Inky Prints left by Inkyfingerz...

Well Howdy Strangers!!

2008-12-02T20:43:00.000-08:00

Hello. I can't even believe it has been so long since I have been on here. Makes me sad that life just takes over. Haven't had time to craft except for when I need a quick Birthday card and that isn't fun either.

Halloween came and went... I did cute little spiders that had to be individually punched out and boy my hands hurt from those babies. Made a few boo bags. Turned my sweet Brooke into a Jellyfish that she loved until it was time to trick or treat and then she was upset because of the umbrella- hard to hold when you are holding a bag too!! But it was fun. Here are some pics. I forgot my camera most of the night but managed a couple. I have to get one from a friend of Kaelyn she took while we went around the neighborhood... he was the best Urkel ever!!

Boo Bags...

Spiders...

Ethan...

Brooke...

Well, our dorking laundry room flooded again the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. And all that slate you saw below had to be pulled up and we await the process of someone coming out to fix the damage. It took 4 or 5 full days of multiple LOUD wind machines drying it. Oh it was so loud. But I am forever thankful that I was home.
And that my neighbor was home to save me!! He had to come shut my water off. So ladies if you are still reading- Learn how now!!

More to come soon. I will working on lots of Christmas cards and items. I have a few to take pictures of and post. till then, thanks for stopping by.

November Necklaces...

2008-10-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

I have to put my little plug in for November specials with lia sophia. Business is going so good and my calendar is busy busy this next month but there is always room for more parties!! You won't want to miss the specials this next month. With our regular savings plan you buy 2 and get 1 of your most expensive items half off and up to 3 additional necklaces at half off!! You can cross lots of names off your list this way... (teachers, hair dressers, friends and family alike).

Here are some pictures of the beautiful jewelry you can find on my website to order. Book a party and you can earn it for free!!

And with a lifetime guarantee behind every piece you can't go wrong.
www.liasophia.com/lmyoung

Back "Home"

2008-10-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

Four years later and home is still 2 time zones away. We miss it even more with every trip back. I can't wait to find a way to get closer to D's family and mine. I would miss the beautiful scenery up here but it would be so great to just be home.

We had a blast at the OU/TX weekend all but of course the final score... but spirit just isn't anymore apparent than on the Dallas Freeways... here are a couple of pics to enjoy. my favorite is the bevo hanging from the bell. 25 miles from the hotel to the game took almost 3 hours.

We had fun taking a few pictures by the stadium too. We went to see how much campus has changed and give Kae a feel for where he is headed!!

Back to the normal grind now... although all of us are still on CST. That has been hard on the little guy. He wakes up at 5:30 hungry and ready to go. Guess we should have slept in while we were there.

Until later, thanks for stopping by.

Boomer Sooner

2008-10-08T10:05:00.001-07:00

I found the best site for the background I just uploaded in 2 minutes... I bought a little set about 2 months ago and still can't figure out how to add it. But this one from the cutest blog on the block was FREE and EASY.. 2 words moms love to hear.
http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/backgrounds.php?cat=39 that is the link, if I knew how to let you just click on it I would do it like that but I don't know how..
So...
I sit down to blog for the first time in a month and can't believe it has been that long. I am so aware of the time I don't have anymore. I have to find it again because I miss just being able to make a card. My craft room has become a class room and I am not able to make it both. Despite all the space and organization.
Homeschooling is apparently harder than I thought it would be. I am so not a teacher. I mean we are doing good but I don't know how teachers do it. Other than our children are always more respectful and eager to please their "real" teachers more than their parents. They can show us their frustrations and emotions when they just don't get it. I have learned that I learn completely different than my daughter... leading to some of the frustration. She can't seem to understand how I just don't understand why she doesn't get it!! Doesn't that make you laugh??

We are about to head out of town for the OU TX Red River Shootout!! What a blast!! The kids are excited to see our family again and my newly 13 year old boy can't wait to see the game... tell you the truth either can his dad!! BOOMER SOONER boys..
We made the cutest tie dyed shirts and I had red fingernails for a week. I have to upload the months of pics off my camera and post one later.

Hopefully I will be able to craft once we get back in town.. but for now just a little update to those wondering where I am.

Fall is here!!

2008-09-04T16:00:00.001-07:00

Temperatures are cooler colors are changing. School has started and all is starting to settle into a routine. I have started homeschool with Brookelyn and that is going great!! As soon as I can figure out how to have some "mommy" time, I can start to craft again. I miss it.
I did stumble upon a fun website today while looking at one my favorites blogs. It was so much fun. http://yearbookyourself.com/ Go and have fun remaking yourself into all the different era's. I always wondered what I would like in the 50's or 60's not to mention the different haircolors. So fun!! I will post the pictures when I figure out a good way.

Laying down the slate...

2008-08-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

I know this isn't crafty- well not paper anyways. But we got the backerboard down last night and this morning I got in there with the thinset and put down the slate. It was easy and hard work all at the same time. I love how it looks. Tomorrow we will grout it and then hopefully on Monday I will be back into business doing laundry!! Here are some pictures of the progress. You will see half the wall is painted because I painted before the washer and dryer were out- now I can finish. I also threw in a great one of me no makeup and no shower...

and oh the pretty toes...Brooke and I had to do our toes and fingernails... I got a little messy in the thinset. Good excuse to play though.

I also have downloaded a really cool background and tabs for my blog that I can't wait to figure out how to upload to here. Be looking for a fun change soon.

life and cards!!

2008-07-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends.
Blogging takes the back seat to all the fun. I just can't seem to fit blogging into the day. I have been so busy with the kids and lia sophia that I haven't had much time to paper craft. I seem to be swamped with other things.
Last weekend was the Microsoft Picnic. It was so much fun as usual and with over 200 pictures this year and then tripled because I haven't scrapped any of the years I am not sure what I will do with all those pics. But it sure was fun this year. The kids really loved the BMX motor bike riders that did some really cool tricks. I got the flips with my camera and if I did a slide show you could see it all yourself. What fun.
Our washer and dryer we bought in September 07 has had a SLLLOOOOWWWW leak that dripped dripped dripped down the wall until the ceiling in the garage in July dripped dripped dripped and decided to rain and pour!! We found the culprit to be that connection behind the washer and immediately took action. Well once the insurance companies decided we decided to fix it ourselves to save a little money. So we pulled and cut the damaged portion of the flooring up and it took us 7 hours just do a 34" x 36" section. It was 2 inches thick and didn't want to come out of it's place. It was so hard. Many of you have seen my husband and he is strong- we just knew we would pull up the floor and have the whole process done in our one day. But now we have the new plywood down and we will finish it this weekend. We are going to put slate down and I am excited about how nice it will look but not too excited about all the work. I am just glad we work so well together.
But before we finish the floor.... This Friday we have our homestudy for Kaelyn and Brookelyn's adoption by Dalton. We are so excited. The termination hearing was by far one of the most important days thus far. But the day of finalization will be even BETTER!!! It just keeps getting closer. Thank you Jesus!!

My little brother and his wife bought their first home and closed on it just the other day. I sat down and made a cute card for them. I loved this set when it debuted in the catalog some time ago. But never really used it as much as I thought I would. I paper pieced all the boxes with some fun paper I got at M's- it is a K&Company stack. I also used liquid glass from CTMH on the flower vase. The chipboard letters are their last name initials and I covered the letters with coordinating paper.

Here is another fun card I made. Using a new set from the Purple Turtle Stamp Shoppe (http://www.purpleturtlestamps.com) It is called Space Cadet. I just love it. I random stamped a whole sheet of white card stock with circles from a solo's set and then the fun little stamps in the Space set. I used Holiday Red, Topiary, Sunflower, and Dutch Blue (CTMH)Was making it for a birthday card but then decided my hubby would like the spontaneous card and the cute little sentiment of "Fly me to the moon." And I was right. I will just have to make some more and use the number to replace the sentiment for a cute birthday card!!

Then one last one. I went to the A Muse store in Seattle during the Women of Faith weekend and got this cute little set called Stud Muffin... it is this little mouse with a dozen sentiments to go along with it. I decided to leave this one blank until I need just the occasion to use it. But I think it is so cute. And I NEED every color in these little polka dot cards too.

I hope you enjoy.

Family Fun and a Card...

2008-07-14T22:37:00.001-07:00

Now that I have recovered from the weekend and done my laundry and cleaned house I can post about the weekend...
Well, we had a blast at the ocean this weekend. It was beautiful and just so fun to get away from everyday life and spend great quality time all together. Our church does an anual Family Camp at Ocean Shores and I am so glad we went. I have some great pictures to share with you. The time we spent down at the beach was really pretty. It was so windy and the fog was still hovering over part of the beach just before the water. From the room it looked as though the wind was blowing the sand. But when we got down there we realized it was fog!! So silly.
Ethan was absolutely enthralled with the beach and sand. He at first didn't so much like the feel of the sand in his toes or the wet soft packed sand moving beneath him but once he let go of it all he just loved it. We hunted for sea shells and found sand dollars and crabs. He brought back a bucket of water and half crab shells to show Kae and Brooke and told them his went crabbin'... It was so fun.
The temperature was just perfect too. It was only about 65 during the day so a light jacket was definately a plus but even still down on the beach in the sun it felt perfect!! The wind made it a definate place to bring your kites. The kids or should I say DAD had so much fun flying the kites. Even when one got off it's holder D went and ran for it and put it all back together. We can't wait to go back.

Dalton flying the kites with the kids...

I am so CUTE!!

The boys walking in the fog...

"I am going to fill the bucket with the big wave guys!!"

"Look at the crab sleeping mom" He didn't know it was only the top half of the shell.

The waves started coming further, faster, and stronger... the kids loved jumping over each roll. There was no swimming allowed so this was as good as it got.

Dalton and I...

Brookelyn and I...

Kaelyn and Brookelyn playing together...

Brookelyn had been stamping for fun before we left for the weekend and was using one of my favorite old wooden sets I saved. I had to make a card using it. Not a typical catd I would make and I am not really sure where the idea even came from but it is a cutie.

Thanks for looking.

Happy Friday!!

2008-07-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

We are leaving for the weekend for Family Camp with the church. We get to go play at Ocean Shores. We are all very excited to get away for a few days and just be together and play. So it's early here and I am just getting ready to finish packing and water my plants. Our back patio and garden is just looking so spectacular with all the pretty flowers and plants that are spilling over and growing so full and lush. I love it. Have a great weekend and enjoy my view as I drink my coffee!!

Just last month they were like this...

And now...

Catch up time...

2008-07-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

So I guess it appears I fell off the earth. I am so sorry to not post in such a long time. Summer life around here with three busy bees is just really busy. That and it is really hot in my craft room lately. Which leaves me to no creating and little computer time. My room catches the afternoon sun.. and no A/C up here in the great Northwest. Well we could have it but what for?? A couple of hot days in the summer doesn't seem worth it.

Our family had a GREAT 4th. We did a fun parade with the neighborhood. I have to show my youngest 2 who rode their decorated bikes...

Then it was a great day of BBQ in the park, face painting, and water balloon fights. The whole day was one of many clouds and a wonder of when would it pour but our few sunbreaks were beautiful. I managed to even get a picture of the little break we got!! Fireworks and Smores topped off the night. It was truly a great day and I hope you had fun too.

That weekend was the Tahoma All Stars tournament. Kaelyn played great. But the first pitch of the second game took Kaelyn out for a few innings. He swung the bat and the ball hit the bat, the home plate, and then his right eye... we had quite the scare but he is okay. Here is a picture of his souvenir from the weekend.

I did get some new stamps that I ordered from Addicted to Scrapbooking... click the link on the right side bar if you want FAST ship and GREAT prices. I ordered and received my stamps in 1- yes 1 day. I was shocked. But even better was I got my first MFT stamp set and my favorite ever set of CUPCAKES!!! I love them. On the cupcake close up you will see the liquid glass and stickles weren't quite dry yet as I took the photo. I can't wait to share with you the cards so I will quit the idle chatter and share with you now...

MFT's Rain or Shine

Hero Arts Cupcakes

Thank you cards

2008-06-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!!
This card I just love. Again I used scraps from the Retro paper stack and CTMH- heavenly blue and chocolate card stock. The stamp set is also theirs From Me to You.. This was a fun one to make. The scallops I actually punched circles and cut in half and stuck them down in a row overlapping each other. The chocolate strip hides that. The squares are pop dotted with foamies and the center of the flower has 2 layers popped up.

I hope you enjoy. These are going to Maralee and Jen for all the work and hours they have put into this VBS and all the love that they have poured into the children over this week. They are amazing women!!!

Well off to VBS just wanted to stop in for a short minute!!

Thankful

2008-06-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hello!! This week is a crazy one. But so much fun. I am helping with our VBS and I so love it. I am trying to be ready for Friday- a few of us are going to Women of Faith... so I started making the Thank you cards for my children's group leaders. Ethan has 4 so I made little 3x3's. I have more to make but I am at least on my way!!

The stamps are from the CTMH solo's T... colored in with copics and paper is from the DCWV Retro Prints Paper Stack.

I hope you are having a great day!!

Hello

2008-06-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

I know it's seems like I am flaking on my blogging but it is just taking some getting used to summer schedules, I have had a couple of lia sophia shows, and we have VBS all week this week. I am going to lock myself to my craft chair tonight to make up some much needed thank you cards to have on hand... and birthday cards. Promise to post later.

I did however look at all my favorite blogs and then some and decided to follow the link for a typing speed test. Silly given I am so tired and don't really feel much like it- but here are my results!!! Not too bad. Might have to try again some other time. I figured it would be a breeze- it is one of my favorite games on Webkinz... :o)

53 words

Speed test

Have a great night.

Hello

2008-06-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

Weather Report first- cloudy again and only 55- did I enter into a time machine and it really isn't June??

Father's Day was BEAUTIFUL!! It was the first time we saw sunshine in a week and it lasted the whole day and was gone as quickly as it came in. So sad. We went and saw Kung Fu Panda at the IMAX and rode the rides at the Fun Forest below the Space Needle. It was the best day!!

I can't believe school's out- I know some of you reading can't believe we just got out. But it's true. I need to live somewhere that there is summer. This is just depressing.

So, Kaelyn made the All Stars Team and is so excited. I made door hangers for a few boys because as yard signs the rain would kill them. This has been as far as my creative mojo has gotten me. I just can't seem to create when the weather is so gloomy. But I know I shouldn't have a pity party and grab some perky paper and play.

Take a look at how cute the sign turned out!!

And here is the card I made D for our anniversary...

Darn Gas Prices...

2008-06-11T20:07:00.001-07:00

I saw this over at Mother's Helper's Blog and couldn't resist sharing it with you!! Have a great night!!

Marathon Pictures

2008-06-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

I will share a few of the pictures we took and Dalton took of us. I wasn't able to stay to see Christi and Mike finish so most of my pictures are of Heidi and I.

My essentials for running- good hat, inhaler & music!! Praising God no other way than through worship music. I know exactly how far I have gone by what song on I am on. It is a must!!

This one is of us three girls in front of the hotel before we were shuttled off by our families to the starts. (left to right... Me, Christi, and Heidi. Christi is actually standing on a rock to make herself taller than us. She is little but mighty!!)

Heidi and I getting ready for the start. There were so many people at the half start (1000+) that we both were a little nervous!!

Dalton was at each of the Spectator Viewing areas and got confused when I didn't have my white shirt on. 3/4 of a mile into the run I was already hot. Ran in my tank until the last 2 miles where the waterfront froze me!!

Another shot along the way...

Me coming into the finish... I was FINISHED!!

Me so happy to be done!!!

This was the beautiful view during the last 3 miles of the run. It was beautiful and cold.

Elephants like birthdays too!!

2008-06-09T12:44:00.001-07:00

I made this cute little card last week for a special birthday girl. I thought I should share some artwork. I will be busy making father's day projects all week. Better planning is what I say every year- but it never happens!!

Made using all CTMH, Nursery Bash stamp set, grey wool, blush, and baby pink inks, Copic warm grey marker, Baby pink organza ribbon and sparkles. Paper is from More to Adore kit.

I did it!!

2008-06-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

I have been up since 4 am... so this will be short. But I promise to load up pictures of today. It was perfect weather 49, light wind, and no rain during the race.
I finished 13.1 miles in 2 hours 15 minutes. I really wanted under the 2 hour mark... but completely happy given the hills I don't run!! My girlfriend Heidi was right behind me and Christi did the whole marathon in 4 hrs and 40 minutes. Mike, Heidi's hubby came in 20 minutes ahead of Christi. It was a great day!! Way to go everyone!!!

More tomorrow. And thanks Jena for your faithful comments... send me your address and I will mail you out a card!!

It's here... the time is finally here.

2008-06-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been super busy this last part of the week. I had a Lia Sophia party last night and it was super fun. I made up some "what's hot" bingo cards that I will have to take pics of later.. but tonight I am studying the course for the millionth time. I run my marathon tomorrow. Can you believe it's finally here? Where it seems like forever ago I started training- it also seems so hard to believe that it all comes down to tomorrow. And the craziest thing ever is all of us are trying to decide which one to do next. We are hooked. But this time I am making my hubby do it with me!! I can't wait.

Wish me luck and say a prayer for me!! The weather forecast is almost perfect. High of 54 and chance of showers- well no chance it will rain. Just hoping not too heavy!!

And then I promise more artwork. :o)

Doodles

2008-06-03T23:40:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love the author of Homegrown Hospitality blog. I love all of her stories, her faith, crafts, and doodles. She is one amazing woman!!(http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/) I have saved a few and tonight I actually printed one off. I did one for my older son and daughter. And I love how they turned out. But I am now in search of a GREAT white marker!! Mine didn't do the job at all. So I stuck to chocolate for my dots and stripes. I still need to matte and frame them for their rooms but they are colored which is half the work. Coloring isn't really work- much like painting for me very theraputic. Hope you enjoy.

For Brookelyn

Up close look...

This one is for Kaelyn

up close...

These boots...

2008-06-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

Hello again. I have to share a little story and some pictures of my little guy.
So funny tonight Ethan came up to me and said- "Mom my feet are so big!" I wasn't looking at him and his excitement just stopped me. If you know Ethan you can totally hear the whole expression in slow motion but intense "you gotta see this!" So, I looked down to see Daddy's boots and instantly said "Oh Ethan let me get the camera!!" Being the total photo op boy that he is he granted my wish and did a little show!! Here are his pictures!! He is so funny. But as you will see by the last shot he really was done! He wanted to see what the boots looked like. Sorry Ethan, mommy just couldn't stop. But I have to say I am not sure what was cuter his boots or the 4 shirts he layered up. My little Northwesty Boy!!

Little Treasures of the Heart...

2008-06-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!! It is a yucky rainy day here. Ethan has been playing is PBS kids so I thought I would take advantage of the time and play myself!! I didn't clean up after myself last night and wanted to use the little jar I talked of last night with another set that has the cutest saying "let your light shine"... paired with the lightning bugs from the other set and Voila SO CUTE!!

Stamps: Treasures of the Heart (flower) and Little Treasures (jar). I am using Topiary and Black CS and the left over scraps that I used last night... but what a difference a night can make. There is also liquid glass on the little bugs but I am not sure if you will be able to see it. I also used my cuttlebug for dimension on the layering pieces. I love how both of these turned out. I hope you enjoy!!

This last one is just so simple but I love it!!

Flower Power

2008-06-02T23:37:00.001-07:00

Goodness good grief. I have the whole night to just craft and this is what I come up with?? I don't dare tell you that I stamped several animals and colored them only to not have a real idea of what I wanted to do with them... but they are done and waiting to hop onto a card. I also made a cute little jar full of paper candies that need a card to sit upon. But you don't get to see that either. I just couldn't get my head in the mood. So this little card after trying to make it be something else only has the stamping efforts of "Happy Birthday". Ribbon makes the stem and leaves. The paper is scraps I had left from a long time ago. Paper flowers are Making Memories and CTMH Bigger Brad in black in the center. I do think it's cute but nothing of what I planned. Maybe that is the problem. I didn't plan!!

close up of the flower...

So until tomorrow, here is a little sunny happy flower... now off to get my cushions from the patio. Surprise surprise it's going to rain all week. Oh and be frightfully chilly!!! Yahoo!! :o(

Just a few cards...

2008-05-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well Hello!! No stories today. Finally some artwork. I will just get right to it. I made this card front using up some scraps I had on my table from another project that I forgot to take pics of. Hopefully I can get over to my neighbors and take some pictures of the box I made for her. I didn't stamp much on this one... but the flower is from Angel Whispers along with the sentiment "scatter sunshine".

The next ones are using the June SOTM and I challenged myself to not use any dots or ribbon and only one piece of layering. This as you have seen in my past cards is something that I just don't do. But I love the simplicity of them!! I did use a couple of clear stickers for the sentiments. I also used Stickles if you can see them on the ends of the flowers. Colors are Garden Green CS and then White Daisy and Olive inks.

Then the last one is a complete throw together. I am not sure where it came from other than this is what happens when you are tired and it really is too late to craft!! Stamps used are from Serendipity and Say it with stlye- (CTMH) and colors are baby pink, watermelon, chocolate, and sweat leaf. Paper flowers I picked up at Target on sale!!

Where does the time go???

2008-05-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how last week just flew past us. We have been so busy with baseball and choir concerts. I also had to do a long run that went from hoping to get 18 in to only doing 12. I started on Saturday morning at 5:45( anyone who knows me is laughing at that already- I am not a morning person and that start time is when my feet started running... I was up at 4:40). By mile 9 I realized that I was half way done and I was hot... so my mind said you could finish today but why?? You would be hard pressed to do 26. I realized also at that moment I didn't have enough water to finish and well mentally I was done. So I let Christi pass me up and started to cool down, called D to come and get me at the park a couple miles ahead and finished my run just under 12 miles by a few feet. I decided doing a half marathon was a huge victory for this girl who never has run before!! And no one can steal that for me.
Back pedal to Thursday which was my shopping day with my little man Ethan. Not shopping for anything fun just groceries!! Well, walking through Sam's he has this moment of silence and says "Mommy I really want a new brother and sister." I didn't reply just kept shopping because we have sorta walked away from the process for a bit trying to seek what God really has for us. Few seconds later he says "Mom, I really just want a baby sister. Are you listening to me?" "I am Ethan." "When is she coming?" "Well, I don't know buddy. We will have to ask God." We keep going and pay and get to the car where I have a message from the Youth for Christ office wanting to schedule our walk-thru. I had previously called and told them we wanted to step back and didn't want to schedule but there they were calling. On Friday morning, Dalton went to carpool a little earlier than usual for a new guy and heard on the radio a plea for Foster Parents. He called telling me it was like they described our family to the letter. We had to call them back and schedule. Well, I did and they come in 2 days. So I have been rushing around finishing the last little things that needed to be done. Hence the no creations to share right now. I do promise to get to creating as soon as I can.
Friday night my brother Aaron also got married. It was a beautiful ceremony. I wish them years of happiness and love. My mother has now officially married off all her children!! :o)
Brookelyn also had her "Big" Honor Choir concert in the middle school theater. It was beautiful. She sings so pretty. She gets to go the Seattle Center next week and sing in the main area and then eat and ride rides. She is so excited. Ethan and I are going to go watch and have some fun with her.
Kaelyn's ball is coming to an end as May is also coming to an end. He is so excited to have a Real Summer this year. We hope to plan some camping trips and other fun things.
Well, off to do the things on my long list. The heat has gone with the sun and we are sitting in cool rainy temps. It is refreshing when you don't have air conditioning but I do miss the sun. Thanks for stopping by and reading all the way tot the end- if you have!!

I am back...

2008-05-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

What a weekend. It was wonderful, long -yet not long enough if that makes any sense. I miss my brother and his wife, dad and his wife, and my wonderful mother and father-in law. It is so hard to be away from family. This was really the first time I have gotten to know my brother's wife and my dad's wife. I love them both dearly... even more now. I have had a whopping 2 hours of sleep in the last 2 days and I am about to drop. So more about the trip and more of what you really came to see tomorrow. Thanks for checking in.

I'm off...

2008-05-08T08:01:00.001-07:00

Please check back in on Monday. I will be back to creating and posting. I am off to see my baby brother graduate. I can't wait to see some sunshine. Feel some warmth!! It has been so cold and dreary up here. No fun.
Have a great weekend and come back soon.

Grad's & Mother's Day!!

2008-05-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I had fun these cards. The first is for my brother. Final card is 5x7.

Stamps: Legendary Moments, Rustic Alpha, Card Commentary, and Express Postage
Embellishments: bamboo eyelets and chocolate waxy flax
Papers: Free Spirit and Desert Sand CS
Colors: Twilight, Desert Sand, Cocoa

The second is one you may have seen but I used my copics to add a little color. It is one I did for a card class back in March.

Stamps: Simple Beauty, Frienship Puzzle
Paper: silohuette polka dots, Black, White daisy, Grey Flannel, Sweet Leaf
Inks: Grey Wool
Embellishments: Black brads, Stickles

The last card was the fun one. I had seen one like this in an old Paper Crafts... but it was really plain. I decided to dress this one up. I have to admit I tried to texture the "pot" portion of the card with my cuttlebug but it just didn't work out with the dimensions of the card being bigger than the embossing folder. So, this is the second attempt and I love how it turned out!! I hope you do too.

Stamps: Simple Beauty
Paper: K & Company Roam Designer Paper
Tools: Cuttlebug flower dies and embossing folder
Inks: Sweet leaf, chocolate
Embellishments: My Stickease from Caprice and Life Delights, liguid glass, stickles

Celebrate!!

2008-05-06T12:31:00.001-07:00

So many cards to make and this one I like a lot. I hope to stay on a roll. I have waited till the last minute to make 2 grad cards, some more mother's day cards for the special lady friends in my life, and others. This one is for my sister in law that I will get to see this weekend. Her and my brother are graduating college. I can't wait to see them.
I used all CTMH supplies except the sewing. I used Caprice papers, Angel Whispers, Serendipity and Say it with Style stamps. Colors are chocolate, desert sand, sweet leaf, crystal blue, and honey. Hope you enjoy!! Be back with more later.

Promise of Spring...

2008-05-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

I hate to visit blogs daily and see the same thing looking back at me... I am sorry. I haven't felt very creative this week. But the sun has been shining a little and the weather has been a little warmer... hence the Promise of Spring.
Monday night Kaelyn and I went running together- fun. It was raining a little and a the cutest little puppy wouldn't quit following us.. We asked a few people up and down our path if they knew who she might belong to- but no one did. The rain started coming down heavier and she was already so drenched and cold that we decided to take her home. Now Kaelyn had already named her by the time we got home. Coco... you can see where this is going right??? I called the vet and checked Craigslist to see if anyone was missing their puppy. Checked back in the area we found her the following day for signs... nothing. Then thought oh my we just got ourselves a 3rd dog. My little Ethan had fallen in love and asked a million times "Mom, can we PLeeeease keep her?" Then I got a text from Heidi that her husband saw a sign on his run for her. Oh the heartache my kids had. I have to admit I was a little or a lot sad too. Ethan and Kaelyn went with Dalton to take her home. Ethan was so big after crying alligator tears for over an hour. We went and got ice cream that night after church to makes us all feel better. Here is a picture of the cutest little girly pup.

I did finally make a card today and I do love it. It is bright and cheery. It is an older promo set CTMH had last year. I love the size of the flowers in it. This is a birthday card for my mother in law. I have to get busy and finish all my gifts that I am taking next week back to Oklahoma. My brother and sister-n-law are graduating college. Just saying that makes me feel so old. I know I am not ancient. But first he goes and gets married and now he'll officially be all grown up!! I can remember sitting in our rocking chair with my pink footed jams and him in the car seat carrier in front of me. I rocked us both that way. Crazy to imagine him so grown up!! I can't imagine what my parents feel. Really old!!! Hee hee. So enough chatter you came for the card!!

oooh... updated card. It needed a little something once I saw it on the screen. I added piercing in the corner with the words "celebrate" and a little tag at the botton. I also crumpled the edges of the flower just a little.

Colors: Honey, Sweet Leaf, Holiday Red/ Stamps: Promise of Spring, Serendipity/Ribbon: CTMH Cranberry grosgrain & photo hanger pewter CTMH/ Stickles & CTMH Clear Detailed EP

Busy Weekend

2008-04-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hello!!
Saturday was crazy- and quite beautiful!! Sunshine and a little warmth too.
But the day itself was crazy busy!! We had one baseball game at 10, basketball at 2 and 4. A birthday party at 2... It was just busy, busy!!! We watched August Rush that night for our Family Movie night. I have to say, I loved that movie. It was perfect!! The kids loved it- even Ethan!!
Sunday was a wonderful day. We went to church- and that was great. I ran with Ethan in the jogger 5 miles and the kids and Dalton went to the gym. Then we met back at home and loaded the bikes and the bike trailer for Ehtan up and headed to the trail. We rode for 10 miles. I was proud of Brookelyn for riding so long. Kaelyn, well I was proud of him too but he could have rode all day. I on the other hand was beat!! Pushing the jogger is hard to do while running and little man loves to talk. I love to listen to my worship music and run- and I can't talk and run. And then pulling the trailer, well I was tired by the time we made to car.
I have to really hunker down this week and train hard. We run 18 miles this week. I just can't believe it is almost here... the marathon.

I did manage to make a couple of cards over the weekend. One birthday card for the party and then one just cuz!! I hope you enjoy and thanks for letting me ramble on...

The first one uses a retired paper pack for the b&t paper (Great Outdoors) and then a cute stamp set that I had to have and have never used until now. Roughin' it. I love how cute this card turned out. The little boy was having a camo party- not camping camo but boot camp... but it still was cute!! The trees, baby bear, and the tent are pop dotted.

This next one is one of my favorite Stamp of the months yet to be released!! It is for June... With Love. Paper is from a little stack that I picked up at M's. I used my copics again to color the flowers and vase. I did use Heavenly Blue CS and sparkles from CTMH also. Ribbon was from M's too.

Simple White Card and little altered notebook...

2008-04-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hello. I have been so busy with lia sophia that I haven't had much time to play. That is exciting in itself though. I have two parties this weekend and I am thrilled.

So, I have been seeing on some other blogs and the CTMH BB's just simple white cards. Well if you know me, I leave NOTHING white. I distress everything. I paint every wall in my house a nice rich color- sometimes more than once. Ha Ha. But I thought I would try because I loved the simplicity of the look. I wanted to use my new copic markers and my new little Nature set from A muse. So, here is what I came up with. Nothing but stamping. I did have to add some ribbon because I couldn't just leave it alone. I am not sure you can see it in the picture- but the eyes have liquid glass on them. And I chalked with 2 different blues around the entire image to soften the white. Not my favorite card but thought I would share all the same. Maybe later I can play before my party tonight!!

The other little project that I made is for lia sophia. I will keep it with me to log my miles, keep receipts until I get home to file and last tab is my "to do's" people to call and such. I just love how this little notebook turned out.

Thanks for stopping by...

Enabler Alert!!

2008-04-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

I just found a great new website called Cut @ Home. It has a special registry to get a 40% off coupon once a month. And you can use it on Nestabilities!! I am so excited. They can be a little spendy but they have them for $22.49 and for a complete set they are just $76. Now I should clarify that the set is all the circles (or whatever shape you are looking for) of straight and scalloped large and small. I am so excited. So go register to be a member and get your coupon!!
www.cutathome.com

More artwork later. Thanks for stopping by.

Amuse and Copics!!

2008-04-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

I had my April workshop last night with a great group of gals and a really good day today with my kids and husband. Despite the off and on SNOW we are having today- did the post date really say April?? Well anyway, I decided to take a minute to play with a few new toys I got.
A great friend Whitney brought me a set from the store she works at (Impress) that I have been wanting. And then I had gift certificates for Bellevue Square and went to the Impress store there and picked up a few Copic Markers to color in my cute little owls. I am so excited. They color so much nicer than my others. I do need to attend the class at Impress they are having soon. But it was fun to play around with them. I can't wait to learn more.

Here is my card I just whipped out to say "Thank you" to Whitney. It is using "You're a Hoot"- amuse and my new Copics. Lots of layers but I had fun with all the colors.

Happy Birthday Granddad!!!

2008-04-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

Oh how we miss and love Dalton's dad. Since we moved up here away from Oklahoma we miss a lot of things but the grandparents have to be #1 on the list. #2 OU football games... but today is Granddad's birthday and we miss him much!!
Happy Birthday!!!

Here is a card we sent to him. Sorry it will be a little late.

Thanks for stopping by...

Craft Room Redo!!

2008-04-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't think I would ever reclaim the bonus room but I have. I thought about it for a week or so and then told Dalton I wanted to move it... sat on it for a few more days and asked one night at dinner- "How long do you think it would take to move the rooms?" To which he answered- "Not too long." Well, it took 4 days. But worth the wait. I am calling it the Family Studio!! Because it will serve as my craft room and the kids can do their homeschooling in here too next year.

I can now also have lots of my friends and classes in this very room rather than invading my whole downstairs!! I am so happy it is complete. Thank you honey for working so hard to make it happen. :O)

I hope you enjoy the pics... (you can click on any photo to view it larger)

As you walk into the room.

A view back from my table.

My table and to the sides of it..

Holders for inks and markers.

Ribbon holders.

Built in Cabinets.

Upclose shot of shelving that holds stamps and old inks and lots of other stuff!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Birthdays...

2008-04-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

We have had a month full of birthdays among our neighborhood friends. Two of the sweetest gals just celebrated theirs. Here are a couple of cards I made for them.
I had so much paper piecing this one with an old set that CTMH has. The paper is just a stack I picked up at Target by Marcella K. I have not used it until now because I didn't know if I could spare not having anymore left... but I made both cards using it. The ink colors that match perfectly are goldrush, garden green, cocoa, and autumn terracotta.

This one went so well with the colors in my house that I almost kept it. But Heidi called asking if I had given Lindsay her card yet and I was busted. But at Bunco last night I saw it on her memo board and it matches her house so well too!!!
The stamp set used making it is a sneak peak of a new stamp of the month. One of the many privileges of being a consultant... ordering early.

Thanks for stopping by!!

I'm back!!

2008-04-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

Hello!!
I got back in the old habit of not blogging and getting too busy with life. I have so much to catch up on. I am sooo sorry. We will start with the weather. IT has been absolutely the craziest spring ever. The end of March we had snow... then just this weekend it was 81 on Saturday, such a teaser... yesterday it was pelting hail and in the 40's. Please sunshine come to stay!!!

Here is a pic of the kids playing in the snow we had...

Then last week was spring break and we did lots of activities through the week. We went bowling, swimming, had sleepovers and went to Whidbey with our neighbor Heidi and her children. It was so much fun!! We went on a day trip that Friday to the Tulip Town. It was quite the adventure finding it but so much fun and worth the drive and trip. Although, with the chilly nilly weather we didn't get to see the tulips in full bloom. But still so pretty.
Here are some pics of the kids in the tulips...
Ethan, Kaelyn, William, Miles, and Hannah

This is Ethan doing his favorite move ever!!

We also drove through the most beautiful part of WA to me- other than Mt Ranier. Deception Pass it was so pretty.
Here are a few pics we took there....

Running....

2008-03-29T14:55:00.001-07:00

So, Saturday's are the long run days and this week is one of our down weeks and I didn't run at all this week with the snow, rain, and crazy weather. So today I thought- "No biggie, it's just 6 miles!" Well smarty with asthma here still has to be able to breathe!! I should have run this week rain/sleet or snow. That was the hardest part with it being so cold and a dry cold.
I guess the part I laugh at most is that we are all in our 30's and there is a wide range in those 30- proud to hold the middle ground myself. But we all have suffered injuries and have daily aches and pains. But not one of us has been willing to call it quits. And I so have wanted to plenty of times. I can't wait though until next week... we run 14 and that will be just a little over a real "half marathon". I need to register this month and honestly I just can't decide whether to do a half or kill my body with a full.
Thanks for listening to the ramblings. Promise to post more artwork this next week!!

Ooops I forgot...

2008-03-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

This year Easter was just too early. It caught me off guard. I knew it was early and coming but still didn't really grasp just how early!!
I forgot to post my Easter Card I had made. I made cute little baskets to give away and forgot to take a picture. But I did get a picture of the card. And I love how it turned out!!! I hope everyone had a blessed Easter.

Colors are Buttercup, Sweet Leaf, Colonial White, and Blush. The stamp set was our Stamp of the Month for January. Very fun set. The dots are from Simple Stitches. The boxes are raised with foam squares and the eggs and flowers have pop dots for dimension.

I hope you have a great day.

I've Been Tagged and I didn't even know it!!

2008-03-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Leslie- http://leannesscraps.blogspot.com/
7 Intersting or Weird Facts about myself....

1. My very first concert was Tina Turner at 12 or 13. I got to go backstage and I remember thinking how cool they had shrimp cocktail everywhere!!

2. After seeing Poetic Justice I had my hair done in braids. I only wore them for a week and they were soo heavy!!! I am still not sure what I was thinking.

3. I am a HGTV and Food Network Junkie!! I can't get enough of my favorite shows on those channels. Especially Ace of Cakes and Food Challenge. I love Color Splash and all of the Design to Sell or What you get for the money type of shows.

4. I would love to be just like Martha- all but the jail stint. I just don't have the time or time management to do all that organizing and projects that I have lists to do!!

5. By the time I was 19 I had moved over 20 times in my life. Crazy to add onto it given I am 35 now and moved a ton more.

6. I am really shy when you first meet me. I often get pegged for being a little stuck up maybe... but I am just shy. Of course if you already know me you would never say that is true!!

7. I absolutely hate peas. and Absolutely LOVE a skinny vanilla latte and Diet Coke!!

Okay so the rules are...
Link to the person who tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 random/and or wierd facts about yourself on your blog, we all want to know them.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
So here are the ones who I chose to tag:http://ericathescrapper.blogspot.com/, http://luckybugcreations.blogspot.com,http://clearlyinspired.blogspot.com/

I heard a little bird singing...

2008-03-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

I had a cleaning busy day yesterday getting ready for my Lia Sophia Jewelry Party. And I am so excited to announce that not only do I get to pick out some Amazing Hostess Benefits but I also signed up!! I am going to start under Stacie who is just amazing. I am just hooked. I used to run a jewelry shop- Friendze. It is out of Texas and it was a beading shop and we sold some sterling pieces and fun gifts. I loved it. And Lia Sophia's jewelry is fun, affordable and I can't wait to get started sharing it with everyone!!!

But for now I want to share this card I made today. Ethan is taking naps again and I couldn't be happier to have a little fun time to myself during the day. It is a nice way to get my creative juices out before 2 am.

The colors are colonial white, heavenly blue, cocoa. I machine stitched on the card for the first time. I was ultra excited to break out the sewing machine!! I have hand stitched on cards before but never got out the machine and it was fun and will have a permanent place out on the table now!! I also used window charms (on both sides), eyelet, and safety pin to make a cute charm to dangle from the ribbon. Finished card is 4 x 5.5

WOOHOO!!

2008-03-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

No artwork today... But I have to tell you--- I ran 12 miles today!! It is absolutely insane to think it. But this morning I was absolutely excited. I didn't sleep very good even the last couple of hours in bed. And today I ran the ENTIRE time. I ran 5 minutes faster than my 10 mile run last Monday. Thank you God for the ability to do so!!
It was fun running with the group rather than alone. Although, it get into such a zone that it is like you are running alone. I was glad to have Christi behind me so that I would "have" to keep running. We also ran with our pastor and boy for a man that only does 3 miles he kicked all of our times. But what a rewarding day!!!
Can't make this too long, have to keep moving so I don't get stiff. Talk later!!

Welcome Baby Boy

2008-03-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I can't show off Easter yet. But here is a card I made yesterday for a friend who just had a baby boy!! I had such fun making it and think it turned out sooo cute.. Enjoy. You can click on the image to see it up close. The colors got a little light on the post.

Card: His eye is paper pieced with Colonial white, ears, nose, and tummy are paper pieced with the B&T from the card...

Card with front of envelope:

and the tootsie boy closes the back of the envelope:

Colors are colonial white, heavenly blue, cocoa. Stamp Sets: solo B, A birthday wish, Simple Stitches, April Stamp of the Month- Express Postage and Tootsie.

Cheerleading Rah-Rah

2008-03-20T14:09:00.000-07:00

Brookelyn's cheer season is over. Sad for her. It was a really fun time. She cheered for Upward and we loved it. It was a great way to have fun and pour the love of Jesus into the girls at the same time. She had a fantastic coach- Dinah :o)
They had their party on Tuesday evening and here is a card I made for her coaches. I also made paper bag books for each of the girls and for Coach Dinah to put pictures in. I haven't take pictures of those yet though.

All products used making this card are Close to My Heart. Colors are Dutch Blue and Honey. Main image is pop dotted several times for dimension. The main scalloped flower is traced onto White Daisy cardstock from a dimensional chipboard. that piece was also ran through the Cuttlebug- I don't think you tell that in the picture. But I used Bloom Dots A2 embossing folder. The other flower is made up from the Angel Whispers Stamp set and the Cheerleading. Honey colored sassy strands are wrapped around the safety pin that attaches the dimensional element "thank you".

Thanks for stopping by check back tomorrow to see more... Easter creations.

April Workshop

2008-03-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

Enjoy how cute these little albums are?? They will be great given as a Mother's Day gift, to friend moving away, a brag book in your purse- of the ones you love and the talent you have!! Sign up for this event will be $15 due when you sign up. We are changing the date- I planned over Spring Break not thinking too good!!! A new eVite will go out today. But if you didn't get one and would like to participate please email me or post a comment here and I will get in touch with you.

Have a great day!! Thanks for stopping by.

Scrappy Happy on St Patty's Day

2008-03-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

I have been locked up in my house with my sick little boy... so during rest time on Monday I was looking through some old photos while cleaning up my scrap room... and decided to do a layout. I challenged myself to only Green!!! And here is what I came up... but maybe a little background. Our dog- Max loves to play in the hose water. I love to put it on "jet" and make it run from one end of the yard to the other and he does because he wants that water. So, then Ethan learned this little trick and made Max follow him everywhere with the hose in hand... I apologize for the flash on the photos.

Products used:
CTMH- White Daisy CS, Clover leaf B&T for "Follow" cut by cricut George Basics, Topiary, Key Lime, Kiwi, and Sweet Leaf inks, Angel Whispers and Delightful Alphabet stamps, Buttons- some CTMH and contraband, Offray ribbons, Apple Barrel leaf green and real green paints.

Hope you had a great St. Patrick's Day!!!

Croup Boy!!

2008-03-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

Well it was a scary bout with croup and now that he is feeling almost back to healthy. He still has the cough and can't be active without being out of breath.
I will share the story and how I know for sure I am scrapbooker.

He had a rough night Friday night after the ladies left from the card class. He was asleep in our bed and on fire... He had that laboring breathing but I didn't want to wake him. So the next morning the seal had shown up. He was barking rather than coughing and his whole tummy was breathing for him. He had a fever and we gave him ibuprofen and he never left the couch.. Not the Saturday morning boy we are used to. Needless to say in the afternoon we were rushing out the door with a boy who just simply couldn't breath. We made it to Swedish ER where they gave him and Epi mist treatment and a dose of steroid... Didn't take much effect and they decided to transfer him to Swedish Children's Hospital. So, he rode by ambulance to the unit and I have to say when he was stable and all was okay in the ambulance I thought- I hope this never has to happen again but I wish I had my camera to show him later. Agghhh- scrapping thoughts.
The ER nurse and the young man Steve from the ambulance were amazing fingerprints of God. They took such great care of our little guy. It was just so comforting to know how much they really cared for him. He even gave Ethan little knuckles when he got him settled in his room. I just loved it.

Here are a few pics I did get in the hospital room.. they go from sick boy that just didn't have much "life" to him.. to restless boy wanting to go home. I'm not sick in my mind or heart mom- I just can't breathe.

Right before "bedtime"

These are him ready to go mom. He had some eggs for breakfast and a red jello.. and he was ready to wave goodbye and go.

We had to wait a long time for his last dose of steroid to come and that was his discharge rights. He got really restless waiting. So the cord to the tv became quite a photo shoot... this was just a sampling of "look mom and take a pic.. let me see...oh look at this mom and take pic..." you see the pattern. We took over 50 pictures in the hour wait for the pharmacy.

More Workshop Cards

2008-03-07T20:39:00.000-08:00

And these are a few more of the cards we will be doing at our workshop/class this next Friday. I just have to get cuttin' now!!

The first two incorporate fun stamped images and one of my favorite papers. Free Spirit. I used Legendary Moments, Ticket Tags, Genuine Fun, Happy Birthday... Colors are Colonial White, Cocoa, and Twilight. Ribbons are cocoa and twilight ribbon rounds.

This next one is made using March Stamp of the Month Simple Beauty.
Colors are Black, Grey Flannel, Grey Wool ink, Sweet leaf and White Daisy...

Long time no blog...

2008-03-04T20:09:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry that life is just getting ahead of my ability to keep up to date. I read so many blogs everyday you would think I could at least update my own. I love looking at artwork on all the ones I visit daily that I have decided I am going to have to post more of my own artwork. So, hopefully I will be able to do just that!!!

In February we had a great month!! We decided to walk in faith or obedience to the Lord rather, and put our homestudy up for review for a family that we are so interested in. I hope that you all will stay in prayer with us as we should be hearing something soon. Valentines day was such a great "family" day of love!! I have to say I agree that it really is just a Hallmark day!! I love the red hearts and the fun that the kids have passing out valentine's but I am rather sure I would rather make sure everyone knows that I love them each and everyday!!!

Here is the card I made for Dalton I really enjoyed it and so did he...:o)

Another pretty card made using the February Stamp of the Month... I have two extra sets still for sale if you are interested in this set... it is really a pretty set to play with. It is paired with lots of sparkles and the beautiful Silhouette Papers in our new Spring Catalog.

The kids had winter break for a week and we had so much fun going to the beach and yes it was chilly but it was a beautiful sunny day!! We also took other day trips to the Pacific Science Center and parks... Here are a few great pics from those days..

More to come on my upcoming Stamp Camp next week!! Still a few more spaces, be sure to leave a comment if you would like to be added to workshop!!!

Stamp Camp Samples

2008-03-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

Well mark your calendars for March 14th. I will be doing a stamp camp that night- 10 cards for just $10.. They are worth more than $1 a piece but the fun we will have is surely worth even more!! I hope that if you weren't a part of the orginal Evite you will drop a comment below and let me know if you would like to be added to the list of FUN gals that are already coming. That night all you need to bring with you is a basic tool kit. Which includes micro-tip scissors, small paper trimmer (not completely necessary but will cut down on your wait), and adhesive!!

Here are some of the designs and I will be adding more soon...
All products are Close To My Heart unless listed otherwise.

CREATE!!!

2008-01-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel like you just Need to be creative. I am having one of those days... So until I plop down and create something let me share some things that I have created when I did feel this way. I cleaned up my craft room and started seeing some of the fun things I made and didn't give away and thought "now what are you ever going to do with that?? It literally is taking up dust!!"
This first one was so much fun to make and I adore it still. The papers are Close to My Hearts- Simple Pleasures. My downline gave me the tin at convention last year and I dolled it up to my likings sometime after.

And this time of year you start to think Spring is just around the corner. The sun has been shining so bright- yeah it's 20 degrees in the morning but it has to be close after all the Sun is shining!!! Spring means fun handbags to me!!! Here is one of my favorite projects to make Paper Purses!! It has a darling little pen and mini composition book to match. Papers are Close to My Heart but they are retired. It was a fun set to play with.

And then lastly I love reading all the Papercrafts, Creating Keepsakes, you get the idea magazines... I saw an inspiration card just around the time of my dear friend Tricia's birthday this last year... I loved the paper in the card. I took out so many different stamps and recreated it!! I think if you saw the pic and yes I showed it to her you would just be amazed at what you can do with your stamps!!

So until later, be inspired to go Create!! It's good for you!!

Family times....

2008-01-12T23:52:00.000-08:00

So, I get the feeling by talking to some that you are actually reading my blog. Yahoo!! So, let me share that Ethan turned "4"!! What a monumental age that has been so far. He has loved the number 4- for so long. He was even going to sleep in his own bed when he turned "4" but then he promptly told Kaelyn he was just Kidding!! What a hoot that was. And I wanted to share pictures but just realized they are held captive in my camera. I will upload them and share another day.
Life is really good here. We have had so much fun together lately. We got the Wii over Christmas and I have to say that has been the most fun the family has had playing together than any other game. I am ready to go PRO in bowling- well not really but in about 140 points I will be!! Ethan really kicks our ba-hookey each game. Little boy is sooooo good.
Tonight was family movie night and we watched an old favorite- "Shaggy Dog." It was so cute to see Kaelyn snuggled up to Dal on the couch. I love that boy. He is filled with such a soft and sweet spirit. I had Brookelyn all snuggled up to me while Ethan- well he took turns playing the dog, Optimus Prime, and his favorite Power Ranger. It is always such a wonderful time to spend together.
Please remember us in your prayers as we wait for the child that God has for us. We are so anxious to meet them.- Yes I said them as though it were plural. The vision I feel God has place in my heart is of a young boy and an infant girl. If I am wrong ok- but if it come to fruition than Hallelujah I had the privilege to see His way and Believe in Him.

Adoption Update

2008-01-07T17:17:00.001-08:00

So adoption updates...not what I was hoping for. Antioch is a church that runs the adoption agency like a ministry through their church. With all non for profits it is a financial burden to say the least to run this especially when there is no fee to those adopting. The pastor Ken Hutcherson feels very strongly about finding families for children and feels like the finances that other big agency charge shouldn't be what stops children from being connected with good homes.

Over the last couple of months for various reasons they have lost 3 really great people. 2 of which were directly involved in our case. Maddy was by far the biggest shock to Dalton and I because we didn't know that she was or why. I wish her the best in whatever lies ahead for her and will pray for her daily. Our homestudy worker Kristen left to pursue her Master's degree and while I think that is great we just loved her. But do wish her the best as well. Now with Kerry Ann who was a caseworker doing placements that directly affected us the most- but she is at Youth for Christ the foster agency we will/are using. :o)

That all being said they are down in staff with only 2 caseworkers with their maximum load of cases. The wait for a placement will be longer than ever before unless we take a direct placement through Youth for Christ. That makes me sad.

But what I am still really sad about is the need for these children to find homes doesn't go away and it is strictly a budgetary thing. I wish adopting domestically especially within your state was much easier than it is.

We would so appreciate any prayers you could lift up for us. We will be praying for God to give us guidance and clear direction for His will. That we would have discernment to know that is His will. Waiting is the hardest part and we knew it would be, but we didn't know it would be this long potentially. So pray for us. Thank you for all that are and do in the future.

Wow 2008!!

2008-01-06T22:36:00.000-08:00

A new year calls for a bright new look!!
So, I am ultimately embarrassed that it is 2008 and I haven't posted since before Christmas. This was one busy Christmas holiday break. Between concerts, and parties.. it all went so fast. The year really went so fast. I will have to share with you some of my favorite pics from December.

Ethan was so cute at his concert- nothing like 3 year old children singing "Good News" about Jesus being born!! Or shall I say, SHOUTING!!!

And here is one of Brookelyn for her concert...

And well let me find a cute one of Kaelyn...

now really what other picture of him would I have but in a sports event??

So, it is a new year and we all have been so sick with the dang bug that I finally finished sanitizing all the sheets and lysoling (SP?)anything that stood still including air vents. We have to get rid of this virus!!! It has been with us for toooo long. But all is feeling better.

So some of the events to look forward to with this coming new year.
Hopefully good news on the adoption front.
I am somehow going to train to run a marathon- those that know me- YOU must Stand back up and STOP laughing. I cannot tell you how it came about, but it did and I am not backing down. So, I bought a new pair of running shoes and will be getting a refill on my inhalers and off I will go. Kicking and screaming!!!
And of course I will be posting more artwork than 2007- it is my personal goal to catch up on my own scrapbooking while still playing with fun new products and making cards and altering anything I can imagine. :o) One can dream!!

So this is also the birthday month!! Ethan turns 4, Dalton on the 16th and Brooke turns 10 on the 18th. Sprinkle my little brother in there on the 10th and Doug (D's brother) in there on the 1st!! What a glorious month!!! God was so good to all of us for giving each one of them to us.

So, until tomorrow- yes really tomorrow. Good night!!

Creative Play Day

2007-12-11T19:59:00.000-08:00

So, today I am recovering from Bunco last night. :o) We had a fun time and it was a lot of prep work but I think it was a success. Ethan has a double ear infection so the two of us stayed in comfy clothes and lounged. I did get 6 loads of laundry done and my kitchen cleaned up but I also played in my craft room in spurts.

Here are the two cards I made today. They were fun.

The first one uses a fun set that is now retired. Winter's Melody. I love these girls. I also used New Fallen Snow and paper from the Christmas Stack. Cardstock and ribbons are Heavenly Blue. The girl is paper pieced and the bling is Sparkles from CTMH... I also used Stickles for a little extra glitter. I doodled around the snowflakes for some whimsy... overall I love this card.

This second card is also using papers from the Stack... and CTMH bamboo cardstock. It uses a beautiful vintage set called Winter Wonder. I just used this set for the first time today. I love it. I used chocolate inks. I stamped the skis and pop dotted them for deminsion as well as the "bundle up". The snowflake has a button actually sewn to it and then a loop made in the back for a hanger. I love how this turned out and would make a great masculine card.

I hope you enjoy. I had fun playing and I am off to do Christmas gifts... can't show those.

Advent Ideas

2007-12-03T09:12:00.000-08:00

Good Morning,
It is so hard to believe but we received our first snow on the 1st of December. And if we weren't in the Christmas spirit that certainly changed things!! All the lights looked so beautiful in our neighborhood and the snow was perched atop the trees in such splendor beauty of its own. It was truly a time where I love the Northwest. The magnificent green contrasted with the stark white. What a sight!!! That was washed away in just a day by the lovely ever present Northwest RAIN!! Agghhh....

So, as I sit here just having done my bible study and listening to the rain drops. I began plotting how I was going to get the little guy to go grocery shopping and decided I would share the ideas below instead. Enjoy!!

I was given these ideas by a fellow consultant and have put them into action. I love bringing the true meaning of Christmas to my children. Although I believed in Santa for many years, it's nice to know we never have to outgrow "Believing" in God.

Here is a picture of my unfinished throw together in a day advent tree.... I need a topper for the little guy. Next year this may be a decoration and I will use bigger matchboxes to make it bigger and able to hold the items that are needed to go along with the slips of ideas tucked inside. But for now it's perfect because it is being used. :o)

And here are the wonderful ideas.
Advent Calendar Ideas

1 Quarter
A quarter! That equals 25 cents. But 25 also stands for the number of days till Christmas, when God gave us His best present. Jesus told about one woman's gift and the way she gave it.
Mark 12:41-44

2 Grape Gum (or candy)
Grapes make jelly and juice, raisins and wine. But Jesus didn't need grapes to perform His first miracle.
John 2:1-10

3 Smiley Sticker
Here's a smile! A smile usually expresses happiness. Jesus gave us many instructions to keep us happy.
Matthew 5:1-12

4 Gummy Fish
Fish! Well, if you were surprised to find these fish, wait will you read the story today! Others were surprised to find fish, too.
Luke 5:4-7

5 Birthday Candle
A birthday candle? As you know, We are getting ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday. However, Jesus talked about something else that is related to this candle. Light!
Matthew 5:14-16

6 Bell
You could make some noise with this. But it would not have bothered a certain man--until he met Jesus.
Mark 7:31-37

7 Fish Crackers
These would not go very far if you were really hungry! But Jesus could make much out of little. Surely He knew how to multiply!
Matthew 14:13-21

8 Cotton Balls
These cotton balls would be helpful in a thunderstorm, wouldn't they? We could use them for ear plugs to muffle loud noises that thunder makes. But we know someone who doesn't need cotton. Jesus can control the weather.
Matthew 8:23-27

9 Piece of a Map
People needing to use the other parts of their map are in trouble! Don't you get lost today!
John 14:1-6

10 Soap
It's soap. Do you like to wash? Behind your ears? Washing turned out to be a happy time for a man who met Jesus.
John 9:1-7

11 Heart Sticker
Hearts. Wordlessly, they speak of love, don't they? Jesus spoke some commands about love.
Matthew 22:34-40

12 Cross
We use the cross as a symbol representing Jesus. Do you know why?
Philippians 2:1-11

13 Packet of Salt
Ordinary salt. Yes, Jesus related salt to us and our behavior. He also gave us some advice.
Matthew 5:14 and Colossians 4:6

14 Sand
Don't try to eat this! It's sand. It reminds us that Jesus knows something about architecture, about buildings--and building lives. Read about His instructions.
Matthew 7:24-29

15 Flowers(silk)
Flowers are pretty, aren't they? Jesus used flowers to teach us a reassuring lesson.
Matthew 6:28-34

16 Raisins
Raisins! Many children are given raisins instead of chips for a snack. That's because they are health promoting and a delicious fruit. Jesus told us how we can produce good fruit.
John 15:1-5

17 Seeds
Jesus told a story about seeds that a man planted. Then He explained it, revealing its deeper meaning.
Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23

18 Christmas Carol
Christmas is just a week away. Here is an appropriate song. Sing it loudly!
Psalms 100

19 Small Rock
A hard stone! Can you change this stone into a piece of bread? Do you think Jesus could? Jesus was asked to do just that. Do you know how He handled it?
Matthew 4:1-4

20 Crumpled Foil
Try to smooth out this piece of aluminum foil and use it as a mirror. It's hard to see your reflection plainly, isn't it? Many circumstances are hard to understand, but someday everything will be clear.
I Corinthians 13:12

21 Mustard Seed
The mustard seed is the smallest there is! When it sprouts, it grows into one of the largest plants! See what Jesus says about this.
Matthew 17:20

22 Dove
We know that the cross represents Christ, but do you know what the dove stands for?
Matthew 3:13-17

23 Small scrap of woolly material
The threads that compose this fabric came from the wool of a sheep. Jesus called himself the good Sheppard. Do you know who His sheep are?
John 10:7-18

24 Blue Marble
A marble! Do you know what is sometimes called the "Big Blue Marble"? The world. God made the world for us. What does God continue doing to the world? And who is the world?
John 3:16

25 Picture of a baby
Isn't this baby cute? When he was born, he made a whole family happy. Jesus was born a baby, too. He came to make the whole world happy.
Luke 2:1-20

Trimming the Tree

2007-11-28T11:23:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how not into Christmas I have been this year. It has taken almost a full week to get the tree up lights up and decorations put in place. I am usually a one day kind of gal.
We did the 4 am shopping on black Friday and it was a circus. Never shop at KOHL'S for a 4 am sale. We had a wonderful place in line to get in and a terrible time checking out- that we just left. I heard later that people waited some 2 to 3 hours to pay for their things. But Sam's, now that was nice. Quiet, free breakfast and we got all we went for and more. It was fast and easy. Walmart wasn't bad either. Went to Michael's to get a bunch of craft stuff to do with the kids while we wait for the big fat guy(aka Santa) to come. But after that we went home. Dalton allowed me a "5 minute nap" that turned into 2 hours. That was nice. Then we had basketball all weekend. That may be where the crusher was... we weren't able to do our normal routine. It was a do it when you can type of thing. Sad to me. But they played hard and it was fun to watch. :o)
So we are almost done with the lights on the house, just a few things I want to change- or should I say want Dalton to change. And we should be good as done. I am about to turn on the music and get in the mood. I am almost done with my Christmas cards and I wish I could post them... but you will have to wait to get it in the mail.
So, if you will join me as I sing Christmas Carols in the shower for now!! And don't forget to watch the tree in Rockefeller Center light up tonight. That is my dream to one day not have to watch it on TV and actually be standing right in front of all the glory. So beautiful.

Turkey Time

2007-11-17T21:55:00.000-08:00

So here is a fun little turkey that Ethan and I created tonight during the Sooner Game. It was so much fun to make. I pinned all the "paper feathers" and Ethan got to stick all the colorful feathers to his tail end. And you know when you are almost four you have to name everything.."Mom we have to name him. Name him KookyLokkie." Well there you have it... sounds just like a turkey name. This will be our fun centerpiece at Thanksgiving!!

Updates....

2007-11-17T21:39:00.000-08:00

I am so embarrassed that I haven't been on here is so long. Things get so busy this time of year. And with school being well only half days here lately- getting anything done is well a challenge. But fun!!

I have to update all on our adoption. We are officially done with everything and all we can do from our part. We have to sit back and trust that Lord will provide us the wisdom to know when he is bringing the child he already has chosen into our lives. We ask that you join us in praying for our continued patience and strength. That our child be protected and free of harms way.

Remember to tell everyone out there that you may know that it is God's will for us to take care of these orphans. (James 1:27 Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.) And if they are looking to adopt or know of young woman in need of ministering, Antioch Adoptions is a wonderful and heartfelt ministry. I would love every teen and young adult who finds themselves in a time of pregnancy crisis in our state to know about their true options. None of these options are easy but with Antioch they get the love and support they need while making a courageous decision.

Thank you all and God Bless each one of you.

Scrapbook in a Box

2007-11-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Ladies I wanted to post a little something for you to see. I know that some of you have a question on just what is the Scrapbook in a Box that is offered at the next crop night (11/16). I will add some photos here so that you can see what a fun and unique gift it can make for your family and friends to receive. If you would like to make one that night the fee is only $12. You can email me or add it to your RSVP on the evite.

This is one I made for my wonderful inlaws when they came to town over the summer. I wanted to be sure to send back with them photos from their visit with us.

So after seeing it, you can tell that there is a layering of cardstock that makes the box. It is scored and cut into 4 flap areas that when folded up they make a square for the box. You can use as many as 28 pictures to fill up this wonderful gem. I also provided in this box some extra fold over flaps providing room for even more journaling or pictures.

I will not lie these are so time consuming in production but the gift is well worth any amount of time and effort. You will love it so much you just might need to make 2 to keep one for yourself.

Have a great day!!!

Carving Pumpkins

2007-10-30T20:08:00.001-07:00

Well, it's that time of year. I love it. The colors are changing and the fresh & crisp air reminds us of FALL!! I have to say it has been absolutely beautiful up here in the Northwest.

I am so disappointed though in myself. I didn't ever make it to the Pumpkin Patch this year. I am not sure why- other than adding an extra sport into the mix for two kiddos. And that was too much fun to miss out on.

But QFC had a wonderful selection at prices that were hard to argue with. So, we had a blast last night carving away. All in all, we carved 5 pumpkins. From big to little. Ethan had a blast and so did Kae and Brooke. Mom wore here rubber gloves-- and boy were they the envy of the night. Funnier how the older they get the grosser things seem to be. We used every kitchen utensil possible to get the "guts" out of those pumpkins. Not a spot in sight was safe from "orange slimey sphagetti." It was just too much fun.

Here are some fun pics...

Brookelyn's finished pumpkin doesn't put out enough light to get a good pic in the dark but her's is super cute.

Mom's pumpkin

Dad's pumpkin

Ethan's pumpkin

Kaelyn does plan on taking his to the Wild West Fest at church tomorrow. They are having a contest and he even carved "I love Jesus" on his that the candle actually shines through. He was totally thrilled with how it turned out. This was the first year I let him do the carving part. He almost did the whole thing by himself. Not really sure where the santa seahawk hat came into the night but he sure is a cutie...

HAPPY HALLOWEEEN!! TRICK OR TREAT!!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! TRICK OR TREAT!!!

Ladies... This Friday--- Crop Nite!!!

2007-10-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

I love crop nites. It's such a great way to spend a Friday night with all your girlfriends. A time to craft, chat, and have great snacks. So don't forget to bring your tools and projects and a snack to share. We will have a lot of fun. Starts at 6:30.

Don't forget we have a new Fall/Winter Catalog. And the Stamp of the Month is a wonderful set. Artwork below is from that set. It can be yours FREE- ask me how!!

Oh Bother...

2007-10-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

I am such an Eeyore right now. I can't get past this sinus infection. I feel like after 5 days of antibiotic I am still worse than I was when I went in. I get these all the time and a round of meds usually zaps it away. But this one is lingering and holding on for dear life. Not fun.
We are all doing great though. Ethan is loving school and playing with his friends. Brookelyn is loving everything in life. From reading to her new music program she got in to. Kaelyn is a bit under weather but did I mention last Saturday he turned "12". Middle school and almost a "teen" Yikes!!! But he is doing so great in all of his classes and is back to loving math the best. Playing like a rock star on the football field and just loving life too!! Dalton is working so hard right now and starting to lose sleep from all of my coughing. Sorry honey.
But they have a new project to start working on... I will have to get out in the garage and take a picture of the new baby in our home. It's a 67 Mustang. They (Hubby and Kaelyn) are going to restore it for Kaelyn to have when he is ready to drive. It might just take that long. It really is in pretty good shape. It drives fast and well. I guess the fast part is not really needed... but sure makes it fun. They hope to paint it crimson and put cream stripes down the hood and wherever they go.. Boomer Sooner car!!! I am excited to see it all come to fruition.
Well, don't have much time. I have to get Ethan off to school. But wanted to post a little just to keep me in the habit. Talk soon.

Home Extreme Makeover- Night before unveiling

2007-10-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

Well, it is only the 3rd time in their taping and building of homes that they have not been able to meet the deadline. But it actually happened here in the great rainy Northwest. I had promised my daughter that we would go Wednesday to "Move that Bus" day but I didn't want to take her out of school. I couldn't find a schedule anywhere for the time that they would be making the great reveal. So Ethan and I headed up to Kirkland. Amazingly there were no traffic hurdles on 405 and it was only a 35 minute drive for us. We got to the shuttle area and no one was there but the 2 busses. Got to the site and there was soooo much work to be done. It was clear that morning after raining on them for almost a solid week. Some cloud breaks but not enough apparently.
I heard from a worker that it would be at least 6 or 8 that night before they could do the unveiling and Paul actually told her he thought that was a "best case" scenerio. So, back in the car Ethan and I drove back down 405 home. A route we had become very familiar with over the that week.
Well, I had volunteered to help clean up the next day and got an email that it would be postponed until afternoon. So I new the unveiling would be delayed until that next morning. So, that night I took Ethan and Brooke back to view the progress and let Brooke catch a glimpse of what it was all like. We met a family that had a girl her age and they were instantly friends shouting "Ty, Ty, Ty!!" But he just didn't come out in time. We got pictures of Michael and Paige again. That thrilled everyone.

Cold boy with rosy cheeks...

And a girl who didn't want to go home. "Please can't we stay and see Ty??!!"

That next morning I was going to head out until I found out spectators had to be in position by 7 and move that bus would be at 9. Three kids makes that a little hard. But I am so glad that I got to experience the parts that I did. It is so weird to watch the episodes on tv now and know how much goes into every little scene they shoot.
But the best was getting to talk to all the neighbors who truly love this woman and her children. Dalton got to go take a day off on Tuesday and really help with the construction. He was up and out at the staging area by 4:30 am helping do insulation and various other things. What a day for him!! He loved it. And best of all I got one of the blue shirts to sleep in!!!
Thanks for the great experience and congrats to the Chapin family. Can't wait to see the episode in January.

Grocery Game dot come....

2007-10-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

I have to tell you about this again. I don't remember if I went into much detail before. But if you are honestly looking to cut down your weekly or monthly grocery bill you have to do this. I used to go bi-weekly to Costco to buy all my food except the few things I still needed in addition at Safeway. I was way overspending on our grocery budget- which isn't the reason you have one to begin with right???

I read about this grocery game some of my fellow consultants were playing and thought "Hey I am gonna try that" So I signed up for a free trial period... and printed off my lists. I had also read that you wouldn't really save much during the first few weeks when you are just starting out collecting the coupons. But let me tell you I did. The first time I came home from shopping off the list Dalton was amazed at the amount of bags I had stuffed into our Suburban. It was full in th cargo area and the back seats. I had gotten more than my Costco/grocery money had ever gotten before. It was a great WOW factor for us!!

How it works?? They have studied the sales of all the markets and take all the guess work out of it for you. The lists comprise the best time to use your coupons on items that are actually at a "rock bottom" sale price. Not just manufactured paid advertising. For our family we are buying 2 Seattle Times papers allowing to get 2 sets of coupons. I honestly could probably use 1 more paper to maximize the total saving and stocking up on items. So they do these in a 12 week cycle. You are stocking up on items that you don't NEED right now so that when you do NEED them you won't be going out and paying full price. I make my menus based on what I have in my pantry rather than making a menu and running out to buy off of that. That has saved us too.

Now I won't lie you saw the adorned coupon book... yours doesn't have to look like that. That is just how I am. But you will need some kind of binder and definate alone time to clip, sort, file, and pull expired coupons. It is a lot of work- but the saving far outways the work. So, go try it out.... www.grocerygame.com

Adoption Update

2007-10-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess God is giving me the true ability to LEARN patience. Our homestudy interviews were done on Monday the 17th. We thought it would be written and given to the appropriate next step people 2 weeks later. I got an email this last Friday that with the new laws we are waiting on the state of OK to give their clearance on a background check for child abuse and neglect. That is all she is waiting on to have it turned in. I am asking for everyone to pray that they will be swift in response and that it will all be done this week. We can't move on to the state here for foster licensing without that homestudy report.
I grew up always hearing "Good things happen to those who wait." Well, after being tired of hearing that one all the time I changed it up a bit... "Good thing happen to those who do something about it NOW." Just appears that it's not about me. I know hard to believe I am saying that one!! It is all about God's timing and the perfect child that he has already had in our plans and being obedient and patient with His timing. I got it, I got it... I just wish I could see the plans that lie ahead.
So, if you are wondering where we are and stand with our process that is it!! Waiting patiently.

Artwork...

2007-10-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well when I let my website go, I intended to use this blog to have an outlet for my artwork. I have been so crazy busy that posting itself is a challenge and then to have time to create has been a real challenge. But I finally sat down and played with our new stamp of the month for October and finally (thank you Maddy) got my address book bound. I still need to embellish it and do the front cover up real cute... but it still is amazing to me. We (Tricia and I) modeled it after the 9x9 calendar that CTMH sells. I absolutely love it. I plan on offering it as a workshop before the new year. Let me know if you are interested.

Also, crop nite is coming up in just 1 week!!! Yahoo a time for us girls to just get busy on all of our projects. And snack and chat...

So to start off with the Address Book... don't ask how long this took..

Close up of the tabs...

A glimpse of the inside of the book... a pocket on the tabbed page for cards or misc... and each page so cutely decorated..

Then a couple of cards... the one with santa uses our twill stickstock. I love it and am so glad I finally decided to use it. I hoard things a bit...

Thanks for looking and enjoy your rainy day!! Because I refuse to admit that elsewhere it may be sunny, warm and well a better day!!

Home Extreme Makeover

2007-10-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's raining so awfully today... doesn't look much better for tomorrow. But I so want to go to the reveal. I just have to share with you the amazing photos I got of the cast on demo day. I love this show so much. It is one of the only "family" shows we watch. Everyone in our family loves it. Kaelyn even did his million dollar project last year being Ty and doing a makeover for a factitious family. It was so much fun.
Anyway, Ethan and I trotted down to the site on the day they did demo and got to meet the cast and lots of other fans. It was truly wonderful!!! Dalton also took off yesterday and did some volunteer work. He got there around 4:30am and got to help with the insulation and other things. He said it was amazing.
This show is truly a gift to many people.
Enjoy the pics..
This is Michael

John..

Paige and John.. (love the pink helmet, matching shirt and boots)

And of course Ty...

Talking to the family...

They found lead and asbestos in the house so he had to suit up to take the camera in to talk to the family...

And Ethan having fun coloring while waited for the "wrecking and crashing"...

The show is to air sometime in January. If I get to brave the rain and go tomorrow. I will post the pictures I get then.

Just an update.

2007-09-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

So we made it through our first home study interview last Friday... only two more to go with Antioch. Then we move onto the state. It was so wonderful talking to Kristen (our caseworker). Telling her our story and our motivation to adopt. It was so much easier than I thought. Other than I did feel a little like we were in the court reporter room. She had her cute little Dell out and was typing every word I had to say. It made me giggle.

We also got our back patio done and it looks amazing. I will have to get pictures tomorrow of the great space and new garden bed. I can't spend enough time out there. I just love it. We got Ethan his own little grill and he is having a blast playing. I do have to say we have had amazing weather up here. It has been so hot the last couple of days. Hard to believe it is September. I am ready for the fall days and rich colors of the foliage. I love Fall!!!

So, it is a busy time for us. We have football for Kaelyn, soccer for Brookelyn and Ethan and then all the prep for the adoption. Life is full of fun. But things are great!!

I have to tell you I have found a new project... I watched one episode of Life with Ed- the Green Guy. And I am now hooked on finding ways to make our home even more energy efficient. So, I switched all of our light bulbs out for just the cost of tax- thank you Bartell's and Puget Sound Energy coupons. That really helped the grocery gaming totals. I have to move on to the next hunt for how to make it better around here. I will have to let you know what I find.

But speaking of grocery gaming. You have to try this. I went to their website and I pay a fee to get these awesome lists that help you stockpile when things have a coupon and are on "rock bottom" prices through your grocery. I have saved SOOO much money on my grocery bill and have so much toilet paper and such to start my own store but that is saving me money when I need it- I got it for nickles and dimes rather than full price. I love it!!! I am averaging savings of over 50-60% each trip. That is awesome!!! Give it a try the first couple of weeks will drive you nuts but once you get the hang of it you will love it and be hooked. Dave Ramsey would be proud.

Until next time.. love you all!!

Wish you were an Octopus??

2007-08-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am not turning out to be a dedicated blogger. I really have a busy schedule and think about doing it but then don't find the time to make it really good. So, enough excuses...
That makes me think of our recent trip to the aquarium. We go frequently but I love going now with my new camera. Plus it recently had a facelift so it is always fun to go see the new big tank. But I often feel like I wish I were an Octopus. I need that extra set of hands and legs. They would help out when you have so much to keep up with. Here are a few really great pics we got this last time we went...

And there are so many of the octopus but here is just one...We actually got to watch him move through the tunnel and it was so cool to watch it change colors.

Well, I promise to come back tomorrow. I have to run to get ice cream and watch my new addiction... Ace of Cakes. They are so cool.

The Wedding Trip

2007-08-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

So as many of you already know- I am a night owl. Not in anyway do I ever pretend to be a perky morning person. I crack open the diet coke and wake up after I have at least consumed that one. I need gentle persuading to wake up nicely. Well, we left Thursday morning at what I thought was 6:50- which looks a lot to a sleepy person like 6:05... when you don't like morning confusing that 5 and the 0 in your favor is never a good idea. We showed up after being picked up by my very loving and perky friend Tricia... :o) to the airport at 5:40ish. Checking in, all is good and this bell goes off when we are trying to check in our luggage... "oh dear!" she says. "You are late & you will never make your flight,"" as she is looking at the security line that might as well stretch out to the street where I just watched Tricia drive off . "But go and I will let them know you are coming at the gate." Well I am of course NOT a morning person and turn into a stress queen looking at the line wondering WHY DIDN'T SHE JUST ESCORT US TO THE FRONT OF IT????? We get through the line RUN to the gate where the plane is still there the gate attendant looks at us and says "there they are" and promptly says "but you can't get on they are gone." I was too tired from running and Martha Peace was sitting on my shoulder telling me to hold my tongue so not to embarrass my dear husband and mortify my children. The plane was still there and taxing backwards 3 minutes after my husband went to the lady at the desk to see about another flight. We were a whopping 4 minutes late to the gate. Yes, I was upset. But we got on another flight 10 minutes later that took us to Phoenix and arrived in Denver at about 4ish.
All was soon forgotten when we drove into SONIC!!! My diet cherry limeade was calling me. I was now in heaven and the flood gates literally opened up on us. It rains in Seattle but nothing like the Midwest. It poured buckets. The raindrops were as big as my head- not that my head is big but in comparison to the mist in Seattle the drops were HUGE!!! Lightening clear down to the ground that the thunder announced with such a roar. It was not our day but the Sonic it was awesome!!! I miss Sonic- did I tell you that??

It was so good to be with all of our family. I love my little brother. He is 9 years younger than I and such a dear boy to me. I got to see all his rug rat friends, whom I also adored. It was wonderful. I was most grateful to be with my dad again. I miss them both. So the wedding??? Dress rehearsal was fun and emotional toasts were given. It was great... but the wedding day...

WOW!! It was so beautiful. It is a ranch located (and For Sale-3Million) in Breckenridge, CO. Elk Ranch... http://www.renttheranch.com/ Amazing views from every direction. It sits upon 50 acres of just awesome territory. You couldn't imagine a better setting. The weather even held out for the "I do's" and the reception.

Here is a beautiful picture of them at the alter area with the mountains in the back. My brother was so happy. Rachel is a beautiful bride inside and out!!!

Here is a picture of our side of the family with the bride and groom.
I am standing next to my dad and his wife Tonja. My family is right with me- other than my daughter who is standing on the other side next to Christy my sister.

I can't wait to start scrapping the 150 pictures of just the wedding day that we took. It was such a wonderful day that we will all cherish for a very long time.

Until next time... love ya!!!

Hello There

2007-08-01T00:23:00.000-07:00

Well this is totally new to me... I can't even believe I set this up without any help from my hubby. I feel a little pat on the back coming on for me...
I hope to be a great blogger. Keeping those who come for creative inspiration coming back for more!! And for those who just want to know how we are doing way up here in the Northwest are strutting along... Well I hope to keep the pictures posted and the updates a plenty.

First, all 5 of us are looking forward to that 6:50 am flight on Thursday morning to Denver- yeah 6:50 what was I thinking?? That means up and out of here by 5:30 am don't want to say the up time I might run!! And even better we fly to Oakland (this is a 1 hour flight from here) to only have a 2 hr layover before we actually head to Denver. I am thinking my dear husband might not let me book the travel anymore. They will all be fine that early but their isn't enough diet coke in the airport system to keep this girl from turning a little cranky. Morning are not my thing... but if you are reading this you already know that...
Anyhoo.. I digress... darling baby brother is getting married to his beautiful Rachel. I am so excited. From the time I was 9 he was my baby doll. You know they make those ones that pee and poo for kids now days... well he really did. I loved him more than any doll. I can't believe I have 3 kids and he is getting married. It is amazing. My parents must feel really old!! Ha ha. Dad on his Harley... young gun. And my mom up here with me attending Red Hat meetings. I laugh at loud... only because I realized the other day I turn 35 this year. How did that happen??
Again, back to the subject (not all about me- as my dear friend Tricia would say) he is getting married on Saturday at a gorgeous ranch in Breckenridge CO. I can't wait to see the beauty around us and have some well needed R&R!!

And watch out we are getting crazy in our house... we are infected by the Dave Ramsey bug.. We got the Total Money Make Over book and have started changing our lives today. Live like no one else will so you can live like no one else... it goes something like that. But not keeping up with the Jones and paying off the debt so we can call in on Friday and scream "WE are DEBT FREE!!!" I know this would make my dad happy. But even better it is changing the legacy we can leave for our family. Sound interesting?? http://www.daveramsey.com/

Adoption updates... We attended our 3 day boot camp as we like to call it. It was a great retreat in Stanwood, WA at Warm Beach Christian Conference Center. There were 15 other couples there and 3 intense days of training on becoming an adoptive and foster care parent. It is so wonderful that Antioch has taken the time to really minister to not only us as families but provide such in depth training. The days were long starting at 8 am and ending at 9 each night. But really hearing the testimonies from other families that have walked before us and being with all Christian families that whole weekend. It is great to bond with them and know that we will have such a great support system through this whole journey.
We visited the Pediatric Interim Care Center-PICC Monday night with 3 other families from our PRIDE weekend. It is a place that CPS places drug effected babies for their withdrawals and time of healing. It was amazing to see the beautiful facility and learn the different effects that all these drugs in our world have on these babies. It was good to see the babies and the care they receive.
We have 3 weeks of Tue/Thurs night classes to attend before we can begin our Home Study. We rock and already got our homework done so these are all we need to do in order to complete the home study. Yahoo!!
Tuesday night we went to Understanding God's Will class. It is so amazing to have such a Christ Centered approach to all of this. Our speaker was a pastor from a church in Tukwilla who was very passionate about this. He has 5 adopted babies and working on #6. He and his wife cannot have children due to infertility so he knows the pain that some of these families we walk with are going through. It was great to see him be able to help heal that broken area. But we are all adopted by our Heavenly Father when invite his son into our hearts. His plan for our sinful ways was predestined by adoption (Eph 1:5) before we were ever created. And because we were made in His likeness he calls us to be Christlike in all that we do. He calls us to take care of the orphans(James 1:27)... adopting is doing his good will for other through us. How beautiful is that?? I am not only going to provide a loving home to a child who may never have had that without us- but also Glorifying God!! Yahoo!!

Well, as you can see I am a bit of a talker. So I am thinking this whole blogging thing may be a piece of cake for me. I hope to get on here often. It won't always be this long... I like to show off my artwork when I get the chance to play in my craftroom. I will be sure to keep you all posted!!!

Thanks for stopping by and letting me leave Inky Prints!!
Love, Inkyfingerz