The ugly truth....

This is looking down my street. It was blocked for days. Luckily I live on a circle. My neighbor was so lucky her car didn't get crushed!



















My back yard...

Powered up....

What a day yesterday! I was swamped at work, so fuzzy from lack of sleep, quickly drove home from work and proceeded to spill a container of half and half on my car seat. NOT a good day.

Then I checked the mailbox. I had a package from a wonderful online friend (won't mention names just in case) who really made my day. I got two containers of Shimmerz in gorgeous colors that I had on my list!! I also got a beautiful homemade card and a bunch of Cuttlebug backgrounds. The best part was the sweet note she wrote inside the card. I am so grateful to have her as a friend, even if it's just online. I wish we didn't live on different sides of the country.

We went to my aunt's for dinner last night, went home to the dark, cold house. My hubby lit a fire to try and warm up the house. It was about 60 degrees out yesterday and inside my house was in the upper 40's. We just could not get that damp coldness out.

We ended up letting the fire go out around midnight. We slept on the recliner couch again. I was really getting cold and uncomfortable around 3:30 - 4, wrapped myself tighter in blankets and fell back to sleep. The power bleeped at 4:30 a.m. We were so psyched! We got up and started shutting off faucets, showers, etc. There was ugly brown water coming out at first so the toilets are stained and some of the sinks & 1 shower are kind of gross. I made sure my shower was all cleared up. What a relief it was to get into my own shower and take my time. I nearly jumped out the window when I stepped on the tiles though. They are still so cold!!

We are expecting a wintery mix for today and snow for tomorrow. I am seriously hoping we don't lose it again. There are so many limbss just hanging off trees that are way to high up to get down.

I am so far behind on Christmas. I've lost four days. I think I'll have to give up on the baking and maybe some Christmas cards. I got our families out yesterday. I really need to get out and shop and wrap everything up.

Thanks for all your good thoughts for our power! (and for putting up with boring text-heavy posts!!)

Ice storm...

Just to update you, I haven't been ignoring anyone. We had an ice storm and we've been without power since Fri. at 2:30 a.m.

I fell back to sleep thinking it would be back on later. Woke up at my usual 6 a.m. and wondered how I'd get to work without a shower. I called the emergency # and found the univ. was closed. Then I got the text saying it was closed.. Yay, a snow, well ice, day!!! When I realized we weren't getting power back it was NOT fun.

We bundled up and basically sat around waiting for it. I did address my Christmas cards by sunlight. YAY! Then it got dark in the afternoon. It was so hard to sit and not be able to read or anything.

I will also tell you that we only had a few flushes before the water was completely gone. We have an electric water pump (well water). Yuck.

So we stuck it out by the fire in the family room the first night. My hubby and I slept on the recliner couch and my son froze upstairs. We didn't keep the fire going all night so it wasn't warm in the family room anyway.

Ditto on the next day/night. We were so stiff and cold, I finally caved and called a few hotels. I finally got one nearby that had just gotten their power back so they had openings. We stayed last night.

I'm so fuzzy right now and discombobulated. I have piles of dirty clothes and a messy house. It's such a mess. I know I shouldn't complain. Some people have babies and elderly folks to take care of. My mom went to her sister's so I was happy she had a warm couch to sleep on.

The ironic part is we have a brand new generator which we purchased a year ago. Of course we've never needed it. So my dh cranked it up and the heat started, lights were on in the kitchen. I quickly got a pot of coffee going and half way through everything went out. I'll save all the details but it was confirmed by an electrician that we have a faulty generator. Gotta run and catch up on over 200 emails.

Christmas tree....

Well....we have had some problems with our lights. The tree was up and perfect (well, in our eyes). The next night I plugged the lights in and the top set would not light.

My hubby got the light tester out and checked each and every one. They all seemed fine. So.....we will have to gently take off that set and replace it. In the meantime, it's been pretty dark.

I took photos before the ornaments and they looked beautiful in my camera screen. They are not so beautiful but at least you get the idea.

Which Reindeer are you?

You Are Blitzen

Always in good spirits, you're the reindeer who loves to party down with Santa. Why You're Naughty: You're always blitzed on Christmas Eve, while flying! Why You're Nice: You mix up a mean eggnog martini.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

Blog Candy....

Check out the link above for some great Magnolia stamp blog candy!! I couldn't read most of the blog but I was able to post a comment! LOL

Short update....

The weekend wasn't a complete wash out. We bought & decorated the tree (spent way more than we normally do but we supported a local greenhouse), decorated the house, and I finished up some cards and made 10 more.

I don't have photos here to post but I'll try to post another old one or two tomorrow.

p.s. PJ man color for the day - Bright Christmas Red.

A few more photos...

I found the red velvet Christmas photo! I had to take a photo of the scrapbook page so excuse the quality.












and here's one of the boys and me waiting for Santa. He used to come by in the fire truck when we lived in PA. He'd drive through the neighborhood throwing out candy to the kids. It was so cold. Love the groovy jacket I had on?! LOL This was in the early to mid 90's.

Old Christmas photos...

I know I probably won't have time to blog this weekend so I'm posting an extra today. I wish I could find the younger me in the series of Santa photos. It's in my scrapbook and I don't think I have a scan. I had on a little red velvet coat and a little tam, I think. Here's one of just me. The following year was with my little brother and I'll share that next week. I just love Santa photos! Tim Holtz reminded me of these. Check out his tag by clicking on his name. He's amazing!!
**Edited** How embarrassing! I just went back to Dec. 2006 and 2007. I shared these photos in '06! I guess I won't share the other one next week. I may have to photo the little tiny me in red velvet and see if it'll work.




p.s. I still can't figure out why my mom used to cut my bangs so short! LOL

Just a quick post....

I'm swamped but I just wanted to quickly check in. Last night I had a hair appt. and got home around 7 to eat a quick dinner. Then I marched downstairs and started stamping the inside sentiment for my navy cards in silver. They're all standing like soldiers waiting to dry. I ran upstairs to take over that t.v. so I could watch Grey's & ER.

My hubby was downstairs playing guitar. He came up and said, I just bumped into the desk and knocked all of your cards down. I gave him a panicked look and he laughed. NOT a good way to joke with me. I almost hit him.

I need to be a cardmaking machine this weekend on top of decorating the tree which we haven't purchased yet.

p.s. Status on the daily color for pj man - pink floral

Christmas cds...

Finally got to load a few Christmas cds on my way to work. I take six to the car, eject regular cds one at a time and put them in the Christmas cds I'm loading. Then I load them and hit shuffle. This morning I started listening to one in particular because I need that transition from regular music to Christmas music. It's kind of an Alternative cd but I really like it to start. Numbers 8 and 9 are my absolute favorites. I bought it for the BNL/Sarah McL. song. Vanessa Carleton does a great Greensleeves too!









1. Winter Wonderland - Phantom Planet
2. Maybe This Christmas - Ron Sexsmith
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Coldplay
4. Green Sleeves - Vanessa Carlton
5. Blue Christmas - Bright Eyes
6. Happy Christmas (War Is Over) - Sense Field
7. 12/23/95 - Jimmy Eat World
8. Rudolph - Jack Johnson
9. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Barenaked Ladies with Sarah McLachlan
10. Bizarre Christmas Incident - Ben Folds
11. What a Year for a New Year - Dan Wilson
12. Sweet Secret - Neil Finn
13. Snow - Loreena McKennitt

p.s. I have to add that I saw Mr. Pink Pants the other day and laughed. Well....this morning he had on bright yellow (like the paint on the street and those lamp posts in parking lots). He was standing next to one and blended right in! LOL, you probably think I'm evil by now. I just think it's funny. I hope he doesn't read blogs 'cause I'd hate to hurt his feelings (or have him hurt me!!!).

Christmas Meme...

Stacy at Exceedingly Mundane always has great memes. Here's one for you. Let me know if you decide to play.



Christmas Meme

1.Wrapping paper or gift bags? I usually wrap but toward the end on Christmas Eve, I've been known to shove a few gifts in bags! But they are well wrapped in tissue.

2. Real tree or artificial? OOOps, I guess this requires my own answer. I used Stacy's by mistake. We get a real tree and John hates to string the lights! LOL

3. When do you put up the tree? We usually do it a week after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? If not before, then New Years Day.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, with a little rum mixed in.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I'm not sure but it was probably a doll of some sort. I was a real girly girl.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, we have one that my aunt made for my mom when I was young. It's ceramic and it has little kids dressed for the parts. It's adorable.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My dad.

9. Easiest person to buy for? Me! Ha, I do have a habit of buying a few things for them and then a few things for me! LOL I'd have to say my oldest son.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I'm not coming up with anything. Oh yeah, someone gave me a seriously honkin' huge bath set (crystals, bubble bath, etc. in purple).

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Santa Clause

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually pick up a couple of things here and there but the majority is after Dec. 1st.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I think I may have once or twice...but it was a good one, I swear!!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mmmmm...the cookies, fudge, spiced nuts, ham, etc.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? clear - the boys always begged for colored so I did it one year.

17. Favorite Christmas song? I have a serious issue as mentioned before. I have about 40 Christmas cds. I love it all from Please Come Home for Christmas by the Eagles (or maybe it's just Don Henley?) to John Bon Jovi to traditional Bing. I do love Sarah McLachlan and Bare Naked Ladies doing God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We are usually home until Christmas afternoon. Then we head to my big family gathering for a while.

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Yes!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? When the boys were young we would let them open one on Christmas Eve. This was a gift already under the tree from a family or friend. The rest are opened on Christmas day.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Definitely the commercialism.
23. What I love most about Christmas? Spending time with family & friends.

Store Bought perhaps....

The Christmas card saga continues. Got home last night & mentioned to dh that I was going to check JCP for a coat I'm buying as a gift for someone. He said that he needed to go to a music store because they had something really cheap that he just had to have.

So I'm already in my pjs, makeup washed off, and he asked when we were leaving for the mall. What?!!! I told him if he wouldn't be embarrassed being seen with me, I guess I could go.

We got home at close to 9:00 after purchasing a few little Christmas gifts! Yay, I'm happy there are a few out of the way but I was ready to be strong and move ahead with the cards. Oh well...I'm hoping tonight I'll get my burst of energy.

Just a short update...

I tried as hard as I could to break away from my Facebook games so I could get some Christmas cards done. I walked into my room and realized that I have four birthdays next week. I scrambled to pull those cards out of my already made bins. Whew! After that I realized that someone at work needed some cheer type cards for a friend with Leukemia. I took out a bunch of ready for sentiment cards I had in my stash. I stamped several "Thinking of you, Hang in There, In My Thoughts",etc. By then it was after 9 and I was tired.

Did I head upstairs? Nope, I went to the computer and squeezed in a couple of Scramble games and then headed up to start my new book. Well, it's an old book that's been sitting in my "to read" pile for years. Stacy over at Exceedingly Mundane inspired me to read a Christmas book this year. Stacy is quite the reader and I try very hard to keep up but it won't ever happen! LOL I only got through a couple of pages and started to nod off...

Yay for me....

I won, I won! I've been pretty lucky at blog candy this past year! I won again here. It's an adorable altered bandaid box. I will use it to tuck my sb related receipts in. Katie is very talented and has lots to offer in her ebay store. You can check out the blog and my prize in the link above.

Chitter chatter....

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. Ours was very nice but quiet.

I didn't get many cards done over the weekend. I did pick up my ribbon from the lss and tied ribbons on about 10 cards. I need to seriously get motivated and moving ahead. I stamped with a friend but I didn't get much accomplished - maybe two or three cards and several images.

One thing I really need to do is take a hiatus from Facebook games at night. I'm addicted! And I have a bunch of open games (dh & several friends) so I feel obligated to play. I will have to limit myself from now until I get my cards done.

We had our first snow yesterday. It was wet and icy. The temps went up and it turned to rain. What a mess! I love the first snow if it's nice and powdery white. Well, that's enough rambling. I need to find some subjects before I bore you all to tears.

What does your Thanksgiving Meal Say About You?

What Your Thanksgiving Meal Says About You

When it comes to the holidays, you follow and love the big traditions. You look forward to them every year. You see the holidays as a time to think about what's important to you. It's a good time to reflect and regroup. You like the more adult aspects of the holidays - parties, cocktails, and having time off from work. During the holidays, you are likely to feel comforted. At your worst, you feel a bit over-indulgent. You consider yourself a bit of a foodie, and you're proud of it. You tend to spend your holidays doing everything and anything. You really get into the holiday spirit.

What Does Your Thanksgiving Meal Say About You?

I'm so thankful .....

I am thankful.....

for My family
for My job
That my husband is still employed
for My ride that gets me back and forth to work
for the house we have to live in (even though we can't sell)
for the delish food we have to eat
That we still have my uncle Bob with us

And for my online friends, especially SBAers who I've gotten to know so well over the years. I appreciate the friendship and chuckles.

I hope you all have a Food and Family Filled Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Blog Candy....

Wow, this is amazing! Go on over and leave your comment today. The winner will be announced tomorrow. I hope one of us wins! And even if we don't, it's a nice blog to look at! (click on the link above).

Blah, Blah, Blah....

Ok, I know everyone is as sick of my cards as I am so I'm not even going there. I didn't know what to blog about but I was thinking about last night. After dinner I usually start making cards and then I need a break. I go online and get addicted to FB games. Then I may go back to the cards or I'll read for a bit.

I never post about my hubby so I thought I'd dedicate this one to him. When I'm sitting on the computer or in my room, I can hear him playing the guitar in the next room. What always amazes me is the variety of songs he plays. I've always thought of him as a classic rock kind of guy but he throws in a mix that I love!

There's a song by Tasmin Archer called Sleeping Satellite. I know you've probably never heard of her. My hubby heard this song on the radio and searched online until he found it. We don't even know how the rest of her music is. She's a one hit wonder. This song is amazing but you can't hear most of it online because it's just the slow beginning.

Anyway, my point is, I have no idea how a musician decides what to play. This song is so far from classic rock, it's not funny. I think what he likes is when the guitar kicks in. So just when I'm really loving the song he's playing, he switches to something else.

Last night I heard Tasmin, Aerosmith's Walking the Dog and a couple of others, Lie to Me by Johnnie Lang (love him), a Snow Patrol song that he thinks sounds like Buffalo Springfield, an oldie called "Are You Ready" by Pacific Gas & Electric. It's almost Motown-ish - another great song that he heard and searched for. You get the gist....quite the mix. I really enjoy listening while I'm crafting.

** Ooooh, forgot all about Buddy Guy, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Heart, Stevie Ray Vaughn....

Card central....

I've been working a little at a time on cards this weekend. I have several different stages of Christmas cards at my house. 22 are complete (well, almost...need inside sentiment and handmade by), 5 are complete without ribbon and inside, I have at least 8 images matted, 8 cards cut without sentiments which need to be embossed.

I made these two cards to see which I wanted for the baby shower. I picked the second one because it matched the scrapbook and bag I made the best.













Next up are four birthdays for the same day! Unfortunately one is my uncle who is dying. I have no idea what to say on the inside. It's just so sad. There are no words that are appropriate but I will have to find something general that doesn't mention "and many more" or something like that. If you have any ideas, please let me know.

My new love, Shimmerz

My stamper friends gave me some Shimmerz to try (so nice of them!). Here's what it did to my flat marshmallow man. I hope you can see the sparkly image. I used SU cs and dp, copics to color in and his hat is filled in with Stickles. You can see the difference between Stickles and Shimmerz. I need more colors!!

Another WS card....

Here's a quick card I made for a male friend of ours. This is a Whipper Snapper stamp. I'm really loving unmounted stamps, by the way! I do prefer rubber over clear but I hate that they take up too much room. Some day I may have to unmount mine.

I don't remember who makes the printed paper but I've had it for a couple of years. I colored in with gamsol & prismas again. The sentiment is a clear set I got on clearance at Mike's. The green paper is SU (old olive, I think) and the orange may or may not be. The blue cs is Bazzill. Sorry for the sketchy details!

p.s. Got one of those little critters last night in the garage! I wonder how many are left

Evil, I tell ya....

First of all, my dh put out two mouse traps in the garage. This morning both traps were upside down, no cheese and no mice attached. Grrrrrrrr.....those little buggers are smart. We need to try peanut butter but he hates it because it's messy. Maybe I should borrow a cat from my son. NOT. I'm not a cat person.

Here's where I'm evil. Each morning I drive by a shopping center on my way to work. Usually the same people are standing there waiting for the bus. The other day a new guy showed up. He's very large in all respects. What I noticed was his outfit. He had on poker print sleep pants two days in a row. I thought of how cold he must be. Well...this morning I just about busted a gut. He had on PINK, yes old lady pretty pink, sleep pants. They were a floral design that your grandmother would wear. I just cracked up. Thank God the light had changed as I was driving up because I wouldn't have been able to keep a straight face sitting there beside him. Sorry, I can't help being cruel sometimes.

Rotten rodents....

There was a scratching noise coming from my hood this morning. I waited until dh got up because I wasn't sure if I should bang on the hood or start the car. He checked it out and couldn't find the scratcher but he did find a bunch of acorns in my air filter! I was wondering if it was a chipmunk but now I'm not sure.

I should go back to a few weeks ago when he had his car serviced. They found a huge mouse nest in his air filter which was not allowing air to go through to his car. Would you believe his gas mileage has improved tremendously since it's been removed?

So anyway, not sure if I killed the little bugger when my car started but dh decided to check my mom's car too. She had a nest in her air filter and he even caught the mouse trying to run back in. He said it was a decent sized mouse.

Do mice eat acorns? This could be the reason we have none in the back yard this year. We have a ton of squirrels and chipmunks but it's so strange that we have no acorns. We usually have to rake up piles and piles of them!

Blog Candy....

You have to check out my friend Kristen's blog. She has some great blog candy there. She is also very talented and makes gorgeous cards!
I hope one of us wins!

Done, Baby, Done...

I spent a lot of the weekend making a baby scrapbook for a shower that's coming up fast. The last one I made was a kit from The Button Farm (link on right). Unfortunately the baby book was discontinued so I bought my own papers and embellishments and used some of the directions from the baby boy book kit.

I had to make a lot of changes since I didn't have the right rub-ons or embellishments. I used a different 7 Gypsies album and I liked this one even better. It was a little bigger and easier to work with. Most of the paper and chipboard embellies were from Doodlebug.

I won't bore you with all the pages but here's the cover (designed by Angela at the Button Farm) and a few of my pages. You should check out her amazing albums!

Glad it's Friday...

I didn't get to any Christmas cards last night or the baby scrapbook I have to make by Thanksgiving. I started making this card for my aunt and then my mom told me the same aunt called to ask if she could borrow some scrapbooks. She's just starting out and needs some ideas.

So......I dug through to see which books would be best and then I dug through my stash. I came up with a bag bigger than my mom!! LOL I hope she can use it all. I told her I do NOT want any books, mags, or anything back. Whew, I feel a little lighter.

This is similar to one I made a while ago but couldn't post because it was for an online friend. She already got hers so I'll post this. It's a Whipper Snapper stamp, SU cs, dp, scallop punch and ribbon. I used Stickles in Diamond for the part below the flame and I used Robin's Nest dots (?). I colored it in with Prismas and Gamsol.

Have a nice weekend!

A card and a question...

I made a few (6?) cards today. Basically I put together several. I made the pieces yesterday. I'm just about treed out! I made pieces for at least 20 tree cards, maybe more like 30. I'm just trying to experiment and see which one I like the best.

Anyway, I just took a break from the traditional Christmas colors to make this little marshmallow in non-traditional colors.

Which do you prefer for a Christmas card? The usual red & green/blue & silver or the newer non-traditional pinks and pretty light blues? I personally love both but I do lean toward the non-traditional these days. I made a bunch in navy, kiwi and silver that I like. I will tell you that I really do not like orange one bit! SU came out with some paper that's orange and I just don't like it for Christmas. Hopefully I'm not offending anyone, just my humble opinion.

I used SU Baja Breeze cs, Bazzill in some kind of pink (thanks, Linda!), Copic markers, stickles in Icicle, Amuse ribbon (love that stuff) and Stampendous sparkly dots(?). I believe the sentiment is also Amuse. Ooops, I also used a Cuttlebug background that my friend Mary gave me a while ago. Love that!

A few done.....

I still don't have a design jumping out at me but at least I've made several cards in the process! Some of these aren't even adhered but I thought I needed a little color on my blog! LOL I had fun with the little marshmallow man!

No cards to post....

I got a few things accomplished last night. I made two Christmas cards and started to figure out what SU papers I need to order so that I get going.

I feel like time is running out! I don't plan on making my normal 80-90 cards. I don't want to stress that much. I will try to keep it at 30-50, depending on how they move along. I'll buy the rest and then agonize over who won't notice the store bought card! LOL

How many cards do you send out for Christmas? If you make them, how many?

Messy desk.....

I tried and I tried to come up with a Christmas design but all I got was one big messy desk!!! I must have used this tree stamp at least six different ways but nothing said, "AHA!" to me. I was way too tired to do anything with the mess last night.

Good news, bad news...

What a roller coaster weekend we had. I will start with the bad news first. I hate to end on a negative note.

My youngest son lost a friend the other night. He fell from a building and died. He was only 20 years old. I'm so sad for his family. I couldn't sleep thinking about it. I just don't know how I could handle it. I tried to tell my son this is why we worry so much and they say, don't worry, I'll be fine.

The good news is that my oldest got engaged on Halloween! He had a concert and proposed to his girlfriend during the show. She gladly accepted! They don't have a date. I think they'll have along engagement. We are so happy to have her become a part of our family. They came to dinner last night to celebrate but it was not as happy as it could have been because of the sad news.

I didn't get any photos but they said they should have some of the show. I told my son he HAD to get some and to tell the photographers his mom HAD to do a scrapbook layout! LOL

Blogger Challenge

I got this cute little Santa in the mail from my friend Kristen (or some call her Suzy). Anyway, this isn't my best work, Kristen, but I was tired and wanted to scratch something of my list of cards to make. Thank you for the challenge!

p.s. I used CTMH pp from last year (yes, that striped paper really is green), SU riveting stamp with Bazzill ink, stickles on the tree and CTMH brads.

Happy Halloweeeeeeen....

What Your Halloween Habits Say About You

You're a friendly person, but not the life of the party. You like making someone else's day - and you'll dress up if you think of a really fun costume. You definitely think of yourself as someone who has a dark side. And part of having that dark side means not showing it. Your inner child is open minded, playful, and adventurous. You fear people taking advantage for you. You are always worried about protecting your own interests. You're prone to be quite emotional and over dramatic. Deep down, you enjoy being scared out of your mind... even if you don't admit it. You are a total overachiever and workaholic. You're the type of person who plans their elaborate Halloween costume weeks in advance.

What's Your Halloween Personality?

One of the surprises....

This was put in a package to a friend. I don't think she reads blogs so I'm safe...or I hope so anyway!

This was one of my recent Whipper Snapper purchases. I'm loving my unmounted stamps! I colored with Prisma & Gamsol. (Yes, Maia, you are a Gamsol in distress! LOL).

p.s. Linda, does the paper look familiar? ;-)

Moving holidays...

It was a chilly 28 degrees when I left my house this morning. I am so not ready for this weather!!! The good news is that it will warm up so that tomorrow will be about 60. That'll be nice for the trick-or-treaters.

QOTD - Did your town/city move Halloween to another date? I'm sorry but I just don't understand why a city would move it to the previous weekend. The city my son lives in moved it to 10/25. Why would they do that? Ok, I can see if it fell on a week night and they changed it but it's FRIDAY!! What's wrong with that?!

I have never had it moved where I lived. I think I'd protest. It's kind of like celebrating Thanksgiving on the day after or something. I just don't get it. (ok, don't bash me because I know there are a couple of instances but still). The holiday was set on a certain date/day for a reason, right?!

Speaking of which, I get Veteran's Day off. This year it's a Tuesday. Did they move it to Monday to give us a long weekend?!! NO....so I'm taking a vacation day on Monday to have an extra long weekend. ;-)

Getting there...

I am almost to the point where I can say I'm caught up. Things just keep coming up! I finished the two baby cards (had to buy the ribbon on my lunch hr.), made a birthday card for an online friend ;-) (not mentioning anyone's name here), cleaned up my area and it was almost 10 p.m.! Unfortunately I can't post the card for now. I'm really liking the pencils with gamsol technique. I can't afford to buy a bunch of Copics right now and to be honest, I still haven't gotten the hang of them!

Am I the only one who loves putting little surprises in the mail? I get a kick out of it. I never tell people to watch their box or anything, I just like it to appear and have them surprised. So I sent out three surprises today. Ahhhhh....can't wait for them to arrive!

Misc. cards....

I made a few baby girl cards last night but I've posted before. I also made a couple of monogram thank yous for a friend. I now have about 5 for her so a couple more and then I can deliver them.

I made this one a while ago but I couldn't post it because I made it for an online friend. I know she got it so....due to a lack of new cards, I'll post.

I seriously need to get my Christmas card design done. I usually do a few different ones because I make about 80. I'm pretty sure I will make about half this year. Just don't have the time!!





How embarrassing!!! I just clicked and saw up close that I never colored in the other leg!!!!!!!! Of course, Stacy was too nice to mention that. LOL That is too funny! Shows how bad my eyes are getting.

A chance to win....

Oooh, I just love blog candy. Don't you? Go on over to Cuppy Cake and post a comment for a chance to win Shimmerz. I hope one of us wins!!

Two 'fer.....

Ok, I am bored with my own blog so I decided to put out some questions and hope you'll play along.

Two 'Fer(remember, only two):

1. Name two things you did yesterday/last night.
2. What are two of your current favorite foods
3. List two things you are looking forward to
4. Name two things you fear
5. What are your weekend plans


I know, it's kind of lame but that's all I could come up with....nothing thought provoking here! LOL

Here are my answers. Let me know if you decide to play!


1. I colored in an image and I watched Grey's Anatomy.
2. This is so hard....I love most foods. I will say a pumpkin muffin from Dunkin' Donuts (just ate one) and filet mignon.
3.
4. I'm really looking forward to Halloween for reasons I'll have to tell later; and Thanksgiving. I love having a day to spend with my boys. We don't eat together very often any more. They are going in different directions and there's just no time.
5. My constant fear is something happening to my boys. My latest fear is this horrible economy. I seriously hope it turns around fast but highly doubt it.
6. I can't wait to see my cousin from San Fran tomorrow! He's one of the funniest, coolest guys on the planet! My boys may go too. He's very artsy like they are so they can relate. I'm also looking forward to just not working this weekend.

Old man winter is upon us...

Brrrrr...it's cold out there! The temp was in the low 30's before I left for work. I heard on the news last night that it would be in the 20's in some places but never heard where.

I don't think we've ever been this cold this early. I'm predicting a cold and nasty winter!

What do you keep your temperature at? Ours is set at 68 degrees. It's been nippy enough in the house for me to wear a sweatshirt - so unlike me. Why is it that 68 degrees in the spring/summer/fall is a nice and comfortable temp and it feels so cold in the winter?!

Ok, I had nothing to blog about today so that's all folks!!!!!!!!!!!

Bella Bella....

Made this card for my Card of the Month swap in my card group. I pulled out all the Bellas! I used the SU Bella dp and Stamping Bella stamp. This is one of the stamps that my sweet online friend sent me.

I've been using gamsol & Prisma pencils to color in. I just do not have enough Copics and I think I'm better at this method. I just haven't gotten the hang of Copics..

I also used SU pink pirouette ribbon and cs in pink pirouette and riding hood red. Love those colors!!

For the love of stamps....

My online friend was so sweet. She put these stamps in a beautiful card and mailed them for my birthday. They didn't show up and we figured they were lost. About 3 weeks later, I got the envelope. It wasn't ripped or anything. So weird...it must have been hidden somewhere at the post office and then found.

I was so excited to see I had another Bella with a cute sentiment and an adorable Lizzie Anne stamp with a sentiment to match. You can't see them that well but that's ok because I'll be posting cards using the stamps just as soon as I can get to them. Thanks a million, Tracy!!

I also got a cute little santa in the mail from another very talented stamper friend who is local. I won't post him until I can make the card. I'll try to get that done this week. Thank you, Kristen!

The view....

Everyone comments daily as they are walking up to my desk. They see this view behind me. I don't turn around that often so I forget what's back there! It's really gorgeous. Give it a few more days and it'll be perfect.

Grateful....

I made this card for an online group as a background technique challenge. I'm not the technique queen, I am more of a simple stamper. I remembered something I did once in a class. I used glossy paper, embossed with Versamark & clear embossing powder and then brayered over it with an autumn spectrum pad.

I decided I needed a sentiment and found the grateful one. I made a duplicate and I'll give it to my mom for Thanksgiving.

I used SU cs and I can't tell you who makes the ribbon or brad because I've had them in my stash for so long!! I believe the background leaf is Penny Black and I have no clue on the main leaf. The sentiment is SU.

One card and a lot of paper...

One of my online friends sent me this ginormous stack of paper! I did a favor and was well rewarded! I was so excited when I opened the box. Thanks a bunch, Linda!! I will put it to good use. I took the photo next to my big 16 oz. glass just to show how tall it is. I used the first piece last night to make this twin baby card for my niece.

I kept thinking of cute little ideas like double trouble or twice blessed (so not my niece), etc. I ended up just saying congrats with two giraffes. I don't know what made me use a giraffe on another friend's baby card but I liked the idea and decided to go with blue and purple to match the pp I had.

Why is it my photos are always crooked?! LOL It's not my best card but I had to rush before Grey's came on.

No stamping....

The band was recording last night so I didn't bother going down to the basement to make cards. I desperately need two cards - one for my niece who is pregnant with twins and a 25th anniversary for this weekend. That will be hard one to make. It's my uncle who has ALS. I mean, what do you say? I certainly can't say, "Wishing you many more happy years together." I didn't say that right but you got my drift. Anyway, tonight I will have to get down there and get at least these two made.

I did pop down there briefly to say hello to my son. He noticed my hair cut and said he really liked it and said it looked very "scene". He asked one of the guys if he thought it was scene and then they all looked at me and said it was and that it was awesome! It was cute. I just love these guys! They made me feel not so old and a little "scene." LOL

So that's all folks. I hope to be posting some cards tomorrow.

Blogger challenge....

Got this adorable little ghost in the mail from a stamper friend who challenged me to make a card with it. It was fun but I always hate posting with the talented ladies that will come to see it! My style is simple. I couldn't decide whether or not to put a BOO! on the lower right but I thought the Happy Halloween on the Imaginesce paper acted as a sentiment. What do you think? Should I add boo? I can't believe I actually made a card with a sticker!!

Leaf Peepers....

We went up north this weekend for our anniversary. We were hoping to see some moose while there. We traveled even further north from where we were staying to an area known for having moose walk down main st. We drove up 13 mile road and did not see one moose. We drove up to Dixville Notch (first electoral vote) which is almost on the Canadian border, still no moose (the above was our only viewing).

I will say that the foliage was peak and gorgeous! Unfortunately it was somewhat cloudy so our photos are very dark. It was beautiful in person, really.

Once in Dixville, we went to the Balsams resort and then up to their Panorama golf course. Wow, it was breathtaking! Not only was it gorgeous, but it had to be 32 with the windchill. It was 42 degrees without. Brrrrrrrrrrrrr....

After that, we drove through the Mt. Washington roadway and down the Kancamagus Highway which is also beautiful. We weaved through Maine and NH and finally came home. Here are a few photos. The reflections were amazing in the last couple. They're dark though. We also saw snow on Mt. Washington.


This is the Balsam's Resort. We used to go on ski trips there way back BC (before children).












Dixville Notch view from the Balsams.















Horrible photo of me showing how cold it was!!












Reflections:



























Mt. Washington













Loon Mountain

Misc. & weekend...

I finally finished my first Bella card last night but I didn't have the time to photo & upload. I started late and had to pick out a few cards from my stash for my niece and a couple of online friends.

The band was recording until 10. I was starting to get aggravated but I know they were trying to finish so I didn't say anything. Our rule is usually 9 p.m. They'll be back Fri. to hopefully finish up.

We are heading to Maine for our anniversary. We're staying at a new place (new to us) so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a nice room! We're going up north to see the foliage, almost to the Canadian border. I hope to see some wildlife too. I've never seen a moose in person! I don't want it to be too close but I want some photos. It should be fun.

The most exciting part is I'm on vacation tomorrow through Tuesday!! Yay.

The boys in the band...

To answer Maia's post below as to what the band boys/men (they're all 22-23) call me:

It's funny, they really don't call me anything. They just say hey on the way in and thanks on the way out! LOL Oh, I just remembered, one time the drummer had to call us to see if we were home. He had to pick up his drums. He did call me Mrs. Qxxxxx.

They're really sweet though. On my birthday, each and every one came in and wished me a Happy Birthday! My son must have told them for some reason.

When we went to their concert, they all thanked us for supporting them and allowing them to practice in our house. My dh always says it's fine, but when they make it big, I want to read, "Thanks to the Q's for allowing us to practice in their basement." Too funny.

One of these days...

I still have not had a chance to play with my new stamps. I got as far as mounting and stamping a few Bellas and colored in a few but that's it!!

I made a bunch of thank yous and I can't post since there are recipients who may read! I finally got those written and addressed last night. I really hope to play tonight.

Last night as I was writing the thank yous, I realized the one I made to look sort of manly for a guy at work was not really that manly. So....my son's band was recording in the next room and most were sitting around waiting for the drum part. I asked one of them to give me an honest opinion. He looked at two that I held up and said, "I like this brown one but then you throw the polka dots in and it becomes female." LOL I remade the card with just a brown background and some blue and yellow. I showed him and he said, "Now that's nice. It looks like a cigar!!" LOL, gotta love those guys!

The weekend...

What a weekend! First I went to a Lia Sophia party - got a cute necklace and earrings. After gabbing with friends, I didn't get home until 11:30.

At the crack of dawn, or so it seemed, on Saturday I met up with a bunch of family to participate in the ALS Walk. My sweet uncle bought us all bracelets as a thank you for walking. They all had messages on them and mine says, "An act of kindness is never wasted." I just love the guy and it really breaks my heart he has this horrible disease.

So...it wasn't raining when we got there but we were prepared with ponchos and umbrellas. It started to rain pretty hard just as we started to walk. The walk was almost all uphill. It was really rough. There were puddles, mud, crushed apples, potholes, etc. We were soaked right through at the end, sore and exhausted. We headed to Ruby Tuesday for a big lunch and a beer.

The great news is it was the largest walk ever for that location. Over $185K was raised and our little team raised $5K. It was well worth the effort.

Then I had to go home and clean the house to get ready for a Sun. showing. DH and I took off and had breakfast, bought a new wireless mouse, and went grocery shopping during the showing.

TGIF...

Not much going on. Last night I put white paper inside some thank yous and that's about it. I had to make spinach squares for tonight, do laundry so my son could have a clean work shirt, and sit down to Grey's Anatomy at 9. I barely made it. I was up and down during commercials trying to cut the spinach squares after cooling and then packaging them up, cleaning the pan, etc.

I have a busy weekend ahead - Lia Sophia tonight, ALS Walk first thing in the miserably raining morning, clean the house (Sun. showing) and grocery shopping. I hope I can squeeze in some play time because my stamps are calling me!!

Have a great weekend!

Misc. talk...

I'm so excited...I got donations for the ALS walk. I never expected to. I even surpassed and then raised my goal and reached it again! It was so last minute and I'm very happy I could make a contribution to my team. I will have to think of a scrapbook layout for the photos. Someone recently took a photo of my uncle and I and I will include that. It's going to be a tough one.

I mounted the Bella stamp last night. It's my first unmounted stamp. I am placing an order for a few more and now I need a storage system for UMs!! Any ideas?

ALS Walk...

I've decided last minute to do this walk on Saturday. I will take any donation that you are willing to give! ;-)

My dear Uncle Bob is failing fast. He was diagnosed with ALS a few months ago and it's so sad to see what it has done to this fit man who used to golf every day. I'm just pasting what I sent in an email.

Dear Friends,

I am excited to announce that I am participating in the ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter’s Walk to D’Feet ALS® to be held

this September 27. I will be making this 3.5 mile walk to raise funds and awareness for the fight against ALS

(Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and am writing to ask for your support.



In order to reach my fundraising goal, I need the help of individuals like you to help sponsor me in my endeavor. Rather than participating in this walk solely for a day of exercise and fun, I have pledged to raise $100 to help aid the ALS Association
Massachusetts Chapter in their fight against ALS. Money raised through registration fees, Walker fundraising, and sponsorship funds helps to support services for more than 250 local patients and families living with ALS, and national research initiatives into a cure for ALS.

Any amount of contribution would be greatly appreciated. You can sponsor me in whichever format is most convenient for you - cash, check (made payable to the ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter), or credit card. Secure donations can be made online

at www.TheALSWalk.org. Just click on the “Support a Walker” link, then look for my name (Michelle Q).



Thank you in advance for all of your support and generosity. Regardless of my excitement to embark on this adventure, I realize that I could not do this without your help.



Sincerely,

Michelle