Digi Stamp Challenge

There is a digi stamp creation challenge going on here. I decided to combine my Dustin Pike digi stamp, my desire to make some Thank You cards for Make A Wish (I am sure there are other chapters that need cards as well, this is just what I KNOW about!) and this challenge all in one. These two cards are the result.

April Showers

I recently found an artist named Dustin Pike. On his BLOG he was very kind and shared some free digi-stamps. This card was made with one of them. I LOVE his artwork! He also has a few digi-stamps for sale on ETSY and there is a Fairy Bear that is adorable! There is also the cutest Birthday Monkey. I have a couple of friends that go "ape" for monkeys so thought I better mention it. LOL! Check out his work!

Also while you are out and about cruising BLOGs, there is some AMAZING candy available at Crafty Goings On. -I almost hate to spill the beans :)

Happy Birthday Dad!

Love you and miss you!

Fairy Box #2

This is done with the stamp Lark. Learning a bit more with every single experiment. Some I will repeat, some I will modify and some are just never to be done again, LOL!

Fairy Magic Box

I have been working on this one since the moment I finished the last. Mostly mentally, but I KNEW I had to do it :). The flying bumblebee didn't turn out as well as I had hoped, but the one on the flower is fine. I learned a few other things I will do a bit differently next time, but all in all am fairly pleased. More than I thought I would be yesterday when the wings were drying....

Magic box

I saw these and knew I wanted to try my hand at making one. It was a BLAST to do! I am pretty certain I will be making more. I don't have a purpose for them, but they are so much fun! I put the quarter in one of the pictures so you get a feel for the scale.

Couple more cards with fairies

YES- I love fairies :). I am not a super girly, girl, but I DO love the fairies!!

Another fairy

I used some more of the paper as a background for this card as well. The fairy stamp is from Susana's .

Aisian theme cards

I have some wonderful papers sent to me by a friend in Japan. I have been reluctant to use them as I don't want to use them all up. I have decided that I don't get to enjoy them when they are put away so I WILL be using them :) Here are a couple of cards I made.

March- gone too quickly

I have been laid off for the month of March. The no paycheck thing will hit in about a week (April 1st to be exact), but for now, the time has been WONDERFUL. It has lined up beautifully with the boys Spring Break-this week. I have also really enjoyed being the person to take care of my home and family. I have gotten a few smaller projects completed. I didn't tackle the really big one, but that is because I decided to stay small. I don't have as much time as I wish. The weather didn't/isn't cooperating as much as I would like for the outside activities, but they are started at least.
Just some general rambling, but I am LOVING this month! :)

In Honor of Jason W. Swiger

This OPH comfortghan is being sent to the Mother of Army Sgt. Jason W. Swiger (24).

In Honor of Spence A. McNeil

This comfort afghan is being sent to the mother of Army Pfc. Spence A. McNeil (19).

BLOG Candy from Elisabeth Bell!

Elisabeth Bell is an illustrator that has had many of her images created as stamps. She has a style all her own and definitely has a way with capturing the moment! She has some BLOG candy going on now that asks what is the favorite from a particular group. Well, for me, that was EASY. It is Willow with Hot Chocolate. LOVE IT!

Check out her BLOG and let her know what your favorite is!

In Honor of Kevin Shea

This has been mailed to the parents of Marine Lt. Col. Kevin M. Shea (38). I am very grateful to all of those that send squares for these comfortghans. This mission is very, very important to me.

Comfort delivered in a box

I am sending out some comfort to the husband of a friend and also to one of my young son's teachers. She is a wonderful woman as well and I enjoy every minute I am around her in my son's classroom. Both of these people (unrelated) have experienced the loss of their Mother recently. Such a sad situation and I hope that they will be blessed with a tiny bit of peace and comfort when these are received.

Fairy cards

I have been using some fairy stamps I have lately to create cards. Some of them turn out better than others, but I am enjoying experimenting :). The stamps are from Susana's Custom Art and Card Design

Winner of the OWOH is........

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

218

Timestamp: 2009-02-12 13:58:36 UTC

The winner is JENN Z!!!

Thank you all so much and I loved being part of the Gypsy Caravan. I will most definitely do it again next year!!

The saga of a knee

I went in Monday to see if I could FINALLY be cleared for running with my knee. Now, just so you understand I have NEVER been a runner. However, NOW I want nothing more than to be able to run. In fact, I am determined to make running and activity I participate in with some frequency.
Unfortunately, the answer was "No". I did receive a new list of exercises to work towards the clearance. Physical Therapists have an amazing was of finding something that looks very simple and what it actually does is make every single muscle ACHE the next day. The good news is, they must be doing something :)

Look at that boy jump!!

Hard to realize this is the same boy who in September fractured his ankle in two places, one of them going through the growth plate. Oh to heal like a young person....
He took his test and is now a green belt! I have never seen him work and focus on anything like he does his Tae Kwon Do. I am so proud of him. I knew he had this passion in him, it just needed a worthy outlet.

Comfortghan mailed

This is being sent to a very dear lady who needs some comfort. Her father recently passed away and she has had some medical things of her own to deal with. I have known her for years and although our association is through work, I have come to think of her as a friend as well.

I am disappointed

I am very disappointed in Danica Patrick. When I saw the commercials during the Super Bowl she is in I was so saddened. She has broken through some barriers and is in a position to be such a positive influence for women and especially young girls. These commercials to me do the exact opposite and do nothing more than reinforce the idea of women as sex objects and unintelligent. The more I think of it, the sadder I become.

Comfort Afghan ready to send

This is being sent to a couple who had a 3 year old son pass away very unexpectedly. I can only imagine the pain and hope this comfort afghan helps them during this time.

One World-One Heart

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED. I WILL POST THE WINNER SHORTLY.





I am participating in the 2009 One World-One Heart blog hop and giveaway. There is a list of all the participating blogs and more details available by clicking the logo.
Now, for the "rules" and the give away. I will send to a winner anywhere in the world. In order to be entered in for the random draw you must leave a comment on THIS post. You also must include either a link to your blog or an email address so that I can contact you if you win. The winner will be drawn and contacted on February 12th. Good luck!

The goodies:


some inside pages of the mini-album I made that is included.

Given a little time

All things seem to work through given some time. I have calmed down and that has helped tons. I also had a weekend filled with family in both good and bad times. I am very blessed in my life and was reminded of it in a big way.
Back to a better attitude and being grateful.
I also got some wonderful time with friends and playing with paper. How could a person look at these photos of my nephew with our kitty and not smile?

It isn't happening

The attitude adjustment I mean. I got bombarded with MORE **** when I walked in and read my email. WHY do people think it is OK to commit me to things that will run outside my agreed upon work schedule without even consulting me? It isn't like I am in a position to change them when I find out. They aren't the kind of thing that allow that PLUS the fact it is the boss/owner (who is also the one who agreed to the work schedule when he talked me into coming back to work) who is the offender.

big huge GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

Attitude Adjustment

I need one. I am still working on being grateful for things that I don't feel grateful for. This is going to be a lifelong process. However, I am hoping that if I can really focus on one "thing" at a time that I will make progress in that area and then go to the next one. Right now my main focus is my job. Today is not a good day for feeling grateful. I want to throw a fit and pout and get to stop being a grown up. That isn't going to happen and what I NEED to do is remember how grateful I am that I HAVE job. Especially right now. Not only do I have a job, but I have a pretty good employer who really does try to make certain that my priorities are met. It just doesn't always work out that way and it seems to be in waves and right now, I am drowning!!!

In Honor of Sean H. Miles

This was sent to the parents of Marine Sgt. Sean H. Miles (28).

One Little Word - for 2009

I have watched with great interest the last couple of years as people around me in the scrapbooking world have selected their "WORD". It is explained here with some additional links to more ideas and details. I love the concept, but just couldn't imagine that I could sum things up in one word. I was challenged by Chiara's post and you know me, never one to ignore a give-away I began to ponder things.
I debated several different words and they were all good, but nothing was really grabbing me. I finally settled on one and just as I was logging in to post on Chiara's BLOG my word hit me. The expression "like a ton of bricks" is actually pretty appropriate. My word for 2009 is STRENGTH.

I could go on about why, but there are many reasons. Primarily I have some goals for myself this year that are going to require me to find and develop my personal strength in many areas, not the least of which is will power. I can do this, and my word for the year will serve as a wonderful reminder.

The little things

I am reminded once again to enjoy the little things and let things go. This must be a lesson I desperately need to learn. I was reading some BLOGS I follow and found this post It is so beautifully written that I felt it was just better to share it with you than try to summerize.

Remember to be grateful for the imperfections in our lives and the things that don't always feel like blessings. That is the only way to truly enjoy life and if you aren't going to enjoy it, but worry about the next minute, what is the point. There is no blessing that comes from worry.

What does my subconscious know?

Apparently, my subconscious has accepted things my conscious has not. My husband and son were leaving for Tae Kwon Do tonight. Right after heading out the door, my son comes running in yelling that Dad collapsed in the driveway. I very calmly said he what? "Dad collapsed in the driveway!" I walk -still calmly- out the front door and see the car with the open passenger door in the driveway, no husband visible. "Where?"
"Behind the car!"
I walk to the back and see nothing, keep -calmly- walking and see my husband on the ground next to the drivers door. I walk up and see he is conscious though obviously shaken. We begin to talk and I find out he slipped and fell on the ice. However he jammed his arm and really hit his shoulder hard. He is very much alive and will be fine.

Apparently at some level I have accepted that there will be a day he will collapse and it will not be this. It will be something serious medically. I know that because my thought walking to the car was very plainly "not yet, please". Also because I remained so calm. What was that about? I should have been running frantically out of the house. Don't misunderstand, I was very concerned and worried, just not panicked or frantic. I am pretty weirded out by this. Time to deal with stuff I don't want to I guess.

Awesome Cosmo Cricket Giveaway

There is some fantastic Cosmo Cricket being given away on this BLOG. Makes me drool, but be sure and leave a comment for your try at it as well.

Enjoy the other projects she has while you are there!

There is a GIVEAWAY!

and it is awesome! Lainey has a giveaway on her BLOG in addition to a bunch of fabulous gift ideas! Go check it out and sign up to win!!!

Unfair?

You won't become successful by complaining that life is unfair. Certainly there are many injustices in the world, yet you won't get anywhere by using those injustices as excuses.
Your best response is to work over, under, around and through them. Accept the fact that life is unfair, and choose to experience outstanding success anyway.

It is admirable to fight against injustice. But fighting against injustice may very well make that injustice even stronger.

A better way to end injustice is to make it irrelevant. When you create ways for yourself and others to succeed in spite of unfair circumstances, then you render those circumstances powerless.

The world is filled with inequity and unfairness. And yet, there are always plenty of workable and creative ways to rise above those negative circumstances.

When something in life is unfair, choose to succeed anyway. And make that unfairness so small and insignificant it won't even matter.

-- Ralph Marston

In Honor of Robert D. Lindenau

This is being sent to family of Army Capt. Robert D. Lindenau (39).

I so ROCK!

Yes, I am tooting my own horn! I have managed to teach myself to knit with two colors. This doesn't sound like much, but not only am I doing it, I am stranding with nice tension AND I am doing it without dropping colors in between. I am changing colors each stitch and it was making me NUTS. I can now knit English and Continental (don't ask me to remember which is which). I am carrying one color in my right hand and one color in my left. This is something I NEVER thought I would be able to do. I have attempted to knit carrying the yarn in my left multiple times and finally just gave up. I should have attempted two colors long ago. Pretty amazing what a high level of frustration can encourage a person to accomplish :)

The Day After

Thanksgiving it what I have been looking forward to. My plan has been to listen to Christmas music and start on my Christmas cookies. Each year I make a bunch. I don't eat a bunch, but do love making them. We make up cookie tins and plates to give to people for the holidays. Neighbors, co-workers, our mailman, etc. I start now and freeze them until we are ready to get them all put together.
Once again this year I am reminded that although the day is relaxing and enjoyable, it isn't quite like I imagine.
No music because my sister is asleep on the couch. The boys only want to 'taste test' rather than help (which is really fine with me because I enjoy baking and find it very soothing). I have down time waiting for dough to chill and I need to go to the store for more eggs.

That said, it is still a great day and MUCH better than going out in shopping in the chaotic mess I imagine there to be.

Learning Gratitude

We all have challenges in life. Some we create and some that just are. When I am very, very fortunate, I learn from these challenges. I have realized that currently I need to learn something. I need to learn to be grateful for things I have, specifically the things I have that I do not want.
This may sound a bit strange and if you think in terms of 'things' it is. However, start to think about what you have outside of the things and you will find there is a lot that you may not want. That seems like necessities or trials. I am working to be grateful for these things. This is TOUGH! I am not successful at it by any means, but I really believe that if I can make progress in this area and keep it in mind as I go through each day I will be a more positive and happy person.

In Honor of William M. Bennett

This OPH Comfort Afghan is being sent to the Mother of Army Sgt. 1st Class William M. Bennett (35)

Mailing some love and comfort

This is for a very wonderful lady who has most certainly gone through some difficult times lately. One of them being the loss of her Mother. I hope she can feel the love we are sending to her.

Head on

Some days life just comes at you head on and there is no getting away from it. Today that is how my morning started. I had an eye dr. appt. I left there having ordered glasses with a prism for my double vision - "oh and while we are at it, I am going to add some prescription to help with reading and computer work so your eyes won't be so fatigued" Translated=you are getting old people eyes!!!!!

Oh well, guess it'll make my DH happy. He tells me he misses me in glasses since I had Lasik.

Comfort for a family

This family recently had a young son pass away after an extensive medical battle. I can not imagine the pain they must be experiencing, but hope to provide a small measure of comfort with this afghan from Heartmade Blessings.

Are we done yet?

So, I work in the financial industry. Needless to say, it has been a bit crazy lately. I do not see any indication of it slowing down anytime soon either. The part I am finding most interesting is that the investors I thought might be unflappable are starting to get worried. As I told my son, history is being made. This is nothing we have experienced before.
All that aside, I AM ready for it to be back to normal. Work isn't my favorite way to spend the day so I am glad that I don't hate my job. My job has changed somewhat in the last few weeks though. The endless questions that were never concerns for anyone the past ten years are just getting tiring. All the emails from different companies that are the mass release "feel good" letters. I'm not even reading them any longer.

Calgon, take me away!!!

I have had the BEST day!

It is amazing how the little things really are what make or break a day. Today was a calm no pressure day. I didn't finish, but did get a good start on a project I have been wanting to do for some time. I got some cleaning done. The best is I got to spend some very interactive and enjoyable time with my boys. Now I am working on dinner.
Today was a FABULOUS day! One of those days that I feel like I did a good job as a Mom. Also, the house got some attention it has been needing.

The little things. I will take days like these whenever I can get them. And attempt to remember to enjoy every minute.

Another Comfort Afghan

I am always amazed at the honor and privileged I feel to be able to assemble and send these comfortghans to those in need. This one is for the friend of a friend. I hope it brings comfort to both of them at the loss of a dear friend and sister.

Say Thank You

I am sending the card shown here to a care facility that cares for patients with Alzheimers. (the charm is silver and says thank you on it) This is such a thankless and important service. I was encouraged to do this by a challenge-with prizes- on Carolyn King's BLOG. Go check it out! You can read the details and see all the yummy give aways. She was inspired by the memory of her Grandmother. She has designed a stamp set, Whimsical Autumn, that is super cute. All of the proceeds from this set she is giving to the Alzhiemers Association.

New Adventure

I have started on a new adventure. I have joined the ranks of ETSY shop owners.

Dream In Rainbows

I have a few things up and am working on more. I am very excited and really enjoying the items I have been creating. I figure the worst that happens is I have a great head start on gifts for family and friends. At best this is successful. Win/Win!

Some more comfort being mailed

This comfort afghan was requested via our website for a young lady who has suffered some very difficult times recently. I certainly hope she feels the love we are sending and knows we care.

In Honor of Michael A. Pursel

This was sent to the Mother of Army Cpl. Michael A. Pursel.

In Honor of Princess Samuels

This OPH comfort afghan is being sent to the mother of Army Sgt. Princess C. Samuels (22). She was killed in the same attack that killed Army Spc. Zandra Walker who I posted about a few days ago.

Derek Redmond

Apparently, I am one of the few people in the world who has not heard this story. However, I just watched this commercial. It is one of the first commercials in some time to get to me, but it put a tear in my eye. For real. It is not the commercial, but the bravery and spirit of this man. If more of us could be like him, the world would be a much better place. Thank you Derek for your shining example.

How long?

The other night I was just thinking about being almost 40 (later this year) and how it is different than I thought it would be 20 or even 10 years ago. It is different in a good way. I am pretty happy with my life and where it is. I like being more comfortable in my own skin and having that get better year by year. I then started thinking about what the rest of my future holds and suddenly realized that it is 27 years until I retire. TWENTY SEVEN YEARS!!! 2-7 YEARS! That is almost 3/4 of how long I have lived so far. 27 years! SERIOUSLY!?!?! I don't think I can make it. I have now been rather fixated on that number for the last 3 days since I realized it and can not get it out of my head. 27 years.

In Honor of Zandra Walker

This OPH comfort afghan is being sent to the Mother of Army Spc. Zandra T. Walker. It was my honor to assemble the squares sent by so many people for Heartmade Blessings. Each one of them filled with so much love and care.

In Honor of Marisol Heredia

This is being mailed to the Mother and Stepfather of Army Spc. Marisol Heredia (19)
May her Mother find peace in such a tragic situation. She was a beautiful young woman.

Mailing some love and comfort

This is for a young lady that had a terrible situation occur. In addition to other things, it caused her to lose her vision. The wonderful people of HMB came through on this and sent squares that contain so much texture and raised patterns. The picture does not begin to do justice to the beauty of this afghan. It is just radiating love. I hope it is a blessing to this precious girl.

In Honor of Michael Tayaotao

The first anniversary Marine Sgt. Michael E. Tayaotao's death is quickly approaching. The comfortghan here is being sent to his Father. I hope it helps him through this difficult time.

In Honor of Tamara Archuleta

I was able to get this comfort afghan assembled to be sent to the mother of Air Force 1st Lt. Tamara Archuleta. May it assist in bringing comfort and peace.

In Honor of Douglas Dicenzo

This comfortghan is being sent to the parents of U.S. Army Captain Douglas A. Dicenzo. I am honored to have assembled and be able to send this one.

Mailing some love and comfort

I was able to mail out this comfort afghan to the Mother of a friend. Currently her Mom is dealing with some pretty scary and not so fun medical stuff. I do hope she finds some comfort knowing others are thinking of her!