Extra! Extra! Read all about it! HERE!

Gina K. has put together a FABULOUS team of designers for her next BIG Release of Stamps for a Cause! They are being revealed August 8th!

I am one of the fortunate designers asked to jump aboard! I am not only excited, but deeply appreciative that Gina is taking a stand and doing this type of work to benefit others. What is better than taking something you LOVE and using it to making a difference?

 I am very excited to be asked help be a part of those who will support this AMAZING cause!

Thank YOU Gina for letting me take part in this special event, and your amazing spirit and will toward helping others.

Gina ROCKS!!! I can say no more. I dont want to give anything away. But stay tuned!

Wait till you see the set-its really special!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY DANCE!

Now you know “some” of what I’ve been working on (wink).

Hi everyone in stamp land! Just wanted you all to know I have had some internet problems. Our computer, cable box and xbox were struck by Lightning! Even though we had surge protectors they were done in!

Finally got my internet fixed (been out since Monday 2pm) so I have over 400 emails to answer! And Ill will check in to post my organization stuff and more eye candy! Sorry!!!

And thanks for checking in.

 Happy Friday!

This is strictly eye candy to draw you into my post! 😀

This card uses the New! Level 2 Hostess set Garden Silhouettes.  Hope you like it.

Im very excited today. My room will DEFINITELY be done today!

PLUS, have you seen this? I was announced as a Featured Reporter for the Craft Critique!! How cool is that?! I am very excited to join their amazing team of writers. To me that opportunity brings me a step closer to my ultimate dream from making stamping my “career” LOL! Sounds funny doesn’t it? But what is better than having a JOB you LOVE?

Stamping and designing is definitely what I LOVE to do. I love the work I am doing on my design teams. Its truly rewarding, in its own way. My past job as a nurse was rewarding, and I never thought I’d find anything else that could fulfill that feeling, and while this is different its still rewarding to make something and see the joy it brings to people.

My OTHER job and FIRST priority is MOM. I love that too. No matter how crazy my house gets, having three children, there is a moment EVERYDAY that makes it all WORTH it. You know the ones- where one of your kids says the most heart touching thing in the world that you just melt!

FUNNY STORY

So like most women I complain about my weight. Its up and down 10lbs all the time. Drives me nuts. I do excellent on my diet/exercise, then blow it! Having that 3rd one put my body into a tail spin.

 I also try to watch what I say because I have seen that girls as young as 7 can start with body issues and eatting disorders! We got enough going on here I dont want my girls going that route cause of my own body image issues.

ANYWAY…….

My SIL is getting married Saturday. I have nothing to wear. So I trek all 3 kids to the mall to find a dress (suicide mission right?). I was desperate. Anyway, walk into this store, and Noah says “Mommy this dress is really pretty, I think I like it” So I grab it and get a girl to get me in the dressing room to try it on. Of course there is a teen in the handicap room! UGH!

So she gets kicked out, and I run in to try it on. So me & 3 kids in the dressing room. FIRST outfit.

I whip on  the dress when Noah says “Aw, see mommy you look so pretty in that . I told you I thought I liked it. And you’re not even fat.”

Isn’t that HILARIOUS? So cute yet OH My GOSH! UM thanks Honey. But c’mon he;s only 4! He’ll make a great husband…………someday. And yes I got that dress. I dont care if the kid is only 4. Hes says I dont look fat (kids being the most honest creatures) Ill take it!

OK back to stamp talk. I finally put in my SU order! I got it down from $500 to $223! Go ME! A Miracle. I got mostly punches, paper, ribbon and Garden Whimsy, Sassy Stems, Baroque bkgd-thats it! Plus the essentials-stack n store organize, color caddy extender. glue dots, dimensionals-yadayadayada. I’ll get more but my ideal was do I need it ALL RIGHT NOW? No!

More news- I just ordered sets C & D of theCopic Markers! I was putting in an order at All That Scraps, and couldn’t help but add on the other 2 sets! I got my first two sets A & B from Kim, and was going to order more “someday”, but since I was already ordering the NEW! Scalloped punches figured, what the heck.  Plus I did cut back on my SU order.

I did so good purging I DESERVED it right?! LOL!

Which reminds me see post below this if you are looking for something (wink).

OK deep breath. I hope to have photos BY Monday! Thanks for sharing my excitment. I think we can all relate to our very own craft space. I also want to say Its not the most gorgeous space you ever seen uploaded. So dont get expectations over the moon! LOL! Its just larger, nicely organized and its MINE! So to me its the BEST. I love my Sky Blu color too!

I think Im going to JoAnns today to get an OTT light. Anyone own one of these?

Let me know! Hugs-

Check out my banner! My favorite set Jolie Fleurs is now my Blog Banner!

As if getting anew stamp room wasn’t fab-u-lous enough for one week!

It was designed base on this post-there is a card I designed with that set, and of course with colors that compliment the base of my blog.

I LOVE that paisley as a butterfly. It was quite a EUREKA moment!

Anyway, I hope you like my banner! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!

And a HUGE thanks to Meridith for dealing with my crazy request! I am so blessed!

Thanks again.

Back to organizing my room

NOTE TO SELF: Do not buy anymore alterable items or 12×12 cardstock.

The Excitement is building here at my house (for me anyway!).

My stamp room is “almost” done!!! Floor is going down as I type. The cabinets are together, I did that part myself (real fun let me tell ya) and will be hung after the floor is in. Jason still had my lighting to put in, and the cable/electrical outlets. He has to put the sheet rock on the far-wall, finish and paint it, and the trim for the new window. Sounds like alot but most of that he will do once the major stuff in done so I can start moving and organizing! Im am so excited. Many have probably seen my current corner of the world here on my blog. While its tiny it was ALL MINE. Very “organized” while it looked “cluttered”. I will post new photos and a comparison in the next few days! I also took some pre=new room photos Ill share as well. So PRAY Jason works fast today! LOL! I’d like to be in for the 4th of July.

So in the mean time here is a cute little card I did using , which you can also see here.

I like to call it my Monster in Love.

See he is holding a little heart. The layers started as one. Meaning the did the orchid and gable green layers. Rounded the corners, stamped the row of hearts in black, then cut the layers! I mounted then on opposite ends of the card. Pretty funky huh? I really liked this card. And my layout rocked! LOL!

Its one of those when you make a mistake, have one idea, that suddenly turns totally different, but was better than the original KWIM?

The colors came from my Vera Bradley bag! LOL! I like the monster being blue cause he POPS. Anyway, I hope this tides you over till I have more to report!!!

Im crawling out of my skin waiting today. I went to Target ans got some more “organizational” stuff which was ON SALE! $135 later………………….lets just say I better not NEED anything else.

Im peeved it cuts into my stamping money but then have to think-isn’t it better to have a room that is organized than yet another stamp set or package of purty paper with matching ribbon? Like I said Im still trying to convince myself!

Enjoy your day.

Here I am! I feel so pretty in this. I like myself in black and white better. I wanted to make JUST the shirt pink but Im computer challenged! LOL!

Note my super cute shirt? Now I really feel like a designer! Its official. When I shop online- while wearing this shirt its because I NEED these items for WORK! This will have to serve its purpose when Mr Brown comes and my hubby is tapping his foot wandering what delicious goodies his wife has purchased.

It will be a tangible reminder ;D Or at least I hope it will.

Quick post today!  I have had some computer issues (EEK!) that I am trying to work out, and taking the kids to the beach, and stuff like that. Mom’s gotta make summer memorable. Plus they are much happier if we spend the first part of the day doing “something”.

A bad- yet awesome note-I cannot stamp till most likely the weekend! GASP! My craft room is in shambles as I prepare a NEW 3 times larger stamp area!!! GO LAUREN! GO LAUREN!

I cannot wait! Anyone who has viewed my corner of the universe will understand how great this is. Note if you dont like tiny spaces crammed full of stuff dont go view my room photos! Im painting my area the oh so calming Stampin Up NEW! color Soft Sky! Now that will be gorgeous!

 Good news I do have some projects I can share that I havent uploaded yet! Yeah!

So please stayed tuned. I have an ATC set to upload with ( in my opinion ) an amazing idea.

And I will post Thursday a HOT card using Hit the Beach. I really love it. Hope you will too!

 Here is MY reason!

My reason to fight, have faith, and hope. My reason to help make a difference, no matter how small.

This child/person could be ANYONE. It could suddenly be YOUR child, husband, best friend, mother, father, or other family member. This is Cancer. It doesnt discriminate. It doesnt care how old or young.

This is Alexa. She is my 7 year old daughter. If you read this blog you know already that Alexa was diagnoised with Leukemia February 2006. A day I will NEVER forget.

Today I am volunteering my time to do a project, with anyone who is there to particiapte in THE RELAY FOR LIFE. This is a benefit that raises money for Cancer Research. A cause that directly affects my family.

Alexa has about 1 year and 8 months left of treatment to keep her Cancer in remission.

Treatments range 2 1/2 to 3 years long.

My point of this photo is- THIS is someone who this research is currently helping. Just 10 years ago Alexa would have gotten NO chance to beat this. Now there is hope, now there is a possibility of a cure. Now my daughter is winning the long battle. While that could change we pray for the best. We believe in the best. Her prognosis is very good. 96% chance she will be CURED! 10 years ago we would have been handed a death sentence. Today there is HOPE.

Some people with different types of Cancer still do not have a chance. So we keep fighting! We keep pushing for a CURE, for ALL Cancer!

Alexa since birth has been my reason for alot of things in my life. I just wanted to share this photo of her. It was taken Wednesday during our trip to the park. Given all she has gone through she is still so wonderful, full of life and HAPPY! Look at that face? So oblivious to it all. As she slides down the slide, I internally freak out that she will pick up some awful germ that she may not have the immunity to fight. But I struggle with letting her have a qualtiy of life, and childhood. I take the small risk for this smile.

Reminds me of this poem

What Cancer Cannot do

Cancer is so limited

It cannot cripple love

It cannot shatter hope

It cannot corrode faith

It cannot destroy peace

It cannot kill friendship

It cannot supress memories

It cannot silence courage

It cannot invade the soul

It cannot steal eternal life

It cannot conquer the spirit.

I know I probally go on and on about Alexa and what this has taught me but its hard not to. I truly believe God has done so much through Alexa to get to me. To touch my life. To make me strong, and work hard to make a difference.

So tomorrow I hope my particiapation in our town’s Relay For LIFE will put a smile on ONE persons face. I hope that I will live to see Cancer become 100% curable. I hope a small gesture can make a small difference.

Small note:

Missy B Designs created a stamp set for my daughter Alexa (scroll down to see the set/description on her website) to raise money for Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Research. That is a small way YOU can help. ALL procedes go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma society! We all love stamps right? Well her set is adorable. Check it out.

You can read Alexa’s Story here, and how her stamp set came to be, and a community now known as the PSF’s came together to get me through a difficult time.

People are AMAZING! Thanks for reading.

If you read this to the end, let me know who YOU will give an extra hug or kiss to. Or someone you know who is like Alexa.

All the best!

Debby tagged me. I now have to tell you 7 things about myself.

Ok try not to yawn! Im not a secretive person and pretty much spill it ALL, so you probably know most of it anyway.

1) My Dream is work for a magazine someday.

2) I HATE to cry! I dont know why I just do.

3) I talk WAY too much. Its hard for me to shut up. I wish I didnt have that quality.

4) I HATE the Dentist! Id rather go see the OBGYN than go to the dentist. I havent been in over 8 years! I know I need to make appointment, and YES I do have dental insurance.

5) I will ONLY drink Dunkin Dounts Coffee. And it has to have tons of cream and sugar.

6) I cannot stand MILK! I love ice cream and stuff like that but NO MILK! ICK!

7) I have never tried tried ONE single drug in my entire life-ever. I dont care what other people have done, I just never saw the need or attraction.

8) Like most I am totally addicted to SCS! Its sick! Its like the first thing I do. I grab my coffee, then sit down and “catch up” on all the goods. New challenges, hot stuff going on-whatever. I get up about a 1/2 hour before the kids to do this. I also sometimes stay up and await ordering those stamp sets that have a midnight release and stuff like that.

BONUS-I LOVE happy mail. When I know Im getting NO DELIVERIES I freak out and order something, anything. Really sick shopping obsession. Im also addicted to Target. I go every Saturday!

Now I have to tag 7 people. Well I guess if you blog and read this then link your blog here if you want to be tagged. I believe I did this tag before?

Id love to hear 10 quirky things about YOU! So feel free to share! I dont want to be the only one spilling.

WOW have I been CRAZY busy. 

Lets just say I’m a BAD wife! I neglected to make my AMAZING husband a Father’s Day card! OMG, can you believe that???!!!!!!!

I PROMISED Jason I would make him one tomorrow when he wasn’t around. But I know thats NOT the same.

I did however buy him his AMAZING Grill! He was quite happy about that. But again it wasn’t something to “open” it was just like here honey here is the money for the grill.

I also havent done a single thing for my kids Teachers! Their last day is Wednesday. What is wrong with me?

I did sacrafice my SU! Pre-order and other goodies to get him the grill money! LOL!

Just kidding. While I didn’t purchase ANY goodies for the last few weeks HE SO DESERVES it! Last thing I NEED is more stamps (OMG! DID I ACTUALLY PUT THAT IN WRITING?)

So PLEASE tell me Im not the only one who has done such a horrible thing? Not neccessarily for Father’s day but any occassion.

I got so overloaded with deadlines, and Wedding Shower stuff (which I didnt even get thanked for BTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!) that time crept up on me

AND I have NO cards to share-cause I havent stamped! What I ahve stamped is not able to be shared right now.

I do have a card in July?August issue of The Rubber Stamper pg82 this month though-

Ill have to “find” it in my photo archive, and share that later.

Hope you all had a good Father’s Day!

There are times in a mother’s life that make the bad days worth while!

I had several this week, and thought I’d share. Sometimes we need to focus on the little things. I had an emotional week but looking at it in whole it was a good week, so far.

Here is my angel

We have had some MAJOR scary thunderstorms. Amber was very scared to go to bed and kept getting up out of bed. When Jason and I went to go to bed we found her asleep on the stairs with the light on in the hallway. She even took her precious purple flower purse with her. (NOTE: My Stairs look awful OMG! I am so painting them this weekend! I swear my house isnt filthy! LOL! I thought about photoshop editing them-oh well it is what it is, right.)

Doesn’t she seriously look like an angel? Her blonde ringlets and cute puckered lip’s. This is heaven. To me. I will miss this I know. She is my “baby” and the thought of her cuteness growing up KILLS me. I would freeze her at this age if I could.

Our second thought was “Oh no! Imagine if she had fallen down the stairs!” YIKES.

Next photo is Alexa. I cannot tell you how much each day of her life has always meant to me. Since conception I have fought for this child. When she smiles like this it makes every tear, and battle worth it all. I would give me life for her health and happiness. She sees the world in a way I only wish to. She is the picture of strength. She is everything I hope to be.

She LOVES the park. This was taken on her class Field day.

She looks just like her biological father. SOMETIMES I see me. Just in her FIRE. She is a fighter. I like to think that is from me. Her hair grows then falls out again. I am so used to it I forget why people are staring-sometimes.

I hope God gives us a million more of these days.

Here is my little guy.

He had a t-ball game this past Saturday and did awesome. He was happy and played with the team without complaint! At the end he jumped up and down saying “I was AWESOME today!” LOL!

In this photo he was on 1st base, and he was tipping his head so I could get a proud mommy moment caught on camera.

He was very well behaved this week.

Now that is always nice. He can be the most amazing kid. He is SO much like me. I dont know if its a good thing or not! LOL! We clash alot because of that I think. I hope he grows into a man like his father. Some girl would be very lucky someday! He is so sensitive, and loving at times. I believe he will do so much with his life.

All in all the week has been good.

Alexa’s counts are low so we are praying those get better, but in all I am just thankful for my life. I am very blessed with all I have. I know people may think otherwise, but its things like what have happened in my life that really allows you to appreciate SO MUCH more than I would normally have.

With Alexa’s health issues every milestone has always been a huge blessing.

 Anyway, I figured Id share my good days, since I am always willing to share the not so good.

I would love to hear about a good thing that happned to YOU this week. Did you get new goodies, have someone say something nice? Whatever. Even the whole “my kids got along for 2 hours!” LOL! Lets hear it!