Cards

I was shopping for items specific to a theme scrapbook I am doing for DH's class reunions when I saw a paper by Wild Asparagus that just screamed "CARD". So, I bought one sheet so I could honor the request and this is what I created. I am so glad I listened :).

Spring Break = Spring Cleaning

I have never been one for much of the whole "Spring Cleaning" thing. Honestly, I have never been much into the cleaning thing at any level, LOL. Seriously though, I have gotten into it a bit this year. Since returning to work I have been feeling like my house is coming down around me and that I just can't keep it the way I like so I decided to take advantage of some of the time I have at home with the boys during Spring Break. In addition to the regular stuff I have managed to do the following so far this week:
clean the oven, wash the fronts of the kitchen cabinets, entirely empty out, sort and replace all the items in my clothes closet.
Now, I know this doesn't really sound like much, but these are projects that just don't get done as part of the day to day. I am most happy with the closet. I tried a new to me technique that was discussed as part of the HGTV Spring Organize/Clean segment. It talks about not being a clotheshorse and gives ideas. Give it a read, some great ideas!!!

Organization

So, I believe this is a skill a person is born with, or born without. I was born without! I try and try and try and it still seems like I am chasing my tail. It is not so much the "where do I put things" organization, although that is an issue too, that gets me. It is the how do I get everything done in the time I have? organization that makes me crazy. I have lists. They DO help, but I really would like to be able to cross everything off just once! Then, I also have those lists that are daily, weekly, just for today, etc. How do you all handle that? I once read that a person should only have one to do list and one calendar. Combine work and home otherwise things go over the top of each other or you forget to look at the other one. This makes sense and is sort of working, but those infrequent but recurring activities are getting to me. ACK!! Please tell me I am not the only one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Marie

A full layette set in addition to so many other beautiful items! Thank you so much Marie. Everyone has been so very generous and I can't decide if I should smile or be brought to tears :). Thank you all!!!

We have an answer..............

and I did not make the design team :(. I am not super surprised, but still kind of bummed. In the message (yes I was dumped on an answering machine, LOL!!) the store owner did say she was impressed with my submissions and encouraged me to submit again in 6 months when they put out the call again. Now, this may be the standard "let them down easy", but I am going to go with genuine and a compliment. It does feel good not to be wondering anymore :).

Thank you Phyllis!!

Phyllis really outdid herself. Not only did she send so many handmade items, but included two diaper bags as well!! Thank you so much for being so generous Phyllis!!!

Thank you Gracie!

She said she was sending five things, this doesn't look like five to me! :). You are a wonderful person Gracie!! Thank you so much!

Thank you Sylvia!

The detail on the little dress with matching diaper cover and booties is super. These are a great contribution

Thank you Leslie!

These are tiny and just adorable! The matching hats are a wonderful touch.

Thank you Valerie!

Beautiful! I believe the caps are made with one of the round knitting looms.

In Honor of Ivan V. Alarcon

This OPH comfortghan was assembled in honor of Army Staff Sgt. Ivan V. Alarcon

Thank you to all the contributors that assist in this project.

More for Stitches From the Heart

More items from the wonderful members of Crochetlist arrived today as donations for Stitches From the Heat. Thank you so much for the beautiful things you are sending. I know that a little one will be blessed by your efforts.

Thank you Anne!

Anne has been emailing me to assist in my being able to make this sweater. Having seen hers, mine doesn't look quite as nice as I was thinking, LOL! Beautiful outfit Anne!

Thank you Melanie!

What an adorable outfit and I just love matching hats and booties :)

Thank you Joan!

Isn't this sweater just cute as can be?

Comfort Women

Do you know that during WWII between 1932 and 1945 thousands of women were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Military? These women are still fighting for an apology. They are between the ages of 70 and 90 years old and are dying off. They deserve justice before there are none of them left to speak. To let this atrocity go unpunished sets an appalling precedent especially in light of all the military conflict in the world at this time. Please, learn more and join their fight for justice.

If this makes you uncomfortable, it is your conscience telling you how wrong what happened is. Ignoring it will not make it go away. It will not make it less horrifying and it will not help women around the world have a voice and be heard. Have the strength to be uncomfortable and stand up for what is right.

Comfort-Women.org
The Comfort Women Project
V-Day 2006

Nothing

No news is good news, right? Nothing yet on the design team, but I have not given up hope. I know I will hear one way or another, but the waiting is getting to me!!! I do have other things to worry about and guess I should get on with those!!

Little Nervous Here

I am going to fess up and tell you that I submitted both layouts and cards for consideration for a position on a local scrapbook store's Design Team. I submitted these a week or so ago and have been anxious, but ok. Right now, I am just anxious. The decisions are to be made and notifications in the next couple of days.
I have a few things running through my head. First and foremost WHAT WAS I THINKING!?! Beyond that are things such as just wanting to know so I can quit thinking about it :). I could use the peace, Ha Ha! Anyway, cat is out of the bag and now you all know so I guess I will have to let you know if I am selected to participate. You will know as soon as I do ;).

Thank you!

I am part of aYahoo group called Crochetlist. It is composed of many wonderful men and women. We all have a love of crochet in common. It is a very friendly and helpful group and I can't begin to list all that I have learned from them.
One thing the group does is ten times a year they have what they call a Crochet-A-Thon (CAT). For each CAT there are different designated charities if someone chooses to make an item or so to contribute. The month of February, one of the charities is Stitches From the Heart. Many people have pledged items to donate and I am very grateful. The first donation arrived today from Linda and I am overwhelmed with her generosity. Thank you so much Linda! Aren't these items just amazing?

"W"ild

I am participating in a swap that is all about monograms. I am part of a group of 5 that was themed around boys. I selected to do the letter "W" for the word wild. I figure that with my boys it is one I know I will use in the scrapbooks at some point, LOL! This one really was fun to make. The stripes are actual strips of cardstock adhered to the background cardstock. I did not have a letter stencil that was the correct style for the smaller letters so I printed a set out from Word at something like 130 font size and then cut them out, traced around them and then cut out the cardstock versions. The colors are very bright yellow, red and a deep royal blue.