Nickaleena

Awesome Giveaway!

2011-11-14T14:26:00.002-05:00

You must go to Green Fairy Quilts and look at the beautiful fabric they carry in their store. Pick some of your favorites and you just might win one of your choices. Can't beat that.

They have a wonderful blog and Judi (the store owner) does the most amazing quilting you have ever seen. One day I am going to send one of my quilts to her to for her to do the quilting. You have to look at her fabulous work.

Best of luck to you (though I do hope I win)!! ; )

Thanks for reading and see you soon.

California Dreamin

2011-10-01T19:57:00.006-04:00

Thought it was about time I updated this blog. Wish I was as good as the blogs I follow...they post every day and inspire so many. I just can't seem to keep up with it. Maybe one of these days.

In August I went to San Leandro (just outside of San Francisco) to my nephews wedding. The great thing was that I was able to meet up with both my sisters, which is a rare thing. My sister, Peggy, lives out there, and both myself and my oldest sister Becky flew out.

We had an amazing time. We spent the first weekend having a rehearsal dinner at my sister's house and then Sunday we went to the wedding. There was lots of craziness...always happens when you get the three of us together.

Here is the bunch of us...from left to right my oldest sister's husband Tom and my sister Becky, myself, my sister Peggy leaning into the picture and her husband Jeff.

Then we headed out on Amtrak for San Luis Obispo. We then drove to San Simeon and visited the Hearst Castle. It was amazing!

Isn't that pool amazing!

Then we drove up the road a bit to see the seals that beach themselves.

Then at the end of my trip we went to Jack London Square to the Farmer's Market. It is just amazing!

It was just an all around good time. I love spending time with my sisters. Can't wait to see them again!

Pink Stamper Christmas Card Inspiration

2011-10-01T12:55:00.005-04:00

Over at The Pink Stamper you can link your Christmas card to her site and have a chance to win a mystery prize from her. Head on over there and check her out.

These are the cards I am going to be posting on her site. Be sure and link your pics on her blog for a chance to win. While you are there, check out her wonderful tutorials using the Cricut. I know you will be inspired

Giveaway - Funny Face

2011-07-21T13:00:00.004-04:00

These are the great items that are being given away at Funny Face Beauty.

This site offers great makeup tutorials and reviews on various cosmetic products.

Take a look around and follow the directions carefully to be eligible to possibly win these goodies.

Great giveaway : Moda Bake Shop

2011-01-22T10:42:00.003-05:00

Moda Bake Shop is having a "Progressive Dinner" giveaway. You need to comment on different blogs each day to qualify for some wonderful prizes, one of which is the new book

Go to Moda Bake Shop and start with the entries. The contest ends January 27.

Hurry, you don't want to miss out!!!!!

Jaybird Quilts Giveaway

2011-01-18T16:03:00.001-05:00

Jaybird Quilts is having a giveway sponsored by Green Fairy Quilts. Green Fairy quilts is giving away a fat quarter bundle of Dilly Dally fabric. The fabric is adorable! You must go check it out here.

Dawn's Quilt Corner Giveaway

2010-12-29T12:17:00.001-05:00

Go check out Dawns Quilt Corner for a fabulous fabric giveaway - 7 YARDS OF DR. SEUSS FABRIC! It is totally amazing fabric. I would love to make something for my grandsons with this.

Good luck, and check it out!

Funny Face Beauty Holiday Giveaway

2010-12-27T21:20:00.002-05:00

Go to Funny Face Beauty to enter her FABULOUS Holiday Giveaway! She is offering fabulous items, including Urban Decay Naked Palette. The giveaway ends on January 11 (one day after my birthday). What a birthday gift this would be...I have been trying to find the naked palette for months!!!!!

Go check it out...you won't be sorry.

Happy Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T11:09:00.003-05:00

I want to wish all the men and women who have served in our armed forces an very Happy Veteran's Day. Thank you for keeping us safe and safe-guarding our freedom. I especially give thanks to my daddy who passed January 10, 2009. He served in the Navy and was aboard the USS Nassau. I attended one of his Navy reunions, and it was very special to share that with him. I miss him terribly.

My dad is the second from the left.

My dad is on the left and standing next to him his my mom's mother.

This is my mom and dad.

Love you mom and dad...miss you both terribly!

Giveaway at Green Fairy Quilts

2010-10-21T13:54:00.002-04:00

Go to Green Fairy Quilts Blog and enter to win a fat quarter bundle of "Breakfast at Tiffany's". It is beautiful and boy could I do a bunch with that fabric! Stop by and take a peak.

While you are there, check out her wonderful long arm quilting. Her quilting is magnificent!

Accuquilt Go Giveaway

2010-10-10T14:29:00.001-04:00

Alderwood Quilts is giving away and Accuquilt Go. These baby's are awesome. If you quilt, you have to have one. I am trying to win one for my mother in law. So far, no luck. Who knows, maybe I will get lucky this time. Go to Alderwood Quilts for the giveaway.

Qubee Quilts Giveaway

2010-09-30T12:26:00.002-04:00

Go to Qubee Quilts to enter for a chance to win an Accuquilt Go. You better hurry. You have until 11:59 tonight to enter to win this bad boy!

If you are a quilter this is a MUST HAVE!!!!! Who loves to cut out fabric?! I don't think anyone does. This takes the strain off your back, no more slipping rulers, cutting your fingers off with the rotary cutter, or measuring wrong. The GO does it all for you, which makes sewing the pieces together a breeze.

So HURRY....GO enter to win the GO!

Another Accuquilt Giveaway!

2010-09-23T21:58:00.004-04:00

Hurry and go to Millies Quilting to enter for a chance to win an Accuquilt Go plus your choice of thee dies. I would so love to win one of these for my mother in law. Maybe I will get lucky one of these times. It would sure make a great gift for her. I have sewn for years, but my mother in law taught me to quilt. Lately she has been struggling with the arthritis in her hands, and I think this would help her so much.

Accuquilt Go Giveaway

2010-09-01T12:24:00.002-04:00

Go to A Quilting Life to enter a giveaway for the Accuquilt Go. This is a must have for all quilters. You don't want to miss this.

Bliss charm pack and bag pattern giveaway

2010-09-01T12:12:00.002-04:00

Go to 44th Street Fabric and enter for a chance to win 2 Bliss Charm Packs and a Pinafore Bag by Me and My Sister Designs. Go and check it out. The Bliss fabric is amazing. It is my fav fabric out right now, and the purse is adorable! Hurry, you don't want to miss out on this.

ANOTHER Accuquilt Go Giveaway

2010-09-01T11:46:00.002-04:00

Go to Ryan Walsh's website for a chance to win the fabulous Accuquilt Go. It is absolutely amazing and you HAVE to have one if you are a quilter. I am trying to win one for my mother-in-law who is an avid quilter, but has issues with arthritis in her hands. So, she can't quilt as much as she used to because of this. I know this would be so helpful to her. So, I am crossing my fingers...this would be a great gift for her!

Another Accuquilt Giveaway!

2010-08-25T22:46:00.003-04:00

Go to Ala Mode Fabric to enter to win an Accuquilt Go. It is an awesome little machine. I am trying diligently to win one for my mother-in-law. She is the one who taught me how to quilt (I already knew how to sew). She has terrible arthritis in her hands, and I know this would help her so much. She loves quilting, and I would love to give her one to show her how much I appreciate her teaching me to quilt. So, here's to luck, and luck to you entering this giveaway.

GO Quickly to this Giveaway

2010-08-24T15:16:00.001-04:00

Go to Freckled Whimsy to win an Accuquilt Go. Not only will you win the GO die cutter, but you will also win 3 dies of your choice! Fabulous. So GO check it out.

Giveaway at Sweet P Quilting and Creations Blog

2010-08-23T13:23:00.002-04:00

Want a chance to win a wonderful Accuquilt Go? Then GO quickly to Sweet P Quilting and Creations to enter to win a GO. Not only that, but she has a wonderful tutorial using the GO. So, GO check it out.http://sweetp-paulette.blogspot.com/

Giveaway at Jaybird Quilts

2010-08-16T18:48:00.002-04:00

Go to Jaybird Quilts to enter a sponsored giveaway by the Fat Quarter Shop. They are giving away a beautiful fat quarter bundle of "Pure". It is beautiful fabric. Go by and check it out.

Accuquilt Go Giveaway

2010-08-15T17:34:00.001-04:00

Go to this site sew many ways and enter to win yourself an Accuquilt Go! You have until September 1st.

Go, hurry, sign up. You don't want to miss out

First finished quilt

2010-08-11T21:13:00.006-04:00

This is the my first finished quilt. I started this before my second grandson was born. Then I put it away. I finally picked it back up and finished it. Yea!

It may not be as good as some of the quilts you all make, but I am proud of it, and most importantly...my grandson loves it.

I am now working on a lap sized quilt for my oldest grandson using the Day and Night pattern by Eleanor Burns. It is turning out really nice. When finished, I will post a pic.

Bedding for my grandson

2010-08-05T10:32:00.006-04:00

I just wanted to post the bedding my daughter and I made for her third son on the way. We sewed our little hands off!!!!! I am so proud of her because this was the first time she had sewn. She did the diaper stacker all by herself and sewed the pillows together. I did the rest of the sewing and the embroidery on the pillow. I think it turned out really cute.

Rekindled Love

2010-08-05T10:24:00.002-04:00

I have just a rekindled an old love of mine.....quilting. I had put it down for such a long time. My main reason was that I HATE cutting out quilts. I love sewing them, but the cutting made my hands and back hurt.

Well, fast forward to now...I own a beautiful Accuquilt Go. Now I don't have to worry about sore hands or back. If you don't know about the Accuquilt Go, let me enlighten you. For you scrapbookers out there, it is very similar to a Sizzix or Cuttlebug machine. The machine opens up like the cuttlebug and you have dies similar to the Sizzix machine. You lay your fabric on the dies, place your cutting mat on top, crank it through the machine, and you have perfectly cut quilt shapes in seconds. No more slipping rulers and quilt shapes that don't match up right when sewing. You can cut up to 4-5 layers of fabric, depending on the type of fabric you are using. I have to say, it is fabulous. I just recently received my GO, and I only have the die that came with the machine, so I can't say that I have a tremendous amount of experience at this time to give you. However, I look forward to collecting ALL the dies and then I will be happy to show you the wonderful things the GO can do.

You can check out the Accuquilt GO on their website.

Let me know what you think.

Accuquilt Give-away

2010-07-14T12:43:00.005-04:00

Spun Sugar Quilts is sponsoring an Accuquilt Go giveaway. Go to their site and enter for this marvelous cutter. I promise, you will be glad you did.

This machine is great for reducing your cutting time. You can cut out fabric with these dies so quick and then get on with the good stuff....sewing. Go to accuquilt.com to check out the Go and all the dies that are available. Then don't forget to enter the giveaway at Spun Sugar Quilts.

Been a Long Time

2010-06-18T14:04:00.003-04:00

So much has happened since last time I blogged. I guess that happens when you are gone for a long time!

My father passed away January 10, 2009 (my birthday). He had surgery on his lungs for cancer. They did a lobectomy on him in 2007, and he was doing great. Then on December 23, 2009 my brother called and told me dad's cancer was back and it wasn't good. He had one round of chemo on a Friday and went into the hospital on Monday. He passed on Saturday morning around 11 a.m. I miss him and think of him every day!

In February of 2010 I started a new business - Nickaleena - a custom jewelry and supply business. I opened it up in the front of our existing golf cart business. I have a nice showroom with lots of supplies and finished jewelry. I will be doing the bridal show in July, 2010. I have also been working with a bridal boutique here in town, and she is carrying my jewelry line.

My husband and I are looking forward to a family vacation this coming February. My father-in-law will be turning 80 and all of us are taking a family cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. I can't wait. It will be nice to get away, and it will be my daughter's first cruise.

Also, since last time posting my sweet cat, Finley, passed away. He had serious bladder issues that kept reoccuring and the doctor felt it was best that we put him down. I was there alone with him and held him and loved him the whole time. He was such a sweet and beautiful cat. We miss him so much.

Hopefully I will get back here more often to write down my thoughts and going-ons.

Mama's Holiday Wish List

2009-12-09T13:08:00.003-05:00

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme Todays Mama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year?
Cricut cartridges, gypsy skin, photography tent, boots, accuquilt go
2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received?
My father made me an entryway shelf that I treasure!
3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?
a quilt
4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child?
a double keyboard organ
5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year?
clothes, video games for wii and xbox, itunes cards
6. What is your favorite holiday food?
Pumpkin Bread (I always make it at christmas)
7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?
already made christmas cards, made some jewelry and will be making a shirt
8. What is your favorite holiday movie?
It's a wonderful life
9. Favorite holiday song?
White Christmas and O Holy Night
10. Favorite holiday pastime?
Baking christmas goodies.

Now, you go and enter to win some goodies!

Look What I Got!!!!

2009-09-28T18:19:00.002-04:00

This pretty thing arrived today! I was so excited I was jumping up and down. I was lucky enough to get the bundle from HSN. The carrying bag is pretty nice. Not wild about the sleeve, but at least it protects the gypsy. Now I need to order a sleeve and a few stylus'.

I have been playing with it, and it is rather easy to figure out. The hardest part was registering it and syncing it. But I got through it.

One of these days maybe I will get into the video side of crafting....I have considered doing it with paper crafting, cricut and now the gypsy...I've even considering jewelry making. We'll see.

That's all for now, just had to share my wonderful news!!!!!

WORKBOX GIVEAWAY

2009-09-28T14:11:00.005-04:00

Wow...you must see this giveaway. Go to rachellewrites and follow the instructions to win a ribbon box

or a scrapmabob

from The Original Scrapbox. The winner will then be entered in the mac daddy drawing for a Workbox.

Go to Original Scrapbox and check out their other products. Enter this code when you place your order to get $100 off your shipping: 100Writes.

Cricut Reaches 100th Cartridge

2009-09-17T20:14:00.002-04:00

Provo Craft 100 Celebration!
“Help us celebrate our 100th Cricut cartridge—Winter Woodland! That’s right, we reached 100 cartridges. As a thank you to our great Cricut community members, we want you to celebrate with us. So, we’re giving away 100 cartridges over the next five weeks (20 per week.)

Here’s how it will work. Each week we will be posting a thread. When you respond to the thread you will be entered to win. You can enter once by replying and you can enter a second time by posting on your blog about the celebration and linking back to the cartridge product page. Here is the link to include in your blog(http://www.cricut.com/shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?id=361&s=1&sc=2). Once you’ve posted on your blog with the link back you can post again to this thread.”

The thread in the Cricut forum is: All Forums >> [Just Cricut] >> Cricut Chat >> Cricut Celebrates Cartridge #100 (week 1).

Good luck all.

Two Posts In One Day - History Making!!!

2009-09-16T15:03:00.002-04:00

There is a great new blog out there called Cutting Above. They are having a giveaway for two Provo Craft Gypsies. They are a have to have for anyone that owns a Cricut. Please check out their blog to see how you might win one of these highly sought after tools.

The Gypsy will be debuted on HSN on September 24th beginning at 12a.m. This is a don't miss. I know they are featuring a package that will be an HSN only purchase. So be sure to view.

Sister's In Christ Challenge

2009-09-16T13:58:00.005-04:00

This is a card challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog. This is the sketch:

Here are my two submissions.

I Just Can't Do This

2009-09-11T13:05:00.002-04:00

I just can't keep up with blogging. I wish so badly that I could. Do you all schedule a time every day to blog? I just forget and then I get busy, yada yada yada.

Since my last post I found out I do NOT have rheumatoid arthritis. Let me hear a big YOOHOO! I was so worried about it. So now I can cross that off my list of things to stress about.

My husband and I had our anniversary at Tims Ford Lake and had a marvelous time. The house we rented was amazing. We really enjoyed having our own boat dock to park our boat and to fish. Early each morning that is where I would find my hubby...fishing off the dock. The weather was beautiful, the lake was great, and we enjoyed some R&R. We also had a wonderful anniversary dinner out.

I think that pretty much catches us up.

The kids are back in school. I have one in high school now....can't believe he is that old. My other child is in middle school. They are both enjoying school. My son plays football and soccer, so that keeps us terribly busy. He starts for JV and gets to suit up for Varsity. Tonight we are going to my son's varsity football game, and then we leave in the morning for Knoxville for a weekend long soccer tournament.

My daughter isn't involved in any particular extracurricular activity this year...so far. She is in chorus, which she loves. She isn't a big sport fan. She would love to take singing lessons, so that is probably something I will look into. I would love for her to take piano lessons, but since we don't have a piano at home....we do have a keyboard, but I don't know if that would suffice.

One of my sisters, which lives in OK, is coming to visit me in October. I cannot wait. She hasn't been out here to visit before, so we will have a blast. I am going to stay home from work while she is here so we can enjoy the visit. We had hoped that my other sister was going to be able to come out as well, but she had an unexpected surgery which will now keep her from coming out. I sure hope the three of us can get together sometime in the near future. We have so much fun together.

Oh, I forgot to mention that we moved my son's bedroom. We moved him to the bonus room. I turned out really awesome. Now I have a guest room for guests to stay in. In the past we had to run my son out of his room....not anymore. The guest room is going to be cute when I get done. Now I just have to finish my daughter's room. We have been painting her furniture black. Her room is coming together slowly, but I think it will be nice when we finish. Can't wait to use my cricut and cut some vinyl designs to go on her wall. I am going to do that for my son too. I love my cricut!

Anyway, I think that is all there is. Maybe I will get back here sooner than last time. I am going to try.

Befuddled

2009-06-10T22:03:00.003-04:00

Yes, I am. I am befuddled (great word huh) by how people can keep up with their blogs. How do they do that? How do they have something to talk about every day and actually blog about it? I don't have anything noteworthy to talk about every day. If I did blog every day it would go something like this....Got up at 6:15 a.m., went to the bathroom, took a shower, woke up my kids. I then wash my face, put on face lotion, dry my hair and then sit down to put on my face. I sit down an apply my Bare Minerals (love that stuff!) I take my medicine and head to the kitchen to eat breakfast (usually consisting of Special K cereal.

I load up my kids, my dog, Gizmo, and jump in my car and head to work. I do boring work all day long...then I get to come home.

Once home, I sit down for a little while and catch up on some of the shows I Tivo'd. Then my hubby comes home and we ask each other what we are going to do for supper. We come up with some creation, we cook it, eat it, I clean up...watch some more tv or craft in my room...or search the internet or read blogs. Then I go to bed. Exciting, huh? Who wants to hear that every day? I don't even want to do it every day, let alone blog about it.

Anyhoo....big weekend ahead...the big 5 year anniversary! My husband and I are going to rent a house on Tim Fords Lake, which has a private dock, so we will be taking our boat. We are going to do some fishing, some boating, some relaxing (wish they had a hot tub), some picnicking, relaxing some more. I am really looking forward to it. We will be able to stay until late Sunday night, and we are going to try to get there early on Friday to get a full day in. I will let you all know how it turns out. We are taking some things along in case of rain...such as cards, DVDs, etc. I guess we could still fish because the dock is covered.

I am supposed to find out the end of this week if I have rheumatoid arthritis or not. I went to see a rheumatologist, and he and my primary care doctor do not believe it is rheumatoid, they think it is osteoarthritis, which would be great! So, we will see.

I am trying to get a lot of doctor issues out of the way over the summer. I am getting my daughter's shots caught up tomorrow...then in July she is going to get her eyes checked again and new contacts. I am going to get my eyes checked and probably new glasses and contacts. I have an elective colonoscopy scheduled. I also need to get my daughter to the dentist and referred to an orthodontist....the fun begins! not.

I hope to plan some fun weekends with the kids before they go back to school. We are going to Myrtle Beach for the fourth of July. We want to take them to Six Flags over Georgia and the aquarium in Atlanta.

Gee, doesn't that sound like a fun summer. Along with all that I am also working at a local bead store part time. I actually enjoy doing that...it is like getting paid to play. I have met a lot of nice people while working there.

Well, will check back in...maybe it will be sooner than a month.

Ta ta

Where Does the Time Go?

2009-05-07T10:06:00.002-04:00

It has been a long time since I have come to my blog. It seems life has been so hectic that I never have time to sit down and write.

So, let's see what has happened since the last time I wrote. My daughter's husband lost his mother in April. She had liver cancer. She was a wonderful woman...she always had a smile on her face. She loved her three sons and husband very much. She never complained. I know she will be missed by so many.

My son is in Washington, DC. He is on a week-long field trip with his school. They are doing all sorts of fun things. They have gone to Arlington Cemetary, The Smithsonian, President's Park, Williamsburg, and on Friday they are going to Busch Gardens all day. He is having an amazing time. I am glad he had the opportunity to be a part of this.

I recently went to the doctor and found out that I have tested positive for the RA factor, which means I have rheumatoid arthritis. I have had a little joint pain off and on in my fingers. Nothing that was unmanageable. I have an appointment with a rheumatologist in June to see what my treatment may be. I am not opting for conventional treatment. So many of those drugs are so toxic to your system...I am hoping for a more natural course of treatment. I guess we will see once I meet with her. It rather bums me out that this is what my future is holding...but then, I know it could be a lot worse.

We had an opportunity to go out in our boat a couple weeks ago. It was really nice. It was one of the rare days we have had sun. We have had rain almost every day! The lake was beautiful. The water is still very cold, but the sunshine was wonderful. My youngest daughter went with us and had a great time.

This Sunday is Mother's Day. I hope all of you mothers out there have a wonderful day.

We have twins!

2009-03-19T13:26:00.003-04:00

Well, almost twins, they are beautiful, quiet, and don't eat much! They were delivered yesterday - new GE Profile washer and dryer in champagne. They are awesome. Doing laundry is a delight. I can't get over how quiet they are...you can't hear them at all. We also got the smart dispense which depending on the weight of your load dispenses the correct amount of detergent, fabric softener and water. So they are great energy savers. The kids love them as well. My daughter, who is 12, actually unloaded the washer and put the clothes in the dryer. She hasn't ever done this before! It's nice. Aren't they beautiful?!

My best friend came up this past weekend. It sure was nice seeing her. I miss her so much. She moved back to Nashville last year...actually Greenbriar, which is near Goodlettsville. We had a great time visiting and making jewerly together. She wasn't feeling good, however. After she went home on Sunday she went to the doctor...she has an upper respiratory infection and an ear infection. Bummer. The last time we got together she was sick. I hope next time she will feel good. I am starting to get a complex! The great part is one of her daughters is my daughter's best friend. So, all in all it was a great weekend.

I also did a little shopping the other day and bought some new spring clothes. Just a few to update my wardrobe. Now I need to go through my closet and get rid of things I don't wear or that are out of style. I hang on to my clothes for so long, it is terrible! That is a chore for later.

This weekend I am looking forward to my in-laws coming into town. They came up on January to spend my birthday with me, but I ended up having to go to Oklahoma for my father. So, we are going to do the birthday thing this weekend. They are great people, and I love them very much. Mom is going to help me with knitting. I want to knit a pair of socks, and you have to use four needles...I tried but I got totally lost! She is a great knitter, and I know she will be able to help.

Maybe one day I will get better at this blogging thing. I have so many pictures I need to post!

Until next time -

Announcement

2009-03-06T12:25:00.004-05:00

Hi all, I would like to announce the opening of my Etsy Shop - Nick-a-leena. This is near and dear tomyheart. I am very passionate about jewelry making, and I hope you find something that you love on my site. If you don't, let me know, and I would be glad to custom make you what your heart desires. I still have a lot of pieces that are not loaded onto etsy yet, so please keep checking back.

You will see on the sidebar that I have a link to my etsy store.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

I still will be papercrafting and sewing, so as I make projects, I will be better at posting them here.

Hope you check often, and I hope to hear from some or you...or better yet, see pics of you wearing one of my pieces.

Until later.

Another Papertrey Challenge

2009-02-09T18:39:00.002-05:00

Papertrey Ink is having another challenge. You need to create a card for your friend. I am submitting the same card I did for the sketch challenge. Just so happened I made it for my friend.

Papertrey Challenge 2

2009-02-07T18:48:00.011-05:00

Papertrey is having another challenge. Check out Nichole Heady's blog. The challenge is to make a card from a sketch provided to you.

My card uses all Papertrey Ink supplies with a few exceptions. My card consistes of Papertrey Ink cardstock: Raspberry Fizz and Sweet Blush (black cardstock is Stampin Up); Pattern paper is Raspberry Fizz Mix (Papertrey Ink). Stamp sets are Papertrey Ink: Spiral Bouquet and With Sympathy. Black Rhinestones are from Glitz Designs. Scalloped edge was with a Martha Stewart punch.

Papertrey Challenge

2009-02-06T17:58:00.006-05:00

This is a card I am submitting for the Papertrey Challenge. The challenge was to use the colors Pure Poppy; Summer Sunrise; Ripe Avocado and Ocean Tides. I had to substitute some colors. I used Pure Poppy; Lemon Tart; Aqua Mist; and Spring Moss.

I cut the card stock in pieces, mounted Sticky Tape on the front of my card and lay the pieces on the Sticky Tape like a mosaic. I then poured black embossing powder over the mosaic and heated it. I then covered all the mosaic with Versamark and embossed with clear embossing powder. I used Papertrey stamp sets: Fresh Alphabet, Borders and Corners (Heart) and Shapes by Design.

This is going to be my husband's Valentines card this year.

Hope you enjoy and thanks for stopping by.

FRONT

INSIDE

SORRY IT HAS BEEN SO LONG

2009-01-27T09:50:00.003-05:00

I know I have been a terrible blogger. Not that many people stop by here anyway. So, for myself, I am going to document some happenings lately.

Friday, January 9th I received a call that my dad was really bad in the hospital and that I should come home right away. I arrived at the hospital in Oklahoma City at 4:00 p.m. My dad was still hanging on. One of my sisters and one of my brothers had been there with him. We all stayed by his side all night long. At 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 10, my dad joined my mom in heaven. I miss him so terribly. I still can't believe he is gone.

I remained in Oklahoma City for the full week to help with arrangements for the funeral, etc. It was great being with family and having all that love surrounding me. I miss my family too. It is hard being so far away from all of them.

It was so hard coming home, but I missed my husband and kids. I knew they needed me and I them.

After returning home, my husband celebrated my birthday with me (my father passed on my birthday). We went out to lunch, did some shopping and then he took me out for drinks and to dinner. We had a great time.

Now, I am just adjusting to being back at our business and getting back to a routine. It seems, however, that at every turn there are memories of my dad from when he visited us. I just can't even begin to say how much I miss him.

Daddy, I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!

Your Nickaleena.

Get 'er Done, Done Did!

2008-11-26T23:17:00.003-05:00

Put the items you've done in bold. I've italicized things I want to do.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (Campfire Girls' mints and peanuts)
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chicken pox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Kids were out of school today. It was enjoyable. I actually spent the day doing laundry and cleaned out the frig. I baked an apple pie for Thanksgiving. My daughter and I prepared dinner together and then baked some pumpkin bread. My daughter, my husband and I watched Polar Express for the jillionth time!

As crazy as it sounds, it was a great day.

I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving tomorrow. Wish our son was going to be with us, but he is spending it with his mom. We have invited our neighbor to spend Thanksgiving with us because she was going to be spending it alone.

Here's to wishing everyone a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.

"Are you Afraid"

2008-11-24T14:03:00.008-05:00

"Say it, say it out loud"....."Vampire".

Yes, I am a Twilight freak! This weekend my youngest daughter (11) and I went to Nashville to meet my other daughter (24) to see the premier of Twilight. We went to the 7:00 p.m. showing and it was sold out. We arrived one hour early...got in line and our group took up almost a whole row.

The teenaged girls at the theatre cracked us up! They were screaming and carrying on whenever Edward's or Jacob's face came on the screen. So hilarious.

I think they did a great job choosing the cast for this movie. Even though it was impossible to do the book justice - the movie was still great. I really loved it. I loved the humor they put into the movie as well.

I am looking forward the New Moon. As you Twilight junkies know, the next one is in the works. Can't wait!!!!!

We had a great girls weekend. We spent Saturday shopping....trying to get some ideas for Christmas, bought some wonderful bagels at Panera Bread - yum. That evening we watched the movie Wall-E with the grandkids. It was a really cute movie. Sunday was spent at my daughter's inlaws' house for lunch then we made the drive back home.

It sure was nice to sleep in my own bed and get a good night's sleep. Then back to reality and work!

All in all a great weekend spent with my two favorite girls.

What are you waiting for?

2008-09-17T10:38:00.003-04:00

Have you gone to the Vanilla Joy website? You don't want to miss out on this wonderful giveaway...it is a scrapbookers dream. Go now and you might be the lucky winner! (However, I really hope that I am the lucky one to win this sweet prize!).

This Mini Box by the Original Scrapbox (TheOriginalScrapbox.com) is what every scrapbooker needs. I am a real hoarder of scrapbooking product. Mostly because I put it in a place where it belongs...however, I then forget about it. When I get ready to scrap a page...I forget what I have and therefore don't use the wonderful products that I have purchased. I also end up buying product I already have because I forget that I purchased it before. Not good! This wonderful Mini Box would be the answer! I could have everything right in front of me in one place in clear containers, so I could easily find what I needed and start using up some of the wonderful items I have in my stock.

I hope, wish, pray that I am the ONE!

Another Give-away at Vanilla Joy

2008-09-15T13:33:00.007-04:00

Vanilla-Joy is having another wonderful giveaway. You can click on this link to find out all about it vanillajoy.com.

You can read all about it here as well. She is giving away an $800.00 The Mini Box by The Original Scrapbox. It is incredible. It gives you so much storage. You could use it for sewing, crafting, anything. This contest runs from September 15 through September 21st. So don't miss out...check it out now.

Here are some keyphrases from Vanilla Joy:
kids face painting
family fun
obaji skin care
creative date ideas
discipline for children
take surveys for money

Don't forget...visit Vanilla Joy!!!

Mandarin Pixie going out of Business

2008-09-12T09:45:00.002-04:00

Just to let everyone know that Mandarin Pixie is closing their doors. Their prices are unbelievable on their remaining stock. You can also enter for a giveaway to win one of everything left in their store, plus free shipping!!!! Go to their website for the details: http://www.mandarinpixie.com/

Vanilla Joy Giveaway - Thursday

2008-08-28T08:34:00.003-04:00

Another great giveaway today from Vanilla Joy. This is what the giveaway is today:
The Fiskars portable trimmer 12" with extra blades, wave, deckle, scoring and pinking.

The next item is the Fiskars 12" portable personal trimmer with 2 pack replacement blades - straight and scoring.

Next is the Fiskars 45mm Comfort Grip Rotary Cutter. It also includes replacement blades.

Next is the Fiskars 6.5 x 24.5 Acrylic ruler and a 6.5 x 6.5 Acrylic ruler.

And last but not least is a 24 x 36 rotary mat by Fiskars.

This is a great giveaway and it is all free from Fiskars. Be sure to stop by and enter!

Also here are some keyphrases again for Vanilla Joy:

kids face painting
family fun
obaji skin care
creative date ideas
discipline for children
take surveys for money

Vanilla Joy Giveaway

2008-08-27T09:44:00.007-04:00

Vanilla Joy Giveaway

2008-08-27T09:44:00.006-04:00

Click on the image and it will direct you to Vanilla Joy. The giveaway today is the following - see for yourself.

The Ultimate Trimmer by Purple Cows. Next...

The Sizzix Sidekick. And last but not least...

The Portable Ribbon dispenser by Creative Options.

What a wonderful giveaway. Click on the link above and enter for yourself. Hurry before it is too late...you can now enter for the past two days giveaways as well. You don't want to miss out.

These are some keyphrases to link to vanilla joy:

discipline for children

take surveys for money

Vanilla Joy

2008-08-26T11:32:00.004-04:00

Vanilla Joy "vanillajoy.com" is hosting a wonderful giveaway. All you have to do is post a comment. You can also earn additional ways to win prizes. By doing the following. You post these keyword phrases and earn an additional 10 entries per link. Such as kids face painting. You can also use the keyword phrase family fun. Or maybe you would rather use the phrase obaji skin care. Then there is this phrase creative date ideas. Or if those phrases don't do it for you, you can try these, discipline for children or take surveys for money.

Visit her site, you will enjoy it!

Yea August

2008-08-15T08:36:00.002-04:00

I am so happy that August is here. Our kids started school August 7 - which makes me very happy (and them as well). They had to come to work with us a lot this summer which was not so fun for them or us! LOL

My daughter finally got into contacts...she is so excited about it. It is amazing how grown up she looks now. She began Middle School this year and is loving it. She also has her first boyfriend! It is so cute.

My son is in football. He has been working really hard at it. And, I taught him to water ski last weekend. He is so thrilled with it! Now he can't wait to get back to the lake to do it again.

I have been selling a lot of my jewelry lately. I am so excited about that. I am considering an Etsy site to sell my wares...just not sure yet. I am considering selling some handmade cards, some purses, and jewelry. We will see. I may even get to the point of selling some quilts...now that is ambitious isn't it?! LOL

If anyone reads this site...I would like to recommend a site to you if any of you sew. I found the site http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/. She has a wonderful pattern for a purse and you can also buy the fabric squares to make it as well. It is a quilted purse and is adorable. I can't wait to make mine. I must also mention she is a joy to work with...I would definitely recommend her!
I will post my purse when I make it.

Well, must get to work...

Leah Fung Blog Contest

2008-07-24T10:28:00.003-04:00

I have tried two different links and they just aren't working so, here is my project. Crossing my fingers that I win this. I need it soooo bad! Thanks for the opportunity. You'all are the best!

SORRY IT HAS BEEN SO LONG!

2008-04-18T08:58:00.002-04:00

I know it has been a long time since I blogged last - sorry. I have been swamped. So, let's catch up.

Scott and I went with his parents on a Western Caribbean cruise on the Norwiegan Sun. We left on March 27 and returned on April 6. We spent a couple days in Ft. Lauderdale prior and after the cruise. We met some really nice people in Ft. Lauderdale. I really enjoyed Florida. We ate at a great restaurant called the Whale's Rib.

We had a great time on the cruise with Mom and Dad. We spent time in the casino, ate A LOT, shopped on the ship, drank A LOT, and visited some really nice ports. Our first port was Roatan, Honduras. I wasn't terribly impressed, but I found out we didn't get the true experience. Had we taken a taxi and gone to the beach and taken a tour, we would have loved it, but the area gave me a really bad feeling...had I been in a larger group, I would have taken a taxi...but not just the two of us. Our next port was Belize City, Belize. We loved it there. We did some shopping and visited with some of the locals...one of them being Gilly Williams who was a tour guide there. He has lived there all his life and knows every nook and cranny. He showed me a map and gave me a "verbal" tour. Next time I will look him up and take his tour; I know it would be very memorable. Next port was Cozumel. Great shopping. We bought some jewelry and got some great pics holding a large parrot. The parrot was trained to take a sunflower seed out of between your front teeth. I will post some pics - they are great! We then went to a beautiful beach with crystal clear water. We met a great couple there. We then grabbed a taxi with them and went to Senor Frogs and had some beers - then it was back on the ship to our last port - Great Stirrup Cay. This was just a beach day. We rented a large floatie, snorkel gear and enjoyed the beautiful clear water there. We looked at some beautiful fish and live rock. Enjoyed some daquiris, LOTS of sun and great fun. We toured a little bit of the island...it was beautiful. We had hoped to see some iguanas and get pics but no luck. Then back to the ship and some time at sea. It was a wonderful time, and I can't wait to do it again.

Once back home it was time to play catch up at work and home. I'm still not caught up. of course I am so wrapped up in my new obsession that I don't want to do anything else....I know I mentioned this new thing of mine - JEWELRY MAKING! I have made so many things, and I go crazy if I don't have something to work on. I have made many necklaces, earrings and a bracelet. I need to post some of my lastest work. I know I am bad at posting pics, but I will get these pics posted.

This weekend we will be heading to Nashville to attend the Stanley Cup playoffs between Predators and Redwings. It will be a great game. I am also going to get to see my dear friend Stephanie. Of course I will be staying with my daughter, Danielle and her kids. So, I can't wait to see them.

Oh, I forgot to mention that last week Danielle was here with her work. Her company, RJ Young, had a crawfish boil here and Scott, Kaylee and I went. We ate some great food and entered a couple raffles...well, I won one of them - a grill for my husband. It is really nice, and I was so excited! We also brought a couple live crawfish home. We fed them and kept them for a while, but then the larger one starting picking on the small one....cutting off his legs and fighting him....so, I cooked them both! I know, that is mean, but I was putting the one little guy out of his misery (he wasn't doing very well) and I made the bigger one pay for being so MEAN!

Well, can't think of anything else at the moment, plus I need to get to work. Be back soon to post pics.

One Year

2008-03-04T09:02:00.002-05:00

It was one year ago today that I lost my mom. When I first woke up this morning my mother was on my mind...then I remembered where I was one year ago today. I was sitting next to her bed, my head laying on her stroking her arm and holding her hand as she struggled for her next breath. With each pause of her breath I would jolt my head up and look at her, hoping she would breathe again, yet wanting her to be at peace. Then came a pause....she was at peace.

The selfish side of me wants her here so badly. I miss her every day, and I wish she was here to share in my creative interests. She is the one that got me interested in working with my hands. She started me sewing at a very young age. I can remember making Barbie doll clothes. Then she bought me a toy sewing machine for Christmas one year, but it never worked very well...I continued to just use her machine. Then as I got older I tried my hands at many crafts - macrame, tole painting, oil painting, fabric painting, wreath making, crocheting, knitting, ceramics, quilting, jewelry making...you name it, I tried it. My mother used to sit and watch me as I created. Sometimes she would join in, sometimes she would accompany me to classes, and other times just watch. One time she even came with me when I had a booth at a craft fair...she just sat there and kept me company. Then the last few years I have found the art of papercrafting. I made my mother many cards...decorated a tin for her to store them all in. She loved it very much - she loved sending out cards, and she was my biggest fan. She thought everything I did was magnificent - just as I do when my children make something. Thanks mom for introducing me to so many crafts and developing my love for creativity.

I also miss having my mom to shop with. We used to get up and be at the mall before the stores opened. We would shop, have lunch, shop, eat supper, and then shop until the mall closed. We had such a great time doing that. We could look at everything in every store and come home with not one thing!

So here I am today on a dreary, rainy day, missing my best friend...my beloved mother....

LOOK WHAT I DISCOVERED

2008-03-02T18:07:00.010-05:00

JEWELRY MAKING!!!!! I met the most wonderful lady the other day. My best friend, Stephanie, and I decided to go to a local beading store, Beadazzled. We met the owner, Jeanette. What a wonderfully nice lady. I wanted to make some earrings, so she steered me in the right direction to make a pair of earrings. Then she showed be the most amazing earrings...I just had to make them...so I got the items to make them as well. She wrote out a few instructions, encouraged me that I could do it, and off I went. Check out the wonderful pics and see what I did!!! I'm loving it!

AFTER THE CLASS

2008-02-25T09:42:00.002-05:00

I taught my first class at a scrapbook store Saturday. The picture of the project is below. The class obviously is one that Leah Fung taught with a few modifications made. I taught the class with her blessing of course.

The class went really well. I had a great time and so did the ladies that attended, which was wonderful! They all were wonderful. The class lasted around 3 1/2 hours, which was pretty much what I had planned. We will be holding the class one more time. I will post when the date is decided upon.

I am in the process of planning a Heidi Swapp project. I absolutely love Heidi Swapp products!!!!!!! I will post this project as well. Most likely will be a two-page spread. I would like to do an altered clock at some point, but we will see.

I didn't do a whole lot else this weekend. I was tuckered out after finishing on Saturday. So, today will be a day of creativity, I hope. I am looking forward to getting into my studio.

Oh yea, I had a Stampin Up class on Friday in my studio. We had a great time! We made a couple of cards. The ladies really liked them.

That is about it. See ya later.

FAMILY NIGHT

2008-02-21T08:23:00.004-05:00

Last night our family had family night. What a great time we had. We used to do this before, but everyone seemed to have so many other plans that no one would be here for family night. Our son is in sports, my daughter in dance...so it is hard coordinating. However, we are giving it another go.

Last night our family night began at 5:30. We cooked supper for all, stir fry teriyaki chicken, and sat down to the table for good food and great conversation. The conversations some how lead to "sex education" classes the kids have had at school. Somehow it lead to "protection", and my husband said do you know what we are talking about? to my daughter. She responded, yea, compounds! I thought we were going to fall out of our chairs laughing. Such innocence....it is so wonderful to see that in my daughter.

After dinner we sat down for a game of "Win, Lose or Draw". We had so much fun. There was a lot of loud voices trying to guess what we were drawing, lots of laughter, and tons of fun. Then we decided we would play charades when we finished our other game. It was hilarious. We decided we would use the cards out of the "Win, Lose or Draw" game. It was rather hard. My daughter had a harder time with it all....I don't believe she has ever played charades! Isn't that sad?! I had to act out things like "heart and soul". Now, heart is easy...but soul...that is a little harder to convey. However, I must of done okay, because my son guessed it! Then my son got one "Where there's a will there's a way". Now, how the heck do you do that one? Needless to say, none of us guessed that one!

Then we all went outside to see the lunar eclipse. It was too cloudy, so we couldn't see it very well, but we tried. The kids thanked us for planning a lunar eclipse on family night! LOL

I think this family night thing was a hit, and I believe we will be going to another round next week. I am just glad that we all got to spend time together and enjoy each other. I look forward to next week!

I'm Teaching A Class

2008-02-16T11:29:00.009-05:00

Just to let everyone know, I am teaching a class on February 23 at 1:00 at the Crop Shop in Chattanooga. The class is a reminder rolodex inspired by Leah Fung for BHG. I know you all will love the project,and it is something you will use year after year. You can replace the calendar on each month for the current year. The one we are making has a 2008 calendar. Above are samples of what I will be teaching. I hope to see you all there. The cost of the class is $25.00 payable to the Crop Shop. If you want more information, please leave a comment with your e-mail address, and I will get back to you.

Out with the old year and in with the New Year

2007-12-27T11:13:00.000-05:00

Well the holidays are over....yeah (Bah hum bug). I am really not a scrooge, just glad all the hustle and bustle is over...it can get a little overwhelming at times. However, we did have a wonderful holiday season.

We began with my oldest daughter, her husband and two sons came the weekend before Christmas. It was nice getting to spend Christmas with them...we don't get to do that very often. We all opened our presents from each other. I always know that my daughter is good for a Starbucks card! So I always know I am going to get some FREE coffee and pastries! YEAH! (Not to mention I got two more Starbucks gift cards from my other two kids) I will be getting free Starbucks for at least a couple of months. Can't get better than that! My oldest helped with some of the wrapping, and dowloaded over 300 songs on my new IPod. I still haven't gotten to the end of all my songs...it may take a while. Thanks sweetie! The bad note is that as their visit was coming to an end, my daughter started to not feel well. After she arrived home and a couple days passed, she found that she had strep throat. Bummer.

My step-son is not getting to spend Christmas with us this year....don't ask...so we let him and my youngest daughter open one of their big presents on the 19th - he got an X-Box 360 and she got a Wii. That way it gave them some time to play with them before he left and before my daughter went to her dads Christmas afternoon. Then we also let them open their other big present while my oldest daughter and her family were here - they both got a cell phone. It was funny because my oldest suggested we call the phones while they were opening their package. Plus she wrapped them and put them in a box, in a box, in a box...so they had to go through a lot to get to them. The only problem is they had no idea what it was that was making the noise, since it was playing a song and not just a ring. They were SO EXCITED!

Then on Christmas eve my husband, youngest daughter, and I opened presents that were from my husband's sister, and family. Then we retired early...because Santa was on his way. The next morning we opened presents, and my daughter was so excited because Santa brought her the American Girl doll Julie. She got all kinds of stuff. My husband and I just give each other money then we go buy the things we want...so I bought a Silhouette die cutting machine, a Bind-it-all, Uggs, and and IPod. So, I got everything I wanted for Christmas.

It was a really nice Christmas, but it was missing a couple of things...our son and my mom. I had bouts of emotion while driving my daughter to her a dad...a combination of hating not having my daughter with me until after the 1st of the year and my mom not being around this Christmas. My mom loved this time of year...not so much the receiving gifts part but the buying gifts. She just loved it! I miss her terribly!

My dad sent my husband and I a $60.00 gift certificate...so we decided to use it a go out to eat after work - since we are temporarily childless. We had a nice time...we went to the Outback and shared some good food and great drinks!

Now it is back to work and back to every-day stuff, which isn't all bad. My husband's parents are on their way here...so we will have a little more Christmas tonight. We are looking forward to seeing them. They will be staying until Sunday. Then we will be picking up our kids. I am looking forward to them coming home...it so quiet when they are gone.

I still plan on uploading a bunch of pics, not to mention a new banner that my daughter did. She is so talented! So keep checking back so you can see my pretty new banner.

See ya later.

Nutcracker Weekend

2007-12-13T13:33:00.000-05:00

Wow, Christmas is just around the corner. Are you ready? I am not. Every year I say I am going to be done with shopping prior to Christmas, and every year I am not! I have to say that I am about finished...I guess I need to do that this weekend sometime. I don't know when exactly. Especially when Friday night my daughter has dress rehearsal for the Nutcracker, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. is the first performance, Sunday at 2:30 is the second performance, and Monday she has two more performances! I am going to be really sick of the Nutcracker before the weekend is even over. So, let's see if I can squeeze in some shopping...probably not. I may have to take a day off next week to finish up.

Speaking of the Nutcracker, my daughter is very excited because this year she is in the party scene. That is a big deal to her. She is going to look adorable. Which reminds me that I have to wrap a box for her to put a doll in for the show...all the "party" girls get a "gift" which holds a doll they bring from home...so I have to find her American Girl box and wrap it so she can put her doll in it. They then do a dance with their dolls. It is really cute.

I found out today that my husband's parents and brother are coming out right after Christmas to spend some time with us. That should be a lot of fun. I really enjoy his family. His parents are the absolute best...I love them very much. My mother-in-law has been a Godsend to me...she helps fill some of the void I have had since my mother passed.

It is going to be a strange Christmas without my mother being here. I will be glad when all the "firsts" are over...the first Mother's Day without her, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. I believe we are almost finished with the firsts. March 4 will be one year since she passed...it seems like it was just a couple of months ago. I still miss her very much; I'm sure I always will.

My daughter was home sick yesterday...then I talked with my oldest daughter and she had just picked up her oldest son from school because he was sick....strep! We were at their house this past weekend...so I hope we don't get it! Not to mention her little one was sick the last day we were there. I'm not feeling the best today and neither is my husband....Great! Not to mention, I have so much yet to do with Christmas coming...shopping, baking, wrapping...AAGGHHH! Bah Humbug.

Guess I should get to work...considering I have to leave for home in 15 minutes.

Later

Weekend is Coming

2007-11-08T09:46:00.000-05:00

and I can't wait. I can't wait to sleep in. I keep feeling like my body is trying to catch a cold...I sure hope I don't however.

Tuesday after school my daughter came home and told me that the teachers from her elementary were working at our local McDonalds to earn money for their school. So, she wanted to go eat at McDonalds that night. Not that I was real excited about McDonalds for supper, I agreed to go. My husband and son didn't want to go, so my daughter and I jumped in the car and headed out of the neighborhood. As we were about to leave the neighborhood I had a thought to call my friend Stephanie to see if she and her girls would like to come along. I'm sure glad I called...they came a long and we had a great time. McDonalds was PACKED! They had face painting and they were giving away Parfaits ( I love those things)! We had a nice time visiting and being silly. Her girls are so much fun. My daughter got her face painted before we left.

I am sure going to miss being able to do things like this...just being able to call Stephanie up, jump in the car and go somewhere. I can't believe she is moving 2 hours away from me. It is going to be a really tough transition for me. I have never had a friend like her in my life, and I don't believe there will ever be another one like her...I really don't want another one like her...she is one in a million, and once in a lifetime! She is like my angel on earth. She has gotten me through tough times and shared in my happy times. She has just been a true friend, which is so hard to find these days.

I have been trying to work diligently on getting crafts and cards made up to sell at my office before Christmas. I hope it will go over well. It would be great to make a little extra money for Christmas. I guess I will try it and find out. I will be selling cards, gift tags, tiles, albums and other gift items. I have a lot to get done...so I have to get going on everything.

I am so looking forward to the weekend though. Don't get me wrong - I adore my children. However, I do look forward to every other week when they go to their parents. It gives my husband and I time alone. We never had that since we already had our children when we got married. So, we never got to have that time for just the two of us before kids came along. I enjoy our alone time. I enjoy my time with my kids as well...I hope I don't sound like a terrible mom saying that!

Time to get back to work....

Heavy Heart

2007-11-01T09:06:00.000-04:00

I am sad - I recently found out that my very best friend in the entire world is moving. She has and is like a sister to me.

When I moved to Chattanooga I knew no-one. Once my daughter started school I started hearing about this girl on the bus that always stood up for her. Then came fall and Halloween (2003). My husband and I had a demo Club Car 4x4 from our business; we attached one of our trailers, put some hay on it, and we were off toting kids from our neighborhood (and of course our children) trick or treating. When we came by one of the houses my daughter wanted us to stop...she said that was where her friend lived that I had been hearing about from the bus. She went up to the door...but no one answered. She was so disappointed.

A few months passed (we are now in 2004) and one day she asked to go play with this friend. So I took her up there to play - I met her mom but just to say hi-----by. My daughter and her daughter became and still are each others very best friend. A little later I was out on my golf cart for some reason and drove by her friends house. Her mom was out doing yard work. I stopped by and said hello and we started chatting. I had just started being a Stampin Up demonstrator, and I was telling her about what I was doing. I was going to have an Open House to start my business and I invited her to come. Well that was the beginning of our friendship.

She has been there for me through so many things....disappointments, heartbreaks, silliness, the death of my mom, and just someone to talk to. I haven't ever known anyone so giving of themselves. She is a TRUE friend who accepts me as I am. We have never in all these years had a cross word with each other. Matter of fact, I haven't ever been angry at her. We are always able to talk freely and openly with each other. We tell each other everything!

She told me from the beginning that there was always this possibility of her husband being transferred. He works for a major electronic store. Well, the day has come. He has taken a job in Nashville. Now granted, that is only 2 hours away from us...but it seems like it is on the other side of the world right now.

I don't know what I will do. I won't have her here to just call up and say..."Hey, I cut my hair, come down and tell me what you think" or "Hey, do you mind if I come up to visit for a while?" or "I need your opinion on how I decorated my room...come tell me what you think", or "you want to go shopping with me?". I know that I can still call her, we will still be able to talk every day, but I won't be able to just go up the street and drop in. It is going to be so hard.

It will probably be a while before she actually leaves. Her husband has already relocated, but she is staying here until their house sells. They are going to wait until after Christmas to put it on the market. So, I don't know how long it will be.

We have had such fun even getting our families together...we have gone to drive-in movies together; local festivals; each others houses to eat or play cards; out to eat; bowling...I just love her company.

Steph - I will miss you so much. I know it wasn't just luck that I found you to be my friend. You have blessed my life in so many ways. I feel very honored to be able to call you friend, and I hope that distance will never come between our friendship. Thanks for always being there for me. I love ya girl!

Long time not talkie!

2007-10-16T20:17:00.000-04:00

Wow, I just noticed that it had been a long time since I blogged! Shame on me. Life has been quite hectic...My dad came to Nashville around the middle of September. My husband and I drove to Nashville and attended his Navy Reunion. It was really awesome. Not too many people left from his aircraft carrier the USS Nassau CVE19. After the reunion we drove him back to our home in Chattanooga. We had an amazing time.

Dad came to work with us everyday. He helped my husband deliver golf carts all over. He got to see some great scenery, not to mention help the time pass quickly. We were able to take him out to the lake out in our boat and we took him down the Tennessee River through downtown Chattanooga. We also took him to Myrtle Beach where my husband's parents live. My husband, my dad, my daughter and I drove down on a Friday night, then my husband had to drive back on Sunday. My dad and my daughter and I stayed behind in my in-laws condo on the beach. My dad had never seen the Atlantic Ocean. So that was cool to share that with him. He had a great time; I had a great time. We stayed there until Thursday, rented a car and drove home.

I just took him to the airport yesterday for him to go home. He left out of Nashville. I am missing him tremendously. He was such a joy to have around. I think I smiled the whole time he was here. I enjoyed spoiling him and hugging him! I am having major withdrawals with him not being here. I am looking forward to our next visit.

I will post some pics of my dad's visit...they are stored on my other computer...but I will upload some.

Now, we are just gearing up for Halloween. I hope to go out this weekend and buy some decorations for the front of our house. We normally don't decorate much because we are usually out taking the kids trick or treating...but this year one of us may stay at home and hand out candy.

Hopefully there won't be such a large gap in my posting. I will try to do better.

Want to earn free stamps?

2007-08-22T12:38:00.000-04:00

Did you know that when you sign up to be a business demonstrator or a just a hobby stamper

· YOU customize your Starter Kit, you pick out your own stamp sets, ink pads & card stock!
· The kit has $355 worth of products and costs ONLY $199!
· YOU get a 20% discount each time you place an order!
· You get a 30% discount on your first order over $150 within your first 45 days!
· You KEEP 20% instantly from all orders placed!
· You earn BONUSES for sales over $400 a month!
· The average STAMP CAMP/workshop is $350 nationwide.
· There is NO minimum due until December 31st.
· You don't have to do parties!
· The quarterly minimum is only $300 in which YOUR own personal orders count!
· If you don't meet the minimums, you keep everything, no obligation!

Other benefits are:

· FREE stamps; FREE monthly magazine from SU!; FREE web site access for demonstrator only sites, plus you can come to CONVENTION in Salt Lake City next July!
· You also earn DOLLAR for DOLLAR points which you can cash in for more prizes with SU Great Rewards
· A FREE CRUISE for 2 can be earned each year. (100% paid for including gratuities!)
· NO previous experience necessary.

So, what do you have to lose? I will be here to help you along the way, and I'm sure you will have lots of fun ! Not to mention during this month until September 30, you can choose a complete color family of classic stamp pads (a total of 12) free when you join the Stampin Up family! So don't hesitate, e-mail me, and we will got started on a great new adventure!

My mom

2007-08-10T15:42:00.001-04:00

Wednesday I received by freight my mother's belongings. As you probably know by reading below, my mother passed away March 4 this year. While staying there with my dad for a while, my sisters and I went through mom's things, and we each put aside the items that mom wanted us to have and the rest we just divided up amongst us. I packed all of my items in boxes and stored them in my old bedroom.

Since that time my dad has sold the house, so I needed to get all my items out of the house, including the rocking chair/recliner that mom always sat in. We had it shipped by freight, and it arrived.

As I unpacked the items, there were so many memories that came over me, and the longing I had for my mom. I so much wish that she were here and had all these things still in her home! I just miss her so very much. I now have in my possession such things as some of her old coats (which still have some of her kleenex in the pocket, which I can't throw away), her Holy Bible, some of the items I gave her...which to my surprise all had roses associated with them in one way or the other (roses were my mother's favorite flower), a chicken tiffany lamp, a large macrame table I made her when I was in college, and most importantly a ginormous salt and pepper collection. None of it probably amounts to a lot of money...but to me it is worth more than a billion dollars. There isn't enough money in this world to make me part with these items.

Wednesday night, and each one after, I have spent time rocking in mom's chair...thinking of her. I have prayed so many times for my mom to come to me and hug me in a dream, since I didn't get to feel her arms around me before she went home to her maker. I am still waiting for that to happen, but I did dream about her Wednesday night, after so many of her belongings arrived here. In my dream she was walking around and seemed so happy...and she had come home from the hospital and was all better. She told me something to the effect that she was doing great now, or feeling all better....something like that.

I talked to my dearest friend about all this, and she informed me that I had been blessed by my mom actually visiting me. That she was telling me that she is okay and happy. It brought tears to my eyes. Today it gives me a bigger peace of mind. As much as I miss her, I am happy that she is happy and okay. Now I just wait for that hug to come one day...I have faith that it will one day...when she and God are ready, and probably when I most need it.

I love you mom, and I will cherish all that you left me, but most of all I cherish what you left in my heart.

Choose Your Family

2007-08-10T15:34:00.000-04:00

You can't choose your family....but at Stampin' Up! you can! From August 10 to September 30, you DO get to pick your Stampin' Up! color family, that is - of Classic Stampin' Pads FREE, when you purchase the Starter Kit and become a demonstrator (this is a $57.95 value). Join the Stampin' Up! family, and become part of an exciting group of demonstrators just like you. If you have ever thought about becoming a demonstrator --there isn't a better time to do it than now! If you would like more information or just want to sign up, e-mail me, and I will be glad to help you!

Bold Brights (12 ink pads) #105562
Earth Elements (12 ink pads) #105563
Rich Regals (12 ink pads) #105564
Soft Subtles (12 ink pads) #105565
In Color (6 ink pads) #110971

Punch A Bunch Promotion

2007-08-01T16:16:00.000-04:00

Have you seen the new Three For You Punch box in the new Fall-Winter Collection 2007? From August 1 - 31 you will receive an exclusive assortment of textured Love Notes for FREE when you purchase this great new punch box! You will not be able to purchase these individually, as they are only available when you purchase the Three For You Punch box.
Assortment includes:
30 pre-scored textured 3″ x 3″ cards: 10 each of Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate and So Saffron.
30 Very Vanilla envelopes

Contact me today to book a workshop in August so you can receive these awesom free Love Notes. Or if you just want to order this, please contact me so I can place it on an order for you. You can see the Three For You Punch Box on page 183 of the new Fall Winter Collection 2007.

What's Up?

2007-07-30T11:46:00.000-04:00

Nothing here! A very uneventful weekend. Spent most of my weekend in my Scrapbook Room re-organizing. Oh yea, I painted my armoire black. The doors I painted with magnetic paint and then painted over the top of it. It works GREAT! I made some strong magnets using chipboard, acrylic paint, rubbre stamps and Crystal Effects and VERY strong magnets. I am going to use the doors to display work, especially for classes and samples.

I will upload some pics of the cabinet and my organization once I'm finished. Nothing else new...except I found a great deal at Kohl's.....I bought two pair of capri jeans - one pair was 6.28 the other pair 10.20!!!! Can you believe that? Not to mention they fit great and look really good. I'm so excited. They were regularly priced at $34.00 each. This never happens to me, I never find good items for sale!

Gearing up for the kids to start school next Monday. I can't believe it. The summer has gone by so quickly. This Thursday I take my daughter to her open house, and my husband will be taking his son to his open house. So, this week will be buying school supplies and some school clothes! Sounds exciting huh?

I will also be uploading some of my projects into an album. Still in the process of getting this blog set up like I want it...so bear with me.

Good News?

2007-07-24T11:50:00.001-04:00

Lots of thoughts are running through my little brain right now. I talked to me sister this morning (she lives in Oklahoma) and just got off the phone with my father...he just sold his house.

Maybe I will start at the beginning - my mother, after being ill off and on for a few years, passed away March 4. We were all there with her, and it was the most difficult day of my life. I spent three weeks with my daddy after the funeral. Being in that house was really strange. I lived in that house from the age of 10 until I was 19. There are many memories in that house, and my mom was everywhere I looked. It was odd being there without her. I expected her to come walking out of the bedroom, or the kitchen...but it never happened.

My dad thought long and hard about the house. He insisted we immediately remove all her things as soon as we could...so my sister and I dove in. It was accompanied with tears and some laughter. After a while, dad came to the conclusion that he could not keep the house...it was just too much house for him alone. We looked into some retirement villages for him. After I returned home he toured a few of them and then found the one of his dreams. This was in April. He put his house on the market.

Shortly after the house went on the market, dad went in the hospital to remove a tumor from his lung....lung cancer. The ended up doing a lobectomy. It has taken quite a while, but he is gradually getting better. They got all the cancer and his prognosis is good (he is 81).

Dad ended up moving into his new place on June 30. He is absolutely loving it there. He is meeting friends there (matter of fact he is cooking dinner for two of his new friends tonight). He is actually getting some enjoyment out of his life. One thing that was hanging over his head and filling him with stress was his house. He just couldn't continue paying for two households much longer. He was really at the end of his rope. When I talked to him yesterday he was really upset and asked that I would pray for him...I told him I would.

So, as much as I hate seeing that house go...I am happy that my dad can now be happy and have that stress over. I think it is a little bittersweet for him right now. He has lived there since 1969, when we moved to Oklahoma from Iowa - 38 years. Wow.

This picture is of my mom and dad at their 60th wedding anniversary party. As you can see from the date stamp on my picture - it was May 27 2006...mom almost made it to their 61st. I miss her so much! I love you mom.

Scrapbook Room

2007-07-20T13:13:00.000-04:00

I have been seeing a lot of talk on different groups that I am in regarding scrapbook rooms. Last year (finished in December) we added on a room to our house for my scrapbook room. It is a 16x30 room with a bathroom. It is great for holding classes. This way, I don't have to run my family out of the room. Before, my husband resigned himself to the bedroom to be out of the way. Now, everyone can go about their business without being disturbed. If you want to view more pictures of my room, you can go to the following site http://tinyurl.com/yv7ssr.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

I am really loving my space. I am still looking to maximize the space I have, because I seem to already be running out of room! (Guess I need to quit buying stuff)! LOL I know that I just need to be creative with some of the space I have...but I just haven't come up with anything yet. So, I am always open to suggestions.

2007-07-19T14:40:00.000-04:00

This is a rolodex reminder that I made. It is so fun using this...it also has a calendar page, which can be changed out year from year. The corners of the calendar just slips into slots made on the page. This is a project of Leah Fung...I took this class online, and loved it. There are so many variations you can do...such as a baby album with baby's firsts, use it for recipes, etc. You can customize it anyway that you would like.

This is a clock that I altered. All products are Heidi Swapp. I love this clock...I have it hanging in my scrapbook room.

2007-07-19T09:17:00.000-04:00

This page is one that I did for the site "One Little Word" . I really liked the way it came out. It was a stretch for me...a little out of my comfort zone. I had received a new camera, and I wanted to experiment with action shots. I got some of these really fun shots of my daughter jumping on the trampoline. Then, "One Little Word" http://onelittleword.blogspot.com/ posted their challenge of doing a page using the word "Jump" and this is what I came up with. I had never participated in a challenge, nor had a I posted any projects of mine publicly...so kind of scary for me.

As far as items used on this page...I'm not sure about the paper, but I know the chipboard alpha is by Making Memories "Cheeky". I love the alpha. I also used my sewing machine and stitched the layout with a zigzag stitch. I used some Heidi Swapp bling to encirle my "&". The arrows I did myself by printing on transparency.

I will try posting some of my other projects soon.

New Beginning

2007-07-17T09:53:00.000-04:00

Well, here I go...joining the bandwagon in the blogging world. I mean, why should I be the only one without a blog!

You would think that I would begin with some groundbreaking news...but no...I don't have any.

I will say this, I will do my best to post regularly...however, I do have a business that my husband and I run...so I am there Monday thru Friday (this is where I am right now posting this). I will try to post projects regularly and post blog candy here and there.

When I get home tonight I will post some artwork and some pictures I have taken. This is a new hobby of mine. I have been wanting a new camera for some time now. I want to be able to take good pics of my kids while they are in action and be able to get close ups of them. Rather than them being microscopic blurs on my photos! So, for mother's day my hubby bought me a Canon Rebel XTi. I am LOVING it! I believe I have taken some pretty fair pics, and hope to improve as time goes on. So I will share these with you (again, when I get home to upload them!)

So, day one.....hope to hear from some of you!