A Blog Card swap -- and an update on my health

 

This is my "anything but a card" snow snow snow swap for Splitcoast stampers, I think it came out so adorable.  In person it is very sparkly with lots of glitter and sparkle.  The snowflake is a punch from Provo Craft.

     If you guys aren't keeping up, I want to encourage you to take advantage of on-line ads from Michael's, AC Moore, Joanne's and Hobby Lobby.  Each have a link that you can click and get a coupon you can print and use.  Today I saved a bunch using both my coupon and the usual special at Michael's.  There Bazzil was on sale last week and I used up like 3 coupons.  I put the kid, and hubby in line and saved 40% per 100 piece pack, let me tell you it made a difference.

 

     I guess many of you are wondering "where the heck has she been this week?"  Well, from last Friday night until  mid day Tuesday inpatient at Carroll County Hospital.  Once again I had terrible blood pressure issues.  This time it was complicated by a resting heart rate of 105.  In the ER, the doc finally started IV Fluids and some other medications to settle things down.  I have an appointment with an endocrinologist and cardiologist in the next two weeks.

     As a side track (so to speak) I also decided to follow up with my Psychiatrist since this episode only heightened my current depression issues.  He totally changed all my medications and is thankful I have found a good therapist.  He is very proud of the fact in spite of these set backs I am keeping a positive attitude and outlook.

     Today was pretty good, I was up really early (at least for me, ha ha) by 8:15 am, dressed and ready for my day.  I had time to check email, tidy up and even stamp a quick card for a sick friend before heading to the Psychiatrist. 

     I think it is a little too convenient that there is a Subway and a Michael's so close to his practice.  I enjoyed a few hours of shopping after leaving my appointment.  I even was able to accomplish some of the things I wanted to do as far as my household chores, so I can prepare for some upcoming events.

     Now onto today's topic, I would like to start a cow themed card swap.  The cards should be full cards, you do not need to include envelopes, they should be 4 1/4 X 5 1/2" folded.  They should include at least two layers and one embellishment.,  Please make six cards and you will receive 5 back.  Please email me your address and I'll email you mine so we can have the swap started.  I will update the blog daily with FIRST NAMES only of the swappers, Any season/theme is ok, just include a cow somewhere on the card.

     Limit of 10 players at this time, but if it really takes off I'll do 20 swappers.  Please participate.

     For those of you who are keeping up with blog candy, I have two surprise stamp sets, and the big prize is going to be .... wait for it, $75.00 in cold hard cash.  Nope you didn't miss read that.  Please just put a link to this post on your blog for an extra chance to win.  All you have to do is leave a comment any where on my blog for a chance to win.  Drawing will be around October 10, but I am changing the date of October 12 since I have other plans on the 10th.

     Please for those of you who suffer from depression, there is hope, don't give up.  Don't be afraid to talk to a friend, a significant other, pastor or counselor.  You can over come, you will have setbacks and you will have success.

      Be a blessing and stamp happy!

Big Hugs!

  

Just me

   The first two pictures where taken this morning, the last one was taken after lunch with Mike and Chad at our Kitchen table.  Chad did a great job with the camera! I really love the craft area I have, and that is where I took the first two shots, hope you enjoy them, I'm having a fantastic day! Hugs,   

Halloween explosion box.

   

     My friend Theresa has a wonderful die cut business, click here  to place an order for this explosion box, you choose the colors and she will cut them for you.  The prices are very reasonable and the service is super terrific.  You can see some of my other design work on her web sight as well.

 

     Once you buy the die cut you'll never go back to cutting these fun boxes by hand.  She even has a die to cut the individual panels if you would like those as well.

 

     It has been a wonderful Sunday and I am ready for some down time with my family in front of the television.  Have a great night and Stamp Happy!

 

 

 

Another adorable cow Christmas card!

  Ok, the card is a bit crooked on the scanner, but it is darn cute! I used some glittery paper for the bottom 3rd and white embossed vellum for the top.  It is embellished with ribbon, crystal lacquer and it is a mojo Monday sketch from about a year ago. I hope you guys are having a wonderful Sunday.  My day has been very quiet and rainy.  I can feel the cool air of Autumn starting and I'm looking forward to the change of season. As always, be a blessing and Stamp Happy!   

A Pink cow Christmas

 Hello my crafty friends!

 

     I am participating on a Splitcoast stampers swap for Penny Black images, I chose this cute cow with a Christmas reef for the focal image.  I used DCWV patterned paper, and coordinated it with retired Stampin Up card stock.  The image is colored with copic markers and embellished with glitter, dew drops.  The sentiment is from Hampton Art Stamps.

 

     I am just in love with pinks this year for swaps, I really love the wonderful soft feeling of pink, it reminds me deeply of my favorite color mauve pink.  I used a sizzix strip die (maybe called a border die) for the side of the card trying to change up the layout a bit.

 

     It is already nearly the middle of September.  It has been a hard year.  Today, I had the honor of speaking with someone who has suffered somewhat silently with the depression issue.  Depression is not a victimless problem.  Depression like any medical issue is just that a medical issue in need of proper medication, treatment and follow through.

 

     I did not choose to have depression in my life, but I have chosen to see a Psychiatrist, get proper medication and be honest with myself and those I love the most dearly about issues as they arise.  I know how hard it is when you are in the grasp of this to even get out of bed.  Things don't make sense.  There is hope, Jesus said in Jeremiah 14-21, I know the plans I have for the Future.  Plans to give you a HOPE and a purpose.  Plans to prosper you and give you a FUTURE. .

 

   Yes, I am paraphrasing and don't have the scripture exactly as it is written.  My point is Jesus Christ as the greatest Physician, the greatest love of us mere humans and our greatest asset.  My prayer is if you do not know him as personal Lord and Savior, you will pray a simple prayer asking him to meet you where you are, to have him come into your heart and change your life.  I promise my friend, he will.

 

     Be of good courage, have faith and be a blessing.  As always, Stamp Happy!     

 

  

A Pink Cow Christmas!

  

Altered Coaster Tag book and my Blog-anniversary! Lot's of pictures!

Pretty in Red!

Hello friends!

I had a Craft Happy day!

     Two of my dear friends came over for a day filled with stamping, die cutting and fun!  We had a great time together.  One of the ladies loves the color red so I made this cute red tag book.

     It is inspired by one made in a class on Fort Meade.  Amanda's idea is so cute I have had to adapt it for my own.  I have not only enjoyed making these as gifts but love the reaction the receiving person gives me for them.  I used the retired sizzix super scallop die, covered with DCWV patterned paper.  I sanded the edges smooth and sponged them with white Stampin Up craft ink.  I also embellished with ribbon and glitter.  The coasters are individually punched for the binding with a bind it all machine and 3/4" white binding wires.

     Currently the best price on the bind it all machine can be found at Amazon.com.  I really enjoy my machine.  It is easy to use.

     So now that I am celebrating my 3rd Blog Anniversary the first blog candy prize will be one of these tag books in your choice of colors.  Remember I'm celebrating from today, September 10, 2010 until October 10, 2010.  Stay tuned for prizes, one on one card exchanges, and even a round robin!  I promise this will be an exciting venture.

      Please post your comments any where on the blog for a chance to win.  NOTICE THERE WILL BE SURPRISE MINI CANDY DRAWINGS FOR RIBBON AND STAMPED IMAGES! Please don't miss out, visit often and tell your friends!

     Have a great weekend, stamp happy and be a blessing!

Getting my Magnolia fix!

Before I continue onto today's post, I would like to say thank you to those of you who left comments concerning yesterday's blog post and how it touched your heart and gave you encouragement. I feel very strongly as you already know if you follow my blog at all that God does bless us, and when we suffer there isn't a tear or pain or heart ache he doesn't know about.  It is his ultimate healing and the help of good Doctor's that allows us to be able to remain whole.   I finally received my Magnolia stamps.  Click here for their web sight. I just love to color their images.  Both of the items you see above one is an altered photo coaster and the other is a card, both are going to Marlene with the other mini-blog candy items. Hobby Lobby is hiring, *need* to try and get a job there teaching paper crafting classes! Have a wonderful afternoon.  Stamp Happy and be a Blessing.   

Party favors and my encouragement for those of us who suffer from depression.

Before I begin today's post, I wanted to share this with all of you;

 

 

     I think we live in very difficult times. We are constantly being told that we are not good enough, that we must be beautiful and rich and perfect in order to be worthy human beings. God says that we are good enough just the way we are, that He made us in His image. We don't have to conform to societies standards to be worthy of happiness, we don't have to be perfect, we just have to learn to love ourselves and each other just the way we are, faults, blemishes, sins and all.  Please click here for the complete web article.

 

    With my on going treatment of depression and knowing I am not the only one who struggles, I really try to make sure that my blog reflects my belief that there is hope, peace and real happiness for those who suffer with this disorder.  I will be honest, today wasn't my best.  Actually to be very honest the depression today was probably the worse I have had in many months.  That has not gotten me totally down, I am here, at my computer getting ready to do some stamping and keep a positive outlook not get quad meyered down in the slit that is depression.

 

     What do I do when I have days like this, well, first of all I check my "self-talk" I make sure I am surrounded with positive things.  Secondly, if needed I take a nap.  It makes a world of difference.  My precious husband and I have had to deal with dogs and dog "dodo" for the last few days, we believe the two females have some kind of virus that has given them both the literal craps.

 

    This is causing sleep disruptions from having to take dogs that otherwise sleep through the night out several times not to mention the "my feet where on the paper" doesn't that count accidents we have to clean from the carpet (Yuck, I know thanks for sharin').

 

     Last night was the last of the group counseling sessions I have to attend.  It was so precious, we celebrated a birthday and I got lots of hugs from everyone.  I'll miss the group but it was time to move on.  I will stop by on occasion to say hello and support the group when I am able.  My cup truly runneth over.

 

     Please enjoy the photos of the pillow box purse bags I made for the occasion.  I ran out of "clock" and really wanted to do more with them, but the decorative paper and roses seemed to be just right.  Everyone just adored them.  I love doing this kind of stuff.

 

 

 

     On a side note, Tracy who has now moved to Alaska, sent me a sweet post card today, it was really so nice to receive it and hear she is doing well as she gets settled into her new home.  I wish you the best my friend, so glad you and your family are safe in your new area.

 

     Time to finish up today's blog post, I hope you are all having a great day, that you find peace and joy and that you are a blessing to someone else.  Stamp Happy, be well, mind body and spirit, God bless you all!

 

     

Snow swaps and a sleeping Lexie dog!

Isn't my Lexie dog too sweet!  She was shivering and I keep some baby blankets I purchased from a thrift store. She has loved being snuggled since she was a very little puppy.  I'm happy to oblige here.

I am participating on a splitcoast swap called snow snow snow,  I am loving using some shades of pink and a new Sizzix snow embossing folder that is just grand.  I am having too much fun.

Chad is away during the day this Holiday weekend spending time with his Father.  It has been kinda nice to just sit and stamp and help Mike with yard work while not worrying about him.

Have a great Holiday Weekend, Stamp happy, be a blessing!

  

The blog mini candy winner is! Snow swap cards! More to come!

Hey guy's! Sorry I didn't post this yesterday, my schedule totally got away from me.  The winner of the blog candy is Marlene said...
Cute, fun card!
better after that spill. Ouch.
August 30, 2010 12:28 Am

Marlene, please send me an email me with your snail mail address, you will be receiving some Ribbon and an altered item from me, I hope you will enjoy your mini candy prize.

Ladies who guessed that my first blog post was September 10, your goodies went postal yesterday, I hope you will like what I have sent your way!

September 10 is indeed my blog anniversary, from now until the 10th of October (That is one month about) let's do a big blog candy, I'll post pictures later.  I will be giving away some stamp sets, altered items and a Halloween goodie box.  The more comments I get the better the candy will get.  I hope you will play along!

Have a great afternoon, stamp happy!

Be a Blessing!