Well its the first of the month! That means it is time for a Papertrey Ink Design Team Challenge!

Nichole asked that we use our buttons in a fun and unique way.

Once again I was stumped on HOW to get “original” with buttons, but I had fun just the same.

I included a SHORT video on HOW I store my buttons!

Keep in mind I am on PAIN KILLERS! I didn’t realize how it affected me till I watched this! LOL! Definitely good for a laugh!

Anyway I hope you like it! I know this storage issue is a CHALLENGE for many of us, especially when SPACE is a problem.

We want them visible and accessible, yet not take up too much space.

I used my tall Trendy Tubes in case you are now on the HUNT for them!

Now for my project.

I designed what I like to call a Fun Fold Up! Box.

Boy did I have a BLAST creating this one. I knew I wanted a rounded top handle on it.

 Its pretty cute and FUN (of course)! Took lots of tweaking, as it is inspired by the traditional Gable Box style, but funktified and modernized in Lauren style :D.

This is the TOP view

This box is good size!

Without the top-measures:

5 1/2 inches tall, 4 1/4 inches across and 2 inches deep!

Great for cards 😀 or whatever else you choose.

I love making boxes and this was WAY too fun to make.

I used some items that I don’t normally craft with-

funky colors:

True Black, Teal, Hibiscus Burst, Ripe Avocado, and New Leaf

 felt: a new love for me

batting: for POP

DMC thread/floss: for my buttons

and lots of buttons.

I actually stitched the tree, which was die cut with my nestabilities first.

 I used batting to make it 3D! I added some pretty Hibiscus Burst buttons to act as “cherries, or apples” whatever your fancy! I used Zip Dry, that I got at Stamp New England! Works AMAZING on buttons and just about everything else you could imagine. My new favorite way to attach my buttons (and everything I can glue down! LOL!)

Not only does the Zip Dry, dry fast, but it is clear, easy to clean off stuff,  pretty mess free! A Lauren MUST HAVE!

Thanks to Julie for nabbing me some 😀

Its such a funky tree, but I think I like it. I’m going to put this in my Etsy Store sometime today!

I had to add some felt flowers in there as well. Lovin all the details this has.

Here is a SIDE view

 It was a very textural experience and lots of fun getting out of my comfort zone. Always a fun challenge to dare to step outside your own boundaries.

I used Wise Owl, Friends till the End, and Father Knows Best for this one.

Check out all the senior team member to see what they come up with for the button challenge!

Thanks for stopping by!

I’ll announce the WINNER of the My Timeless Template Class Kit tomorrow!

In the meantime I SOOOO appreciate all the comments left. You all make every second I spend her worth it-so THANK YOU!

WOW! Brace yourselves with at least 2 cups of coffee to keep up with me on THIS post today. Im long winded (as usual) and ahve so much to share.

Well as you know we had Stamp New England about 2 weeks ago! It was a BLAST!!!!!!!

You may have missed the event but you don’t have to miss my project. Keep reading.

It was wicked awesome to finally have a event in NEW ENGLAND!! Granted I got to CKC, but that is for shopping not stamping! LOL!

I was first up to teach that day, and was happy about getting it over with, then I was a little nervous as I looked around and it seemed like every single person was intently listening to my every word! I don’t get nervous about public speaking easily, since Im definitely NOT a shy person, but I have to say I was a little intimidated! LOL! All of the sudden a room of people who “know me” is in front of me waiting to see what I am going to do!

I was scared I would let them down! LOL! Then I got a grip, once I started talking, and felt right at ease. I just knew I had to do what I do,be myself, and not worry about what flies out of my mouth! LOL!

I had so much fun meeting and getting to know everyone, even though it was a bit busy.

It was SUPER amazing of Nichole, Jane and Julie to donate a Life Stamp set to every attendee, and for Nichole to take the time to put together the My Timeless Template I made special for the class called Get a Handle On It.

It will be released this month on April 15th. I was very excited to share it with everyone early, and get feedback on it right away.

I got new video editing software with our new computer ,which had tons of problems at first, but my sweet hubby hung in there to get it to work! Its called-Windows Movie Maker.

So I laid in bed doing this yesterday! It was SO much more fun than the other one. I love the options more. I think it looks more professional. Although I do need practice I think this first one was FUN, and not too bad! LOL! Now I have a list of tutorials to do using this new process, and I can FINALLY do High Def!! YEAH!

I put the template intro video into a clip, and then all the photos I have of everyone. I was just playing around. I hope you enjoy it! I was also able to get MUSIC onto the pictures in the end! Let me know how you like that part too.

Forgive the song! It was the only one I had ready. I do love it and think its pretty catchy, it makes watching photos much more fun-so if you have your volume up, you may want to adjust it a bit. I need to purchase more songs on my computer for future use.

Enjoy the video:

Now for MORE fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So who wants to win my class kit from Stamp New England?

One pre-printed My Timeless Template © (not due for release till April 15th) called Get a Handle On It © with the Stamp set Life.
Here is the project

This is a SUPER sized box, that will fit many gifts!

This box EASILY held at least the 38 bite size chocolates that we swapped at the event! WITH room to spare! Looks deceiving doesn’t it? I put my Lauren touch on this and have to say one of my favorite projects to date.

Top view

The flap closure on this is SOOOO fun-you will see more details as we get to the countdown! The sides fold over the handles, so the handles POP though, letting the box flap closed.

Trust me, really cute. Not just a square box.

Side

Just a simple, stunning box, that can fit so many wonderful gifts!! Even the bottom is decorated with a scallop panel. Who wouldn’t love this?

I put the ORIGINAL box, made by me, and signed on the back, on my Etsy Shop! (Also ALL this months template countdown projects will FINALLY have a home there! )

SO leave a comment here, and I will enter you to win the same packet the girls at Stamp New England got!

That means you win the printed version of the template-so you can put it together at home, and give it a try before it’s even released, and you get it with with the cut supplies to make this project as seen here, and the Life Stamp set too!! YIPEE!!!

Now let me chat a bit

This is my dear friend Paulette!

(OK I look so tired in this photo! EEK! It was the END of the day!!)

Everyone always wants to know WHO is that mysterious person I alway talk about, that is usually on the other end of the phone, when my life is upside down or I have a problem! Aside from my mom who listens but probably doesn’t understand how BIG it is (if you don’t stamp HOW can you GET IT really! LOL! Or know the who, what, when, and where)—the only person who COMPLETELY gets my stamp insanity, and why I do what I do—-that would be Paulette.

She is THE ONE who got me so into stamping in the first place! She was a SU! demo when we met, and after a few months convinced me to become a demo. Its been a whirlwind every since. So we can all thank her for really getting me into this INSANE hobby. My husband may not feel so nostalgic! LOL!

I was just truly happy, after so much hobby hopping, to feel like I finally found something I LOVE to do.

I had to BEG her to take a photo with me! GRR! I’m like” you are my friend!! For goodness sake we NEED a photo together!” FINALLY she agreed, after much begging.

 Whats a girl gotta do?!

She is the unfortunate one who listens to all my complaining, and never seems to mind! God bless her soul.

She is just the sweetest person ever! Everyone needs a Paulette! She is the friend that is always there when you need an ear, or a favor, like die cutting 40 scallop nestability squares for YOUR class! LOL! Or who calls into work because she is sick with a migraine, then comes to take your kids so you can have surgery earlier.

Just so fun, funny and genuine. I can’t say enough about her.

Trust me, anyone who can listen to me several days a week is a SAINT. You see how I type, imagine me on the PHONE. All my conversations start: “OK! I won’t keep you long I just had to tell you……” then 2 hours later……still going. Then I suddenly realize my banter and say “OH! MY! GOSH! I kept you way too long. OK I’m going to let you go. Sorry for chewing your ear off.”

Jason doesn’t know why she answers the phone! LOL! He’s like she has caller ID right? Thanks Jay!

Here is a group shot of all the “teachers” at Stamp NE! This is on the video too.

Its Karen, me, Julie, Cindy, and Joanne.

Everyone did great projects.

The GENEROSITY of ALL the vendors was astounding. Thank you to all of them. I went home, online and placed SEVERAL orders! LOL!! It was very enabling.

Karen won tons of awesome stuff! LOL! She was ONE LUCKY girl!

Julie was UBER sweet, and was so great to me during the entire planning of the event. So wonderful to work with

Cindy has a HUGE SU! down-line, and following! I can see why. She is a sweet as pie. I had no idea!

Joanne I always KNEW she was sweet. we worked for Kim from My Favorite Things together (who I love!) and she is always so cute, and funny. She is just adorable and sweet in person. She even called me to offer to help with my last minute stuff after my gall bladder attack! That is just amazing when she had her OWN stuff to do too.

Everyone was totally amazing. Made me feel at home. Like I knew the entire room of people for years. I did have some familiar faces. It was so great to meet people who interact with me here on my blog, finally in person.

Now one more person I can’t forget that isn’t in the photo is Kim-she was a big planner for this event and you can see it is in her blood! She is just so darn purty in person too! LOL!

Kim Scholfield, Joanne B. and Julie Masse worked so hard on this event and it really showed!! Everything was well organized and AMAZING!

I would definitely teach or go to another event these girls plan, let me tell you! Count me IN!

I was like the AMAZON of the entire class! I’m 5’10 so that put me WAY taller than most people. It was AWFUL! Between that and my ZEBRA shirt! LOL! I wanted to shrink-and burn every photo. Jason told me to wear that shirt, and I KNEW I shouldn’t have looking back. Oh well.

I am actually slouched down in most of the photos if they are a close up! LOL!

So that is it for now.

Jay is STILL home letting me recover. Im doing my best and I know you THINK I’m doing stuff, trust me Im not. I feel SOOOOOO LAZY its insane. I slept for like the past 3 days. I want to take a marathon run around my block! LOL! I’m getting antsy. But trust me I CAN’T move like I want, so no worries.

I have a wedding to attend on Saturday, and I have a SATIN dress-that shows every curve (or cellulite bump) so I better not be bloated for it. I LOVE my dress!! Its pretty hot. It took me forever to find one that I liked, let alone LOVED.

I find I’m in between ages at this point in my life. I want to look nice, but not too young, and not too old. Its a fine line.

After much searching WHERE is that typical hot little black dress? It doesn’t exist anymore!

The dresses were either too young, too old or too PROM! OR there is HUGE bold print in bright colors that I don’t want splashed across my garment. A card-yes! My dress-NO!

Whats a girl to do.

I had a super hard time finding something SEXY  but not HOOCHIE! I work hard to get my flat stomach so Im not wearing a SACK……

Im not 17 anymore so not into super short, you better not bend over, or the world will see what your mama gave you…….

or the I think I need sunglasses that woman has so much bling on her dress……

or the “how YOUNG does she THINK she is” dress………

Or OH MY WORD! Look what Lauren is actually wearing dress……

I wanted the “WOW! You look great!” dress. The kind that your husband has you on his arm and won’t let you out of his sight dress! LOL!

 The on that just makes you FEEL good about yourself. Not one you have to wear SPANX to get into, but you are just comfortable in your own skin in.

I think I got it.

I’ll share photos of that when we come back. Jay and I get a night out, overnight! WAHOO!! Finally. We don’t ever get time away. This will be nice.

WOW! Can you tell I’ve been COOPED up?! Holy first chapter to the novel Im writing!

Anywho-thanks for stopping by! If you read this you must have been as bored as I have been!

Hi everyone

Im still recovering-only on day #3 post-op. Jay is suppose to return to work tomorrow and I’m in a bit of a panic as Im still EXHAUSTED and in a descent amount of pain still. Enough that I can whip 3 kids together and get them out the door like I usually do.

I’ve been VERY nauseous yesterday and today, and my have to go back to the doctor.

I had an allergic reaction to one of the pain meds and can’t for some reason tolerate the vicodin, as it was beginning to make me very sick! Now Im on Darvon. Basically a strong version of Tylenol! LOL! Can you say one drink one drunk?! The doctor was so surprised at my low tolerance to narcotics. So cross your fingers that my issues are JUST med related.

I only added a few items to my Etsy store as Im just wiped, and taking the time I need to rest up, since I never do that. My blinkie for the sketches is all fixed too BTW!

Thanks again for the well wishes. I STILL have to watch Twilight! LOL!

I have a quick card to share here-using (SHOCKING) Stampin Up! set God’s Beauty. I made this weeks ago!

The flower is on vellum-dry embossed for some POP! Its very 3D and pretty. I airbrushed the butterfly. I love the pop of teal on the moss background.

Just a simple card I made while playing around.

Well Im heading back to bed, then will call the doctor when they open.

I want to post our Stamp New England stuff too-just haven’t had the engery for editing the video :C

I have a GIVEAWAY for that here when I do!! Something for you to look forward to!!

Wish me luck!

Everyone also asked about the kids-they are doing MUCH better. Alexa is especially looking better. Stilly junky but good.

Also I forgot to tell you to check the Sketch Team blogs

AND I forgot to tell you about JustRite Stampers-if you didn’t already know-

FAB BLOG CANDY!!

 Once thing I didn’t expect was my sore throat from the tube they stick down there. I had teh WORST cottom mouth every all day yesterday.

I have a horse voice, and between that and the surgery (sore abdomen) I can’t YELL or even talk at a normal level! I’m not use to not being able to talk well, since Im very chatty! LOL! Oh and having 3 kids!

Just had to share that.

 The kids have been taking turns rubbing my shoulder, getting me my drinks, fluffing my pillows, and drawing me pictures! I woke up and seriously had like 3 coloring book pages spread all over me and my bed.

Its time like that, that you think you *may* be doing something right as a mom! They are taking turns snuggling in bed with me watching TV. I will miss them when they grow up.

I rented Twilight for later. Can’t wait to see what teh BUZZ is all about.

Hi everyone Im back! Loopy but here.

So here is the scoop.

I was of course REALLY freaking out yesterday. After I typed my post the hospital called to see if I could come in ASAP, since their big surgery got cancelled. It was a very long surgery and all I could thing was either

a) The person had it done sooner due to emergency

or

b) they died!

GREAT!!!

So I figured if I got in sooner I wouldn’t need to keep freakin out, and I may get to actually go home and sleep in my bed.

Problem was I had 2 kids home sick so HOW was I going to get there EARLY?! My mom wasn’t coming till 11am

Well by fate, my dearest friend Paulette called because she was working from home due to a migraine that hit her  the night before. She popped in on my blog and read how I was feeling, so she called to check in on me. Well being the sweetest person in the world that she is, she came down to take care of the kids so I could go early. Then my mom would get here to relieve her.

I showed up at the hospital about 10am and they whipped me together in like 15 minutes.

 I asked about the catheter and the doctor said as long as I pee before I go in, no need! WHEW! I was all in a tizzy for nothing.

 I have to say I really like the doctor I had. He is amazing. Definitely the kind of guy you want doing your surgery.

Before I went in he said “Are you in the mindset of staying here or going home?”

I said Listen I pushed out 3 kids, all 9lbs, with the first I discharged myself AMA 5 hours after giving birth so I could be with my baby, then with the other 2 I was quickly up and running. I think I can go home. I’ll see how I feel, but that is my goal.”

 I had the staff rolling with my talking about my feelings and funny thoughts of surgery and all kinds of other funny stuff. It was great. I told then if they nicked my Vegas nerve I wasn’t going to be happy and a few other funny things as we all waited.

Next thing I know Im off to the OR.

They give you something to sedate you as you go in. So you start getting loopy. I must have been REALLY funny because while I don’t remember what I said but Jay and everyone else was laughing hysterically, and I said I think I better stop talking at this point.

They put these leg things on me, and after only one leg, all I remember is looking at the ceiling. I don’t even remember closing my eyes. Then I hear Lauren time to wake up!

I was SERIOUSLY- kid you not, dreaming about a template!

I woke up and said ” I’m awake whats wrong?”

 They said “nothing we just needed you to wake up. You did great.”

What! Its done?

“Yes, its all done. In a few minutes we will call your husband for a shirt visit.” 

I said “Do I have to stay awake?”

They said “No!”

I then said “You just interrupted a really important dream. My template was almost done! Now I don’t know how to finish it”

They guy was very confused! LOL! Anyway I couldn’t keep my eyes open to save my life. I never felt so tired.

Then all of the sudden I felt the PAIN and VERY itchy all over my body.

I was having an allergic reaction to the pain med. So after some Epi I was fine I guess.

I have 4 holes in my body.

The doctor asked if I had been really tired the last few days, and I said yes why? He said my gall bladder was getting infected!! Good thing we had it out when we did.

Then lots more pain meds. Whats amusing is the pain in my should was far worse than the abdominal pain, for the most part.

Are you all familiar with Clog dancing?

Well that is what my abdomen feels like! That a line of clog dancers happily trotted across my body, one at a time! LOL! It actually feels like when you have the wind knocked out of you and can’t really breath. I love to sleep on my side, and no matter what side it HURTS-alot.

Im happily living on 2 vicodin every 4 hours-and that is RARE for me to take meds.

I have actually decided that my FUTURE idea of gettin a tummy tuck, will never happen! LOL! I only have 4 holes in my body, and feel like this, I can’t imagine a HUGE scar like the one from a tummy tuck.

Anyway…..I was able to go home at about 5:30! So surgery at 11 home by 6pm! The staff was in shock! LOL! But that is where my healthy eatting and exercising come into play.

I loved hearing the doctor say ” You had no fat to go through so it was so quick and easy”

I asked him to repeat that to me! LOL!

Then one of the nurses was like “Holy cow your legs are so skinny. I can’t believe you had 3 kids” I was in HEAVEN!! I work out so hard now, and those were words I never thought I’d hear! LOL! I could have lived there! LOL!

Anyway so far so good. Jason is taking amazing care of me. At one point he joked about getting a picture of me in the hospital for my blog! NICE!!!

My mom came to care for the kids, and cleaned my house! THANKS MOM! She also made a killer dinner with lots of yummy homemade bread, and gave the kids a bath. Aren’t moms great!

My neighbor is making me dinner tonight! Isn’t that sweet.

I feel so loved.

Then I pop on to check my emails and I have hundreds of get well wishes and over a hundred on my blog! WOW!

Thanks everyone. You made a girl feel special.

OK Im getting tired and am in pain so Im signing off- below this I began typing before surgery. I don’t have the ability to go into details.

Back to bed for me, but thanks again for everything

—————————————————–

I don’t know if you remember, but the last Saturday of every month here, we are going to just do a sketch Review! That means you get to browse the OLD sketches and pick one you like or that inspired you!

I now have a Saturday Sketch page for you EASY viewing (thanks Sara!!) and my NEW! Badge! So if you want one, just click and you will be able to get the “code” for your sidebar.

If you get to play this week send a link here

I STILL have to do last weeks. Sorry I’ll get to that one!

But for this week I loved Sketch 20

So I used it again

I’m sitting here WAVING hi!

This little piggy says HI!

My layers are a little different, but I think its adorable. I colored with my Copic markers of course

Paper is Papertrey Ink, and patterned paper is by Chatterbox

This is ANOTHER NEW! Release to come, from Stampavie-Rachelle Anne Miller Spring collection called Happy Piggies. I LOVE them.

Im not going into all the details as I NEED to get back to bed.

SO thank you for the well wishes and stopping by!!

No promises for a post tomorrow.

I am definitely taking my time to recover so I don’t end up with a complication.

Well I’m getting ready to leave soon.

I sit here freaking out, missing my coffee, and SO thristy!

I have been too tired the last 3 days to exercise (which means I probably just should have), and planned on a nice long workout today before I went. Then I remembered-I can’t DRINK! So that is NOT a good idea. It would have been nice and cleared my head. I feel VERY LAZY! I normally only miss a day a week. Plus knowing tons of people are staring at my belly definitely should have motivated me to do more abs! LOL!

So I’m hoping to keep my brain occupied by typing a post before I go.

April Showers bring May Flowers planter box

This is a project in which the photo does it NO justice.

I made this box using My Timeless Template called The Perfect Match box.

This is  a NEW! stamp image from Stampavie Rachelle Anne Miller  SPRING collection called Giving Shelter. Wait until you see the amazing stuff being released. WOW!

Front view-

There is actually lots of shimmer and dimension to this. I had a BLAST coloring it. I love the colors.

Seriously how cute is this?

Here is a front view-I love how it is decorated!

Here is the side view

Now for the FUN part!

I used just the slider template, and made a FLAP!!!

That template is just so versatile I can’t even stand it 😀

Now lookie what is inside……..

2 little decorated flower pots!

Isn’t it cute?!It sold out of my Etsy store in MINUTES!!! Thanks everyone.

I used the Papertrey Ink Spring moss, summer sunset, and lavender moon for my  colors, with the Bitty Baby Blessings paper

I can’t wait make and to add all the gift ideas I have. OH BOY!! I’m hoping to update the site with all the cards I have, and soon more gift items I have planned on making. Its going to be good!!!

I thought given the time I had this week that this image today was appropriate! You all have been wonderful in helping me and sending good thoughts my way for my surgery today. THANK YOU.

If you were sitting in front of me I would SCREECH! I feel like my walls are all falling in on me.

I did my best to get all the things on my list done, but it proved to be impossible.  With all the kids being sick (Noah came home with a high fever and headache yesterday) ,then Alexa’s father informed me she was exposed to her cousin – who just found out she has MONO! GREAT!!!

Then that leads to the thoughts in my head about the surgery, my brain couldn’t let go.

I didn’t get ANY of what I needed to done. A first for me. Its upsetting, but I just couldn’t concentrate. Nothing was working out. The simplest thing was complicated and nothing came out worth using. Very upsetting, that the stress was just too much and KILLING my creativity. Hopefully as I recover, my mojo will too. I just can’t believe I couldn’t even get out of my own way this week.

As for the surgery I know this is no big deal but NOW I’m really starting to FREAK OUT.

I’ve never had ANYTHING done. I was in the shower when it occurred to me, what if I am one of those people who can FEEL everything, but can’t move? FREAKY right?!

Now FYI if YOU are going to have surgery don’t watch Grey’s Anatomy!!! Especially the last 2 weeks. It’s been about losing people in surgery that was suppose to be simple, then something weird goes wrong-and BAM! Dead.

I know I sound like a drama queen right now and I WAS fine, but now I’m not. I shouldn’t let my mind wonder.

I feel like a huge baby right now, seeing my LITTLE girl go through WAY worse than ANYTHING I ever had to go through and once I heard “catheter” for some reason it totally sent me over the edge.

I’m SO wishing it was done while I was in the ER last week. Then there was no thought to it.

I’m not saying I don’t want it done-I know I NEED it done!! I can’t even fathom the idea of another big attack. I’m just nervous.

I an sure Ill be OK and don’t know why Im rambling. Makes me feel a little better I guess.

Anyway-thank you for the support this past week. I’ll check in and let everyone know all the gory details like I usually do when its all said and-done and Im not doped up, so I actually make sense.

All my Stamp New England girls told me I need to get Twilight, so maybe Ill do that.

Well I’m off!

I should be out of surgery by 3pm EST!

Pray Im not a “statisic” OK! LOL!

Later.

So today is THE day!

We now have 2 sets available at Pink Cat Studio

Aren’t they adorable? Endless ideas. I LOVE that Dress Up set.

If you hadn’t noticed I went a WEE bit overboard on all my sample making. I could NOT stop!

So here are the last of my samples! Enjoy.

Dress Up Sweet Pea

This is a little container filled with berry 3 musketeers!! YUM!! It was a Prima box, recycled.

I made the strawberry cut out. Cute and SIMPLE! And oh so YUMMY.

Hap-BEE day

I LOVED the bee. How can you NOT love it? This card is really cute, I think.

Now we have the Sweet Pea 2 set

Flower Pot Stick

I was inspired by the seed packet. I love this little planter stick. How cute would it be given WITH a planter?

I just wrapped the stick I had with ribbon to look like a flower stem.

Close-up Doesn’t this make you think Anne Geddes stuff? SO cute.

Here is a card-very shimmery in person. I loaded the flower petals with Shimmerz.

Fairy Wishes

OK in all honesty this one hit me at a huge break in my mojo! LOL! It was one of those-tweak a bajillion times and still not right! LOL! Oh well. Win some, lose some.

You can’t see by the photos. But lots of bling.

I will say I HAD to salvage it because of the coloring I did on the image. Its actually REALLY pretty (the image-not the card! LOL!) in person. I know when I do something sub-par. I was just spent by the time this sample rolled along

Sentiment is from JustRite Stampers

Well that is it for me.

Enjoy the release.

Id love to hear what your favorite image is from the stamp sets!

Hopefully I can get my act together today and Alexa is having a good day home.

Thanks for stopping by!

OK WARNING: Long winded here! I do have a sample to share at the bottom-so if you don’t want to deal with the drama skip down to the bottom. Ill post ——-lines for you.

OH boy today has been MISERABLE!

First my cell phone was DEAD!!!!!!!!!! So that means I couldn’t be reached by anyone while at the feild trip. (which was totally fun and awesome) Normally not a biggie right?

We SOMEHOW grew up and managed to not have a phone attached to out ear everywhere we go, but suddenly the mere thought of traveling even down the street without it sends us into complete PANIC.

So what happens?

I get to school at 11:30 to pick up Noah. I walk in the door and THREE people rush over to me saying! OH! Good you are here to get Alexa!

Me-“WHAT! No! Im here for Noah. Whats wrong with Alexa?”

them-“the nurse has been trying to call you since 9am”

me” OH! MY! What is going on?”

 Then the drama begins. Alexa looks AWFUL.

I am also wondering WHY (now mind you Im always home they can ALWAYS reach me, so this is very odd that they can’t) they didn’t call my husband at WORK! He is listed!! This was urgent.

I had to call the doctor from the school .Alexa had to get to the doctor ASAP because like she usually does she “crashed & burned” meaning OK one moment-NOT OK the next. She has double pneumonia! Poor kid. Its actually the firs time this season and she is prone to it. She usually gets it like 3-5 times a year and is hospitalized at least twice with it.

That on top of my dog groomer calling me endlessly(while Im at the hospital) asking WHEN I will pick up the dog (I was obviously late due the emergency doctor appointment and chest x-rays). I missed my pre-surgery appointment and had to call.

THEN I find out from the nurse, not only do they want to keep me OVERNIGHT , but I will have a Foley Catheter inserted! Why did NO ONE tell me that! EW! YIKES! I don’t want one. I guess its necessary so they don’t nick your bladder during surgery.

So needless to say the catheter thing freaks me out MORE than the surgery.

I was a nurse. I’ve seen and heard the conversations that take place in an OR. I don’t want my “male” surgeon and/or anyone else all “up in my lady business” KWIM?!

I had a catheter while in labor with my kids-before delivering to help empty my bladder, granted you dont care the the President of the United States comes in with a Camera crew while in labor, but when that isn’t whats going on-trust me people, you do care! 

—–BLOG HOP POST HERE—————————————————————————

Anyway on another note: If you ordered anything from my Etsy Shop it is all shipped (unless you said you wanted me to wait :D) till you see my other stuff.

On a better note: OK its the 25th!

That means its TIME for the Papertrey Ink Blog HOP!

You can see all about the HOP HERE—->https://www.papertreyink.com/bloghop.html

Now for the March Blog hop here is what we had to do:

Background building sets have rapidly become one of Papertrey’s signature traits.  For this month’s Blog
Hop, we want to see all of your very best backgrounds.  They can be multi-colored or monochromatic.  
Simple or elegantly detailed.  They can be created with a set originated for that purpose or a reinvention
of images that were not.  Be sure to include a separate photo of your completed background BEFORE
you add it to your project so we can see it in all its glory!  

————————————————————

EDITING TO ADD: OOPS! Obviously I don’t read through stuff very well! LOL! I forgot to take a photo of it BEFORE I slapped it onto my card :C

SOOOO, Im WAY excited to share not only my background building skillz 😀 but what I found out!!

Did you SEE that the Tulip from Wishing You is ALSO a super awesome MUSHROOM set too! LOL!

Can you say LOVE IT!

I would TOTALLY buy this “paper” in a store if I saw it.

Can you SEE how cool and easy it is to now have a retro mushroom set?

 Just turn the tulips upside down If you don’t want to mask then use a darker color on the top, so when you slightly overlap the tulip bottom you won’t see it.

I used Guidelines 2for my guide in making my background. Im totally LOVIN it. That set is the BEST!!  Remember don’t use with JUST those images in that set!

I used the mini tulip centers as my grass.

This card SCREAMS 1970’s to me! LOL!!! But I love it.

OK so that is my contribution to the HOP!

I hope it inspired you in some small way.

Tomorrow I have the last of my Pink Cat Studio Peeks for the RELEASE!

later-off to attempt to get some work done-

OH boy! I am crossing stuff OFF my to do list, but it keeps getting bigger! How is that possible?

I WILL get it all done. I figured I can stay up late Thursday if I have to, since I will most likely be knocked out all weekend! LOL!

Must be the MOM thing-go! go! go! I always feel like the more I have to do, the more I actually get done.OK doesn’t sound right, but its true.

I have to say that I have actually had FUN packaging all my creative goodies from my Etsy store, to go to good homes! Its nice knowing they will not be tucked away in a room in a big dark box. I may have missed my calling! LOL! Maybe I should have owned my own shop! I could just make all kinds of fun stuff for it. Its been so fun. Its sparking all kids of creative ideas just knowing Im not making it for NOTHING! KWIM?

Its also setting me into GIFT making mode-which is so NOT what I should be doing right now. But you know how I get stamper ADD and ALWAYS put off the MUST do’s for the FUN stuff right?!

I am definitely adding some COOL stuff soon. Wait till you see my list. OH! I can’t even sleep!!! I just get idea after idea of what I am going to make. No worries! I make lots of lists, so I won’t forget.

Obviously I wont have a video done this week (I did do 2 last week so that should make up for it (wink). My time is REALLY tight and those take a few more moments than I have.

Today I am chaperoning a field trip for Amber. We are going to the pizza parlor to make mini pizzas from scratch!! I love going to all her stuff. I also have to do my pre-op testing, take Daisy to the dog groomer, get Noah a vaccine, and complete like 4 + projects. Lets not forget-the normal everyday stuff somewhere in between.

This should be interesting. OK that is way to much complaining. Im boring myself to sleep over here (its like 11pm right now as I type- if you are wondering)

Ready for more peeks? Today features Pink Cat Studio Baby Stamp Set 2 which is being released TOMORROW!!

Here is one I made while I had my SUPER adorable niece Gabriella (Gabby)-so I had to take the photo op.

If you didn’t notice-its inspired by the horse I got her named Giddy (and YES! I know that image is a giraffe!!) and the jammies to match!

Don’t worry no baby drool on the box! I made sure.

Is she not ADORABLE?!!!!!!!!!! I could just kiss her to death. I just melt when I get to spend time with her. What is FREAKY is how much she looks like Amber as a baby. I wish I had a photo to share. I sometimes forget Im the auntie and not mommy! If I don’t see her for a week I freak! Thankfully I get lots of time with her.

Here is the side view

I love everything about it.

Lots of dimension, great color, and simply cute. Oh and WHO doesn’t LOVE polka dots?

I know I do.

The head is cut and layered on again for a little more POP.

Seriously cute. I LOVE this image to pieces. Oh and I added the hair and bow! This could be a BOY or GIRL! Its a super set.

Here is another making it more BOY

Gabby had another pair of PJ’s that inspired this one.

Its a single layer card, but simply sweet I think. Sometimes you don’t NEED a ton of stuff tog et a super cute look.

Its a great Welcome Baby card-or if you are ambitious (due to coloring) a great announcement 😀

It has a nice lightly glittered border in a pale blue. Subtle. I like it.

OK ONE more with this set-Howdy Little Partner

I made this for Ethan (I need to finish his package! EEK! add that to the list. Ive been working on it forever now)

He just got a new horse so I thought of him when I made it. I LOVE the punched/embossed pinking edge from EK success-LOVE IT!)

Now this is definitely not “plain”

I had this rodeo style paper for some time now, and finally dusted it off. I love the Lasso. I just think this is cute. Maybe Ethan is too OLD for it? I don’t know. I like it. Im sending it anyway (along with the OLD card I made for him using Dress Up Billy ) I so need to get better about mailing cards in a timely manner.

Anywhooooo

as I said yesterday

Melissa is having a CONTEST!  Who will be the next Cutie Patootie?? You can see that HERE!

Check out all the DT member blogs for more awesome peeks!

Sparkle Smith is the Guest Designer–check her out HERE! Sparkle’s blog

So Ill see ya tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by and saying hi!

Oh boy! I feel like I have a bomb strapped to my body TICK TOCK TICK TOCK-just ticking away the minutes I have left to get done everything I WANT to do. NEED to do. I don’t know HOW to NOT do stuff. Im in quite the frenzy here, and am not used to there being not enough hours in the day.

Anyway, I do like crossing stuff of my “to do list” so lets hope it dwindles!

I really NEED to say THANK YOU again for the emails, cards and comments about my impending surgery. You all have helped put me at ease and brought up things I didn’t even think of-so THANK YOU to all of you. I know I say it all the time, but it means the world to me.

Your kindness and support-AMAZING! There are NO words. I feel so supported amongst a world of amazing women 😀 How do you say thank you for that? I don’t really feel worthy of it all, but Im takin it 😀 Seriously thank you.

Now lets get down to buisness!

OK I have the first peek for the NEW! Pink Cat Stamps Release -Sweet Pea! Its a cute little “baby” set.

“They” as in the baby boy and baby girl are ADORABLE! I begged Melissa to name them Ellie and Eli! LOL! But she had a contest instead (which I totally spaced on posting! BAD DT MEMBER :C)-sorry!) and the winner was chosen to be Sweet Pea. Very cute. Gender neutral too.

So to me, this new line-Its like Lily and Billy had a baby! OK I know I can’t even fathom that either! Especially since to me they are like Amber (my 4yo) I see Lily as a little girl. Oh! How fast they grow! LOL!

Here is my favorite project!

Sweet Pea Dress Up set

Baby Bunny Basket

This design began with the ribbon :D) I get my May Arts stuff HERE! Purple and green are SO Spring to me.

Then the dress up set-making her an Easter bunny.

Then what better project, than to custom design, what I like to call a Petal Basket.

I designed this UBER cute basket just for this project! YES! One of a kind 😀 Its really awesome!!

Here is a close up of her “outfit”

Her dress is stamped, colored and cut out.

The Ears are one piece, and pop over the edge. I think she is ADORABLE!!

I did faux stitching around the patterned paper layer.

I made some flowers to match using various punches.

Inside I could fit a bunch of stuff, but put ONE large purple “jewel style” clear egg-with chocolate of course.

So girly! So cute.

here is the side view

I put it up for SALE on my Etsy shop My Time-Less Little Treasures if you want it!

Now I have another project also listed there now-Baby Bear Box

Also inspired by my ribbon 😀

Seriously!

How flippin cute is he?

I don’t have another angle! OOPS! Nothing overly exciting on the side anyway.

The ribbon wraps around the entire box, and is folded at the top, held closed with a brad.

His hat, shirt, and Binky are all colored and cut out separately. Im not big on masking sometimes! LOL! Plus I like dimension. I added a CUTE bear sticker to his shirt as well.

I made him using My Timeless Template- Rounded Wrap Up!

You could fit a sweet little gift in here for the new baby! Like $$ or a gift card 😀 Maybe baby shower favor? Coupons for babysitting? Pampering day for the new mom. Little baby lotions-like a homeopathic baby lotion?

Just a cute little gift.

The good thing is there are ONLY 2 days of peeks! So less waiting for you! The release is on Thursday March 26th!

Melissa is having a CONTEST!  Who will be the next Cutie Patootie?? You can see that HERE!

Check out all the DT member blogs for more awesome peeks!

Sparkle Smith is the Guest Designer–check her out HERE! Sparkle’s blog

I have more to share TOMORROW! So come ya’all come back now ya hear!

Until then, wish me luck with my to do list 😀

I’d love to hear what you think of todays post. And for fun, if YOU had twins-a boy and a girl what would you name them?

When I had Alexa I was going to do Alexa and Alexander (yes the thought of twins crossed my mind! I was HUGE!!!!!! So it would have been nice to know there was at least another 9lb baby in there! LOL!

I have no idea what I would name twins now-I thankfully don’t have that worry anymore. I can’t imagine how HARD it is.

OK your turn-if you have time 😀