Jazzyjess's Joyful Journey

2012-01-25T08:35:00.003-05:00

Oh my gosh, I just realized I forgot to post my card for Enfys' challenge. So people are clicking my link and just seeing my other creations. So here it is. Sorry
folks
The background is some scrumscious grey cardstock my sweetie brought me. The red and white are (I think) from Stampin Up (some my friend Eileen sent me last year). But they've been in my stash for so long, well you know how it is. The ribbon and ric rak were also in my stash as were the flowers. I used Elegent Edges Cricut cartridge to cut the shapes. I tried cutting two of the red ones, and fitting one inside the other. But I couldn't make it work, no matter how small I cut it. So I just popped one up on the card and glued the circle down under it. It has the look of a Christmas ornament. So I may save it for that. But I think I could use it for any number of occasions. Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs, Jess

January update!

2012-01-20T14:47:00.005-05:00

Well I finally got back here after a very long lazy holiday period. I had a lot of things to create for Christmas gifts so I didn't get as much time on the computer as I normally do. And I still didn't get it all finished! There just wasn't enough time.
So here I am with picures of some of those gifts. Most of them were layouts to add to their already existing albums. I made a new album for my grandson Michael and his wife. I've already done a couple more layouts for their book. Then I made a Toy Box mini album for Pete with pix of our sweet little Hailey's first birthday party. She has him wrapped right around her little finger. I'll share some pix of that project. And I've now finished Matt and Tina's Toy Box mini. Which I'll give to them on his birthday. Of course the second one looks better than the first. Which is the way it goes. I imagine that if I make another one, it'll be better still. It was way more fun the second time around. I got the pattern and instructions from Kathy at Paper Phenomonon. If you haven't seen her work....run do not walk to her website! She is so creative.
So here goes the photo uploads...I hope...I never know how it will go...

The first pic is (of Course) out of sequence. It's the top of Pete's Toy Box. Next is an empty page for my grandson Joseph's girlfriend. And then 2 pages for Joseph of a trip to NC to visit Michael. Almost 10 years ago...Oh am I that old...
Then the first page in Michael and Nicole's album. It's of Hailey at her first birthday party...in tears.It's one of my faves.

Next is a pic of Pete looking at his album. Next are pix of the album and it's box.

Finally there is another page for Joes girlfriend,Linda. They're matching pages. One of these days I'm going to figure how to get the pix in the right spots! lol Or not.
Then the last few are of the pages for Matt n Tina's family album. Which is also new this year.
Next post I'll have pix of the Toy Box I made for Matt and Tina. Till then I hope you enjoy looking.

Catch Up

2011-11-28T05:52:00.004-05:00

I have a new Grandson! Mason Lee Smith was born on Nov 25th at 2:23pm. He weighed 7lb 14oz's and was 21 inches long. And he is beautiful...of course! These two pix are of the proud parents, sweet Tina and my son Matt. He waited a long time to be a daddy. And is so proud of his son. I already hear him say "That's my boy"! All went well and that Friday wasn't 'Black Friday' for us! lol

I've finally gotten back into my scrapping. I've moved some of my things into what is now our 'spare' room. But some are still in the livingroom. So...sometimes I have to stop and go fetch something to finish my project. Not the best way to craft...but as they say...it is what it is. Eventually I hope to get everything moved.
The layout is for a Challenge at Let's Scrap.ning. They send me an envelope with some goodies in it and we have to use it all on a layout. This is the 3rd time I've played along. It's fun to see whats comes in the mail and then figure out how to use everything. We all get the same supplies, but all of the projects are so different.
I used some old pix from a family Chritmas when the boys were about 5 and 8. The pix brought back some good memories.

I've also started making cards again, and am making Christmas gifts too. I Have to wait on my Dec. check to finish buying the necessary supplies for some of my planned gifts. So eventually I'll post pix of the finished projects here.
I'm going to try to do better about posting here. I got out of the habit, so I have to work at it a bit until it becomes a habit again.
Thanks for checking in with me.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. And I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, or Happy Hannakah or what ever you celebrate.

Whew!

2011-08-31T04:58:00.003-04:00

Well, I've been among the missing for several weeks as I've been ill...very ill. In short, I went to the hospital in an ambulance...had pneumonia and was sceptic! They told my family to gather as being sceptic can kill you... quickly.
I was in ICU for a week. Then they sent me to a rehab facility to make sure I could walk without falling down! lol Then home.
The problem was they were afraid to give me antibiotics because I have some alergies. So they didn't give me enough to get me better. So after I was home for a week and my brain stopped working... I didn't know who I was, where I was...what year or day it was.. who the president was... etc. (Nor did I care!). So my sweet family took me to a different hospital as they weren't happy with the docs at the first one. This time they did all sorts of tests, kept me for 5 or 6 days. They decided the brian issue was related to all the pain meds I'd taken over the years. I'd taken MSContin for about 10 years! You can't take opiates without them effecting your brain. So they took me off them...the withdrawal wasn't wonderful... but it wasn't terrible either. And I'm happy not to be taking them anymore.
Pain...sure I have pain... and lots of it... but I just take over the counter stuff like Aleve. I still have to take meds for the nerve pain in my feet... I'd forgotten how bad it could be! But that's ok... I'm glad its there to take.
It also helps me sleep...which I wasn't doing. From the time I came home from the rehab hospital, then the last hospital, I hadn't slept more than a couple of hours at a time. When you don't sleep...well it's just not good. So after about 2 weeks when I finally got a good nights sleep...I began to feel I might live!
I was still fighting a low grade temp every day and some other issues that weren't clearing up as they should. So I called my family doc for some more antibiotics on Monday, and can already feel the difference.
I guess the pneumonia was so bad that there were black streaks in my lungs! They said there may not be any coming back from that... well you know I'm stubborn right...But all prayers are appreciated!!!!!

I'm sorry to have droned on and on...I just thought this might be the best place to let everyone know what's going on with me.

However... on a more positive note... Saturday is my Great Granddaughter's first birthday party. So we're going down to their house for her party. I'm excited to see them. I haven't seen them since Hailey was 4 or 5 mos old. They only live a couple hours away, so when I'm better and able to drive, I'll be going down to see them more often. That's the plan anyway.

Well, I hope this finds you all well and happy or resonably so... I haven't done anything creative in a very long time. I have to make a card for Hailey, so hopefully I'll get back into it soon.
Hugs to all................be well
Jessica

Fathers Day

2011-06-20T17:22:00.003-04:00

Here are some pix...and the story follows....

Well on Saturday my sons and their girls and I drove down to Beaufort where my Grandson Michael is stationed. As I've said before, he's in the Marines.
However, he's now scheduled to get out in September because they told him their scaling back personnell?? (Really...how come more just went to Afghanistan?)
Well, any way they say there's no job for him. His plan was to go back to NC and look for work. But they really didn't want to go back, as there are no jobs to speak of. So he checked in with the military to see what they would do for him. Well it turns out they'll pay for him to go to school! And....they're buying a house (it's all been approved!) So they'll be moving into a nice new house soon, he's already taking classes, and Nicole will be going to work while he's in school. I'm so happy they're staying in SC! Now they're about an hour and a half from us! In NC they would have been about 4 hours from us!
They love living in the Beaufort area. I'm so happy for them, they were both so excited that we talked about the house and how we can visit more often. So the day was wonderful, we were almost all together. Pete and Marianne, Matthew and Tina, and Tina's lovely daughter Tiffany. Mariannes mom Virginia came along too. We all had a great time. The only ones missing were my Mom, and Michaels brother Joseph, and Tina's son David. My mom can't make trips that far, Joseph was working, and David was visiting a friend. Well...maybe next time.
The other reason for the visit was that Pete and Matthew's dad, has been gone for a long time. He was in the Navy, so when the time came he was buried in the nearest National Cemetary, which is in Beaufort SC. So we went to Ruby Tuesaday...all 9 and 3/4's of us! Then we had a 3 car caravan over to the cemetary. After a bit of searching, the boys found their dad. It had been many years since they had come to visit. So they reminisced, and we answered questions about their dad from every body else. It was a grand day. So the next time we go down the kids will be moved in... or it may even be a help them move in day! I'm really looking forward to the next visit. My sweetie Don stayed home with my mom. What a guy! He gave me the best gift ever! A day with my guys that was free of worry and stress.
The best part....smiling faces everywhere! Oh and did you notice the ultrasound pic in the midst... Matthew and Tina are expecting his first baby in early December! We'll know the gender next month. We're so excited. She miscarried before... so this time we didn't spread the word too quickly. But there it is a little baby Smith! The age difference between her last child and this one.... 16 years!!! Better them than me! lol But Tiffany is excited, and she loves kids, so she'll be a big help to her mom. My Matthew is beaming! So that's our story for this time.
I hope all is well with you and yours.

Oops

2011-05-10T14:41:00.006-04:00

Well... In an effort to be better at posting to my blog, I erased a couple of pictures that I didn't want to. I still have them... just not here... Grrrrr!
I'll try to load a couple of pix of my Great Grandaughter Hailey. I had done one... I thought...but one turned out to be half a dozen! I didn't want them all here just the one, or maybe 2! I just never seem to be able to do what I need to do to get pictures loaded when and where I want them. I guess it's a good thing I decided against a career in computer programming huh ;-)
Ok, Here goes another try at a pic of my lovely little sweetie, standing...all by herself.
Whooo hoooo! I did it.
Yep that's her, isn't she adorable? She's not a year old yet but is almost walking! Can you hear the buttons popping off my chest? Stand back people they could take an eye out! Sorry I get carried away sometimes. (Frustrate writer without out a story)

Tomorrow I'm going to try to upload some pix of more reorganizing of my scrap space. Hopefully I'll get them from my camera to the computer without incident!

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's day. Mine was quiet, which is the way I prefer it. My boys both called me, to say they love me. Which is what I want to hear. I don't know why, but Mother's day is never one of my faves. It never has been. And this was Don's first without his mom. So he was grappling with the loss again. He handled it well. But each of the firsts will be hard for him. So a quiet day was best for us.
So I'm off to do some laundry, etc. So have a happy day.
Hugs.....................me
What a sweet little sleeping princess! Don't you think she's the sweetest thing!

Re-organization Before

2011-05-06T14:59:00.004-04:00

The first 6 pix are of my scrap space, which is in the last few feet of our living room. The next 3 are of the things that I moved to my son's bedroom. The boxes in the back right are his, and the ones stacked in the left aren't craft stuff.
What a mess!
The last picture is of the beginning of the reorganization. I've moved my craft table to the wall and am using my card table to work on. This gives me more table space, which I filled up way too quickly. (Don always says if there's a flat surface, I'll fill it up. (And he's right too!)
So I've got to reevaluate the way I work, then decide what I need on the table, and what can be somewhere else.
Things are moving slowly as I got off track due to carpet cleaning. I still have to go through the things in the bedroom, and finish purging. I hope to move some of these pix to our Reorganizing Webinar face book page. So I can share them with the other members of our group. I've been having trouble uploading them until today.
So I'm off to give it another try.

Cards

2011-03-20T17:17:00.004-04:00

A couple of these cards(the flag and fireworks) are from a batch that I made to get to someone who delivers thank you cards to our military folks overseas. And with what has recently happened in Lybia, it appears that we'll need a lot more of them. I had been thinking that our military folks would be coming home from Iraq soon. But now it looks as though there is another place to send them! I have a grandson in the Marines, and a couple of friends in the army and I live in a town with an Air Force base. So I am sure that there will be a real need for our continued support. If you know someone who's over there, let them know you care about their sacrifice. And the spouses and children at home too. See if there is something you can do for them. There are a lot of military families who may have a need that you could fill.
But if you can't provide a service... just say a simple prayer. That will be a great help too.

The long card is for my adopted grand-daughter. When she got her braces on her mom wanted her to know that she knew it would be hard. So she got these cute stickers, and I made her a card.
I never know how the pix will load, so they are all out of order. The card with the truck is a birthday card for a friend this month. It's a new stamp set from Stampin' Up. I love it. There's a wooden wheelbarrow, a rooster, an apple and an old fashioned pump with a wooden bucket. Very rustic. My son's both love old trucks, and are both 'country boys'. And one of them has Chickens, so this set is perfect for cards and layouts for them, and most of the other guys I know.
Well, I'll get this up while I can. (I've only been editing it for a week!) I hope all is well with y'all.
Take care

Reason's to celebrate... Do you really need a reason?

2011-03-19T09:51:00.004-04:00

I keep hitting the wrong keys! So if you keep getting notifications of an upload from me... I apologize for my clumsy keyboard skills. And to think, when I still worked, I could type 60WPM with very few errors. That's what happens when you don't use a skill. Even though I use this keyboard every day, it just isn't the same.
OK... onward and upward...I hope ;)

Don and I don't celebrate Valentine's day. We both think it's sort of a "Hallmark" holiday. You know what I mean??? You gotta rush out and buy cards, flowers, candy, stuffed toys, diamonds even! Trust me... if she/he doesn't already know you love them, a diamond will only mean you'll have to go bigger next year! Well...who says... where is it written? Who is St Valentine anyway? Do we even know what we're supposed to be celebrating? I don't think I've ever heard anything about Mr. Valentine. Does anyone know the meaning behind the celebration? I may have to go 'google' it.

Anyway, I've always thought that if you see something that says "Hey, you... wouldn't so and so like me?' That's when you should get it for them. We don't have to wait for a specific day to give a gift do we?
So around the end of the February, Don cam through the door with these lovelies! What a lovely surprise! A bunch of roses, just because he loves me! How cool is that! They were lovely, but I didn't think to take pix until they had opened up. They lasted for over a week! Aren't they beautiful!

So, between these flowers and the 'Donut Stick' cake My year has started off with a bang! Didn't I show you the donut stick cake? Well if you are a facebook friend, you've seen it. But if not... here it is. Yes there's a a story. Simple...I love donut sticks, and when ever he's going out and asks me if I want a treat, I almost always say 'donut sticks please'. It's gotten so that when ever he asks me I just look at him, and that's all he kneeds. When my son came to the house the weekend, after my birthday. Matt and Tina took Don to the store. It never occured to me, that they would bring me somehing. Other than the donut sticks, of course. Don had decided he wanted a cake with donut sticks for candles. It's a good thing he didn't want to put all 62 candles on the cake... it would have been all donut stick, and no cake... well a little vanilla ice cream and I'd have been a happy camper either way.

Silly... of course, that's what he does best.
I'll be back later with a post about my paper cretions. (Which is why I started this blog in the firt place!)
Have a great day y'all!
Hugs, Jessica

Such a slouch!

2011-03-05T11:40:00.003-05:00

That's me... such a slouch about posting on my own blog! I get so wound up in tuning in on other peeps blogs and websites. Plus I have about 50 emails to get through each day. (I know, some of you have WAY more than that!) But I get so excited about learning something new, or trying to get into participating in a challenge. Which is almost always too late by the time I get it ready. That's the reason I don't want to enter something with a deadline. That's me: Classic under achiever!
Add to that, I've tried several times to brush up these photos so they would be viewable here. I'm not sure I've done it. But I'm posting them anyway. I find it odd that on the camera, they look great, lighting is great etc. Then I get them onto the computer to upload... anywhere... and they are dark and blurry etc. I'm assuming it's my photo editing program. But there's not much I can do about that at the moment. So... without further ado, here's is my sweet little Great Grandaughter Hailey and her Mom and Dad(whom I had not seen in many years!) Oh and Nicole (Hailey's Mama) is making bows to sell. So if you like the one Hailey wore on that day, then let me know and I'll connect you and Nicole. Ok, now, really without further ado...

The first pic is of all my favorite boys...well men I guess. From left to right: Joseph (Pete's younger), Matt (my younger),Pete (the elder) and Michael, (Pete's elder.) Sounds like a bad novel! lol And of course Pete is holding his first grandchild, Hailey, as she slept. Then Hailey with her Daddy,(who was talking to his great grandmother). Then Hailey with Granddaddy after she just woke up. I do have several pix of Nicole, but she was so shy about them, that I didn't want to post them until I checked with her. I also have some 5 generation photos, but the lighting is really bad, so I don't want to upload them anywhere til I figure out how to fix them.

I have made some cards and am tryng to finish a set for my friend Mike to use to raise money for a cause that is near and dear to him. I think I've found the perfect focal for them all, and as soon as I get them stamped, colored and mounted I'll be sending them out. I've also had a bit of a re-shuffle with my scrappy leftovers. I have a plastic set of drawers of the type you get at Walmart or the like. Though the piece is large, it isn't meant to hold heavy things. So I've switched around where I keep my paper scraps.

Well, I hope you enjoy looking at my kids, grandkids and Great-Granddaughter. I promise next time it'll be all about creating!
I just got my Gypsy, so I'm learning how to use it. It won't be long before I'll have made some things with it. There have been a few near misses with the size of the cut. But I'll get it.
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you are all well, and are enjoying warmer weather!
Hugs, Jessica

The Christmas Miracle Part II

2011-02-08T11:04:00.000-05:00

What a day we all had! Saturday was so wonderful. I took lots of pix of every one. Some of which I'll upload here and on my facebook page as soon as I finish 'fixing' them.
This was taken by my cell phone. But so far it's my fave of the day. It's of my eldest son, Pete with his sweet little Grandaughter Hailey asleep on Grampa's cheast. Held her for a long time, and then when one of us were ready to give her up, he'd take her again. We took several 5 generations pix. And lots more. We were all flash blind for a while. But I couldn't let the day go without commemorating it with pictures. And poor Nicole said she doesn't like having her pix taken. But I convinced her that this is a very special occasion, so she let us take pix. Thanks sweetie, you're so pretty, I don't know why you wouldn't want your pic taken. But I'm grateful you allowed us to snap away!
We hugged and talked, and took pix, and talked. And ate, and talked, and took pix, and talked. I'm still smiling at the memories. I posed all of my boys together which I love too! What a wonderful day! I think one of the best things that happened that day is when I heard our sweet Nicole murmer, "I'm so glad we came here today." And Nicole, my sweet Granddaughter, so am I. The best part of that day was that it all felt so natural, as though we had just seen each other last week! We were all excited, but beyond that, there was no stiffness or nervousness. We all just fit together. So now, that missing part of our family puzzle, is where it should be.
I'll work on the rest of the pix in the next day or two. I haven't felt well the last couple of days,so I have done absolutely nothing creative. Unless you call looking at my Stampin Up catalog, and making lists creative. I am feeling a bit better today. So it's probably just a 48 hour thing. I hope.
Well back to the email, I just had to share this.
Thanks for stopping by, I'm amazed that I have more than one or two followers! So thank you all for reading my humble little blog,
Hugs to you all,
Jess

Color Me Excited

2011-02-04T11:08:00.003-05:00

No pix today, although I do have some new ones to add. However, tomorrow is a big day, and I find I can't concentrate on anything longer than 5 minutes. Unless, of course, it involves my grand son Michael and his wife Nicole, and their sweet little Hailey!
Tomorrow, I will finally get to see them all! I am so excited to see Michael, after too many years apart. I have missed him so very much. Add to that I get to meet his lovely wife Nicole, and get in as many cuddles as our sweet little Hailey will allow! She's 5 months old now, and what a little beauty she is!

I was looking at some facebook pix of them today and realized that Michael looks so much like his dad! When he was younger, I thought he looked more like his mom. His mom is very pretty, and his dad is handsome too, so together, they had a handsome boy. Oops, I mean man, he is a Marine now so boy won't work anymore. (Although, to me, he'll always be that sweet little boy I remember.)

So they are coming up tomorrow and I get more excited as the minutes tick by. The thing I'm most afraid of is that I'll start crying when I see them. I am near tears now just thinking about it, and I'm not a crier. I guess I'll just have to keep some tissues close by, just incase.

Also coming tomorrow will be Michael's brother Joseph and his girlfriend Lynda. Michaels Dad, Pete and his girlfriend Marianne, and his Uncle Matthew and his girlfriend Tina. And with my mom here, we'll have 5 generations together! So I will be taking lots of pix. I can't remember the last time we were all together. Well... we have not actually all been together at once since before Joseph was born! So I'm thinking we'll all be flash blind for most of the day! lol

Hmmm 9 people here...do we have enough seating for everyone? I'll have to figure that out! Maybe with a couple of lawn chairs we can swing it. Who am I kidding, I don't care if I have to sit on the floor! Well, maybe not, I'd need a crane to get me off the floor! lol

Well thanks for listening. Next time I'll have a whole new batch of pix to share.
Take care, Hugs
Great Grandma Jess

For the contest on Envys blog - Bugs

2011-01-14T12:00:00.003-05:00

Hey, y'all, This card is for the Bug challenge over on Envys' Going Buggy blog.
Envys said Butterflies would qualify as bugs for the purpose of her contest. So I used these that were sent to me several months back in a swap. They are all so pretty, and have differing sizes. But this is the first time I've used them.

I have also been playing with some of Tim's Grundge board, Using several different mediums, just to see how it turned out. I used Distress Inks (of course), both ink pads and refill bottles. Each application goes on differently. I also used some Glimmer Mist, and wasn't real happy with how that turned out. I think the grundge board soaks up too much of it. But the prettiest by far was the new DecoArt Glamour Dust Glitter Paint that I won a couple of weeks back while playing along on Emma and Nikki's blog hop. I won two colors, Tiger Orange and Lemon Drop. This stuff is very thin and leave's a great shimmer. I've put it on paper, card stock, foam, and the Grundge board one inch squares. It all looks great and takes on a different look depending on the surface and the number of layers.
On my card, there's only 2 layers of it brushed on. The first layer went on very thin. So I put on a second coat. If you want a clear color, you need to apply it to a white surface. But it will leave a very thin layer of color and a lovely glimmer no matter what color you apply it to. I really like this stuff. But let me tell you... I got it all over the place! lol I had yellow glimmer on my fingernails for three days! Of course that's half the fun of it isn't it?
So here's the card! The sentiment on the lower left says "A hug is worth a thousand words. A friend is worth more." It's one I've had in my stash for at least a couple of years.I think it came from a dollar store. The little spots are like rain drops. I've left off the ribbon and flowers so that I could use it for a man or a woman. I could just add a little something extra to make it really girly. Or not! Either way you should head on over to Envy's Going Buggy blog. If you havne't already. You'll love her creativity! And she's got some great givaways this week!

Hugs to you all

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T10:26:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, and enjoyed your New Years eve/day celebrations what ever they are.
2010 wasn't the best year for me. Except, as you know my Grandson Michael found us again! That was an awesome end to a pretty lousy year. But enough of that, I'm moving onward, and hopefully, upward.

I've done a little cleaning and rearranging in my scrap space. I cleared out some of the stuff that I've had for ages but never used. I've got it in envelopes, and when I get enough I'm donating it to a charity.

Friday will be my birthday, and it would have slid by without much notice. Which is fine by me. But... my dear friend Eileen, made sure that didn't happen this year! She sent me a wonderful package of goodies! Card stock, "Friend" rub ons, Some Stampin' Up markers, 2 packs of Grundge Board, a star shaped mini book, and an Independance Day Cricut Cartridge! And Also a fabulous card too! I have already said thanks Eileen, but I just had to tell the world how sweet you are! Well maybe not the world, but at least the peeps who read my quiet little blog. Thanks again sweetie! I do love you and not just because you sent me a birthday gift! It's because of the reason you sent it. That would be because you are a very sweet friend, who is always aware, and you keep your friends in your heart. OK enough gushing... well not quite....Here are some pix of the goodies!

Great stuff doncha think! And if any one out in facebook, or blog land has forgotten my birthday, it's ok, cause, while it is wonderful to be surprized, this is not a shameless plug for cards and presents! ;-)
Well have a wonderful new year!
Hugs to you all!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T14:48:00.002-05:00

I want to take this opportunity to say that I am so happy to have you as my friends, and family. And to those of you that don't know me yet, I look forward to getting to know you. My Christmas is going to be slim, but that's ok. I don't care. What I care about is that I will get to spend time with the people I love! We may not all be together at the same time, but as long as I get to see my son's and their sweeties. And my grandsons and their sweeties too. Eventually I will get to spend time with my grandson Michael and Nicole and their sweet little bundle of joy, Hailey too. Of course you know that it's been awhile since I've seen Michael. so you know how special this will be!

So Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you get to spend some time with those you love! Take care of yourselves, and enjoy the holidays.
Happy New year, and I'll be back around after the first of the year.

Till the next time
Jessica

A Scary Thought - But not yet!

2010-12-17T09:24:00.003-05:00

Wow, that was certainly a scary thought,but we've managed to put it off for another month! This economy has surely put the frighteners on many of us! I just can't imagine how those of you with children to raise are making it through all this. The cost of everything is rising. But our paychecks are not! Transportation costs
ie: upkeep, insurance, and gas for the car, are just unbelievably high. My sweetie's been using the bus to get back and forth to work. But they've raised the cost of that too!
And oh my gosh....Groceries keep getting more and more and more costly! We have to shop using the flyer's and coupons we get in the mail. Buying the cheaper brands or generics of everything too. My sweetie does almost all the cooking, and he is a magician when it comes to creating a wonderful tasting meal out of left overs! I am so lucky to have him, and I love him very much!
Well Tomorrow is my oldest son's birthday. But the cost of gas etc being the way it is, we won't get to spend the time together. We'll have to wait til Christmas day for that. The important thing is that we all love each other, and will spend some time together at some point during the season.
So Merry Christmas to you all! And Have a very Happy New Year too!
Hugs to you all

Things here are looking financially worse as days progress. So I thought I'd let y'all know that you might not see me around for awhile. We've been renting this computer and it may have to go back because we are in a hole that keeps getting deeper and deeper. Of course I'll get over it. It won't be easy. But I'll have to spend more time in my craft space, which is the only bright spot in this whole thing. The Worst part, the internet usage will go with it and I woun't be able to keep in touch with my newly found Grandson and his sweet little family. Of course I have his address, and his and all my family member's phone numbers. Of course I lived without a computer for a very long time, so it won't be hard to adjust. I will, however, miss catching up with you all. So maybe I'll be able to get to the library and use their computers there.
So It is what it is, and if I don't get to be with you again before, I just wanted to wish you all a very very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too!
Hugs to you all!
Jessica

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

2010-12-17T07:47:00.000-05:00

This is the most amazing thing I've seen in a long time! You gotta watch it. And please send it on, what a great gift for those who hear this beautiful music!
Merry Christmas,

Jess

Christmas miracles?

2010-12-12T11:56:00.005-05:00

So if you were to ask me what I want for Christmas, I'd say "To have all my boys and their girls around me."
As some of you know I have two sons (Pete and Matthew) and two grandsons (Michael and Joseph). My oldest grandson, Michael, is now 24. The last time I saw him he was around 16. His mom moved around a lot so I've lost touch with him too many times to count. It's always been difficult for me, and especially around the holidays.
On Friday evening, my Son, Pete, called me to tell me that Michael found Joseph on facebook! Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! Michael asked Joseph if he thought we wanted to be in touch with him... How sad, that he doesn't realize how loved and missed he's been all these years! So after talking to Pete, then to Joseph, I got on my facebook page, and found Joseph's page then Michael's. I sent Michael a message along with my friend request. On his page, I also found a wonderful batch of photos. He's in the Marine Corps! I am so proud!Eventually I went to bed and slept fitfully.

In the morning (at 5am when I couldn't wait any longer!) I checked my email, and there it was!!! A response to my request. And a friend request from his lovely wife, Nicole, too! And to add to the wonderfulness of it all.... you'll never guess....I'm a Great Grandmother!!!!

Of course I'm great at being a grandmother, but you know that's not what I mean.
lolol Anyway, Michael and Nicole have a gorgeous little girl! Her name is Hailey Breann and she was born in early September! So she's just 3 months old.

So do you believe in miracles? Or Christmas Miracles? I believe in both kind! And here is my very own Christmas Miracle
I wish you all a very merry Christmas, and I hope you have your own miracle!
Hugs,
Jessica

Challenge

2010-12-09T14:00:00.000-05:00

This is a birthday card for my best friend's daughter. She lost her mom a couple of years ago and it's been very hard on her and her brothers. But I've kept in touch and she's doing very well and is now in high school and doing very well. She is, as she puts is a 'band geek'. So I used the cuttlebug music folder for the first layer. I'm sure she'll enjoy it. I'd also like to enter it into a little challenge over at the Pink Stamper's blog.

I hope all is well with everyone. Christmas being right around the corner you all must be very busy.
hugs to you all
Jessica

2010-11-30T11:59:00.000-05:00

Emma and Nikki's 12 Days of christmas celebration.

Well, Finally!!!

2010-11-21T11:33:00.008-05:00

I have tried to upload pictures from my camera to my computer. I've done it before, using the same software. But all of a sudden the computer won't recognize the Kodak software? Well I decided that when I had the old computer, I used Picasa, and never had a problem. So I went and loaded it on the new one, and Eureka!!! I have new photos to post... finally!

I love it that Picasa and Blogger are both Google programs, so they speak the same language! Thank heavens... since I don't know either language!

These cards are mostly for the Cricut Card Fairy Army. Some are for kids which you can probably figure out for your selves. ;) The card with the Jokers on the front and the 'perfect' hand on the inside is for my sweet Tina's Dad's Birthday. The Spade Straight is actually a magnet I made. They now have it on their fridge. How cool is that. I hit the big time! lol

The lace and ribbons on the first couple of cards came from an Esty shop called Pixie Petals. She makes the most beautiful crochet flowers. They are so tine and just beautiful. You can see a pink one on the card with the little girl sitting on the front. That card also has some seam binding (I think) on which she crochet a little lacy fringe! It's just lovely.

On the striped Happy Birthday card I also used two of the trims I got from her. So if you love them, go check out all the lovely things she's makes. Go to pixiepetals.etsy.com.

Well, I think that's all for now. Maybe next time I can figure out how to put the pix with the appropriate writing. But until then at least I know I can load the pix up!

Thanks for stopping by. And If I don't get back here before Turkey day, which is quite probable, then... well HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hugs Jess

Wow what a batch of candy!

2010-11-02T13:36:00.004-04:00

Well, I sure do have trouble with these blog updates since I got my new computer!
I wanted to send you over to my friend Enfys' blog to have a look at the Candy she's announced today! She's been given a whole set of ProMarkers to give away! Thats 148 lucous colors! So head on over to going buggy and have a look around. I'll try to add a photo of them here, but if not, Enfys has pix and she's doing videos on how to color with them until the drawing in a couple of weeks! So have a wonderful time!
Thanks for stopping by,
Hugs,
Jessica

No I'm not lost....er .... well....maybe......

2010-10-05T11:02:00.004-04:00

No I'm definitely not lost! I just don't always have much to say. I know, sounds silly, when I can ramble on and on as a post on someone elses blog. I guess that's because your posts really inspire me...to scrap and to chat. But then again, it might have something to do with the fact that I have no one to chat with every day. Poor Don, gets the brunt of that almost every day when he gets home.

I've been doing a bit of this and a bit of that over the last couple of weeks. I've had to take some antibiotics that are just plain kicking my butt! Every time I take one, it makes me want to go to bed. So I don't get much done, in the house or in my scrap space. Needless to say that makes me unhappy! So this is just a short post to let you know that I am here. When I come out of the drug induced fog... I'll get something a bit more substantial up for you to look at! In the meantime, here's a couple of cards and a page for my sweetie's book with just his family. The three in this photo are his nephews and his neice. But they are almost all grown up now. I loved this photo, so I had to try to make it shabby. Which I never do. But I like the way this turned out. Still no journaling, and I hope to take a better pic. What do you think?

A winter card!

2010-08-30T15:46:00.001-04:00

For Robyn's challenge

She said to make a winter card. So here is mine

Scrapbook page Oh My!

2010-08-30T15:23:00.002-04:00

It's taken a couple of years to get these pages done! Some of you know that Rhonda, my BFF passed away about 2 years ago. Funny I have blocked out the date... It's been very difficult for me. I still occasionally break out into spontaneos tears. I know, there's no calendar attached to grief. But...holy cow....I'd think by now I'd have gotten on with it... Well maybe now that the first pages are done.
My friend Marie sent me a wonderful RAK, and I sifted through the papers a couple of times. There was a page kit and I decided right then and there that these would be my first Rhonda pages. I got out some pix, I didn't even really pick out any 'special' ones. I knew if I took the time to pick out just the right pix, I'd never get started. So I played around with the whole thing for a couple hours and then stuck every thing down temporatily and went to bed. Then every day for about a week, I'd look at the pages, and fiddle with them or a bit then put them away again. Yesterday I said to my self "Self... get on with it!" and so I did. I put the finishing touches on and then took the photos. So here they are. What do you think? Honest opinions now.

Wedding Bouquet

2010-08-16T16:05:00.003-04:00

Well, It didn't turn out as well as I'd have liked. I also haven't heard if they've received it yet. But it's been long enough, so I'm going to up load the pix now. So here goes!
I also have some cards to show you, but I'll get them up tomorrow. Let me know what you think?

I hope you have a great week.
Jess

Finlly...some creativity captured!

2010-07-29T11:07:00.003-04:00

These are all cards for the Cricut Card Fairy Army. So were on my old computer. But were still in my camera. Others are new pix. And wait till you see the finished 'wedding bouquet' I made for my nephew Kevin, and his new bride Jessica. I don't think I'll upload it until they've recieved it, just on the odd chance someone stumbles onto my blog. I really am very happy with the way it turned out. The flowers are beautiful!

Hugs to you all, Jessica

I'm Baaaack!

2010-07-26T14:40:00.002-04:00

Hey Y'all... well, you see it was like this... there was an approaching thunder storm and I was keeping it in mind so I could shut down the computer before it got here. So it was about 10 miles away, and I began to shut it down when a rogue streak of lightning hit the pole outside or the area where the electricity comes into the house... and the computer went off!!! And, of course, it wouldn't come back on! So we've been with out one for about 3 weeks. We went out the following weekend to check on the prices etc. Then it took Don another week to decide what he wanted to do. So this past Saturday and got the new tower. We got quite a deal I guess, so Don's happy. I'm just happy I'm back on the net!

I had 380 odd emails! And no I didn't read them all! After getting it hooked up and trying to figure out window's 7, I went up to Burger King to get some thing for Mom to eat. While sitting at the drive thru, I put the car in park. And much to my horror, it started making an awful noise... It doesn't do it when it's moving, only at an idle. So I came straight home and shut it down. I haven't started it again. Don seemed to think it was the air conditioner... me I thought it was the transmission. But after he listened to it again, he's decided it has "thrown a rod". Oh Boy! I know that's big bucks to fix. So it's new car time!

I'm not sure what it is, I just know it's a loud banging noise. And I also know that I don't want to be stuck on the road somewhere when it leaves me stranded! So I'm not going far from now on. So I'm going to have to shop on line until we get the new car! I'll only go when and where I have to go till then. You know like the doctor, or pharmacy and to get groceries (If I have to)

I got an HP with all these letters and numbers behind it... DKTP HP 5/50 AIO DMD ATHLON II (What ever that means!) and a 1 yr extended parts and labor, and the second year parts. Every one we know (who knows more about computers) says it was quite a deal. I can't remember how much memory and all that stuff. Which doesn't surprise me. I'm lucky I remember my shoe size! lol

There is a bit of a learning curve for Window's 7, but not too much. Someone told us it was "Window's for Dummies" and I think they were right :) Don is even comfortable with it and he only spent about an hour puttering with it. Not that I think he's a dummy, he's very smart. But he's not real comfy with computers. He's aftaid he'll break it. But he seems to be really happy with it.

I haven't done much blog hopping yet, but I'm off to see how every one is. I've really missed all you're sweet faces!

So I'm off to hop hop hop.
Hugs to all, Jess

WHEW!

2010-07-05T12:50:00.002-04:00

Well, we got moved... it only took a week! Don and I packed, then he started taking boxes over on the Monday and Tuesday after work. He was exhausted by Wednesday, so no toting that evening. He left for Boston on Thursday morning early.

Then I waited until my son, Pete, got off work on Thursday and he brought a friend. Thank heavens. They worked for a couple hours and went home.

Then Pete wasn't supposed to come on Friday, so my neighbors, Shirlee and Louis, were a God send. Louis has had his voice box removed and uses an electronic one. They are often hard to understand. But he'd step in the door and hold out his arms in a 'load me up' kind of posture and off we'd go.
I had to ask an upstairs neighbor to help Louis get our beds over so we could sleep in the new place that night. What a nice guy, he even put Mom's up so I wouldn't have to worry about her.

Then Pete showed up after all! So he and Louis worked at it for an hour or so. Before he had to leave, Pete came to me and said, "Momma, you're going to have to come get those cats into their carriers. I can't find them." One, my old girl Georgie, was already in her carrier where she'd been sleeping for 2 days. She's black so he didn't see her in there. (I figured they'd go in them easier if I just set them out a couple of days in advance.) But the little one, well I mean the younger one, she's not so little, was hiding behind the water heater in the laundry room. (Scared to death!) He was nervous that she might scratch him. But grabbed her by her scruff, then put her straight into the carrier. Worked like a charm. She wasn't happy, but the transfer was a piece of cake. She's settled in now, but for the first few days, every time the door was opened, she ran and hid under our bed!

Then on Saturday my son had to work. So I figured he wouldn't be over that day. But he came and brought two friends so they could get the heavy furnature like the washer, dryer and the ancient dressers and chests we all have! Heavy stuff! One of the cheasts is probably 100 years old, and shows only signs of repair, but no serious damage. They are holding up much better than the cheaper stuff made more recently.
So between Pete, Eric, James and Louis, the last of it was moved over so that on monday the guys could come in to the old place and start repairs.

Don spent a week with his Mom. Going with her to the doctors visit to get the info she and his sister couldn't remember. It doesn't look good. She has a small cell cancer that has matasticized down into her bowel. They'll be starting her on a round of chemo in hopes to get it into remission. Then she'll have to take chemo for the rest of her life if she wants to live.

Don had a Doctor appointment this morning, and spoke to him about her sort of cancer and what he should expect. He said that his mom probably has no more than a year to live. It's sad that I'm here stuck, as there's no one else to care for my mother. And Don has to be here when he'd obviously rather be there.

So more prayers for Ms Beverly please. And for Don and the rest of the family too. This will be a horrible year. I'm sending her cards every week or so, to keep her spirits up. I had thought about a card shower, but I don't think it's a good idea, she hates the fact that she's not invisible now. "The cancer makes every one change in the way they act around me."

So we've all just about settled in. I'm still missing a box from the kitchen. It's in Matthews room. He doesn't stay here much, so we have boxes stacked up around the edges of his kingsized bed! Hopefull we'll be able to get in there today to get it straight and find that missing box!

Well I'm off to play in the room. If I make enough noise, I'll wake Don, who should be up from his nap by now! lol
Hopefully next time I post I'll have some creations for you to see. I've only made what I had to, and never thought to take pix of them!
I hope you all had a great holiday! A young fellow set the woods behind us on fire with his fireworks! The fire engines were here twice last night! And they arrested one because he was aiming bottle rockets at someone! I swear I don't understand that even thought they are illegal in this area, they still sell them at Walmart and at roadside stands around the area. It's ok to sell them, but not to use them? Does that make any sense to you?
Well I really am off this time.
Hugs, Jessica

Wow almost 1,000 visits!

2010-06-22T11:09:00.002-04:00

I'd never have believed I've have that many visits. Of course it could be the same two peeps visiting every day :) None the less it's pretty cool. Because if it is just the same few peeps visiting when ever I post, then they are pretty nice peeps! Any way, thanks to you all who have visited and left me love. I really appreciate your comments. It's like having a good friend hug me, just when I need it! It truely makes blogging worth the effort! Thanks so much y'all!

So we're in the middle of the move. I have to pack the bathroom in a bit, then the rest of my craft goodies. Then probably the bits and bobs in our bedroom. Then to finish getting mom packed. I don't think we'll be spending the night there tonight. We should get some of the furniture over this evening, but probably not the beds set up and the coffee maker and all the other important things we'll need to stay there. So we'll staying there tomorrow night.

The poor cats just don't know what's going on...Georgie, my old girl, is happy if she's got boxes to sit on. The taller the pile the better. Rebel is a scardey cat. She runs and hides in the laundry room when something is going on. She spent the day on the freezer yesterday, and the day before. You should see her run for it when she hears thunder! Scratching furiously at the door to get in. We leave it open a bit so she can get in.

Well I'm off to pack... some more.... You know the worst part. I've got boxes of books that haven't been opened in years. I always wanted a library, with a comfy chair. But that's probably not happening, so I'm going to donate them, some where.
So we've...or rather they, had to move them .... again.... So this is it, I've got to go through them and get rid of them. :( But I expect I'll live ha ha ha.

Ok, now I'm really off to pack. I hope y'all have a great day!

When it rains....it pours!

2010-06-18T12:01:00.002-04:00

What a month it's been!

First we got a call from Don's sister saying that their Mom has a problem with her shoulder.
Then they saw something unusual and did tests and it might be cancer, but probably not.
Then well if it is cancer, it's probably treatable.
Then oops! It is cancer!
Then she went to a different doctor.
Then it was stage 3 cancer.
To finally, now it's probably terminal!
It must have been like being mugged every couple of days for about 3 weeks!

So Bev's having tests this week to see what the true extent of it is. They're doing a couple of different scans this week. Then she's going in next Friday to get the results, and she would like Don to be there with her. And of course he needs to be there too. So he flies out next Thursday morning to go spend a week with her. I wish I could go too, just to be there for him. In fact I wish we could just move up there to help her through this. But... I have to stay with my mom.

Even though Don and I aren't married, we've been together for 8 almost 9 years now, and Bev has been the sweetest 'Mother in law'! Well maybe 'sweetest' isn't the right word, as she's not your average "sweetie pie". Not Bev, she's tough, she's still working everyday at 72! She's funny and kind and loves her children and grandchildren above all else. And she has taken me into her heart and family completely. So I wish I could be with her to help in any way I can. But well, it is what it is, I guess.

And as if that's not enough... there's been a crack in our dining room ceiling, right by our front door for several months now. I finally got someone from the office here to look at it. As they finally realized that it is a load bearing beam, it could be quite an issue. The guy came in Tues morning and started opening it up to see what was up...Well what does he find... termites... live termites. And lots of old damage as well. The fact that I saw, and reported, swarming termites to them last year, and they ignored it, makes me a bit angry. This could have been dealt with long before now.
So now, along with Don having to handle loosing his mom in the near future, and having to go away for a week. We have to move too!

We're hoping the management will work with us around his schedule. They've been kind enough to get us another apartment in the building right accross from ours. It's exactly the same as this one. So we don't have to worry about renting a truck to move across town. But it's still going to be an issue if they don't want to wait for Don to get back from Boston. But they've given us a big break on next months rent!!! So I can't imagine that they won't wait. They've given us the apartment in Bldg A because of mother's and my health issues. So I'm almost sure that they'll give us the time. The only thing they'll have to worry about is when the guy that's doing the repair will be able to do it.

Me being a glass half full kind of gal, I look for the good in all this. First the new apt. has trees all around it. So no sun streaming in the bedroom windows really early in the morning! I can't sleep much past 6:30 or so, unless I cover my face, and I hate that. Also, Don and I are getting the big bedroom this time. It has a half bath in it, and that will be great.
Also because the afore mentioned trees, we'll have a yard to sit in!!!!! Right now when we want to sit outside, we have to sit in the breezeway between apartments. That's not a terrible thing, but we have to share our outdoor experience with anyone who crosses through the breezeway. We're in good terms with our neighbors, so it's no a problem. It will be just so much nicer to have our own little 'yard' area. That's not something you usually get in apartment dwelling!

Well, I've got to get off the computer, as our daily thunder shower is blowing through. I wish you all a good day and weekend to come. And please say a prayer for Don's mom and thier family.

Yikes ... Cakes!!!

2010-06-12T08:53:00.003-04:00

So I opened up my email this morning and found that someone with a name oddly similar to my son's, had left a message on my blog. I was hesitant to open it so I went at it a different way by opening a new window and typing in the page id. Surprise, surprise, it was a real blog, with the most amazing cakes that were probably made by professionals. I haven't checked out the rest of Matt's blog, but it's worth a visit just to see all these Fathers day cakes! So go check out these amazing cakes. And enjoy your weekend!

Brave GirlsClub

2010-06-10T09:49:00.002-04:00

I've discovered a wonderful website! It's the Brave Girls Club The whole concept was developed by Melody Ross and her sister Kathy Wilkins. They live in Idaho and 4 times a year they host a Brave Girls Camp there.

Go read all about it, if you don't already know. I have started saving my pennies so I can go (one day). And I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience.

But the best thing, right now....today...they send a joyful 'Truth' to your inbox everyday. It is alwys uplifting and sweet sounding. And it's always something I need to hear.
Here's todays truth:

June 10, 2010
Dear Amazing Girl,

When we are in a stage of learning in our lives, which we almost always
are...sometimes the very best thing we can do is to let ourselves UNLEARN
old things...old patterns, old beliefs, old myths about ourselves or how
life "should" be.

It's totally ok to delete things out of our brain that we've held onto for
a long time; it's ok to change and to adopt new beliefs and new habits and
new ways of being who we really are. When we try to just cover up old worn
out things that we once learned in one way or another, they are always still
there, nagging at us. Let yourself unlearn things that pull you further from
where you are meant to be.It is ok.

You are amazing, gorgeous and so brilliant...and that's the truth.

xoxo

Isn't that a great thing to think about yourself!
Well I'm off to the Doctor's office for my check up. So I'll have to stop here.
I wilsh you all a wonderful day! And go be A Brave Girl!

WOW!!!

2010-05-28T08:28:00.003-04:00

I just stumbled onto a challenge blog. They are having their "blogaversary!" Dont you just love all this new blog language. It's sort of like text message language. Well... almost. Any way the giveaway (seen on the sidebar) is unbelievable. There are already over 650 entrants! And the deadline is May 31st. So get over there and check it out!

You should go see the list of the things in the RAK! They said it's over 300 dollars worth of goodies. I don't know what I'd do if I won it. But what the heck, I have just as much a chance as any one else...don't I.

Well off to play in my stash!

Hugs to all, me

Interesting Information

2010-05-27T11:51:00.002-04:00

So ... I was looking at another blog the other day who's owner was touting the wonders of these new pen's that work in the Cricut. They are magnetic and the holder for them fit's in the Cricut just like the one that Provo Craft makes.
I haven't bought any markers or pens yet, because you have to buy the holder too. And the whole thing is rather expensive.
These new pens are not made by Provo Craft, who has been conspicuous in their silence about them. So I sent PC an email to ask them about the magnetic properties of these pens and whether or not the use of magnets will harm my Cricut, and if it would, would that then void my warranty.
The response I got was "these pens are not made by Provo Craft," (I knew that)and "the use of any non PC item will indeed void the warrenty."

Well that was part of the question. But they didn't answer me about the magnetic issue. I know that magnets can do damage to lots of things. But I still don't have the answer to that. However, I guess I'm not going to use the other pens, even though they are cheaper. I just don't want to do anything that will put my machine in jeopardy. It is rather an expensive thing to have to replace!

So anyone out there who has these pens. If something goes wrong with your machine (I sure hope not!), maybe you shouldn't tell them about using anything other than PC add ons. I don't mean to promote lying, I just want you all to know about the company's stand on this issue.

Anyway, I guess I'll save my pennies to get the pen holder. Living on a fixed income is a real pain in the pocketbook!!! I wish some of our polititions, or maybe even all of them, from the President on down, should live for a year on the average Social Security income. Maybe they'd understand what it's like to be the average
American citizen!
OK well, enough whining for today. I hope everyone is having a great day, week, month, year... life! :)

Back again

2010-05-21T12:13:00.002-04:00

These are some pix I took last year at the waterfront park in downtown Charleston. The fountain the kids play in is at the entrance to the park. There were people in period dress picnicing as they would have done during the Cival War!

The last is the Custom's House where the ships coming into the harbor had to dock to have their cargo checked and paid duty on, before they could unload.
We really enjoyed the day down there. We watched dolphins feeding in the river, just where it meets the ocean. This is such a beautiful city. It's easy to see why so many tourists come here for vacation. Maybe I'll try to load up some more so you can see how pretty our city is.

Have I said I hate this new keyboard? It's smaller so the keys are closer together. I keep hitting the wrong keys! Grrrrrr! I know just deal... But it just slows me down!
Well I've gotten beyond the funeral. I've been in touch with my friend who's wife passed away a couple of weeks ago. He seems to be ok, but I know he's having a hard time. But he's been in touch with the kids, or they with him, and so that's helped him a great deal. I love him, so I'll keep in touch, I know this first year will be the hardest.
So I'm off to see what else I can get into...

I've got a wedding coming up, that I won't be able to attend. It's going to take place in Kentucky. And I won't be able to make the trip, but I'm going to make a little something for the bride. I won't share it here until she's gotten it. I don't think they even know I have a blog, but just in case...
Who's getting married you ask. It's my Ex-hubby's nephew. We got a divorce, but I was able to maintain a couple of the reletives as my own! His neice, Nikki, is one of them. She came to Charleston to live and ended up staying with us for about 3 years. She's like the daughter I never had. She went back to NH several years ago. I hated to see her go. I miss her a bunch.
The nephew who is getting married is his youngest brother's son, Kevin. He just got back from the desert!!! I'm so glad he's come back in one piece! I wish I could go up for the wedding, but I trust his dad to take a bunch of pix to share. I found something in a magazine the other day that is just beautiful. I hope it looks as beautiful when I finish mine... But I'm hoping the bride, Jessica, will like it.
Otherwise... I've been making some cards. And preparing the bits and pieces for the secret project. And, straightening up the stash...as usual! Thats an ongoing project! I'm always finding containers of different sorts to put things in! then I have to find a place to put the container! lol I know you all understand.

I have to wait to hear what colors Jessica will use in the wedding, before I can go to the store and get the rest of the things to finish it.
I spent a couple hours last weekend at my lss, Charleston Scrapbooking. I met Amber who works there. She and I enjoyed a good chat in between customers. She tried her best to sell a Cricut Expression. And I tried to help. I think this lady will buy one. I'm just not sure where she'll get it.
I had a great time shmoozin with the girls! It is so rare that I get out of the house, so when I do I make the best of it! But Amber and I just seemed to hit it off. we've traded blog addresses. Hey Amber! I got another scrap box thingy to store the Cricut cartridges in. But I forgot, and so did Amber, to get the insides of it. You know the piece that holds the Cartridges! So when I go back, I'll have to get that. Right now the cartridges are just rattling around in there! I don't want any of them damaged, so I'm careful with it. Does anybody know how fragile they are? I've never heard any one say anything about it.

Well, I'm off today to play in my stash. I hope every one enjoyed the Hello Thursday sneak peeks at the new cartridges coming out. I love the Wall Decor one! What beautiful pieces of art!
Well, ta ta for now, I wish you all well. Have a great weekend!

That wasn't as hard as I thought it would be!

2010-05-02T07:26:00.002-04:00

Well the funeral service and following luncheon are over... It was hard to get through, but the man who did the eulogy spoke as though he knew her well. That always makes a funeral service easier to get through. We, Zee's family and friends were all comforted by his words. I watched Darryl (to be sure he was OK through it all) and as time passed he sat more and more upright... As though the words of praise for Zee lifted him up too. 'The wind beneath my wings' wove through my mind as the service came to a close. Darryl was surrounded by his children and grand children and he got through it.
Afterwards, when Darryl and I spoke of Sarah, his beautiful granddaughter. His face absolutely lit up! So I know there is peace and joy in there that will help him through the grief.

Brad, their eldest son,(and Sarah's daddy) expressed his concern for Darryl, after everyone goes home. Brad lost his wife 2 years ago, so he spoke from experience. I told him I will keep in touch with Darryl. I'm hopeful that many others will too.

Now that the hardest part has been gotten through, life goes on. Or maybe the coming months and years will be the hardest...

During the luncheon I found myself thinking of all the things I could put on a scrapbook layout for Zee. When suddenly people were looking around the room, under the tables and chairs, saying there was a 'critter' in the room. It had been sitting under a chair when a woman sat down. Which startled the woman and the critter. It turned out to be a baby opossum! Most of the women were trying to stay as far away from it as they could. But Shelly, Darryl and Zee's daughter, walked calmly up to it and picked it up. She walked back through everyone, and got a box to keep it in, so she could release it back into the wild in a safer area.
It struck me how like Zee that was, she was always taking in strays. Animals or people, she had such a huge heart. I will miss Zee, as all of us will. I'm thinking I'll have to make it a mini book instead of just a page or two!

Thanks for all your prayers. Please keep Darryl and the family in your prayers.
I hope everyone had a great NSD and will enjoy your Sunday.

Sadness... or happiness?

2010-04-30T13:11:00.002-04:00

It all depends on how you see things. I believe what the bible says about the afterlife. So when I loose friends I waffle between sadness that they are gone,and happiness that they have gone on and will be there to greet me when I get there.(providing I do get there!)

I got one of 'those' calls this morning. You know the one... your friend has been battling cancer for several months, and was admitted to the hospital 3 or 4 weeks ago. But she never got better and has finally lost her battle. Her name is Zee, and we've been friends for well over 30 years! She was a Christian and one of the sweetest, most courageous women I have ever had the pleasure to know. She was always able to see the sweet side of life, even if it snuck up and bit her in the butt occasionally.
Her husband and I have been friends for a bit longer as he was my insurance man, when they still came to your door to collect the monthly premium!

So when Darryl called me this morning right at 8am, I knew what was coming. she had been on my mind for days. And several times I picked up the phone to call but it was either too early or too late. So I never got to go see her. That saddens me some. But on the other hand I will remember her like the last time I saw her. We were all sitting in my living room celebrating Christmas....in February! :) We always did things late. We were so busy trying to get our own broods together for the family celebration. So by the time we got that and all the other things we must do during that time of year, it was Christmas in Feb or March! We have even done Christmas and Easter and my mom's birthday all at once! Anyway, on that day, we were laughing and catching up on each others family stuff. She was smiling and felt very good considering her treatments. So I am grateful to have that memory of her.

So, tomorrow morning, at 10am, I'll be at her funeral. I hate it, but I wouldn't miss it for the world. It's just sad that as we grow older the only times we see each other seems to be at weddings or funerals.

We reach a time in our lives where we start losing our friends and extended family. I've lost several friends over the last few years. But Zee is one of the best of them. I will miss her...quite a bit!

I had planned to try to get to my lss for NSD. But I'll be saying goodbye to my dear old friend instead. I hope you all have a great day, and say a prayer for us all, please. Both Zee's family, and mine. It will be a difficult day for me and my boys. Don knew her only a few years, but he loved her too. He said of her once, "She is one of very few women I can honestly say that she is a true lady." And that is very true.
Thanks for your prayers.

oops I forgot...

2010-04-22T14:52:00.003-04:00

The 1st photo is my Cricut peeking out from her new cover. The 2nd, shows her hiding under it! I got the pattern from the Custom Crops website. It was so easy, I didn't bother to get out the machine. I stitches it by hand. It only took about a half hour, and most of that was in the pinning it together!
Isn't it pretty. Can you believe I found this fabric in a box that I hadn't looked in since I stopped doing cross stitch!
Well, that really is all for today!
Have a good one!

New Cards etc.

2010-04-22T13:51:00.004-04:00

Ok, it's time for another post... well past time really. I get so busy doing other things, that time just gets away from me. So here are a couple of family photos that were taken over Easter Weekend, which was also my mother's 90th birthday! I think she looks pretty good for 90...what do you think? The first photo is my eldest, Pete and his GaGa. He started calling her that before he could talk, and it stuck. I must admit hearing an adult male calling someone, anyone Gaga makes me smile! Next is my younger son, Matt and his girlfriend Tina. Then Pete and his girlfriend Marrianne. It took them a long time to find each other. But they finally did. Don't they look happy! The photo's of me and Don were horrible, so I won't post them. Maybe I'll be able to edit the bad stuff out. But not today:)
The cards are for Cricut Card Fairy Army missions. Except for the blue and white with the boy in the highchair. That was for my dear friend Sherry's baby, Tobias'. first birthday. I can't believe he's already a year old! Time just runs away, and before you know it your kids are all grown up and your grandkids too! So all you ladies and gents with young children and or grand children, cherish every moment with them. Because before you know it....they are grown, and busy raising their own families!

Oh a little note, This last card, check out the butterflies... I don't remember where I saw or read this idea, but it's certainly not mine. The butterflies are photo corners! These were clear plastic on the front, so I used my copics and colored them. This was the first time I tried it. But I liked them so much that I just added some flight paths and used it as a card focal. I wonder how many gazillion photo corners I have laying around? Well, I thought you might enjoy them.

Have a wonderful Thursday, I'm off to enjoy the sunshine for a few minutes.

2010-03-24T11:51:00.003-04:00

These two cards were also for card fairy missions. The one with the boy at the baseball field is a Flower Soft image. I used the spring mix of colors around his feet. When I saw an ad for these images in a magazine, it was in a pack with another image of two boys, walking arm in arm, off a soccer field. It made me think of my two boys. Though they were never buddies when they were little, they are as different as day and night. When they were young, that was quite a problem.
There was much bickering and worse. In fact I recall several times when Pete, the oldest, chased Matthew who ran as fast as his little legs could carry him toward me. Matthew screaming "Mama mama mama!" And Pete yelling "I'm gonna hurt you boy!"
I have learned since then that Matthew provoked him most (if not all) of the time!

But now they get along quite well. So when I look at that image, I imagine them on their way to the Nascar race at Darlington, SC each year. (which is my Birthday gift to them.) Truly enjoying their time together. Though I am sure they don't walk around arm in arm...but you get the picture! I think I'm going to see if Flower Soft has a shade of red that would match my Matthew's hair, and a brown to match Pete's... that would be quite an image for me to hang in my scrap space!
Well, anyway, that's it for today folks. Thanks for stopping by. I'll have more photos in a day or two.

Pictures...Yay!

2010-03-24T11:32:00.005-04:00

These are all cards I made for Cricut Card Fairy Army missions. Except the Hello Kitty card. That one was for my neice who loves Miss Kitty. She's not a 'little' neice, but she still loves Hello Kitty and Strawberry Shortcake too! So she'll probably get cards with cuts from this cartridge for the next 10 years! lol or until we are both sick of it! lol
I have a couple more pix of some cards but this is already a big post so more next time!

Now here are a couple pix of my scrap space after I changed things around so that my stamps are all on a shelf. I'm hoping I'll use them more since I can see them. It's already worked. They are in cd cases across the second shelf! Holy cow do I have a lot of stamps. And I still have a half dozen sets that are still on wood that I don't want to change.

Hey everyone

2010-03-16T12:01:00.002-04:00

I'm sorry that I haven't posted since I got Don home from the hospital. Life's little ups and downs just like everyone else...

Don's doing very well. He told me yesterday, "I feel almost back to normal!" I asked him what he meant. He said he had been feeling like there was still something wrong with him. I suspect that he thought he'd be able to do the things he had always done before, right out of the hospital. I kept telling him not to push himself, that Angioplasty is an invasive proceedure. And he should take it easy. He of course, understands that intellectually. But he's never had to "KNOW" it before. It amazes me sometimes that he's made it past 50 without a major illness or injury! How lucky he's been! Oh, he had lots of football injuries, and a car accident or two, but they weren't too bad. So he just did what young men do... he "Walked it off". You know...play with a broken wrist, or finger, or pulled muscles..etc etc etc! What he did was ignore everything. But now he's learning there are some things that you can't ignore!

I guess the difference in us is that I've had a painful back problem since I was a small child. And it has followed me all through my life. Along with several other health problems along the way that made me aware of just what my limitations are. He hasn't had those. So with this illness, it's all new to him. I guess his learning curve was pretty steep! But he's doing really well, and already losing weight. We've been eating healthier since I was diagnosed with diabetes in December. He looks like he's lost 10 to 15 pounds...he's looking really good. Me...not so much! I've lost about 5 pounds....in my hands. My rings are always falling off!

I was eating ice cream just about every day until November, when I realized how much weight I'd gained. I stopped eating it at all. Along with all things sugary, since December. I don't eat any sweets. Just fruit and some pretzels. It's all fruits, veggies and lots of water. And do I look like I've lost weight???? No not even a pound! It's very irritating! He has always found it easy to lose weight.(And I'm really happy for him.) However, I look like I've found all he's lost, and am storing it in case we have another ice age!

Well, anyway, we are all well. Mother's 90th birthday is on April 3! So I'm trying to figure out what kind of cake or pie or something that she can enjoy, but won't hurt Don or I if we have a bit. Anyone got any ideas? I'm open to some good recipes.

So that's about all for now. I think I've got a couple of pix on the new camera, but I really haven't been scrapping much lately. I have, however, joined a swap so I've got to get off my hind parts and get busy...well I need to get onto my hind parts, but in a different chair....:)

I hope all is well with you and yours. Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs to you all!

He's baaack!

2010-03-07T09:00:00.003-05:00

Hey Y'all,

I brought Don home from the hospital yesterday afternoon. We had to stop at Walmart to fill new scrips, and pick up some refills.My plan was to go in and take care of some shopping while he waited in the car. (It's usually the other way round.) He, however, had other ideas. He insisted on doing it himself! I told him he shouldn't overdo, by taxing the area where he could cause a bleed where they opened the artery in his groin.
Can you say stubborn! (There's got to be a picture of him in the dictionary next to the word!) We needed milk and a couple other things. He had decided what he wanted to eat and wanted to buy the ingredients. I asked him if he wanted to go in to the pharmacy, and let me go to the other part of this very huge store. He said "No I can do it!) not once but 3 times... When he came back out he was very pale! He said it was because his legs hurt because he'd not been able to walk the last 3 days. But I think there was more to the pain than that. I kept warning him not to overdue, but of course, he's a guy and he's going to do what ever he wants to do!

Now the specifics, they found a small blockage when they did the cardiac cath procedure. They then did Angioplasty to repair it. They insert a balloon into the artery and got it to the blockage, then they blow up the balloon. Don said they kept telling him that it wouldn't hurt. He said that was an outright lie! When they were blowing up the balloon he said it really hurt. His pain tolerance is very high, so it must have been very painful!

The worst part for him was to have to lay in the same position for several hours. The first 6 hours before they took out the plug. Then the next 6 hours, in the same position to make sure it won't leak. Those of you with arthritis will know how hard it is to stay in one position for long. But he made it through, as I knew he would.
And the doc's say all is well!

Thanks to you all for your prayers and well wishes. It won't be long and he'll be back to normal. (what ever normal is.)
Take care

Oh Goodie (she said sarcastically)

2010-03-03T13:29:00.002-05:00

Don woke me this morning saying he was having cheast pains! So I got up in a rush and got mother her morning breathing treatment and her breakfast. Then off we went. As it turns out it was probably an anxiety attack. But you have to check it out. They've transferred him to their bigger facility where they have a cardiac unit. They'll keep him overnight and then he do a stress test tomorrow. Then they'll probably send him home. I think it's a good thing since his dad and all four of his grand parents had heart disease. So it's probably a good thing that we get a baseline stress test. As well as certain knolwedge about what's going on in there. I think since he's nearing the age his dad was when he passed has got him nervous. He says not, but he had an anxiety attack...it has to be someting. So I just thought I'd pass on the info here. And if you are praying folks, you could say one for my sweetie! I'll let you know as soon as there's anything to know.

Take care of yourselves.

Hack, cough, sneeze, cough......etc etc etc

2010-03-02T15:21:00.002-05:00

Well I finally got the cold. It took me over a week, and I thought I had skated through without it. But I wasn't so lucky! I started with an ear ache yesterday. I was hoping it was only because I had the car window down yesterday. Not! This morning I woke up sounding like James Earl Jones with a frog in his throat!
I don't feel so good, so of course, I have to do laundry, and clean up the spots on the carpet where mother spilled coffee. Of course she swears she didn't do it. She's the only one that takes coffee to her room. She carries her cup dangling from her hand as she walks. So there's about 25 spots on this awful beige carpet! I got her a cup with a lid so she wouldn't spill, and what does she do...she lays the lid on it, instead of putting it on properly. So There's stride, splash, stride, splash...all the way down the hallway! And, of course, because I don't feel well, it's so much worse than it would be otherwise. So I haven't been crafting for the last couple of days, and I guess I won't be for the next couple either. Don said his cold went just as quickly as it came. He had it for about 3 or 4 days then it was gone! I hope it works that way for me too. And I hope nobody out in blogland gets it. It's not terrible, I just feel ucky in general. Or as my Dad used to say "I've got a general feeling of all overish-ness!" So I'll be back in the next day or two... I hope.
Be well everyone.

An Award!

2010-03-01T09:25:00.002-05:00

Color me shocked! Thanks so much to my sweet friend Sherry. Now I have to tell 7 things about myself, and forward the award to 15 people. Do I know 15 people? Ok let me see......

Eileen at eiyiyi.blogspot.com
Enfys at going-buggy.blogspot.com
Kath-allthatglittter.blogspot.com,
Pinky at blueyecicle.blogspot.com
Louise at cafelouise.blogspot.com
Christina at creationswithchristina.com
Debby at debbysdares.blogspot.com
Robyn at mypinkstamper.com
Anso at glitteradventure.blogspot.com
Marie at marielevite.blogspot.com
Giovana at giovana-believe.blogspot.com
Shazza at artasticchallengeblog.blogspot.com
Crystal, our fearless leader at the Cricut Card Fairy Army
Helen at firenzecards.blogspot.com
Michelle at chelemom.blogspot.com
(These aren't links, just the names of their blogs)

Some of these ladies may not know who I am, but they all contribute to my knowledge and creativity almost daily. I'd like to say thanks to them all, so I'll use this award to say it for me. And if you already have the award, or don't usually put them on your blog, that's ok, it's not the picture of the award that's important, it's the meaning behind it. So thanks ladies, so very much for all your inspiration!

Ok now 7 things about me....
1. I always thought getting old wasn't for sissies, but now I am sure of it!
2. I must have my coffee in the morning...you understand....MUST HAVE!
3. I'm very, very grumpy when woken up by loud noises etc.
4. I love reading, good old fashioned mysteries, like the Agatha Christie sort.
5. I love a good laugh. And some of you ladies make me smile a lot!
6. I have a terrible memory. So I make lists...lots and lots of lists. Then I
forget where I put them!
7. I spend way too much time on the computer, but blogs really spark my creativity!

Ok, now I'm off to tell all the ladies about this award! Thanks Sherry, It was fun!

Whooo Hoooo

2010-02-25T09:38:00.004-05:00

New Cards!!! I can't believe I actually have pix to post! I finished 3 cards last night.(I was up til midnight!) And I remembered to take photo's! These are 2 for my 'Card Fairy' group, and one personal one.
I got the ideas from the March/April issue of Paper Crafts Magazine. They had some sketches I liked, so I made them mine. I have lots to catch up on! So here goes.

These photos haven't been altered in any way! This new camera is just wonderful! Next time I'll set them on a better background. I just wanted to see how they would come out. And I love...love...love my new camera!

The March calendar page was made with my new Design Calendar cartridge. It's my first one, and I'll change the sort of papers on the rest, as you couldn't see the numbers until I traced around them. And I lost #27 some where too. But that's ok, that's how I learn best! My first attempt at any cartridge is usually not good enough to use. But this turned out ok. It hangs on the wall beside the computer.

And isn't Rebel a cutie! With her smudged nose...and no tail! And hey...Did I mention that I love my new camera?:)

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Ok, here we go

2010-02-21T12:42:00.000-05:00

I had to load the photos to the camera's software, then to my Picasso software so I could get it to my blogger account? I'm sure there's an easier way, but for now here they are.

The pix are of my Mom and her grumpy self. Our newest family member, Tina, we love her because she's so sweet! And Then my son Matthew and Tina together. The pic of Mother is the first I took then Tina, and then them together. I'm sure there's a learning curve with this just like everything else computer related! But I'm having fun anyway. My first picture effort will be to take new pix of a mini album I made of our family Christmas in 1960. I'll then send them to my cousin in KY. She's the only one left of our generation. We have a very small family. Except for the extended members of my great grandfathers children and their children. My Grandfather was one of 12 so there are a gazillion of us out there, I guess. I just don't know them.

Ok enough chatter...here come the photos....I hope!

New Camera!!!

2010-02-21T10:00:00.002-05:00

Well it's not a cannon with interchangable lens', but it's got a great huge video window! And it takes great pix! I ended up with a Kodak Easy Share C190. It's a 12MP with a 5X zoom. And it's RED! My fave color. I didn't choose it because it was red, in fact I wasn't even sure it was red until I opend the box!
I was looking at the same basic camera, except it had 8MP and a lower power zoom. But for only $10 more I could get the better camera. So I went with the bigger one, and it turned out to be red. I am so drawn to red that I've had 2 red cars, two red cell phones, and now a red camera.:)
I'm still learning how to put it through it's paces, but I took a photo of my son Matt and his girlfriend Tina, last night. It came out really great. But then he took a pic of me, and it was horrible!!! You could see all my imperfections! I don't know if I like this new HD craze. I mean really, do we want to see Tom Cruise or Angi Jolie with all their zits and wrinkles? I sure don't want to see mine! lol
So my cute little camera is small enough to carry in my hand and I can take pix, videos, make voice recordings etc. I also got a big new battery charger and new batteries for it. So I shouldn't have battery troubles for quite some time! :)
I'm going to load in the software, then I'll try to load the pic I took of Matt and Tina so we can see just how great this baby is!!! Be back in a bit!

Whoooo Hooooo

2010-02-20T09:54:00.002-05:00

We're going today to get our new camera!!! And I'll get a new battery charger and batteries, and maybe a second memory card. I'm not sure what camera we'll settle on, but I've done a bit of looking around. It will probably come down to cost in the end, as many things do. I hope to get out early enough to get my friend Sherry's goodies out to her. I know she's excited to start playing with them. Just as I'm looking forward to our new camera. So this is a short post... I have to get mother's breakfast, and get in the shower etc. So I'm off to play in camera land! I'll let you know what kind of camera we get. I can't wait to be able to take pix again!
I hope you all have a great weekend!

Ok lets see if this is better!

2010-02-13T12:21:00.001-05:00

Well it's not much better, but you can at least see the snow!

Winter storm

2010-02-13T11:29:00.004-05:00

Well I understand that there was some sort of phenomina yesterday, that being that all the contigous states had snow on the same day... hmmm I'm not sure that's true, but it could be I guess, what with different time zones.

Here in SC, we are about 20 minutes from the beach, and we still got snow! It's only a couple of inches, but my son, Matt, drove home from Savannah last night. He said the interstate (95) was in terrible shape. There were a lot of accidents because the road was very slippery. I'm glad they made it home safe and sound. He went for a job interview. Of all the days to have to go! lol But he made it home safe, and got the job too! So it wasn't a wasted trip!

I took a couple of pix of our snow this morning, using my cell phone. I don't know how well they'll show up, but I'll give them a try. They were taken out the window in our living room. The parking lot was not slippery this morning, just wet. It probably won't take too much longer to melt. The kids were out this morning, screaming and laughing, and just having a wonderful time. It's a good thing this happened on the weekend. The local officials don't know what to do with snow, so they shut down everything. As an example, the rain was supposed to start yesterday around noon, but the freezing wasn't to start until after dark. So they closed the schools, and many people were sent home from work early .... Just in case...! (I see all my northern friends rolling their eyes. But it's true!)

I was raised in PA, and have lived in CT, & NH too. And believe me, I don't miss the cold weather and snow. But I'm not afraid to drive in it. I am glad I haven't had to go out in it though, because the other guys might not know how to drive in it. So it's home I stay today. We'll go shopping tomorrow I think. I just don't trust our truely horrible drivers! I often say, when it rains, 'Just add water and you get instant idiot!'. Maybe our drivers ed course should include, (some how) being taught how to drive on slick roads. I think there would be a lot less accidents. I don't mean to offend anyone, but if anyone has driven on SC highways, you know it's true!

Ok, now I'm off to try to load these pics from my cell phone.
Every one take care, and stay warm!

Finally some cards!

2010-01-31T12:04:00.001-05:00

Well, I was only able to get 3 pix, before the batteries died....again..............GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. I think I'm just going to stop trying until we get our new camera! These 2 were for my friend who's under the weather, and for one of the Cricut Card Fairies missions. The long one was done using a sketch from a book called "Joy of Card Making" (which Don gave me for Mothers day last year). The pattern I used was on page #84, and I laid it on it's side and used ribbon instead of a front focal. I love this book, every time I pick it up I am inspired anew! It's a big, heavy book, but I recommend it to everyone. The other card was for a guy who loved fishing. I used the stickers I got in a set last year. They are from Creative Imaginations, and the papers are made to look like news paper. It dosen't say what the name of the line is. But they have Front Page, Sports Page etc. I got them to use in Don's scrapbook pages, and on masculine cards. Don loves fishing, and loves to read the news papers, so it was a win win for me. So the front of the card shows the 'news' story about the 'big' fish that were caught. Inside I wrote it like a news story and made the fish from my Camp Out Cartridge. Ok, I'm off to blog hop for a bit. I'm sorry it's been so long since I posted. But with out pix, it's just not as much fun! Be well all, and stay warm!

4 Sale

2010-01-31T11:12:00.001-05:00

These pix are not in the right order (as usual) The alpha's that all look like typeset, are a set. The Tag alpha's are all a set as well. If anyone is interested, just let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for looking!

And the last of them! Lots to sell!

2010-01-31T11:07:00.000-05:00

And here are some more!

Up for sale!!!

2010-01-31T11:03:00.001-05:00

These two pictures are the same sets. The difference is in which set is on top. They are in really good condition. The dies work in my cuttlebug, and I'm told they'll work in just about any other similar die cutter. Thanks for looking.

See something you like, just tell me and we'll make a deal!

Paper storage

2010-01-17T09:24:00.003-05:00

Enfys has a question on her blog asking for info on how we store our patterned paper. I tried to put my answer on her blog, but soon realized it was too way too long for a response on someones blog... So here I am with my suggestion.
I had been useing a very old, very heavy, paper tote. It was heavy without the paper!

I did research for several months, looking for just the right thing. I finally decided I'd try the one by Cropper Hopper. And I love it! I got the original one that had 10 pocket/dividers included. It was around $25 (US). I finally bought it at my local scrap store. But I've also seen it at AC Moore and Mikes might have it too.
It is made of sturdy plastic and comes assembled. It comes in black or white, I like the white as I can see thru it. It's add says it can hold up to 200 pieces of paper. I think that's a low estimate. However, I haven't counted, so I'm not sure. The ten dividers are as follows:

3 "Pouches" they call "Dividers". Which could probably hold about 25 sheets each, or more.

3 "Page Planners" Which have 1 regular section, then in back, one that will hold more than a half sheet of paper, or other embellies. Then on front there is a large card in it's own pocket, to help you plan your pages.

And last but not least, and my faves, are;
3 "Paper Pouch's" They have a divider in the main section,to create two sections. Then in the front is a small pocket that could hold long sticker sheets etc.
Then ther's a half pocket on the front. This holds half sheets of 12x12. Or any other thing your little heart desires!

These 9 pouches can't stand alone like the main piece.- But I lean mine against the side of the shelf! This means I can store way more paper! I have all my regular patterend paper in the main Paper Holder, using dividers I made to separate each color family.
However, there was one piece in the kit that does stand alone and has a three separate sections. I use it for my hand made papers, metalics and felt.

So that's my take on the Cropper Hopper paper holder. I'm sure you can order them from many places, I've even seen them in my Paper Wishes catalog.
There you are Enfys, if you have any questions, don't hesitate.

I hope you are well. Take care and good luck with your storage!

Happy New Year all!

2009-12-29T13:04:00.003-05:00

So here I am again. I was trying to upload some photo's but as usual, the batteries wouldn't hold a charge. I was hoping Santa would bring some new ones. But Don told me that he wants to get a new camera when we get our income tax back! Cool huh, then I'll get new batteries and a new charger too! This charger is only working on one side. Sigh... So I charge up the batteries, put them in the camera and take one or 2 pix, and out it goes. So I recharge them and try to upload my pics and I get one done and the camera goes out. So I think it's going to take me a week to get the few pix I took at Christmas onto the computer.

Can you hear me growling? Well it is what it is, so I'll just have to make due till we get the new camera. I guess I shouldn't complain. We got this one at a pawn shop about 5 years ago. So it's served it's purpose. And the battery charger I got at Radio Shack right afterward. It wasn't very expensive, so it's done well too.
So hopefully come February I'll be able to take some photos of the cards I make without such drama! I do not like drama! Of course I can't control that, so I'll just have to write on this blog instead os show y'all my photos.

Yesterday marked a year that I started at Debby's Dare blog. She did a challenge that lasted all year. It was called "All About You in 52." Every Monday she posed a question and we were to make a scrap layout answering that question. I didn't upload all my entries. And I didn't do all of the pages. But I have added all the questions into my journal. So as time goes by I will get them all done. The idea was that since we are the ones taking the photo's, we are often not in our own family albums. So with this project, when we are done, we'll have at least 52 pages about ourselves. It has been a wonderful experience. And when I'm finished, my sons will have a little picture into who I am. So when I'm gone. they'll have it to remember me by. So thanks for the memories Debby!
Oh yeah, I almost forgot, my birthday is a week away! I can't believe I'll be 61...Am I that old? Well I guess I am, but we won't talk about that will we...

Ok, onward into the new year....I wish you all a Happy and Safe New Years Eve. and a Peacefull and happy 2010!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T11:12:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you are all ready for Christmas or what ever holiday you celebrate. Our tree finally went up last Saturday and Sunday. With a little help from Don, Matt and Tina (my son and his girlfriend.) We got the job done. Then a couple of days ago I finally got most of the wrapping done. There are 2more that I'm going to use my Crucut to make boxes for, so I'll do that today. And we have to grocery shop today. Yuk!

I can only imagine Walmart at this late date! But I just have to find the parking space, and Don goes in and does the shopping. Then he comes out grumpy because he's spent too much money and "got nothing for it". But mostly because people are always so rude! They will park their cart in the middle of the aisle,next to the neighbor they haven't said hello to in months. Then they will block the aisle while they 'catch up'
Of course they are most indignant when you ask them to move. You get the eyes rolling "Am I in your way?" response. Don doesn't do well with that. I told him to get am electric cart, people will stay out of his way. But that's probably not a good idea either... he might run them over on purpose!!! No no no, only kidding. He just isn't good with crowds. I try to help but I get in his way more than help. So he comes out grumpy and sounds off for a few moments and then he's all better!

Tomorrow my son's and their girlfriends will come over for a bit. Hopefully I've got battery charged enough for a few pix. Don and I have decided we'll get a new camera when the tax money comes! Yay, But I really need new batteries and a new charger. This one only works on one side! And the batteries are just too old. So maybe today I'll check out some new batteries.... we'll see. I'm going to get my hair cut, that's for sure. It's been falling into my eyes for months now! I hate that!

I've gotten some lovely Christmas cards from friends and family. I even heard from my cousin whom I haven't heard from in a couple of years! It's just to easy to loose contact. Now I've got her email address, so we should keep in touch more often now. She and I are the last of our generation in my mom's family. I never knew my father or his family. And my step dad had only a sister, who had no children. Small family huh!

So I hope this finds you all happy and healthy and enjoying your family and friends during this wonderful season. Merry Christmas to all.

Following Blogs

2009-12-13T13:05:00.002-05:00

I just realized that there are 23 people following my Blog!!! This really surprizes me as I am so lax in posting to it! I guess I'm so busy hopping from blog to blog, that I don't have the time to post here!
I know, I know, it's a poor excuse. But a poor excuse is better than none, and it is the truth. I get so many wonderful creative ideas from all your blogs. I spend about 2 hours every morning hopping around. So I decided I had to reduce the number of blogs I follow, so I could have more time here. It was very hard to do. But I've gone from following almost 40 to 28! So please don't take it personally. I may put all the URL's that I've deleted in a journal, so I can check them out now and then. It's sooooo easy to keep adding them as there are so many wonderfully creative women out there who have beautiful work and great ideas. But, as I said, there's only so much time.

On to the Christmas stuff. I have gotten almost all my christmas cards done. There's only about 5 or 6 left and I'll go do them when I finish here. But the ones that are done are addressed and stamped and ready to go out. Except for the square ones which I have to pay extra postage for. So the stamped ones go out tomorrow morning.
I still don't have my tree, as Don's been working lots of over time. He just came in from working this morning, and he's turned his ankle! The machines he uses at work have little steps up and down, and if you're not paying attention... well you get the gist. We were going to get our tree today, but it's raining, and his ankle is soaking. So we probably won't go get it today. But that's ok, the rain makes my pain level rise, so I'm not in the mood to decorate anyway.

And then there's Christmas Shopping. I have the gifts for my sons and my grandson. I'm making jewelry for some of the girls. But I'm usually finished shopping by the end of November. But with the economy the way it is,and my back problems, I haven't been able to shop. So I'm thinking I'm going to do the rest of my shopping online. Did you know that Walmart will deliver! Holy Santa batman, I never knew! I guess it's a good thing as my big shopping days are probably behind me. (unless I have someone to help me get my scooter from the car trunk! So anyway, as soon as I get my Christmas money in my hot little hand its off to Walmart.com. I hope it will still be here in time for Christmas. If not I'll have to try to get away to do the best I can in their little zoom zoom carts. We'll see.

Well that's all for now, I have to go finish my cards for the month. So happy holidays everyone, and I hope you have wonderful times with your family and friends. And may the get well fairy take care of those of you who are under the weather.

Merry Christmas and God bless us every one!
Jess

STUFF

2009-12-06T12:37:00.005-05:00

I spend so much time checking out other people's blogs, I neglect my own. Plus I've been busy going through my 'stuff' and seeing what I can do without, don't use, or don't need anymore.
I started with my tools, since I have so many. Year before last, my boyfriend Don and I discussed die cutters. I expressed the idea that some were way too expensive so I decided on the Cuttlebug. I planned to use it as my only die cutter. So I also bought 4 alphabet sets, and several other dies and die sets. Then Don told me he had watched the Cricut commercial and he wanted to get me one for my birthday!!! I was shocked, I had never asked for one! So color me surprised!

Several months later when we got the Cricut, I started collecting cartridges as all Cricut owners do. It seems we can't get enough! In fact Don tells me I have said several times, after buying a particular cartridge, "I have all the carts I need." Then of course something else occurs which makes me decide I 'Need' another one. lol He doesn't think it's as normal as I do! I have amassed 15 cartridges! I know there are many folks who have more I even heard of someone who had over 100!!! Don would choke! lol Funny thing is that he doesn't mind when I get more of them, he loves that I really enjoy my scrapping and card making. I even look up from my craft table sometimes and find him watching me, with a smile on his face! What a sweet man!
He's just the kind of guy that doesn't own many things, and has no desire to. I have never known anyone like him. We should all strive to be more like him.

Since I've started gathering the carts I want, I decided to go through my things and see what I really don't use since my Cricket came to live.
These things are mostly my Cuttlebug dies. So I did some research and I think I may put them up on eBay to sell. However, since you have to pay sellers fees etc, I need to wait till after Christmas.

Then I thought I'd do a post here and let everyone know what I've got and see if any of you would be interested in them. I know some of you have children who use the Cuttlebug, and you get dies for them. Or are you a teacher and would like to use them in your classes? Or do you just want them for yourself?

So I'm making a list of the dies I don't want anymore. A couple of them are retired dies or die sets, and I guess they are hard to find. I'm not going to ask a lot for them as it is Christmas time, and we need every penny these days. I'm also willing to hold the more expensive items until after the first of the year if you are really interested an can't afford to buy right now. So here we go, spread the word! And if you live in the Charleston, South Carolina area, I'll deliver or you can pick it up.

1. Sizzix Stencil Alphabet set- is in excellent condition, (I bought it new and
it's still in it's carry case. All 36 dies, and I can only ship in the US,
because it's so heavy. Unless you are willing to share in the cost of the
shipping. I never use it, so make me an offer.

2. Sizzix Sizzlits Graffitti Alphabet set - Is still in it's carry case is in good
condition though the case has some dings in it. The dies themselves are in great
shape! I used it very little. (retired, and goes on eBay for $135.00!!! I didn't
pay that and won't ask that! Make me an offer.

3. Provo Craft Fancy Pants alphabet. In great shape, rarely used. Has 10 dies. 67 shapes. These are not in the original package, I'll send them in the page
protector's they are kept in. This one sells new for around $20.00, so make an offer.

4. Provo Craft "Typewriter" Alphabet set - These are in good condition, rarely
used but not in the original packaging. I'll include the page protectors that I
keep them in. These sell new for $23 or $24. So make me an offer.

5. Provo Craft Flowers Die set - 2 Strip dies with 4 flowers on each die. They are
in good condition, not in original package. I keep them in page protectors.
These sell new for around $10.00. So make me an offer.

6. Sizzix Bigz die- Dingbats #1- Has arrows, brackets, star's etc. I've use it only
once, it's still in the clear plastic box it came in. This sells new for around
$15.00, so make me an offer.

7. Provo Craft 'squiggly' Squares. That's my word. I couldn't find the real
name of them. But found this one on Eba for about $12.00. It's in great shape
used only one ore two times. Make an offer.

8. Provo Craft set of Vintage Corners and Squares - Has 4 dies two corners and
2 squares. Quite pretty. Rarely used, kept in page protectors, sells new for $15.99.
Make an offer.
9. Provo Craft "Leaves" Dies. Four different leaves with oak, maple, grape etc.
all in great condition, used several times, but still good. Sells new for $14.99
Make an offer.

On all of these I'm open to negotiation. And we can talk about shipping if and when you want to have any of these. I also have a Sizzix Sizzlits Sidekick cutting pads that I've never used that I'll throw in with the Sizzlits alphabet. I never used them.
So here it is. If anyone wants any of these, just email me at Jazzyjess49@gmail .com.

Next post I hope will be way sooner than this! Thanks for stopping buy.

Wonderful Blog Candy!

2009-11-26T09:54:00.002-05:00

I've found the blog of a great lady from Germany. Her name is Kathrin, and she has some beautiful work. She also sells stamps. I bought my "Cricut Card Fairy Army" stamp from her several months ago. She's very sweet, and I'm very glad I found her blog. So run on over and check out her blog And join in the fun.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

The any hero cards

2009-11-08T14:34:00.000-05:00

Here are the patriotic cards I made to send as Any Hero Cards for the troops over seas. But I think our folks in Texas need them more right now.

Tonight while I watch TV, I think I'll make some more. It will make me feel better about the whole thing. And I hope our cards will help them feel better. It was strange that I bought the Stand and Salute cartridge for no reason other than I'm patriotic. And now all of a sudden there is a reason for me to use it....hhmmmm God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform...

I hope y'all have a good Sunday night.

More Cricut Card Fairy cards

2009-11-08T14:21:00.000-05:00

Here are 4 more cards I've done for Cricut card fairy missions. For the ones without a cricut cut on the outside, most have a "Thinking of you" cut or something similar on the inside. The red Christmas card is for Noah, who most of us have heard of through one source or another. I'm hoping all our cards get to him in time. I'll try to shrink the pix and upload them to the Cricut message board later, or tomorrow. I've already spent toooo much time sitting here today.
Although I did get up and clean that nasty kitchen earlier! lol Now at least Don won't have to clean the kitchen before he cooks. I'm sure he'll be happy about that. So here they are:

I know that the soldiers and their families at Ft. Hood are having a rough time and will be for some time to come. PTSD is no walk in the park. And sadly, now they may suffer from it because a phychiatrist couldn't get help for himself. So I've created some 'any hero' cards to send to them. If you haven't heard about the folks handling their cards, just let me know and I'll send you the addy for them. I had already made some cards to send to the Opperation Write Home folks. But I think they'll have to go to Texas instead.

I hope everyone has had a good weekend. And I hope you've been creative. It makes our lives sooooo much more fun.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-07T09:01:00.002-05:00

Now see there...that's what I get for listening to Don! A friend of his called and said he was going camping Thurs, Fri and Sat. And did Don want to go along. But he said no...he had to cook for us. I said look if there's enough easy things to cook, I can do it. (It's not about my ability to cook, it's about my ability to stand long enough to cook). So I told him if he could get Thursday and Friday off to go ahead. He said, "No, I have to be home to cook. I would never leave you guys on Thanksgiving." Err go, my belief that Thanksgiving is next week! lol

If he and I ever have problems, it's about not communicating well enogh for the other one to understand. He's from Boston ya know! lol Only kidding, please no bad email's about disparaging remarks about Boston! What I mean is like this; I'll say I need stamps, he'll say how much, I tell him, he says we'll be able to get them this week.
OK, now what does that mean to you? To me it means I can go get them now...right? AHHH thats where we'd both be wrong. When he say's we'll be able to get them this week, he's talking about this weeks paycheck, which we don't get until next week!! My question is why not just say we'll get them next week? It took a couple of near disasterous financial mishaps before I finally got what he meant.

I didn't tell him I posted his request for bothering. So today when he finally drags his bottom out of bed, I'll tell him Sherry says I should wash his undies with brillo pads! Now that's a stroke of genius girl! I won't do that though as he has alergies which make him get boils! If it would ONLY irritate him, I might go for it!
And Denise, I think reading to him would probably irritate me more than him! He's worked his whole life in the printing industry. The machines are very loud, so his hearing is terrible. I'd be reading away and he wouldn't hear me anyway! lol But great ideas girls, we'll come up with something yet.

I remember when my son, Peter's, first wife and he were newlyweds. They stayed with me and my then hubby for awhile. Michelle and my ex developed a crazy sort of 'war'. He dumped a pot of cold water over the shower curtain when she was having a shower. I called her name right before, so she'd at least know someone was there. The words that came out of her mouth! lol
Then she put shaving cream in his shoes. It took her forever to get him to put his shoes on. He never wore them in the house. There were some pretty ugly words then too! This went back and forth for the entire time they lived with us. Never a dull moment in that house I can tell ya! We were all so young!

Anyway, we have a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, and I'm still looking for something to irritate or bother Don.
Well, we've got to go get the shopping done some time today, and I'm thinking the earlier the better. So I have to get dressed so we can go.
Take care all, and please keep me straight with these holidays so I don't embarrass myself too badly:)

Happy Friday

2009-11-06T13:58:00.005-05:00

I didn't realize that next week was Thanksgiving. How can that kind of thing escape you? Well I guess since I'm in this house day after day, with the same ole same ole... It's not hard to lose track of time. I'm sure I'm not the only one... well I hope so any way. lol
So Don said to me yesterday, when I picked him up from work, (and I quote) "Why don't you ask your blogging buddies if there are other ways(that you don't know of) to bother me?" Well he didn't think I would... but here it is...:)

He can be so silly sometimes. One of his favorite things to say is "If everybody would just do what I want and stopped bothering me, the world would be a much better place." And says it with a straight face! lol One of the things I love about him is his sense of humor. Sometimes he can be soooo sarcastic...and sometimes I think he should go to an open mike night at a comedy club. Every body laughs when he's around. So if y'all could come up with some really silly way of bothering him, I'd love to bother him that way. Then tell him that one of my blogging buddies gave me that idea!

I probly will have some more cards to share tomorrow, I'm re-charging batteries...AGAIN! lol Would someone tell Santa that I want a new battery charger and some new rechargeables?

I've made some cards for the Operation Write Home folks. So I'll probably be mailing them off next week. But I've missed the Christmas season for them, so now I'll start on spring holidays. Easter and St Patricks day, and Mothers day. I've gotten out my Flower Soft again and I'm making up some things that are very feminine that the soldiers can send to girlfriends or wives or moms. I love how easy it is to create something with it. If you haven't heard of Operation Write Home just click on their name and check it out.

Well, I'm off to try to finish my book without falling asleep. (Probably never happen) Take care everyone. And have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Cricut Card Fairies Cards

2009-11-01T07:22:00.000-05:00

Here are missions 451 thru 453. The first one was my first attempt at flower soft. I wasn't going to use it, but I thought it would make someone smile, so I gave it up! Thanks for looking!

Thanks Sherry!

2009-10-29T09:53:00.005-04:00

My friend Sherry sent me a blog award. And I'm supposed to pass it on to 5 people, got to their blog and tell them. Then answer these questions. It's the over the top award. I'don't know about my blog being over the top. But I know some days I'm over the top! lol
Well, here goes.
My five are Eileen,Louise, Anzo, Shazza and Susan.

Questions:
1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Your hair? brown
3. Your mother? Ann (usually grumpy)
4. Your father? I miss him a lot
5. Your favorite food? Spaghetti
6. Your dream last night? I never remember them
7. Your favorite drink? Water/coffee
8. Your dream/goal? Travel
9. What room are you in? dining room
10. Your hobby? scrapbooking & Cardmaking
11. Your fear? EEEEWWWW Spiders
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Traveling with Don
13. Where were you last night? Here same as always!
14. Something that you aren't? worried about my image.
15. Muffins? cinnamon
16. Wish list item? always scrap stuff
17. Where did you grow up? western PA
18. Last thing you did? email
19. What are you wearing? night gown
20. Your TV? off
21. Your Pets? Two cats, Georgie and Rebel(who has no tail)
22. Friends? Rhonda,gone but not forgotten, Sherry my best bud.
23. Your life? care taker to mom, who'll be 90 in April.
24. Your mood? hmmmm is tired a mood?
25. Missing Someone? Rhonda
27. Something your not wearing? shoes
28. Your favorite store? My LSS and AC Moore
29. Your favorite color? green
30. When was the last time you laughed? yesterday
31. Last time you cried? weekish (me too)
32. Your best friend? Don - Sherry each for different reasons.
33. One place that I go to over and over? Grocery store
34. Facebook? yes, but I don't keep up with it. I go when someone pokes me
35. Favorite place to eat? Alex's, local place where you can get breakfast anytime.

More cards

2009-10-25T15:22:00.000-04:00

More Cards

2009-10-25T15:18:00.000-04:00

And here's some more

Christmas Cards

2009-10-25T15:14:00.001-04:00

Some of these are made using my cricut and some using a couple of kits I ordered from the Paper Wishes cataloge last summer. I figured if I got too busy to create my own, I'd at least have a few from the kits. They really are quite cute cards. The pictures do not do them justice. Of course my photography skilles aren't so hot either. Since my rechargable batteries aren't holing a charge, I don't have a lot of power to check out the picture and try again. So I takt the pix and then try to fix them in my software. But it's not the best eaither. But at least I remembered to take the pictures! So here they are.... my fave.... Frosty Kisses. All done using cricut cuts. If anyone wants to know which cartridge, just ask and I'll let you know. Most of them were from Joys of the Season and Winter Wonderland. I love those Carts!

So now I'm off to finish catching up on my Cricut Card Fairy cards. I've just one or two and then I'll charge the bateries again to take some pix of them.

Oh yeah, I've been following Christmas with the Cricut blog and they have wonderful rak's every week. I won this week!!!! So I'll be getting a Jubelee Cartridge in the mail soon! I never used to win anything. But since I've been blogging and scrapping and making cards, I've won 3 different RAK's! I get so excited when I win.... I'm like a kid at Christmas! I love a surprise. My favorite time of the year is when Louise goes to the Fiskars Wharehouse sale and she puts together a box for me. I know what I'm spending, I just don't know what te box will have in it! It is so much fun when the box comes. I always say thanks to you Louise, but I don't think you really know what fun I get from those boxes. So thanks again. And Thanks, again to the Gals at Christmas with the cricut blog!!
Whoo hoo!

2009-10-23T11:45:00.001-04:00

Here are two new cards that I was able to get pix of before the batteries died. GRRRRRR I was invited, by Shazza at ARTastic Inspirational Blog, to create something using Van Gogh's "Starry Night" as my inspiration. So the large Navy card is my creation. My entry is the only card, so far. All the others have done layouts. But since I'm doing Christmas cards I just couldn't get this image out of my head!
I've been using my cricut a lot since I got a Juke Box! What a difference it makes not having to stop and switch out cartridges! I'ts the best thing since sliced bread.So for these two cards I used Joys of the Season and Winter Wonderland for almost all the cuts.
All critiques are welcome.... well if they're not tooooo bad. :)
Enjoy

Blog candy!!!

2009-10-17T14:55:00.005-04:00

Oh my gosh! y'all gotta go over to Chris's blog, not only is she a sweet and talented lady, but she's celebrating her birthday by giving a great bunch of blog candy! It's huge! But while she's over there, check out her talent!
Oops, I forgot to put the link to her blog! That will never do! So go see Chris and enjoy

Hey everyone!

2009-10-17T13:55:00.003-04:00

A couple of you have said that you like the cat stamp on one of my cards. I got the stamp from Alpha Stamps. I just couldn't resist it as it looks so much like our little rescue Kitty, Rebel. Of course I had to practice my coloring to get it right, but it was great fun. So if you like the stamp, go to www.alphastamps.com and check out their goodies. They were pretty quick with the shipping too.

Well we got Flu shots yesteday. Yuk! I am usually not affected by them. But this time, I'm feeling yucky. I've got a bit of a fever and my muscles are sore. And of course I have my usual aches and pains too. And to add insult to injury, it's been raining all week, until today. I have no idea why, but my arthritis hurts worse after the weather change is over! Wierd huh? Well any way I'm sure I'll feel better in a day or two. Thank heavens Mother doesn't seem to be having any adverse reactions from it. Her arm isn't even sore at the injection site. (And she's always complained of that!) Well I'm glad she doesn't feel bad.

I'll be back in a day or two. I'm working on a card request or two so I'll try to remember to photograph them when thy are done. One of them is 'drying' under it's Flower Soft. So I hope I get the energy to work on the others today.

Take care and enjoy your weekend.

2009-10-13T11:53:00.000-04:00

Ok here are the rest of the story. Some day I'm going to get this all right on the first try! Well....maybe...

The fist image is the Card for Nikki, my neice. She is a cat lover like me, and this cat stamp looks remarkably like our little one, Rebel.
The other image is the inside of my MIL's birthday card. This was supposed to be in the last post, but it didn't make it? Well I'll try again.
Thanks for checking out my attempt at creative cardmaking! :)

I hope all are well, and happy and preparing for Christmas, of Hannika or Kwanza or what ever you celebrate, as it's just around the corner! So Happy Happy!

Finally!!!

2009-10-13T11:35:00.001-04:00

I don't know what is so hard about remembering to take pix of my creations. I always think of it either after the flap is sealed, or after I give them to the mailman!
I always say I have a swiss cheese brain. And I really do. I lived a very traumatic childhood. Although most didn't know it, as I was good at hiding it. It's not important what the trama was, I've worked it through, so it's not a problem for me now. However... as a result, my memory has cleared out much of those bad memories.

The problem... it's a bit like throwing the baby out with the bath water. In order to get rid of the bad junk, the good stuff went too.
I've often called my friend Ellie my memory holder. There are many times when she will say "Do you remember when we did such and such..." and I will not recall anything of the sort. So she will replay the memory and sometimes I get a glimmer, and sometimes not. But it's always fun to sit and reminisce with her. The only problem now is that I live on the east coast, and she's in New Mexico. We could only live farther apart if she lived in Hawaii, or Japan! lol To say I miss her is an understatement. Ellie is the last link to my childhood except for mom which is going to be 90 on her next birthday. She can't remember this morning's breakfast, so my child hood is out of the question. But I miss Ellie for other reasons too. She is such a lovely woman. Always sweet and caring. I hope We'll get to be together again some day. But at least she knows I love her. How in the world did we get to be this old? Holy cow! That woman in the mirror can't be me....can it...

Ah well, moving on. I hope you enjoy the pix today.The first one is a bad pic of my neice's birthday card.I may try to fix it and then show you the inide. The Long narrow one is for my (almost) DIL's parent's 50th anniversary. And the other one is for my MIL's Birthday. Thanks for taking a peek.

Jessica

Clarification!

2009-10-02T07:39:00.002-04:00

Hey y'all, I just thought I would answer all the questions once! lol

I had a spot on my leg that would't heal. It's been scabby but still weepy (nasty, I know) ever since the beginning. Which was with a skin infection about a month ago. (I think?) Then, the last few days, the leg and foot started swelling again so I went back to the doc. More antibiotics, and keep the leg elevated...again.:( Not my fav thing.
But, since this whole thing started with a sore on the bottom of my foot...it's off to the specialist for me. A podiatrist, who will presumably perform an exorcism on what ever it is. Then, hopefully, it will finally heal correctly. That will be nice, it's been there for the better part of a year!
My family doc has told me at various times that it's a plantar wart, a regular wart, a callus, and a cyst. I think it's safe to say he doesn't know. And when he doesn't know he sends me to someone who will. I like that about him. He knows his limits.
So I have an appointment on Tuesday morning to see the new guy. I hope he's helpful. I don't want to have surgery on my foot, but if that's what it takes, then that's what it takes. I have no idea how I'm going to work the logistics of a healing foot. But I am sure I'll be able to deal with it. It just won't be fun:
So as you can see, I won't be spending much time at the craft table, as there's no way to elevate my leg over my head and sit at the craft table too! If you guys can figure out a way to do that, please let me know... and thanks for the info for the storage Kaye.
I hope you all have a great day, Jess

Another challenge!

2009-10-01T14:55:00.003-04:00

Karel over at her FLAMINGO blog has just put up her new challenge. The prize is great! Tons and Tons of 'skittles'. Gems, dew drops etc. Shiney stuff. The challenge is to use said skittles in your creation. Then enter it where she directs you. I haven't been able to play the last couple of months. But I think I will be able to this month. I mean we are makeing Christmas cards. So it should be easy to do.
And I just got my box of stuff from the Fiskars wharehouse sale. Louise has such great taste! Oh my gosh the paper is beautiful! I just keep going back and looking at it! So thanks again Louise! Just the idea that you go to this sale with not only yourself in mind, but me and several others too! You are a sweet a creative lady.

Ok, back to put my leg up again! Take care y'all!

WorkBox Givaway!

2009-09-29T14:43:00.005-04:00

Holy cow, I was just blog browsing and found an entry in a contest to give one of these great workboxes away! Can you imagine how great that would be!!! So run over to Christmas with the Cricut and check it out. You'll hav to scroll down to find it,they've got lots of stuff to see. And lots of givaways!!! So enjoy!

The Provo Craft Gypsy

2009-09-29T13:17:00.001-04:00

I'm gonna try this again, I've tried to add the link other ways but I think this will work anyway!Win a Provocraft Gypsy

So chug on over to their site and sign up!

Cutting Above...

2009-09-29T12:51:00.004-04:00

They're givig away a Gypsy!!! Sounds like a fun place to sped some blogging time too!
So here it is 'Cutting Above' Run on over there and check it out!
Well I tried to get the blinkie, but it just didn't want to play!

A better Photo of the card!

2009-09-21T12:18:00.000-04:00

This is better you can actually see the colors!

2009-09-21T11:55:00.001-04:00

And here's the cone of flowers. The frame is just a hint of color!

Flower Soft

2009-09-21T11:55:00.000-04:00

This photo wasn't so good, but the other one was too light. I used the 'springtime mix' it's really pretty, and the house if from my new cartridge Winter Woodlands. I love this one. And I also got the Joys of the Season too. So that brings me up to 11 cartridges for my cricut!!! I'm lovin that!
The little cone with the flowers in it are my first try with flower soft. It's so easy.

Blogger...............grrrrrrrr

2009-09-20T10:53:00.002-04:00

Ok today I'm not able to comment of many of the blogs I follow! I tried to comment on Sherry's blog and it wouldn't let me. Then I realized it show's me not signed in. So I clicked the sign in link, and it takes me to my own Dashboard. So I click on Sherry's blog again and there it is, but I'm signed off again, so I clike on the link to signin, and it takes me back. As you can see it's a pain.
So Sherry, I love your cards, I've been wanting to do a shaker card for quite a while. But still haven't done it. And Frankie is too cute. You've been a busy bee!

I don't know if I told anyone or not, but a couple of weeks ago, Don gave me $75.00 to spend on what ever I want. I needed new undies, but did I buy them... of course not! lol So what did I buy you might ask... Well, my little LSS had moved just a bit farther from me than it was, and I haven't been able to get over there. But in the mean time, they moved again, but not to worry, they left me a forwarding address! lol So yesterday Don and I went out to this restaurant he's been wanting to go to, for his birthday. They have a 25oz steak for 2!!! We didn't get it since it was only lunch. But I saw it carried out from the kitchen....... IT WAS HUGE!!! We had burgers and fries and onion rings. And Oh my gosh, the amount of food! It was really good, but I couldn't eat it all! And I wondered why there were so many patrons who are a bit on the chubby side... Well a bit over .... more like a lot over chubby! But as usual, I digress...:)
It so happened that this place was about 3 or 4 blocks away from the place where my LSS moved to!!! Imagine that! lol So I asked if he minded if I stopped there, since we were right there. He said no he didn't mind. What a guy!!! So I went in and finally found the paper holder, storage thingy that I had wanted for a long time. And at a great price. And I got a couple other little things. But the other really good thing I got is a Flower Soft kit!!! I know you've heard of it, but have you tried it? Oh this stuff is sooooo much fun to play with. I do wish I had gotten a couple more empty bottles while I was there. I did get one. But I think I'll get one with each new color I get. I got the Lavendar and Lace kit, and an extra pot of "spring" color mix. I sat and watched tv last night and made 5 little wire's with the lavendar "flowers" on and cut out the cone and the backing it goes on while watching a one hour show! I went from start to finish in an hour. And it looks like it took a long time! I've taken some pics, but the batteries went dead, so I can't load them yet. But I will as soon as they recharge.
If I can do this, anyone can. Even though it looks intricate, it's rally easy. Just do yourself a favor, get some other larger containers to keep each color in, because the little pots are crammed completely full, and you need to be able to sprinkle it. But if you don't have a larger container to put it in, you'll waste a lot of product.The kits come with a lot of papers, card pieces you attatch to the cards you make, the wires, ribbons and 2 pots of color. The Flower Soft itself comes in a bunch of different colors and a little goes a long way. You don't have to buy a kit, you can get each pot of color and the glue and some larger containers and just use it with your stamps or cricut cuts. I just love this stuff!
Hmmmmm I wonder if they'd pay me to do a commercial.... :) Well, they could pay me in flower soft! lol
Well, I'm off to try to get Mother to eat something. I hope you all have a great day.

Blogger probs?

2009-09-19T10:17:00.000-04:00

Hey y'all, I hope you're all happy and healthy. Things are fine here. However, I've tried to make comments on several blogs and it won't accept the comment?

So.... Sherry, the new 5 month photo's of Tobias are really cute, the pumpkin is as big as he is! lol
And Eileen I love your card with the shoe. I can't remember who elses blog I tried.
Here's hoping blogger will get rid of it's little gremlin soon. Oh yes and Eileen, have you gotten your computer fixed yet?

I sure am enjoying this fast internet! I've watched all sorts of videos, learned two new (to me) card folds. And Don and I sat at the computer for a couple of hours last night playing with Google Earth. What a trip we had, we visited, Ireland, Scotland, England, Italy, the Vatican, Paris, Hong Kong, Korea, Red Square and Viet Nam. We also saw the house I grew up in, my grade school, Don's high school, and where he grew up. What a fun time we had!

One of the most intresting things was that some of the photo's were obviously newly taken, and some were not. How could we tell? At one point, somewhere in China, there was about a 2inch square that looked different than the rest.... there was no green... Instead it was white... The photo was last taken when there was snow on the ground! Maybe there' something there they don't want us to see..... hmmmmm
Well anyway, we had a great time!

Now I gotta get ready for our weekly grocery sopping extravaganza! lol So I'm of to see the wizard!
Y'all take care and hopefully blogger will be done with it's hiccup tomorrow!

Cricut celebration!

2009-09-15T07:38:00.002-04:00

Cricut is celebrating their 100th cartridge, Winter Woodlands. I love this cartridge! You can make a whole Christmas village from the cuts of the houses. I haven't made one yet, but I've seen a couple of videos. It seems pretty easy.
So here's the link to the give-aways Cricut So run o over there and check it out!

We've finally gotten High Speed Internet service!!! Yes we needed to be dragged, kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Don was the hold out. I could have gone either way. But since this is now cheaper than the dial up, and Don got tired of waiting... well you get the picture! lol
Anyway, I'm really enjoying the fact that I can click on a video and watch it! It's amazing how much of a difference there is. If have watched one video, I've watched 25! The interesting thing is that I tire of the computer quicker! I guess I was so used to doing other things while waiting for something to load... now it's only one thing at a time, then on to the next. So I get to see every thing in about an hour, as opposed to 3 or 4 hours! So I'm not spending near as much time in front of the screen! Maybe ezines won't be such a chore anymore! Well we shall see.
I hope all is well with everyone. Stay well And take care.

Happy Labor Day!!!

2009-09-05T13:26:00.002-04:00

Hey y'all, I hope you all have a wonderful long weekend. Whether you're staying home or visiting friends or family.
So I'm curious what you all think about the shake up at Stampin Up? From what I understand, they have created a new 'contract' for their Demo's to sign. I think if I were a Demo, I'd have to quit before giving up my own freedom on the web. I think they are asking their people to give up too much of their freedom. They're saying that their demo's don't have any personal freedom to reccomend other companies if they so choose. I can understand that they don't want their 'employees' to advertise other companies of the same genre. Especially on their company website.
But I thought that the Demo's aren't employees at all, but small business owners. So if the small business owner doesn't feel that having a link to another company on their blog, is hurting their business, then what's the big deal. I understand if you are a stampin up demo, that they don't want you to be a Demo for another company. That would indeed be a conflict of interest. But I still don't think that any person or company has a right to tell me what I can and cannot say on my own blog.
So you guys tell me, have I got this right? All that I've read says that's just what's going on. I'd be interested in knowig how many Demo's they lose...
Well, chime in and tell me what you think.

Happy Labor Day

A new blog

2009-09-04T12:34:00.001-04:00

Hey Y'all, head on over to www.TheCraftingPot.blogspot.com and check out this new blog. They're doing challenges every wednesday. And there are some great givaways too! Sounds like it should be fun. Tell them I sent you.

On the mend

2009-08-31T09:37:00.003-04:00

Well, I'm feeling much better. My leg is still peeling, but it's looking much better, and I've been sitting with it elevated for so long there's no swelling anymore. But I'm still keeping it up as much as I can.

I was really surprised that my mother was able to take care of herself! She makes it seem like she doesn't have a clue. But when she's hungry, she knows how to get something to eat by herself! The only thing she has trouble with is the microwave. But we've had two new ones in about a year and a half. So I'm not surprised that she can't remember how to use it.

The really aggravating thing about the way she is, is that she'll sit and moan like she's in pain, but when you ask her if she's in pain, she say's no. But she'll moan until I look at her, then she'll motion for me to come to her. I go and she has no idea why she called me over. In fact, most times, she says she didn't.... Irritating, to say the least, frustrating to be sure! So when I know she's ok, I put in ear plugs, making sure she sees me do it. And the moaning stops. Imagine that! lol When she knows I'm not listening, she stops. But I dare not tell her she only does it for attention, she sweares she isn't! But....geee... all of last week when I was in bed flat on my back, she never made a sound! She'd come ask me questions about what there was to eat, and a couple of times I got up to help her.(even thought I wasn't supposed to.) But there wasn't a moan in the house! lol Ah well, it is what it is! Such is the life of a care giver!

I still haven't been able to scrap. I've looked through my newest mags a dozen times. I've even created some templates for cards. Or referenced some of the ideas in the mags. My card idea book is almost full! And I have another waiting in the wings! I love to leaf though it and remember all my ideas. When I'm able to sit and create, sometimes I have no ideas. But all I have to do is pick up my card idea journal, and I'm off. I have one for scrpbooking too. I need to alter the front of them so they'll be pretty. Maybe that's the first thing I'll do when I'm back on my feet!

I hope every one had a great weekend, and I hope you all have a great holiday weekend coming up. I'm not doing anything special, as I can't leave mother and she won't want to stay if I take her anywhere else. Soooo, I shall await your tales of great weekends with your families!!
Take care...........me

Holy Cow!!!

2009-08-29T13:20:00.002-04:00

Well, it has been a pretty bad two weeks! I looked at the calendar today, for the first time in a couple of weeks. Because I got sick. Sicker than I think I've ever been! I used to joke when I was sick and someone would ask me how I felt. My response was "I thought for awhile that I'd have to get better to die."

But now, I think that was really true!!! There were several days that I have no recollection of! The last thing I remember was Monday 17Th I think? Then there is no memory until the following Friday morning the 21st!- I was delirious and feverish for that whole time. Then when I came to, I realized that my right leg was sore???

When I looked at it I was very surprised to find it red and bruised looking, and there was a quarter sized spot on my foot that was full of...something. So I figured it needed lancing and then I'd figure out what to do. Well, I lanced it, and there was obvious infection. So we figured out that the cat had been sick on the bathroom floor. And, since I'm the one that cleans the bathroom, and I'd been sick... I had walked on that floor in the middle of the night, and had gotten an infection as a result.
I finally went to the doctor and he sent me for an ultrasound, to check for clots, gave me antibiotics and sent me home to put my foot up... over my head. So here I've been with my foot elevated, flat on my back, for several days. And let me tell you.... it's not an easy thing to stay down. I can't imagine how women spend most of their pregnancy in bed! I'm up right now with my legs on a stool, so I'll have to go to bed soon. I still have some spots that are bruised. So I have to spend some more time with my leg up.
I have stamped out some images to color. So I've got some thing to do. Plus I've got a couple of books from the library. As long as I've got some things to do, it's not so hard.
The worst part is that I can't sit up with my feet on the floor, so no scrapping or card making for me! GRRRRRRRRR!
I hope it won't be long though. Would you all pray that I don't have to stay too much longer in bed!
I hope you all have great weekends.

Wow! What Blog Candy!!!

2009-08-12T10:47:00.004-04:00

Wow! Stephanie has some wonderful candy over on her blog. She's gotten over 25,000 hits and has reached 100 followers! So go check her blog, there's some good stuff besides the candy too! But you won't believe the Candy!!! Stephanie you are such a generous blogger! Thanks for sharing.

New Cards

2009-08-12T10:24:00.000-04:00

These are a couple of cards I remembered to take pix of! the Guitars are for our friend Willy's birthday. Don's taking guitar lessons from him. And he couldn't learn from a better player!
The design isn't mine. I got it from the Sept issue of Card Maker magazine. The designer is Janette Olen. The inside of mine is different, and there is no embossing. the 'Rock' was a rub-on from my stash, and the 'U' I traced over one I liked that was the right size and cut it out of the same card stock as behind the black piece. Thank you Janette.

The other card is for my friend Sherry. Hopefully she's already gotten it! lol I had cut squares out of scraps awhile back, and this felt like just the right use for them. Becaise Sherry likes to quilt. The 'stitching' is from a set of border stamps which were a gift from Sherry! I hope you like it my friend!

I thought they came out well. Enjoy :)

Cats!

2009-08-09T12:12:00.002-04:00

I know some of you have cats, and so will empathize with me. But for those of you who don't, this is probly one of the reasons why you don't.

But a little bit of setting the stage (so to speak)first. We have been having a flea problem all summer. Every one here has, from what I hear. Our cats don't go out side, so the fleas ride in on our clothes. Our couch had been a freebie my son, Pete, got when Mom and I moved back to Charleston. And it was in good enough shape to use. But, after 6 years, the thing was sagging in all the wrong places and was getting more and more flea infested every day. So I finally got the men to get it out of here a couple of weeks back. So we have a lot more room in the living room. But, with it gone, there is nothing along the back side of my craft table any more.

I have a square black plastic box on the righthand side of my table. It holds all my cards received, and cards ready to be sent, address labels, receipts, blank envelopes, stamps etc, etc, etc. It's not a small box and it's hard plastic too.

Now some of you will understand when I say that as cats clean themselves, they sort of spread all over the place cleaning away. With not a care in the world about what is around them. And, of course, they would never deign to take a bath on the floor! So when something falls from the table they happen to be sitting on, they stop cleaning for a moment, and stare at the offending clutter, as if to say "Um.... I was busy here, if you wouldn't mind being a little more quiet." And they go back to cleaning.

Of course that's what happens when I'm watching, during the day.
I'm not sure what happens when it's dark, and there is no one up. You know, sort of like the hearing the tree falling in the forest question.

I hope which ever one did it, was scared out of her witts when the box.....full of stuff....hit the clear plastic box on the floor! I'm sure it made a resounding crash. I don't know how I didn't hear it! But when I got up this morning everything was all over the floor...table...plastic box...and my chair. I have no idea how the stuff got from the back of the table to the front and onto my chair. Curious how these things happen.
Those of you who are not morning people until you get your first cup of coffee, must understand what I was feeling when I saw the mess. Only the sure knowledge that I'd be sorry later kept me from grabbing the first one I saw and throtteling her! lol

Cats are wonderful pets, you don't have to walk them. They don't require a lot of attention, I love their attitudes (for the most part). The only thing you have to do is clean the litter box, and clean up after them from time to time. (Our youngest is the messiest eater!) And we love them, but I wasn't a happy camper the first thing this morning! But when I looked at our sweet, not so little anymore, girl snoozing on the windowsill, I was transformed from ugly...unhappy...ready to choke who ever crossed my path, woman. To an "Awwww look at that, isn't she a sweetie!" human who is owned by the cats who live here.

It's amazing how a pet can transform you like that. Of course I've gotten quite used to their quirks, as I've been owned by a cat for almost 10 years now. My Georgie, a black and white kitty, is getting old and gray, just like me. And Rebel, our younger girl, is the proud owner of a 6' 2" 250 pound man, who looks like Grizzly Adams most of the time. If people only knew how he melts when she comes to him when he gets home from work. I don't have the heart to tell him it's only because she likes the way he scratches her. I'll include pix of our babies so you can see why we love them.

Have a great Sunday!!!

2009-08-03T15:11:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited!!!! I figured out how to load more than one picture at once!!! Of course next time I probably won't remember! lol These are all cards that I made for the Cricut Card Faries in the last couple of days. I seem to have problems remembering to take pictues when the batteries are charged. Of course if you know me you know I have a terrible memory anyway! lol These pix were all taken without the flash because there was plenty of light in the room. But I guess I should take one with and one with out the flash so I can be sure I have a good one. And one of these is going to be sideways, as I forgot to turn it first. Enjoy

Cards I remembered to take pix of.

2009-08-03T14:56:00.002-04:00

This is a card I made for a card swap....there are a few bits that should be more careful with, but essentially I like how it came out.

A New Awwwward!

2009-07-31T13:40:00.003-04:00

Isn't he cute. Thanks again Eileen. She says I have think of 12 to send it to. Hmmmmm my local friends don'e have blogs... and I can't give it to Eileen or Enfys, they both have it already.....let me think awhile.And I'll come back....Till then
AIN'T HE CUTE!

Ok here's the list for sharing my award:
Sherry
Karel
Michelle
Susan
And last but not least SaraB

I don't know a lot of people with blogs, so this was a little harder than the last couple. It's not 12, but it's the best I can do!

Hey Eileen, was that you that won the BTBB blog hop candy at Regina Easters blog? I hope so.....wow four stamp set from the Cutting Cafe!!!

Well enjoy what's left of the weekend all.

Take care...............................me

The exstacy of victory!

2009-07-29T12:18:00.000-04:00

Whoooooo whoooooooo...I did it.....Thanks Eileen!

Well it's a new day!

2009-07-29T11:42:00.002-04:00

And thanks to Eileen, I think I might be able to do the linky thing! It seems pretty straight forward.
The funny thing is while I was reading her instructions (which were very good, by the way). She said I should click on the 'goober that looks like eyes'. Well I knew right away what she meant. But it made me think about the words we use for something, when we don't know (or understand) the actual name of it.

Many years ago I had a friend who's name was James R. Churchill. And as happy as we were with calling him 'Jim Bob'... he wasn't. So instead we called him Winston. Some how it fit rather better.
I'm sure you'll all agree with me when I say there is a difference from being a charachter, to having character. He was one of the unusual ones I have met in my lifetime that have both!
We, Rhonda and I, always had so much fun with him. We were the three amigos, ya know what I mean? Any way, his favorite word for someting when he couldn't think of, or didn't know the name of it, was .....
Are you ready.... whobeframitz.....ok, let me break it down for you.....

Who.....be....fram....itz. lol Silly sounding huh!

I always loved that word, or really non-word. I have used it ever since. The first time I used the word while talking to Don, he got the strangest look on his face.... I laughed...a lot....then of course, I had to tell him about Winston.

I think of him often, and wonder what he has been up to all these years. So if anyone knows a James Robert Churchill,(who's probably between 45 and 55) ask him if he remembers Rhonda and Jessica. He might be the one. And if he is, give him my blog address or my email address. Or even my phone number if you have it. I'd love to talk to him again!

Ok enough rambling on, I'm gonna try the linky thing.

So my bud Sherry Who has become a great friend. I hope this links to her blog!

OK, I'm off to try to look for more goodies I don't have the money to buy....Don't you just love to window shop!
Have a great day!

Luv to all