12 days of christmas

check out my new blinkie :) 

blog candy

check out the great blog candy at:

http://www.stampinmoments.com/2010/10/blog-candy-thank-you.html

Breakfast Club

I went to breakfast today with my dear friends.  We go once a month and catch up with what's going on in our lives.  Nine of us met at Village Inn today.  It was a riot.  I took some of the cards I've made and my first mini album.  A lady from another table heard us talking and had to come over and see the cards and album.  She then asked to show them to her husband.  She's new here, just moved from California and wants to learn scrapbooking.  She came to the right city!  I have her phone number & email.

Today there were two blog hops!!  When I started I had no idea what blog hops were and was very confused by the whole idea.  Now after a couple of months I'm an old hand *laugh*  It was fun to go from blog to blog and check out all the crafty things the ladies had made.  One blog hop was Halloween and the other was Fall.  Each of the blogs give away blog candy.  You leave a message in their comments and they choose a winner.  I'll have to check them tomorrow and monday to see if I won anything :)

It's been a lovely day, the weather has been warm but it's going to cool down alot next week.  Fall is in the air and winter will be here soon.

Halloween Card

This is a card I made for the CardzTV challenge.  I cut out the skeletons, www.svgcuts.com with my cricut.  Lots of fun!!

Grandsons Birthday Party

Saturday we went to Shawns 10th birthday party at West Jordan park.  The weather was crazy!!  It was so windy that all the balloons bopped before the end of the party.  Shawn was excited and had his friend from the trailer park with him.  Majestic wasn't feeling well.  Michael and Latasha were there, I haven't seen them in ages!  I think almost 2 years now - since Lisa & Brad moved to Clearfield.  Michael is slender now and taller than I am - he's 14.  Latasha is 16 and had her boyfriend with her, she was smiling and let me take her picture.  She looked very happy.  The party was great - lots of people showed and Shawn received a ton of gifts.  I took photos while he opened them.  I was worried because all he was receiving were toys, then he opened a package with jeans and a shirt so when he opened our gift of clothes it was OK.  He loved the never ending card and the $10 I tucked inside it.  I told him the shirt was plain - so he could visit us and decorate it any way he wanted.  He wants to learn how to do the card also.  Aaron showed up, but he doesn't seem happy at his new job.  David & Christen couldn't make it.  Christy & Jeff still aren't talking to Lisa.  Lot's of Brads family made it.

It was good.

Time Passes So Quickly

I realized tonight that I haven't been here in a while.  I've been a bit depressed.  I do what I have to and that's about it.  I made some more cards for my friend Gloria, but I can't seem to push my way through this barrier I'm at.

My hubby had a procedure wednesday at the doctors office, he made the appointment for 7:00 am.  He knows how bad it is for me in the early morning, but I made it and we went so I could drive him home.  I took a book and some stuff to snack on.  He was fine and stayed home after.

Tomorrow is our grandsons birthday, he turns 10.  I've made his card.  Last week he and his younger sister spent the days with me.  He asked me several times to be sure and make him a card, I assured him I would.  So the card is made!!  We bought him jeans and a shirt and are giving him $10 so he can buy something he wants.

I just don't know what to do, I feel like I'm in thick jello and my thoughts are as sluggish as my body feels.  I hate this!!  I've felt off all day, just not right. 

Hopefully I'll be able to take pictures of some of the cards I'm doing and post them :)  Camera goes into my purse now, so I don't forget it for the birthday party tomorrow.

Big sale at Michaels

I went to Michaels *yippy* they had paper packs at 40% off and today between 4 & 8 pm an additional 25% off!!!  I bought several K & Company packs  (a total of 6!!) and several paper punches by Fiskars (the squeeze punch - they're easier on my hands). 

Yesterday I took the grandkids to the fountain at Gateway.  It's a wonderful fountain that was built for the Olympics, it's in the ground.  The grandkids love to run through it so we spent a couple of hours there.  They were exhausted when we got home *hehehe*  lunch time then my meds.  I was feeling good!  I didn't dare take my pain pills before we went, because we were driving downtown and they were in the car, so I endured!!

I'm still working on decorating my mini album.  I adhered all the paper, have my tags cut, now to put on flowers and bling!  It's taken me forever on this album!!  I've been watching a lot of Youtube and can't believe how many mini album videos there are  *whew*  I've been shopping too much also.  This will be a banner month on the credit card  *yikes*

Phil has cooked chicken for dinner *yummy*  Can you tell I'm feeling good?  Sometimes I think I'm bi-polar with my ups and downs, unfortunately more downs than ups.  When I feel good I take advantage!!

Down, down, down

Phil stayed home today and watched the grandkids.  Unfortunately I slept.  I'm so down I can't believe it.  It's an effort just to move.  I don't hurt (much) but I feel so awful.  My mom called, said I needed a kick in the butt.  That's my mom *smile*  Tomorrow Lisa picks up the grandkids at 11:00 and thursday at 11:30.  My list of things to do is tossed aside.  Going to take them to see my mom tomorrow morning.  See mom and her dogs (there are 4 in the house)

I started a paper sack mini album that I saw on Youtube.  I need to put on the cover and decorate.  I'm stuck, I know what I want to do, but I have all these paper scraps that I feel like I "should" use.  I think I'll do what I want - take the papers that fit what I want.  I'll make another album with scraps :)

I hate the "shoulds"  They box me in.  OK my venting is over for a bit.  Thanks for reading.

Grandkids

This week I'm watching my grandkids, Shawn & Majestic.  I watched them for several years when they were younger.  They moved 2 years ago to Clearfield and last year to Far West (over an hour drive).  We don't see them much.  I miss the little darlings.  Shawn turns 10 this year and Majestic will turn 7.  I can't believe how grown up they look.  It's a delight to have them around this week.  Tomorrow Phil (hubby) is taking the day off and we're going to "do stuff"  I have a list but we'll see what happens.  Right now I'm tired, it's been a long day.

I have to share this - my mom is Facebook crazy!!  She goes on every day and comments on stuff and looks for family & friends.  Today we talked on the phone and the last thing she said was "check out my facebook"  *laugh*  I had to go in & comment.  I'm not a big Facebook fan, but I'll have to try to keep up with my mom *grin*  She turns 71 next month!!

Mini Albums

I've been having so much fun making Mini Albums!!  Mary at CardzTV (link on right side of my blog) made 3 videos showing how to make a small 3 X 3 Album using a 12 X 12 sheet of card stock.  It's been so much fun!  Now I have to stop that for a few days and get back to making cards!!  I have my grandsons birthday party tomorrow (saturday), my parents anniversary sunday and my dear friends birthday also sunday.  I found the cutest Never Ending Card on YouTube by TheCoutureCrafter.  I'm going to attempt that this morning for my grandson. 

My hubby received the credit card statement and isn't too happy about the charges I made last month *sigh*  We pay the credit card when it's due, so the only debt we have is the house payment.  But I've been spending too much on paper, card stock and stamps.  So time to slow down on that.  While I was going through the worse of my neuropathy pain, where I could hardly walk, I didn't shop at all.  I could barely walk!!  So I guess I'm making up for that.  I see videos and think - wow I'd like to have that to use to make cards or such.  But it's time to slow down and find ways to use what I have, instead of buying more!!  The pain isn't as bad in my legs and feet, but my hands ache almost all the time.  I try to do crafts to keep my mind off it.  Shopping helps too :P

Ruthie at setemberninth blog giveaway

Check out Ruthies blog for a giveaway!
Ruthie at septemberninth giveaway
She's giving away a Lots of Pun stamp set.

Happy Birthday Jodi

Wanted to wish Jodi at Inked Inspriations very happy birthday!!  Go to her blog at
http://inkedinspirations.blogspot.com/2010/07/its-my-birthday.html
for a chance to win blog candy.  Must enter by July 31, 2010

Holiday weekend

We celebrate the July 24th in Utah as Pioneer Day.  My hubby had friday off so we're having a long weekend.  He decided we should treat it like a vacation and do what we wanted!  It's been great :)  We went shopping at the various fruit stands for fresh fruit/veggies.  I went to Michaels and bought a couple of stamp sets and a Martha Stewart edge puncher (floral lace)  We ended up friday at Johnny Carenos (spelt wrong hehe) for dinner.  It was a fabulous day.  We drove around, bought stuff, went to places we haven't been for a couple of years and enjoyed ourselves.

Saturday morning I slept in and my hunny went grocery shopping.  Have I told you how lucky and fortunate I am?  My hubby does the grocery shopping and cooks dinner!!  I have neuropathy, depression and diabetes.  It's been a challenge the last year or so.  The neuropathy started about a year ago with burning and tingling in my feet.  The pain progressed to the point where I could hardly walk.  My insurance wouldn't pay for the medication my doctor wanted, so I spent several months in agony.  My husband wanted me to just buy the medication, but I wouldn't because I didn't know if it would even work!  At the first of the year I started a new insurance that covers the two medications I need and now I hurt less, but one of the side effects is my hands shake!  Quite a challenge when card making, but the card making distracts me so I keep plugging along.  I started this blog when I was still in alot of pain, wrote about some of it, but deleted it.  It was such a downer!

I believe life is good.  Things happen for a reason, even if we don't know why.  I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, friends and a supportive family.  Youtube has changed my life, with the videos of card making and helped me find wonderful blogs to follow and challenges to join.

Christmas in July Tree card

This is another Christmas in July card.  I cut out the tree using the Christmas cricut cartridge at 3 3/4"  The star came with the snow layer which I cut in white, so I colored it with my permenent markers and added stickles.  I had problems putting on the snow (my hands shake) and got glue all over!!  So I put stickles on the white (snow) and green (tree).  The background I used the cuttlebug embossing folder winter trees.  I also embossed the trees with an unlabeled folder that I liked.  I added a red ribbon and "Merry Christmas" cut out.

Santa and Lace

Mary from CartzTV is having a Christmas in July Challenge.  This weeks is to have a christmas card with lace, ribbon and a button. I used the snowflakes cuttlebug embossing folder and then a nail buffer thingy to take off a little of the cardstock to show the snowflakes.

Garden card

Another card I finished today.  I used cuttlebug folders for the embossing (flower pot birdhouse & background)  Stickles on the flowers and butterfly.

Mothers Day Card

I made this card for the My Creative Time website http://www.creativetimeforme.com wild card challenge.  Pick a holiday we enjoy the most and make a card using the wild card cricut cartridge.  I choose mothers day, because I love my mom and mothers day was extra special this year.  I used the Oval shape on page 39 and made the envelope also at 4 1/2 inches.  I colored the flower with ink and used candy cane stickles on the card and flower.  I used a white gel pen to write Happy Mothers Day.  I tied a sheer ribbon at the bottom.  I think it turned out very pretty.

Found another contest I can enter with this card *yippy*  Cricut Card Challenge is to use any card feature.  This works :)  

Whoohoo!!!

I just have to share :)  I bought Create A Critter for $26.51 and Just Because for $26.02 both with free shipping on EBAY today.  I've been wanting both of these cartridges for a while, but the bidding was too high.  Can't believe I bought them both at such a low price.

pumpkincartcrafts

PumpkinCartCrafts.com has the best deals on Sure Cuts A Lot 2  so visit http://www.PumpkinCartCrafts.com

Cleanup time

Today I cleaned off the dining room table *yippy*  I've had my card stuff there since I cleaned out the computer room for guests last month.  I put the table back in the computer room and all the stuff is back.  But it's grown!!  How did that happen *shaking head*  Time to organize this mess *grin*  My friend Gloria asked me to make a few cards for her.  I make birthday cards for her, but she wants something different.  Hopefully I can get to those before we go to breakfast on friday. 

My car needs to have emission testing done.  This month is renewal time 7 (june) for my car and 11 (november) for my hubby.  Easy to remember isn't it??   Hubby wanted me to do it today, but I had to get the table cleared and the house needs to be cleaned next.  David (hubby's oldest son) is coming over saturday, so it's time to clean house!!

Called the dentist, he will  not be back until next week.  I have an appointment for thursday *sigh*  I can hardly wait (hope the toothache can)

Live Love Laugh

This is a card I made for the Cuttlebug Challenge #91  Doileys & Lace
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SnowMan Card

This is my SnowMan Card from the Winter Woodland cartridge from page 47 cut at 7" with the shift and layers key (for the dark blue and light blue layers)  My husband says it looks like a milk bottle *hehehe*  he didn't like this card as much as the last one

A Few Tips

I thought I would share a couple of tips I learned on YouTube about Cricut:

The first tip is to set your new cutting mat.  Before you take off the protective plastic covering - put the date on it at the top.  This does 2 things, first you know how old your mat is (newer mats for difficult projects - older mats for thin paper and easier projects). Second it lets you know which side of the plastic sheet goes on the mat.  Someone on YouTube mentioned you should use the one side.

Second tip that helped me to cut out my Winter Woodland snowman on my Cricut.  I opened Cricut Design Studio and loaded the pieces I was going to cut.  That helped me with orientation and size.  I loaded all the different papers on my mat and it was a snap to cut!

Tomorrow I need to call the dentist *yuck!*  I've had a toothache all weekend.  I hate going to the dentist and put it off as long as I can.  I think I better go *sigh*

Yesterday we went to our grand daughter Allisons birthday party.  It turned out well.  I gave her one of my hand-made cards  She turned 13 and started those "teenage" years early.  We love her and miss her when she's home in Washington.  Below is a card similar to the one we gave her.

TGIF (toes go in first)

My husband loved to say TGIF (toes go in first)  It's hot here and I've been awake all night.  Too tired to sleep.  Mom called earlier, her computer is acting weird.  My brothers came to mow my lawn - said it didn't need it - so they'll come back next week.
I can't believe it's July.  I'm trying to organize my cricut cartridges.  I bought a tote back that holds 72 and realized I have more than 72.  YIKES!!!

Still here and making cards

My husband loved my Christmas card.   It was the first thing he noticed on the table (and the table is loaded down with my craft stuff.  Yesterday I finished the card, photographed it and uploaded it to my computer.  Then came the fun part, figuring how to put it on this blog.  I set up this blog back in April and haven't done anything with it.  I'm happy I could finally use it!

Mary has a new Christmas in July challenge -  a Christmas card with a snowman on it

The cuttlebug spot has a challenge also - to use a 2x2 embossing/die folder.  I have several of those!!  I think I'll try to enter a card there too hehehe

Cards

I've been making cards for a couple of months now.  Trying different things to see what I like.  I decided to show one of my cards - to join in on a Christmas in July challenge by Mary (http://cardztv.blogspot.com).  Her challenge was to use only the colors pink, green, red, white and black.  Enjoy!!