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.