town must have a Bavarian looking building and many of the shops are geared in that directions as well. We always stay at a Bed and Breakfast and have two favorites. Luckily one of our favorites had a room for 2 nights that I could book on the same day I called. That is pretty unheard of during the summer in Leavenworth. Anyway, we stayed at the All Seasons River Inn in The Cascade. When you click on the room hyperlink make sure you take the virtual tour and see the view we got from the jacuzzi tub! We had a great time shopping, hanging out on our private deck, and eating some really yummy food! We had Bavarian food one night and Italian the next...yummy!

I just have to show you this card I made before I left for Wisconsin. This is made with the Hostess set In The Spotlight, and the background stamp Polka Dot. Card stock is Groovy Guava, Soft Sky, Purely Pomegranate, and Whisper White. Ink is Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky, Groovy Guava, and Purely Pomegranate. Accessories are Stitched Ribbon in Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava, and Purely Pomegranate. I also used my old SU! corner rounder to make the scallops and white gel pen for make the dots on the scallops. The little 'friend' in the right corner is from the same set, I just punched it out with my 1/2" round punch and attached it will mono adhesive. I love this card! I just think it shows so much warmth and love.

I hope you all have a SUPER SATURDAY!!!

Dontcha Wish?

Between Grandma Louise (who drips with sweetness) and your oh-so-suave brother, Vic, you know that in life you can't choose your own family. But at Stampin' Up!, we've found a way to bend the rules so you can!

Purchase the Starter Kit between August 10 and September 14, and you'll get to pick the family of your choice-color family, that is-of Classic Stampin' Pads® FREE. That's a $57.95 value! And we've designed our exclusive coordinating color families (including our In Color collection) so that every color fits in. After all, it's all in the family!

Whether you live close to me or in another state I will help you become the SU! demonstrator that YOU want to be. Please e-mail me if you'd like any information at all! :0)

Coordinating Stamp Sets

Here is a great list for everyone! These punches and stamp sets work perfectly together! Have fun!

Stamps Sets for Punches

Scallop Circle Punch: In the Spotlight, Glorious Garlands, Punch Pals, Double-Line Doodles, Wanted, Priceless, Big Flowers, Big Deal Alphabet, Looks Like Spring, Fabulous Flowers, Ginormous Flowers, Sweet Shapes, Illuminations, It’s Your Birthday, Warm Words, Pictograms, Short and Sweet, Sincere Salutations, All Holidays, Jumbo Alphabet, All About Occasions, Brocade Basics, Baroque Motifs, Sparkling Sayings, So Much, Fun & Fast Notes, On Board Blossoms and Basics

Tag Punches: Perfect Presentation, All About Occasions, Flakey Friends, Punch Pals, Be Happy, Tagger’s Dozen, Bundled in Love, Business Boosters

Designer Label Punch: Party Punch, Labelicious

Round Tab Punch: Party Punch, Office Accoutrement, Totally Tabs

1” Circle Punch: Sending Happy Thoughts kit, Perfect Presentation, Glorious Garlands, The Snowflake Spot, Perennial Favorites, Holiday Blitz, Double-Line Doodles, Polka Dots & Petals, Create a Coupon, Genuine Articles, Business Boosters, Calendar Cues, On Board Blossoms and Basics

1 ¼” and/or 1 3/8” Circle Punch: Simple Delights Simply Sent kit, Perfect Presentation, Batty For You, Holiday Tag Team, Sparkling Sayings, Be Happy, Figures of Speech, Double-Line Doodles, Polka Dots & Petals, Big Flowers, Stamp of Authenticity, Carte Postale, Think Happy Thoughts, Big Pieces, Seeing Spots, So Happy, Dots Are Hot, Brocade Basics, Labelicious, Genuine Articles, Circle of Friendship, It’s All Good, Sporting

½” and/or ¾” Circle Punch: In the Spotlight, Holiday Tag Team, Glorious Garlands, Cold Play, Snow Flurries, Merry Merry, Punch Pals, Forever in My Heart, Holiday Blitz, Double-Line Doodles, Sweet Thing, Wanted, Star Struck, Little Flowers, Little Pieces, Please Come, Dot Spot background, Alphabits, Art by Design

1 ¼” and/or 1 3/8” Square Punch: Simple Delights Simply Sent kit, Perfect Presentation, Forever in My Heart, Sealed With a Kiss, Be Happy, Figures of Speech, Tagger’s Dozen, Sweet Thing, Office Accoutrement, Stamp of Authenticity, Carte Postale, Glad Tidings, It’s All Good, Art by Design, Sporting, Business Boosters, It’s a Date

¾” Square Punch: Punch Pals, Calendar Cues

Large Oval Punch: I did it, many of the word sets

Star Punch: Wanted, Starstruck, Sporting, Wild West Alphabet, On Board Blossoms and Basics

5-Petal Flower Punch: In the Spotlight, Be Happy, Priceless, Simply Said, Looks Like Spring, Heartfelt Thanks, Ginormous Flowers, Office Accoutrement, Big Pieces, Cutie Pie Double Sided Paper, On Board Blossoms and Basics

Snow Blossom Punch: In the Spotlight, Simple Snowman, Wondrous Gift, Snowflake Spot, Merry Merry, Snow Flurries, Punch Pals, Snowfall, Be Happy

Spring Flower Bouquet Punch: Looks Like Spring

Three for You Punch: Three Thoughts Simply Sent kit, Punch Pals, Take Three, Three for You punch box

Word Window Punch: So Many Sayings, Block Party, Boatloads of Love, Fun & Fast Notes, Take Three, Everything Baby, Short & Sweet, Happy Everything, Wonderful Favorites, Warm Words, All Holidays, Everyday Flexible Phrases, Amazing to Zany, Fundamental Phrases

Last Minute Plans

Hi All! Just want you to know I'll be away for a couple of days. Todd and I decided to take a short trip together while Kyler is with grandma. I'll be back sometime on Friday. See you then!

A Couple Of Pictures

Well, I've talked so much about my grandpa that I thought I'd show you a picture of him. Did I say how great it was to see him? Yeah...I know, I did. I just can't help saying it again though! I look like a total dork in this picture but I'm happy to have it anyway! I also got a four generation picture with my son, dad, grandpa and me. Did I tell you that my grandpa is my mom's dad? Do you think we look alike at all? This is the first time I've really noticed that we do have some features in common! How neat!

I know you don't come here for pictures of me so how about a picture of a card that I made before I left for my trip. This is a pocket card. They are so super easy to make! Here is what you do. Cut your card stock so it is 4 1/4 x 11, score at 5 1/2 and then 1 1/4 inch from one end. The insert is about 4 1/2 x 3 1/2. So easy and they are so cute! Here I used Close to Cocoa, Pink Passion, Very Vanilla, and Linen Prints paper. I used the stamp set is Garden Whimsy and I used part of one of the stamps from Stem Sayings for the happy birthday. Oh, and also the new Posy background stamp! Ink is Pink Passion, Close to Cocoa, and Basic Black. Accessories: Gel Pen and the Spring Flower Bouquet Punch. Where is the punch used you may ask? Well, behind the little ladybug image. I didn't have a scalloped circle that was the right size so I punched out a ton of the little flowers and layered them on the back. I really like how it turned out!

Hope you enjoy this pocket card and that you try one of your own! :0)

Punch A Bunch

Yay! Stampin' Up! has a fun special for the month of August. It is called Punch A Bunch. When you purchase the incredibly versatile Three For You Punch Box in the month of August you will received 30 textured Love Notes ($12.95 value) for FREE!!! The love notes are in the colors of Purely Pomegranate, So Saffron, and Wild Wasabi.

Just give me a call or e-mail me to order or for more information!

A Comment

I just want to make sure that you understand that I'm not saying that mother/daughter relationships are easy. They certainly are not. I'm not even putting a blanket statement on anything. There are times when, I'm sure, it is appropriate to put distance between yourself and your mother. However, in my opinion, if it is just a matter of not seeing eye to eye well...figure it out. We don't see eye to eye with our spouses, our kids, our bosses, and even sometimes our friends, yet we still figure out a way to make our relationships work (okay, not always). Why should it be any different with our parents?

I do think being told that it is easy for me to say is a bit off the mark though. I had a difficult relationship with my mother. It is from the experiences that I've had that I say 'try and find a way to make it work'.

That is it...nothing more. Take what you want from this little statement and throw the rest in the trash.

Have a great night all!

So Sorry!

I'm so sorry you guys! I really did mean to post every day while I'm gone. I don't know how but somehow the day always gets away from me and then when I do sit down to post...I don't have my thumb drive with me. Why don't I go get it? Usually because Kyler is asleep in the room where it is and I am NOT going to wake him up. I really hope to be able to post a picture for you tomorrow!

I had an absolutely fantastic time with my grandpa the last couple of days! I love and miss him so much. As a kid we would go to visit my grandparents (my grandma died 11 years ago) at least once a month. I would spend a week or two with them in the summer. He is 81 now and still amazes me with what he is able to accomplish. For one...he drives the 4 1/2 hours to see me! Because my mom died almost 10 years ago I thought I'd ask him if he would share something with me about my mom. Anything he wanted....a memory of her childhood...anything. Well, with tears in his eyes and a little choked up, he said to me that she was loving, kind, and generous and just so classy. He totally hit it on the head...my mom was just one incredibly classy woman and I so hope I represent her well. He went on to share a couple of childhood memories about her...it was just a fantstic time! It was also incredibly neat that Kyler was with to hear her talked about in such a loving way.

Ladies...I know that relationships with our mom's can be so hard but I just need to say that you need to find a way to make your relationship with your mom work. I love my mom so much but while she was here we often would butt heads (my dad says it was because we are so much alike!) and I so wish I would have just chilled out and appreciated having her around. Now I feel like I've been cheated out of the relationship with her that I should have and could have had. So, please, take a moment and appreciate your mom in the way that she deserves!

Off my soap box and onto bed I go. I'll *see* you all tomorrow!

Hello from Wisconsin!

Well, we arrived safely and have now been here for a couple of days. We've seen some family and will see more this weekend. I'm most excited to see my grandpa who will be coming up to see us from Iowa. :0)

Here is a fun little project that I made before I left. I received a couple of these really big paper clips in a Paper Pretties kit that I received a couple of months ago and have just now decided to make a bookmark with one. I just took a flower from the chipboard set called *insert name here...'cuz I can't remember* and then decorated it with some DP. I used a rhinestone brad in the center as well. Both sides are the same. It was a really fun thing to make and didn't really take any time at all. Now...just to find some more of those big clips!

Hope you have a great Saturday everyone!

Tomorrow we fly...

So, tomorrow is the day we fly to Wisconsin so there will be no post tomorrow because it is pretty much an all day adventure. Kyler is sooooo excited to go he keeps telling me that he wishes it was today. Too cute! We took the Boeing Plant Tour and saw where and how they build the 747. It was interesting but not as much information as I would have liked. Guess it is mostly proprietary info so they can't give it away. Oh, and I just had a wonderful dinner at Olive Garden. Have you guys seen the commercial for the Shrimp Caprese? Well, that is what I had. It is definitely a different flavor from other Italian red sauces but it was quite tasty. I would suggest you try it if you get a chance.

I think that I have enough photos on my thumb drive to post a card today so here you go! (Maybe Todd will stamp something and post while I'm gone too!) This beautiful get well card was made by my friend Courtney at Created By Courtney. It is made with the Baroque Motifs set. She used a transparency and embossed the swirls. I just love this card and will definitely be trying this sometime! Thank you so much Courtney for thinking of me.

If you are interested I'm feeling much better. I'm mobile all the time but I am exhausted by the end of the day and my abdomen gets sore and a little swollen by the end of the day but other than that....I'm golden. And Kyler? He is sooooo much better too! He and I are just so happy he is so much better. It is amazing what the correct antibiotic will do! Oh, I just have to mention that we have the BEST pediatrician. Dr. Herman called Kyler on Sunday to see how he was doing and then she called again on Tuesday morning to see how he was. Isn't that just fantastic?!

Alrighty guys...you have a wonderful next couple of days and I'll be back on Friday! Pray for a good trip for us! :0)