My Life in the Woods

Crafty Calendar Challenge

2010-11-11T19:51:00.004-06:00

The current challenge is to have a winter themed project with the addition of a snowflake. This is a trifold card that I made using a snowflake cut out using Wausau White Gold Metallic Cardstock. The background papers came from DCWV Christmas Cardstack purchased last year. Embellishments include a white snowflake brad along with Michael's store ribbon that was on clearance.

I just love the festive colors and it is a nice break from the traditional colors associated with Christmas. The card came together in 10 minutes so it was easy and quick to make in multiples! Isn't if fun when something comes together so quickly? I hope I've inspired someone to have fun in their cardmaking and crafting.

Have a wonderful day!

Debbie

Surgery

2010-11-08T10:57:00.002-06:00

There will be a slight intermission in my life for a few weeks. I had to have emergency gallbladder surgery this past week, so now I'm unable to craft for a bit. Sunday was my birthday, what a way to spend the day, recovering from surgery. Ugh. Hopefully I'll be back to things very soon and feeling better.

Life has been busy

2010-10-25T22:28:00.002-05:00

It seems that life has been very busy for hubby and myself this summer. That alone has kept me from blogging. I just had to take some time off and re-charge my batteries. We kept very busy over the summer building gardens around our decks and a little experimentation in growing watermelons, snow peas and cucumbers in a small garden. Needless to say with the heat from the summer, it basically took quite some time for things to grow. The only thing that didn't grow decently were our cucumbers. This is the first time we ever had them grow so deformed and basically they were not edible. The watermelons grew and ended up looking like bowling balls and oh my goodness, they were as sweet and juicy as could be. I was so surprised with them. Our snow peas really threw us for a loop. I have never had them grow for more than a month before the stems died out. Where we live now, because there is a lot of sand under the dirt, we had snow peas growing all summer long. Talk about a shocker, but we were so pleased at how delicious they were and that we were able to pick them all summer long. Our tomato plants grew quite large, to the point that some of them had to have double cages just to hold them up. Talk about super sweet and yummy. We did can a few batches of sauce which will last us through the winter.

So now that I am back to crafting, I will start posting cards that I have made recently.

Debbie

Card Swap and Sad News

2010-07-06T07:18:00.008-05:00

I recently participated in a card swap for Cricutscraplifters. I just love making cards and I surprised myself at how nice these turned out.

The first card is my summertime beach card. I did the background using SU inks and a SU seashell border stamp. The umbrella and chair were cut out using Life is a Beach Cricut cartridge. The pink cardstock on the umbrella was outlined using Cri-Kit Metallic pen made for the Cricut machine. It looks much nicer than what you can see in the photo.

This next card is for the 4th of July. I used SU cardstock and inks. The star paper is from some paper I purchased years ago but I can't remember where. All the cut items are from the Stand and Salute Cricut cartridge and some things were pop dotted. The inside of the card was drawn on the Cricut using the Cri-Kit pens. I just love the way this card turned out.

On a sad note, my best friend, Mary Powell has closed her store. She made such beautiful designs for cutting machines. I know her store and designs will be missed but maybe later in life she will start designing and selling again. Right now, she is taking a break and being very creative making cards and posting on her blog. Head on over to http://mamawslegacy.wordpress.com/ to see her beautiful cards. She just inspires me in so many ways. I can only hope that one day I can make such beautiful cards like she does.

It's another rainy day here so I will be working on cards and catch up on scrapbooking vacation photos from over a year ago. Better late than never, right?

Have a wonderful day!

It's Been A While

2010-07-06T07:07:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I haven't updated the blog for the past two months. I must admit it has been busy around here. Since we has such early summer weather starting in the last week of May, there have been some very busy bees here.

Hubby and I have built 3 veggie and flower gardens which are blooming just beautifully now. We love fresh vegetables, so we put in tomato plants, pepper plants, radishes, bib lettuce, cucumbers, snow peas and watermelon. I've noticed that one tomato plant is not doing well at all so it may be a dud. I picked a few radishes the past two days. Wow, the radishes have a real bite to them. Whoo, it sneaks up on you. Talk about eating good and healthy. Sad to say, out of all the lettuce seeds I put down, only one set has come up. Hmmm. I guess I'll try replanting them. I have a feeling that when someone was weeding the garden (me), I may have pulled them when they were just tiny sprouts in the ground, thinking they were mini weeds. I like to weed as soon as possible. Guess I'll just have to replant lettuce and more radishes. Nothing like eating fresh homegrown vegetables!

The dogs are doing beautifully here. Jett is growing like a weed and soon will be almost the same size as Storm. They have been busy swimming at the lake, splashing in their plastic pool in the backyard and having fun with the water sprinkler out back. It's a good thing we don't live on a lake because we would have a hard time keeping them out of the water.

Next posting will show some cards I made for a swap. Hope you had a wonderful and safe 4th of July holiday.

New Ideas for Cards and more

2010-04-27T01:40:00.003-05:00

If you are looking for some new ideas for cards, head on over to http://mamawslegacy.wordpress.com/ for see her latest creations. Once you see what she has come up with, head on over to her store at http://shop.mamawslegacy.com/zencart/to purchase her files. Oh my goodness, what a fabulous way to make cards super fast using a cutting machine. Just beautiful ! Mary really puts in a lot of time and talent in making her designs. Yes I am biased, she's my best friend !!

Something new for the Cricut machine are gel pens and swirl gel pens available at http://www.cri-kits.com/index.html. They have a magnetic pen holder and gel pens that fit in the blade housing. Just swap the blade out and put the magnetic pen holder in and let the Cricut draw the design. I purchased all 4 sets of the gel pens and they work amazingly well. Today I received the swirl gel pens and as the pen puts out ink, the color of the ink changes as it flows. Super neat idea. I just love the pens. Now they are coming out with an embosser that will fit right into the magnetic pen holder. Does it get any better than this? Wow...I guarantee you will get hooked on their pens.

I will be posting some new cards that I used with Mary's new designs and using the Cri-Kits gel pens. I can't wait to start creating. Oh the ideas that are just flowing in my head!

Til next time, Happy Crafting!

Debbie

Vellum Butterfly for Card Swap

2010-04-08T21:17:00.003-05:00

Let's see if blogger will let me post the second card now. I tried on the previous post, but it must have been running some kind of glitch. (It looks better if you click on the photo, because on here it looks too blurry).

For this card I cut the border and butterfly from the Gypsy Wanderings that is already pre-loaded on the Gypsy. I colored the vellum with SU Regal Rose, same color as the border paper with the circles. I stamped a flourish on the paper before I cut it out to give it some depth, in Whisper White. Put a little dab of Stickles in the center of the circles and done! I stamped the back of the envelope with a butterfly and used the same stamp to also stamp it very lightly inside the card. That's it, quick and easy!

Happy crafting!

Debbie

Cards for Swap

2010-04-08T11:35:00.005-05:00

Finally my cards are done and in the mail as of yesterday. Woohoo! That is a good feeling. organized. The first card with the vellum glass was an idea I saw over at http://dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com.
The challenge for the cards were to do them completely on the Cricut. Trust me, when you have other things around, it's hard to stick with just that approach. I did try to be true to the card swap and this is what I came up with.

The only thing I didn't add was the stamped banner like Dawn's because I felt that whoever would use this card could add their own sentiment.

I WON BLOG CANDY!

2010-03-28T21:48:00.003-05:00

Oh my goodness, I just found out today that I won blog candy from jenthecrazyscrapbooker.blogspot.com. Wow...I won a whole box of papers!! Woohoo!!! If you get a chance, head over to her blog and look at all of her cute projects she has. Oh my goodness, I'm going to paper heaven soon!!

I didn't get all my cards done today like I was sure I would. I have half of them done, so that's a god thing. Raising a new puppy is busy, busy, busy and my little Jett is not one to let me sit around on the computer or in my craft area. She is quite demanding as she gets older. She's growing by leaps and bounds which reminds me, I need to get her puppy book updated with her photos. The latest thing she is driving me crazy with is at night. The moon has been so bright here lately, and she sees her image in the patio doors from the living room. She runs to the patio door and stares at herself and barks. I've had to start closing the patio curtains. We have noticed in the past that she will see herself in the glass door on the fireplace and she walks right up on the seating area and sits there and stares at herself. Same for the glass on the stereo cabinet. Yet I pick her up and let her see herself in the mirror and she doesn't see herself. Weird. She is a handful and we love her to pieces. Her little tongue comes out and just licks away at our faces. She loves giving kisses. What a little stinker!

Hope you all have a wonderful week and check back later to see my cards.

Debbie

Happy Palm Sunday

2010-03-28T11:31:00.004-05:00

Hope everyone is having and enjoyable Palm Sunday. Whether going to church, visiting with family or just relaxing, I hope all is well for you.

I had to go MIA for awhile, tending to some family business. All is well and wonderful. I'm busy on making my 12 swap cards today for Cricutscraplifters and hope to get them in the mail either Monday or Tuesday. I've been busy this morning already catching up on reading the blogs I faithfully visit and getting tons of inspiration! I hope to start inspiring others myself. I've been sadly lacking in posting and am going to change that starting today!!

Spring is starting to show around here. I looked out in the front garden this morning and saw signs of the green leaves for the irises peeking out of the wood mulch. Woohoo....bring on the warmer weather! We are so ready for it. Talk about cabin fever this past winter. Some days it was just unbearable and some of us became a little grouchy and crabby but the dogs would sense it and start playing and acting silly and get us laughing again. Love our labs! Mommy's two crazy, silly girls know when we need a good laugh.

I will be posting cards later tonight, so keep an eye out and mark it on the calendar. LOL. Seriously, I hope to post much more often than I have in the past.

Have a wonderful day and week!

Debbie

Looking Forward to Spring

2010-03-07T13:50:00.003-06:00

It's been a slow month around here. I feel there are some days I'm just moving in slow motion. The snow is melting slowly with the warmer temps but spring and summer can't get here fast enough for my liking. I have to remind myself that it's only March and we've been known to get more snow as late as May in WI. Ugh, we are so sick of looking at the white stuff no matter how pretty it is in the woods.

Our newest addition, Jett, is quite a bundle of energy. I wish I had her energy to keep up with her. She's like a jet fighter flying through the house and at times she makes plenty of what I call Jett Noise to go along with it. The best thing with Jett is she has really healed my heart over the loss of Pepper, better yet, she's pulled Storm out of her blue funk also. Jett gets Storm to play with her and stand back because they play hard with each other. Storm may be 9 years old now and Jett is almost 4 months, but Storm is acting like she's a new puppy again. Jett is a lover and yet she's tough, just like Pepper was. She is a joy to have around!

Jett's brother that had the tough start to his little life, has been placed in a very good home according to our breeder. That's wonderful news. If she couldn't place him, he would have been coming here as the last option. Hopefully he will thrive in his new home and have a long and wonderful life.

My crafting passion has waned over the past month but it's getting kick started again. With the sun shining all day long around here, it puts me in a really good mood and I start getting ideas again. Today is not one of those days but I'm going to play around with making cards anyway since I just joined a card swap. Will post photos as I get them done.

Hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather and look forward to hearing from you. Have a wonderful day!

Beautiful Cards Sent to Me

2010-02-05T21:17:00.005-06:00

Check out these two beautiful cards sent to me by my best friend, Mary Powell. She has a website where she has cutting files for sale and also has freebies. The first card she sent me for my birthday and the second card is for my wedding anniversary. They are such works of art that I just had to frame them. She does such beautiful work. Check out her website at mamawslegacy.com/.

The pictures don't do justice to the beautiful stamping and coloring that she incorporated. The flowers on the second card sparkle. I think she used Spica glitter pens. When the light hits the card, it just shimmers so softly. Just beautiful!

Thank you Mary for you beautiful cards.

Want Beautiful SVG's...

2010-01-21T23:54:00.004-06:00

I recently joined the group SureCutsAlotUsers. What a fun group! One member is Paulo Guimaraes who has a blog at scale-files.blogspot.com/. He has so many wonderful and beautiful files to download free. I could spend all day and night just cutting out his files. Reading his blog I learned that he is a doctor in Brazil and he works with children. He's a gorgeous hunk of a man too! Want to bet some of his patients have a crush on him? I would!! Who wouldn't want a wonderful guy like this that not only takes care of children but takes the time to make such beautiful art too!!

Paulo, thank you for sharing your talents! Your designs really take my breath away!!

Blessings to all!

I WON BLOG CANDY !

2010-01-20T01:22:00.004-06:00

I have ready so many blogs over the past year and have entered so many comments in hopes of winning blog candy. There are so many talented people in the crafting world! Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Cindy McVey's blog at crazy4crafting.blogspot.com. She is a Cricut designer and Stampin Up! demonstrator. Seeing some of the papers and creations she has on her blog really is an inspiration.

I was lucky enough to post a comment on her blog and she recently notified me that I won a limited edition Cricut cartridge called Mother's Day 2010! Here's what it looks like in the package:

Woohoo, I'm so excited and can't wait to receive my new cartridge. What a wonderful surprise! Thank you Cindy for offering the chance to win this!

Happy crafting to everyone!

New Inspiration

2010-01-19T21:30:00.005-06:00

One of my goals for the new year is to craft more. Since October I lost most of my oomph for crafting after losing my dog, Pepper. Since the week of Christmas, it has been busy around here with the new puppy and she really keeps us busy, especially me. Mommy's new shadow. She gives me hope that we will have many, many years together. She really has pulled me out of a slump.

With Valentine's day coming in a few weeks, I decided to start making a few cards for some very special people. Here is a card that I made to send to my parents from the doggies.

Step Ladder Card

I used all SU supplies: Real Read & Whisper White Cardstock, Love You Much stamp set, and a Fiskar's Heart border punch. The tiny hearts are from what was punched out of the border punch. I wrote a message on the back of the card. For the heart I stamped it in Versamark and Real Red ink. I added Dazzling Diamonds glitter and embossing powder and heat seat that. Inside the main heart I added a little clear color diamond which really looks neat! I think it's super cute!

Hope you are having a great week and have fun crafting!

Happy New Year

2010-01-11T07:16:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year to everyone! It's been quite busy around here with the new puppy. I've also been trying to get time to make cards and work on scrapbooking. I'm not getting as much done as I would like since we've added to the family. Making her debut on mommy's blog, please say hello to:

Jett

Hi everyone! My name is Jett and I'm 9 weeks old now. I love my new home and I'm having so much fun around here. I have a new friend, Storm and she's reminds me of my mommy. Storm plays with me, now that I'm starting to get bigger. We have so much fun together and she is teaching me so many neat things. I've got a huge box of toys to play with so I'm never bored. I fly around the house like a jet fighter and when I bark, mommy says I'm making "Jett" noise. That's why mommy named me Jett.

Isn't she a cutie? I took this picture when she was barking at me. Sometimes puppies bounce up and down when they bark and that's the picture I was trying to get. Imagine my surprise when I looked in the camera and saw that her ears went straight out like wings. So I call this one Jett wings. The best thing about Jett, is that she is healing my heart over the loss of my beloved Pepper. At this very second, Jett is sleeping under my chair as I write this. Yep, she is my little shadow, which by the way is her birth mommy's name.

We didn't bring home the little yellow lab that was affectionately labeled Trooper. His tail healed up and his fur grew back according to the latest email I got from Laurel, our breeder. He is growing by leaps and bounds so we are sure she will be able to place him. If she can't find a home for him, then we will be the last resort and he can come here. I believe Laurel will find him an awesome family to take him. He is such a cute little boy to begin with!

I hope everyone is enjoying the new year and wish everyone the best of health and happiness!

More later...

Latest Photos of our Little Girl!

2009-12-18T02:39:00.005-06:00

My goodness, imagine my surprise when our puppy breeder called me today and told me she just sent me more pics of puppies! Wow!! Our little girl is on the far right side of both pictures. What a sweet little face. Well, they all have sweet little faces. Makes me want to just give them all hugs and kisses. There are a total of 8 puppies in the litter. The little male lab that she wants to give us also, must have been sleeping or else he couldn't fight his way into the photo shoot. She says he is small and the runt of the litter. No matter, these babies are in for a whole lot of loving from all of us here.

I will be calling the vet today to see if we can get the pups in this next week for their first set of shots. If I can get them in, then we will pick them up this Sunday. If I can't get them in, then we have to wait until Wednesday so the breeder can give them their first set of shots. They will be exactly 6 weeks old on Wednesday. I can hardly wait to start loving these new babies! I am so looking forward to a whole lot of puppy playtime around here. It will be a lot of work in the beginning with house training and learning from each other, but it will be all worth it in the end. Who can resist such cute faces!!

Updated Puppy News

2009-12-15T23:35:00.004-06:00

The countdown has started for the delivery of new additions to our family. Depending on when the breeder feels they are ready to leave the litter, it is possible that we will be able to go and get them as early as this Sunday, or the latest on Wednesday, Dec. 23rd. Oh I am so excited and looking forward to loving these precious babies. As the last communication with our breeder, it still looks like nobody wants the little male yellow lab that lost a tiny part of his tail. That's okay, these babies will be getting so much love and attention around here. I think it will benefit the little guy to be around his sister also. Not to mention, we have our Storm, who will probably mother them also. These puppies will be Storm's cousins, just like Pepper was. It beginning to look alot like puppy paws and wagging tails will be running around the Christmas tree and entertaining us all. There will be so much love for all three of our fur babies, I just hope the house can hold all that love in! It will be bursting at the seams with three adults rolling around on the floor and acting silly with them all. Ah, but isn't that what love is? Never being afraid to let out the inner child in all of us and enjoy life as much as possible. Yes indeed, I think I'm going to have to have Mike make a sign that reads.....Zlab's Labs and hang that up around here We just love our labs.

Must get busy and get a few Christmas cards made for some very special people. I will be posting those as I get them done. I made one for our breeder, and I just love it. As soon as I get a few others made, I will post them.

Hope you are all having a great countdown to Christmas!

Debbie

More than 1 new puppy ?

2009-12-04T22:47:00.006-06:00

Oh my goodness, look at the little girl laying on top of a sibling. Too cute! Our new little girl is just growing so cute. I can't wait to get her home! The other photo is a little male yellow lab and his little tail was hurt and part of it fell off recently. When I was talking to our breeder, Laurel, on the phone the other day, she said this is the little guy she had to give CPR to when he was born. He is the runt of the litter and so cute. She asked if we would take him along with our little girl. She doesn't think she will be able to sell him with that little piece missing from his tail. There was a family discussion here and we decided that if nobody wants to give him a loving home, we will take him and give him all the love and nurturing he needs. It wouldn't be bad for him to be with his little sister either. Maybe he will grow up just fine and have no other problems. He deserves a chance for a good life instead of having to be put down if nobody wants him. I am honored to know that Laurel has faith in us to take care of this little guy along with his sister.

Wow, two new puppies! If he comes home with us, it's going to be a very Merry Christmas around here. I can already imagine these two little ones chasing each other around the house. Oh boy, I wonder what Storm will think if we bring 2 puppies home. She'll probably be giving me dirty looks and laying on the couch going, Ha ha, they can't get up here by me....yet!

Storm will be 9 years old in two weeks. Just what she wants, a bunch of babies that she has to tiptoe around until they get bigger. Storm, get all the rest you can because I have a feeling you are going to need it around here! LOL.

WIN A GYPSY !

2009-11-21T20:58:00.002-06:00

WIN A GYPSY over at http://the-gypsyspot.blogspot.com/. Read the post, follow the rules for the contest and cross your fingers. I know I am. I would love to win a Gypsy!!

1 Week Old

2009-11-19T21:57:00.002-06:00

Here is a new photo of our future new addition to the family. She is one week old now and thriving along with the rest of her brothers and sisters. Her birth mother is also the mother of my beloved Pepper, so we will be raising Pepper's half-sister. Truthfully, the next 5 weeks can't go by fast enough for me. I am looking forward to raising, loving and caring for our new baby girl. We haven't picked out a name for her yet, until we get her home and see what her personality is like. That's how we've always named our babies, so will have to wait and see. She is so tiny, it amazes me how beautiful they become as they grow and get older.

All I can say is, new memories will be made. I have already started her new puppy album. I'm so grateful that our breeder is kind enough to take the time take and send me photos until we get her. Thank you, Laurel! You are truly one of a kind.

Hope you are having a wonderful week and will be able to spend time with your families next week for Thanksgiving. If you are traveling, God bless you with a safe trip.

Debbie

A New Addition to our Family

2009-11-14T20:23:00.005-06:00

My husband and son decided that since I have been so lost without Pepper, they took it upon themselves to call the breeder where we got Pepper and Storm from. They learned there was a new litter of puppies to be born in about 2 weeks.

Well we got the call 2 days ago and there are new puppies. I told the breeder I would like another female black lab. There was only one female black lab in this litter. She is ours and she will be coming home on Dec. 23rd, 2009. So we just have to pray that she is a healthy puppy and will grown by leaps and bounds by the time we get her in the 6 weeks. She is NOT a replacement for Pepper but she will be giving us new memories hopefully for a very long time to come.

In Memory of Pepper

2009-11-14T19:59:00.007-06:00

Pepper Ann

On October 27, 2009, someone stopped somewhere on the road along our property and shot and killed my sweetheart, Pepper. We rushed her to the vet but there was no saving her. She had lost too much blood.

There hasn't been a day that has gone by that I don't cry. I can't believe someone could be so mean as to shoot my beautiful girl. She was only 2 years old. She is missed terribly by myself, husband and son. Our older lab, Storm, is so blue without Pepper. Pepper and Storm were related. My gorgeous Pepper came from Storm's half-sister Shadow. This is just so heartbreaking and so sad. I will always have the most wonderful memories of her short life and I will love her always. She was everything to me.

Alzheimers Campaign

2009-09-12T00:23:00.000-05:00

In honor of my Grandpa Tony

Is it Alzheimer's?

Get a Web Ribbon

Cards for Heros

2009-09-12T00:14:00.002-05:00

If anyone is interested in sending cards to the troops, the old name was Cards for Heros. It has changed to Operation Write Home.
The new website address is: http://www.operationwritehome.org/

It would be wonderful to get folks to send our heros all types of cards to not only cheer them up, but also help them out since they just can't go to a store to buy cards for their loved ones. Check it out and help make their life a little bit easier.

More cards to be posted. I've been busy stamping and among other things, trying to enjoy the Indian Summer weather we are having.

Have a wonderful day!

Debbie

StampTV challenge

2009-08-30T12:28:00.003-05:00

I did this card this morning, for the challenge over at StampTV. Love those challenges and I'm getting bolder with entering. Maybe I'll break out of my comfort zone yet!

Cardstock: Orange from Michael's, SU Whisper White & Basic Gray
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder : Pumpkin Harvest
Chalks rubbed over the embossed area
Stamps from Gina K Designs : Words & bats
Stamp from Michael's : Pumpkin
SU Sahara Sand sponged around each white square, Orange for pumkin, Basic Black for bats.

Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday!

Just A Few Cards

2009-08-29T13:39:00.009-05:00

Here are some of the cards I've done recently.

This is using stamps from Stampin Up. I used the Versamark on all the images and sponged in the background colors.

Using SU Branch Out stamp set. The tree and leaves are stamped using Versamark. I used a white gel pen to add highlights to the tree.

I bought this Hibiscus stamp at Michael's years ago. The fern in the background is from SU. The card and orange papers are using SU Whisper White and sponged using stamp pads from SU.

Versamark leaves and colored in with SU markers. The background is SU Whisper White and sponged with Creamy Carmel and Really Rust. The fleur-de-lis is a bigger stamp but I just used part of it to get the effect that I wanted.

Just Keeping Busy

2009-08-29T13:24:00.002-05:00

It has been so busy here that I almost don't know where to start. We built a new grilling deck and laid a small concrete sidewalk to finish part of our renovation projects behind the house. I must say, I am impressed with hubby and son. Way to go guys!!

I've been working on a few things for a friend that is making a scrapbook for her upcoming granddaughter. She has picked pretty colors for the new baby book and I'm hoping to compliment her work.

Also , I have been quite busy with stamping and making cards. It just releases some kind of energy in me and I'm having a wonderful time making the cards. The problem is, who am I going to send them to? I have very few people to send a card to, but when I do, I know they are appreciated. That leaves me with a happy feeling.

A few months ago I signed up with Stampin Up so I can get the supplies and stamps at a nice discount and I've been building my never ending stash of papers and supplies. Quite recently I found Gina K designs and oh my goodness, the stamps and her designers are awesome. I'm hooked already. I love going over to stamptv.com to see all the latest and then click on all the designers blogs and wonderful inspiration from all of them. Wow!!

Last week the guys were out in the woods with the dogs. Pepper romped over a nest of yellow jacket bees and I guess all chaos broke out with the bees and both dogs. Pepper took the most bites, about 9. She had bumps all over her but the most visible was above her eye. Poor baby. Good thing I had Benadryl in the house so each dog got a dose of that which helped. Storm had two bites so she wasn't as bad. On Monday night, I noticed Pepper was starting to limp and getting stiff in her right front leg. Talk about worry. On Tuesday, I called the vet and got her in for a shot of pain and antibiotics and the vet said within 3 days she will be living up to her name again. The swelling in her paw went down and the stiffness went away and she's been really making up for lost time. I will admit it was nice to see her really calm and not underfoot but it wasn't in a good way. She's on antibiotics and pain pills for about a week so she's just back to bouncing along as usual. I never saw a lab with so much energy. Talk about being in 4-paw overdrive!

Well hope everyone is doing well. Have a great day!!

Birthday Card

2009-07-21T11:28:00.003-05:00

I recently did a challenge over at http://visualdesignsbychris.blogspot.com/. She has monthly challenges using her cutting files so this is what I came up with. The piece I used was her circle mat that I cut out in SU Old Olive. The stamp is from Michaels that I found last year. I stamped in SU Old Olive then re-stamped it with Versa Mark, used clear embossing powder to make it stand out more. It turned out better than I imagined. The leaves on the main card and the front piece are from SU.

We've Been Busy

2009-07-20T05:25:00.007-05:00

We have been so busy in our lives since February. One good thing about retirement, is that we are finally starting to fulfill wishes and dream on our wish list.

Back in February we decided we had enough of the cold, snow and ice. We packed up our travel trailer and took off for Florida. What a wonderful trip. My husband found a website that lists military campgrounds so we mapped out our trip and took off. The first day we made it to Fort Knox, KY and stayed at Camp Carlson for two days. A beautiful campground that is 4 miles from the base. The base alone has some really beautiful features so we had a good time staying there.

The next night we ended up in Georgia and stayed at a Good Sam's campground right off the highway. Finally on day 3 we arrived at our destination at Patrick Air Force base by Cocoa Beach and it was just gorgeous. The campground is at the far end of the base located right next to the Banana River. What a breathtaking view to wake up to each day. The people who run and maintain the camp are so friendly that we are wanting to go back there again for another visit.

Our dogs thought they were in heaven being able to get on the beach and run around and splash in the water. That was their second priority every morning and it was such fun to see their smiling faces as they swam around, chased the ball and even made new doggie friends. We met quite a few couples that were just as friendly as could be and found out that they meet up at the camp every year and stay for about 6 months. Hmmm, now that does sounds like a fun way to spend the winter. Maybe we will become snowbirds. It was fun for me to see Kennedy Space Center and Disney World and see the changes that have taken place from when I was there in the early 70's. This was hubby's first trip there so he had a really good time. The only bad thing was that the days we did take those trips, it rained big time. Not a very good way to sight see but we enjoyed it just the same.

Enjoy the photos and I'll have new post later.

This is our trailer as we rolled on down the highway in Florida.

Playing with the dogs on the beach.

Kennedy Space Center

Shiny Things

2009-03-05T09:06:00.008-06:00

Hi Everybody!

My goodness, it's been over a week and I haven't blogged. Shame on me! In truth, I was somewhat busy. I recently participated in a die cut and card swap. I also am rather a "late bloomer" in trying new things out on the market. I picked up a bottle of Utee Embossing Enamel and fell in love with what I did. I quickly scanned these cards because I had to get them mailed out for the swap. It is rather hard to see the shine from the enamel. They looked so neat up close.

Items used are: Cricut Home Accent Cartridge
Stampin' Up! Cardstock : Whisper White for the butterflies, Green Galore, Passion Pink, So Saffron,Ballet Blue, & Basic Black
Stampin' Up! Border Stamps (1995)
Stampin' Up! Noteworthy Set(Flowers & Leaves-2006)
Utee Embossing Enamel
BIC MarkIt Permanent Markers
Versamark White Inkpad
Ribbon (white with green)

Cut the butterfly from the Cricut Home Accent cartridge at 3" out of the Whisper White cardstock. Take your favorite marker and color the entire butterfly. Lay the butterfly on a piece of scrap paper and stamp the white Versamark over the top. Using an embossing tray, lay the butterfly in there, pour UTEE over the top and shake off. Take a heat gun and heat the UTEE until it melts. Let the butterfly cool off before attaching to your card. I used foam popdots underthe butterfly and attached to card. For the color under the butterfly, I rubbed matching SU chalk colors.

I'm waiting for my order from SU so I can start making more cards. This past weekend I went to a SU stamp club and was able to buy retired sets of stamps. So my collection is off and running. I'm just starting to have more fun now that I'm getting into the world of stamping. Oh the things I have discovered the past 5 years. And to think I once thought crafting meant either crocheting or knitting with my grandmother or doing a counted cross stitch project to surprise my husband with years ago. My Aunt Joyce had to help me with my sewing project in junior high. She could make a sewing machine sing. All I had to do was look at a sewing machine and it gave me a dirty look back. I took that as my cue to leave some things alone.

If anyone gets a chance, go check out Dawn Griffith's blog at http://dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com/ I don't remember how I found her blog, but in my humble opinion, she is an awesome demonstrator for Stampin' Up!. She not only has her blog, she also puts out videos for stamping and a whole lot more. She is the reason I joined SU. Talk about enthusiastic. Listening to her on video and then talking to her on the phone, she sounds exactly the same. She is so full of energy and enthusiasm. If this lady has a bad day, you probably wouldn't know it. Also as you read her blog, you will find that she is steeped in her faith and she is a cheerleader for God also. I've never met her, but she just sounds amazing to me. Just listen to Dawn on one of her stamping videos will probably make you feel good inside! Her bubbly personality is really neat and contagious!!

Have a great week and weekend. Hopefully this time next week, we will be on vacation some place warm and without snow.

Debbie

Sunny Sunday

2009-02-22T13:31:00.002-06:00

My goodness, it certainly is bright and sunny out today. It's too bad that the temperature doesn't match the feeling I get looking at the sunshine. Mother Nature just had to remind us that it is still winter, and snowed all day yesterday. Now more is forecast for the upcoming week. Sigh. Summer just cannot get here soon enough for me. I'm so tired of the cold and looking at snow.

I've been putting off doing stuff around my craft room, like cleaning it up. I created quite a mess so today is the day to get it all cleaned up. Besides, I have a new interest...stamping. So I have to make room for all the fun stuff I'll be doing. Yes, I'm behind the times, but with me it's one thing at a time and until I get sick of it, I just keep doing it. I've taken quite a break from using my cutting machines all the time, so this will get me back into the fun of cutting files and making cards and things.

I've gone swimming a few times at a local place and it's been quite nice. Shame, we signed up there and two weeks later the prices went up, but still it is great to have the access. It gives me something to do and break up my day. Once the warmer weather gets here, I'm sure I'll be going more. It is a bear when it's so cold outside.

The biggest change I've made recently is getting brave and having 14 inches of my hair cut off. Since the hot flashes have started, I was tired of having wet hair at night. Right after the flash wears off then I freeze, so getting up and down all night to dry my hair was no fun. I haven't had much sleep in the past month. So since the cut, it's been much easier and woohoo, I can fall back to sleep quicker. I'm finally starting to feel rested.

We have been talking about the possibility of getting a hot tub on our deck. It will probably just be big enough for two persons. That is all we really need for us. It's not like we need the monster size tub we used to have at our old house. We do miss it.

Hope you are all having a wonderful day!

Debbie

Sunday Musings

2009-02-01T19:43:00.004-06:00

My goodness, this past week just flew right by. Where did the time go? It was another bootiful sunny day, but it's still cold out. I am so longing to be able to walk outside in t-shirt and jeans or even shorts. Anything other than having to wear long johns, heavy sweaters or sweatshirts and jackets, mittens and anything else to keep warm.

Good news! Our buddy called us two days ago and again today. He's finally turning the corner and getting better. We figure he'll be in the hospital another week, but that's okay. Just as long as he is getting better, we couldn't ask for much more. Even better, his wife gave him a laptop so he can stay in touch with friends and family easier. Wow, he's being a good boy in the hospital to get such a nice gift. Just get better and get home soon!

Recently I went to a nice gathering and met some new ladies to craft with. It was a nice couple of hours and I had a really nice time. It will be nice to get together with them and chat and relax. I am looking forward to more gatherings.

Other than that, not much is going on. Hope everyone had a good weekend and looking forward to a wonderful week!

Debbie

Day of Relaxation

2009-01-25T18:08:00.003-06:00

Oh what a sunny day it was today! The sunshine looked so inviting. I just wanted to go out and play with the dogs, but of course, it was only 5 degrees, so that wasn't about to happen. Hubby and I did manage to go to our neighboring town and signed up at the local pool. It felt so funny to change into our swimsuits and hit the water, but it felt so good. So we sat in the hot tub and oohed and aahed while looking out the windows and seeing a whole lot of snow on the ground. It didn't feel so cold out when we left the building either. We do miss having our own hot tub out the back door. I'm sure we will be having a discussion in the near future about getting one for our back deck. For now, I'm very happy to have the opportunity to swim and relax when I feel like it. What a great way to get out of the house during the dreary winter and break up the monotony.

On another note, our best friend may be getting better. His wife called us today and left a message that they may start taking him off a few things, so in my mind, that has to be a good sign. We keep praying for him and a speedy recovery from this mess.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Debbie

A Long Week

2009-01-23T22:44:00.002-06:00

It's been rather a long week around here with the gloom of winter and very little sunshine. Summer just cannot get here fast enough for me. I'm so sick of dealing with the snow and the cold. There is a new weather front that came through today and it's plunging us back to about 30 below by tomorrow night wind chill factor. I am so ready for a plus 75-80 degree day, it isn't funny. Let's see, only what...4 or 5 months to go before we see that kind of weather. Being cooped up in the house is not my idea of fun or living either.

On the brighter side, we did find out that we can use the pool at the local motel for a small fee. So we are going to go sign up for that tomorrow, I hope. Swimming and hot tub time sounds good in my book. At least I'll be getting some decent exercise. My insides are feeling rather blah. It will feel good to be moving around and enjoying the water.

On a very sad note, a very close friend is in the hospital. He went in for a heart test and came home. Unfortunately the next morning his wife had to get him to the hospital as he ended up having complications from the procedure from the day before and now he's really having medical problems. i can't help thinking if only he hadn't kept putting off calling the doctor sooner, and yet I know his main problem didn't just occur in the past few months. If you don't take care of your body, eventually it will let you know it is tired of being neglected.

Today is my 5th year anniversary of surviving a massive heart attack. I was only 45 and I was so very fortunate to have the help that was needed so very quickly. I thank God every day for another day when I wake up.

This Saturday is a scrapbooking crop that I would normally attend, but it's just to cold for me to be hauling my stuff around. I have too many things I take and even if I try to lighten up, I still end up forgetting stuff and my heart just isn't into it lately. The following Saturday I'm invited to another workshop of a different sort, and I don't have to take anything to that one, so I think I'll go and see what that is like. It will give me a chance to meet some new people and maybe make some new friends! That would be nice!!

I hope you all have a terrific weekend and hopefully I'll be posting actual crafting soon. I just need to get my mojo back in gear!

Don't Miss Those Sales!

2009-01-18T22:38:00.004-06:00

Well it's Sunday and usually I take the day to sit back and relax and not let anything bother me. For over the past month, I have been getting emails from various blogs that I visit and many of these ladies sell for one of the exclusive stamping & scrapbooking suppliers out there. Today the big sale ended for the company and they start their new catalog tomorrow. Now I believe in one having their own in home business. I also believe in customer service. If you send an email to someone, you certainly would like to have a reply returned to you. I have really been leaning toward ordering some stuff from this company through one of their representatives, BUT, that representative must have decided that the questions about the products was not important enough to answer, thus losing a sale and saving me a quite a bit of money.

When it comes right down to it, not every one can afford the exclusive products. Granted it would be nice, but there are those on a disablity, stay at home moms, unemployed, low paying wage earners, etc. So stick with what you are comfortable with and every once in a while you might be able to splurge on a little something nicer. I would love to have the fancier papers for my cards alone, but when I sit right down and look at reality, why bother? I have very few people to send cards to anymore. Same with using paper in my scrapbooking. What on earth was I thinking of buying all those pads and stacks of paper? I guess I didn't realize that even though I have quite a bit I can scrapbook, I have so much paper now, it's not funny. It might take me a year or two to get through all of it. Ah well, I know now that I can ignore those sales at the stores and the exclusive companies for now. Saves me in the pocket book.

So whether or not you participate in those sales, ask yourself, do I really need it all? The first thing that will come to mind is probably...YES!, but in reality, a lot of it gets pushed aside. In this economy, I have to learn to just say no and miss those sales.

In the Deep Freeze

2009-01-16T18:44:00.003-06:00

This past week has been basically been a below zero week on the old thermometer. It's 15 below right now during the early evening. Supposedly it's supposed to be a jump to maybe 20 above tomorrow. Wonder if we will consider that a heat wave. Well at least I haven't turned in to a frozen popsicle this week so maybe I'll just make it!

I have a bone to pick with people online that are in business. It just slays me that you visit someone's website and leave a message about a product or products that someone is trying to sell. You think about buying, but you have questions, so you leave email. Now you sit and wait and wait and wait and...enough with the waiting. I figure if you are selling a product, and you do business on the internet, then answer your email. Isn't that why you put your email out there to begin with? To be contacted if someone should have questions? Good grief. If it's that hard to reply by email, then take the email addy off the website. I've been waiting almost a week now for an answer and I'll be darned if that person is going to get my business now. Yes, we all get busy with life and have things to do, but if you are running a business, wouldn't you check your email at least ONCE a day? If not, you never know what you are going to miss!

Other than that, I hope everyone is able to warm up and have a terrific weekend!

Debbie

Celebrations

2009-01-13T22:41:00.004-06:00

Hi Everybody!

This is a month for celebrations! Hubby and I will be celebrating our 31st anniversary on the 28th. Also my wonderful friend Mary and her hubby also celebrate their anniversary on the same day! Woohoo!

Mary is really wanting to celebrate ! If you are looking for cutting files for Wishblade, Craftrobo, KNK, Cricut, etc., jump on over to her website at http://mamawslegacy.com/ and check out Mary's blog. Right now she has a code on her blog where you can get 45% off on your purchases at her store! She also has free cutting and digital files on her blog, so go check it out!!

I also get to celebrate the fact that on the 23rd, it will be the 5th anniversary of my heart attack and by the grace of God, modern medicine and dedicated medical personnel, I survived. I certainly never thought I would have a heart attack at the tender age of 45, but it happened. Now recently being able to celebrate my turning 50, I am very thankful that I am still here.

It is going to be sub-zero temperatures this week in Wisconsin. I must say, I do not relish the idea of wearing layers of clothes just to go outside. I feel sorry for Storm and Pepper to have to run outside to do their business. Good thing hubby likes the winter so he can jump out there with the snowblower and play around. I will do it myself, but he just loves to be on the go all the time, so I'm more than happy to let him have fun.

I have been so busy doing a whole lot of nothing. Actually I just needed to recharge my batteries and get a few household chores done that didn't involve any crafting or computer work. Now that those fun chores are taken care of, back to crafting. I've been busy yesterday and tonight cutting things out for a swap over at Cricut Scraplifters plus getting ready to start making a dozen cards for a card swap over there also.

Have a great night and stay warm!

Debbie

Challenges

2009-01-06T14:08:00.002-06:00

Well for 2009 I have decided to get involved with challenges with my card making and scrapbooking. Anything to get motivated again. I've gotten stuck in a rut over photos that I just don't know what to do with, yet. These are old photos from childhood and also relatives that I have no idea who they are except that somehow they are related through my great grandmother. Well I'm sure I'll figure them all out. I have names, now I just need to find out how every one is related to each other down the line.

Unfortunately I don't have any photos of the present for scrapbooking. It seems I'm always the person behind the camera so I get photos of hubby and the dogs and that's it. Hubby doesn't get the idea that maybe I would like to have my photograph taken once in a while. The last time I had my photo taken was while we visited at my mom's for Christmas. I'm sure once those are developed that I'll get a copy of those photos.

Time to get the cutting machines warmed up. I jumped in for a design swap over at the Cricut Scraplifters board so I need to get busy cutting. That plus making 12 cards for another swap there also, should keep me motiviated and busy for a few nights! Woohoo!!

Also soon, the monthly get together for scrapbooking will be starting up again. That I have missed, seeing all the ladies and having a few giggles. It will be really fun once again when all the snow, ice and cold temperatures are gone. I loved going to the meetings all spring, summer and fall where we didn't have to worry about the weather. Spring should be here in another 5 months!!

Hope everyone is having a good day.

Debbie

Ice Isn't Nice

2009-01-05T21:27:00.002-06:00

Whoa, we had a bit of rain the other night, which turned to sleet and then the temperature took a nosedive and our driveway and country roads are like an ice rink now. Mike threw out some stuff to melt the ice on the drive and it's not working. Now that's bad. The snowplows that have been out, dumped sand in the middle of the road and we are wondering what good that was supposed to do for any of us. Who drives in the middle of the road?

Hubby took me out for dinner and I just cringed the couple miles we had to drive on the ice roads until we hit one of the major roads that is ice free. Whew. I had this vision of sliding off the road but thankfully we made it out and back in one piece without any mishaps. At this rate, we could become lol, Ice Road truckers. We may not be driving on a frozen ocean but let me say the ice is thick enough and slippery enough to be real careful just walking out to the mailbox.

Well I think I'll hit the hay early tonight and get a refreshing start tomorrow.

Debbie

First weekend of 2009

2009-01-02T22:58:00.002-06:00

Well here it is, the beginning of the first weekend of the new year. Where did this past week go? It was unfortunate, but we had to drag our tree out the door much earlier than planned. Usually we keep our tree until mid month in January because we just love sitting at night with just the lights on the tree and around the doors and windows lit and the main lights off. The problem was, we bought our tree at a tree lot in town and we don't know how long our tree was there. The tree never did quite bounce back after we thawed it in the house for 2 days, giving it a ton of water to drink. We slowly let it thaw and then took the baling string off the tree.

It seems our tree was dead or so frozen on the inside that it just couldn't come back to life. So we had pine needles all over the living room carpet and all over the kitchen floor and it was a huge mess to clean every single day. The tree was huge and bushy and just perfect in shape. We put all the ornaments on with care as to be gentle with the branches but it was a lost cause. I'm just lucky that I was able to give it tree food and water to try to keep it going. When we carried it out, the needles just dropped all over the floor. We must have cleaned up 25 pounds of needles over the two weeks we had it and it took us over an hour just to clean up all the needles when we took it outside. Poor thing gave it's all. Now it is laying out in the back yard and hopefully it will give temporary shelter to either birds or bunnies for the rest of the winter.

I took a break from cleaning my craft area and oops, I didn't get back in here to finish it up. So that is my objective for this weekend. Cleaning the house and my craft area.

On a sad note, my girlfriend had a gentleman friend who passed away on Monday. I found out from another friend and I called my girlfriend to offer my sympathy and condolences. She had only been operating on 3 hours of sleep so our conversation didn't go too well, so I'll give her a few days and try to call her again. I guess the funeral is this coming Monday, I just wish I could be there for her. I now live 2 hours away so the phone is the best communication other than the Internet. It's rather sad that she lost her husband a few years ago and now she lost her gentleman friend.

Well I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday. Let's all give a prayer of thanks for what we do have and pray that we have a much better year.

Debbie

Let It Snow

2008-12-30T15:32:00.002-06:00

Of course it just wouldn't be winter without the "every other day" snowfall. Last night before retiring for the night, I turned on the deck lights and it was snowing like crazy. Pepper didn't care what it was doing out there, as long as I opened the door to let her out to take care of business. After that business was taken care of, we girls headed for the land of nod. It felt so good to lay down and just close my eyes and drift off.

Today is one of those days where it's still cold out but not down in the deep freeze. So I put a few layers of clothes on and waddled out to my truck and headed off to the dentist. Yep, I had to get another adjustment done to my new partials. I must say, trying to get used to all this new dental work is quite the workout on my jaws. LOL.

After the dental visit, I decided to go into town and check out the local Pamida store and oh baby, I found some nice things on sale for Christmas ornaments and decorations. Woohoo, I was even lucky to find they had the same kind of ornaments I bought last year so I could replace some that broke in the box. Then I went next door to the grocery store to get a few groceries for supper and found another deal there. I did quite well in my shopping today. Saved some serious bucks and that's a good thing!

About the time I was pulling out to come home, it started snowing, again. Ugh, we just had like 3 inches last night and now on the radio it was maybe another 3-6 for us. Sigh, and who is the idiot that ever came up with "let it snow"? It seems like that's all it does here anymore, snows on almost a daily basis. Well I could always cheer up and look at the fact that summer is only about 6 1/2 months away!

Hope you are all having a wonderful Tuesday and looking forward to a wonderful new year.

Debbie

Sunday Musings

2008-12-28T20:25:00.002-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. The past 48 hours has been quite the roller coaster in terms of weather in WI. We had two days of 40 and 50 degree weather, melting snow, and fog so thick that it looked like a white out in our yard. Our yard is snow white but with the fog being so thick, I could barely make out where our two black labs, Storm and Pepper were out back. The weather also made the roads slick and we didn't go anywhere with everything being so icy. It was better to stay home and be safe and sound. Trust me, I was bemoaning the fact that I was missing the after holiday sales. LOL. Ah well, next year maybe I'll make the day after Christmas sales.

I know that the dogs are more than happy that the snow was melting. The girls aren't short labs by any means, but the snow is already up to their chest and for them to do their nature thing is rather tough. So "daddy's girls" are quite happy that daddy took the snowblower out in the backyard and made paths for them to be able to do their thing.

We went to my mom and step-dad's for Christmas day and a good time was had by all. It was just the four of us adults and it was nice to just visit without worrying about the drive back home and the weather. Actually the weather cooperated so it may have been 2 degrees but the sun was shining and the snow was glistening and it was just beautiful. We were rather sad that our son wasn't able to join us but we will be driving down to see him and deliver his gifts hopefully before the new year. The weather has been a deciding factor the past few days.

Hubby was so good this past year that Mrs. Santa decided that he deserved to have a Playstation 3 for his Christmas gift. That plus the Guitar Hero World Tour and two games to round out his gifts. Unfortunately the sales person misinformed me about being able to play the two games offline, so we took those back for exchange today. I have created a monster, according to my husband. The first day he spent almost 10 hours playing the guitar game. I heard songs over and over and over until I could have screamed but he picked up quickly on the playing so it's been fun to hear the songs in the game. It's keeping him busy inside so I'm not going to complain. I just wish he would have it connected to the big tv in the lower level instead of being hooked up to the plasma in the living room. Hopefully I'll be able to get him to move it.

Hopefully tomorrow I will get my craft area cleaned up and be able to start crafting again. I have so many things all over the place, I really have a mess to deal with.

Here's wishing you all a wonderful week ahead!

Debbie

Happy Holidays

2008-12-24T19:45:00.003-06:00

Well we have been getting plenty of snow the past few days and of course I think we've had enough for the season. LOL

Just wanted to wish everyone Happy Holidays and hope everyone that travels has a safe trip. Give yourself plenty of time if you have to travel over the ice and snow.

God Bless to all!

Debbie

Tuesday Tidbits

2008-12-16T11:31:00.003-06:00

Happy Tuesday!

I've been busy trying to get a Christmas design to come together. I'm at that point, where it's frustrating, so it's time to just step back and take a breather. It's is so close to coming together but there is something that just isn't working right, and I'll be darned if I will let it get the better of me. I'll get there, just takes time!

So, I think I'll just go get out the Christmas decorations and decorate the inside of the house. I've been wanting to do it all month and then I just put it off and it still hasn't gotten done. I thought for sure I'd be able to talk hubby into decorating this past weekend and he just gave me a funny look. This from the guy who loves can't wait to get Christmas up in the house right after Thanksgiving. Hmmm. Well I do know the weather has been playing havoc with his back, and when that happens, forget the rest of the day. So while he out with his buddies for a few hours today, I think Santa's little helper will get busy around here and surprise him. Maybe that will put a smile on his usually cheerful puss!

I had someone ask me to put up a photo of a Christmas decoration that I cut out with a scissors. So I'll post that later.

Debbie

Missing Family

2008-12-13T10:58:00.004-06:00

For the past week, hubby and I have been remembering his parents and my grandparents and other members of our families that are no longer with us. I would have loved to been able to know my mother-in-law as an adult. My only memories of her are when I was a teen, and she was a very warm and loving woman. She would have been an awesome grandmother to our son. My father-in-law was always so good to me. I have to say, my husband was very lucky as having wonderful parents that really cared and made sure they did so many things as a family.

For me, I miss my grandparents, both sets. I am so blessed to still have my parents living and very healthy. My dad's grandparents lived until I was in my early 20's, and that was pretty awesome if you think about it. My grandparents had long lives also. I am quite blessed to have had them right up until a couple of years ago when my last grandmother passed. Talk about longevity! I had my grandparents alive in my late 40's, so I can only hope I could be blessed with such a long life. I also miss my Uncle Jerry, whom I called "Jer-bear". He's also the reason I have for my email name bearilu. It breaks down to "bear I love you". He was a terrific uncle and he had the good sense to marry a super gal and make her my Aunt Joyce.

For all the relatives that have gone on to a better place, I can only hope that during this season of goodwill and blessings, that we all take time to remember our loved ones. God needed angels, and I hope that when our group of angels sing the heavenly carols, that we will hear them with our hearts and minds.

We miss you and send our love to all of our angels, not only for the holiday season, but all year long.

Debbie & Mike

Ramblings

2008-12-08T14:36:00.005-06:00

Looking out the windows and seeing different tones of greys and blues, it's quite a blah looking day. As I look out into the woods, I see pines, dotted with green needles that have been dusted with snow. The oak leaves have turned from green to medium brown. Some of leaves look like burnt rust mixed among the brown leaves. Yet, with those pretty colors to look at, it still looks very gray and overcast. Yes, winter is here and it's supposedly only the beginning. So far, we have had rain, sleet and snow and this is just the beginning of December? If we have anything like we did last year with close to 100" snow, it will be another bad winter. I still vote for Mother Nature to only be allowed to use the week of Christmas for snow and cold. Anything before or after the holiday, must go back up in temps at least in the 60's or better for the rest of our winter. Brrrr.

I have been putting off working on a wedding album for over two weeks already. I should have had it done, but I just can't find the inspiration to finish it. I put the album together for someone who wanted to give it to her friend as a wedding gift. That was all fine and dandy but now it has been decided that she has no clue how to put the photos in and or think of what she wants to do to finish the album to give to the bride and groom. So it's landed back in my lap, wedding photos and all. Guess I should force myself to get it done.

Some days it's just doesn't seem worth getting up for. Hope you are having a much better day than I did!

Debbie

Cards

2008-12-06T23:08:00.012-06:00

Here's a card that I sent to my mom for her birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom!

Actually my dearest friend, Mary Powell, designed the card. Mary has her own website and sells her designs at http://shop.mamawslegacy.com/zencart/. She has so many unique ideas and I'm just in love with everything she puts into her store. Mary is one of the proud few that puts her heart and soul into her designs.

Now, on to holiday cards. These are two cards I made, one is the Mickey car but made for Santa Claus that I scraplifted from someplace. Sorry I don't know where I saw the card similar to this.

The other, with the penguins, the main idea for the layout of the card is off cover of the CardMaker magazine. The penguins I printed off and colored with markers and gel pens. I think it really turned out cute!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2008-12-06T18:42:00.003-06:00

It may not be officially be considered Winter yet, but trust me, when we have night temps registering at below zero and barely in the teens during the day, my vote is that fall has long ended and winter should have been declared as officially being here. Not to mention the snow blanketing everything from the ground on up. The pine trees are so pretty with their dark green needles and snow tips, the grass is already sleeping beneath the blanket of the cold white stuff and the rest of the woods all under a white blanket. Speaking of things being blanketed, let us now forget all the layers of clothing I'm now wearing just to stay warm, inside and out.

I still say I was born somewhere on an island where is it nice and warm all year round. I love the sun, surf and sand. I say I was stolen by a band of gypsies but my mother swears she gave birth to me. Hmm, it makes me wonder why I hate the snow and cold so much and love the sun, water and sand so much more. LOL.

If you are still busy Christmas shopping, good luck out there. Soon the big guy will busy flying all over the world delivering gifts to all the naughty and nice persons out there. Another person has made it to my naughty list, so now that list has a total of 3 people. I don't know of a list lower than the naughty list, but if there was a "lower than a slug" listing, they would be on that one.

Well I'm off to play with some new craft things that came in the mail. Woohoo. Also I recently put a small television in my craft area so I can watch all the vhs movies on hand. Tonight is "White Christmas"," Grumpy Old Men", "Grumpier Old Men" and to be topped off with an oldie, but goodie, "The Bells of St. Mary's". These are my top four movies for the Christmas season and anything after that, I consider a bonus.

Wishing my family and friends a wonderful weekend.

Debbie

Making A List

2008-12-03T01:58:00.005-06:00

It's that time of the year to start making my list and checking it twice. I already know who has been naughty or nice. The first item on my list is to go find a nice, tall and fluffy tree to decorate for Christmas. Thankfully we have a lot of room for what I call a "butterball" tree. We usually get a tree about 9 foot tall and almost as round, and for things to hang on the tree, my husband has bulbs and ornaments that his mother and grandmother made over 50 years ago. Some of them don't look like much, but when one thinks of the time of the depression era, it just makes the ornaments that much more special. So even though the aren't "fancy" by today's standards, that's just fine, because the sentimental value is what counts.

We have two black female labradors named Storm and Pepper. Storm is the oldest at 8 years old and Pepper is about 1 1/2 yrs old now. Storm's grandma had a litter of puppies and that is how we got Pepper. Which means that Pepper is Storm's aunt. Rather confusing to sit and think about it. There are times I have to laugh at myself because at a glance, you can't tell who is who. I always have to look at the muzzle and if it's gray, then I know it's Storm. Either that or I have to look at the color of their collar. The girls look so alike. I wish my husband wouldn't have named the pup, Pepper. She sure lives up to her name. She is just full of zip, it tires me out just to watch her run around. Another thing is that she drools like a Saint Bernard, for food. I've never seen a dog drool like Pepper. She eats food like it's her first and last meal of her lifetime. Hubby says she's "hard-wired" for food. I said well what do you expect, you named my dog after a food seasoning? Truthfully, she is a handful. I can't remember ever having such a high spirited dog like her and yet I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world. I have to admit that the girls are both awesome and smart as all get out. I've had Samoyeds, toy American Eskimos and now Labradors. I have a hard time not having a dog around.

It's time to get busy making Christmas cards. I don't have many to make, maybe about 10 total. Once upon a time it used to be 50+ cards to send out every year, but as friends and family move on and don't keep in contact the list just seems to dwindle. That plus those that pass away to a better place. I'm very lucky to still have my parents and friends that are quite near and dear to us.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day! I'm working on a few things to start loading up photos of my cardmaking or scrapbooking.

~Debbie

The Day After

2008-11-29T20:33:00.004-06:00

Well yesterday was the first time I can remember shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I never even heard it called "Black Friday" until this year. Whatever they want to call it, all I can say is was an eye opener. When I first walked into a retail supercenter, a sheriff's squad pulled up as I was walking in at 5 am. I went in and was done shopping in about 5 minutes. Then I just walked around the store and finally headed for the checkout. While waiting in line, I was rather surprised to turn around and see two women slugging it out over an item. I've heard stories about things like this, but never first hand witnessed it. Unfortunately an innocent bystander somehow became trampled and knocked out cold and the store had to call for an ambulance. Good thing the sheriff was still in the store. I couldn't believe how these two adult women had lost their minds over a plasma tv. All I could think was well, whatever monies they were planning on spending in the store, will now have to go towards their bail or ticket. So much for "Peace and Goodwill towards men". And just think, the season is just starting!

Speaking of which, we were informed by our son that he and his girlfriend plan on being here for Christmas which means now I have to go shopping. I hate shopping for gifts. I just can't stand it. It drives me crazy because no matter what I could possibly buy as a gift for someone, it usually goes back to the store. Of course, giving a gift card is what I've been doing the past few years, but those too seem so impersonal. The best thing I like about the gift card is the person I just gifted it to, can not only get what they would like but I figure they can have the headache of fighting the crowd. Shame on me, I know! I can't help it. I just hate the retail and commercialism side of the holiday.

Well I guess I better quit whining and start making a list of what I need to buy for presents. My work is never done around here. Hope you got some wonderful deals yesterday and have fun shopping!

~Debbie

Welcome to My Blog

2008-11-28T19:24:00.007-06:00

As the old saying goes, "there is a first for everything". This is my first attempt to join the blog world, so bear with me as I try to get things sorted out. I've been thinking about creating a blog for quite some time now and kept putting it off. Well I'm jumping in and hoping to land on my feet! If I land on my head, there will surely be some major problems.

Somebody asked me recently why I wanted to do a blog and at first I wanted to just say well everybody is doing it. But the more I think about it, these are just a few reasons:

It's a good way to communicate

Hopefully I can inspire others and they have inspired me

Sharing with others

Being able to take a few leaps of faith in myself

Hopefully I can take the challenges that come my way

So that being said, I hope you'll come back and visit my blog and see what I've been up to. Goodness knows I can get into shenanigans at times, all in good fun. I just love a good laugh because after all, laughter is good for the soul.

Thanks for stopping in and have a terrific day!

Debbie