Everyday Blessings

Where Have I Been???

2009-10-13T18:30:00.002-04:00

Another first for me. A card for the loss of a pet. This pet was for certain more of a child than anything... loved, doted on, never left at home alone for very long. She was a good old pup! Celebrated her Sweet 16 Birthday last year with a great big party which I made the cake for!

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This post is mostly for my BS1 & BS2 who have been missing my blog apparently, since they have both reminded me it has been a while since I last blogged. The sad honest truth is that Facebook has made me her b*$%*! I can't stay off of it and it is seriously taking up too much of my time! Between FB and stalking the daily gallery on SCS I have little time for other pursuits! Ladies get me in line here... it is time for an intervention! LOL!

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I did go to St. Andrews and help my friend Barb with her CM vendor booth and I am working on my own Christmas cards!!! That has me super happy since I am usually so very last minute about it all.

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Things are moving along for the crop. Estimated registration is at about 40 right now. I am working on menu stuff and seating stuff and goodie bag stuff and make and take stuff. (I feel like the Snapple commercial... Look at this STUFF!)

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Hubby is planning a short trip to North Carolina at the end of the month for a visit with his Dad and Step-mom and Step-brother. Dad has Alzheimer's and it is important for him to get this visit in while Dad is still in relatively good mental health. He would like to take T with him, but we are not sure his mother will allow it. Some prayers in that area would be appreciated.

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Hopefully that catches you up on my world... oh yeah, I am still working at the BIG W, too! The other project I have been working on is moving the 500 or so blogs that I have bookmarked into my GoogleReader so they are easier to read! That is taking some time! LOL!

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Take care!

My First Attempt....

2009-09-17T01:12:00.002-04:00

with regular colored pencils and Gamsol. I have some practice in my future, but not too bad for a first try. They take alot more work than watercolor pencils do, in my opinion.

Stamps are retired SU!, papers are scraps from an autumn kit. Ribbon is sticky-back from

Wal-mart.

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Getting my stuff ready for the Heritage Festival this Saturday. I sell handmade cards that were donated by the wonderful ladies who come to my crop. The money from the booth goes to Camp Harmony.

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Looking forward to spending the day there at camp, visiting with my BS2, Sharon and hopefully getting some good food!

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Take care.

Do You Remember...

2009-09-11T19:46:00.002-04:00

I imagine that 9-11-2001 will be the equivalent to the JFK assassination to my generation. Do you remember where you were, what you were doing when the attacks happened?

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I was just waking up... getting ready for work. Had the TV on in the living room, the Today show was on. They were showing video of the World Trade Centers. The scanner was making noise in the background... Kenny was still sleeping... I heard on the scanner about Shanksville, hollered upstairs for Ken to wake up because I figured they would be called to assist. Up and out the door he went... I waited... I watched the TV... I called into work... told them I would come in as soon as he got home, they told me not to come at all, since the store was nearly dead quiet. I watched and waited... fielded some phone calls from out of town family who were concerned about our family, so close to Shanksville.

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Much later that day Kenny came home. All he could say was, you wouldn't believe it. There was nothing we could do. It was horrible.

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I remember thinking who did this? why? what now? Some questions answered, some not.

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What I know now is that it is important to make your family number one. It is important to show them you love them and care about them. It is important to be a good citizen, an honest person. It is important to keep our troops in our prayers and thank them for all that they do to keep us safe. I know that the world as we knew it changed that day.

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God Bless the USA.

Remember this time last year?

2009-09-09T13:36:00.005-04:00

If not this will help... KYA and Stinker...

From that to this!

Happy First Birthday Stinker!

Pots Full of Posies!

2009-09-08T09:30:00.000-04:00

Recovering and recuperating from the Gospel Festival weekend. It was a really busy weekend. We saw so many familiar faces and many more new faces. We missed some of our old friends as well. I am a bit achey today, since I rolled about 12 lbs. of flour mixed as dough for ham pot pie on Sunday. (Really missed having Todd and Temi there for that part!)

How about these really sweet flower pot cards! The pot is a "pocket" and you pull the posies up to see the sentiment! There are a ton of them to see on Splitcoast. These were my first attempts at them, not too bad. I learned a few things, like my pot was too long, so I gave it an extra fold at the bottom (if you view it from the side it looks like a "W" fold) and surprise!!! then they could stand up on there own! Too cool! You also need to have your envelope handy when you are positioning the flowers so that you can be sure the card is going to fit! I am sure that there is some pattern with measurements and all that, but really who can be bothered by such things??? LOL!!! I tell everyone that I learn by trial and error... mostly ERROR! {sigh}
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Purple posies on the top are a Maaaaaartha punch. Bottom posies are the new Creative Memories Scallop circle punch. It is pretty neat, you flip a little slidey thing on the bottom and it also will punch little circles inside the scallops, so it looks like eyelet almost. I will be demo-ing it at the St. Andrew School Crop in a few weeks!
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Take care!

Formal Butterflies

2009-08-31T21:58:00.003-04:00

So, it's been a while since I have blogged.. mostly because I am now a big Facebook junkie! I still like to post up my projects and get out info about upcoming events though, and that is what the blog is for!

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The card above was totally CASEd from one I saw on SCS. I love the crisp formal look of black and white. Ribbon was from Wal-mart, congratulations stamp is SU!, border punch Maaaaartha, butterfly stamp is Inkadinkado from the Patterned Bugs set.

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This particular card was for a wedding that we went to about two weeks ago. The happy couple are friends of the hubby's from the Fire/EMS. We had a very nice time at the reception. I love a good wedding... we had three of them this summer!

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So, what is coming up??? The Fall Harvest Gospel Music Festival at Camp Harmony is all Labor Day weekend... Free parking, Free Admission, Great Music, YUMMY food... stop by and check it out!

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The Heritage Festival is coming up too... September 19 at the camp. Food, crafts, and all kinds of fun for all ages. I will have a table selling handmade cards and a little make and take project, too.

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September 25 & 26 is the St. Andrew School crop. I will be doing make and takes for Barb Shaffer, my Creative Memories consultant.

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In between all that there will be football games, work, picking Travis up for the weekends and all sorts of house and yard stuff to be sure!

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Take care, hope to see you soon!

Chicksa's Summer Swap Cards

2009-08-24T14:15:00.001-04:00

I have one of these waiting to be cut! I hope it is as tasty as this sweet card is cute!

Loving the LadyBugs!

I don't use my Cricut often enough! Love the colors on this one!

Thanks Chicksa for the awesome cards!

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I am going to work the next six days... I have a few posts loaded and ready to go.

Hope you all are enjoying the end of the summer!

If you get a chance to go, the Somerset County Fair is this week in Meyersdale, great family fun for everyone!

Take care!

Cards by the very talented BS1!

2009-08-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

These beauties were designed by Barb, my BS1! The top card gently reminds me that the transition to my most wonderfully favorite season is just around the corner. Autumn, please bring your gently warm days and cool crisp evenings, and hurry! I absolutely LOVE the creamsicle card, complete with a popsicle stick! Too cute!

YUMMY!
Take care!

How about a couple cards from my BS2!

2009-08-17T19:10:00.000-04:00

Sharon, my BS2 made these beauties for my summer card swap! I love the colors on both of them. The top one is so bright and cheery and summery and the bottom one reminds me that my MOST FAVORITE time of the year is just around the corner!!

Thanks Sharon!

Could you guess my favorite color?

2009-08-15T10:37:00.000-04:00

I ws definitely channelling the purple for these cards!

Thanks so much for hanging in there with me while I took a little blog vacation. I wasn't being very crafty for a while, so I had nothing to post about. (Plus I discovered facebook... it is a bad, bad time stealing place! Stay far far away!)

These cards were from my summer swap. Hope you like! I will be posting up the gals cards over the next couple of days and they are really cute, pretty & fun, so be sure to check back!
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Take care!

Saturday

2009-07-25T17:52:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to make a short post to let you know I am still here and that all is well.

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Spent the day yesterday with my Chicksa's Jody and Nena. Did lunch at Olive Garden, shopped at Stamp Fanci and the Scrapbook Super Station! Got some cool fun stuff!

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My Summer Card Swap closed and all the cards are here. I am going to sort and scan the tomorrow and post them later in the week. They should be back out in the mail on Monday. I haven't picked my favorite yet..... they are all so very nice!

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Hope you are having a good weekend.

Take care!

Stamping Show

2009-07-20T06:20:00.000-04:00

What a great day with friends! I was invited by Donna along with Sharon and Suzie to the StampScrapArtTour show in Pittsburgh. Suzie was a nice surprise, we worked together at Wally-work long ago. So nice to see her again and visit!

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We arrived when the doors were opening and they kicked us out at the end (not really, but we were there the whole time!)

Not a make and take, and not something I made, just a really cool card made with a Stampin' UP! Circle punch and the Scallop Circle and an oval punch too.

Some of my loot... I was on a limited budget, I could have bought SOOOO much more!

Gamsol from Inky Antics, I already have the great colored pencil set and the blending stumps just needed the odorless mineral spirits for blending them. Embossing powders from Sparkle N Sprinkle. They had an absolutely fantastic selection of powders and micro-fine glitters and the nicest lady demo-ing product all day long. My powders are all pearly finishes. The glue is from there as well. It is brushable, dries clear and is flexible when dry so it doesn't crack or peel off. LOVE IT! Sharon and I split two different colors of Dew Drops, mine was Spring assorted. I can't recall what her choice was. They were from Our Daily Bread.

Barely visible on the bottom of the pile is 165 feet of 1/4 inch easy tear double sided adhesive for the bargain price of $5. On top of that is an embossing and piercing starter kit. It includes parchement sheets, pad, triple tool and template, also from Our Daily Bread. Under that is a ball point glue pen by Sakura. I am always looking for a good adhesive for teensy tiny things and this one looked pretty good!

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My only stamp purchase of the day was the Fawn from the Blue-eyed Babies collection at Stacy Stamps. I love deer stamps for my guy cards and my nephew Rian will love this one, since he always asks for my other deer stamp. I got this one specifically to use my colored pencils and gamsol on. Can't wait to give it a try!

This was our most fun make and take of the day. It was provided by Darcie's Country Folk and instructed by a young fella named Billy (a Steeler fan from Cleveland!!!) helped us make these really cool pins with Shrinky-dink plastic. I have had some of that in my stash forever and I can't wait to play!!!! I bought a pack of the charm pins! WHHOOOHOOO!!

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Sorry I didn't take more pictures, I was just so into taking it all in. Can't wait to do it again next year!

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Take care!

A little sneak peek...

2009-07-17T09:30:00.001-04:00

A little peek... this card was a make & take from the stamp show last Sunday. It was made at the Our Daily Bread booth. (I tried to link their site.... www.ourdailybreaddesigns.com but it doesn't seem to be working for me today, maybe it will for you!) They have some BEAUTIFUL stamps. It is hard to see it on this card, but the flowers are dimensional. You purchase the card front, they have several designs to choose from. Then you do some glueing and sprinkle on the flower soft bits. It is really a neat technique! Art Tech in Greensburg sells the Flower soft product if you are interested in seeing it in person. This card is also sprayed with Glimmer Mist which is a really pretty addition to the look. I love the sparkle!

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Hope that will hold you over for a day or so until I am done with this work stretch!

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Take care!

If only I didn't have to work...

2009-07-15T19:31:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone... in the middle of a six day stretch... working on a post about the stamping show, a little bit everyday... bear with me...

Update....

2009-07-10T22:22:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to update you on today. There was no ruling on custody.

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In Allegheny County parents are required to go to Generations for mandatory education and family conflict mediation and attempt to come to a custody agreement with the help of a mediator. If that cannot be done then we go back to the judge and she makes a decision based on the mediators recommendation and other available information about the case. We will get a date for the education/mediation some time this week.

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Thanks everyone for the prayers, it was a tense and stressful day and I know that your prayers made a difference.

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It is good to be home. We had a long day, but there were some good things. I think that T's Mom finally gets that he is serious about wanting to live down here. We got to see Melanie and have a late lunch with her. T & I bought a sudoku book to help pass the time today and I finished my first one before I had erased a hole in the page and before it caused me to have a stroke. LOL!

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Thanks again! It is good to have friends to lean on and give us encouragement!

Take care!

Court Today

2009-07-10T06:03:00.002-04:00

Please just keep a good thought for us and say a prayer this morning.

We have our hearing at 10 AM.

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I'll update you when we get back home, hopefully with some good news!

Take care!

Fifth Avenue Floral

2009-07-09T06:30:00.000-04:00

How about this beauty. It was made at Donna's workshop last month. The stamps are from SU! the name is Fifth Avenue Floral. I don't make alot of this size card (tall and skinny) but I think I may start. I love it. We also used seed beads on a couple cards that day and I have been inspired to try more of that on my cards as well.

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Spent the day Wednesday working on T's bedroom and washing bed sheets and blankies. Keeping busy, since my mind is full of our pending court date.
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Another busy day today!

Take care!

Something Sweet

2009-07-07T03:06:00.003-04:00

A little something sweet for you today. The stamped images are all $1 clear stamps from Michaels. The cupcakes are from one set, each individual and the sentiment is from another set. I mounted them all up on the same block together and stamped away! They are colored with watercolor pencils and brushed with the aquapainter. Papers are from a big Wal-mart stack and grosgrain ribbon is from the $1 bin at Michaels.

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Hope all is well with all of you. I am on vacation this week and having some sleep adjustment issues. It is now 3:21 AM and I am wide awake. We have been working on the house and yard this week. Hopefully getting everyone settled into their own space and decluttering a bunch. I am a sentimental packrat in a small house, not a good combo if you know what I mean.

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I am not sure if I mentioned before, but we filed for custody of Travis a while ago and our first hearing is on Friday. I am praying that it all goes well. He really wants to live here and go to school here. Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts.

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On a super bright note I am going to the rubber stamp convention in Pittsburgh with some of the ladies on Sunday! I am so excited, can hardly wait!

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Take care!

Making Calendars with my GIRLS on the Fourth!

2009-07-06T06:01:00.000-04:00

All of my GALS busy working on their crafty calendars. There was much punching, cutting, glueing, and gabbing going on!

Aunt Becca says a bit TOOOO MUCH GABBING! LOL!!

Bri showing off her calendar that matches her kitchen clock and cookbook that I made for her wedding shower a while back.... You can see them HERE.

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Keep reading the post below to see the rest of the gals and their calendars. (Blogger would only let me post up 5 pictures per blog so I had to split it into two posts.)

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Take care!!

More of the gals!

2009-07-06T06:00:00.001-04:00

Amber B, with her Blue Polka-dot and purple calendar.
Hannah

Barbie

Me and Becca and her Apple Calendar to match her kitchen!

Kerensa, who was struggling to get hers done, but all was done but the magnets in the end.

Wheeeewwwww!!!

2009-07-04T23:42:00.001-04:00

What a great July 4th! Visited with family, ate great food, made cool crafts, ate more food, visited some more and had awesome fireworks! Hard to beat that!

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I am on vacation this week. Lots to do!!

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Take care!

Busy Busy Busy!

2009-07-02T18:39:00.002-04:00

Hi! Just wanted to pop in and say HI! Busy week here, working all week until Saturday morning! Got my Tastefully Simple goodies, which are part of my covered dish for the 4th. Also working on gathering my crafty supplies for our project at LINNIE'S BIG JULY 4TH BASH!!! WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!

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I never knew how hard it was going to be to find glow in the dark paint!!! Not at Wally-work, none at Michaels, not at Lowes, Sherwin Williams could order it, but they would have to buy a case of it and I only wanted one teeny tiny can and it would take a week to arrive, and then FINALLY there it was at Home Depot! Thank goodness!!!

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I am making the cookie sheet calendars with the big girls this year. I am so excited to do something crafty with the gals. They always like to play and make the kiddie craft that I do, so I thought this year I would do something for the big girls as well! You can see what the calendars look like over at the 3 E's blog! Too cute, check the May archive for Teacher Gifts!

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This is the craft I am doing with the little ones this year. Comet Balls I got plastic whiffle balls though, instead of tennis balls and my string glows as well and I got glow in the dark beads for on them too! I figure that these wll be fun to play with after it gets dark PLUS they will all be easy to spot with their glowing comets!!!

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A SWAP UPDATE!!!

We are full!!! Thanks to Angie and Chicksa Jody!!! I can't wait to see the cards!!!

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Take care!

The kindness of strangers...

2009-06-28T14:41:00.002-04:00

I am still amazed at the kindness of strangers. I know that in the world I would like to live that people should be kind and helpful, however that is not always the case.

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Today I pay tribute to some kind strangers who came to our assistance last evening. It is no secret that we have constant car troubles. The Blazer is at Kenny's mechanic friends home and the To-bomb is irrepairable. At the moment we are using my Mom's Lumina. Last evening we drove the L to Johnstown to pick up parts for the Blazer. Come out to the L, and it will not start. Just CLICK & nothing. The nice guys from the parts store try jumping the battery, that doesn't work.

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Another customer (Jim) sees our distress and offers to help us change the starter right there in the parking lot. The men conference and determine that is indeed the starter. New starter is purchased, and Jim and Ken get to work changing it. Thanks to Cal and the other employee for loaning a jack and keeping the lot lights on & not letting us in the dark and going home before they got it done. I know they had a long and busy day with all the Thunder stuff going on in town.

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I got to visit with Jim's fiancee, Tracy while they worked. We chatted, she is pregnant. We shared pictures on the cell phone and camera. Nice couple. Kind caring people. Good samaritans in a sometimes unkind, uncaring world. Their child will be fortunate to have them as parents.

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Take care!

P.S. Still two spots left for the Summer Swap! Sign up you won't be disappointed!

Summer SWAP anyone???

2009-06-26T06:30:00.002-04:00

Anyone interested in a Summer Card Swap?

5 spots available (actually 4 since I plan to participate.)
Sign up soon, only two spots remain!
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Each person makes 10 cards, 5 each of 2 different designs.
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Please use materials that you would like to receive.
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Please put a sentiment inside the card.
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Include an envelope for your cards (decorated would be nice!)
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Give the back of your card your mark.
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No Vendor Requirement, anything goes! I know I will be dazzled and amazed with your talents as always!
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Sign up for a spot by June 30.
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Cards due to me by July 25, I will mail back to you promptly after receiving all cards.
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Please send your cards in a zipper bag to be sure it all stays dry.
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Include an addressed return envelope with the same amount of postage it took to mail your cards, plus a few extra stamps (loose so they can be returned to you if they are not needed.)
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PRIZES!!!! A little something *special* will be included for the first cards received! I will also choose MY FAVORITE CARD from the swap and send a special prize for it!
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Let a comment on this blog post to sign up for your spot!
Take care!

1. Me!
2. Sharon
3. Babs
4. ?
5. ?

2009-06-25T16:15:00.002-04:00

This is probably one of the most used $1 set of acrylic stamps I own. I love the little sunshiney smiley face and the "you are my sunshine" sentiment. I have been on an orange-y ribbon buying spree lately too. I guess it is all the warm and sunny days. Love the orange-yellow-green together too!

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Hope you are staying cool and having a good summer. Bible school went well. We had 22 kids, which is a good crowd for us. The program is this evening.
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Take care!

Best Wishes

2009-06-23T12:32:00.000-04:00

The photo doesn't do this card justice. The greens and blues are much more vibrant to the eye. All materials and stamps are SU! This was made at a workshop a few weeks ago.

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Bible school is going well. We have about 20 kiddos and we are having a great week!

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Sorry to be so short today, but I have plenty to do around this place!

Take care!

Insides first

2009-06-22T09:45:00.000-04:00

This is the last of the graduation cards... going in the mail this week. I often forget to show the inside of my cards, but I did remember this time. The stamped image inside this card was made using three acrylic stamps together on a single block. I do like to mix up my stamps and see how many different looks I can get!

I am on vacation from Wally-work this week for our church Bible school. I am the crafty lady. It has been a great year for crafts, usually I have to find crafts for us to do because the ones that come with the curriculum are cheesey or cheap quality (but expensive) kits that you have to buy. Not this year, the ideas in the book are excellent, fun and easy. They are made of common inexpensive items and the kids seem to love the projects!

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Take care!

Megan's Card

2009-06-20T08:56:00.000-04:00

My cousin Megan's Graduation party is this afternoon. Hope the weather holds out for us! Can't wait to visit with some family and friends and eat some good food!

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Gotta run and get my beer bread out of the oven!
Take care!

Beautiful Butterfly

2009-06-19T10:35:00.001-04:00

This card showed me some new techniques... first the wheel, which is what the purple image is done with. The other technique was gradation, I believe, and that was used on the butterfly image. We colored the stamp in two colors, huffed and blended the edges of the colors with a sponge. Pretty neat!

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One more day (night) of work and then it is NINE days of vacation... Porchville is the destination for this one. I have some house cleaning to do and of course it is Bible School week and I am the Crafty Lady!

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Kenny made the trip to Pittsburgh yesterday to file the custody paperwork for T. T has told us that he really would like to live and go to school here. Please keep a good thought for us. We have a court date and are just praying that things work out for T. He will be so upset if he has to return to the city at the end of the summer.

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Take care!

Flower Pot Notes

2009-06-17T10:10:00.000-04:00

This adorable project was one that we made on Sunday at the card workshop I went to with Sharon, my BS2. The decorated pot has 4 3x3 notecards and a pen in the flower pot. Too cute! I know the stamps used are Stampin' UP! but I don't know what the name is.

I am on the flower pot kick today since yesterday I finally got around to planting the 3 flats of flowers that have been on my porch for a month now. Honestly there is still an entire flat of violas to plant but I ran out of pots/planters. My DH is going to get some lumber and make me some more box planters.
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My nephews and T helped with the planting, I will have to get the pics off the camera and onto the blog soon.
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Glad it is raining today. The veggie garden needed it!
Take Care!

Another FUN wedding!!

2009-06-16T12:40:00.002-04:00

I just want to say first of all that I love hunky weddings and I had a combo redneck-hunky wedding myself. I do not think that hunky is a bad or negative thing and I really enjoy a good hunky wedding! People who did not grow up in this part of the country are normally clueless about these traditions, so read on learn.

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For those of you who don't know what a good hunky wedding is let me give some examples... one of the ladies who was preparing the food for this wedding said her son calls it a Chicki-Piggy-Rigi wedding... LOL! ( Chicken, Pigs in the blanket, & Rigatoni are practically always on the menu and occasionally there is also Ham on the menu.) When DH & were planning our wedding he wanted input on two things... the type of beer we were serving and the food, every other decision was mine to make. We had Coors Light and MGD and ham, pigs and rigs and I wanted chicken, too.

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There is usually some tapping (or banging) on the tables that lets the newlyweds know that you would like to see them kiss. My DH hated this and still finds it quite annoying when we attend weddings. I think it is rather fun and harmless.

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Other necessary components of a good hunky wedding include the chicken dance, polka music, and cookies. Probably the biggest indicator that you are at a hunky wedding is a specific polka, the Bridal Polka, where the guests line up drop some $$ in a satin bag or apron worn by the Maid of Honor give the Bride a spin or two and then down a shot and get a piece of napkin wrapped wedding cake to enjoy for breakfast the next morning. There are tales that if you are a single woman you should sleep with the cake under your pillow and you will dream of your future husband.... interesting theory that I never personally tested out. After all the guests dance with the Bride they form a circle around her and try to keep the Groom from getting to her. Usually fun, a bit crowded and as long as it doesn't go on for too long not so bad.

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I was the cake decorator for the above wedding cake from the wonderful wedding this past weekend. I want to let the wonderful hunky ladies who made the delicious food we had that they were just too much fun and that I loved their presentation!

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I think I covered the major points of a good hunky wedding. Let a comment to remind me if I forgot something! Take care!

Itty Bitty Fork Bows!

2009-06-13T01:00:00.000-04:00

I found the BEST TUTORIAL for making these teeny tiny bows... so get out your forks! LOL! I have always had an old butter knife in my scrap tool bag, and now right beside it is a fork. Probably should put a spoon in there too just for good measure! LOL!

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Seriously, they are super simple to make and you can learn how to make yours by clicking the link below!

Stampin' with Di

One warning, making these bows is addictive, so have plenty of ribbon on hand when you start!

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Take care!

Weddings and Anniversaries...

2009-06-12T07:50:00.000-04:00

We have a couple more weddings this summer as well as an anniversary party, so I crafted a couple cards for those occasions as well. I was having a rather PINK day when I sat down to make these. I have been LOVING my new scallop eyelet border punch from Stampin' UP! Really pretty and super easy to use!

I have a bunch of stickers in my stash that I tend to forget about. These wedding bells are an old favorite of mine. I believe that this one is Mrs. Grossman's Lasercut/mirror image.

This is a finished wedding cake card. The stickles just finish it off so nicely. I did this to the other card like this, just after I scanned it, because I was in a hurry and it needed time to dry. Didn't want to smear wet stickles on my scanner!
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On the homefront.... Travis arrives today for the summer....look out! I am prepared to be eaten out of house and home! First order of business upon arrival though is attending Hunter's Safety course. It FINALLY worked out that he would be here early enough on a Friday to get to the class. This boy has been itching to go hunting for two years now, so thank goodness he will finally be able to hunt!

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Take care!

more grad cards

2009-06-09T09:35:00.000-04:00

Made these for my mom, she needed several so I made 2 tall and 2 wide of this design. The stamped image on the front is made from two separate stamps, the achievement stamp is wood mounted $1 from JoAnn's I think and the cap is from a $1 acrylic set. I used my "homemade" pattern paper in a "generic" Shade High School Class of 2009 design. Ribbon was from my immense stash. (I am such a ribbon Ho!)

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Life has been happening here as well. Some good, some bad, some sad. I finished a six day work stretch. The hot water heater broke and needed replaced, the car broke down and I was stranded on a road with HEAVY big truck traffic, my 9 month old niece and no cell phone service. I am not sure if I had announced on here that I was to be an Auntie again, but sadly that is not to be. My brother's baby was born very early and died the same day and we are heartsick about that. So, how about some good.. we are still going on our trip to North Carolina next month to visit with DH's family. This will be the first that Travis will have visited this Grandpa since we was a very tiny baby. Looking forward to relaxing and enjoying a good time.

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Hope to post up some projects from a workshop that I attended on Sunday with my BS2, Sharon. We had a great time and made some too cute things!

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Take care!

Hey!

2009-06-08T09:15:00.001-04:00

My apologies for being a total blogging slacker!

I have been crafting though, so check back, I have lots of cards to post!

A Lovely Wedding...

2009-05-24T10:39:00.003-04:00

We went to a lovely wedding yesterday! It was a beach/sea shore theme bash and it was so nice! The couple was just beautiful and we had a great time. Just a few touches... leis on the seats, flip-flop chocolate suckers for favors, fun drinks served in stem glasses with little umbrellas. Loved it!

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I made the card above for the happy couple. It was super easy and I added some touches after I scanned it. I put stickles on the eyelet edges and the sparkles just gave it that finished look!

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Off to picnic with the family... we go to a ton of parades tomorrow, so we eat today!

Take care!

I Found the Kitchen Table...

2009-05-21T12:38:00.004-04:00

and promptly covered it with paper, punches, stamps and inks! There was important crafting to be done! My cousin Amy's daughter Megan is graduating and we were working on her party invites!

The pattern background paper was custom made by me on the computer. It has Megan's name on it, 2009, and the name of the school. It was super easy to make and I love that it makes her invites so completely personalized for her!

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To make your own paper all you need to do is open a word document and choose a font. Type in your line of text. Change text to any colors that go with your scheme... ours was blue and gold, the school colors. Then comes the easy part... highlight text, right click, copy and paste, paste, paste until you get a nice couple lines worth. Then rehighlight (or edit and select all) and paste, paste, paste again until you fill the page! I made my page set up for landscape and set the margins at 1/2 inch all around with no headers or footers so the page would be pretty full. If you don't want an entire page though, you could just insert a text box on the blank page and fill it up instead. Did I make that all clear as mud??

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I made some pages with just the school name and Class of 2009 on it as well to use on cards for some graduates.

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Glad to be crafting again!

Take care!

Just checking in...

2009-05-16T11:19:00.002-04:00

Nothing new on the crafting front here...

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I have been busy planting posies and hubby has been putting in the vegetable garden. Hopefully since my Dad no longer has the high jumping champion goats of last year we will do better with the whole garden this year!

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Also working on clearing out some stuff for spring trash clean up.

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And enjoying the nice weather, although it has brought on a bout of allergies like I haven't had in many years. I am going through tissues like nobodies business and coughing and sneezing and my eyes are a-watering like I am crying from peeling onions.

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Take care!

Plum Spooky... FUN!

2009-05-02T10:24:00.003-04:00

Not much crafting going on here. I have had my nose in the latest of the Stephanie Plum books, Plum Spooky! I finished it last night and I have to tell you, I LOVED IT! My poor husband thought I was crazy! Imagine watching someone reading a book, laughing so hard that she can't catch her breath, with tears running down her cheeks! Too darn funny! I only have one thing to say... Elmer the Fire Farter!

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No big plans for National Scrapbook Day here either... hope some of my friends are getting all crafty though!

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Take care!

I Love a Good Baby Shower!

2009-04-27T09:41:00.003-04:00

It is always a good time when the ladies of my family get together to celebrate! We always have a great time and the food is always fantastic! Sandwiches, macaroni salad, veggies & dip, pizza casserole, beer bread & dip, rosa marina salad, cake, cheesecake... I know there were some other things too... YUMMY!

I don't know if you have ever played this game at a shower or not... but we did... We passed around diapers that had melted squished candy bars in them....I kid you not! It was too darn funny, smelling a chocolate "turd" in the diaper and if you were brave enough, sampling it to see if you could guess what the candy bar was. There are some pretty funny pictures of that game that probably will need some serious explanation in somebody's scrapbook!

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There was a lot of ohhhhs and awwws at the cute & pretty little girl outfits. Above is the card I made for the parents to be. A tutorial can be found here >>> Onesie Card Tutorial. It is super simple and this gal has a GREAT blog!

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Take care!

Just a card today...

2009-04-22T08:20:00.004-04:00

Hi! Just a quick post with a card today. I am working six this week, so not getting much crafty done.

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Sympathy cards are one of the hardest for me to make. The others are fun and cute and somehow just easier. This card is a little larger than normal for me. It is a 5x7 size. Papers are Creative Memories. Image stamp is SU! It is watercolored and blended with an Aqua painter. I accented it with a Gelly-roll glitter pen. Sentiment is a new one for me, just bought it at Art Tech last week. It is from Verses Rubber Stamps. The inside sentiment is an old one for me, it is from

Ann-ticipations and says

"In the days ahead, may the

memories be your comfort

and may time bring you peace."

My friend Jody and I were talking about how it is hard to find secular sympathy cards. I thought this one fit that bill somewhat.

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Take care!

The Crop Report & News!

2009-04-20T12:18:00.003-04:00

So, the Camp Harmony Crop was this past weekend. We had a really nice size group of about 40 ladies and one dude! (Hi Aub!) Hopefully a great time was had by all!

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I can say that I had a wonderful time of it! This crop was probably one of the best we have had yet. Lots of things were happening! I want to give a special thank you to the wonderful ladies who donated handmade cards to me for the booth at the camp's Heritage Festival. I am feeling so much better that I will not have to spend my summer inside whipping up cards since you all really came through for me. I received about 100 beautiful handmade cards for the booth!

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Also I have a really nice pile of stuff to donate the the Children's Aid Home of Somerset. You ladies rock!!! I can't wait to take the stuff to them!

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Now for the news! I announced at the crop our fall crop dates.

Plans are coming together for the fall crop. Registration forms are not quite ready but should be available soon. Save the date.... November 20 & 21, 2009! We are going to crop both days this time. I am so happy about expanding the crop! We can accommodate 65 scrapbookers in the cropping room and have sleeping accommodations in Harmony House for 40. We are planning to have several cropping packages to choose from.

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Special thanks also go to our vendors, Barb Shaffer, Creative Memories; Staci Shuck, Grove's of Huntington; Brenda Inches, Scrapbooks by Inches; and Sharon's Handmade Cards.

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And last but not least, my CREW, Barb, Angie, Brie, Mom, Abby, Chicksa, Nikki, Sharon & Aub! Could not pull this crop off without all of your help!

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Take care!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T09:13:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the long lapse in blogs. I have been busy getting ready for the Camp Crop coming up this weekend. I am so excited for it to finally be here!
I LOVE tulips, so this little $1 stamp from Michael's just jumped into my hands and said "take me home!" so I did. Image is watercolored. Embossing is Cuttlebug. Papers are CM. Ribbon is WM. Super simple!
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Big announcement about the fall crop coming up... so check back!
Take care!

Out with the Snowmen, in with the posies!

2009-03-24T14:45:00.003-04:00

So it has been a little while since I have posted. Been busy and been sick. That about sums it up!

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I can give you a few more details... I have been working. As a matter of fact I go back to work tonight for SEVEN nights in a row. YIKESSSS!!!! That is just craziness!!

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I was at a crop this past weekend coordinated by my friend Lori. Her group is called Crop Circles! Pretty nifty name. She had about 45 ladies from PA, MD, VA and I think someone came from as far as Colorado. We were at the Arena in Bedford. I had a wonderful time (Except for the being sick part, which I will get to in just a minute.) I taught two make and takes, a mini-tin accordion album and the Dahlia fold page. As usual the Dahlia fold was a HUGE hit and the mini-tin was pretty good too.

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My BS2 joined me there on Saturday and we had a wonderful day of making some cards. I have some to post up later on this week. (Just don't take me to McD's for Cinnamon Melts, cause you will learn more about me than you want to, right Sharon and Aub?)

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Now to the sick part... You know, last time I was sick, back in January I was nice and kept it to myself. I didn't share it with anyone. Too bad my DH couldn't do the same for me. He got sick and then I got sick. Apparently it starts in the head/sinuses and moves south... from the looks of it I am at phase 2, congested chest and coughing my darn head nearly off. He is at the don't get too far from the bathroom phase... probably TMI, but oh well... you came here!

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More later, glad to be back! Take care!

The Boy Scout Cake Bake

2009-02-28T15:24:00.003-05:00

We have alot of talents in my family when it comes to doing some scouting things... my brother Char can build one heck of a Pinewood Derby car and has assisted his nephew in building theirs. My Dad is the best Dutch Oven cook that I know. Cousin Amy is a box oven wiz! I am apparently the Cake Bake assistant. I helped my nephew Nathaniel with his cake this year, no pictures of me... I was still in my Pj's and looking kind of rough! LOL!!!

My nephew Nathaniel working on his cake for his scout troops Blue & Gold Banquet and Cake Bake. The cake idea was one from my most favorite magazine... Family Fun. He got the hang of making stars pretty quickly.
The finished product.

Directions for the Edible Excavator are HERE! He did not win a prize with his cake, but he was very proud of it and it brought $54 at the auction. (Helps when Nana is bidding on it!)

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Take care!

Friends on Friday 2/20

2009-02-20T09:08:00.001-05:00

Featuring some more of Sharon's creative work today. The basket she did as a make and take t the last crop. The other candy holder was one that she gave me a while back. I love that she surprizes me with candy all the time! I am relatively sure that the patterns/instructions for both of these are on Splitcoast.

Sorry for the week long absence. I haven't been too crafty and quite honestly am in a funk. I am worried about our economy and country. The octuplet mom is making me nuts. I think I need to turn off the news, but it is like a train wreck that you can't help watching. I want the blog to be a happy & fun place and since I don't feel that way right now it has been hard to drag myself to the keyboard. Hope you understand.
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My BS1, Babs sent me info about a crop next month and I want to pass it along to you. It is on Saturday, March 28
10 AM to 10PM
Westmont Grove
benefiting
Beginnings, Inc
$25 per person plus a toy donation
(suggested shape sorter, ring stacker, wooden puzzle)
Monies will be used to purchase Boppy's, carpet, and other toys at Beginnings request for babies with disabilities and developmental delays.
Lunch, dinner, dessert, snacks and drinks provided.
Pre-registration required.
255-7488
They are also accepting donations for a scrap supply yard sale to raise more funds.
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Take care!

First Friends-day on Friday the 13th!

2009-02-13T08:40:00.002-05:00

Sharon, my BS2 is my featured friend today. She sent me many things to share, but I chose this one first since it is so close to Valentine's Day! She will have to post the details in the comments section. I have to say that these little Valentine treats are just so SWEET!

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Thanks for sharing with us today!

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Take care!

SCS- Wednesday

2009-02-11T13:56:00.001-05:00

Hi All!

This Wednesday card feature works well when I am actually off work on Wednesday! LOL! Plus, the card that I made is one that I actually need to use this week, so BONUS!

THIS WEEKS SKETCH LINK ON SCS
THIS WEEKS GALLERY LINK

So, some details on this card... it is going in the mail tomorrow...

All materials are from my immense stash of goodies.

Stamp is from the SU! set Older & Wiser. There is a sentiment stamp that goes with it. It says "did i at least get the month right?

happy belated birthday!"

It was a hostess set from two catalogs ago.

Image is colored with inks and a blending pen. Sparkley accents are from a Gelly-roll pen.

The image panel is a CM Tag Punch! I am loving that new punch!

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I am getting about one registration for the crop in the mail each day. It is so much fun to go to the mail box and see who is in there each day! Takes some of the sting away from the bills that come in there!

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I have a FRIEND for this FRIDAY!!! Yeah!!! I am so excited to finally have something to post for that feature! I also have a follower! I was so surprised to see that when I logged on, so I wanted to give a shout out to my follower! Hi Jessica! This is her BLOG. I don't know how you found me, but welcome!

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Hope you are all doing well. If I am missing over the next few days don't panic, I am back on a six day work stretch.

Take care!

Twos-Day 2/10

2009-02-10T11:31:00.002-05:00

For today's Twos-day Feature I have a couple of really cute, fun and EASY Valentine projects!!!

First is the U-Rock I-pod Valentine! Both of these ideas came from Family Fun Magazine, Feb 2009. The little boxes of candy hearts are available everywhere this time of year. The sample in the magazine was pink, but I am thinking that I will give this one to Travis and pink isn't his favorite color. The magazine one used mini-PB cups for the ear buds, but I liked the Hershey Kisses. Now for the best part.... the screen and scroll wheel are available on the website as a PDF download. There are two on the page, one with their choice of songs and one that you can type in your very own list of favorite songs. Get the download HERE.
How super cute are these pencils. They are called "Get to the Point!" I am sure they would be even cuter if they were made with Valentine theme pencils or pens. The font I used is called Scrap Kids and was at one time a free download from ScrapNfonts.com I printed a page of them using a template for return address labels, 30 on one page. Tags were made with the Creative Memories NEW Tag Punch. I will have to feature it in a future post. It is a pretty nifty two step punch. I embellished the tags with a tiny scrap of paper on the end and tied it to the pencil with a pretty ribbon.
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I wasn't true to the two projects from one (tool, stamp, paper) but I hope you like the projects anyway! The magazine that they came from is one of my favorites. I have subscribed to it for many years. I get so many fantastic ideas from it for paper crafting and kids craft projects and recipes and cake ideas and Halloween costumes. It isn't expensive either, just $10 a year.
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Take care!

Ebay Monday 2/9

2009-02-09T09:42:00.002-05:00

Nothing on ebay last week was really wowing me, so I didn't do an Ebay post last week... Hopefully today we will do much better. What do I have today??? You have heard about things going to the dogs, how about if we go to the FROGS???? A few Toad-ally awesome pages! I know, couldn't you just CROAK?? Stop it! Really! I am going to have to HOP out of my seat!!!

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Seriously here are some pretty darn cute froggies made by some pretty darn talented ladies!

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Hope you are all well and are enjoying our wonderful weather this week! I know that Punxy-Phil saw his shadow last week, but I have to disagree. I experienced a sure sign of spring on my way to work last night... someone (not me thankfully) hit the first stinky skunk of the season. If that doesn't mean spring is coming, nothing does!

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Take care!

Twos-Day 2/3 & a Bunch of other stuff!

2009-02-06T09:57:00.000-05:00

Wow! I have been having trouble finding the time to sit and type out a post... so today you are getting it all.... How about a Twos-day project crossed with a Wednesday Sketch Challenge?

Sketch 213 from last week at Splitcoast. I did the card and I also made the Ghirardelli box. Let me say that the box was SUPER EASY and FAST!!!

These two projects came together with the help of a couple of friends. On the card, the flowery border punch was borrowed and the I Love You stamp was also a borrow! All papers are from my stash of scrappy scraps!!!
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Sharon, my BS2, and I love to share stamped images. It is one of my favorite things to do when I am at a crop with my friends. If your friends will let you check out the stamps that they brought with them and use them to make some stamped images for use in future projects take advantage of it! My best tip, though, is to use your own stamp pads. When you go to use the images later you can coordinate the ink color better. It helps for matching and also inking the edges, since you may not have the color that you stamped the image with to begin with.
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LINK TO SCS SKETCH CHALLENGES

LINK TO GHIRARDELLI BOX TUTORIAL
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Take care!

Twos-Day 1/27

2009-01-27T06:30:00.001-05:00

I told you I was in Valentine Mode, finally!

Today's projects are brought to you by my most excellent SU! consultant and BS1 Bab's over at Babbie Blogs. I am a saver of scraps. All the pattern paper for these two projects was left over from our treat holders that we made at our last S7 Meeting. It is SU! double sided paper. The stamp is from Michaels $1 holiday stamp bin. Punched with the EK whale of a punch circle. Ribbon is Wal-mart. Corner punches on card are made with an EK stitching punch, left unstitched. There is a Ghiradelli chocolate square in the little package, the base of which is the SU! Top Note die cut. Ink is SU! Riding Hood Red. Hearts in the center of the stamps is stamped on the pattern paper and cut and paper pieced onto the image.

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Just a random thought here. This past Sunday, without football, was the LONGEST DAY IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD! I can't believe how darn long the day was, it was like it was NEVER going to end! On a bright note, just a few more days til the SUPER BOWL!

A link for my PITTSBURGH STEELER FANS....

STEELER ADDICTS.com!

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Take care!

Monday Ebay

2009-01-26T09:00:00.001-05:00

Monday, Jan 26

First things first! Be sure to pop over to The 3 E's blog to wish The Bag Ho a Happy Birthday!

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I am a big fan of handmade paper-piecings so you will see lots of those on this feature. That is why I chose this particular Ebay item for today's feature. I just loved it!

BORN TO BE WILD

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I have a few bonus Ebay links for you as well though, since Valentine's Day is coming up. A couple of things to say about these. First they are adorable, second, WOW! I wonder who I could get to pay that kind of price for them.

HERSHEY NUGGETS VALENTINE 1

HERSHEY NUGGETS VALENTINE 2

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Bear with me this week, I will be working six in a row, which is ALOT for me. I am trying to keep ahead of the features as best as I can, so far so good!

Take care!

Wednesday- SCS Card Sketch Challenge

2009-01-25T14:15:00.000-05:00

Yes, It is Sunday, I am a few days late, work with me here... I wanted to give it a try to see how it would work. I had no luck downloading the sketch directly, so I had to print and scan it to post it. Then I had to actually make a card using the sketch. It did finally boot me into Valentine Mode though!!!

The sketch and all other information can be found at Splitcoast Stampers.

LINK TO SKETCH CHALLENGES

LINK TO SUBSCRIBE TO CHALLENGES

LINK TO THIS WEEKS SKETCH GALLERY

My card based on the sketch. I will tell you as much about the materials as I can recall. The base CS is DCWV from a stack. Both pattern papers are from a big pack of coordinating papers that have been in my stash for quite some time. Ribbon is from Wal-mart. Large stamped image is from Michaels $1 bin. Punched with EK whale of a punch. XOXO stamp is from a set of Valentine stamps purchased on clearance at JoAnn's a few years back. Ink is SU! Riding Hood Red, stamped off once to mute the color some. Small ovals were cut with oval & companion Coluzzle. Aren't I just a wealth of helpful information!
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I do enjoy the sketch challenge. It is a very good way to help along in the design of your cards. Think of it as a recipe, but you can choose the ingredients. If you decide to make your own card for the challenge please link it in the comments for the rest of us to see! I will upload mine tomorrow, since SCS doesn't do uploads on Sunday's to give the moderators a break.

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Take care!

We Have a Winner!

2009-01-24T08:16:00.003-05:00

Last evening, before I fell asleep on the couch... yes, I do that most nights... I wrote down each name from Monday's comments. I am old fashioned, what can I say, no random number generators for me. My DH, Ken picked one for me and as you can see below the winner of Monday's goodies is.....

Barb R. from Bedford, I will be sending the goodies your way!!!

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Thanks ladies for the comments, I am so glad that you stuck around while I was down!

I am still working out the features for other days of the week, and may need to tweak Friday as well, since I didn't have a friend to showcase this week. I am pretty sure that on Wednesday I want to feature the Splitcoast Stampers Sketch Challenge and I think that I am going to have Random Thoughts Thursdays to catch all the other stuff of life.

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Take care, Have a good weekend!

Twos-Day

2009-01-20T19:17:00.000-05:00

How about Two for Tuesday... one stamp (or sticker or embellishment, paper, whatever...) two cards. I chose the stamp that I am giving away... if you like it let a comment on Sunday's post. I know I should be working on Valentine's Day, but all this darn snow has me stuck here in the winter groove. (For the record, I did not use the actual stamp that I am giving, I bought one for myself, too!)

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Today's projects were a notecard and some of Mish's no fold flat front notes. Quick and easy, gotta love it. I did kick it up a notch with some glittery sparkles to accent the snowflakes.

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Take care!

Monday is for Ebay!

2009-01-19T09:04:00.001-05:00

One of my pass times when I am not blurifng...LOL, I love that word, is to browse around on Ebay to see what beautiful and creative things are being sold by incredibly talented paper crafters. I thought that each Monday I would share one that I really liked. Today's can be found at this link--- Wizard of Oz Tear Bear Pieces. The gal that made these is WOWOWOW talented! They are gorgeous! Oh, to have the time and talent to make them!

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Growing up here in the sticks without cable TV, The Wizard of Oz was one of those movies that we watched every year like clock work when it was on TV and it was a BIG DEAL! (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory was another one and The Sound of Music was the other one! Fond memories of both!) I have a set of Wizard of Oz Christmas tree ornaments. Every now and then when I am feeling nostalgic I will get out the VHS and watch one of those movies, I own them all. How is that for an interesting bit of info about me.

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Just a reminder... comment on yesterdays post to be entered for the blog candy!

Send me something if you want to be my Friend this Friday!

Take Care!

A Shameless Bribe from a BAD BLOGGER!

2009-01-18T08:13:00.002-05:00

I am not above bribing... Giving away these stamps and ribbons to my faithful followers. Thanks for sticking around while I recuperated and got some of my creative Mojo back. All you have to do is let a comment on this post to let me know you are still out there. I will draw a winner on Friday, January 23. Thanks for hanging out with me!

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Crop registrations are starting to arrive! YEAH!!! Can't wait to see you all there! We will be in the dining hall again this time. I have four great vendors lined up, Grove's of Huntingdon, Scrapbooks by Inches, and Creative Memories and Sharon's Handmade Cards!
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My first weekly feature is going to be "Friends on Friday" so if you are a non-blogging friend I would LOVE to SHOWCASE YOUR CREATION on an upcoming Friday. Just email me a scan or photo of card or page that you made and I will post it up. I have some of the most talented friends out there, so I know there will be lots of great things to post!

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I am feeling much better, just the tiniest bit of a sore throat remains. One final thought---
GO STEELERS! WE LOVE YA BLACK & GOLD!!!!!

I Feel Like I Missed the Holidays

2009-01-03T20:13:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Sorry for the long lapse in posting. I have been pretty darn sick. It started the day after Christmas and got worse from there on. I took a couple vacation days while Trav was here and wound up sleeping pretty much for 48 hours straight. Worked New Year's Eve, sick and at that point could go no further. Called off sick NY Day evening and went to the Dr. the next day. I have strep throat, a sinus infection and an infected lymph node. The side of my neck was swollen and hard like a rock and I could barely turn my head. She put me on a very high dose of a very strong antibiotic with the stipulation that if I could not swallow the pills I was to be admitted for IV antibiotics or if I did not start to feel better by Sunday that I would go to the ER for the IV. Thankfully I am feeling a bit better today and I am able to swallow the pills, so I dodged the hospital stay!

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If you have a messy crafty room like mine I suggest heading over to Babbie Blogs.. she is having a messy room contest. Don't be shy... I sent my pic in and it is BAD!!!

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I hope your New Year got off to a better start than mine. I am thinking that I would like to do regular features here on EB for 2009. Monday would be this thing, and Tuesday something else... Let me know what you would like to see!

Take care!

obviously taking a break...

2008-12-28T09:20:00.002-05:00

I wish I cpuld say I planned it this way, but I am SICK, SICK, SICK! It would totally figure that I would take a couple of vacation days only to spend them sleeping in between doses of nyquil, chicken and stars soup and hot tea. My throat feels like it has been sanded with coarse grit sandpaper and I swing between fever and chills... Hoping you are all better than me! Take care and I will see you when I am feeling better...

The Christmas Story

2008-12-25T12:05:00.000-05:00

The Christmas Story

Even though it is very familiar, read this story slowly and just imagine...

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

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And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

(Luke 2:1-20)

Beautiful Card from my BS2!

2008-12-10T19:22:00.000-05:00

A beautiful card in my mailbox today! This one was handmade by my BS2, Sharon (and I'm sure Aub had something in it as well!) The scan doesn't do it justice, the little berries on the holly are sparkly and the image on the front is so pretty!

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Busy with work and things. I will tell you my favorite Christmas traditions though. Every year since my junior year of high school (20 years ago, OMG!) my mother has hidden jewelry on the Christmas tree for me and my sisters and Melanie to find. The other tradition I like is going to Red's on Christmas Eve. All of the great big family of cousins and kids are there and it is just nice to visit and have a good time with them!

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My husband's favorite tradition is to drive me crazy with hints about my present from him and what lengths he has gone to hide it from me. Drives me absolutely nuts, I tell ya!!!

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Take care!

A Mighty Long Post!

2008-12-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Babs sent me this a few days ago. Thought it would be fun to share with all of you, since I haven't been my usual ranting self since my change of jobs at Wally-work! This is the getting to know your friends Christmas Edition 2008....
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1. Wrapping paper or gift bag? Both, depends on the item!
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2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial – I’m married to the original Grinch...LOL!
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3. When do you put up the tree? When the kids are here to help do it, one year it didn't go up until December 26th. We do our Christmas when the kids are here. After our first Christmas together, we decided it was too much for the kids to do both homes on Christmas day, so we pick a day, usually the morning after the first day they get here on Christmas vacation to have Christmas morning with them. Less stress and a fun and relaxing day for us. Many of the ornaments for the tree belong to the kids, they pick a new one each year, so I like for them to be here when we put the tree up to put on their ornaments.
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4. When do you take the tree down? After Russian Christmas
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5. Do you like eggnog? Not really, but Grinch drinks enough of it for both of us! I am more of a cocoa kind of gal!
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6. Favorite gift received as a child? As a child I got a Cabbage Patch Kid the year that they were super hard to get and I really wanted one!
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7. Hardest person to buy for? My Mom and Dad
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8. Easiest person to buy for? DH
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9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, and it goes in a stable that my Dad made out of split twigs for me several years ago. I also have a Christmas village that DH painted for me when way back when we first were dating.
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10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, if I ever get them finished!
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11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Clothing that didn't fit (the person who bought it for me wears the same size, so she had to know they wouldn't fit.)
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12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Not really movies, but I love Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the cartoon specials)
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13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? All year long, I keep a tote of stuff that I buy throughout the year, but we LOVE to shop on Black Friday!
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14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes
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15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mom's Pineapple Filled Cookies
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16. Lights on the tree? Yes, only white ones, no blinking or chasing it makes me ill!
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17. Favorite Christmas song? Angels We Have Heard on High, Silent Night. On a side note I would like to shoot the person who wrote that awful Shoes for Mama song... I would rather listen to Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer NON-STOP from Thanksgiving to New Years than hear that darn shoes song once!
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18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? Stay at home
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19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Curly, Larry, Moe, Schleppy, Gus, Hardrock, Coco, & Joe, right?
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20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
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21. Open the presents in the morning? DH likes to open them Christmas eve. We do Christmas at our house when the kids are here, so that could be any day between Christmas and New Years. (see question # 3 for the LONG answer...LOL!)
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22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? I work at Wal-mart, need I say more???
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23. What theme or color are you using? None in particular, just an eclectic collection of stuff from through out the years.
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24. What do you want for Christmas this year? Nothing really, but some peace and quiet and family here, but those two don't usually go hand in hand! LOL!
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Now my question for you all… What is your favorite Christmas Tradition? (or you could answer all of the above questions!) I will tell you my favorite tradition tomorrow!

Let it snow, Let it snow... NO NOT REALLY!!!!

2008-12-04T09:55:00.004-05:00

Just doing my part out here in blog-land to keep things going while Babs is away! I hope all goes well for her and her big event!

How about a little RESIST today???

This page border was the make and take for my CMC's crop this past Friday. The snowflake squares are stamped with Versamark and heat embossed with Clear Embossing Powder. After they set you sponge on your ink and then wipe away with paper towel. Where you embossed the ink will not set in, that my friends is the RESIST part!

The squares were punched with the CM Square maker and matted with the largest. Card stock is CM Caribbean Blue. Ink is Delta, Royal Blue, available at Michaels.

Behind the squares I randomly stamped a snowflake cluster stamp from my extensive collection of snowflake stamps. TA DA!!! A quick and easy border for a scrapbook page!

I did something today that I have not done for a very long time. (No not that!) I printed pictures, about 50 of them. I have not been a very good scrapbooker lately. I do not print my pictures often and it has really made me get really behind on my scrapping. I even printed some in different sizes! I am usually a standard 4 x 6 printer and I don't edit often either.. just too darn lazy I guess!

So I am thinking of some New Years Resolutions.... I have thousands of pictures on the computer and on my memory cards, so my plan is to print ten to twenty a week AND actually get them on to pages! But I have time to make my resolutions... at least a few weeks!

I am still plugging away on my Christmas cards too... little by little they are coming along!

Take care!

How Do You Like the New Look?

2008-12-02T14:23:00.004-05:00

Just popping in quick to say hi! What do you think of the new look? I decided to go "winter" instead of Christmas, because I don't want to have to update again in a few weeks... LOL... Lazy, I know!

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I got a pretty good start on the Christmas shopping this past Friday and I am working on gathering my recipes for the cookies I plan to bake this year.

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DH got a deer today, a rather LARGE doe, and he still has several days of his hunting vacation to go, so there may be a buck in the future here too. He was pointing to where his second shot hit in this picture. How about your hunters? What tales from the forest are they telling this year? Sorry to anyone who is squeamish about game pics. I am just happy he got a deer this year!

Take care!

First Christmas Card of the Season!!

2008-11-28T12:32:00.002-05:00

I love opening the mail box this time of year and seeing Christmas cards in there! It makes up for the rest of the year when all I get in that box is bills and junk! This one is from my friend Angie and her family. I just love it... Those litte hedgehogs are too cute!

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So, it has been a busy couple of days at Wally-work. Hope all your holiday plans are coming together and you are finding all the things you want for in your stockings and under your tree!

I am still working at my Christmas cards, but at least I got started!

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Take care!

Thankful

2008-11-27T09:47:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am full of turkey and stuffing and ready for a triptophan induced nap! After a nap, then some dessert and coffee and pouring over the Black Friday Ads... nothing much has flipped my lid this year on the ads so far. Got the cute little poem below from two of my gal pals today... thought it was cute and wanted to share it with you!

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May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have never a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

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Also a little Thanksgiving freebie for you all.... Check out this free E-book from Living on a Dime. Just click for the link to the Gifts in Jar download. It doesn't take long at all! (Trust me, I have dial up and if I didn't think it took long, it really didn't take long!)

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Take care, maybe I will see you bright and early with the crowds shopping!!!

Counting Down til Turkey Time!!!

2008-11-25T18:57:00.001-05:00

Starting tomorrow morning my DH is on vacation for twelve... yes, twelve days... I see a "Honey-Do" List in his future... of course he has his own list in mind.. something about hunting a BIG BUCK???

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Seriously, I hope he gets his big buck and I told him he could hang it anywhere he wants in his shed! LOL!

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My favorite part of the day on Thanksgiving is in the evening sitting around with a cup of coffee and a piece of pie and ALL OF THE BLACK FRIDAY SALE PAPERS trying to get a game plan as to what we really want and where we are going shopping! As strange as it seems, after fifteen years in retail... I LOVE TO SHOP ON BLACK FRIDAY!!! We usually have a big crew and we like to hit Wally-work first and then head out from there. I seriously crack my Mom and her friend Betty up... I am like... "Come on let's get moving... No time for coffee... If you drink it now you will just have to pee later!" Typically I do not like crowds or noisy places, but there is just something about the energy on that day that appeals to me, go figure!

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We have a secret weapon too, my baby brother (only brother) Char. He goes with us every year... even though he has to explain to his boss that he needs the day off to go shopping with the girls! LOL!!! We have to feed him through out the day, Shmuffins & coffee to start with and then a bigger breakfast later in the day. He is our go-to guy, fighting the crowds to get the things we really want. We pretty much get a cart and go hang out in ladies wear and let him bring the loot to us. Then he hauls it all home in the truck while we go for more! Gotta love that!!!

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After a day of crazy shopping we then come home, relax for a bit and then head out to our second day after Thanksgiving Tradition... Barb's Crop! She always has one on that day and she makes the WORLD'S BEST Homemade Vegetable Soup!!! (It is so good and the perfect thing for those of us who are all turkey-ed out!)

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In honor of the pumpkin card, here is a recipe for Crock Pot Pumpkin Pie Pudding. I have not made it or tasted it, but I have on good authority from several trusted cooks that it is to die for, like warm pumpkin pie without the crust, yummy goodness.

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Take care!

Nothing says fall like apple picking!

2008-11-24T07:55:00.001-05:00

This is one of my favorite SU! sets, For Father. It was in the last mini catalog I believe. It has Three image stamps and one sentiment. The other images are a puppy with an old work boot and an old wooden tool box. I don't have alot of "masculine" stamps so this one is my go to set for all things guy!

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I don't know if it is like this for you all, but for me, getting started is the hardest part of doing my Christmas cards. I have the idea in my head, I pulled the card stock from my stash, but darn am I having a rough time putting the stamps to paper. I actually have gone with a MUCH more traditional look this year... Red, White and Silver. I also have been using the same sentiment in my cards from year to year as well. It is one the I like and it says what I want to say, so I just print the insides of the cards on the computer. Last year my cards were pastel and the year before that I was ALL PURPLE! I got a great little acrylic stamp set from Wally-work for $2.96. It has an angel, a flourish with a star and "Joy to the World" sentiment. Now I just have to get the motivation to get moving on them. I really cut down my card list this year as well, mostly because I want a much more simple holiday and sending out 50+ handmade cards is not simple at all!
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Take care!

Anybody out there????

2008-11-23T08:28:00.001-05:00

Watercoloring is one of my favorite stamping techniques. I taught myself, like I learn alot of things, by trial and error, mostly error! The stamped image is from Art Impressions and is not one that I own. It belongs to a friend. I love swapping stampies with my pals! It is so much fun to share your stamps, since they can be an investment. Since coloring this fella, though, I have decided that I do need a scarecrow in my collection of stamps.

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Back to the original question.... is anyone out there? I catch all kinds of heck for not blogging for a couple weeks and now that I am back where did you all go? I am sure that everyone is just busy getting ready for Turkey Day!
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Take care!

A Few More Fall Cards for the next few days....

2008-11-21T05:29:00.000-05:00

because once I have these all posted to the blog I am going to surrender to the snow and winter and get on with the Christmas ones....

This stamp is one of the first ones I think I ever bought, what seems like a lifetime ago! It is from Inkadinkado (6207P), not that I think it is still available. I pull it out every year and use it though! I colored the image with watercolor pencils and an aqua painter. The oak leaf pattern paper is from my immense stash of paper. It was either not marked or I cut that off and it is glued down on a card already. I do wish that I had about 10 more sheets of it since it goes so well with the stamp! Ribbon is Michael's $1 Bin.

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Things are slowly coming back together here at the Holbrook Homestead. DH almost has the top layer of sub floor in the bathroom done so I can start tiling it. We also nearly have the furnace woes taken care of. We got an updated replacement part for the broken mercury switch, which is no longer being manufactured. The (very) young kid behind the counter at the heating and plumbing store didn't even know what it was when Ken handed it to him. The older guy working next to him, chuckled and said he knew what is was and what to replace it with. Tomorrow will be a new belt on the motor and all will be back in business!

Ken is furiously working to get all these things done before his 12 day hunting vacation. It is funny, I thought I packed Murphy's bags and sent him packing, but apparently one night while we were both at work he sneaked back in.

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Any big Thanksgiving plans? I am really looking forward to the turkey!!! Thanksgiving is a pretty great holiday... almost as good as the 4th of July according to Linnie! (Linnie likes the 4th since you don't have to buy gifts, clean the house and you can throw away the dishes!)

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Take care!

Babs and the Amazing Top Note Bigz Die

2008-11-18T05:06:00.000-05:00

Sharon (BS2) won the first to send her cards in award and Barb won the "My Favorite" prize. I love the stamp set she used, Stampin' UP! A Tree for All Seasons. It is definately a set that I will be adding to my collection! I will I also thought it was neat how by just changing the papers and ribbons a bit she got two different looks!

That really great curvy-pointed die cut shape on the front is also a SU! item. It is for the Sizzix Big Shot die cutting machine. SU! has a whole bunch of great dies for cardmaking now in their product line. This particular one "Top Note" has been wildly popular and is on backorder at the moment!
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How are your Christmas cards coming along? Haven't even started mine yet (hanging my head in shame.) Don't even have an idea for the design yet!
Take care!

Sharon, Fastest Card Maker East of the Mississippi & My BS2!

2008-11-16T15:54:00.002-05:00

As promised (a day late) these are Sharon's cards from the swap. Sharon does such a great job with her cards. She did the sweetest basket of peppermint patties for a make and take at my crop last week.

I just love that satin-y pumpkin ribbon on Sharon's Thanksgiving card!

Isn't that little ghost stamp on the envelope too cute!!
Next post will be my BS1's cards!
Take care!

Showcasing the work of my talented friends!

2008-11-14T12:28:00.003-05:00

You may recall a little while ago I hosted an Autumn theme card swap. The cards are all in and I am sending them out today, so I thought that I would share those cards over the next few days. These beautiful cards were made by Jody, my dear chicksa from Washington, PA. She does the neatest things with chalk and templates! The card below just doesn't shine in this scan. The Give Thanks is done in sparkly bronze glitter!
I am hoping that I packed "Murphy's" bags and sent him on his way. We had to fix the tail lights on the car this week and the first time we fired the coal furnace this season the darn motor burned up. That has been repaired and we have a REALLY good batch of coal that burns super hot, so here's to a toasty house this winter!
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Tomorrow's cards by Sharon!
Take care!

He's the Big Brother

2008-11-13T09:22:00.005-05:00

Being the oldest of five children has always been interesting. I have always told my parents that I did a poor job of preparing them for what was to come. (Yes, I know you read this Lynnette, and as you know your first born did not prepare you for what was to come either... LOL!) For those who don't know Lynnette is my sister and a mother to FOUR energetic active boys, can anyone say CRAZY? Look it up in the dictionary, there should be a portrait of her family next to it! I have some pictures of those nephews to post here as well. My first nephew just turned 14, can you believe it? He named me Aunt Meme many years ago.

I have had such a good time watching Ty be the "big bruvver" to his little sister. On this particular day he begged for several hours to hold her. Finally I relented, figuring that he would hold her for five minutes, get bored and go on about his business. Boy was I wrong on that one... He sat on the couch in the middle of all of those cushions and pillows and held her for almost an hour. He gave her little kisses and smoothed her hair and touched her teensy tiny hands. She slept contently the entire time.
I guess we should appreciate their special relationship while it lasts. It won't be long until they are getting on each other's nerves and picking on each other. I will keep these pictures around to remind Ty of what it used to be like!
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Take care!

Hey Tracy, Barb, Tina, Kathy & Joyce!!!!!

2008-11-11T11:51:00.002-05:00

Okay my friends from Bedford! I am back on the blog!!!! Thanks for the gentle kick in the butt.... I know I have been neglectful!

This was the calm before the storm, so to speak. All peaceful, quiet and empty... not for long. A mere 15 minutes later and this was the scene.... Scrapbookers and supplies as far as the eye could see! The Camp Harmony crop grew to about 80 this fall and not without some growing pains, to say the least.

I actually referred to this crop as "Murphy's Crop" (as in whatever could go wrong... you get the idea...) I had two vendors and an instructor cancel, we outgrew the room that we usually use and were forced into the multipurpose building that has really bad lighting. Thankfully for the most part, scrapbookers are a very kind and understanding group of people.

Thankfully, we did still have a pretty good day. I got another vendor, did some make and takes myself and made up for the bad lighting with lots of good food. We had some GREAT door prizes as well. At the end of the day we packed up, went home, unloaded and I proptly sat down in the recliner, kicked it back and fell asleep until the next morning and slept like I haven't slept in weeks!

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Over on the side bar->->->->

I did put up a link to subscribe to the blog and the comments if you would like to do that. That way when I post it goes directly to your email and you can also get in on the comments as well!

Take care!

Holy Crap, Batman!

2008-10-15T08:08:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I have not posted for over two weeks! Those six day work stretches are killing me! Then I don't get my sleep flipped around when I am off work! The first two nights of this last six day stretch I worked alone. One of the ladies I work with was very sick and could not come to work. I am glad to have the first shift all alone under my belt and out of the way. I didn't do too bad and the next night was better.

We are working on crop stuff pretty regular now. Ordering our food and working the seating charts. Get your registrations in, I can't wait to see you all again!

I will post up the pictures of our last Stamper Seven meeting soon. Barb has the best projects for us! I always come home with the neatest cards and fun things!

Until then, take care!

Finally a day off...

2008-09-29T03:08:00.000-04:00

This was my make and take page from the St. Andrew School crop 2 weeks ago. I love the dahlia fold technique. It is so simple but the results are so elegant and WOW! The GORGEOUS PAPER is from a Creative Memories customer gift pack that you will get FREE if you attend Croptober-fest on October 24 at Berkey Church. This is the first time that I took the time to ink up the edges of the circles on both sides before I folded them and it made such a huge difference in the depth and dimension of the finished piece. I am thinking of doing this as a make and take for my Camp Harmony Crop on November 8.

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Baby Kya is improving. We are so thankful for that. Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts.

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Can I say that I am so glad for a day off from work! I haven't worked a stretch like that in years! It wasn't bad until the last 2 days when I didn't sleep well.

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Our Stampers Seven group is meeting this Saturday and it is my turn to host. If anyone wants to come to the party let me know! We are making a tin and two cards. I am also making apple dumpling cake!

Take care!

What a week...

2008-09-27T12:03:00.002-04:00

First a little note card that I made to send to Melanie, who is in the hospital. Her appendix ruptured on Tuesday. She was to the ER on Monday and was misdiagnosed, went back on Tuesday because she had a fever and more pain. That is when they figured it out. She is doing okay. Kenny went to see her yesterday and took her a care package of stuff from us.

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Just one more night of my six night stretch. I am ready for a day or two off.

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I am working on my cards for my Autumn theme swap.... lots to do yet! I can't wait to see everyone's cards.

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Anyone have big plans for World Card Making Day? (this Saturday, October 4th!)

I am having my Stampers Seven SU club meeting! I love to get together with the ladies and make Barb's creative projects!

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Take care!

Sweet Baby Kya

2008-09-24T08:33:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday we got to meet Baby Kya... this was her response...LOL!

Actually that was her response to her Mama agitating her. She really liked me, I think she did anyway. How about that teeny tiny diaper? It is a bit big for her still.
She had a little set back this week. They put the IV back in since she wasn't digesting her feeding and she has some fluid in her lungs. They say it is minor, but still keep her in your prayers. She is so very little and lungs are the last to develop, so we just want her to bounce back from this quickly.

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Uncle Kenny has given her a nickname, just as he has all the boys... (Brat, Peach, Hog, Chunk, & Peanut.) Baby Kya is to be called Stink... not cause she smells, but because Uncle says "she is so stinkin' tiny" and "she is a little stinker." LOL... if tradition holds then she will call him Uncle Stink...LOL!

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Take care!

Keepin' Busy!

2008-09-22T18:58:00.004-04:00

It was quite the busy weekend. I was helping my CMC at St. Andrew School Scrap the Day Away on Friday and Saturday. Also on Saturday I had a Make & Take card table as well as handmade cards for sale at the Camp Harmony Church of the Brethren Heritage Festival.

Thank goodness my BS2 came along to help at Camp Harmony. The Make & Take table did about 40 tea bag holder cards. Thanks to BS2 for donating a basket full of tea bag holder cards! They were a very popular item!
We restocked the sale table twice, sales were brisk! I was thrilled that my booth did so well, since this was the first year I tried it. We sold over 100 cards and donated over $150 to the Camp!
I was trying to make cards to refill the sale table in between doing make & takes and selling!

I LOVE IT!!!

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That being said, I am asking you, my scrapbooking and cardmaking friends to PLEASE LEND A HAND! Next time you are scrapbooking and have some scraps left, turn them into a card for me to sell next year. I donate all the money we take in back to the camp. If next year goes as well as this year I am going to need more cards!

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Take care!

Let's Get Caught Up!

2008-09-15T19:53:00.000-04:00

Travis went back to Pittsburgh last week. The house is so quiet and there is actually food in the kitchen! LOL! We miss him so much when he is not here. How do you like his new look? I love Dad in the background, just shaking his head in disbelief. (It is just fun fur and tape.)
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I fell on Friday and skinned my knee. Pretty typical of clumsy me. It is bruised and has scabs all over it. Our poor football team got beat again pretty bad on Friday night and it rained so hard at times during the game that it wasn't even funny. I worked the drink tent and was cold and wet by the time it was all done.
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I did buy a cute new purse. I love the Dollar General quilted purses, they are cheap, only $8, so if I use them for one season and pitch them I don't feel bad at all. They do wash up pretty nicely though! I got a real nice fall colored one.

I am not sleeping at night right now, just getting adjusted to the routine I guess. In about two weeks I work a six day stretch, Lord help me! I just told the gals I work with to have plenty of coffee and chocolate ready for me!
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I have become addicted to Mocha Joe from Burger King, so I have been working like a mad scientist and cook trying to get the formula down so I can make it at home and I think I have got it nearly figured out!

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That about covers it, Take Care!

Some Christmas Cheer

2008-09-13T19:00:00.000-04:00

These items were included with my swap cards for the Christmas Cards in July swap. Just a little something to thank the ladies for participating in the swap. I really like the metallic "class appeals" type stickers for their double use. You can use the image as I did on the card above. The image is on the front of the card, and the "leftovers" are on the envelope flap. The tags below were made with leftovers and the image is on the inside of the card above. No waste, LOVE IT!!
An update on baby Kya.

She pulled her tummy tube out, the one that was in her mouth, so they put it in through her nose. She is eating good through the tube, breathing good, and only needs the bottom blue blanket for jaundice. Her big brother got to see her today and he is pretty impressed with her and can't wait for her to come home. Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers!
Take care!

First Pics

2008-09-10T23:57:00.002-04:00

Just a quickie post to show off Kya! She is under the light for jaundice so that is why so much blue. Hopefully tomorrow I will get to see her in person. That hand in the picture is my Mom's. After waiting for 14 years for a baby girl she just can't keep her hands off of her! LOL!

Take care!

New Arrival

2008-09-09T19:32:00.002-04:00

Just posting up the arrival of my FIRST NIECE! Kya Noel was born yesterday afternoon. She got here a bit early, at just 29 weeks. She came into the world wailing and kicking according to her Nana. She weighed 2 pounds, 14 ounces and is 15 1/8 inches long and has a pretty good head of hair. Her Mom (my sister, Jes) is doing well. I imagine that Tyler is anxious to meet his baby sister as well! Baby Kya is doing well too. They did not have to put a tube in to help her breathe, which was a good sign that her lungs are doing good. Hopefully I will have some pictures to post up tomorrow. Say a prayer that she gets bigger and stronger each day!

Take care!

Only Two Spots Left!

2008-09-07T20:01:00.002-04:00

HI! Just a quick post... Only two spots left in the Autumn theme card swap, sign up in the post below! Sharon gave me her cards yesterday, so she wins the first to send in prize, but there is still a prize for my favorite card!

I am working a several day stretch here, so I may not post for a day or two. I do have great pics of our Stamper's Seven projects to post for you though! (so check back!)

Take care!

Autumn Theme Card Swap

2008-09-03T13:17:00.001-04:00

I had so much fun with the Christmas Cards in July Swap that I thought I would do it again! This time our theme will be Autumn cards, whatever you like Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving

5 spots available (actually 4 since I plan to participate)

Each person makes 10 cards, 5 each of 2 designs.

Please use materials that you would like to receive.

Please put a sentiment inside the card.

Include an envelope for your cards (decorated would be nice!)

Give the back of your card your mark.

No Vendor Requirement, anything goes! I know I will be dazzled and amazed with your talents as always!

Sign up for a spot by September 8.

Cards due to me by September 27, I will mail back to you promptly after receiving all cards.

Please send your cards in a zipper bag to be sure it all stays dry.

Include an addressed return envelope with the same amount of postage it took to mail your cards, plus a few extra stamps (loose so they can be returned to you if they are not needed.)

PRIZES!!!! A little something *special* will be included for the first cards received! I will also choose MY FAVORITE CARD from the swap and send a special prize for it!

Let a comment to sign up for your spot!

Take care!

Sharing the Swap with You!

2008-09-02T11:16:00.000-04:00

As promised, the cards from my Christmas Cards in July swap!

Tracy's
Sharon's
Jody's
Barb's
and mine.
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I was so impressed with everyone's creative designs! I loved hosting the swap and can't wait to do it again... so check back tomorrow, I will be posting up my next swap!
Take care!

Christmas Cards

2008-08-30T00:39:00.000-04:00

A couple of quick and easy Christmas cards to share with you today. The images on the front (St. Nick and Snowman) are diecut punch outs from K & Company. They are older. I found them in my stash while I was going through some Christmas papers and such. The white and green rectangle pieces are embossed with the Cuttlebug old script/text embossing folder. I gold heat embossed the sentiment on the inside. Start to finish I think it took me 15 minutes to make 2 of each of these cards!

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I have been trying to make a few Christmas cards at a time to fill my stash up for my booth at Camp Harmony's Heritage Festival on September 20th.

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Hope you are having a wonderful holiday weekend!

Take care!

Butterfly Birthday

2008-08-28T20:09:00.000-04:00

This card is also from one of Keathe's Stamp A Stack get togethers. Thought I should get it posted here since it is a rather summery card and it seems that our summer is fading fast!

The Christmas Cards in July Swap cards have been sorted and mailed out, so in a day or two I will post pictures of all of them here on Everyday Blessings. I want to give the ladies who participated a chance to see them in person before I post them up on the blog.

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The new position is going well. I am getting the hang of the HOW to do things, the WHY is still a bit foreign to me. (I had a thought the other day, one of those slap yourself on the forehead moments. I don't balance my checking account, I look over the statement, but I don't do the math. What was I thinking, taking a money and math job???? LOL!)

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Since I am waiting patiently for Fearless Fourteen, I picked up a few of Janet Evanovich's earlier romance novels and have been enjoying them. They are nice, short, funny and easy reads.

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Tomorrow starts the Fall Harvest Gospel Music Festival at Camp Harmony. I will be there all weekend helping in the kitchen.

Take care!

Happy Birthday Honey!

2008-08-27T20:10:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post before I head off to work. Today is my sweetie's birthday!

This card is one that we made at Keathe's Stamp A Stack a couple of months ago. All products are SU!

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I work the next two days and then I am on vacation for a week! Yeahhh!!!! Can't wait... lots of good blog things while I am on vacation so check back.

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Take care!

Long Time, No Blog...

2008-08-23T01:37:00.003-04:00

Take a kid to the fair! It is more fun that way! Note the smiling kid below with all his FREE LOOT! He got a glow necklace, balloon, water bottle, candy from the vendors in the local business & organization building and a personalized dog tag (at the Army recruiters booth.)

I love that grinning face! We went to the fair again on Thursday evening. It was tractor pull night. My guys loved it. Chunk especially liked the BIG, LOUD, SMOKIN' ONES. The one pictured below smoked so much it blocked the sun for a minute or two.
I enjoyed another Maple Milkshake, but was most bummed that the Tilt-A-Whirl was not at the carnival this year. Chunk rode a bunch of rides that he could go on alone, but there were a few that he wasn't tall enough to go on by himself. I told him he wasn't big enough, so Travis would have to go with him. Chunk informed me that Travee would go with him, since I was too OLD!

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Having another sleepless night, as you can tell by the time of this post.

Sorry I missed out on the Stampers 7. The projects were so AWESOME!

(Check out Babbie Blogs, over there --->>>)

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For my Christmas Cards in July Swappers, I have all the cards and I will mail them out Monday! WOOOOHOOOO!!!!! I am planning a fall theme card swap for September, so check back for details! Plus I have an idea for a November swap as well.

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I am also planning a little blog candy give away here soon!

Take care!

The Fair

2008-08-18T18:23:00.007-04:00

I took a short nap yesterday and then went to the 108th Somerset County Fair. It was a good day to be at the fair. Somerset Trust Company was hosting free admission and parking day and handing out stadium seat cushions. WOOHOO! Went to the Queen Contest. My baby sister Abby was a contestant. She looked so pretty in her gown and was the second runner up. I enjoyed a Maple Shake (SUPER YUMMY!) visited with some friends and came home... and could not sleep AT ALL.

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My first night of third shift syndrome, I was wide a wake until 6 AM... lol... and then fell asleep until 2:30 PM.

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Tuesday is the Market Swine show at the fair. My sister Abby, nephew Rian, and cousins Amber and Hannah are showing piggies.

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If you get the chance to go to the fair do it! Admission is only $6 and that includes rides and grandstand activities.

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I am having PLUM WITHDRAWAL, I finished One through Thirteen, and my cousin Amy is reading Fearless Fourteen, so I am waiting for her to get done with it. I also read all the between the numbers books, so if anyone has some good suggestions for a good read send it my way!

Take care!

First Day

2008-08-16T18:34:00.003-04:00

Just checking in with you all! I worked my first shift at my new position and WOW! I have A LOT to learn, but the gal who is training me is VERY GOOD at her job and is sharing all of her tips and tricks with me. Right now I am concentrating on learning the HOW it is done, and hopefully the WHY comes along in due time. She even started a notebook for me with cheat sheets, thank goodness for that because my brain is ready to bust after last night! On a positive note, she told me that I am doing things that the person before me did not do for a couple of months into his training and I was doing them my first night! I did make a few OOOPSIES... and had to chase a roll of flying dimes, but that was more funny than anything! The night flew by so very quickly and before I knew it, it was time to go!

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Best part is that I work tonight and then I am off for two. Love the schedule! I even got to be a little bit crafty today, and I am feeling my mojo making a return. I know that they Olympians have been feeding off of it, and if they need to use it for a while longer that is okay, but it really needed to be crafty today!

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Take care!

Good Bye Curse-at-me Desk...

2008-08-14T23:25:00.002-04:00

******DISCLAIMER*****

This is a long one, I have been saving up for you! Get comfy, it is a long one!

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Today was it, my last shift at the desk, 1 pm to 10 pm. The desk has been very quiet this week, Johnstown is hosting the AAABA and I think the entire city must be at the Point Stadium. (Not that I am complaining about that!) All that quietness at the desk left me plenty of time to ponder what I liked about the desk and what I would miss and on the other side of that coin what I hate and am glad to not have to deal with any more. Here are my observations...

I will miss

People watching, boy the sites that you can see on any given day! It is truly entertaining!
My co-workers, each with their own unique quirks, but we managed most days to not kill each other!
My friends from the other areas that were my lunch companions in the lounge.
Being the self appointed "fashion police." There were days that the violations were too many to count.
The occasional eye candy that we gals got to see.
Checking out the "it's really a guy, but it looks like a girl"... we always try to figure out where they are putting IT.

I will not miss

The general nut balls, thieves and liars of which there were PLENTY.
The beginning of the month welfare, Social Security and Food Stamp rush. Not gonna miss it one teeny tiny little bit.
Mr & Mrs Stinky & family. Soap is cheap and water is nearly free. Take a bath once a week or so, especially before you come to see me. We raise pigs here on the farm that smell better than you!
Mr & Mrs I Lose My Kids Every Freaking Time... really.... and then you yell at the kids when they come to me to page you on the loudspeaker. Thanks too, for taking your sweet old time getting to the desk to retrieve them. You are so wonderful yelling at your kid who is in tears since they have been sitting here for 1o minutes waiting for you to get them. How about keeping a better eye on them in the first place! I vote for handcuffing kids to parents!
The people who complain about EVERYTHING. I don't see someone standing next to you with a gun to your head forcing you to shop here, you have a choice, shop elsewhere if you hate this place so much.
People who return food. It is one thing to return food that is spoiled before it should be. However, if you have had it past it's expiration and had time to use it, but did not, TDB!! If you overbought, oh well, do better next time. Any food that leaves the store must be destroyed, what a waste! Donate it to the food pantry.
People who think that I want to know about their "female problems down stairs" and how their husband is upset because he's not getting any lovin'. Don't want to know, don't want think about it, too late, I got a mental picture and now I have to go wash my brain and eyes out with soap!!!! But thanks for letting me know you have conjunctivitis so I can throw my pen away and Lysol the counter top and debit reader!
The customer who thinks that a motorized shopping cart is the same size as a wheelchair and should fit into the restroom. It is NOT a wheelchair and it is too big to fit into the restroom. Even though you got it in there and now are STUCK. That is your OWN fault and why do you think it is MY PROBLEM to get you out?
Don't get me started on the VALID PHOTO ID people... I think I have beat that dead horse enough!
Last of all, I am not going to miss the CELL PHONE CHATTER! HANG UP THE DARN PHONE!

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Take a deep cleansing breath with me... Let it out... Relax, it was all a bad dream...

Take care!

Perseid Meteor Shower

2008-08-14T00:16:00.004-04:00

Monday night into Tuesday morning the 2008 Perseid Meteor shower peaked. I love to watch the show, so at about 2 AM I convinced my DH, Ken to come out to the back yard and watch with me. I got bundled up in my sweats and jacket, grabbed the sleeping bag and a flashlight and we set out for the back yard. It was truly amazing! I have watched the Leonid's before,but it is always pretty brisk in November, so watching on a slightly cool summer night was quite nice! We stayed out for about an hour and saw at least 30 meteors shoot across the sky. The sky clouded over and we weren't seeing anything at all, or I would have likely stayed out until sunrise! My DH was quite the good sport about being dragged out in the middle of the night and I think that once we started to see the meteors he did enjoy it. You can find out more info on upcoming Meteor events HERE.

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When I was a camp counselor (many many moons ago) sleeping out under the stars was probably my most favorite thing that we did each week. I always tried to schedule our "sleep out" night early in the week, so that if the weather was not cooperative I could still reschedule for later in the week. My favorite sleep out site was up at the top of the hill, beyond the trading post, in the field below the tall oaks. It is dark there and the sky is just sparkling with billions or trillions of stars. The best week of all was when the "city kids" came from the mission. They were in absolute awe of the brilliant star filled night sky.

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There is a state park here in Pennsylvania called Cherry Springs that has one of the best "dark skies" on the East coast. There are "Star Parties" and other special events through out the year. Pretty cool!

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I still have Olympic Fever and I haven't found my crafty mojo, apparently it went with Bab's Mojo to the Olympics... LOL! Tomorrow is my last shift at the Curse-at-me Desk. I am anxious to start my new position, a little apprehensive, since it is like going to a new school and having to make new friends. Say a prayer and keep a good thought for me! Take care

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GO USA!!!!!!

Olympic Fever!

2008-08-13T00:18:00.002-04:00

Do you have it??? We have a pretty bad case of it here! GO TEAM USA!!!!!

How about our Men's Gymnastic Team~ they won the bronze when no one expected them to medal at all!

The Men's Swim Team! WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!! Winning the Gold medals, shattering world records, it doesn't get better than that, well, except for Phelps who now has the most gold medals of anyone on the planet I think.

Ladies Softball~ Kicking butt and taking names... they are doing so well that the mercy rule was used!

Ladies Beach Volleyball~ also just kicking butt!!

Ladies Saber~ they swept GOLD, SILVER, & BRONZE!

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I know I am full of excuses for not being crafty at the moment. I think my crafty mojo went on vacation without me! Hopefully it comes back soon, cause I have work to do!

Take care!

On Her Own

2008-08-11T00:26:00.002-04:00

My dear step daughter Melanie is on her own. She is living in her own (very tiny) apartment. We drove out to see her today. We took with us a load of groceries and some house stuff for her. Nana is loaning her a microwave and she is borrowing a cell phone from her father's vast collection of cast offs until she can get hers repaired.

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She is paying more per month for her tiny bit of independence than my parents paid for their mortgage. She has no land line phone, no cable tv, and until we arrived her cupboard was pretty near bare, but she was happy as a clam. LOL! She is making friends with the other struggling young people in her building and some other folks in the neighborhood. She is not too far from her Mother if a crisis should occur.

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It is so hard to believe that she was just nine when I met her and now she is grown and on her own. I have a mix of feelings some scared, mostly proud that she is spreading her wings a bit. So Mel, if you are reading this, we are proud of you! (AND CALL US!) Love You!

Take care!

Some Random Stuff

2008-08-07T00:49:00.004-04:00

I will start my new position on August 15th, and I am thinking it will not be soon enough. I had one of those eyerolling days today. I thought they were going to have to use that shackle and chain out that they keep under my register to keep me from going up over the counter and hurting someone. (Don't laugh too hard, I know I would most likely hurt myself more getting over the counter, but man there are days....)

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We had our inventory today at Wallywork. We don't do the actual count, an outside company does that, we just do a huge amount of preparation and then hang out all day and hold our breath. The last couple years have not been so good inventory wise, so when we got the GREAT NEWS today it was all the more wonderful!

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I will have to find some pictures of that dinosaur cake, I know that we took some photos of me, DH and Rian with it the day after the wedding when we were opening gifts. Becky also requested a pic of the chocolate pudding cake with PB icing... I think that you can find one in the archives in April 2007 or search "bundt pan" and you will get it. I haven't made one of those in a while, might have to get on that over the weekend!

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A Plum Crazy update... I am ready to start reading Twelve Sharp. I have also read two of the between the numbers, Plum Lovin' and Visions of Sugar Plums. I laugh out loud in the car, the lounge at work and anywhere else I happen to be reading them! Not much crafting going on at the moment, I am too hooked on the books!

Take Care!

Cake

2008-08-06T00:05:00.000-04:00

I bet you have never seen a wedding cake with a mud truck on top!

How is this for marital compromise?
This is the cake that my Mom and I made over the weekend for our neighbors, Greg and Beth. They are building a mud truck to run and wanted a unique cake... I think we accomplished that! The guy from the beer distributor stopped in to hook up the taps while we were setting it up and he was quite impressed with it. The groom's mom, not so much...LOL! The bride and groom were thrilled with it and that was all I really cared about!

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For future reference, when my nephew Rian gets married his wedding cake is going to be a dinosaur. Ri was about 5 when Kenny and I got married. He asked what the cake was going to be like and we showed him a picture of it. Stupidly, I asked if he thought it was nice... of course he said no, it should be a dinosaur, so along with the wedding cake we had a dinosaur cake... makes me think of that crazy armadillo cake from Steel Magnolias... LOL

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Take care!