This pair of wings worn and rusted from too many years by my side...they can carry me, swear to be sturdy and strong but see, turning them on still means goodbye...

Hi guys :) I was inspired by this post on one of my new favorite blogs. Bookmark it...you'll need a few hours and some Kleenex once you read through it. But it's good stuff.

So I realized the other day that I hadn't posted here since June 1st. That's a long time, even for me. I've gone back and forth trying to decide what and how much to share with you. Let's start and just see what happens. I'm scared to be transparent, but feel like sharing might help someone else. Off I go.

Four sets of hands and one set of paws moved into this house 7 years ago. Three sets of hands moved out in March. Our first house, the house I built with my best friend. We fought day and night over paint colors and carpet samples. Now it's someone else's home.

 Father's Day came, and I ran across this picture of Josh holding Cole when he was born. It made me remember just how much I miss this man. I tried to fast forward the grieving process. It didn't work.

These guys are growing up too fast. I find strength in their love every day. Inside me is the unrelenting urge to make the most of the years they are here with me.

 I've dealt with clinical depression for over 14 years. It's an opponent I have battled and beaten before. You'd think it would get easier every time. But you'd be wrong.

 I worked out, I sure did. But I've found cleaning and decluttering my apartment much more therapeutic. I've lost count, but I'm sure we are upwards of 10 bags donated and 10 bags trashed by now. And lots more to go.

 I enjoy apartment living. There's always someone around to hang out, chat with at the pool, or watch fireworks with from the balcony. No yard to mow, and no backyard to clean up. It's nice not worrying about fixing the garbage disposal or a drippy faucet.

I've been painting my nails. And painting. And painting. Got a nail stamping kit...combining my love of beauty and crafting. Totally fun.

 And then I painted some more...it makes me feel pretty. Everything's better with bling.

I'm learning to GET OUTSIDE. Soak up the Vitamin D. Reach out to people around me, and ask for help. It is easier to move an object that is already in motion.

I'm still decluttering my life, my relationships, my heart, and my apartment. One bit at a time, and celebrating each victory. I have not crafted in over a month, and I miss it. At this point I have so much STUFF that I'm totally overwhelmed. So I'm paring down in a major way to make room for only the things I LOVE to create with. I'm looking forward to a new, fresh start, and I hope you'll hang around for it. And Lord knows I'm a sucker for a DARE. *wink*

And high above or down below, when you're too in love to let it go...But if you never try you'll never know...

Happy Friday, y'all! I hope your week has gone smoothly and you're ready for the weekend! I have a super-fun card to show you today, but first I gotta brag on my sister for a second. *wink*
A couple of weeks ago, my friend Stephanie Wilson had a Women's Only mini photo-shoot. Since I have lately abandoned my "I can't get in front of a camera until I'm skinny!" logic, I thought it would be something fun to do with my sis to document this time in our lives. Stephanie was kind enough to shoot a few pictures of us together, and I wanted to show you a couple of them.


Isn't she beautiful? She's an opera singer, a student, a teacher, a mentor, and a children's choir director...I don't know WHAT she does with all that spare time...*wink*
The photo below is titled "When did we get wrinkles? And thanks, Dad, for the great teeth."


What I love about Stephanie's pictures is that she really captures moments. Love that. Anyway, my sister is awesome. Just thought you'd like to know.

Ok, on to the crafty stuff. You ready? I had no idea what I was doing when I started this card, it just kind of came together on its own. I was just playing, really...pulled out my Friendly Flowers set from Paper Smooches and stamped them randomly onto a 4" x 5.25" piece of white cardstock. My new Copic colors had just arrived, so I pulled them out and just played. It was so relaxing!



Maybe I'm ready for Winter to be over, or maybe it's just a new trend, but I'm totally into bright colors right now. (see above) You've probably noticed. So I've got this awesome card front panel and I think, "Man! I can't cover that up. And I really don't want to cut it. What should I do?" My eyes fell upon some vellum, and I remembered this card of Charmaine's a while back. Perfect! I stamped the "thanks ever so much" sentiment from the Pretty Phrases set in black Stazon on my vellum strip. I realize I have no vellum adhesive, so I dusted off the old sewing machine, then realizing that I hadn't used it in a while because my needle broke. Replaced the needle, threaded the needle, then we were in business. I stitched the vellum piece to the colorful flowered panel...using low tack artist's masking tape to hold it in place until I was finished. Here's a closeup:


To finish off my card, I added a black mat, then mounted it onto a white A2 card base. I thought about layering white on white, but I wanted to the black to pop off the page a little. Then I added some Diamond Stickles to some of the flowers...perfect! I hope you like it as much as I do. You can't get much better than flowers, pretty colors, and sparkles. *grin*

Thanks so much for stopping by to see me today. I'm off to a home show this afternoon...have a wonderful weekend!

So give me your forever...please, your forever...not a day less will do...

Happy...Monday??? Yeah. Well. Anyway.

I just wanted to stop by and say hello...I'm very excited for a new year and a new start...went and bought my new planner today, so I'm ready to rock and roll! So it's time for this year's word. It's like a theme for the year. A way to attack my goals with new perspective. This year will be an...




Last year's word was very appropriate...HOPE. Some days that's all I had to cling to...that one word. And as the clock struck midnight on New Year's Day I sighed and said, "I made it." And I couldn't have without my family, friends, and encouragement from all of you. I still get little "thinking of you" messages and cards that make me smile, and they always arrive exactly when I need them. So thank you. 

This year, my word is ADVENTURE.

Miriam-Webster defines ADVENTURE as:
1 a : an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks b : the encountering of risks
2 : an exciting or remarkable experience

I'm not so sure about the danger part, so let's just go with the second one, ok? I don't too much mind risks, but I'm all for an exciting or remarkable experience. And hopefully that's just what this year is going to be!

Have a fabulous day!

If it's love flowing freely, I'm ready...If the waters can redeem me, I'm ready...I'm ready to let the rivers wash over me...

Happy Wednesday, y'all! Ok, has it really been a week since I posted last? EEK! We are still doing the football thing, and here are a few pictures of what we've been up to.



Doesn't that look like fun? I'll be glad when it cools off a little, but I enjoy going to the games and watching them play their little hearts out. It has been so good for them.

Speaking of good...I was really inspired by this week's Mojo Monday sketch, so I stayed up a little later than I should have last night to play. I had to unpack some new goodies first (just because I haven't been crafting doesn't mean I stopped collecting! *wink*)...and before I start let me say something. I'm climbing on my soapbox, but it's my own personal soapbox. Feel free to skip to the pictures if you wish, I won't be mad.

When my friend Julie posted a link to this article on Facebook, it really struck a chord with me. This part in particular got my attention:
It is expected that creative professionals in the industry will submit to magazines, post in online galleries, blog about projects/products, and stream several daily bits of clever inspiration via Facebook and Twitter.  If you teach, you also have to be working in the background thinking about your next class or your next big project. Quite honestly – it can be exhausting.
Not only did I identify with that statement, but I came to the realization as I read it that I'm not the only one who feels this way. I know, I know, I've heard people talk about it, and I know people who have gone through it. But when you get into the thick of it, you just think there's something wrong with you. I know I did, anyway. Nothing kills your mojo faster.

In addition, I have been feeling the need to limit my resources. I haven't submitted for publication in over a year, but I felt the need to only purchase consumables from companies that could be found in retail locations or companies that don't have a history of retiring things. I didn't want to buy any stamps from any companies that didn't have an Angel Policy, in case I decided to sell my cards. And stamps that come from a company that doesn't compensate in some way for publication? Forget it. Don't get me wrong, for the most part I liked the stuff I acquired, but sometimes I was settling for a second or third favorite because the stuff I really liked was "off limits."

But then something strange happened. I started missing my "old stuff." The stuff that I used to love when I started this creative adventure four years ago, and the stuff I had been keeping myself from using. Then one night, I began thinking to myself...this is my thing. Just for me, just for fun. That doesn't mean I don't love doing design work or teaching. But the fun had gone away.

So I took a step back to examine what needed to change. I started cleaning and organizing (big emphasis on STARTED) my craft room. And I splurged on some things I had been waiting to buy. And I made the decision to go back to the beginning and become an equal opportunity consumer once again. I have literature organizers on the way to store my cardstock in all its beautifully diverse glory, and I purchased an old cassette tape holder on eBay to hold my ink pads. It will take a long while, people, so don't get all excited just yet. But I'm revamping my space. It's time for it to become a creative space and not a "work" space. And based on last night's experiment, I think I'll get more "work" done that way.

Ok, yes, I'm done now...on to the fun stuff!! I made a card...YES! I know!! *wink*



Ok, so after writing all that stuff, I'm too pooped to write instructions for this one. I'll come back and add them later, how's that? In the meantime, I'll list the ingredients at the bottom of this post.

Here's a closer look:



One more thing...is this too girly of a card to send to a man? The intention starting out was for it to go to a friend of mine, but then I did the pink and now I'm not so sure...be honest.

Have a fabulous day!


Ingredients
Stamps: Kind Words, Fabulous You (Verve)
Ink: Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Early Espresso, Kraft, White, October Afternoon
Accessories: Copper Brads, Circle Punches, Jumbo Sponge Daubers, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Dimensionals, Polka Dot Embossing Folder, EK Success Border Punch

Are you missin' me yet???

Yeah, I'm missin' you, too!! I don't have anything new to post, but I wanted to stop by and say hi and thanks for all the sickie-poo hugs. We have all been miserable, between allergies and any other sort of congestion you can imagine, but hopefully we're on the uphill swing.

I also have had some questions about moving, and I wanted to let you all know the great news...we are staying!! It is just one more in the long list of God's miracles in my life, but still no less miraculous. Packing was extremely painful, and I'm so thankful that I don't have to continue that right now. I will, however, be de-cluttering and having a big garage sale, which will definitely include a big crafty sale, so I'll keep you posted about that. I am ready to get rid of some things that haven't been touched in 4 years! If any of you have suggestions or websites to recommend about de-cluttering, feel free to share, k? I'm also going to slowly do some redecorating, so I'll post before and after pics, if you're interested.

The craft cave is currently filled to the brim with random things, and my desk is a horrible mess. That's a task for next week, so unfortunately, no crafty goodness until that gets rectified. Don't give up on me, though...I shall return...cause there's a fabulous Verve release coming up! *grin*

Anyway, feel free to leave me a note...tell me what you're up to or leave me an organization tip, ok? I'd love to hear from ya. Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Just remember, in the winter...far beneath the bitter snow...lies the seed that with the sun's love, in the spring, becomes the rose...

Hey y'all. I wanted to check in here, for those of you that read this that hadn't heard yet. Yesterday I lost my husband, my best friend of 18 years, and the father of my children. This was sudden and unexpected, and we are all heartbroken over this loss.

We met when we were 12 years old, in the 8th grade. Our choir director matched us up to sing a duet at the upcoming talent show, and we have been inseparable ever since. We didn't date until the summer of 2001, and as soon as we started, I knew we were going to get married. This April would have been our 8th anniversary. I will miss sharing my life with him, sharing my every day with him, laughing with him, and I sure will miss his cooking. I can cook from a box. *trying to grin*

Here are the most recent pictures of him...the first one was in September at the Alamo:

This one was at the music program at school. I adore this picture.

Please pray for all of us, but especially my boys in these coming days and months. They adored their daddy, and there's a big empty spot in all of us right now. I don't really know what to say, other than thank you to the entire Splitcoast and stamping community for the amazing outpouring of love that has been gushing over us all day. We are so lucky to be covered in prayer by so many, and we appreciate it more than words can say.

I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I will try to post as I can. Hugs to all of you.

Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar...

Hey everyone, thanks for all the love and prayers over the last month. I have been truly touched by all the emails, calls, and cards I have received. You guys are awesome.

I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I'll be taking a break from design work for the next few months, so I probably won't be posting here much. I certainly am not giving up stamping...I love it too much! But I need a break, and want to spend some much-needed time with my family for a while. With all that has happened physically, I really have come to realize that I need to take some time and focus on getting myself healthy so I can properly take care of all the people I love so much. I didn't end up having surgery, but am still in quite a bit of pain. It's my understanding that the healing process will take several months...no fun! But my goal is to be healthier and better...hey, I've already lost 20 lbs! *woohoo!*

Anyway, I love you all, and hope you'll be back to visit me in January. Hugs!

Thanks, y'all, and yes, I'm alive!!

Hey y'all, I just wanted to hop on real quick to say I got home from the hospital on Friday of last week and am recovering quite nicely. The first part of the week was rough, but I'm up and moving around better now. Thanks for all of your thoughts, prayers, emails, cards, and EVERYTHING! Y'all are the best :)

I was hoping to feel up to stamping today, but so far, no luck there. I'm still not very comfortable sitting up for long periods, and twisting and bending isn't the most fun. So I don't have a project for the Serendipity October Challenge for you yet, but I promise I will in the next few days, k?

While you're waiting, you can check out the Serendipity Blog and the rest of my SSDT teammates for some amazing Holiday gift ideas!

Amy
Anya
Jennifer
Kathie
Sue
Yvonne

Have a fabulous day!

Nobody's hurtin', no one's afraid...no hungry children, Loved ones don't die...no sad farewells, there'll be no more goodbyes...

Hey guys, sorry I've been MIA, I wanted to drop in and tell you why. I won't be posting much, if at all this week because we're out of town.

First a bit of happy news...I am the Featured Stamper on Splitcoast this week! What a wonderful surprise this was!! I can't wait to have some time to go see and comment on all the fabulous creations. Thanks so much, Beth, for this honor!!

Now, on to what has been going on in my world.

Some of you who are new to my blog may not know the story of Julianna. If you don't, you can read it HERE. Eleven years ago this past July, I gave a baby girl up for adoption. We have an open adoption, which is wonderful. I have loved their family as my own from the very start, and they think of me as part of their family as well. A special part.

Julianna's mom, Becky, has been battling colon cancer for about 3 years. On Wednesday of last week, I found out that she was at home on hospice care. We are very, very close...she's like a second mom to me. We were told she had a couple of weeks left. So Josh & I made plans to bring the boys down and say goodbye and be with the family. We were to go on Tuesday (9/15). But on Friday afternoon, I got a call from Julianna's dad, Bobby. Becky passed away at 1:45 on Friday afternoon, surrounded by her family.

My heart was broken. I had so much that I wanted to tell her...how she changed my life, and helped me become the person I am today, with love, compassion, and understanding. She was the most loving and peaceful person I had ever met. My heart and life has been forever changed by knowing her. I know she is without pain and in peace at the feet of her Lord, where she has longed to be. But I will selfishly say that she left a hole here in this world that no one can fill.

I'm so sorry...I always try to keep this a happy and fun blog to read, so when I return, I'll do that. But I wanted to share with you what was happening so you didn't think I had run away and joined the circus. Tomorrow is her funeral, and although it's supposed to be a celebration, it will be a very hard day for this family. We would all appreciate your thoughts and prayers.


Worth it all by Rita Springer
I don't understand Your ways
Oh but I will give You my song
Give You all of my praise
You hold on to all my pain
With it You are pulling me closer
And pulling me into Your ways

Now around every corner
And up every mountain
I'm not looking for crowns
Or the water from fountains
I'm desperate in seeking, frantic believing
That the sight of Your face
Is all that I need
I will say to You

It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it all
I believe this
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it all
I believe this

You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it all
I believe this
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it all
I believe this

Everybody thinks my head's full of nothin, wants to put their special stuff in...

Good morning, y'all! Happy Friday! I have some more Bella Goodness to share with you, cause today's Bellariffic Friday! This week we had a sketch from Lindabella, which (thankfully) was much easier and required much less brain power. Thanks, sistah!

Hmmm...I kinda went overboard on the patterned paper, but I think I like it. Does it make your eyes hurt? I promise I pulled the colors on Cuppycake with a Huggabug on Top from the papers, but apparently I've covered most of them up. *grin* This super cute image was stamped in Memento Black on Neenah Cream cardstock and colored with Copic markers. I used the Monday and Saturday patterns from Cosmo Cricket's Girl Friday collection...one of my faves! I matted all my layers with Chocolate Chip cardstock, and added some 5/8" ivory grosgrain ribbon for a little somethin' extra. It's a little hard to see, but I stamped the It's a Cupcake Thing sentiment in the bottom left corner. To finish off my 5 1/4" square card, I added some Light Cocoa glitter dots and Diamond Stickles...can't have a card with no bling! *wink*

So, while I had my mojo going, I pulled up Jamie's Bella Sketch Challenge for this month and went to work.

Isn't that a fun sketch? I stamped Lottie and Gussie Gabalot in Memento Black and colored them with Copics. I tried something new..."coloring" white areas by adding gray shadows. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, so you'll probably be seeing more of that. Anywho, I added a red circle cut with my Circle Nestabilities and did a little faux stitching on the edges. I thought the Purse Thing sentiment was perfect for this image. And to finish it off, I added some custom colored Glitter Donuts (a la brown copic marker!) with adorable little crystal daisies in the centers. This cute little combo embellishment was inspired by my fellow Bella Babe Sarah. Love it, sistah!

Ok, so I'm almost done with this mondo post...if you want more crafty goodness, check out Emily's blog for inspiration from the Babes and the Sistahood using this week's sketch. If you wanna know about the newest addition to the Teubner family, read on!

As some of you may know, we have 3 dogs...2 English Mastiffs (Phoebe & Lucy) and a Beagle mix (Bailey). Well, we've added a 3rd Mastiff...cause we need another dog like a hole in the head...but we just couldn't resist. Say hello to Felony (yes Felony) our newest family member.

Felony is four years old, and we adopted him from a happy, yet sad, home. He lost his best friend/ brother a few weeks ago, and he has been very depressed. Mastiffs are a very codependent breed and have been known to die from depression. His mom & dad weren't looking for a new pup, and he really needed a friend, so we decided to give him a place in our home. He's sooooo sweet, well trained, very gentle, and Phoebe is totally in love with him. She lets him eat first, go through the door first, and even gave him her bone to chew on. We already love him, and the boys are crazy for him. Here's a picture of the whole herd meeting for the first time.

Yes, I know...we need our heads examined. But at this point, we thought, "What's one more?" *shrug* That may change when the dog food starts to disappear...wish me luck!

Anywho, I'm headed off to play with the 450 lbs of dog we now have. I hope you all have a fabulous Friday!

Missed the Saturday dance...Heard they crowded the floor...Couldn't bear it without you...Don't get around much anymore...

Hey yall! Sorry I haven't been posting much lately...I had 2 sick boys last week, and now I'm holding down the couch. (b00) So if I don't post much over the next few days, please bear with me!

In other news, AJ tagged me to post the 6th picture in the 6th folder of my picture files. I haven't put my pics on this new computer yet, so I didn't have 6 folders! So I just started at the top and counted to 6. Here she goes!

This pic was taken last Tuesday of Thelma (my mom's donkey) and her 4 hour old baby, Murphy Patrick (Something) Badonkadonk. There's another name in there, I just can't remember what it is. *grin* Anywho, he is just the CUTEST little thing...tiny body and long, long legs, and he loves to run! Here's a close-up:

Isn't he a DOLL? So sweet.

Ok, anywho, apparently these tagging games have rules and here they are:

•Open your photo folder on your computer
•Open the 6th folder of photos
•Select the 6th picture
•Post the picture on your blog with a description
•Invite six friends to join the challenge
•Link your six friends to your blog post


I will tag:
Amber
Robyn
Becky
Taylor
Mercy
Bethany

I know, I normally don't do these things, but I got tired of watching Law & Order... Hope to see you around soon!

From the back to the middle and around again...

Saw this on my SIL's blog and thought it looked fun. All of the bold items are ones I have done in my wee 29 years *wink* If you do this, link me up! I'd love to read it!


1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world (ish)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris (How about Paris, TX! Been there!)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child (nope, but I am a birth mom!)
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (nope, but I've picked them!)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (whoops...)
24. Built a snow fort (there is no snow in TX!!)
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (hehe)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke (DUH! Of course!)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted (caricature count?)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (home movie! LOL)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Listen to the music of the moment people dance and sing, we're just one big family...

I hope you are all having a wonderful time celebrating the holidays with your friends, families, and loved ones. I know we are! We're off for Round 6 of celebration...such fun!

Thank you all for the birthday wishes...30 wasn't so bad (yet...). My favorite comment was from Suzanne who said, ---remember, if 50 is the new 40 then 30 is the new 20! I love the way you think, girl! *wink* I did get spoiled rotten...my dad even ventured into The Crafty Scrapper (my LSS) to get me a gift certificate! WAHOO! And I have a new thing to learn...hubby bought me a guitar! I have always wanted to learn to play, but it's kind of intimidating not knowing how and having this gorgeous instrument to play on. Wish me luck!

Hugs to all of you...I just wanted to pop in and say hi to all my blogging friends and that I'm excited to get back into the swing of stamping and creating and chatting with you all. Have a fabulous day!

If I could open my mouth...Wide enough for a marching band to march out...

Sorry, yall...I had to share this. If you don't watch The Amazing Race, this is probably one of the best scenes I've seen in all 13 seasons. Totally hilarious! Scroll down to the next post for something crafty.

And now I can have my chocolate shake, my cheeseburger, and also whoops and also fries....

Anyone else remember that commercial when the kid is playing at his piano recital and thinking about McDonalds? It has been stuck in my head for DAYS!!

I'm sorry I haven't posted, I have been swamped with a custom invitation order with no time to stamp anything else. Sooo....I thought I'd show you some kitty pictures.

I was reminded the other day that I still hadn't told you what we decided to name the kitty. The boys came up with it and were so proud. So without further adieu, I present to you...DAISY!

Isn't she the sweetest? I took these pics the other day when we were out in the back yard playing. She loves to hop and chase the boys.

And here's a picture of her with her favorite toy...my pajama pants. Seriously, she thinks they're the best thing EVAH! She really keeps us entertained.

So my mass production is finished, hopefully I'll have something to show you tomorrow. Hope you have a fabulous day!

Che fiero costume D'aligero nume, Che a forza di pene si faccia adorar!

Sorry, I hit you with an Italian Art Song today...this song has been stuck in my head all morning! No idea why, but I felt the need to sing it for ya. *grin*

Today is the day for another Elzybells Challenge! Elizabeth has posted the sketch and some examples, as well as the sketch for the next challenge HERE, so go check it out! You can see all of the cards for the sketch here.


For this card I wanted to use this cute little image from the Cold Nose Warm Heart Dinkies Set. These images are slightly smaller than the originals, but still larger than the ones distributed in North America. I colored her with Copic markers, and added Diamond Glaze, Glitter, and Liquid Applique to add a little something extra. Then I stamped the Tiny Snowflake in Baja Breeze on my background panel, then stamped my Linen Background over it, then sponged the edges to soften it. Before I added the circles, I added some crazy stitching with the sewing machine and some White Taffeta ribbon.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes for Cole...we had a great day. He even tried to wear his "birthday crown" again to school today. Here's a picture his daddy took of him at lunch yesterday.
Such a big boy!! Anywho, he is big now, especially since he got a remote controlled motorcycle that "pops wheelies INSTANTLY!" (he said that to his Aunt Sarah)

Well I'm off to start my day...I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!!

Stamps: Cold Nose Warm Heart, Tiny Snowflake (Elzybells Art Stamps UK), Linen BG (SU)

Paper: Neenah Solar White, Prism Suede Brown Dark, Real Red, Baja Breeze

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black & Pearlized Chocolate, Baja Breeze, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: Copic Markers, Clear Spica Glitter Pen, Liquid Applique, Diamond Glaze, Crystal Art Glitter, Sewing Machine & Thread, 2" Circle Punch, Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals, Nestabilities

Conjunction Junction, what's your function?

Happy Monday, everyone! It's a NSR (Non Stamping Related) post today...so for those of you who like the kiddo and kitty posts, keep on reading!

Today my baby started Kindergarten. I thought it would be easier. Don't get me wrong, he was fine. Totally excited, as a matter of fact! I, however, was a mess. I made it through dropping him off, but on my way to work I got a little teary. Here's a pic of my big boys (who wanted to wear matching shirts) on the first day of school.

Caleb is such a good big brother. I know he'll watch out for Cole in any way he can! I can't wait till 2:45 to hear all about their days.

Next I've got some kitty pictures for you, as requested. Here is mama (Weaver) and all six of her babies. The red one is kind of the runt at the moment (having trouble getting to the food!) and blondie is a porker. You should be able to click the picture for a closer look.

And here are four of the kittens (the other two were out for cuddling), all kind of jumbled together. The darkest gray one has a white mask...so cute!

I will surely have something stamped to show you tomorrow...for now, check out the Verve Blog and see what Susan created! YUMMO!!!

What's new pussycat? Woah, Woah...

Happy Saturday, yall! I had a fun day yesterday...more about that after my Sketch for You to Try card. Finally, some MFT for you! So...I've been thinking. I've been really good at following the sketches lately, and I thought I deserved a little...um...break. This one kind of took a creative turn on me, but I tried! I really did! Here goes:

Um, so the three embellishments on the side? Pretend they're on the left. It just wasn't working out. I like this much better, don't you? (SHhhhhhhhhhhhhh don't tell Jen) *wink*

Let's see....details....All of the stamps are from the Totally Witchin set from My Favorite Things. I stamped the jars, colored them with Copics and cut them out. They're covered with Diamond Glaze, except on the label. The olive scalloped oval is embossed with the Swiss Dots embossing folder and sponged on the edges with Old Olive ink. The inside oval is sponged with Perfect Plum and Elegant Eggplant, and I added some dots of Diamond Glaze to the corners of the web. I stamped Spidey, cut him out, and layered him onto a Prima colored with a Copic marker. He's also covered with Diamond Glaze. The black embellishments are actually Navy Glass Pearls from Stamping Bella (7mm), just colored with my Black Copic marker.

I really had fun with this one...it was nice to stamp (and not be asleep!) and just play. You ought to try it...it's great stress relief! Also great fun is looking at what my buds Jen, Amy S, Amy R, Carole, and Susan did with this sketch. If you decide to play with us, don't forget to use the keyword SFYTT so we can all see your creations!

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Okay...so about my night last night. There was some animal drama around here last night...or should I say at my mom's. Her barn cat has been expecting, and tonight I got a phone call..."Come quick! Bring milk and a baby kitty bottle!" Uh-oh. I ran up to WalMart (did you know they sell kitty formula and baby kitty bottles?) and then ran to my mom's. She had found a lost kitten, hours old, in the barn, and mama was nowhere to be found. I went right to work with the crying baby, and she went on a hunt to find mama (it was over 100 degrees outside!). We were afraid this little guy (she dubbed "Squirt") wouldn't make it. We had no idea how long he'd been in there.
Look how cute!! If you look up close (click pic to see) you can see his cool hairdo from where his mama cleaned him off.

Anyway, as I was feeding him and the posse was searching, I heard a meow above me. Mama and four more babies were up in the barn loft! Apparently she had Squirt on the ground floor and went to find a safer place to have her babies. Luckily, she took him back into the litter, and ended up having one more kitten. By the time he joined his brothers and sisters, he had the fattest tummy of the bunch! *grin* We got them all safely down from the loft (we were afraid they would fall) and put them into an air conditioned room, so they're all re-united and all's well. I'm going to check on them this afternoon and let the boys have a peek.

Ok, so that's it for now...I'll check back in with more stamping this weekend and maybe some more kitty pictures. Stay tuned!

Chain, Chain, Chain....Chain of fools....

Sorry for leaving you hanging for so long, guys! I wanted to let you know that I am out of town for work and will be back for Saturday's Sketch for You to Try (hopefully). If you need me, please feel free to send me an email. I have some awesome RAKS to show you, but I forgot to take pics of them! GRRRRRRRRRRRR

Have a great week!

Kids! What the devil's wrong with these kids today...

A conversation that just happened in my living room:

Cole: What would you do if you were President, Mom?

Me: I don't know. How about you?

Cole: I would give every man in the world, even Dads, hairspray.

Me: The stuff you spray on your head? Or the movie?

Cole: The stuff you spray on your head. Even dads need that.

Me: Oh.