Stampin' When I Can

Weekly Sketches

2012-01-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

Making Simple Valentines

2012-01-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

I decided I would play with some really old stash and make some simple Valentines for hooking up my colleagues who like access to a free stash of cards. Srsly...when was the last time you saw Vintage Violet?

Positive note of the day: I am reconciling my books as I get ready for tax season. Not so positive but at least I am not avoiding it anymore!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Playing in Paradise #51 - CAS with Hearts!

2012-01-27T00:00:00.005-07:00

For today's Playing in Paradise challenge, Nina asked us to do a clean and simple card featuring hearts. Loved this one! But it did take me some time to figure out what to do...I made it!

Stash Used:

- Martha Stewart Heart Punch
- EK Success Corner Rounder - Medium
- Papers from Basic Grey's Bittersweet, Blush and Sultry
- Pebbles Rub-On "I Love You"
- Sakura Pen - Gelly Roll Clear Stardust 2 Pack
- Ribbon from stash

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

- Merlie: Cherish My Fetish
- Laurel: Seabrook Designs
- Kasia: The Nature of Crafty Things

- Nina: Notes by Nina

Positive note of the day:Tristan was being a super big brother to Ave tonight.

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Wasting My Time...

2012-01-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

My meeting got cancelled so I decided to pop in here and blog my last card following the last SCS SC...

Positive note of the day: Been mouthy at work about what my team will and will not do. Turns out that people will respect some limits so long as you set them!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Puppy Love...

2012-01-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

I had these Sweet Threads DP out so I decided to keep playing with it and create a valentine for one of my girls...

Positive note of the day: Ave and I made cookies tonight...she was so giddy and ate two before bed!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Newly Discovered

2012-01-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

Flower Girlie!

2012-01-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

I just love how this scrap page of Ave came together. Last summer she was all about investigating the neighbours' yards and smelling their flowers. All this in combination with BG's Sweet Threads makes such a pretty page!

P.S. Winner of my blog candy was #18! Monika/Buzsy, as a long-time PSF, I have your deets already!

Positive note of the day: Cleaned up my scrappy area some more. Still needs more work to be done...

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Weekly Sketches

2012-01-22T23:59:00.000-07:00

Masculine Nordic Holiday

2012-01-21T00:47:00.000-07:00

This was Brad's Christmas card this year. Tres masculin, n'est pas? And in the great holiday paper, Nordic Holiday by BG.

Positive note of the day: Made it to the accountant today so I can at last get my finances worked out as my own corporation...that was taxing my brain! (Aren't I punny?)

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

"Ya know, when I was 25 and got an erection, I couldn't bend it with both hands..

By the time I was 50, I could bend it about 10 degrees if I tried real hard.

By the time I was 60, I could bend it 20 degrees, no problem.

I'm gonna be 70 next week, and I can bend it in half with just one hand."

"So, what's your point?"

"Well, I'm just wondering how much stronger I'm gonna get!?"

Playing in Paradise Challenge #50 - Inspiration Challenge

2012-01-20T00:00:00.015-07:00

For today's Playing in Paradise challenge, Laurel asked us to be inspired by this photo. Forever the literalist, I included penguins and the color palette (yep, I am just that innovative!).

Come along and play, won't you? And don't forget to jump in on my blog candy post a couple down the way!

Stash Used:

- Martha Stewart Edge Punch
- EK Success Corner Punch
- Stamps from the Cat's Pajamas
- Jillibean Soup Christmas Chowder DP
- Want 2 Scrap Embellishment - Baby Bling Rhinestones Pink
- 1/2" grosgrain ribbon

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

- Nancy: Nancy's Creative Mess
- Merlie: Cherish My Fetish
- Laurel: Seabrook Designs
- Kasia: The Nature of Crafty Things

- Nina: Notes by Nina

Positive note of the day: Today was a real mish-mash from good to bad and back again. Tomorrow is appointment after appointment. My boy has a rash on his face, flame red ears and likely needs new tubes. Here's hoping he feels better tomorrow!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Off to the Orthotist Today!

2012-01-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

So I have to take Ave to get a new brace (AFO) today. So not looking forward to it since she does not even like the orthotist to touch her let alone cast her!

The girlies are so cute here! Char is such a good big sister (always). This pic is from the zoo when we were watching the fattest prairie dogs I have ever seen. They have it made compared to their brethren who hang out around our house!

Positive note of the day: So enjoyed the warmth of my PJs at home yesterday even if some of my co-workers made me stabby by the end of the day...

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Blog Candy!

2012-01-17T23:21:00.000-07:00

So when I was featured on the Basic Grey blog a couple weeks back, those lovely folks sent me an Out of Print kit. Since I already have these items (of course I do!), I thought I would offer it up here. Throw your name in the bucket and I will draw for it on Sunday evening...

Freezing in Calgary!

2012-01-17T22:54:00.002-07:00

So the last couple of days have been freezing in Calgary. My office didn't seem much warmer and my fingers were so cold all day as I typed away furiously. I decided that I will be working from home tomorrow. One should not want to plunge their hands into their boiling cup of tea while at work!

And look at this nightmarish couple of days! -49 tonight? Seriously?

Since I have destroyed my craft area, I share with you some Christmas tags again (yes, I made a lot!). These ones feature some foam snowmen from the dollar store...they were cute!

Positive note of the day: Bill Moyers is back on TV. If I was 30 years older, I would be all over that man!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Weekly Sketches

2012-01-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

Big Girl!

2012-01-15T13:27:00.002-07:00

Charlotte lost her first tooth yesterday and her immediate response to me was to ask for a tooth tin. She knew that I had made one for Tristan and even knew what she wanted it to look like.

To be honest, I was going to beg her off but then I knew that would resonate with her as part of the whole memory of losing her first tooth.

So I got out my papers, a tin that has been a mainstay of my stash for a long time and asked Charlotte what image she wanted from Microsoft's online gallery (since I wasn't going to search much farther!). Here's what we ended up with (and just in the nick of the time so Charlotte could get her twoonie!).

Positive note of the day: Cross your fingers that I get inspired enough to clean my craft space. Since it is out in the midst of our living space, I need to shape up!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Did the SCS Sketch Challenge...Whoa!

2012-01-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

I actually squeezed in the SCS Sketch Challenge this week...how did that happen? Used Basic Grey's Picadilly DP and stickers and then muted the white sentiment with Antique Linen distress ink.

Positive note of the day: Gonna go try an exercise DVD with C...we'll see how that goes (snicker!).

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Playing in Paradise Challenge #49 - Tic-Tac-Toe!

2012-01-13T07:03:00.002-07:00

For today's Playing in Paradise challenge, Angela has asked us to play tic-tac-toe with the image to the left. I chose ribbon, button and sentiment...so easy (ha!).

Stash Used:

- My Mind's Eye DP
- SU! Scallop Circle Punch
- Spellbinders Die - Labels 8 Nestabilties
- Studio Calico Wood Veneer Buttons
- Pebbles Embellishment - Crimson Button Candy Dots
- Sentiment from SU!
- Tsukineko Stamping Supplies - Memento Dew Drop Lady Bug
- Ribbon from American Crafts
- Buttons from Hero Arts and assorted stash. (Hero Arts Embellishment - Buttons Mixed Sunshine)

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

- Nancy: Nancy's Creative Mess
- Merlie: Cherish My Fetish
- Laurel: Seabrook Designs
- Nina: Notes by Nina

- Angela: Angela Fehr Creativity Central

Positive note of the day: Had a headache last night so I went to bed at seven...win!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web: Thought of Jessi with this one...

How About A Little Reminder of Nordic Holiday Again?

2012-01-11T22:57:00.000-07:00

A Christmas tag since we need a little Christmas right this very minute, don't ya think? Yeah, not so much probably...

Positive note of the day: Is it nutty to say I enjoy it when I have a good meeting and things get done? Yes, I concede that I am a nerd.

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Tristan in Origins

2012-01-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

This may have turned out a little girlier and greener than I would have liked but I do like that Origins paper pack and so did T.

Positive note of the day: Ave helped me make cookies tonight all by herself. She was a really good listener and was able to follow some of my instructions which pleased me!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Weekly Sketches

2012-01-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

Avery Loves Snowmen...

2012-01-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

Yep, she does! This was our addition to the front yard's various Christmas decorations. Ave went out there and talked to it on a regular basis. I think she liked it since it was as tall as her.

Positive note of the day: Last day of my antibiotic for my ear infection. Left a metallic taste in my mouth this past week...gross!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Hey everybody...

2012-01-07T11:56:00.002-07:00

I realize I say "Hey everybody" or "Goodbye everybody" a lot since Ave has added it to her vocabulary. When a girl has a limited amount of sentences in her repetoire, it becomes glaringly obvious where she got it from...

Brad went out last night so I got my scrap on. Saw the idea of the repeating circles in one of my magazines that clutters our bathroom (everyone's favorite reading place) so I incorporated it here using Basic Grey's Nordic Holiday DP and stickers. The journalling states "Just give me my present and no one will get hurt...". Look how quickly she is dashing away from Santa once she has the goods!

Positive note of the day: I was featured on the Basic Grey blog today...go have a peek, k?

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Playing in Paradise Challenge #48 - Tall and Skinny Card

2012-01-06T00:00:00.002-07:00

I worked on this dang spreadsheet for way too long tonight but thanks to Basic Grey Picadilly DP and stickers, I made this one in no time (like a boss!).

Stash Used:

- Martha Stewart Edge Punch
- EK Success Corner Punch
- BasicGrey 6x6 Paper Pad - Picadilly
- BasicGrey Sticker - Picadilly Element
- Sentiment from Pink Cat Studio
- Buttons from Hero Arts and assorted stash. (Hero Arts Embellishment - Buttons Mixed Sunshine)

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

- Nancy: Nancy's Creative Mess
- Merlie: Cherish My Fetish
- Laurel: Seabrook Designs
- Kasia: The Nature of Crafty Things

- Nina: Notes by Nina

Positive note of the day: Got quite a bit of a work done today which is a boon since I worked from home (that never happens!).

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Ave's First Day of Preschool

2012-01-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

Yep, the title says it all!

Positive note of the day: Working from home today. Yesterday about killed me with the ear ache and the yucky feeling. I am gonna set myself up in bed with my heating pad and just groove on the relaxation...

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Back from the Dead...

2012-01-02T15:00:00.002-07:00

Afternoon to ya...

I have a tinge of a headache and my ears are still sloshing with fluid but I did myself proud by getting up, having a shower and taking Ave for a walk. It might be easy to still wallow in sickness but I am hoping taking this route will actually give me more energy.

Enough belly-aching from me. I wish I had spent more time organizing my life while on break and playing with the kids. Instead, they had to loll around while we stayed in our PJs. (I did however make them an indoor slide with a discarded table top which they quite liked. Now to actually get them to agree to take it down will be another thing!)

So it's back to regular life tomorrow...are you ready? Yeah, me neither. Kids are still off for another week...I envy them so much (for that and about 1000 other reasons). BTW, in this post are a couple of altered Pirouette tins that I filled with dark chocolate covered pomegrantes and blueberries for my in-laws...yum!

Well, I have a couple of loaves of banana bread in the oven, one more calendar to finish for my Dad (yeah, he won't get it until halfway through January!) and a whole bunch of picking up to do (since I am the only one who seems to see it!). Peace out!

Positive note of the day: My crazies posing for a picture on C's bed...first time Avery actually ventured up there despite being in the lower bunk for at least a year!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Weekly Sketches

2011-12-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

Ignoring Life and Other Things...

2011-12-30T00:56:00.001-07:00

I have a cold that is kicking my @$$. As such, I have been pretty much ignoring things here, there and everywhere. The kids had it, the nanny had it, Brad still has it and it has finally made it to me. It wouldn't be near so annoying if my sinuses and Eustachian tubes didn't get filled up. My right ear has been ringing for the last day and a half so I threw up my hands and said "Screw it". My nanny was back today so I took to my bed and slept. Now I am a little listless and while I would like to get some motivation, I am starting to think that I need to just lounge for another week. Le sigh!

Here is one of several similar tags I made after Christmas. Yes, I said "after Christmas". I want to use up a lot of stash, store them away and then be ready for next year (which includes buying whatever Basic Grey paper rolls out in 2012!). BTW, I think everything on this tag, save the snowflake sticker, has been gifted to me by my fellow PSFs (just in case some of it looks familiar)! Thanks!

Positive note of the day: Avery was very cute following her Sesame Street dance DVD her grandma sent her.

Fun Thing I Found on the Web: Some of these cat memes are just so dumb, you have to giggle. And WTH was Bob Ross thinking with that hairdo of his anyway?

Daddy's Gift

2011-12-27T23:59:00.001-07:00

Brad and I didn't get gifts for each other this year. I want to spend our money on some upkeep on the house and he agreed. Nonetheless, we did get gifts from the kids for each other. Since Brad loves getting a massage, I got him a gift certificate. I then asked the kids why they thought Daddy might benefit from a massage...these are their answers...

(P.S. I got some Lancome lipstick, a bottle of perfume and a new pair of Lulus. Not bad for a "no gift" year.)

Positive note of the day: My new addiction tonight is ancestry.ca. I know...major geekdom. But it is cool to see all these archival instances of all these people you actually know (which was not at all the same when I was getting my Masters).

Fun Thing I Found on the Web: And no, this has never happened to me or anyone I know up here in the Great White North...

Wintry Card for All Reasons...

2011-12-27T01:52:00.001-07:00

I need cards with a wintry theme for lots of reasons...thank-yous, everydays and New Years. So with a mix of Jillibean Soup and the Mojo Monday sketch (flipped), I made about a dozen of these featuring a digi-pieced Lily from Pink Cat.

Positive note of the day: I am really getting sick now. My nanny is down for the count so I am going to have to lean on Brad methinks (who is sick too). Here's hoping some sleep helps!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Another Calendar Page

2011-12-26T00:52:00.000-07:00

I was able to make a whole second calendar on Christmas Eve to get it to my in-laws...phew!

Positive note of the day: Christmas has come and gone. Everything went well and I am ready for my long winter's nap!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Weekly Sketches

2011-12-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Ave!

2011-12-25T00:00:00.001-07:00

Happy Holidays Everyone!

2011-12-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

Isn't that birdie a hoot?

Positive note of the day: Delighting in the giddiness of the WJs particularly Ave who seems to be "getting it" this year.

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Playing in Paradise Challenge #47 - Sketch Time!

2011-12-23T00:00:00.003-07:00

For today's Playing in Paradise challenge, it's my turn! And I saved everything to the last minute since life is all about work, Christmas functions and kids.

Two things you probably know about me but all explains my choice of card today. A) I have to do a sketch (I just have to) and B) my girlie Ave will be three this Christmas (yes, for any new followers here, I have a Christmas baby...you can read the very earth-shattering details of her arrival here). So, working with my sketch, I had to make her a Mickey card since she is all about Mickey Mouse Clubhouse right now. I just can't believe she will be three in a couple days!

Stash Used:

- Martha Stewart Edge Punch
- Digi Vector Image
- Crate Paper DP
- Jillibean Soup DP
- DCWV CS
- Queen & Co. Pearls - Sunflower Yellow
- Ribbon and thicker from stash.

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

- Nancy: Nancy's Creative Mess
- Merlie: Cherish My Fetish
- Laurel: Seabrook Designs
- Kasia: The Nature of Crafty Things
- Nina: Notes by Nina

Positive note of the day: Took the kids to the library tonight. Had fun and happy that they are excited about reading!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Hola!

2011-12-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

I say "Hola" to my work mates every morning so I am saying it to y'all this morning as well!

As per usual I have some late cards (and ahem, late requests, for cards) to make. This one was very simple featuring DP and stickers from BG's Nordic Holiday.

Positive note of the day: Had a fun night out having bevvies with my work mates last night.

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Howdy Stranger...

2011-12-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

Life has been busy and I have chosen to watch movies on the W network most nights rather than do much else. So, after five days without a peep from me, I return to the blog tonight as the girls play Just Dance 3.

Here's another calendar page featuring C...cute colors and embellies they offered to highlight the page...

Positive note of the day: All my shopping is done (I think) and I may have already got a resolution to work on for the New Year!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web: Remembering Calvin and Hobbes...

Weekly Sketches

2011-12-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

Playing in Paradise Challenge #46 - Lots o' Buttons

2011-12-16T01:15:00.001-07:00

For today's Playing in Paradise challenge, Merlie wants buttons. Easy, right? Yes, it was...finding the camera to take the photo was the hard part and is why I am posting this one late...

Stash Used:

- Martha Stewart Cherish Punch Around the Page Set
- Michael's Dollar Stamp

- Spellbinders Die - Standard Circles Nestabilties
- BasicGrey Sticker - Nordic Holiday Element
- Basic Grey Nordic Holiday DP
- Hero Arts Embellishment - Buttons Mixed Sea

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

- Nancy: Nancy's Creative Mess
- Merlie: Cherish My Fetish
- Laurel: Seabrook Designs
- Kasia: The Nature of Crafty Things
- Nina: Notes by Nina

Positive note of the day: Had fun at work yesterday with our potluck and then bowling in the afternoon!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Guess What Time of the Year It Is?

2011-12-14T23:53:00.000-07:00

It's calendar making time! I think this is my third year in a row. I quite like the Basic Grey page designs this year...my only misgiving is the stickers keep coming off!

Positive note of the day: Planned a potluck at work tomorrow...everyone seems ready to bring something which is great!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Rustic Tag

2011-12-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

I seriously will never have enough tags! This one is fun with the touch of Crushed Curry (and lord knows I have a ton of it in my stash!).

Positive note of the day: Ave was a good girl at gymnastics tonight which was a nice treat...I thought we would have to leave after ten minutes!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Eskimo Kisses Tag

2011-12-13T00:14:00.000-07:00

Super simple using scraps, a rub-on sentiment and a BG sticker.

Positive note of the day: Found a couple presents today to knock off my list.

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Weekly Sketches

2011-12-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

Getting in My MOJO Card...

2011-12-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

...at the very last minute! Isn't this image sweet esp. in all these deep Christmas-y tones? She's all a-glitter with Stickles too! I am going to give this to my office-mate since I always tease him about his "imaginary girlfriend"...if this doesn't epitomize the imaginary girlfriend, I don't know what does!

Positive note of the day: Got a corner desk for my office area this afternoon. I have to stop thinking that I am going to find that ultimate piece that leaves all my organizational problems in the dust (I think putting away stuff might actually be the silver bullet for that one!).

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

MME Tag

2011-12-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

Made this simple tag so I could keep up with my wrapping. Now I need to get some actual shopping done for the rest of the family so I have something to wrap! My head hurts just trying to figure out what to buy!

This MME DP is just so darn purdy!

Positive note of the day: Took Ave out on skates for the first time today. She liked it but was ready to cut out early!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

RAK Time!

2011-12-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

I won some blog candy from Jessi (been a dog's age since that happened!) and she sent me this super fun card...it's very Anne Taintor!

Playing in Paradise Challenge #45 - A Tree Please!

2011-12-08T20:40:00.008-07:00

For today's Playing in Paradise challenge, we had to create something featuring a tree. I kinda committed to this layout and then realized my original stamp was way too big. Oh well! I pulled out this one from Gifts of Christmas and it does have trees (but not as the focal...shh!).

I added some microbeads to the snowy scene...so fun!

Stash Used:

- Martha Stewart Edge Punch
- SU! CS and Stamp

- My Mind's Eye Lost and Found Christmas DP and Die-Cuts
- Studio Calico wood veneer buttons.

- Hero Arts Embellishment - Buttons Mixed Earth

- Spellbinders Die - Classic Scalloped Rectangle Small Nestability
- Martha Stewart Embellishments - White Gold Micro Beads
- Twine from stash.

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

- Nancy: Nancy's Creative Mess
- Merlie: Cherish My Fetish
- Laurel: Seabrook Designs
- Kasia: The Nature of Crafty Things

Positive note of the day: Ave's appointment at the stroke clinic went as about expected. She didn't like getting weighed or having her height checked, she didn't want the doctors touching her (particularly her legs) but overall it was mostly just a series of doctors getting her history. She is scheduled for both a brain and heart MRI in around mid-February which thankfully she will be sedated for. At that time, we will see how the scar tissue is doing around her heart and then determine whether her CP is due to a stroke (experienced during the first weeks of life) or as a result of her congenital heart defect (new studies are looking at the lack of pressure from a malformed heart that affects delivery of oxygen to the brain. So, even though she had oxygen via the placenta, it might have been fed to the brain at the wrong pressure to allow for typical brain development).

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

A Fun Kids TAG

2011-12-07T08:39:00.001-07:00

I found this scrap of Sugar Rush DP (along with some stickers) and that motivated this creation (in fact, most cards for me tend to go that way...I have barely touched my new stash since I have this nagging need to use up some of this paper I have hoarded!). The image is a cute Penny Black one and I used my new Nestabilities dies I just bought (Merry Christmas to me!).

Positive note of the day: Taking this morning off to take Avery to the stroke clinic. We got this referral almost two years ago so it's about time! The clinic isn't a therapeutic one...merely a research lab. Nonetheless, if they can find the source of the brain damage, it will help the other therapists with her delays. Here's hoping she's genteel today (ha! Who am I kidding?)...

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Christmas Family Picture...

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is our annual family portrait. It was another quickie (five minutes) done in the kids' school gym. Glad we get it done and hope we keep it up!

Positive note of the day: Helped the parentals put up the tree with the kids and then had pizza. Nice way to have an evening off!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Weekly Sketches

2011-12-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

Sparkly Tag...and no Edward!

2011-12-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

A simple tag on lots of sparkly CS (and honestly, I have never read "Twilight" but I understand that Edward sparkles...my only frame of reference for this post title!). This is a tag on a prezzie from Tristan to Avery...

Positive note of the day: Finally picked our tile for the fireplace surround. I attached a sample...it is called Bamboo Storm (it is made of porcelain with just a bit of texture). I so hope it gets done soon!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Playing in Paradise Challenge #44 - Monochromatic

2011-12-02T00:00:00.002-07:00

For today's Playing in Paradise challenge, we had to create something monochromatic. I was going to go red but I happened upon this paper. I kinda like the idea of ending up with Santa in his blues!

Stash Used:

Martha Stewart Edge Punch and EK Success Corner Punch
DCWV Paper
Inkadinkado Stamp
Ranger Distress Ink - Broken China
Hero Arts Embellishment - Buttons Mixed Sea
Ribbon from stash.

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

Positive note of the day: Today is parent-teacher interview day. I plan on getting that done and then perhaps getting some gifts for Ave. And, since Brad is going out for the night, I am taking the kids to ZooLights...fun!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Happy Sixth Birthday C!

2011-11-30T23:09:00.001-07:00

After what has seemed like a "birthweek", instead of a birthday, we are at last upon December 1st. Six years ago, C was born, mid-afternoon and was quiet as a church mouse for the first 18 hours of her life. In a very full ward, she was the only girl born that day in the midst of some very noisy boys! Once we took her home, her bossy self came out (she was in my sling all. the. time.) but she has been a really easy kid, all in all. In fact, her birthdays always take me more by surprise than T or A (who both need a lot more attention and each for their own reasons!). To honor her birthday, here's a double scrap page set I made for my in-laws this past weekend.

Positive note of the day: C talked me into making rice krispie squares to take into class tomorrow for her birthday. They turned out! (For some reason, I can make any number of recipes with no trouble but with these, it's always hit or miss!)

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

HB Hydrangea!

2011-11-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

Found this swatch of paper today so I made a quick birthday card with this pretty hydrangea image!

Positive note of the day: Got stuck in an elevator with my project manager today for about 35 minutes. It was quite the joke of the office esp. since everyone felt sorry for him! Ha!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Christmas Presents

2011-11-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

I am adding these here so I don't forget what I bought! (P.S. I didn't buy all these!)

Weekly Sketches

2011-11-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

Doing the Charlotte Jig!

2011-11-27T22:51:00.000-07:00

From time to time, Charlotte pulls out a little jig...she is really quite goofy. I think it could easily turn into her version of the "Carlton" if she keeps it up.

Positive note of the day: Made it through C's birthday party and my office kids' Christmas party (and talk about extravagant!). I am bushed now!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Today is C's Birthday Party....

2011-11-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

It's still a few hours away. I am in my PJs with wet hair that needs to be straightened before it turns into a frizzy mess. As I procrastinate readying the food, I am gonna blog real quick.

Brad has to get more balloons since most of them have popped overnight. Unfortunately, one of the pops set off the house alarm at 4 AM which meant that I puttered around the house for another 90 minutes before I fell back asleep. All the aprons and cupcakes are ready to go...save those "organized activities", I am treating this birthday as one big play date.

Here's an easy baby card I made. Do I need a baby card? No but that doesn't seem to stop me!

Positive note of the day: Charlotte told me she is "party planner" and I am supposed to follow her directions. No one can be shocked by this diva behaviour...

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Playing in Paradise Challenge #43 - Something from the Kitchen!

2011-11-25T00:00:00.004-07:00

For today's Playing in Paradise challenge, Kasia asked us to use something from the kitchen in our creation...I honestly don't think that any of us found this easy!

For my attempt, I simply used the technique "Crinkled Chalk" on my background (since it incorporates the use of Saran Wrap!).

Stash Used:

Basic Grey Kioshi and Stickers
Martha Stewart Edge Punch, Martha Stewart Heart Punch, Mike's Dollar Punch (flower) and EK Success Edge Punch
SEI Chalk Ink Block - Violet
SU! CS
Pure Innocence Digi
Twine from stash.

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

Positive note of the day: Taking today off since my nanny had to go to Vancouver to get her passport renewed (crazy!). Ave has the day off too so we are going to get her fitted for a new brace (not fun!), do some shopping, go to her school for parent-teacher interviews and then get ready for C's party...woo hoo!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Watching NOVA and Blogging...

2011-11-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

Can you do just one thing anymore? I find it real hard...often, I am playing online Scrabble and listening to the radio. Other times, I will watch TV but only if I can surf at the same time. And when I work, I almost always listen to news. Yikes! I wonder if I could even do just one thing now! (Of course, I am reading with the boy now which forces me to attend to that [and T's one million questions!].)

Made this tag a few days back and just got myself together to take the picture, clean it up and post it! Then it is back to prepping for 21 kids on Saturday for C's party...ha!

P.S. Thanks muchly to Teri for that super cute mouse stamp...he's a perfect size for a tag!

Positive note of the day: Found the last of my the aprons I needed for C's party (that's our craft project)...if you haven't printed off the M's stamps this week, you should...lots of 50% ones in the mix!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Accordion Book Tutorial

2011-11-22T18:55:00.001-07:00

I got a PM from an SCSer who wanted to know how I made an accordion book from a long ways back! Anyway, since Craft TV Weekly is no longer available, I did some poking until I found the video on YouTube. I impressed myself in re-finding it...maybe I will try it again.

Grade 1 Layout

2011-11-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

I made this a while ago and then promptly lost it in my mess of a craft area. Hmm...maybe it's telling me something!

Here's C in her grade one class pic. It's a little different with the Summer Sunrise but I like it!

Positive note of the day: Both T and A were sick last night and this morning but they seem to be okay now...knock on wood it stays that way tonight!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Weekly Sketches

2011-11-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

Girly Tag

2011-11-20T16:47:00.000-07:00

Making tags right now (among some other little projects)...this one is lots girly and will probably end up on a C present.

Positive note of the day: The three WJs didn't want up until 9:30 this morning...and I didn't even lace their bedtime snacks!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Playing in Paradise Challenge #42 - A Round Card

2011-11-18T00:00:00.001-07:00

For today's Playing in Paradise challenge, Nancy asked us to make a round card. I whipped this one together in no time since I had done the wrong challenge card initially...oh well, now I am ready to go for next week!

Stash Used:

BasicGrey 6x6 Paper Pad - Sweet Threads and Stickers
Spellbinders Lacey Circles and Standard Circle Large Nestabilities
Little Paper Shop sentiment.
Ribbon from stash.

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

Positive note of the day: Going to be the good mommy and volunteer in the kids' school today and then rush home for a visit from one of Avery's therapists!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Aren't You Proud of Me?

2011-11-17T00:15:00.002-07:00

I just finished 17 invitations for C's birthday party. We are doing a cupcake party so I purchased this Pure Innocence digi and then used Photoshop to color it and print it off in multiples (there was no way I would be coloring all these!).

I used a mixed background of Kioshi scraps (most of them were 1 3/4" leftovers from the 6" pad...these are the core of my BG stash!). I then cut them with my Spellbinders die just to give them a fun shape. I kept the embellishments to a minimum but I was able to use enough purple buttons to finally be able to close my "purple button" jar now (I had way too many and Paula told me that my next project had to include purple buttons to whittle the stash down!).

Positive note of the day: Just love this Adele mashup from Glee last night...I have been listening to it all day!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

My Go-to Style...Easy!

2011-11-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

I am working right now and looking out at a whole lotta snow coming down...yikes! It is starting to stick too!

Here's an easy card I made last night since I got the itch. I am actually in the process of redesigning the layout of my craft space so I am quite excited to see how it comes off!

Positive note of the day: On Tristan's request, I caved and got a new snowman that lights up for the front yard. Ave likes to hug it and she regularly sings the Barney song "I Love You, You Love Me" to it.

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Just wrong really....

Weekly Sketches

2011-11-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

C's School Picture

2011-11-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

I just love how C's school picture turned out this year...she looks so pretty! I paired it with Basic Grey's Hello Luscious...an unexpected and pretty compliment to the colors in her dress. I also tried out a chevron pattern across the bottom (as inspired by another post at the BG blog...love that place!).

Positive note of the day: Put out some decorations today (but only some...)! Now I have to plan on making aprons for C's birthday party...yikes!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Newly Discovered

2011-11-12T14:10:00.014-07:00

Playing in Paradise Challenge #41 - Sketch Time!

2011-11-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

For today's Playing in Paradise challenge, it is my turn...and you know what that means...sketch time!

I photographed this with no background papers so the colors are off...sorry! Peace out!

Stash Used:

MME DP
Martha Stewart Edge Punch and Butterfly Punch
SU! Stamp and Scallop Punch
Hero Arts buttons.
Ribbon from stash.

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

Positive note of the day: Gonna get my three out and about today to get prepped for C's birthday party...it's in two weeks already...yeesh!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Morning...

2011-11-10T10:37:00.000-07:00

Gosh, ever since the time change, I feel like the days take forever! I was sure it was lunch time by now! Perhaps my stomach just wishes time would move faster!

Here's a card with some MME DP I found at Winners (totally marked down...love that) and an ol' Little Paper Shop sentiment...

Positive note of the day: Tomorrow is a day off for all the kids and I. I think we will be heading out to Michael's and the fabric store to plan C's birthday. Woo hoo!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Anniversary Card

2011-11-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

So this was a quickie anniversary card I whipped together using Basic Grey's Hello Luscious DP and stickers. These papers are so pretty!

Positive note of the day: Gonna get the kids signed up for gymnastics starting in December. They are pretty excited and I think it will be great to get that energy directed somewhere!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

A Tall Christmas Creation

2011-11-07T11:55:00.003-07:00

I am glum today. I mean I was a little melancholy anyway but the news of Katie's death felt like a punch in the gut. I didn't know her save via the blogs and FB. However, I think her story resonated with me (and so many others) since she was around my age and raising three children (close in age to C and T). It was horrid to think of her plowing through each day in pain but still having to be "mom" (and all that entails). Now it is a glaring reminder of how lost I would feel without my three. I can't bear to think of what her family must be going through (which reminds me of my own aunt who took her life about 18 months ago)...

On days like this, I really need some happy. For now, I am going to muddle through until I get home and into my PJs!

And, oh yeah, here's a simple card I made this weekend...

Weekly Sketches

2011-11-06T23:59:00.000-07:00

She's cute as can be!

2011-11-06T08:13:00.003-07:00

Sometimes I think it's a shame I don't have any "traditional" pictures of Ave as a newborn. All of her pictures always include all the tubes and the like. Nonetheless, I decided to pair this picture with some traditional embellishments.

Positive note of the day: Bought a new bathing suit in about five minutes with all three kids yesterday. I only tried three on that the saleslady recommended. It does the job and who wants it to be a long, arduous effort anyway?

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Playing in Paradise Challenge #39 - An Easel Card!

2011-11-04T07:55:00.001-06:00

For today's Playing in Paradise challenge, Merlie asked us to make an easel card. I had never made one before (I know!) and what fun!

Stash Used:

BasicGrey 6x6 Paper Pad - Life Of the Party and Stickers
Martha Stewart Edge Punch
PTI CS
Twine and ribbon from stash.

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

Since I forgot to pre-post and I gotta drive the kids to school, I will come back and finish this post after grocery shopping. I know...I lead a truly glamorous life!

Capella Simplicity

2011-11-03T22:14:00.000-06:00

I took some of my cards to work to clear out some of my stash. I didn't sell them...I just gave them away. As I looked at them, I thought there was quite a number that were "cutesy". And not just a little cutesy...a lot cutesy. And all of a sudden they weren't very appealing.

I guess, that was what was playing in my head as I made this simple card. A focus on the elements with a simple sentiment and perhaps I won't be over-explaining why my cards look the way they do!

Positive note of the day: Kinda crabby tonight. Feeling like I have to be in charge of everything and I am tired of asking for "help" when four other people live here. Ugh. I will stop complaining now. At least I have tomorrow off and maybe a night out by myself...

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Another Christmas Page With A Duplicate Photo

2011-11-02T19:30:00.001-06:00

For some reason, I keep finding duplicate photos around the house with pictures I have already scrapped. So, I have been making other pages with them to update my in-laws scrapbook. So here's T again but this time in a mix of Eskimo Kisses.

Positive note of the day: Finished the first Percy Jackson book with the boy...on to the rest of the series!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web: After seven years of working at Red Lobster, I found this immensely funny.

Kids' Craft for Halloween Favors

2011-10-31T22:14:00.003-06:00

I worked with the kids (well, mostly C) to create these favors for the kids' classes after I found it from a Pinterest link (gotta love that place!). C loved painting all the clothespins and then both T and she added the googlie eyes. (Note: I just used chocolate covered raisins to avoid the no-peanut rule!)

ETA: Don't know what happened to the image. I will have to fix it tonight when I get home!

There! Now it's fixed!

Positive note of the day: After little luck earlier this weekend, tonight I snapped some scrap worthy images of the kids!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Weekly Sketches

2011-10-30T23:59:00.000-06:00

I am late again. I've been reading to Tristan before bed (he can read...he just wants me to read to him) and it makes me so darn sleepy!

A Simple Tag Using the Last of the Jovial Leftovers

2011-10-30T10:04:00.001-06:00

Well Jovial, you served me well. I am not sad to see you go though since I have other paper burning a hole in my stash!

Positive note of the day: Had fun with the various events yesterday for Halloween. Here's the kids in their costumes!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

First Position

2011-10-29T10:10:00.001-06:00

Decided to try one of my Spellbinders blossom dies to trick out this layout along with my Sizzix die (SU!) for some accompanying leaves. It's alright but I don't think it would be something I did again. It is a cute composition with the mix of four year old girls in "first position" (C is second from the right).

Positive note of the day: Going to K's 10th birthday today. Wishing on the stars that my kids behave and don't argue!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Playing in Paradise Challenge #39 - Masculine Creation

2011-10-28T00:00:00.003-06:00

For today's Playing in Paradise challenge, Tracy asked us to create something "masculine". Since I have male birthdays coming out the ying-yang in the next few weeks, this was perfect timing!

Stash Used:

Cosmo Cricket DP and Chipboard
Queen & Co. Rhinestones - Halloween Trio
Sentiment Stamp from Starving Artistamps

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

Positive note of the day: Went with the kids to Ave's school. They love her there since she is always sweet as pie (at school at least!).

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Finally Broke Out the New DP...

2011-10-25T23:10:00.000-06:00

So I had this rule in my head that I wouldn't break into my new DP (Lost and Found Christmas from My Mind's Eye) until I got rid of the Jovial DP from Basic Grey. With that objective out of the way, I whipped up this card in no time (quasily following the Tuesday Morning Sketches sketch) just to get a little craft time after the kids went to bed tonight.

Positive note of the day: Had some good meetings today that resolved (on on the way) some issues. Nice to have those days since so many of them you feel like banging your head against the wall!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Boy Christmas Card...

2011-10-25T00:09:00.001-06:00

Pulled out this ol' High Hopes stamp to color and then made a card with a distinctively masculine vibe...

Positive note of the day: Got our proofs already from the photographer and think this one is out family photo.

From Stampin' When I Can

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Weekly Sketches

2011-10-23T23:59:00.000-06:00

Been feeling a little peaked lately so I went to bed at 9 PM last night and did not do any of this gathering at all...

Some More Easy Tags

2011-10-23T22:12:00.001-06:00

Just playing with more scraps...

Went to Costco today so I definitely have to start thinking about Christmas. Gosh...I don't even wanna try and figure out Christmas this year!

Positive note of the day: Some times the stuff that comes out of the kids' mouths are too funny. Charlotte said "Oh that Google...it thinks it knows everything."

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Haven't Used This One in a While...

2011-10-22T22:47:00.001-06:00

Found this gingerbread stamp in my stash so I brought it out for an easy card with some more Jovial ends...

Positive note of the day: Every year I buy new PJs when they arrive at the Superstore for Christmas sales. Looking pretty fetching right now...ha ha!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Newly Discovered

2011-10-22T21:27:00.000-06:00

Playing in Paradise #38

2011-10-21T00:00:00.004-06:00

For today's Playing in Paradise challenge, Angie had us create a Halloween paper craft...so not hard! I used up the last of my Bella Blvd. Too Cute to Spook DP and did this one up of T from last year.

Stash Used:

SU! CS
Bella Blvd. Too Cute to Spook DP and Sticker
Michael's Wooden Spider

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

Positive note of the day: Did the annual family photo tonight...can't wait to see our goofy proofs from this year (esp. if you remember last year's!).

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Newly Discovered

2011-10-20T21:14:00.000-06:00

More Jovial Scraps!

2011-10-19T20:36:00.000-06:00

Love this simple card I created with Jovial scraps, an Ali Edwards stamp and some pretty embellies!

Positive note of the day: My co-worker broke my Word document today (ugh...I hate Microsoft Word!). I fixed it (after an hour of re-applying styles). Now I will never let him live it down!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Kids at the Tree in City Hall

2011-10-18T21:20:00.000-06:00

This is a double page layout I put together all from scraps. I actually like how it turned out since I was forced to think outside of the box. And there is that new Ali Edwards stamp set again!

Positive note of the day: Work was a series of fire fighting all day but I managed it and made it through to the other side! Then I came home (90 minutes late) but took the kids to the park before Ave had to head to bed. They were lots of fun tonight.

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Weekly Sketches - Week of October 10th

2011-10-16T23:59:00.000-06:00

Non-Traditional Christmas Card...

2011-10-16T13:34:00.000-06:00

Don't you love this pink DP from Basic Grey's Nordic Holiday collection? Me too...but every time I look at this card, it does not scream Christmas. No matter...ha!

Positive note of the day: Ave had a book at her school with all her classmates in it and based on the Brown Bear, Brown Bear book by Eric Carle. I decided to make her one with the family in it since a) she loves to read and b) she loves family pictures!
Avery

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Some Christmas Tags with Jovial Leftovers

2011-10-15T18:23:00.000-06:00

With all these bitties that are left over from cards, I made a bunch of tags as of late...yep, that's all that really needs to be said...

Positive note of the day: Went with Ave to her school yesterday. She was so giddy and took me by the hand all around her school. She kept trying to get us to leave too! Shh!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Playing in Paradise Challenge #36 - One Layer Card

2011-10-14T00:00:00.017-06:00

For today's Playing in Paradise challenge, Nancy had us create a one-layer card...gah! I spent far too much time thinking about this card and actually only a little time creating it! And, I don't usually gush over stamp buys but I am so enjoying this stamp set from Ali Edwards by Technique Tuesday...I think I will be using this set lots!

Stash Used:

SU! CS
Ribbon and bling from stash
Martha Stewart Snowflake Edge Punch
Technique Tuesday Stamp - Ali Edwards Celebrate the Season Clear Set

Here are the rest of the team's sites for more creative inspiration!

Positive note of the day: Have been eating better so I can feel better. Feeling a little puckish right now but I think my body is getting used to not living on a diet of Frito Hoops and chocolate!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

CAS Mittens!

2011-10-12T12:22:00.000-06:00

Had these stickers left over from my Eskimo Kisses sheet so I made a quickie card! Went with CAS so all the patterns wouldn't overcome the card...

Positive note of the day: Gonna try and straighten some things out with these kids' bedtimes...gawd, they are a cranky bunch every morning!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Bobbing for Apples!

2011-10-11T16:15:00.001-06:00

Just a scrap page of T bobbing for apples with his cousin offering lots of free advice (he's known for that!). Love those wooden embellishments from M's. Watch for them after the season when they are marked down for a quarter!

Positive note of the day: Our dinner turned out well last night. I am still tuckered out from this weekend though. I can't wait till these kids start ignoring us! JK!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web:

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-10-10T13:04:00.000-06:00

Got a bird in, got the floor mopped, got laundry on the go...kinda makes me wish I was a kid again when the turkey dinner just "appeared" at the table at the end of the day!

Almost all done with my ol' BG Christmas packs of Jovial and Eskimo Kisses. Will still have lots of Wisteria left but the rationale for buying this years collection is justified with using up all these past collections on my layouts of the kids. Here's the two older WJs in a rare moment of armistice (which is why I included the sticker "PEACE"..ha ha!).

Positive note of the day: Got a headache right now and Ave just blasted me with a recorder. Good thing she's cute!

Fun Thing I Found on the Web: