Go Ahead, Smile

Life does indeed give you many reasons to smile. I was sitting here trying to have a clear thought, while fighting this head cold I've got. I'm sitting here with this headache and my whole family is in the other room screaming. No, the good screaming. Shawn is in there with the girls playing the Wii, and they really get into it. They're competing against each other on Brain Age, and I hear some accusations about cheating. I'm not sure how one cheats at that, but I don't doubt it's really happening. I just realized that as much as I'd like a little quiet so my head isn't throbbing, throbbing, throbbing...sorry, it's actually got a little rhythm going. Anyway, I realized that I have a husband who's home & not out with the guys (he's not into that anyway), a teenager playing with her sisters (she's really not into that), an eeyore-ish child who's laughing, and an 8 year-old not pushing anyone's buttons. And just as I really start to enjoy it, it's over. Apparently, Darien was losing, so she turned off the game. *sigh* Kids. Oh, and btw, Tia's hand is healing nicely. Well, not nicely - it's still gross. But, it's getting better.

Stamps: Reason to Smile (SU!), Ink: Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa (SU!), Paper: Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa (SU!), Papertrey white, Accessories: Michaels's ribbon, Marvy punch, SU! scallop punch

I Love Mondays. Not!

Let's really try to appreciate this card, shall we? This is the best I could do after being sick all weekend. Yes, in bed sick. But, just so I wouldn't be lonely, Krista was right there with me. Oh, you haven't lived until you've experienced Krista being sick. She's almost 10, and still, everytime she gets sick, she's dying. She hates to blow her nose, so she carries around a hand towel, holding it to her nose. She's always done this. Everyone thinks it's hilarious and they even call her Wilson, cuz of the guy on Home Improvement. You know, you could never see his face? Yeah, that's her. Our own little Wilson. And if you know her and you're reading this, mention it and you're out of the will. But she moans and she groans and is just all around pitiful. And we love her for it. But, miraculously, we were both well enough today to go back to our normal lives. That was super great for her, cuz she hates to miss school. Phew. So, today I go back to my routine, a little grocery shopping, cleaning the house since I was out of commission all weekend, and then a little "me time". An hour before "me time" is over, the school calls. I hate when the school calls. I wonder which child it is this time. Ah, yes, Tiara. Seems she tripped and scraped her hand. See, you should know that anytime Tia can get out of school (polar opposite of Krista, btw), she will. 'Ooh, a hangnail? I think I need to go home.' She actually left school once because part of her gum was hanging in her mouth. Don't ask me how this even happened, but she was talking without closing her mouth, so the gum wouldn't touch her mouth. It was a little creepy. Ok, it was very creepy. I thought about telling her just not to talk for the rest of the day, but again, if you know Tia, that's really like asking for the moon. Yeah, I'm a sucker. But it was pretty gross. We had to take her to the dentist, and even she was baffled. Yeah, it's just my kids, people. So, today...the scrape. The school secretary was telling me that she was ok, but there was blood. So, I asked how hysterical she was, since I couldn't hear her in the background. Well, it did take her a while to calm down, but she's fine and she's gone back to class. I'm sorry, wha? She doesn't want her mommy? After being sort of let down for half a second came, Woohoo! I couldn't believe it. Don't get me wrong. I was concerned, but shocked at the same time. So, just in case you're not grossed out enough, when I saw her hand after school, it was a nasty little gash. Blecchhh. I'm not one of those moms that handles that stuff well, so I cleaned it the best I could and told her Daddy would take a better look when he got home. Yeah, good luck keeping that thing clean. Hey, people, it's only Monday! Have a nice week.

Stamps: Paper tray, Beautiful Blooms (Papertrey Ink), Ink: Cool Caribbean (SU!), Paper: Basic Black, Cool Caribbean (SU!), Papertrey white, Accessories: Marvy Oval Punches, Word Window punch (SU!), Making Memories eyelet, white gel pen

Happy Birthday Darien

Yesterday was so long and crazy, and I was so pooped by the end of the day that I didn't even get a chance to post Darien's card. Nothing exciting, tho, so I won't bore you with the details. But anyways, here it is. And it seemed like she really liked this one. She's been really hard to make cards for lately, because she sees all the cards that I make. I run everything by her when I'm done to see what she thinks. Maybe I should stop doing that. She has a tendency to compare the cards that she gets to all the other cards that I make. When she saw this one, she said something like, "Wow, this is actually a really pretty card, mom." Um......thank you? Does the actually part mean she was surprised by this? Hmmmm. Whatever. I'll take what I can get from my kids. But she had a great birthday, really made out in the gift department, and topped it all off with some really good cake. Ok, that last one was my favorite part, but it couldn't go without mentioning.

Since I can't really put this part in the card recipe, (well, technically I can, since it's my blog, right?) I'll just put it here. I'm not sure if you can even tell, but there are little rhinestones on the big pink blossom with the sentiment. There are clear ones, 2 purple ones & a pink one on there. Well, in case anyone cares, they came out of a nail decorating kit, but I have no idea who makes it. When I saw the kit, I knew it would be perfect for my cards. Yes, inspiration really can come from anywhere.

Stamps: Beautiful Blooms (Papertrey Ink), Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Pale Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Lavender Lace (all SU!), Paper: Papertrey white, Lavender Lace & Elegant Eggplant (SU!), Accessories: Marvy punches, rhinestones

For Alyssa

How much do I love my new stamps? So very much. Those Beautiful Blooms really are just that. I've barely had time to play with them, but the time I've had has been fun. I told you there would be more boxes. This one is for a super sweet young lady that I just adore. It's got a gift card and a little something extra in it. It's amazing that there's a picture of it available. I sort of, accidentally, lent out my camera. It was one of those moments where I was aware of what was going on, but not really. You know how your kids will ask you for something when you're on an important phone call, or when you're half asleep? And if you're on the phone, you just kinda nod your head and shoo them away so you can concentrate? Yeah, this is what happened, but I was not asleep or on the phone. I guess I just wasn't paying attention. And it occurred to me at 5 this morning as I was lying in bed, trying to avoid starting my day. "Holy cow! I don't have my camera! How ever will I blog?" So, I was left to use Shawn's "scary" camera. The big, technical kind that I barely know how to turn on. It's just not simple like mine. It took forever for me to realize that the blurry pictures were from the lighting (I had to turn the flash on at noon!), and then getting the angle just right was nearly impossible. Man! For such a fancy pants camera, it sure is hard to figure out. I can't wait to get my camera back. I should have it back in time to photograph Darien's card on her birthday, which is only 2 days away. Fingers crossed. I don't wanna have to use that beast again.

Stamps: Beautiful Blooms (Papertrey Ink), Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Pale Plum, Groovy Guava, Apricot Appeal, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Pixie Pink, Lavender Lace, Almost Amethyst (all SU!), Paper: Papertrey white, Accessories: Making Memories eyelets, scallop scissors, Michael's ribbon

Christmas Card #4, V 2.0

Ok, I'm sure you're wondering why this bit of deja vu. Well, my mind is a strange one. I have tons of cards that I've made that you will never see. What happens is, when I make something, I can love it right away, but then as time goes on, I'm just not as thrilled as I once was. I'll find things about it that I just don't love, or, it just gets old. Gosh, I hope I never do this in any other apsects of my life. Now, don't get me wrong. I still like this card, but when I was doing it over for my swap, things just bothered me. The background was just too plain, so I added the snowflakes. And, I didn't like the tag, partly because the ribbon was soooo not the same color as the paper, even tho they're both very vanilla. So, I just tweaked it a little and I like this much better. So, I hope this goes over well tomorrow. If it makes anyone barf, I'll be sure to let you guys know, cuz I know you like to be on top of all the truly riveting events going on in my life.

And, as far as the posting the "same" card twice goes, I promise not to make a habit of it. In fact, I just got another fabutastic box from Papertrey. I know, I know, they just had a release last night. Well, I was just trying to catch up on sets that I didn't already have, and didn't want to wait for the new release. I'm just not a patient girl. So, I should have some new Papertrey creations coming up soon. I'm busy this weekend, but I can't wait to play with my new stuff.

Stamps: Perfect Presentation, Season of Joy, Ink: Always Artichoke, Paper: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Accessories: oval punches, clear embossing powder (all SU!)

Birthday Wishes, Angie!

Alright. I'm so glad I get to finally post this card. I had to keep it top secret until I gave it to my friend for her birthday. I love this card. And, as you can see, I've reverted back to using that Priceless set again. I couldn't help it! I just love it so much. And I love adding "little somethings" to the swirls. It just makes it that much more fun. I must say, I also love black & white with a nice, bright color thrown in. This card was fun to make and it was nice to see Angie enjoy it when she opened it. Fun, fun, fun! That's why I do what I do. Not that I'm out saving the world or anything, but making people smile and feel special for a minute really feels good. Especially when you have a day where your child gets detention at school for being less than 5 minutes late. Are you kidding me?! I have to add that while my summer was eternally long and I couldn't wait to get back to school, I didn't miss being knee deep in homework. We're already doing a family tree project and geometry homework that boggles the mind. K, now I'm no dummy, but I did take geometry twice in high school, and still never really got the hang of it. Yeah, it doesn't get any easier almost 20 years later.

Oh, and for anyone who hasn't been paying attention, Nichole has been counting down for this month's Papertrey release, which is tomorrow night! Pop on over & see what she's planning.

Stamps: Priceless, Looks Like Spring (SU!), Faux Ribbon (Papertrey), Ink: Basic Black, Regal Rose (SU!), Paper: Regal Rose, Basic Black (SU!), Papertrey white, Accessories: Jumbo Pebble Brads (Making Memories), Oval Punches (SU!), Michael's ribbon

Apricot & Pomegranate

K, you know how when you go to make a card, and you have an idea in your head, then you make it and it comes out nothing how you imagined? That's what happened here. I mean, I don't hate it or anything. In fact, I really like the colors together and I'll have to try them on another project. But, this just isn't what I had pictured. Hmmm, oh well. It's not the end of the world. I'll try to get it right, and when I do, you'll be the first to know. And, it's not a total loss. Darien loves this card and I told her she can have it. Well, not to keep it & stare at it (golly, that would just be silly), but have it and give it to someone else. You're welcome.

Stamps: Delight in Life, Pretty Princess (SU!), Ink: Apricot Appeal, Purely Pomegranate (SU!), Paper: Apricot Appeal (SU!), Papertrey white, Accessories: Making Memories brads

Back to School, D'oh!

Ok, I'm back. Man, what a crazy week. I really thought there'd be nothing but joy (no offense, girls) when the girls went back to school. But it's just been chaos. And not the organized chaos that I'm so fond of. I had to deal with new release times for all the girls, that silly first-day-half-day thing (what's the point, really?), Tia getting hurt on her second day and me running to the school to reassure her that she was going to be fine {honest, honey}, and me showing up an hour early to pick up Darien on an early release Wednesday, which wasn't actually happening on that Wednesday. It's only some Wednesdays (which is also new), and good luck figuring out which Wednesdays it is!

Amazingly, I did find time to make a couple of things here and there, but that's only because Thursday & Friday my kids stayed at school all day and nobody got hurt or sick. Plus, I do have lots of things happening this month. I have birthdays (Darien turns 14 this month!) and I have my swap next week. I have things that need to get done. I found this 2, 5, 7, 10 box on Splitcoast and decided I had to make one. It was a lot of fun to do and it was really easy, so I think I'll be making more. It could be my Christmas "thing". I do something for some of the teachers and staff at our elementary school every year, and this would be very cute. Yeah, something else to work on. Like I don't have enough going on. Eh, you can always find time to work on something cute & fun. Hopefully things will get back to normal around here and I can get back to posting on a regular basis. Fingers crossed.

Stamps: Priceless, Pretty Princess (SU!), Ink: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum (SU!), Paper: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum (SU!), Accessories: Tag Punches (SU!), Michael's ribbon, Provo decorative scissors, Making Memories eyelets

Back to School!

I'm wondering if it's a bad thing to be excited about our girls going back to school. Today was their first day back, and I did the tiniest little happy dance. Not in front of them, mind you. That would be cruel. It was actually just in my mind, but it happened, nonetheless. I do have to add that by the time it sank in and I actually thought I might enjoy myself, it was time to pick them up. I would just like to know who's bright idea it was to have the first day of school be a half day. What kind of sick joke is that? Ha ha, you get your life back! But only for 3 hours? Oh, come on. And out here, we have minimum release Wednesdays, which I surely don't remember having growing up, but it seems to be the norm nowadays. An hour earlier, just because it's Wednesday? Sheesh, for all the time they're actually at school, they may as well be home schooled. Teehee. Just kidding!

So, Darien's first day of high school was pretty bad. It just seemed that everything went wrong. The lunch times are confusing - there are 2 times, and they never really made it clear which lunch you have. So, today she had 2 lunches and missed her math class. Great. And they have the even/odd days, where you only have 3 classes a day. Confusing. Then, they moved one of her classes, but didn't make an announcement about it. It's a good thing she thought no one else looked like a freshman and asked someone. It took everything I had to convince her that in a month, she'd love it. Really. She was just amazed at how different high school is from middle school. Yeah.

Well, the other girls had a pretty good first day. They both have great teachers and are looking forward to a pretty good year. And since it's a new year with new backpacks, I thought I'd make them some name tags for their backpacks. Yes, I asked Darien if she wanted one and she passed. Shocking, huh? Not a lot of thought went into these, since I wasn't sure how long they'd last. But they end up having their backpacks outside, mixed with other classes, so I thought the tags might help out in the beginning. Well, here's to the beginning of a new school year. And our first traditional school year. Day one is officially over. I'm goin' to bed.

Christmas Card #4

Yeah, I know what you're thinking. I thought I was done with Christmas cards, too. Then, I had this panic attack realizing that my meeting with my upline in a few weeks was also a swap. I've never done a swap before and I didn't think anything I had was swap worthy. Plus, it has to be all SU! stuff, stamps from the new catty or holiday mini and has to be able to be made in 5 minutes. Well, my purple one did qualify, but I didn't go back & check it out because...well, I'm not sure why, but I didn't. K, the brad in the purple one isn't SU!, but it could be. I was probably just lookin' for an excuse to make another card. Like I need an excuse. Please, it's what I do. And to make it look all fancy, I thought I'd step away from the white binder on my white drafting table as a background and use our Winnie the Pooh crib blanket (yeah, it's a little old) flipped around backwards. It's all about appearances, people. And speaking of appearances, the tree does look like it matches in real life. It's embossed and photographs a little wonky is all. K, now I'm off to work on this month's birthday cards. No, really. I mean it this time.

Stamps: Season of Joy, Perfect Presentation, Ink: Always Artichoke, Paper: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Accessories: Clear embossing powder, Very Vanilla ribbon, Tag Punches (all SU!)