Sassa Fras Lass

Rain Kissed Peonies

2011-05-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has raining in Indiana non-stop! I am seriously tired of the rain!

So I decided to think of some positive things about rain.

1. Rain kissed peonies in my yard

2. Rainbows

3. Cute umbrellas

4. Rainboots

5. Bunnies munching on juicy grass in my yard...

Being Mindful

2011-05-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

Most of the time it feels like my life is flashing by…

With work, home, family, friends it seems like all of my time is occupied. To make matters worse my mind is constantly moving from one project to the next. Recently I had heard about “being mindful” or in plain terms, paying particular attention to the present moment.

My goal is to notice three different moments or items during my day and focus solely on them for just a few minutes. Here is what I was mindful of today.

A Graduate...

2011-05-15T13:48:00.001-07:00

On SaturdayI graduated Magna cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Grace College, Winona Lake IN.

This was a big milestone for me and I am feeling pretty accomplished. The President of the college said "What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God". This statement makes me think I still have lots of work to accomplish.

Grandpa's Fudge

2010-12-15T16:43:00.000-08:00

We got together this evening to make Grandpa's fudge.It takes lots and lots of stirring, so the more helpers we have, the better. Thank you mom for getting us together to continue this family tradition.

President G.W. Bush has made my day!!!

2010-12-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

Or perhaps it was his secretary...

I requested a signed bookplate for President Bush's new book, Decision Points, and it came in the mail today. I haven't been this excited in awhile...
Mr. Marsh told me that I need to settle down.

When I Grow Up...

2010-12-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

When I was in elementary school we had to write a paper about what we wanted to be or do when we grew up. I drew a picture of me and a horse, then I wrote that I wanted to stay home and ride horses all day while my husband worked...That didn't work out so well for me. I don't even like horses anymore (they are big, scary, and have big bitey teeth). Plus I actually like to work (crazy, isn't it).
Anyway God had a plan for me, and right now I am in the job that I am suppose to be in. I am a Buyer for an agricultural company. Really, shopping all day is the perfect job for me. Too bad I don't get to shop for fashionable clothes, or fancy cars. Anyway it is a job and it pays the bills. Plus I enjoy my co-workers. Really it could be much worse.
Here I am in my office, my desk looks pretty clean, right. It is a trick...most days my desk looks like...well lets just pretend like it is clean all the time.

Almost A College Graduate...

2010-12-08T16:18:00.000-08:00

I only have one more class at Grace College before I will have my B.S. in Business Management. Hopefully it will be a honors degree...but I don't want to count my chicken before it is hatched as I still have one last paper to write.

I always knew I wanted to go to college, but as fate would have it I was married very young and had four children. Now my children are grown and our family is expanding with grandchildren. I hope that they will see me as a role model and attending college as well.

I am very thankful for the support of my family during this time, especially Mr. Marsh.

Jillie Bean

2010-12-07T16:24:00.001-08:00

We have a new member of our family...

A Maltese/Poodle mix named Jill.

Usually we call her Jillie, or Jilliebean. She is a little peanut at

less than five pounds. Her big brother Jack has mixed emotions

about her...he is a little jealous.

The kids, grand kids, nieces and nephews are in love with her.

Mr Marsh and I are pretty fond of her too.

Christmas Vignette

2010-12-07T09:03:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that several years ago I wanted to "skip Christmas". It is easy to get depressed by the materialistic aspect of the holiday. With over thirty people to purchase presents for it gets to be a little overwhelming (I guess that is why I start shopping in January).
I think it was the grand kids that saved my Christmas spirit. It is fun to see the holiday through their eyes. I want to make it a special time for them, with lots of good memories.

Everett's First Birthday

2010-12-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe how fast time goes by...

A year has gone by since Everett was born. He has grown up to be such a little man and he is definitely all boy. He got his hair cut for his birthday and it made him look so grown up.

Everett was not shy about digging into his chocolate cake (he even had two pieces).

Happy Happy Birthday sweet boy. Nana loves you!

More Chicago

2010-12-05T15:34:00.000-08:00

Riding the L Train
The Field Museum
Tom & Jerry's at Millers Pub
Good Friends, Good Times!

I Love Macy's

2010-10-04T16:24:00.001-07:00

I LOVE Macy's (Marshall Field's) in Chicago.

I seriously could lose myself in the store for days...

I would like to know what goes on during the store overnight.

Wouldn't it be fun to have a sleep over inside Macy's?

Our friend Joe worked at Macy's part-time until he could find a job in his field (micro biology).

He said that the store has an incredible history, including tunnels that lead to other parts of the city.

I loved looking at the animated windows. The theme this year is "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus".

We had our picture taken in front of the Christmas tree in the Walnut Room. Travis's Great Grandfather was involved in designing the Walnut Room, so we always make it a point to go to the Walnut Room when in Chicago.

25 Years in the Making

2010-08-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

I have waited 25 years to be able to have my own home office. Now don't get me wrong I loved (almost) every moment of motherhood, but am especially happy to have an extra room for me. For years I have been collecting items and saving them away for that special day when all of my treasures would be displayed and enjoyed in one room.

Not to worry, Miss Meghan still has a bedroom to sleep in when she comes home from college .

Over the course of the next couple days I will take you on a mini tour.

The shelf above my desk...

Close up of banner purchased from Le Jeune

Number Seven

2010-05-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

Zavion Michael our seventh grandchild was born May 19th. He was 6 lbs 11 oz and 19" long. He is truly a blessing...his momma is happily adjusting to having three children and big brother Joseph and sister Jaden are excited to welcome their new brother.
Life has been just flying by. Next week Meghan will be graduation from high school and then be off on her own adventure of life.

Spring Break 2010

2010-05-03T18:14:00.001-07:00

Lazy Saturday....

2010-03-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

I was able to sleep in this morning, which is always a nice treat. I then went to get a pedicure so my toes are pretty for vacation. After that I went to see Zach and Taryn's new house and spent some time snuggling with Ali. Tonight we are going out with some of our best friends. Tomorrow I will clean the house and go shopping for Easter dinner.

Coconut Cupcakes

2010-03-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

I spent part of my Sunday making yummy coconut, cream filled, cream cheese frosting topped cupcakes.
This was my trial run before Easter...

A Sunny Saturday

2010-03-06T16:17:00.000-08:00

Today was Saturday and sunny...and I could think of no better way to spend it than visiting my grand babies. They make any bad mood go away!

Catching Up...

2010-02-27T18:41:00.000-08:00

Meg and I helping out at the Cake Shoppe

Alixzandra Blaise McDaniel

Zach and Ali with Cody and Everett

Blue Monday

2010-01-18T15:54:00.001-08:00

Did you know that today is "Blue Monday"? I didn't know until I got home, but now I have something to blame my grumpy day on...
Blue Monday is a name given to a date stated, as part of a publicity campaign by Sky Travel, to be the most depressing day of the year.

In some good news, our sixth grandchild in on the way. She should be here either late tonight or early in the morning. Yippeee!!

Hello Cupcake

2010-01-17T07:43:00.001-08:00

Celebrating Kim's 30th birthday...
I don't remember how I celebrated my 30th, it was too many years ago (12).

Upward Basketball

2010-01-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

Joseph is playing Upward basketball this spring. He is showing improvement from last year and has scored during each game.

A Beautiful Fall Day.

2009-11-07T09:30:00.001-08:00

Football game, working in the yard, and enjoying the nice day!

Trick or Treat

2009-10-31T16:24:00.001-07:00

Una-Bomber
Joe Dirt - Super Woman Family

2009-10-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

Check This Out

2009-10-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

Cinnamon Sticks blog is having a giveaway... Check it out!

Meg's Senior Pictures

2009-09-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my sweet girl is a senior in high school. I took all of her senior pictures, and I think we did a pretty good job. What makes these photos even more special to us is that they were taken at my parents house.

A Busy Weekend...

2009-08-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

Meghan's 18th Birthday Party!

Price Family Reunion....Good Times!!

A new baby...

2009-07-25T18:34:00.001-07:00

Owen Anthony

Proud poppa (Neil), Grandma (my sister Angie), and Owen

Me holding the sweet little bundle...

Happily Ever After

2009-07-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

My husband's brother got married this weekend in Indy to a super great girl. I gave my niece (who is 7) my camera and told her to go take pictures. This is the picture she took of the happy couple.

Me and my guy!!

I had a little bit of time so I drove to my sisters to see my newest niece (Grace). They grow up so fast. She already looks different from when I saw her a month ago...

"All Summer Long"

2009-07-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

It was 1989, my thoughts were short my hair was long

Caught somewhere between a boy and man

She was seventeen and she was far from in-between

It was summertime in Northern Michigan

Splashing through the sand bar

Talking by the campfire It's the simple things in life, like when and where

We didn't have no Internet But man I never will forget

The way the moonlight shined upon her hair

This Kid Rock song always reminds me of spending time in Norther MI at my grandparents cottage. That is where I have been for the last week. Spending time with my family, staying up late looking at the stars, boating, eating ice cream...

Good Times!

By the way, I saw Kid Rock when I was in Las Vegas with my husband a few years ago. I was within a few feet of him. He was gross and grubby looking...

A Little Morsel of Summer

2009-07-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

My first tiny tomato from my "garden"...

Okay, it is an urban garden (in planters).

Still, it makes me happy and reminds me of my childhood.

Scrapbooking Sassafras

2009-07-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

Two scrapbook pages I did recently that feature Sassafras paper and stickers.

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-03T17:01:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th. We will spend the day at the lake, visiting with family and friends.

Happy Memorial Day!!

2009-05-25T15:56:00.001-07:00

It is a family tradition to attend the Milford Memorial Day parade. Travis drove the police car and Joseph, Jaden, and I rode with him and tossed out candy. After the parade we went to Grandma and Grandpa Troup's for Nelsons chicken. Yummmm

On Vacation Again...

2009-04-25T18:53:00.001-07:00

I spent spring break in Florida with my parents, daughter Meghan, my sister, brother-in-law, and niece. We had a fabulous time and a very relaxing vacation.

We All Have The Same EYES!!

2009-03-03T17:29:00.001-08:00

Most everyone in our family has the same eyes. My goal is to take a picture of each of us and create a scrapbook page...Actually if I just look thru my photos I am sure I have all the pictures I need.

My niece Claire, with my sisters, and mom.

I've been on vacation...

2009-02-25T16:54:00.000-08:00

Me and my sweetie were on a cruise to the Bahamas. We had a great time.

I have some card I made with some new SU sets, I will try to get those posted later this week.

Happy 21st Birthday Zach!!!

2009-01-28T16:55:00.001-08:00

Me and my son Zach

Daughter Jenni & Zach

My son Zach turned 21 today. We we celebrated by going out to eat with all our kids (Jenni, Cody, Zach & Meg) and their families. It was a fun night!

Cards for a Cause #4

2009-01-27T16:20:00.000-08:00

This is the last "Card for A Cause Challenge" over at PunkyDoodle Papers Blog. This was to be a "thinking of you" card. Lesa gave us some inspiration with some pictures she took after an ice storm in 2007. I thought the trees from SU set "Lovely as a Tree" were a picture replication (once I embossed them with silver embossing powder). I stamped the wording on vellum and embossed it as well, and added some shear silver ribbon.

Cards for a Cause #3

2009-01-20T15:31:00.001-08:00

Challenge #3 at Lesa's blog...Punkdoodle Papers was to make a get well card for a child. Lesa will be delivering the cards to a children's hospital.

SU cardstock, paper, brads, punches, and stamps

Upward

2009-01-17T10:39:00.001-08:00

Our grandson Joseph is playing in an Upward basketball league, so that is where I was this Saturday morning. We had a fun time watching him play.

Jenni (our daughter) said what happened that we are here watching Joseph play basketball? It seems like just yesterday that he was a baby. I told her that time just goes by to fast, it seem like just yesterday that she was my little baby.
Miss Jaden was also there and this is what her tongue looked like after a whole pack of Skittles....

Cards for a Cause #2

2009-01-13T16:16:00.001-08:00

At Punkydoodles Papers (blog), the challenge this week was to make a birthday card for a child. The card will be sent to a children's shelter.
I made my card with the Stampin Up set Birthday Bunnies (love it).

SU cardstock, watercolor pencils, blender pen, ribbon and silver cord, and Hero Art gems

From my Youth

2009-01-11T16:49:00.001-08:00

Girls basketball team with our mom's

All-star softball team

Girls basketball team

Seems just like yesterday but actually it has been about 25 years....

Peace & Love

2009-01-10T17:23:00.001-08:00

Here is a valentine card I made today for Heather's "share your spark Friday". The challenge was to make a card and put some "bling" on it. I used Rangers Stickles (can't really see it in the picture), and Hero Art gemstones. The stamp set is also Hero Art - Jolly Christmas.

SU cardstock, Basic Grey paper,

Finally its Saturday...

2009-01-10T13:01:00.000-08:00

This work week was so LONG. I was thankful I was able to sleep in this morning. Since then we have just been puttering around the house. I did laundry, cleaned the house, organized some kitchen cupboards, created a couple valentines cards....

This is what I want to do next....

Ooops, Jack caught me taking his picture.

Maybe we will go out and play in the snow instead.

Sweet Challenge

2009-01-09T17:32:00.000-08:00

Sweet Memories...a scrapbook page about last years trip to Scrap and Spa (a scrapbooking retreat in MI). The challenge was to create a layout based on the sketch provided by Page Maps and it had to have a sweet theme. To me there is nothing sweeter than spending a fun weekend with my friend and family.

SU cardstock, Basic Grey paper, Thickers, SU rub-ons, assorted buttons

Color Inspiration #37

2009-01-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

This is the card that I made for Kristina's color challenge. When I saw this challenge the first thing I thought about was how the pencils looked liked strips of paper. Maybe that is way to general, but that is what I went with. I like how it turned out, and I love the birds from SU set "a little birdie told me". Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday!

Cards for a Cause

2009-01-06T16:56:00.000-08:00

This is a valentine's card I made for challenge at Punky Doodle Papers blog. Cards are being collected and then will be handed out at a nursing home/assisted living center. I think this is an incredibly good idea. My dad visits a nursing home in our community and visits with the patients. I need to ask him if he would like me to make him some cards for him to pass out.

Made with SU set Toucan of my Love...

Memories

2009-01-03T17:27:00.001-08:00

A friend emailed me this picture today. It is of my 4-H group (30 or so years ago). It brings back lots and lots of good memories.

Merry Christmas - Happy New Year

2008-12-30T16:41:00.000-08:00

OOPS...the last couple weeks got away from me.

We had a wonderful Christmas. Lots of fun time with family and friends. Lots of parties, lots of eating, lots of laying around in our pj's all day.

Tomorrow we will celebrate the New Year with a group of our closest friends and probably be home in bed by 12:30 am. I ordered sushi for the party tomorrow, I can't wait....yummmmy.

Reading Warrior

2008-12-10T15:13:00.001-08:00

Joseph received an award today at school for being a "Champion Reader". We are very proud of our little guy!

Gobble Gobble

2008-11-26T18:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
I am very thankful for my family and friends!

Thankful

2008-11-04T13:38:00.000-08:00

Regardless of what political party we represent, and whatever the outcome is...I am very thankful to live in a country where we voting for our leaders is a right and free of fear and violence. However this election turns out, it is going to be historic!
I have several Netflix movies that I will be watching tonight (instead of the news). I probably won't even check the results until tomorrow morning.

Me at Work

2008-11-02T15:19:00.000-08:00

I had to take pictures of everyone who works in my department (Purchasing) for a Christmas party slideshow. To take my picture I shut my door, then set the timer and took a bunch of pictures. At least that way I got a picture I was happy with, and not one that someone else took.

Vote Republican

2008-10-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

Stamp Camp Preview

2008-10-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

Stamp Camp is Oct 24th or 25th.
We will be making at least 6 projects including these two cards. I love the turkey card. It is made with several different SU punches. The next card is a spiral pop up card. I made two of these so you could see both the outside and inside of the card.

Baby Lauren

2008-10-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

Adrian came over this weekend for a couple hours to make birthday party invitations. Which meant that Lauren got to entertain her grandparents by being her cute, giggly self. She has finally started to walk and we would take turns bribing her to walk to us. She loves Jack, but appreciated her more from his perch on top of the couch.

Soccer Nana

2008-09-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

I would like to say that I have been extremely busy, or out of the country and unable to update my blog...but the truth is I was just taking a break. I will try to do better.

I have been working on projects around the house and spending every Saturday at Joseph and Jaden's soccer games. Other than that, life has just kind of been passing me by.

Blissful Vacation

2008-07-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

I returned home today from a wonderful family vacation to Bitely MI. I am stress free and very relaxed...to bad I have to go back to work tomorrow.
We floated in the lake (until we saw a water snake).
We canoed...
We re-visited our childhood by going to the Shrine of the Pines...
And we sat on the porch and read books.

Little Bird at my Window

2008-07-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

This little bird lives with its family in a gourd bird house right outside my kitchen window. I am sure they have baby birds, but I am afraid to look into the small hole of the gourd. They are very vocal and sing beautiful songs for us. Travis thinks they are House Wrens....

On July 5th we took Joseph and Jaden to the Goshen Air Show. We had a good time.

Bad Blogger

2008-06-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

I have been a very bad blogger... So this post will highlight some of the fun things I have been doing the last three weeks.
Joseph turned 5!! Happy Birthday Sweetie!
Jaden is 3!! Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!
I spent four days at Scrap and Spa with my friends and family...
Watched the Cutie Parade with my friends and family...Mom was holding Lauren and she fell asleep. She is such a cutie!

Happy Birthday Cameron

2008-06-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

Our granddaughter Cameron turned 3 last week and her birthday party was Sunday at a park in town. She is such a sweet little girl. Happy Birthday!

Stamper's Showcase

2008-05-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

Yippee!! I had a card featured on the Stampin Up website - Stampers Showcase. This is my first card every featured. I sent this in for one of the monthly contests - a 4th of July party invitation and party favor. I did a sour cream container made out of the designers series paper.
Yippee for me....

Memorial Day Traditions

2008-05-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

Every year our home town has a Memorial Day Parade. I have fond memories of being very small and riding on top of the fire truck, decorating my bike and riding it in the parade, playing in the middle school band and walking the parade route, riding on a float with my softball team. But I think the best memories are of watching my grandchildren enjoy the parade. The floats throw candy for the kids. After the parade we all go to my parents house for lunch. When we were kids Memorial Day was the first day we could go swimming. No swimmers this year...the little kids are all too young, and the older kids are all to old (the water is cold).

Mom and Dad with baby Lauren

The kids (Joseph, Cameron, and Jaden) collecting candy.

Jaden was sleepy when she got to the parade, it took her awhile to get the hang of gathering candy. "Please nana, hold me and my puppy..." Who could resist? Not me! Today is Jaden's 3rd birthday. Happy Birthday sweetie!

Graduation Gifts

2008-05-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today I worked on Graduation cards. We have several parties to attend in the next couple weeks so I thought I would get them all done so I didn't have to think about them anymore. This card is for my cousin's daughter. I LOVE the gift card from Target (the owl has googly eyes). Target also had fun beach towels on sale for $8.99, I bought several of those for my daughter's friends. I will tie them up with some ribbon and a cute gift tag.

Pre-School Graduation

2008-05-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

Joseph had his pre-school graduation this evening. He will start kindergarten in the fall. Seems like just yesterday that he was a little boy who was afraid of socks and bandages. Love you buddy!

Jaden & I messing around with the camera before graduation started.

My Friend The Frog

2008-05-19T15:58:00.001-07:00

We have had a frog living in our grill all spring, and he doesn't seem to have any plans on moving. For the last month or so we see him every time we grill out (at least two times a week).

Today I was worried about our friend, he got way to close to the open grill and I thought he might jump in while I was cooking brats...that would have been very traumatic for me.

Grandma's Banana Bread

2008-05-18T10:32:00.001-07:00

I make banana bread using my Grandma Prices recipe. When she made it, she baked it in recycled soup can (not sure why). When I make it, I add chocolate chips.
Mixing up the batter...
Out of the pans, cooling. I had to stay in constant watch of the bread at this point because Travis was DYING to eat piece.

It looks kind of messy in this photo, but the melted messiness just adds to it yummy goodness. Jenni (oldest daughter) called and I told her that I made banana bread she said "with chocolate chips and pecans? I am on my way, I will be there in five minutes".

Color Inspiration #9

2008-05-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

Here are the colors for challenge....
And here is my card. I am not real happy with it, but I gave up and decided to post it anyway. Also I switched from my laptop to a desktop computer and the desktop doesn't have photoshop downloaded to it, so the picture is not the best.
I wanted to do something with sticky strip and microbeads. I actually wanted to stamp on the beaded circles with stazon, but that didn't work out.
I think it is time to go veg out in front of the tv with a glass of wine.

Edited....I downloaded photoshop and worked on adjusting the photo. The more I look at this card, the more I like it.

Happy Mothers Day

2008-05-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to everyone!

Here are two special mothers in my life: my mom and my sister Kim who is a brand new mother (Claire)

A big Thank You to my sister Ang and her family for the graduation party they hosted at their house last night!

I am a Graduate!!

2008-05-09T19:11:00.001-07:00

I graduated at Notre Dame Joyce Center. My dad is NOT a ND fan. He joked that even being on the campus made him a bit queasy. But of course he loves me and wanted to see me graduate. He is a funny guy. It was nice to have my family there.
Travis, me and Meg
Mom, me, Dad

Color Inspiration Challenge #7

2008-04-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the colors for Kristina's color challenge this week.
I knew exactly what stamp set I was going to use for this challenge...Baroque Motifs. I was panicked when I couldn't find it. I almost called my sister to see if she had borrowed it, but in the end I found it right on my desk where I had left it.

Now I am off to take my Biology final. This will complete my degree (Associates of Applied Science in Office Administration)!!! Yippee!! Graduation is next Friday (May 9th).

Baby Dedication

2008-04-27T13:59:00.001-07:00

I drove down to Greenfield this morning (2 hrs 15 min) for the baby dedication for my niece Claire. It was a quick trip down and back but well worth it. We are such a blessed family!
(my mom and dad) I am pretty sure I am in trouble for taking a picture during the church service (sorry God), but I couldn't help myself.
My sister Kim
This picture made me laugh...why does my brothers head look so big. It must be that big brain he has.

Stamp Camp

2008-04-26T13:55:00.001-07:00

It is Saturday so that mean SOCCER...It is so fun to watch the little one's chasing the soccer ball around. Although this morning is was freezing (40 degrees I think).

After soccer my sister Ang and I hosted "Stamp Camp". I took a picture of the room with the projects were set up, a picture of me and my sister, and a picture of me and my bestest friend Shawn. But of course I got busy and forgot to take a picture of the projects. We had 14 ladies, and they each made 6 project. We always have a great time, there is lots of laughing and silliness.

Spring Soccer (Herding Cats)

2008-04-22T15:31:00.001-07:00

Our grandson Joseph is playing soccer, so I know where I will be every Saturday morning for the next month or so.... I remember when I coached our daughter Meghan in soccer, it was fun (when it wasn't cold and rainy).
Jaden was sad that she didn't get to play. Grandpa gave her some candy and she forgot all about it. She will be old enough to play in the fall.

Chicago

2008-04-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

We had a good time on our trip to Chicago! We went shopping, and to the Art Institute. I personally love the Art Institute and could spend lots of time there. I think Meghan enjoyed it too. She had fun looking for paintings that she had study in school.
But I was glad to get home and sleep in my own bed.

Meghan wanted to know what the big deal was with Saks...so we went in (after Travis took our picture). Everything was soooo expensive. And not any more fabulous than any other store.

In front of the Art institute

My buddy Jack was so happy to see us when we picked him up from the groomer. He likes staying at the groomers, because she has little Yorkie puppies that he plays with. He was glad to be home and spent all day following me around, sleeping in my lap or on my feet when I would stop or sit down.

Beautiful Spring Day!!

2008-04-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

First things first...here is my card for Heather's "Share your spark Friday" challenge. The challenge was to make a card with a glitter element. Since I needed to design a card for Stamp Clamp using the SU Sticky Cut Letter, I this would be good motivation for me to get it done.
I used Soft Sky cardstock and designer paper, Purely Pomegranate, and Wild Wasabi cardstock, silver cord, glitter and words from the SU stamp set .... (I can't think of the name and don't want to run downstairs).

It is a beautiful spring day here in Indiana. It is at least 60 degrees out. I raked leaves and picked up sticks, then I got my hammock out and laid in the sun. I think I am headed back out side with a drink and a magazine as soon as I finish this posting.

We are headed to Chicago for a couple days next week. It is spring break for our daughter and we usually go Florida, but it just didn't work out this year. Chicago will be fun, we are going to the Art Institute and plan on doing lots of shopping. Although we may have to leave Travis at the hotel when we shop.

Sharing My Spark

2008-03-29T12:58:00.001-07:00

I made this card for Heather's "share your spark" challenge. You can find the information here.

The challenge was to make a card with a raised dimensional element. I cut out both the pirate and the bird and adhered them to the card with dimensionals. Of course I had to add some stickles to the sword, patch and hook on the pirate.

I am sending this card to our friend Frank in Florida (he is a real pirate, Aarrrrrrh).

Have a great weekend!

Cris

My New Haircut

2008-03-27T14:51:00.001-07:00

Before....
This was taken at Easter (I am holding our youngest granddaughter Lauren), the ends of my hair looks scraggly.
After...
Holy Smokes, my hair feels so much better! Thanks Ang!!

Have you ever tried to take a picture of yourself? It is not the easiest thing to do. Yes, I could have set the camera up on the tripod, set the timer and taken it that way, but it is so much more fun to hold the camera at arms length, and try to smile without looking to weird.

You Hoo!

2008-03-26T15:29:00.001-07:00

Here is the card that I made for Kristina Werners Color Inspiration Challenge #3. You can check out her blog here. The colors for the challenge were Orchid Opulence, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Whisper White.
I was excited to use a new stamp set that I bought last weekend. It is from Hero Arts and is called You Hoo Owl.

Non stamping related...I am getting my hair cut tomorrow. My hair is very, long and I just feel like it is boring. I want something a bit more trendy. And since my sister is my stylist, she is going to take care of me.

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter with our family. Last year we didn't celebrate Easter as a family because most of us were driving back from Florida after spring break.

It was a bit chilly for hunting easter eggs, but at least the sun was out.

Claire Bear...

2008-03-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

My sister Ang and I went to see our new niece today. She is such a sweetie pie!

I'm Inspired

2008-03-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

I decided to try a Color Inspiration Challenge at Kwernerdesignblog...

The colors are: Groovy Guava, Blush Blossom, So Saffron, and Wild Wasabi (one of my favorite colors). I used two SU sets: Stitched and Make It Count.

Watch Out!!

2008-03-19T17:18:00.001-07:00

Meg got her drivers license today!!

She was VERY nervous when she went in to take her driving test. I tried to tell her it was not a big deal and no reason to be nervous... She was worried about parallel parking. She hit the curb on her first try, but parked perfectly the second try.

When we got home, she was ready to go driving on her own. She took my car...after she left I was looking for my camera. I called her (she was at her friends) and she said "maybe you left it in the car?" So what do I do, I walk outside to look in my car. Duhhhh, she drove away in my car. This is going to take some getting used to.

Claire Olivia

2008-03-15T17:21:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Claire, sucking her thumb
In her carseat ready to leave the hospital
Laying in her Daddy's lap
Talking to her Daddy

I Lost My Groove...

2008-03-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been gone so long....

I seemed to have lost my groove, but I am slowly getting it back.

My sweet grandpa passed away in January. He lived a good long life, but I would have been happy to have him around for 100 more years. I miss him and think about him every day.

In February I had a hysterectomy. The recovery was SLOW! I spent most days sleeping late and then sleeping on the couch.

I started back to work this week and and feeling pretty good (about 90%). I even created several cards and something special for my new niece Claire. My sister (Kim) and her husband (Brad) waited a long time for such a sweet little blessing. Claire was born on Monday (3/10/08) and weighed 9 lbs 10 oz and was 22 1/2" long. I can't wait to meet her and kiss her chubby cheeks.

Here are some pictures of items that I received from my grandparents household. Each one of these items holds a special place in my heart. I am going to do a scrapbook page explaining the story behind each item, so when my grandchildren inherit them from me they will know the story too.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-27T18:13:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas. It is always great to be together as a family.

Pre Christmas Snow Storm

2007-12-27T18:04:00.000-08:00

We had a snow storm the week before Christmas. Jack loved the snow. I almost had a breakdown because I couldn't get the snow blower started. Cody came over and saved me...

Lauren was mesmerized by the Christmas lights.

Jack is very jealous of the babies. He was practically sitting on Meghan's head. I had trouble rotating this picture...

Christmas Pagent

2007-12-11T18:37:00.000-08:00

Joseph had his first Christmas program...it was with his preschool class. He did really good and even sang a bit and danced. There were little girls pulling their dresses up over their heads and little boys and girls crying for their parents. We were very proud of Joseph for being such a good boy.
When the "angel" came onto the stage with Mary and Joseph, Jaden said "look nana, a butterfly".

After the program I took photo for Jenni's Christmas cards. The kids are such "hams" it was hard to get a good picture of both of them at the same time.

Santa....I like him!!

2007-11-28T15:58:00.001-08:00

We had Thanksgiving at my sister Ang's house. Earlier in the day I had told Jaden that we would be going to see a movie about Santa Claus after we ate. Her response was I like him... (Santa Claus). She climbed up onto my dad's lap and proceeded to tell him what she wanted for Christmas.....ponies, care bears...and then she gave him a big kiss and hug. I think she thought he was Santa!

Varsity Jacket

2007-11-28T15:51:00.001-08:00

Sorry I have been MIA...
Meghan received her letter jacket last week. We are very excited for her. I think that by having her name embroidered in cursive, and adding the hood...it makes it look more girlie than the plain letter jackets!
Congratulations sweet girl!!

Jingle Shells

2007-11-13T18:41:00.001-08:00

I designed this card for our friends and family who live in Florida. I think it is pretty cute!! The pail is full of glittery ornaments. And of course Mr. Crab has googly eyes and his Santa hat on. I can't wait to put this one in the mail.

My First (and last) Tattoo

2007-11-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

Travis and I went to a tattoo party Friday night at the house of one of our friends. We had lots of fun and both went home with tattoos. I have wanted one for along time. They say that once you get one, you will want more. I can honestly say that one is enough for me...Mine is small 1 1/2" wide and it took no more than 10 minutes to tattoo. My friend Shawn's tattoo took 3 hours and Travis's took a little over an hour. Travis thinks he wants one more... Like I say, one is enough for me.

Meeting Lauren

2007-11-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

Travis arrived home from Florida on Friday afternoon (yippee) and Saturday morning we went over to Cody and Adrian's so he could see Lauren. When we left their house, he said "we are really blessed to be able to have grandchildren.

Joseph and Jaden were very happy to see their grandpa too, they spent most of their Saturday sitting on Grandpa's lap watching cartoons.

Just One More Thing...

2007-10-31T16:55:00.000-07:00

This is my Halloween display inside the front door of my home...not the best picture. I made the BOO banner hanging on the mirror. My friend Shawn gave me the wine glass candelabra...I love it. Ohhhh and I bought the creepiest raven from Target, you can't really see it in the picture. Next year I will take a better picture. Now I need to start thinking about a Thanksgiving display.

Trick-or-Treat Smell My Feet

2007-10-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

The witching hour was between 6 and 8 o'clock tonight in Northern Indiana....I saw many ghosts and goblins, plus a really cute fairy, a sweet puppy and spiderman.

Capt. Jack was so good and posed for a Halloween picture and then watched the goblins come and go from the office window (without barking toooo much).

I love Halloween, first of all who doesn't love CANDY??? I love the cool autumn nights and the smell of burning leaves. I especially love to reminisce about my childhood and trick-or-treating with my brother and sisters. One year we grew a HUGE pumpkin in our garden and we had it on our porch and someone stole it. My dad chased the teenagers down in his car and got our pumpkin back...One time we tp'd our grandparents who lived right next to us. The next morning they paid us to come clean it up (I think they gave us a quarter each). So not only did we have the fun of being sneaky but we got paid to clean it up too. And our parents went with us...talk about family fun.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

My Pillow

2007-10-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

I LOVE my pillow. I was looking for a craft that I could do while sitting at ball games or waiting in the car. I tried knitting....it was not for me. But embroidery, this is for me. I love how I can choose the color combinations and the form of whatever it is I am embroidering. I actually sewed five of these pillows tonight, all of the different. But I ran out of stuffing. I will make a run to Walmart tomorrow and get the rest of them stuffed and sewn up.
This is a close up of the "flower" Each little "knub" is a French knot.

New Winter Coats

2007-10-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year....

Leaves changing color, carving pumpkins, colds (yes, I have one), and new winter coats. Our daughter Jenni stopped over this morning with Joseph and Jaden to show Nana (me) their new winter coats and hats.

I have been working on Christmas cards today. I am thinking of opening an Etsy shop and have been working on some samples. I also have some hand embroidered pillows that I want to put in my shop, unless I decide to keep them all, they are really cool. But then I probably don't need 10 pillows on my couch. Maybe I will give some of them away for Christmas presents...

Our Newest Little Sweetie Pie

2007-10-23T15:43:00.001-07:00

LAUREN RUTH

Born 10/22/07 at 5:39 p.m.

6 lbs 12 oz.

20" long

Welcome little one....