Laugh Out Loud Funny...

Hello there!

Well, this first photo isn't what is laugh out loud funny, but it sure is cute, isn't it? Amy grew that pumpkin this year and they just brought it in yesterday. There is a funny part to pumpkin growing (at least to us). They have planted the seeds for the past few years and get a huge vine that goes everywhere. They get several blossoms on the vine. And then only one pumpkin grows. Is it supposed to be that way? I dunno, but it's what happens in our garden. LOL This year's is a tall skinny pumpkin as you can see. Amy's thrilled and already talking about growing one next year. (Let's just hope the innards aren't moldy like last year's pumpkin).

Gotta mention the score on that jacket. Steve regularly takes the girls on bike rides, as you know. Well, this summer, as they pedaled to the park or wherever, they'd be on the look out for garage sales. (I haven't embraced the thrill of the hunt at garage sales, so prefer not to go) They found one not too long ago where Amy was over the moon because she found a rolling suitcase that was Thomas the Tank Engine themed (she's loved Thomas since she was a toddler). I guess the deal was, they could stuff this suitcase with whatever would fit and it all cost $8. The girls picked out some clothes (cute ones too), one of which is the jacket you see here. It's a Columbia jacket, which are pretty pricey, from what I understand. So...needless to say we were all thrilled with this garage sale find. Mommy about the jacket much more than the suitcase, but whatever. And you know if I had been with them, this great deal wouldn't have happened. And yes, Amy drags that suitcase thing to school each day, even though it's not a back pack. Sigh. Guess this is another funny, huh? LOL

While I haven't embraced the thrill of the hunt at garage sales, I have embraced thrift store shopping! I just picked up Jessica's Halloween costume for $4.99. It's a Barbie sort of cheerleader looking thing. I also picked up a shirt and stretch pants to wear under it, should it snow/rain (as it typically does around here) on Halloween. Amy got a Thomas the Tank engine costume last week for $4.99. I discovered the very same costume costs almost $20 at Target! I also picked up a Dr. Christiane Northrup book called Mother-Daughter Wisdom for $2.49! It was half off the regular price they were selling it for. New that book, which is hardcover, is $28.

I've just discovered this author and really like what she has to say, at least about menopause (which is coming up really soon for me as I am "officially" or "medically" perimenopausal). I'm on the hunt for The Wisdom of Menopause as I've already found Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom. I checked out The Secret Pleasures of Menopause from the library and really liked her style and perspective on this whole experience, which is what started the hunt for the other books.

Okay, so that still isn't the laugh out loud funny. I guess I won't keep you in suspense any longer. Look what arrived in the mail for me yesterday!
I actually DID laugh loud and long when I saw this card. And I thank Sharli of Sharli's Place for sending it to me. I can't say I "love" it, but I do appreciate the humor and your thinking of me. Hee, hee. Interesting that you sent me two mice images to color as the morning after we caught the first one, a second one was caught-Yay! Since then...nothing, so I am hoping that there were only two in the house this time. And the squirrel image isn't lost on me either. Thanks so very much Sharli! It felt good to laugh like that.

And on a very grateful note, I received a sympathy card from the vet (written in her own handwriting) expressing her condolences over Sarah's passing. That was really thoughtful and caring, don't you think? It's sure got to be hard on vets who have to perform difficult and heart wrenching tasks. This is why, even though the vet's office takes a bit of time to get to, we remain loyal to them. They truly care.

I've rambled on long enough, don't you think? I'll close for now with heartfelt thanks for stopping by!

Lovely RAK Cards to Share…

Happy Thursday to you! Well, the girls have completed the school year and are happily playing with their friends outside (barring any thunderstorms that appear to be looming). I wasn’t with the girls when they gave the teachers their gifts and haven’t heard anything other than the girls saying they liked them. I hope they did. I enjoyed making the gifts for them and there is great satisfaction in that.

I thought about working on a card or two on my last “kids-free” afternoon, but ultimately decided to work on a little surprise for the girls. When I was searching for the musical gift ideas, I came across a cute microphone pattern. The girls don’t know anything about it and I’ve decided to work on it while they are in bed, or otherwise not around. I just started the first one this afternoon while they were at school. I’ll share when I get them done.

Since I didn’t get a card made, I thought this would be a good time to share some wonderful cards I’ve received over the past few weeks. I sure do love my friends, and the artwork they create and share just warms my heart.

First up, I received this beautiful Mother’s Day card from my lovely friend, Barb, of The Buzz and Barb’s Project 365. Barb is truly inspirational in how she lives her life. She takes such joy in the every day moments and captures them so well in her Photo a Day project. You’ve got to take a peek the weekly round up layouts she shares! Her artwork is top-notch and well worth the time it might take to look at and soak in. Thank you so much, Barb for thinking of me!

This next card is from my buddy, Erin of Inky Smiles. Erin and I have been getting to know each other so well through our frequent chats on Google Talk. We laugh, we support and encourage and even challenge each other. Oh and she’s so good to my Amy, who wants to chat with her every time she sees that Erin is online. I so appreciate her love for life, crafting and enthusiasm for well, everything! And I got to meet her in person, which was fantastic! If I remember correctly, she used either Liquid Glass or Clear Embossing Powder on the flower. It’s so pretty in real life. Thank you, my friend.

Then there is this gorgeous card from Christi of Blessings on Paper. Oh my heavens, Christi blows me away with the absolutely detailed and beautiful cards she creates. She is a self-professed “slow” stamper/creator and may not get as much time as she desires to create, but oh boy, when she is able to, she’ll knock your socks off! Her posts are full of humorous  chit-chat (often at her own expense) and so much charm. I really enjoy reading what she has to say and seeing what she has to share. I was so fortunate to meet her in person last year. She’s a home-schooling mom (I bow to her because I know I would have the patience for this) who planned a field trip to our local Butterfly Pavilion and she graciously invited Jessica and I to join them on their excursion. She’s just as beautiful in person as she is on her blog! I remember seeing this card on her blog and commenting on it…not knowing she made it for little old me. Thanks, Christi!!!

Hopefully this gorgeous artwork will suffice for now. Thank you ladies, I so appreciate you! 

Thank you, as well, to those who read my ramblings and look at my artwork. Your comments are heart-warming and encouraging and I truly appreciate that you take time out of your busy day to see what I am up to in my little corner of the blogosphere.

Hugs,
Jeanne

Lots of Smiles Today!

Hi there! I'm sorry I haven't posted the past few days. I wanted to do some creating on Monday, but Jessica wanted me to snuggle with her in the morning, so all my housekeeping chores had to be done after I dropped her off at school. Since she'll be in school all day  next year, I gotta take advantage of that snuggle time while I still can. *Ü* I did try to create yesterday, but it ended up being a big, fat dud as my mojo up and went-went. Sigh. Today was early-release day at school, which means I have a much shorter kid-free time and since I was so close to being done, I decided to work on the teacher cross-stitch project. I just finished the second one a few minutes ago! Whoo hooo!

You may notice that the piece on top is shorter than the one on the bottom. That was my big oops for this project. When I wanted to start it, I had to rush out the door to go park to pick up the girls from school (I have to leave early to get a decent spot-and I work on handwork while waiting). Anyway, I quick cut the Aida cloth and headed out the door. It wasn't until I finished stitching the teacher angel and word Teachers that I realized the piece of cloth was too short. I'd forgotten that I had already cut the Aida cloth to the correct size when I cut the first piece. (I had to get a rather large piece of cloth to get the length I needed). Anyway, because I was in a rush, I didn't think about that it was all ready for me. But, because I had already completed the angel, and didn't want to start all over again, I made it work by not skipping as many rows between sentences. If I couldn't fit the books in, I was going to leave them off and do another row of apples. Thankfully, I got it all to fit. That it worked, and the fact that I am done with this part of the project made me smile.

Then there's this...which showed up in the mail today.

 

My new blogging buddy, Sarah, of Sarah's Paper Tray, sent these buttons to me as a RAK (random act of kindness). She's posted some really cute cards with these buttons that she found at Walmart. I remember seeing them at my Walmart, but didn't have any idea of what I'd do with them, so I passed them up. Well, my Walmart is currently undergoing a huge renovation and as part of it, they have gotten rid of the whole fabric section (sniff, sniff) despite the fact that this fabric department was very profitable for the store. There had been customers that drove long distances just for the fabric. Anyway, I missed out on getting these fun and funky buttons. Sarah took pity on me and very sweetly sent me some so I could have some fun playing!  Thank you SO much Sarah! Aren't blogging buddies the best?? You really should check out the great projects she posts!

That's it from me today. Hopefully tomorrow my mojo will return from wherever it went, all rested and ready to get busy! Thanks for stopping by, I sure appreciate your visits.

Jeanne

Paper Piercing Medallion Card

Happy Friday to you!  Were you wondering if I fell off the planet? LOL Nah...I've just been busier than anticipated and haven't been able to complete cards I'm working on.

So just what have I been doing you may be wondering...let's just say I have more ideas of things I want to create than I can implement! I think I have a bit of creative attention deficit. You have seen how I am liking creating crocheted/stitched embellishments. That has kind of shot off into other directions. One look I REALLY like is paper piercing or paper pricking. Not a difficult technique, but finding templates other than online has proven to be difficult. I was spending time this week Googling this and that and came across a couple of websites that have nicely fed my desire to practice this technique. One in particular struck me hard. Fred-She-Said is a blog with an interesting name and even more interesting products! Click here to see what inspired the card I am sharing today...well card front for right now. I was loving the paper piercing and I think I have a thing for medallions. Then look around the blog and see if it doesn't inspire you in some way.

Here's the card...

Now, my original plan was to color three layers of this medallion (downloaded and printed onto cardstock) and stack them like the author did. But, it was taking me way longer than I thought to just color (using pencils and odorless mineral spirits) in one layer, so for now that is all it is. But the layer is pop dotted for a little dimension. Isn't that piercing just the coolest? I think so! It takes time, but I think it is oh, so worth it.

I don't think you can see it very well unless you enlarge the picture, but I stumbled across some of the Shimmerz paints that have been popular recently. Yes, I know I could have ordered it online, but somehow never got around to it. I needed to get a prescription filled at the pharmacy (everyone's fine and healthy, no worries) and there is a small independent scrapbook store right by the pharmacy. I used the drive-up window and decided to pop into this store while waiting for the scrip to be filled. THAT's where I found the Shimmerz! I couldn't resist and bought the pink and white. I used both on here and I wonder if you can see it. It's very subtle.

The dp is Basic Grey's Bittersweet and while the colors aren't a match I think they coordinate fairly well.

I also got a very nice surprise in the mail from Kathi. Thank you SO much, my friend! I love it all! She made the card (the cardstock is shimmery...love it), the calendar and the origami box and she included the stampset she used for the calendar so I can make sets for next year...awesome! The book is wonderful too and just warms my heart! Love it, love it, love it!

Well, that's going to do it from me for right now. I hope you have an awesome weekend...oh wait...been meaning to share that I think (hope and pray) that we are mouse-free now! I have been afraid to say anything for fear another one would show up, but I haven't seen signs of one for a couple of weeks...so maybe they are all gone! (either that or they are laying low, lulling me into a false sense of security). Maybe I should think of other ways to detail silly things that will entertain you??

Okay, now that's it for now! I am hoping that I will get lots of time to create this weekend! Check back and see if I am successful.

Jeanne

Recent RAKs

Nothing makes me smile more than receiving an unexpected card in the mail. Recently Barb and Erin sent me some smiles. Thank you ladies, so much!

For October's Breast Cancer Awareness month, Barb made these cards. I thought it was such a neat thing and a beautiful card and I told her so. She surprised me by sending me one. What a sweetheart! The glitter on the ribbon just pops. Click here  for the details for making the card.

Then Erin sent me this beauty. I am guessing here, but I'm pretty sure that paper and ribbon is from Papertrey Ink and the sentiment from CTMH's September Stamp of the Month.  She embossed using her Cuttlebug and Swiss Dots. She also used the Oval Nestabilities. I think this is so pretty!

 

Ladies, you made my day!

     Jeanne

Friendship Flowers

When Amy met Hattie in Kindergarten, I was thrilled she found such a good friend. They are in the same class in second grade and still best friends. The added benefit of their friendship is that I've gotten to know Hattie's mom, Susi, quite well and consider her a special friend of mine. This is just one of the many things that makes her so special...she picked these flowers out of her garden and brought them for me today. Aren't they beautiful? Every time I pass the breakfast bar and see them, I smile. I had to take a picture because I so appreciate the gesture and I want to be able to see them and smile long after they are gone.

Jeanne

Makes Me Happy!

Hi there!

Remember me? Yes, I know I haven't posted in a while. Not sure that you wanted a daily dose of... I sat on the couch today. I read blogs today. I took the kids to swim class today. Especially if I didn't have any artwork to break up the monotony. LOL Seriously though, I've been a tad busier than I thought I'd be in that I have been taking the kids to swim class and going to stores that have motorized carts. Of course, it takes longer to do anything these days, but I can get around and that helps. My brother, the truck driver, was in town last night, so we met him at a truck stop to catch up for a couple of hours. We went to an "end of summer" party at a friend's house yesterday. I even mopped the floor one day last week...albeit in sections and took lots of breaks. Trying to do what I can in fits and spurts. I think I can go in to the doctor next week to see how the healing is progressing. I have to check the calendar.

I have been experiencing some feelings of frustration and lack of patience the past few days. So today I decided to brighten my outlook by painting my toenails! Okay don't look too closely at my messy looking feet, but note the color I chose. Close to my cast color, eh? LOL I even added a flower sticker to the big toes. Ü
And here you can see that my cast is no longer a pristine pink thanks to our friend, Dave, who started the signing of the cast process. Alas, I can't show you the happy face that is on the bottom of the cast as I am not limber enough to finagle that shot!I got some happy mail today from my blog buddy, Barb! Thanks so much for thinking of me, my friend!!!! You are SO right that I could use a pick me up about now. In addition to the card, she sent me these images to color in! Whoo hooo! (Don't you love how I set the card on my feet to take the picture? LOL)

I'm just afraid I'll mess them up.

Oh the Olympics are starting for the night...I must say I have been watching quite a bit of them. And enjoying them tremendously. Go USA!!!

Thanks for stopping by. Ü And thanks again, Barb, for the lovely card and images.

RAK from Rachel

I hope you all are doing well and are having a terrific holiday weekend. We've been busy, busy, busy since my dad arrived on Wednesday. We've been to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, The Butterfly Pavilion, El Dorado State Park, and out to dinner and lunch a few times. Whew! But it's been a lot of fun. I have been taking pictures, which will be shared soon. We may even go miniature golfing, which should be loads of fun.

When I got up this morning and checked emails, I had one from my friend, Rachel, of 1905Designs blog. She RAKed me (RAK=Random Act of Kindess) with a layout she created of Jessica from a photo she snagged off my blog. I love this layout! Rachel has a great sense of style and is spreading her digital wings by learning how to design. She shares what she's created on her blog. You should definitely check her stuff out!

Thank you so much Rachel! You sure put a smile on my face!

I "Heart" Blog Buddies!

Blogging and reading blogs has got to be one of the best past times ever! I've come across some amazing paper crafters, cardmakers, scrapbookers and saved more ideas than I can execute in my lifetime. By far though, I most enjoy the friendships I've found since beginning this blogging journey. These are people I may never meet IRL (in real life) but are as dear to me as my IRL friends. We support each other's crafting efforts and enable each other as well as provide a soft shoulder when needed.

My blog buddy, BarbW, of The Buzz emailed me a week or so ago to let me know that she had seen 6x6 pads of Basic Grey's Gypsy paper at her Big Lots (she's such a good enabler), as well as K & Co envelopes. You know I went as soon as I could to two different Big Lots and had no luck finding the paper-dragged my kiddos along for the ride (and got them some squirt guns). When I told Barb I couldn't find them here, I asked if she'd be willing to pick up a package for me and lo and behold...lookie what was came through my mailslot yesterday! Thank you SO very much, Barb!! You definitely made my day.
How I wish I had the energy to head out to my craft room last night, but alas, I was plum tuckered out from giving the girls' room a much needed overhaul.

My dad arrives tomorrow for a week long visit. I hope to pop in from time to time, but if I don't get to posting, I thought I'd give you a heads up. :o) The girls are quite excited (as am I)!

Connecting Via a Friend...

Isn't this a pretty card?? I received it in the mail yesterday from my friend, Felicia, who currently lives in Hawaii. We met when she and her family lived in Colorado while her husband went to school. They are a Navy family and are currently stationed in that beautiful (from what I hear) state. Anyway, Felicia is a Close To My Heart consultant (longtime readers may remember her husband signed her up as a surprise). She loves stamping and scrapping. There are only a few stores in Hawaii for purchasing stamping or scrapping supplies. She really felt the need for an Archiver's "fix," so she sent me a check and told me to have fun shopping for her. In the envelope she included this beautiful card as well as CTMH's June Stamp of the Month-With Love. I was so surprised!

There's a little backstory though as to why she sent the stampset. Back in May, I got an email from her husband (unbeknownst to Felicia) who was set to go out on another submarine. This was only a few weeks after he got back from the previous assignment. When he's gone, they have no contact at all, which is very difficult, as you can imagine (They have 3 young boys). Anyway, he asked if I would be willing to make her cards to send each week, with sentiments composed by him. Of course I said YES! I sort of tried to keep it anonymous, but Felicia figured it was me pretty quickly. It's been fun helping to bring a smile to her face while he's gone. Anyway, she sent the stampset as a thank you for that (and for shopping for her, too).

I shopped for her last night and called her to be sure I picked out things she definitely wanted. They are enroute to Hawaii this evening! Enjoy your goodies, Felicia!!! Thanks again for the stamp set! :o)

Hope you have a great night! I'm tired because the girls and I went to the Museum of Nature and Science today...and spent several hours there! My feet are tired, but they were having so much fun that I didn't want to end the day too soon. Who am I to discourage any interest in Nature or Science??!!

Wow! Thanks, ERIN G.!!!

Looky what showed up in the mail {for me} today!! How cool is this?? My friend Erin sent this to me as a thank you for my doing a favor for her recently. I gladly did the favor and was pleased to help her. To receive this is just lots of icing on the cake! Thanks!!! The picture doesn't even do it justice. There's lots of sparkly on it, which isn't getting picked up.

You are tooooooo sweet Erin! I'm so glad we are friends! :o)