Please say a prayer...

... My mom is in the hospital for overnight observation. She had some 'weird' feelings from her face to her toes on the left side of her body, including her arm, which to me says heart problems or a mini-stroke. The blood work came out normal or at least inconclusive on the problem. She has an elevated blood pressure, but besides that, they aren't sure what is causing the odd-feeling symptoms.

What a way to spend New Years Eve, huh? Dad said they will just have to push off the shrimp cocktails and champagne for when she gets back home. AW!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!!!!!

Slowly but Surely...

... I am getting better! I actually ventured OUT today. It did help that the temperature was a cool 46degrees, instead of MINUS 5!! My voice is still pretty rough, but I am not as yucky-feeling in the ears and throat, so that is good!

I have been working on my craft room again today. Decluttering, organizing, re-vamping, if you will. I am VERY excited with how it has turned out so far. I KNOW that I create MORE things MORE OFTEN when I don't feel so overwhelmed with things out of place. Kind of a 'thing' with me, I guess you could say. I hope I can get it finished before the weekend at least; so I can enjoy the last weekend with the kids before school starts back up on Monday.

I will take new pictures when I get it done and will share with you all my "NEW SPACE". You might even find some neat organizational tips for your scrap-space when browsing the pictures! Well, at least I HOPE you do!

Have a great night!

Back from Christmas!

I just returned from my hubby's family's Christmas. I am sick. Can you believe it? Well, at least they got me to shut up for once! I lost my voice on Friday late night/Saturday morning!

HA!

Josh and I went to Danville, IL, as usual. We always take a day during the Christmas trip to go shopping together and have lunch. It was fun! Although I couldn't sing to any of the 103.9 FM 1980's rock songs! I guess it is laryngitus, but not for sure. All I know is that I lost my voice, cough here and there and my phlegm is a "COLOR", not clear, so you know that means I am SICK!

I will touch base with ya'll when I get better!

Merry Christmas! Part 2

Merry Christmas AFTERNOON! Well, a wonderful time was had by all. It took all of about 3.2 seconds for all of the presents to be unwrapped! AND it took about 3.2 HOURS to get them out of the boxes! LOL!!!!!! NAH, just kidding! We actually take turns opening presents so it took longer than 3.2 minutes, but it was difficult for everyone to contain their enthusiasm with each and everyone's gifts!

Even MINE! My hubby surprised me with some Eddie Bauer Giftcards and some Bath & Body Works Velvet Tuberose (MY ABSOLUTE FAVE!) and their new Black Amethyst lotions and potions! Thanks, Hubby!


Here are the kids hamming it up for the camera, they had to, or they didn't get to open presents! HAHA!

This is the evidence that proves Santa "WAS HERE"!!

Finally here is our tree lit up early this morning just waiting to be hoarded by excited children! I can't believe that the kids actually slept in on Christmas Morning! Who woulda thought??

Merry Christmas to all and to all a GOOD WEEKEND!!

Merry Christmas!

Our Christmas Eve Bash was a BLAST! I made sugar cookies, which the children (even 18 1/2 year old Josh) decorated. However, with the artist in me just dieing to get out, I had to keep 6 or so for me to decorate as well... can you spot mine??

THEN I had to make brownies. I wanted to make the butter pecan cake, but I was out-voted. Can anyone say Ghirardelli?? Yes, I made Ghirardelli brownies with a hot fudge topping! OH MY GOSH. Hubby and I SPLIT a 1/2!! of a brownie and had enough. So very rich, I could have fainted! AND the calories??? I might as well just slap those brownies on my thighs instead of ingesting them, because that is exactly where they are going! HAHA!!

I am waiting for the kids to wake up, hard to believe they are picking Christmas DAY to sleep in! I do hear Isaac squirming, and he is bound to wake everyone up, so I better scat! Santa came late last night and I bet the kids are about to break loose!

Back later with some 'unwrapping' pics!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Just a note checkin' in with everyone! I have managed a new recipe sliced almonds & cranberry cheese ball (with seasoned salt, green onion and pineapple in cream cheese, of course), homemade Mac and Cheese is in the oven and the barbecued porkchops are simmerin' away in the crockpot! Tomorrow is sugar glazed ham, a gouda scalloped potato casserole with granny apples in it (new one, too!) and sugar snap peas, along with a butter pecan cake with pecan/coconut glazing!!

What'cha all having this holiday?? I like to make things in advance so I don't have to stay in the kitchen for four hours straight on the big day! I have the makings for Raspberry Cider Hot Toddies (with raspberry liquer and some VSOP Cognac!! ANOTHER NEW RECIPE!) I just realized I need to make the cheesy biscuits yet and I noticed this morning that someone snuck the last of the Extra Creamy Vanilla ice cream out of the deep freeze, so I need to run to the store before they close! Gotta have me ice cream with me cake!!!! HA!

I hope everyone is having a blessed day! Back soon!

Giving up!

Ok, so I guess I am going to give up on posting something new today! There is just sooooooo much to do before Christmas Day! UGH!

So, consider this my Holiday Hiatus Notice and IFFFFF I do get a chance I will for sure post something. Of course, I don't know what there is I can post since everything I made over the past two days is secret.... shhhh! Can't tell, but maybe you will see something 'in person' soon!

If not, I will post something on Monday for sure, how's that?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

It's HIP to be SQUARE!

My first SQUARE CARD!! What'cha think??

I used Basic Grey's Archaic plaid paper for this one and SUP!'s Glad Tidings stamp image for the sentiment. A Quickutz flourish and Nestibilites Square scalloped dies give it that extra punch of softness! Blue bayou ribbon adds a great touch, too, I think! I used Blue Bayou, Soft Sky and Not Quite Navy for the cardstock choices on this one. I love blue right now for some reason!

Have a great night!

PROMOTIONS GALORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Due to a change in company policy, I can NOW show you a NEW Stampin' UP! Promotion BEFORE it actually takes place on December 23rd!! WOOHOO STAMPIN' UP!

Here's yet another fabulous promo that Stampin' UP! is having beginning December 23rd!! Click on the PICTURE to see the flyer close up AND then contact your demonstrator immediately! I absolutely love this bundle! Of course, I have it early, being a demo myself, but, TRUST ME, you WANT this! The stamp set is AWESOME and the punch is wonderful! OH, and the PAPER??? OH MY GOSH! IT ROCKS!! You can see how I used this stamp set and punch AND paper set HERE (CLICK HERE)!

Don't forget about the free shipping (until Dec. 23rd) with a $70.00 order! OH, and a $20 purchase will give you 20% off any AND ALL stamp sets (there's NO LIMIT!) in the Fall-Winter Sampler Catalog! So, if you think about it, you can take advantage of all of these promos ON Dec. 23rd! Don't miss out of the RETIRING ITEMS, TOO! The Retiring Sets are available until January 18th, but you get an additional 10% off the retail amount Up and Until December 23rd, as well!!

Make it a STUPENDOUS SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Winter Wonder-Gifts!

AHHHHHHHHHHH! The final shipments are posted, insured and on their way to TEXAS!!

I had to package and send two gifts for a customer who ordered them for relatives. This is what I came up with. I am sure glad that I bought these gift bags in bulk a long time ago! I LOVE stamping on them with the appropriate seasonal decor! I decided to do wintery snowflakes instead of the expected red and green of this time of year.

I attached the TO & FROM tag with a chunky staple, which then closed the bag shut. I tied each box with a different colored satin ribbon, although they weren't going to the same destination, I just HAD to make them different! HA! (THAT IS SO ME!)

Thanks AGAIN, Janette!

Aw, Darn it, NO CARD!

Sorry for not having a paper-creation for you today! I spent the afternoon wrapping up some jewelry orders that I had from a few weeks back. Now on to finish packing and getting ready to ship tomorrow! WOOHOO!

{Thank You, Janette, for all of the orders! You are going to make some family members VERY happy!}

I will hopefully start crafting on a regular and STEADY schedule after the holidays!! I DO need a BREAK, let me tell ya! There's only so much that these carpal tunnel wrists can withstand! At this pace, I better whip out the wrist braces during the day (instead of just at night) to help keep them working!

Hope you're keepin' warm! I will see ya'll tomorrow!

BLOG CANDY!!!!!!

I am donating this bottle of Prima Flowers to a special cause... Please check THIS POST HERE to see how you can win it along with many other stamping goodies!

Say a prayer for Francesca!

Love You Much!

Here's the one for today!! And then I am off to pay better attention to the kids! I started this when we were on a two-hour delay because of icy-conditions. WELLLLLLL, now they cancelled school, so I have all the kids PLUS ONE, the neighbor boy Zach is with us today! Needless to say, Eli is totally excited! Zach is like his best friend EVAH!

I got out the new Candy Lane paper with the new Love You Much stamp set and NEW triple heart punch and had at it! I love this ribbon, too! Red Riding Hood is such a great color Red, not too dark, not too bright, just PERFECT!

Have a SUPAH DUPAH DAY! Stay Warm!

Get outta here!

Holy crapola, another card! That's two days in a row. I think I might hurt myself if I keep making cards at this pace! HA HA! If I spent as much time exercising as I do being creative making cards and jewelry, I would be as thin as tissue paper!

Still lovin' that Baja Breeze color. Honey (my hubby) okay'd us painting our bedroom in this color, or at least just one accent wall... WOOHOO.

NOW if I could only talk HIM into doing the actual painting; as of right now, it's up to me to get'r done. That may be a while....

Click on the pic to see all the purty details.....

Have a SUPAH evening!

LOOK at what I won!

Some blog candy from Beverly at Precious Scraps!!!! Thanks so much, Beverly!

Getting into the Spirit!

Knock my socks off! I made a card! HA HA!

Back soon!

Bloggin' MIA

Hey ya'll! I will be posting just IF I CAN for the next five days or so. I have family coming in for an early Christmas visit this weekend, so I need to get moving.

It is a lot for me to handle by myself with the four kids at my feet in the evenings, so I better do it during the day. Plus, the whole cooking/cleaning for 8 people for 2 days may not sound like very much, but if I don't plan it out now, I will be constantly running to the store for this or that and the house will not be ready when they get here! I HATE THAT!

So, if I get a chance to post, I will, but until then....

Happy Holidays!

SHOCK! A paper-related project!

I made this 15 x 8 name frame for my daughter. I love the new paper set by Stampin' UP! Candy Lane will be available later this month in a specially priced bundle with a new triple heart punch and a new Valentine Inspired-stamp set. I LOVE IT!

I used my Provocraft Cricut Expression to diecut the letters. I used the Plantin font cartridge for this one. I also used Chocolate Chip colored cardstock to accent the striped paper and shadow the letters. If you have any new babies in the family, this is a great Christmas gift! Or older babies, too (KayLee is five and loves this and can't wait to put it in her room)!

Enjoy your night!

Guess I am not so original after all!

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 1,336 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

WHEW!

Stick me with a thermometer like a turkey and call me DONE! Finally! The shows of 2008 are all wrapped up! I do LOVE the shows while I am doing them, but the getting ready, setting up and tearing down really sucks!

NOWWWWW, on to readying for Christmas! I don't even have a tree up yet and until that happens, it just won't feel like Christmas to me!

I am also excited to be able to play with paper a bit more now, too! Since the busy jewelry season has passed me by now with the shows being finished, I hope to make cards each week and really get my SplitCoast Stampers library a bit thicker than it is now. I DOOOO so enjoy their challenges each day!!

I really appreciate all of the return~customers that came to see me at the Depot this weekend! Don't forget that you can call or email me anytime for a custom order or special request! If you are still needing something worked up for a loved-one, a teacher, a babysitter or co-worker, please be sure to contact me right away! We can brainstorm together and figure out what is best for your recipient and I will get your order to you by the deadline you set!

I am accepting orders all the way up to December 21st, with ensured local delivery by the 23rd, as long as I have the supplies on hand that your order requires. If you would like to be sure that your order can be filled by the 23rd, (and check that I do have all the crystal colors, etc., that your order needs) please contact me as soon as possible!

Enjoy the rest of your evening!

ONE MORE CHANCE!

Sunday is the last time you will be able to see my goodies in person in Jasper, Indiana! I am at the Train Depot from noon to 4pm on Sunday! I have tons of new ScissorBling and BagBling, perfect for those items with zippers, be it purses or jackets or WHATEVER!

I had a TOTALLY FUN time today with a couple of young girls at the table next to me. AH, YOUTH! Jade and Cheyenne are both really great girls with SUPAH personalities, not to mention CUTE!!!!!! (Physically and mentally, too! Might just have to hook Josh up with one of them for Prom! HA!)

Josh had his SAT's for the second time today, he said that he did better this time, or at least he said it seemed easier than last time. It must have worked his brains because he had his lights out at 8:30pm when the little ones were going to bed! He is such a fine young man, he was happy to stay and help me wrap things up this afternoon at the show. Did I mention that he brought me a sandwich that he made himself? AND Scott hadn't even told him to do so? AWWWWWW! I love you, Josh! (What a sweetie!)

Anyhoo.... come out and see us tomorrow at the show! Train rides are from noon to 3pm! $3.00 a person for a 30 minute ride to no-where, but I am sure it will be fun! OH, and there are ceramics that can be painted by your youngsters, perfect gifts for grandparents and teachers! Handmade items ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gonna go for now! Have a great Sunday!

Fifth of Five New Beadsets!

YEAH! This is WHAT I am talkin' About!!!!!! I love love love loooooooove this set!!!!!! I bet my mom and sister and niece will too, since they love teal! These are rich and deep enough to go with winter attire and bold enough to go with summer ware, too! OH, SO PRETTY!

Come out and see me at the Jasper Train Depot Saturday and Sunday, if you are local! I would love to see ya!

Have a SUPAH DUPAH Weekend!

Fourth of Five New Beadsets!

I hope one of my newest and best customers, Cheryl, doesn't strangle me! She wanted a keybling with a rainbow-feel to it. And since I didn't have any lampwork to incorporate into it, I just used all Swarovski crystals and sterling beads. Well, Lo and Behold, what do we have here? A rainbow inspired set of beads. I just got my hands on these yesterday via Mr. Postman!

While these don't compose a true rainbow, I do love these shades together! I am seriously thinking of keeping this set for me, too. It would be able to go with just about ALL of the colors of my wardrobe! So, I could wear it all the time!! Guess we will determine that later.

Oh, this weekend's show hours are: Saturday from 9am to 4pm, and Sunday 12noon to 4pm!

ONE MORE coming up for those passionate about purple and teal!

Third of Five New Beadsets!

YUMMMMMMMY! Opague glass! I love the opaque-type of glass. I don't know, but for some reason I tend to be drawn to beads that are solid-looking. And these are NO exception! Seriously considering keeping these for ME! Don't cha just love the designs in them? The second to the left and the flower one just kill me! Let me know if ya wanna reserve the set for yourself or to be used as a gift for someone who you know LOVES black and pink together!

The other two tonight!

Second of Five New Beadsets!

Here is one of the smaller sets that I spoke of in the last post. I may take a bead from the previous set and stick it in this one. Then again, maybe not. When I get the beads loose I will see what they look like with each other and decide.

I do love this set a lot because of the use of the two tones of gray and the transparent and opaque pinks together. And that little touch of black really sets it off!

I will post the others later! I gotta go get ready for lunch!

First of Five New Beadsets!

Mornin' Peeps! I was awakened this morning with a sick-o in the house. Eli is at home again. He is coughin' up some honkin phlegm, so off to the doctors we go again. He is the one who gets sick the most. He has allergies, headaches, etc... Wish me luck that he gets well soon. I really don't want to have to worry about him at this weekend's show. I forgot all about mentioning that this week! I will get to that in a bit!

Anyhoo, here is the first of five NEW bead sets! I have three that involve the use of pink, gray and/or black and two others. I will be showing these throughout the day.

If you see a set that you would like to reserve and have made into a bracelet for yourself, just be the first to email me with your request! I might take a couple of beads from this set and combine it with one of the other smaller sets to make it a bit more even, but we will see!

This weekend's show is on Saturday and Sunday again, I believe it starts at 10am, but not sure! HAHA! I guess it doesn't matter to me since I will be there early to set up! But, to be on the safe side, I will say 10am, but it might actually be 9am. I think Saturday lasts until 5pm and Sunday is 11am to 4pm. I will double check the hours and confirm it in a future post. OH, WHERE??? do you ask? HA! I will be at the Jasper, Indiana Train Depot, over by the bridge and the old Jasper Cabinet Company. It is for artists only, no party-affiliated people will be there, like Stampin' UP!. I personally feel that Stampin' UP! should be a part of it, because you do need to be a bit creative and artistic to use their supplies! Or at least you can LEARN to be creative and artistic by using Stampin' UP! items!

Come out and see me and check out all of the other artists as well! It will be fun!

Check back for another bead set in a bit!

Uh yeah...

I forgot to take pictures of the new beads... Uh, yeah.... duh.

I was so busy today cleaning, decluttering, cooking... I made two slabs of barbecued ribs this afternoon to just have on hand to warm up or use as leftovers over the weekend, and then I cooked a garlic and herb pork tenderloin for supper tonight. I made a double batch of crescent rolls, a huge bowl of steamed veggies and then put them along side some applesauce and cottage cheese for supper. I was stuck at home with the car in the shop. They were getting it ready for the winter months, checking fluids, checking the idle, oil change, rotating tires.... So, I couldn't go anywhere! But at least I got a lot of homey things done!

See ya'll tomorrow!

Wind = Energy

I forgot to post these from my Chicago-trip this past July. If you have never seen a wind turbine in person, look at these pictures that I took while traveling north to Chicago. These are about an hour northwest of Lafayette, Indiana. Aren't they honkin' huge? These weren't moving yet, they were just being built and hadn't been 'turned on' to make energy yet. Guess where the energy is going from these? Believe it or not, PENNSYLVANIA!! No, not Indiana, not Ohio, no where near where they are 'planted' so-to-speak. At least the farmers get rent from the company who owns these. That hopefully will help the shrinking farming community up north!

I have new beads for you to see later! Gotta take some pics! If you like Pink & Black or Teal & Purple, these are perfect for ya!

Check back!

SheetLoad Card Details part TWO

I guess I should have mentioned in the last post that you can CLICK on the pictures to seem them in DETAIL, hence the whole reason I am posting these here!

I know you can see these in the SheetLoad of Card's issue, but you can't see them all zoomed up close in the e-zine! So, here ya go, click and snoop at your pleasure! This card below is another card that is featured in SheetLoad's December issue. It is on the second to last page or so, where the list of samples are posted by various artists. Hope you try the sketch!

Stamps: Paper Pretties (The Nativity); Patterned Papers: Basic Grey (Figgy Pudding); Cardstock: Stampin’ UP! (Winter White, Soft Sky, Mellow Moss); Ink: Brilliance (Coffee Bean), Copic (Sketch markers), Stampin’ UP! (Close to Cocoa); Satin Stitched two-sided Ribbon: Michael’s; Punches: Stampin’ UP (long scallop); Circular Cut: Creative Memories (Circle cutting template & blade); Exact-o knife: Stampin’ UP!

ENJOY THE EVENING!

SheetLoad Card Details part ONE

Here are some close-up, detailed shots for those curious about my card. I used Copic (alcohol based) markers to color in the images of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. I also used a hologram-embossing powder to make the snowflake sparkle a bit like a "star" would in the sky above the newborn "King"!

I used my Copic markers to color the white paper below and around the images to make it look like 'stable hay' of-sorts, and then cut the paper into jagged hay or straw shapes around the bottom. If you don't have Copic markers, seriously, you DO NOT KNOW what you are missing! I LOVE THEM! They may have cost me about $500-600, but they really are considered an investment for any artist... (at least that is what I tell my hubby! HA HA!)

Stamps: Paper Pretties (The Nativity) & Stampin’ UP! (Snowflake from Snow Swirled); Patterned Papers: Basic Grey (Dasher); Cardstock: Stampin’ UP! (Winter White, Chocolate Chip, Blue Bayou); Ink: Brilliance (Coffee Bean), Copic (Sketch markers), Stampin’ UP! (Not Quite Navy); Grosgrain Ribbon: Stampin’ UP!; Punches: Stampin’ UP (long scallop), Marvey (square scallop); Rhinestone: Martha Stewart; Embossing powder: Stampin’ UP! (hologram highlights); Circular Cut: Creative Memories (Circle cutting template & blade); Exact-o knife: Stampin’ UP!, Dimensional Sticky Dots: Paper Studio

I will post details of my second card in a bit!

SheetLoad of Cards DECEMBER ISSUE!

And here is my cover-debut! YEPPERS, the Four (more like five) Hour card made the cover of December's SheetLoad of Card's Issue! WOOHOO!

{Note: It is very nice to see that all of those hours did amount to something, after all!! HA HA!}

Alicia really pulled together a great issue for December! Especially given the fact that she had to work through AND around Thanksgiving to get this one ready for today! WAY TO GO, ALICIA!

Click on over to SheetLoad and see how to make a big batch of cards quickly and efficiently with a great sketch, a detailed list of supplies and little~to~NO paper waste!

Sunday and I am done, well... almost!

Howdy Evenin' peeps!

I finished up this weekend's Armory show this afternoon, and man am I POOPED! I can't tell ya enough how I enjoyed meeting everyone today! I sincerely HATE the whole 'getting ready' for shows, but boy do I have fun when I am there! I have one more show next weekend... and THEN I will be done with the shows until Spring! So, I am nearly there! Shows are a lot of work!

The temperature was bad ( a bit too hot to most ) but the lighting was even worse! Everything was yellow-tinged and my hair looked GREEN! HA HA! But, all in all, we had a super time! Scott returned with the kids around 7pm and KayLee and I sat down and had 2-minute eggs again! It was so fun! She had three eggs and three pieces of toast... what a hog! HA HA! I am glad she likes them, she is so small that she needs as much nutrition as she can get! Eli said that the two-minute eggs looked yucky, but when I offered him a bite, he was more than eager to try them. AND of course he LOVEDDDDDDDDDD them! (He wants them for his after-school snack tomorrow, he told me already!)

Anyhoo.... I better mosey and get things ready for tomorrow! I have a super busy day planned with appointments at noon and 2pm, so the whole afternoon is going to be swamped!

Don't forget to check out SHEETLOAD OF CARDS tomorrow! The December issue will be up and running tomorrow morning! OH, and guess who just might be on the cover with her 4-5 HOUR CARD???? Um Hum, that just might be MOI! I am not sure, so I will find out when you do!

Enjoy the rest of your night!

Black Friday

.... didn't happen!

I slept in until a WHOLE 7am and then got up and made my To-Do list for this weekend's show. After almost having a coronary, I got started on the loooooong list and got everything finished at 9pm, WHEW! Glad I worked up until 9pm because the last final thing I made last night was the first thing sold today! (Thanks, Cheryl!)

Today's show was SUPAH GREAT!

I met a lot of new crafters and one special artist, Katie. She is really talented and has a keen eye for mixing and matching patterns and color in custom totes and aprons and anything else sewing-related!

I took a friend out to supper tonight for her birthday......

HAPPY BIG "Three Three" BIRTHDAY CHAS!!!! {Enjoy the Velvet if you can! LOL!!!}

.... And now I have to go work on some orders for tomorrow! BUSY BUSY! Thank you to all of my new customers and friends! I really appreciate your business and hope you enjoy your new BLING!

See ya'll tomorrow!

Please Watch - Final Thankful Thought

If you are like me and have a stash of cards that are doing you NO GOOD in a drawer, please consider this....

Thank You, Gina K, for supporting http://www.cardsforheroes.org/, and also for reminding us exactly WHAT and WHO we should be really thankful for. FREEDOM & THE SOLDIERS who are making sure that we CONTINUE TO HAVE IT.

Happy Thanksgiving NIGHT!

I hope this is finding everyone stuffed and content with pumpkin pie & whipped cream!

I made more jewelry today and spent the entire day watching USA channel! They had a HOUSE MD marathon! WOOOHOOOOO! I LOVE HOUSE! I saw quite a few episodes I had never seen before so it was quite fun!

Josh is at the movies with his dad and Scott called to tell me Happy Thanksgiving, which I thought was especially sweet! I am going to pull an all-nighter (after I take a nap), making items for this weekend's show AND then heading out to shop at 5am! There really isn't anything I need to buy, I just LOVE to get in on the action! HEEHEE!

OH, almost forgot.... My thankful thought for yesterday (since I missed the post) is that I am thankful for an understanding hubby. He was really gracious to let me stay home (instead of going with him and our kids to his parents' house) to make more items to sell at the show this weekend. He didn't make me feel an ounce of guilt, so that was really nice. I am sure he also hopes that I make a 2K killing like I did last year so that I can get a little bit more out of debt with my business expenses, too, but that is okay! At least he is being somewhat supportive, right?

I am very thankful that he does what he can and tries his best to make me happy. Sometimes he doesn't achieve it, but I am sure he is not the WHOLE blame, if you know what I mean, wink, wink....

As for today, my thankful thought is......

I am thankful for my eldest son, Josh. Now that he is 18 (senior in High School), I look at him a tad different. I have given him a bit more leniency and a bit more room for him to do what he wants to do and needs to do as a man/adult, if you will. And, he has been holding his own. I haven't had to "PARENT" him as much as last year. He really has matured. I look at Josh and think back to when I was his age. I was pregnant when I was 18 1/2 or so, the same age he is now. Hard to believe. I have been able to let go of the apron strings a bit and so has he. And although that makes me sad, I am happy, too.

He has really turned into a great person. A delightful young man. He listens to my suggestions on parenthood, he listens to my advice on women, he pays attention to the way Scott treats me AND more importantly, he thinks about how God looks at him.

I know my time is limited with him now. All too soon he will fly the coup and find himself a girl, possibly a wife and have children, too. I really hope he does find it within himself to push away the barriers and is able to share himself with a sweet girl that is worthy of him. He is so scared of being hurt, it is going to take a patient soul to stay with it. But, BOY, will it be worth her while, too.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope everyone had a SUPER DUPER day!

Blessings to all of you!

Thankful Thought for today 3

What a DAY! WOW! Man, I never waited in line at Wal-Mart as long as I did today! I was IN LINE to check out from 1:35pm to 2:20pm!! YEP, that's right people, do the math! That is 45 minutes in line! And I counted, there were only four people ahead of me in line! ALL of the lanes were this slow. All of us shoppers in the lanes next to me were laughing saying we were going to have a "race" to see who could get to the parking lot first! HA HA!

Before checking out, every single aisle in the store had at least ONE cart or shopper in it! It seemed like it was Black Friday already! But, seeing as how I didn't have any eggs, bread, fruit, veggies or cereal, it was either go or starve!

Besides that, I kept busy in the morning by finishing taking photos of my cards for Monday's debut of the December SHEETLOAD OF CARDS issue! (Can you believe that December is this close upon us? This year has just flown by!) So, now that I got the okay of being done with that, I need to focus on tomorrow! UGH! Another full day! I have to take KayLee her cupcakes for her class' Fall Party, drop off Isaac at PreSchool at noon and then go pick up Josh's senior pictures after that! When I get home I have to put all of the kids' pictures together to get ready for them to travel to Scott's parents' house for Thanksgiving. Then I have to finish washing, drying and packing all of the clothes!

Yeah, F U N .

But on that note, let it be said that I AM THANKFUL for family! Although I don't see many of them at all very often, I do appreciate what little I do have! I only have one sister and my parents live in the same town as her about 6 1/2 hours away, but we stay in touch often. Or at least they try! I am either hardly ever home to pick up the phone, can't hear it over the kids' screaming or just can't get to it in time! ((which brings to mind, mom left a message on my answering machine while I was stuck at Wal-Mart.... YES, MOM, that is fine what you got Eli for Christmas!!)) I am also grateful to have Scott's family, too. They are great people and love our kids so much, too!

Well, I gotta get off the computer now, Scott has a webinar at 9pm, so I better move it or lose it!

As one of my newest customers, Janette, said to me today in an email....

GOBBLE TILL YA WOBBLE!

Prayers for Gina K's dad

Just a quick post. If you read this, please STOP and say a prayer for Gina K and her dad. He's in the hospital and they could probably use some prayer support!

This weekend's SHOW HOURS!

Good Morning, PEOPLE! A reminder of sorts of this weekend's show!

Jasper Armory Arts & Crafts SHOW!

Bartley Street (next to the city pool)

SATURDAY: 10am to 5pm

SUNDAY: 10am to 4pm

I hope to see you there!

Thankful Thought for today 2

OHMYGOSH! Is this not the most hilarious thing EVAH? HA HAHAHAAWWWWW!!

Funny what you can find when you google "thankful thoughts" and then click on IMAGES!

As for today and my thoughts coming to mind today......

I am so thankful for wonderful friends. Friends that I can call to pick up my kid at school when I have dye in my hair at the hair salon and Josh's car dies at the highschool keeping him from picking up his brother (THANKS AMY!).

Friends that I can call with medical questions, like "what do you do when your kid's forehead has a gooseegg bump from running and falling INTO the corner edge of a doorframe?" because they work in radiology at the hospital (THANKS KELLY!).

AND especially cyber-friends that I can share "ALL" with! They haven't really known me all that long and STILL like to get my emails and reply EVERY SINGLE TIME! (THANKS ROBBI, FERAH, ALICIA, KRISTEN, JENMARIE, DENISE, CAMMIE, KATHLEEN, SHERRY, SHARON, CINDY, JODY!)

Of course there are a lot of gals that I haven't mentioned above that are SUPAH FRIENDS to me and that I would give my right arm for! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!




Besides my friends, I have to say that my customers over the past year have really been so crucial these past 12 months. They have given me more than financial support. They have provided me with encouragement, pats on the back and more belief in myself than I have ever had in my life. Knowing that in just one year I have achieved great business success with regular orders and income, and that I have a great customer base reaching from Florida's Atlantic coast to California's Pacific and numerous states in between, makes me feel like I am making a difference somehow. And that is a good thing I think!

So, with all that being said...

THANK YOU, FRIENDS! THANK YOU, CUSTOMERS (who are really friends, too!) I appreciate you all so much!

See ya'll tomorrow!

The Four (more like FIVE) Hour Card!

You will see it on MONDAY! Actually there are TWO cards, but the first one took forever! You will see why on Monday when SheetLoad of Cards releases their December issue! I am supplying the ezine with just card 'ideas' this time to another artists' sketch! I have switched up the sketch in two different directions! WOOHOO, how exciting is that? HA HA!

I thought I would share some pictures of me working under pressure! Here's my "BUSY" desk while I was working about an hour or so. What a freakin' mess!


Here's a closeup shot of the actual mess.... If you click on the pic you will get a sneakpeak of what is coming on Monday at SheetLoad of Cards!

These are ALL of the COPIC markers that I used on just ONE (!!!!) card! Now do you see why it took nearly five (or more?) hours!?

Here's a closer look at some of my supplies that I used today on the first card only!

ANNNNNNND, if that isn't all! If you click on the first picture and look in the lower left hand corner, you will see Stampin' UP!'s new triple heart PUNCH!! WOOHOO! I just got that in last WEDNESDAY! It will be coming in December in a special bundle that includes a stamp set and their new paper set Candy Lane (Valentine's inspired bundle). OH and that is not all! You will be able to pick it up at 20% off for a limited time only!

Another post in a bit!

Just checked the calendar...

UGH, I was checking the calendar just now because I knew I had a 2pm appt tomorrow and couldn't remember what for... when I noticed that I missed out on telling one of my friends....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, Amy! You know me and this time of year and it doesn't help that KayLee was sick all last week! I forgot two appts both on Wednesday, so you aren't the only one!

I hope you had a great birthday! BIG HUGS FROM HERE!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE YA!

Thankful Thought for today

YO FOLKS, it is Sunday night and I have been plugging away at the jewelry all day long! I am totally wiped out! Tomorrow is going to be MORRRRRRRRRRRE fun because I get to play with paper! It seems like I pull my best work out at the last minute of a deadline, so I will be getting some things done tomorrow for Sheetload of Cards' next issue!

Seeing as how Thanksgiving is just four little days away, I thought I would post some things that I am thankful for right now.

Not all of you know that I had a mamogram and a chest xray done a couple of weeks ago, but just Friday had confirmation that there is nothing "questionable" going on now. That does make me feel so happy, but at the same time makes me wonder why I have been having some isolated pain. It has now gone away in its' entirety, so if it re-surfaces I will head back for more testing, maybe an ultrasound next time. But for now, I am thankful to be able to not worry like I had been for a select five days.

I am also thankful that KayLee has finally gotten over her fever and sore throat and will be headed back to school tomorrow. She's excited, too!!

I am SOOOOOOOOOO thankful that I got the kids' Christmas shopping done (for the most part) this weekend, that way I can focus on the reason for the season!

Josh's grades at school are climbing with each report card, so I am grateful that he has really pulled together some determination within himself to get'r done his senior year!

Final thought for today is that I am thankful for my hubby and that my hubby has a career that allows me to stay home and be there for KayLee when she is home from school three days in a row. Or where I can go shopping and spend an easy $500.00 on some much needed clothes and shoes. Know what I mean? There is nothing that any of us should be more thankful for than that of security, love and support. (don't get me wrong, I have my moments with Scott, believe me!, but for the most part, I got the better end of the deal in this marriage. That is something that I continue to strive to make better about myself, so that one day maybe Scott will actually think that he is the one who got lucky with me!)

I am going to post a few more things over the next few days that I am thankful for, but until then, please post the same on YOUR BLOG or comment here of things that you are thankful for, too! AND challenge others who read your blog to do the same!

See ya'll tomorrow!

Gift in a Bucket

I just found this on Debbie Olson's blog and remembered that I posted this type of bucket earlier this week, that Prima sells. Isn't this a SUPAH gift idea? Debbie Olson is sooooo crafty, you should check out her blog when you have some time to sit down and browse! She has some great gift ideas and card techniques!

KayLee is still home sick, so my postings will be limited today. She just loves to snuggle when she doesn't feel well. Who doesn't?

Make it a FABULOUS FRIDAY!

NEW High Quality Cardstock at GINA K!

One of my favorite artists posted a comparison of two white cardstocks using COPICS on them. Check out Jody Morrow's blog to see the tutorial and also see where to find the new GINA K cardstock. It is 120lb and smooth and she noted that the COPIC didn't bleed through to the backside of the paper, which I know may be a pet peeve with some of you peeps out there (Ferah, Robbi, Cindee!)!

I just thought I would let you know about it! Jody is soooooooo talented and makes the best cards EVAH so be sure to check out her blog while you are there, too!

Gotta go take KayLee to the doctor, she's home sick with strep, I think! Later! ETA: KayLee doesn't have strep, just a typical cold! We are going to enjoy the rest of the day together while Isaac is at PreSchool! YEA!

Prima 8

GOT FLOWERS????

These are the infamous GOT FLOWERS that Prima really got to be known for, in my opinion! The glorious glass bottles with the bundles of gorgeous paper-flowers inside, just makes me tear up! HA HA!

This first set is GOT FLOWERS A: $84.00 for all 12 bottles! The variety of colors is awesome! I have this set and LOOOOOOOVE IT!


This second set is GOT FLOWERS B: $84.00 for all 12 bottles again! GORGEOUS!! I have this set, too, and use it just as much as the one above. These Got Flowers and the below Crazy Daisies and Got Daisies are my absolute favorites, along with the Essentials boxes!

This one is GOT FLOWERS SEASONAL: again at $84.00 you are getting so many fabulous colors! A vast array of Prima Happiness!!!!!!

I hope you enjoyed the PRIMA PARADE!

Now go out and get yourself some Prima TODAY!

Prima 7

Crazy for DAISIES!!! I love this set! I have it and use it alllllll of the time! There was a second set of daisies like this one, but in different colors, but they don't have it offered anymore. Must have sold out of it! When you snooze, you lose, so I am glad I got the other set when I did!

This first set is DAISY CRAZY: $78.00 for all 12 different tubes of colors! This set is less expensive than the one below because this are in plastic containers. At least that is why I THINK they are less. Plus, I honestly think that these hold more flowers than the glass bottles do AND they are lighter-weight to take along to scrap retreats!


The next post has GOT FLOWERS posted on it. Well this set is appropriately called GOT DAISIES? Similar with glass bottles instead of the plastic ones like the CRAZY DAISIES set above.

GOT DAISIES is $84.00 for all 12 different bottles of daisy shaped flowers in a wonderful array of colors! I don't have this set yet, but aspire to! HEE HEE!

This set is called ESPRIT: $84.00, again for all 12 bottles of different colors, sizes and shapes! I wish I had this set! I LOVE the dots!! I don't know if these are glass or not, but they look plastic to me.

Prima 6

I have never seen these in our local scrapbook store, but that isn't saying much! I NEVER go there! I have had so much going on with getting ready for the fall jewelry shows and just life in general, with four kids, that I can't even seem to get near that place! I do hope to get there soon, though, they have a Cricut Cartridge I want sooooooo bad!

ANYHOO... on a PRIMA NOTE: these are called CANDIES! Isn't that just the sweetest??

This is the GUMMI: $14.00 a bucket of flowers, ribbons and rhinestones...

This is the SUGAR: $14.00 a bucket of flowers, ribbons and rhinestones...

and last but not least, this is the TAFFY: $14.00 for the same, but in a different array of colors.

I love these!!!!!!!!!!!! Aren't they great?

Prima 5

MORE SETS! I love sets! HA HA! Those of you who work with more primary colors (if you have boys!) this first set is wonderful! I love the bold colors of this set!

SPRITES SET: $60.00 for all 12 boxes! That's just $5.00 a box!
If you love FELT, then this set is a "Must Have" for you! MOON BEAMS are felt flowers in all shapes and sizes! $36.00 for all 12 you see here! They are smaller tins, of course, I mean, they would have to be at $3.00 a tin! But what a bargain! For felt especially!

CROWN JEWELS SETS!!!!! These sets have more than just flowers, they have rhinestones and ribbon, all coordinating! ALL of five of these are $70.00 total. I know that sounds like a lot, but $14.00 for one set? That is a great stocking stuffer for sister or mom who scraps or a great gift for your scrappin' pals!

AMBROSIA SETS: I am not sure if I love 'em or not! What do you think? I am all about the bling, but hmmmmmmmm.... is it too much? NAH! HA HA! I don't know how many flowers are in each tin of these, but it would have to be more than just the six flowers you see at through the plastic. The price of $56.00 for all four sets, includes the tins, too!!! Ain't dey purty, Ma?

Prima 4

Some items offered by Prima, perfect for making Christmas presents look "PRESENTED WELL" when you give them!

Small 4 1/2" x 3 1/2" buckets: Just $3.00 each!
Larger 6" x 5" buckets: $6.00 each!!
And the Ornament Box set as shown: $25.00 for all five ornaments filled with the samplings of the items shown on the sides. I bought last year's Prima ornaments, and I have to say that I like this year's better! Notice the rick-rack??