10 years and counting!

Today is my 1oth wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe so much time has passed. Here is the day in review (so far!)


The first major thing we did was taking Stevie in for his MRI. It is always scary when it's time for him to have another major test. This scan was on his head and his sinus passages in particular. We get the results on Monday. Hopefully it is a sinus infection and not his sarcoidosis expanding. No pictures of this event! After we were done, we went to lunch at the Sugar Bowl which was wonderful. Then it was on to JC Penney, where we picked up a little something...

For a little girl we know. The sales clerk noticed we were searching high and low for something Hannah Montana and gave us this super awesome display! When does that ever happen?

Then it was a quick pitstop to pick up some sparklers and party hats for the the nine children we are going to be hanging out with this lovely evening. Someone talked me out of getting a lot more fireworks! He said he could see my implusive side straining to get out!

Hannah was a huge hit! Glad we were in the right place at the right time!

Stevie gave me a dozen roses for our anniversary. They are so beautiful! The little star above them says love. Isn't that sweet! Red roses on my anniversary always remind me of the three red roses he gave me on our honeymoon. My husband is a wonderful man. That's all for now. I'll fill you in on the rest of the evening later. Have a wonderful New Years Eve and try not to make too many resolutions! Happy evening.

I told you I scrapbooked....

and here is some proof!

My life is so blessed....

I adore this little fairy. She is thinking so hard about something! You can find her here. The seniment says "My Life is so Blessed " and continues on the inside "because you are in it". Isn't that the sweetest? I am starting to feel the creativity again! Hurray!!! Sometimes I wonder if it will just dry up one day and blow away. Speaking of things blowing - the snow today was crazy. It could almost be classified as a blizzard. First tons of snow, then tons of rain and now it can't make up it's mind! Oh well. ;)

Christmas is over... now what!

I think I have the after Christmas blahs. I have tried to create the last few days, but nothing is happening. Hopefully there will be a break soon!
Something that has been bothering me is the lack of Jesus in Christmas. He is the reason for the season, but it seems that commercialism has taken over the world and there is nothing left in the way of reflection or gratitude. I know that this is not the truth in everyone's life, but several things jumped out at me this season that I guess I had just been ignoring or hadn't realised. This is not to imply in anyway that I had a bad Christmas, in fact it was just the opposite. Please forgive me my tirade... it has certainly made me feel better. Thank you!

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!!

Snowed In

We haven't been anywhere today. At last estimate my husband said we have ~ 28 inches of snow. This is before the storm that is supposed to hit us later tonight... before the storm that could bring up to 2 or 3 more feet. Holy snow cones that is a lot of snow!!! Seriously, I can't remember that last time we had this much snow. In 1997 the Columbia River Gorge was closed down and I was stuck in Portland with my friend Cheryl. Even then, there wasn't that much snow! Hopefully the power will stay on and I can get all finished with my holiday preparations. This wallhanging is part of the reason my posts have been scarce lately.

Sorry for the slightly off picture. I hung it on the wall with thumbtacks to get a quick picture.

This card was made with the Willow with lantern stamp from Whiff of Joy. I love, love, love their stamps. The new release is scheduled for the 3rd of January! Hurray!! Some cards scan well, but others you must photograph. I think this is one of the latter, but it still doesn't look like it does in real life... guess I need to practice more.
And last but not least more pictures of my tree... which I love. Did I mention that before? LOL!

I wish you and your family a wonderful, joy filled Merry Christmas!

No glitter... but I love it!

I was trying to make a card base on a sketch, and failing miserably so I gave up! Then after giving myself a chance to regroup ... tada! This card was born. Super simple, but I love it!

Cards I made that I don't actually love....

Sometimes the mojo just ain't flowing. I feel like both of these cards are not quite on the mark. I like the cards..... but ........ I don't love them. So hopefully my next set of cards will make me happier!

On to another topic... Christmas. How the heck did it get here so fast and once again I am not ready for it? The main problem is that all the fun gifts ( for all the children we know ) have been bought, and now we have to move on to the not so fun gifts. You know what I'm talking about. The gifts that you think long and hard about and finally determine that you have single handly come up with the perfect present.... and the receipent is all " Oh, this is nice." Those kinda gifts. They are the worst kind. I think it is harder for me because I want everyone to be happy and Christmas to be all sunshine and roses, which of course never happens. Normally I stress and stress and stress, Christmas gets here and then its over. And I forgot to enjoy it. So this year the focus is more on relaxing, being happy, and looking for simpler pleasures. At least until my type A personality wakes up! Wish me luck in my battle with myself! Have a great Thursday!

Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

I love our Christmas tree. We have had it for nine years. It's funny I can still remember debating with my husband about buying it. The tree cost $100 and we couldn't decide if we could afford it or if it was worth it. In retrospect our Christmas tree was worth every penny. The walls glow from the lights and the ornaments sparkle... every time I pass by it makes me happy. Sometimes the couch beckons and time slows down.

Wishing you happy, joyful, stress free holidays...

Hello.... is anyone out there???

So what do you think? Do you like the new look? It is some much fun designing blog backgrounds!

Is anyone reading this blog? If you are leave me a little comment - Please!

Whiff of Joy.... here's one more

Here is one more card for the Whiff of Joy challenge. On this card I switched up the sketch, bringing the block in the back to the front and moving the sentiment. This is one of the main reasons I love sketches, because they trigger so many ideas! Never be afraid to mix it up and make it yours. The stamp I used is from Whiff of Joy, and it is called Willow with cookies.

Whiff of Joy Design Team Call

Whiff of Joy is having a design team call! How exciting is that! Here is a link to all of the info.

The challenge was to create a card based on the sketch above. I used Willow with hot chocolate
on my card. I just love her! The inside sentiment says "My Christmas Wish for You". Let me know what you think! Thanks and have a wonderful Friday.

Work, work, work

I have been working four 10 hours days this week and it just makes me so tired by the time I get home. I have been working on some cards for the Whiff of Joy design team call - I should be able to get them posted tonight. I would love to be on their design team. The stamps are so beautiful and very easy to color. Here is a card I am working on, but not quite finished with yet! The stamp used is Charlotte in sled.

This paper is awesome - it is from Me and My Big Ideas in their winter paper pack. The paper is flocked and looks just like snow. Such a great idea and it saves me soooooo much time!

Please leave me a comment on one of my post so that I know I have visitors! I am thinking of giving away some blog candy in the near future! Have a great day everyone!

Grown-Up Coloring Books

I am so greatful for stamps and copic markers! They take me back to childhood and the many coloring books and boxes of crayons that filled my life. The colors are inspiration for multitudes of things in my life and make me so very happy!! There is no card tonight, just a shout out to grown-up coloring books...