Things can only get Better!

Hi Friends,

Well it's been one of those mornings for me, when nothing is going according to my plan.  I was very excited to meet with my good friend Sandra and do some colouring today but as luck would have it, the freezing rain has cancelled those plans.  So then, I get the kids in the car to go to school and find that the car is making an awful noise and pulling to the left.  So when, I get to school to check it out, I notice a big fat flat tire.  I am not far from home, so I slowly make my way home to have a  phone message waiting.   I had left a message at the hair salon to get my hair coloured (to hide the grey) and the only available appointment is for today at 3pm.  With no wheels and freezing rain that ain't gonna happen!  By now, it's 9:30am and I decide to head into my craft room because if anything can turn this day around, it's crafting!  So the card I got for you  is what I could of looked like today if adults were permitted to do so without the fear of being committed!  This card has been entered in The Craft Place Challenge - Anything Goes.

This little tyrant is from Stampin Bella and the papers are by DCWV called Latte.  I stamped him on neenah cardstock with memento ink and then coloured him with copics.  I added liquid glass to his overall button, pockets and the heels of his socks.  The embossing folder is by SU and the border punch is EK Success.  The mat around him is a SB die and I finished it off with a ribbon and two green jewels on either side of the sentiment.  This wonderful sketch is by Deconstructing Jen # 40.

I'm feeling much better now that I was able create a card to depict my mood!  I am certainly looking forward to rest of my day because as this tyrant says 'things can only get better'.  Thanks for listening to my rant and I sincerely hope your day is much better than how mine started out!

Scrapbook Research!

Hi Friends,

Well, I've spent the day doing some research on the different cutting machines out there and need to poll my readers for their advice on what one to choose.  I really like the Silhouette Cameo and the Pazzle.  I have already got a Cuttlebug and I own the Cricut but now that I am a little more computer savvy, I want to expand into a cutter using my laptop.  I watched a video on how the Silhouette can cut your digi image out, not gonna lie to you that really excites me!  I'm not a big fan of fussy cutting as I have some muscle atrophy in my hand which creates some difficulty when doing some detailed work.  This could be the answer for me!  

Now your turn, let me know what you have, or what you would pick, if you were me and why.  Leave me your choices in the comments below. If you can't phone a friend then this is the next best thing!  I'm looking forward to your opinion so please leave one!  Thanks for stopping by!

Flower Power!

Hi Everyone,

If it's not butterflies, it's flowers!  I am drawn to everything that reminds me of spring these days!  I love all the colours of the flowers, the smell in the air, and the warmth of the sun on your face.  I put this card together with all those things in mind.

I stamped the Heartfelt Creations flower twice with memento ink on neenah cardstock and then coloured them with copics.  The papers are by Lime Twist called Happy Go Lucky.  I used SB dies and a MS border die.  I added stickles to the end of the petals and the center to make it sparkle along with clear rhinestones in the center of the embellishments.  I finished it off with a satin bow and pearls!  I am entering this card in the Colour me Creative Challenge # 37 - Bright Colours and the Outlawz Copic Challenge - Anything Goes.

Do the colours have you longing for spring as well!  Thanks for popping in!

Girl Time!

Hello Again,

I have to say, that there is nothing better than to have a little time every once in a while with your best friend!  First, I went to church and surrounded myself with friends who share the same best friend in Christ as I do, and then I got to travel to Oakville to have lunch with my best friend here on earth, Heather.  I love how both people know me so well!  It's great to be able to share the good, bad and ugly with someone without the fear of being judged!  I always want to remember what a blessing it is to have ones we love, as well as the ones that love us!

To all my friends out there, it is my wish that you know how much I care for you and I will never take for granted our girl time whether it be in person or here on this blog!  Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!

Butterfly Encounters!

Hi there,

I've been drawn to butterflies all week as yesterday would of been my mother's birthday.  She was always fascinated by the beauty and free spirit of the butterfly.  It didn't surprise me in the least bit when she wanted us to know that she would always be as close as the nearest butterfly.  As I have posted earlier, my life has been blessed with so many butterflies since she left us to be with our heavenly father, that I can't help but still feel her love!  Here's the card I made in my mom's memory.

I used DCWV papers called Mariposa. The sentiment is a Close to my Heart stamp that I embossed.  I used a SU border punch on the brown cardstock and Sizzix adorning corner dies surrounding the sentiment.  The peach glitter paper was dry embossed with a CB butterfly folder to give it dimension.  I fussy cut the butterflies from the designer papers to embellish the card. A brown organza  ribbon and bow to tie it all together.  I entered this card in Outlawz Paper a la Mode Challenge - Dreaming of Spring and Flutter By Wednesday Challenge # 191.

For me, Love is not like a butterfly, it is the butterfly!  Love you mom! Thanks for sharing her memory with me!

Buried Alive!

Hi Friends,

There is only four of us in this house, of which, I do laundry for three and I can't believe how much we accumulate in a week. I can't even open the laundry room door anymore!  This is usually when I decide it's time to get it done.  I'm a bit of a procrastinator when it comes to doing it as it's not my favourite chore. I don't even want to think about how much more they'll be when the girls become teenagers.  I know, by then I'll have them doing their own!  (those of you out there probably know the battle that will be)  Anyhow, the positive side of today's chore is the weather is just dreadful so it's the perfect day to stay inside! 

The sweet side to doing chores for me is I then reward myself with some time in my craft room. I hope you'll stop by tomorrow to see my newest card!  Thanks for stopping by!

Bashful Boy!

Hi Everyone,

Do you remember way back in elementary school when a boy liked you he would give you little trinkets to show his affection for you?  Obviously, before they picked on you and teased you, they actually tried the sweet approach first.  Well this little cutie reminded me of those days!

This sweet image is from the Greeting Farm.  I have entered him in the Sweet Stampin Challenge - Masculine,  Creative Card Crew #4 - Masculine  and the  Outlawz Copic Challenge - Inspired by a Song or Movie.  The song is 'Bashful Boy' by Cranky George.  I stamped him with memento ink on some neenah cardstock and then coloured him with copics. The papers are by MME called Blink of an Eye.  I used a star border punch as well as some SB nesties.  I had some fun with the CB Argyle embossing folder to match the papers.  I used my stickles for the middle of the flower and some liquid glass on his shoes and buttons to make them shiny.  Some paper piecing was done on his hat and knickers. Lastly, I gave him a fluffy scarf with some grey flock.  Tied it all together with some ribbon and jewels.  

He's all decked out ready for you, although he may need a little coaxing!  Thanks for taking the time to have a look!

Ran out of Time!

Hello friends,

I literally ran out of time today!  I mentioned in an earlier post that I was training to run alongside my sister in her first half marathon and today was the last longest training run before the race.  Hooray!  I am so happy that the 20km run is behind me until race day! After running 2 and a half hours, I had to shower and then had to pick up the kids.  I dragged them out to do the grocery shopping with me and then unpacked while they practiced their instruments.  Thankfully, there were leftovers for dinner so I didn't have to prep anything. The babysitter arrived at 7pm so I could attend my bible study as Todd is out at a Rotary event.  When I get home, I plan to relieve our babysitter and  literally fall into bed! 

That's all for me today, thanks for stopping by!  Join me tomorrow for my newest creation!  Gotta go, gotta run to bible study, see you tomorrow friends!

Heartfelt Wishes!

Hi Everyone,

My scrapping supplies and I have been reunited and it has been a happy reunion! lol I have been given so much inspiration from all of the blogs I have been visiting that I couldn't wait to get home to create!  Today I made a card with lots of butterflies because I am very fond of them.  The reason for this is that, before my mother had passed away of cancer she told me that she would be as close to me as the nearest butterfly.  I am so amazed at how my life without her here has been blessed with many butterflies. So in honour of my Mom, I made this card.

I am entering this card in the Outlawz Sketch Challenge. I used DCWV papers called Mariposa. The sentiment is by Close to my Heart and I embossed it in black. The butterfly is a stamp and punch combo by Purple Cow Designs and then I added some stickles. I coloured my ribbon and butterfly embellishment with my copics to match and used my EK Success border punch for the border behind the ribbon. I added some stickles to the border but the picture doesn't show it well.  The sentiment has been raised for some dimension.

This card is for all of you out there that have come by and joined my blog!  Hope you like it!  Thanks for popping in!

Family Day!

Hello to all my friends,

My perseverance with my computer has paid off!  I stayed up until 1:30am  this morning and figured out how to make a slideshow so I can show you how we spent our Family day here at our cottage.

Would love some feedback on what you think of my first production!  We are on our way home today from the cottage so I'm not able to be online until later tonight. Hope you like it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Snow Much Fun!

Hi Everyone,

I have had the greatest day out in the snow!  Do you remember what it was like, to want to go out and play in it even though you know it's going to be cold?  I remember but I have lost the ability to not mind the cold.  I have to go without thinking too much about it, and when I'm dressed for it, I love it!!  It's just getting me off the comfortable couch with my tea and take the plunge! (so to speak!)  Well I did just that today and went on a snowmobile ride with hubby and the girls to the middle of the lake for a fire. We then cooked some spider dogs for lunch and made our way back to the cottage. I was trying to set up a slide show for you but had some troubles uploading my album on Picasa.  I am very new to computers so I struggle with new endeavors like this one.  Maybe I'll figure it out tomorrow and I can give you a sneak peek into our excursion!  Until then here are the girls geared up and ready to go!

 Don't ya love the matching suits and machines!  Dad can't tell them apart, but I still can! 

Thanks for stopping by, I hope to have a slideshow for you tomorrow! (fingers crossed)

Time Flies!

Hello friends,

I am up here at my cottage, and in between spending time with my hubby and girls I have been blog hopping and chatting with members of the forum  Outlawz. I have had so much fun getting to see all the fabulous creations out there, and getting a chance to chat with some new friends!  You know what they say 'Time flies when you're having fun', well it sure does, I almost forgot to post something here.  I love coming up here and getting away from the city, but after spending a day being inspired by all of you, it makes me miss my copics that are back at home!  Only 41 hours till I can use them again.lol  I hope you will stop by and visit again when I can share some new creations inspired by all of you!

Baby!

Hello there!

I am now up at the cottage for the long weekend, as Monday is Family Day, and we wanted to take advantage of the snow that is here compared to the lack of it at home.  We love to go snowmobiling as a family now that the girls are driving their own!  The temperatures are still a lot warmer for this time of year compared to years past.  I don't mind, I prefer it!  Todd and the girls would much rather have the lower temperatures and lots more snow.  Oh well, Mother Nature can't make everyone happy.  As the holiday is focused on spending time as a family, I did not bring my copics to colour, and instead brought very limited supplies to create with, to ensure less time doing my own thing.  I do however have a card for you today.

I had some scraps of baby designer paper left over, and some pink and purple cardstock.  I decided to do some colour blocking with what I had, and layered the square on top with pop dots.  I then used a peel off on some vellum, and attached it to the square with flower brads.  Voila, a card with what I had, what do you think?

That's all for me as I've committed to spend less time creating this weekend and more time with my family!  After all, it really is my first priority!  My scrapbooking may be a close second! lol

Oweeeeee!

Hello to all my friends,

Well, I'm truly overwhelmed at all the wonderful comments I have been receiving over the past couple of days as I have been blog hopping and visiting many new friends and sharing their creations with them.  I want you all to know that I appreciate each and everyone of them!

Those of you out there who have met me through my blog have learned a lot about my passion for scrapbooking, but there are two other passions of mine as well.  I am also very passionate about the Lord.  I truly believe that his will for my life is far better than anything that I could want for myself!  I know that when it is his plan for me, things just seem to work out, and when it's not, there is always a struggle.  The reason why I wanted to share this personal side of me is because I believe this blog is part of his plan for me.  Lastly, my passion for finding the healthiest version of myself.  This is the meaning behind my title, I am sore in every fiber of my body!  I have been training for a half marathon as well as doing some strength training, and every part of me hurts!  The road to optimum health is full of  'good pain ' as my husband likes to put it. 

So on that note, too sore to create today, but will be back tomorrow with a card for you. Be sure to come check it out!  Thanks for stopping by!

Warm Winter Wishes!

Hi Everyone,

We have been so spoiled with a warm winter that I thought I would make a card to commemorate this winter season.  I have challenged myself with trying to create a card with no frills and the least amount of  'extras' as I can. So here it is:

I only used two colours of cardstock, one stamp set, and one colour of ink to create this card.  I did some third generation stamping with the snowflake to get three colours on the white cardstock and then stamped the snowflake on the navy piece (although it doesn't show up in the picture).  I stamped the sentiment, and inked the edges, and popped it up for dimension.  I added two eyelets and a ribbon to tie it all together.  What do you think?  For those of you out there that know me well, I'm dying to add sparkle and bling but I kept it simple!  

I believe I won this challenge I gave myself, don't you think?  Stay warm this winter, we only have 6 weeks left if we're lucky!  Thanks for joining me today!

Happy Valentine's Day!

To all my friends in cyberspace,

The calendar dictates that today is the day we express our love to all our loved ones, in whichever way we can!  For me, I celebrated my husband's birthday as well as Valentine's Day!  I made a prime rib dinner and some homemade cupcakes to celebrate the occasions.  To some of you out there, who haven't had a chance to get to know me very well, the kitchen and I are not well acquainted; we've had a quick self serve relationship for some time now!  So, a dinner like this one lets my hubby know just how much I love him!  For all my new friends here, I spent a few hours sharing the love on your blogs, by leaving comments on your lovely creations.  Thank you for joining me here on my blog, and I appreciate all your wonderful feedback!

Hugs to you all, and may you know how special you are to me!

Love U Beary Much!

Hello to all my Friends,

The day before the big day in our house!  Valentine's Day is also my hubby's Birthday so we have a lot to celebrate!  Every year I have him choose what he would like to do on his special day and he always chooses the same thing, a special dinner with his favourite three girls.  In case you were guessing who they are, that would be Abigail, Hailey and me!  I am so lucky to have a man who appreciates the simpler things in life!  On that note,  I made this clean and simple card for the Outlawz Challenge - CAS.

 

The papers are First Edition called Sweet Owl and the image is from Close to my Heart. I used an SU embossing folder for the heart, and a sparkly ribbon.  They didn't take the best picture - the one below is the card closed up!

 

 On Valentine's Day, I hope this card will remind you how truly special u are to me!
 Hugs to all my friends!

One Long Blog Hop!

Hello Friends,

I wish I could tell you about all the things I accomplished today, but to tell you the truth, I was probably chatting with all of you!  I spent most of the day visiting all your blogs and time just flew by!  I had so much fun checking out all your beautiful creations and reading your posts.  It's amazing how much I feel I know you that much better!  I have always had lots of things to do in my day, and thanks to all my new friends in cyberspace, I also have something to look forward to each day!  Thanks to all of you who sent comments my way, and for those of you who I haven't had the pleasure of getting acquainted with yet, there's always tomorrow!

Stop by tomorrow and check out my newest creation! Thanks for stopping by!

Warm Welcome!

Howdy to all my new friends,

I have recently discovered Outlawz Challenges through a friend Sandra and I can't tell you how friendly everyone is there.  I normally spend about an hour on my laptop checking emails and entering a new post and  that's about it.  Tonight I've been online with the most wonderful bunch of people sharing feedback on each others' creations.  For those of you who have not been there yet, check them out, I know you won't be disappointed!  I look forward to many more challenges and group discussions!

Thanks Sandra for opening me up to all these wonderful forums! 

Hope!

Hello Everyone,

I'm always amazed how certain things, that have always been right in front of me, and I don't notice it until it affects me directly.  For example, there are a ton of Toyota 4-Runners on the road, and until I bought one, I hadn't noticed them.  Well I am ashamed to admit that until Cancer hit my family, and made it personal, I did minimal to do my part.  The dreaded 'C' word first came when my Mom was given her news of 6 months to live and we lost her 5 months later.  It was the day we buried her that my older sister got her news that she had breast cancer.  I can't imagine how she felt that very moment, I'm sure it wasn't hope for her future.  Thankfully, she won her fight, and is cancer free, which I will forever be grateful to God for sparing her!  At the last Scrapfest in Kitchener, there was a vendor The TownScrapper who was selling cards and giving the proceeds to Breast Cancer Research, and I thought what a wonderful way to support the cause, so I bought some.  Here is one of the talented Ila Stackowich's cards.

I love this card, and will never part with it.  I have scraplifted it and made similar ones, and I just love how the designer paper sends the greatest message, 'hope!'

To all of you out there who are batteling cancer, or have lost loved ones, this card is for you!  I will never lose hope that God will answer our prayers and end cancer for good!  Thanks for joining me today!

Yummy!

Hi There!

At the end of the last year I decided to start a blog and face the unknown of computers - doing this made me learn a lot, mostly by trial and error.  There has been a great sense of accomplishment that went along with a larger amount of frustration.  In the end, it was all worth it, and continues to be a joy in my life.  Also, at the end of last year, the girls and I found out that we have food allergies.  The girls are allergic to dairy, gluten and eggs, and I am allergic to gluten and egg.  Needless to say, I was crushed - all my days of not having to plan out meals were over.  I can cook, but I don't like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but as of late I am learning to experiment with different dishes.  Today I was colouring with my friend Sandra and tried some gluten/dairy free waffles that were really great!  The true test was when I got home and the girls tried them and shouted 'Yummy!'  Finally, the words I have been longing to hear since this new diet has started.  One thing at a time I have been replacing favourites of ours, and although the process has been slow, I have really felt a sense of accomplishment knowing that my efforts result in nutritious meals that my family can enjoy.

First I became a blogger, and now an experimental cook.  I wonder what else may be coming my way!
Hope you all are doing well; check in with me tomorrow for one of my new creations!

Bring on the Sunshine!

Hello Everybody,

I am so loving this odd but wonderful winter we are having!!  Or should I say lack of winter weather we are having.  Normally by this time in the season I have cabin fever because I don't like to drive in risky conditions.  So far, the weather has not caused me to cancel any of my travel plans. 

As I promised I have a Copic card for you today.  Sunflowers have always been one of my favourite flowers, and for that matter, they make my favourite snack.  This card was made for my friend Charlene for her Birthday, I hope you enjoy it as much as she did!

I can't remember where I got this paper from, but I did ink up my Heartfelt Creations Sunflower in three sizes, and then coloured them with my copics; then stamped some Heartfelt Leaves, and coloured them as well.  I used an SU embossing folder behind the image, and an EK Success border punch.  I put some chewed up bark like dust in the center, then gave it a coat of stickles to give it a sunflower like center.  Then I added some more stickles to the leaves to make them sparkle.  Lastly, some green jewels and ribbon to finish it off!

Looking at it makes me long for the sun!  How about you?

Proud Mama!

Hi Everyone,

I just got in from watching my girls graduate to the next belt level, and I am beaming with pride.  I watched and coached them from the sidelines as they practiced meticulously over and over again.  Todd spent many hours learning their Kata with them.  For those of you who don't know what that is, it is a bunch of moves put together in a routine. In the first couple of belts, the Sensei guides them through their grading, but at this level they are required to memorize it in order to move to the next belt level.  While Todd was away, I had the girls teach me the Kata so the whole family could help them  practice and build their confidence in preparation for today.

Congratulations Abigail and Hailey! Your Dad and I couldn't be more proud of you!  Thanks to all my followers for letting me share this moment with you!

Joy!

Hi Friends,

The weekend is over, and I'm about 10 hours behind in sleep.  I enjoyed every last minute of my girl's weekend away, but I am fading fast!!  I need to recover from the lack of sleep tonight so I can run 18km in the morning as part of my half marathon training.  Have I bitten off more than I can chew?  Probably... but it won't be the last time... I promised you a card today, so I am showing you a card that our Stampin Up rep made with us - I just love the simplicity of it, and how little time it takes to make it.

To all my new friends at the Michigan crop, as this card says, it was pure Joy having a weekend getting to know you and share stories with lots of laughter!  To all of my Copic followers, don't worry I haven't stopped colouring, I will be posting new images on Tuesday.  Stay tuned for what will come next!

All Giggles!

Hello Everyone,

I have only slept six hours, and I am up again until the wee hours in the morning, and absolutey everything has become very funny!  Over the weekend, each one of us have said something that we could make fun of.  For example, Pat enunciates the 'un' in unbelievable as 'on', so of course we all are not letting her live it down.  Charlene is doing the same thing with the word hotel; she put the emphasis on 'ho', so we can't stop laughing!!  My husband is probably getting a big kick out of this post because he always laughs when I say 'tv' because I put the emphasis on the 't' instead of the 'v'.  Sandra also had us in stitches because she referred to herself  as a  non-person - because I got some special dessert because of my allergy.  She has good reasons for referring to herself as such, but we're still going to tease her about it!  I'm sure to everyone out there none of this is very funny, but it's just one of those things that you just have to be there for.  I have so many things that my husband gets a kick out of but most of all I am metaphorically challenged.  I love to use them, but I never get them right!  So much so that my daughter Abigail has inherited this trait, and it keeps us laughing.  You would think that everyone should only have one thing to be teased about, but I added one more to the scoreboard when I was trying to come up with the word for when your honouring someone in humour, and I said roost instead of roast!  Now I have my new Michigan gals playing a ringtone of a rooster crowing and Charlene happily tossed some rooster pictures my way, lol!  The only problem with all this fun is we haven't got Wendy to slip up once.  I think we may have to slip a little something in her drink and just wait and see.  We'll let you know how that works out for us tomorrow!! 


It's late, so all us non-humans will catch up with you all tomorrow!  Thanks for taking the time to check in with me!!

Early Spring!

Hi to all my Friends,

I'm finally here!!  We are having the greatest time, when we went to take our seat, we were seated at the back of the room alongside two new friends, Linda and Karen, and I believe there is a reason we were put back there.  After only seven hours together, we have soon become the rowdy bunch!  Believe me when I tell you that although there are times that I may be the bad influence, the Michigan gals are giving me a run for my money!  I love coming here, surrounded by women with the same interests as me, letting loose and having a blast!

The weather has also been just perfect for traveling, it's mild with no snow.  An early spring has been in the forecast by our trusty groundhog friend Wiarton Willy, which is just fine by me!  When I think of spring, I think of all the beautiful birds that will soon be filling our backyard feeders.  Two of my greatest friends, Char and Wendy, take the most beautiful pictures of them and then make them into cards.  I cherish every one of them!  Wendy has a pet Bluejay named BillyBob and made me a lovely Christmas card.  I decided that it reminded me of the weather we are still having with the hope of a early spring. 

What do you think?  Isn't it stunning!  Could you imagine how awe inspiring it would be to hold this beautiful creature on your finger.  I can tell you first hand, I'll never forget it!  

Let's hope BillyBob will bring us an early spring this year.  Thanks for checking in!

Checklist Complete!

Hellooo Friends!

It is 8:30pm and my list has been completed just in time to post my blog and then sit and enjoy Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice.  I started today, like I do everyday, getting the kids off to school and then went straight to the grocery store to pick up the things Todd and the girls would need this weekend at the cottage.  I got through six loads of laundry and packed the family up for their weekend, then made a portable dinner for Todd and the girls to eat on the way to the cottage.  By 2:00pm, I had them off and running.  

Next, my turn!  I made some lunch and prepped some food to take to my crop.  Ever since I found out about my gluten and egg allergy, I need to go prepared to such events. I finished the laundry so I could pack my clothes for the weekend, and then the fun started!!  I spent the next couple hours going through all my stamps, and stamped many images that I hope to bring alive this weekend!  Make sure to check back with me to see all the wonderful cards I hope to create for you!

Gotta go, thanks for stopping by!

Isn't Love Grand!

Hello to all my friends,

It's that time again, in the month of February, when the calendar dictates when we should be celebrating our loved ones!  I know we should be doing this everyday, but I think putting it on the calendar makes it official.  Every Valentine's day I have two things to celebrate, the obvious; my love for my husband, but secondly, it's his Birthday, so I have to make sure to cover both occasions. I have to say that I'm very fortunate because he doesn't ever want anyone to go crazy for him.  He enjoys a favourite meal, a couple carefree hours to do whatever he wants, and he looks forward to the girl's homemade gifts.  This is a card I made for him before I started colouring with copics.

This card was made with a Close to my Heart stamp set and I stamped each little square in three different colours to match the cardstock.  I used to be a Close to Heart Consultant, and I also did card workshops at a local scrapbooking store, and this is one of the cards I had them make for their sweethearts.

I will be showcasing some more oldies but goodies over the next few days as I haven't been able to create new cards because of the traveling I've been doing. Don't worry though, I will have all weekend to break out the copics and create wonderful images for you.  Make sure to check them out next week! 

Until then, remember what a blessing it is to have someone to love, even if he does the odd thing that drives you crazy!