Here's Your Sign...

I have always believed in giving and sharing.

Only problem is that I seemed to have missed the mark this year because the only thing that I gave and shared with other’s (ok, maybe just one person) is the DAMN stomach flu. At first I thought I had food poisoning. I’m not really sure what it was. I just know that it was not fun. However, four and half days later I feel great.

There is nothing more miserable. Nothing more awful. In fact I think that I should have bought stock in Clorox.

Just to be safe, I bought a new toothbrush, a couple bottles of hand sanitizer. I also sprayed, wiped down, and cleaned all the door handles, faucets, and light fixtures. I just wanted to be safe. In case it was the stomach bug, I didn’t want it to SPREAD.

I tried getting my picture taken with Santa and look, I even turned him green. That's not a good thing. Who will bring my presents, now? I promise Santa I have been a good girl. =) Good thing I have a whole year to make it up to him. LOL

Have a good one everybody and stay warm.

Merry Christmas...

A gentle, humble couple
had traveled long and far.
To a little town called Bethlehem,
and a stable beneath a star.

There among the cattle,
God sent His Son to earth.
With only an angel chorus,
to celebrate His birth.

Yet shepherds heard their message
and knelt there in the straw.
Amazed and filled with wonder,
at the Baby whom they saw.

Then wise men came to worship
with precious gifts to bring.
Knowing that before them
was their Savior and their King.

Christ came to us from heaven,
and did not count the cost.
Yet behind His humble manger,
stood a waiting, rugged cross.

Merry Christmas to all of my blog friends!

Be safe in your travels, hug your family and friends more than usual,

and take time to enjoy the laughter around you!

P.S. Thanks Jenna for helping me with the photos. =)

Sunday Entertainment...

I have been pretty busy lately, but today I took time and enjoyed the "Red Squirrel Show". I happened to look outside and saw a squirrel going across the yard via a tunnel system. I must have watched him for a good twenty minutes. It was so funny. He would start off from the edge of the woods and then show up next to the house to eat some of the birds food that split out of the bag. He then would take the food and go off to his tunnel system. Stopping to eat momentarily and then popping out of one of the holes to look around. So, of course I had to grab my camera. I hope everyone is staying warm. Have a good one.

O Christmas Tree...

From the minute I saw this cute little tree, I knew that I had to make one. Since seeing him a couple of weeks ago, they have been popping up every where. So, I think a lot of other fine folks like him as well. This must mean I have good taste. =) So simple to make, just grab a scallop punch and punch a few circles and then cut your circles like triangles. I didn't have a star punch, so I just cut one out of yellow paper and then the trunk is made out of a piece of brown paper cut into a rectangle. I added brads for decorations. I think it turned out great. I'm planning on making more and putting them on my goodie trays. Speaking of goodie trays, I best get busy. No school today due to the weather and extreme cold. Yuck! So, one more day to play at home and make the best of it, as I can. I hope you have a great Monday.

The Calm Before the Storm....

Yesterday, Mack and I went outside and played...before the big blizzard that is coming our way hits. There is something about trees covered in snow that is so soothing. So, I thought I would share a couple of my favorites with y'all. It will be interesting to see how much snow we get today and into the evening. I'm sure I will be posting more snowy pictures real soon. =) I hope you all are safe and warm and at home. Have a great day.

It's Beginning to Look Like a Winter Wonderland!

I spent a lot of time looking out the window today and enjoying the snow coming down. What a beautiful wintry sight. I loved it!!!! Yes, but only because I had no where to go and could stay home and enjoy it. =)

Friday was my first Christmas gathering of the year and it was SO fun! All of us stampers had a blast, the food was delicious and the company even better! I just love this time of year!

Today's post is the tags that we made at Janell and Yvonne's Holiday open house. They are so cute. I'm not sure which is my favorite, cause I love them all. If you would like to make some you can go to http://mercedesweber.blogspot.com/. This is the wonderful site that they got the ideas from. She has lots of neat ideas. Check her out.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend. See you next time.

Mrs. Mouse....

I just had to show off Peg's mouse she made. I think she is beautiful! Don't you think she would be the perfect spouse mouse for the little guy I made awhile back? =) She also made the calendar and the little bag to hold Post-it-Notes. What wonderful little gift's. Thanks Peg for sharing, your projects turned out great.

Thanks for stopping in and have a great day.

Memorable moments from Thanksgiving 2008...

Thanksgiving entertainment patrol. Save a horse, and a cowboy, ride a dog.

This is the look I have when I have been beat by a seven year old playing scrabble. However, he did have help from his mother. Yes, this makes me feel much better.

Celebrating my brothers 38th birthday. He had two little turkeys to help him blow out the candles.

I took the two oldest boys to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Park Rapids. It was a lot of fun. What beats free food, Christmas caroling, nativity scene and a visit from the jolly old man, himself?

Oh, my gosh! I loved this movie! I have not laughed so hard in a long time. A must see.

I ended the day so thankful for all of our many blessings on this very Happy Thanksgiving!

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."
~G.K. Chesterton~

Take time to be thankful for all of the great things in life...and eat a lot of turkey! If you are one of those people who shies away from stuffing, I highly suggest giving it a try. It's my favorite part....oh, along with everything else. =)

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Here Comes Santa....

Brr...it is freezing out, that chill sure is in the air. I think winter is here to stay. So, if winter is here, you know what that means...yep the holidays, too. I really look forward to this time of year. I can't wait! This year I know, some people are really stressed out over not having much money...so I say make it a homemade Christmas y'all. I LOVE receiving gifts that people put their time and sweat into...it's the BEST!!!! So, starting out I made some tags to put on my presents. Don't you think he is going to look GREAT on the gifts under my tree?
I used Laurie's nestabilities to make his face, hat, and beard. Then added circle punches to make his face and then the Three for You flower punch to add fluff to his cap. Finished him off by adding stickles to his cap. I think he is sweet. Thanks for looking today and have a happy Friday.

Merry Christmas, Baby...

About a month ago the Cabala's Christmas catalog came in the mail and memories started flooding back to me. I started to recall how I spent hours as a child studying, circling, and wishing for toys from the Sears and JcPenney Wish Books. Were you one of them wishers, too? So, I paged through the catalog and started noticing some things that I would like to have. Of course, I circled the wanted goods and placed the size accordingly next to the product. After finishing I thought it was kind of fun reminiscing about years past. However, not much more thought went into it. So, about a week and a half ago I came home to find a small brown box on the kitchen floor. I figured Mack must have ordered more stuff for himself and left it at that. The next day he asked me if I got my package from UPS. I said "no, cause I'm not expecting anything". He told me to look again, cause the package was mine. So, I went and looked at the package and this is what I found.



My friends, this is huge. I couldn't hardly believe my eyes. I was speechless. The pair of sneakers that I had wished for, showed up at my door.



What a thoughtful jester. I think I'm going to have to start circling more items in catalogs and leave them laying around. Wink, wink. =) Have a good day everyone.

November Techniques Class...

Last nights class was titled "Surprise Class of the Year" and it lived up to its title. The first person who came into the stamp room received the cutest little Santa that Yvonne made using the Big Shot. Audrey (first order) and Gail (drove alone)also received one. Santa was made using the scallop die for his beard and the pillow box die as the backing/hat/holder for the treats. He was just adorable, and I'm sad that my picture did not turn out better.



We made three Christmas cards, which I adore. The first one we made was using the "Top Note Die". I love this die, you can use it for so many things. We embellished it with a felt flurry, rhinestone brad and the new Riding Hood Red ribbon. Love it! Of course, I had to buy some of that ribbon...I just like it.



The second card used some of the new Ski Slope DS Paper. We stamped our image onto Craft paper. I have never used SU craft paper, but I really liked it. I just love the color combination of this card. The picture looks so inviting.



The last card is very professional looking. All of us, just loved it. More Ski Slope DS paper and the tree is from the Snow Swirled set. I added some stickles to my card when I got home, so it glistens ever so gently. We also used the Cuttlebug on the envelope flap, what a neat idea.



Lastly, this cute little sour cream container contains M&M's. Yum, chocolate! The container is made out of vellum card stock. The tree is the same tree as the card above, but is embossed in silver powder. This picture does not do justice either, sorry.



I had another fabulous night, thanks ladies for all that you do. Job well done!

Who Let the Mice Out....

I can remember as a child how fun it was to receive crafty things made out of candy canes. Do you all remember the candy cane reindeer? I remember the first time I got one from my dance instructor, I just loved it. It meant a lot to me and I still have it. So, when I saw this little mouse on Dawn's blog, I knew that I just had to make some. How cute of an idea for the candy cane to be his tail. Love it. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great day.

Stamp Camp....

What a fun time I had the last two days. A group of us ladies got together to stamp, or as Peg's husband related to it as a "hen party", I just love that. I will have to remember that saying and start using it. We started out at school for a craft fair. I just love the sounds, aromas, lights and of course the vendors. I think this is my switch that gets turned on and says "lets get into the Christmas spirit". After partaking in the craft fair, we headed over to the old Sew-n-Sew building to begin our camp experience. Waiting for each of us was an adorable bag of goodies Peg made for us.



Inside my bag was chocolate, Kleenex, paper, and card candy...and of course all decorated so cute with the help from her Cricut. Way to go Peg, you ROCK!

I took a few pictures of different projects made by camp attendees. First, I would like to say that Diane, should receive an award for "most productive". Just look at all she did. Just amazing! Way to go Diane!





I did not get a chance to take a picture of Laurie's or Audrey's goodies that they made. However, they also deserve an award. AC you should get an award for "going home the most and bringing back stuff" and LS you should get an award for "bringing the most stuff and all the stuff everyone wants to use (or at least me =o)". Thanks for letting me use your stuff ladies. I appreciate your willingness to help a girl out.

I made a few projects and started a bunch more. My award should be for "starting something and then stopping and starting something new" =) Here is some pictures of the goodies that I made. I want to make more stocking boxes to put little trinkets that I have picked up for different kids. I think this will work perfect.








The last picture I have to share with you all is what Judy made. She gets the award for "thinking outside the box". She used different colors than the rest of us, and the outcome was fabulous. This holder would work great for hot chocolate or cider. Very cute!



So, thanks again Peg for all the fun and festivities! You definitely get the award for "best hostess in town".

Ahoy, Matey...

A couple of days ago I went shopping at Wal-mart and saw that their left over Halloween merchandise was at least 75% off. So, being the bargain shopper that I am, I thought I would cruise the isles. Of course most of the good stuff was already gone, including the candy. Bummer. However, something else caught my eye just as pleasing. Okay, so I may be a little corny but I always thought it would be fun to dress up my Dory dog. So for a mere buck, I purchased an innocent little costume. Nothing to flashy or racy. Just an island hopping, gold stealing, water lovin' pirate. So, when I got home I immediately proceeded to dress up the dog. I just could not wait to see her and take her picture. Well, getting the attire on and making it stay on was another story. Not to mention the dog was not thrilled, in fact she gave me attitude and lots of it. I have never seen a dog get so pissy in all my life. Oh, how I got my dollars worth. I loved it, in fact I'm still busting a gut over it. I hope you enjoy it to. Her face tells it all. If she could talk, I'm sure she would have said something like this "Arrr, this sucks".

Trick or Treat...

I had the opportunity to see several crazy costumes today. Trolls and pirates and hunters and marshmallow men and army guys and Tobi of the Akatsuki (don't ask, I have no clue) and that's just to name a small handful. But I would have to say the hot thing this year was making your costume "dead". Creepy! Like dead princesses, dead cheerleaders...what the heck? What happened to the colorful M&M's and the perky pigtailed cheerleaders? I want to see preppy primary color garb back. You know the stuff that screams trick or treat cheer!

No matter what though, I still like going and seeing my nephew's dress up and seeing them having fun. Yes, even if they choose to dress up as something dead and yes, even if one decides to put his orange balloon sword behind the others head to make it look like a giant penis is going to attack. Yes, even then!? =)

Hope everyone had a great night with lots of treats. :)

Halloween Carnival...

Yesterday was my big debut, being a "Fortune Teller". I think it went well, I'm not sure. Of course I was running late due to not wanting to leave the Pumpkin Party at Carters. Man, I had a good time there. Anyhow, I arrived at the school just after 1:30 and really I was supposed to be there and dressed before then. Whoops. So I go to the staff bathroom thinking that would be a great place to dress because it is bigger than the girls bathroom with the stalls and such. Well I was so into getting my costume out of my bag that I did not hear the janitor fussing with the door and well "hello". Yup, this bathroom is already spoken for. If you could knock next time that would be great. That way we don't have to schedule a preshow. LOL I'm sure it's nothing the poor guy hasn't already seen. Once dressed I make my way to the Cafeterioum and I'm totally shocked how awesome everything is. I really wanted to go around to the different stations and play the games. I just couldn't believe my eyes how many people volunteer and help out.

Just amazing!

Arriving in the cafeterioum and finding my booth. Oh, you should have seen it. It was amazing. It was all decked out in black and purple material and it had candles and a black cat. Absolutely awesome. Someone even let me borrow their electric lighting ball. This totally made the whole thing. I got a kick out of watching the kids look into the thing. Totally mesmerizing for some. I think I could have told them anything and they would have believed it, cause they were so into looking at the ball that I don't even think they heard a word I was saying. How funny.

I do have to say that my three years of subbing definitely payed off a little bit in this gig. It was nice knowing a lot of them and gaging stuff off our conversations. I even had a few adults try it out. That was fun. One boy was asking his mom how I knew so much as they walked away. He couldn't believe that I knew stuff that was actually true. I was a bit amazed, myself. His mom was amazed too, I think. I guess I use to talk to the students too much sometimes, but really I think that is important and well it did pay off. One little girl told me I wasn't real. I told her well I'm caring on a conversation with you aren't I. Then she comes back and tells me "well you don't even have real hair." It was funny then I called her by name and that actually made her mad. What a turkey. I thought it was funny, because really I know her parents well and so I can't wait to say something to them. I think they will think it is funny.

All in all I had a great time. Watching the kids with their overflowing sacks of goodies and their smiles made it an awesome day. I'm really glad that I volunteered. Oh, and sorry that I don't have any pictures. I know! Bummer! My batteries in my camera died and I even had spares and they didn't work. I have been having issues with the poor thing since I dropped it the other day. I hope that I get it working back to normal real soon. I am working on getting some pictures though and I will post them as soon as I get them.

I hope you are had great weekend.

Pumpkin Party...

Every fall I look forward to going to Carters Red Wagon Farm for their Pumpkin Party. If you have not gone before you are missin' out. There is so much to do. Starting the fun is their corn/straw bale/snow fence maze (that kids get through quicker than adults). It's a lot of fun trying to find your way through. I have to admit I needed a bit of assistance to get out. Some folks got so frustrated that they just snuck out. LOL



Some of the other activities include wagon rides, crow shoot, giant slide, a pumpkin propeller, giant pumpkin boats, "cow milking," carpet ball. Fun for all ages!



On the wagon ride they have a silly skit that includes a huge crow, a bear, a gorilla and a boy as Davey Crockett. It was cute.



Lots of photo ops, too. They have several cut-outs to get group photos or individual photos, but only if you can gather the gang long enough to take one. You can even get you picture taken with a giant pumpkin.



They even have a concession stand. With delicious food like hot dogs, a variety of hot soups, chips, fresh-baked pies, pumpkin cookies, caramel apples, cold soft drinks, and warm cider. This is the ultimate place to have your birthday party. Happy Birthday Daityn and Darryl!



So go on out to the Market for lots of friendly fall fun. You'll have a blast.

October Techniques Class...

On Monday night I went to a Stampin' Up! Techniques class at Demonstrator JaNell's beautiful home. We made four make-n-takes. The techniques covered were: Die cut masking and Faux diamond dust. We also got to use the new Big Shot. It was a lot of fun. JaNell and her mom Yvonne are awesome, not to mention very creative. You ladies rock! However, I have to admit even though the cards are always wonderful-its the chocolate with the clever packaging that keeps me coming back. LOL This month they gave each of us a owl treat bag made with the top note die. Isn't he a HOOT?



All four cards were fun to make. The card with the scallop was embossed with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder. This technique/card was probably the most fun for me, just because it contained shine. It sparkles just like if you use glitter, but with less mess. On the card with the Upsa Daisy stamp, we used the rubber left over after you punch out the image. What a perfect way to add color in a controlled manner. The card that is I think More Mustard(?) was stamped with Seasons of Friendship set. The last card is a gift card holder. What a neat idea. I would love to make some of these and hang on my Christmas tree this season.





I had a wonderful evening playing with paper and learning new techniques. Thanks ladies! Thanks LS for driving and making wonderful treats for all of us to enjoy. It was all delish!