My Time, My Creations, My Stampendence

I hope you all had a fabulous 4th of July! I know we did. It was my grandfather’s 74th birthday. I hope to share photos when my camera batteries are re-charged!!

Time has flown by. I signed my children up for swimming lessons and I was reminded of when my grandfather taught me how to swim over 25 years ago! Today’s stamp set goes with my thoughts today. Those were great times at my grandparents all summer long. My grandfather would play “shark” and chase us around the pool. We would spend an hour creating a “whirlpool” so we could get caught up in the circling motion. We would spend HOURS in that pool. They had a screen house that we would then sit in the glider chairs and just listen to the buzzing of the electric lines of the hot day, and watch all the June Bugs try to get into the screen house. The second we were dry we were back in the pool. Just great memories there. Obviously since the 4th of July is my grandfathers b-day, this time of year always gets me thinking like that.

So, anyway the day was great. I decided that this card, with somewhat 4th of July colors would be our sketch for this weekend. This set is called Summertime Fun. You can view it, and the other design team samples HERE! Don’t forget to enter to win a free set of your own The release of the 3 new sets is the 7th!! Party starts on the forum at 8pm EST-10pm EST

I hope you enjoy it. Its got some good layering going on! LOL! Take the risk!

The paper for this is by Making Memories. I just love the boy themed colors. I hope you get to try it as well. Send us a link here if you do, so we can see your take.

Now let me share some other fun creations I made using this set-

I adore this card It uses American Crafts paper/ribbon. It was inspired by my layout for the sketch today, just mixed up a bit The colors are super summer fun!!

Monkey Fun

 He is flocked. Isn’t he just the cutest thing ever? I love him floating on the “waves” like that.

Lulu scuba dives-a gel card

 This was a super quick card. I wish I could have incorporated some purple paper but my brain was DEAD when I made this one! LOL!

I have MANY more samples to share, just not today!

I also want to wish Kim from MFT a HUGE Happy Birthday since today is her 40th!!!!!! I made something special for her, but I will share that tomorrow. Oh and I still have more MFT stuff to share from the new release! YEAH!

OK I need to run and take the kids to Canobie Lake Later!

 Here is your sketch for today! Sorry I’m a “tad” late. I had fun with this one. I LOVE circles If you don’t, feel free to change the shape-no big deal. These sketches are just a starting point to get you inspired to actually STAMP and play with all the purchases we love to make. Sometimes the shopping is more addicting than the stamping. Can’t justify purchases if you don’t use what you buy. I know I love getting HAPPY MAIL!!  So the shopping is usually lots of fun for me personally.

Since I was DROOLING over the new Bella stuff yesterday I decided I better play with the NEW un-inked Bella stuff I already owned.

You had to know I about FLIPPED when I saw Butch and Mimi ! I think they look just like my Daisy. Her fur is grown in the the perfect length now, so she looks JUST like she did as a new puppy WAY CUTE!!!

Anyway I decided they would be perfect for todays card

 Friends Furever

How cute are they? I so love this card. Its way cute & simple. The focus is on the puppies

The paper for this  is by Piggy Tales.

When creating a card I usually pick my image, then my colors or patterned paper. I work from there. Patterned paper is great for color inspiration. I like to lay out my embellishments and everything before its ALL adhered/attached. That way I can change it up before anything is permanent!! I do lots of revision  sometimes. I may already have a sketch planned out and then try to see what works for that. Sketched definitely get things free flowing.

Try sketching your ideas. I believe you will find it really helpful to warm you up.

I am one busy girl this weekend. We had to go food shopping, and looking at Pellet Stoves for another heating source. It is also Nascar weekend here in Loudon, so of course we had to take the kids all around to see the different race cars and whatnot.

Fun stuff. Then my class is tomorrow-and after it I get to have lunch with my PSF’s!!

That being said I gotta run. Lots of new releases coming out SOON!!!

NOTE: I didn’t get any photos of Alexa yet. We had and emergency-AND now she is off to her father’s for about a week (I think). He never knows how long he will decide to keep her when vacation hits.

SO like I said We had a mini emergency here yesterday. Daisy scratched Noah while he was rough playing with her on the floor, and we thought she scratched his cornea. Anyway running out the door with 3 kids is a RAGING rain in a thunder & lightning storm in 5 o’clock traffic  to the ER, which is 45 minutes away, to make sure his eye was OK . He could keep the cold cloth off it long enough for me to get a close look, and that lead me to further think he had a scratched cornea. ANYWAY thankfully there was only a TINSY scratch and he is fine today. He got some eye drops if it got inflammed, but ended up being fine. He did think that his eye looked super cool when they put in the yellow dye and turned out the lights. I let him see his eye with my compact mirror. Kids crack me up.

Lets just say my life is NEVER boring. EVER!! What will I do for entertainment when they grow up? I am going to be so bored! LOL!

Thanks for reading and enjoy the day.

Thank you to all for the well wishes on my new adventures Means so much to me! 

Quickie post today-

It’s Saturday! Ready for another sketch?

It is another Magnolia creation :D I am REALLY hoping to use more of these soon.

If you LOVE Magnolia there is a Yahoo! Group—>HERE! It was started by Deb, who was sweet enough to ask to use this card I am going to share on the HOMEPAGE Thanks Deb!!

If you want to order Magnolia-Diana at Scor-Pal is now selling them!

  People can contact Diana
at magnolia.us@shaw.ca.

 The stamps are mailed from Blaine, WA for US customers and Surrey, Canada for
Canadian Customers. The prices are at par.

Now, time for the sketch

Here is the card sample (use whatever you want along the bottom-buttons brads, cardstock, flowers, sentiment, dew drops, bling-whatever!) Feel free to omit large sentiment circle.

 Look up to you

How adorable is she? I love her. I stamped her first, then masked her and stamped the stairs. LOVE IT! I just sponged on some color. I have to say I love the colors this one has!

Colored with Copic’s of course I also colored the bridal confetti shimmery flowers. I loved using so many fun buttons on the bottom.

The sentiment is from Father Knows Best. I thought it was perfect for her.

Well that is it for today. Family things to do. If you try the sketch send us a little link here so we can see your take on it!! Just keep it fun OK!

As always-thanks for reading I’ll have some more great stuff to share tomorrow and the blog candy winner gets announced. Dont miss out!

If you haven’t already-

Enter to win my blog candy for the stamp set-Butterfly Garden —>HERE

Kimberly has blog candy courtesy of Storage Units, Ink & More—>HERE

Also dont miss your chance to win the MOTHERLOAD of giveaways —> HERE

Oh boy my internet is all wonky today. SORRY!

 Im on the run  to the Spa (for 4 hours!!!!) and to get Jay’s Father’s Day stuff. I had my class last night and Ambers graduation. Long story short Im running on little time here and have your sketch.

Its a hard one to do a printout for so here is the card

Details to follow later. This set is Sing to the Lord. It releases from Our Daily Bread tomorrow

Be back later-running late.

If you try out the sketch send us a link!
Lauren

“The journey of a 1,000 miles begins with a single step”

This is the photo I took of Alexa the LAST day of her Chemo treatment. To mark a milestone. The end of a long journey for her. A new beginning.

This is for Alexa’s doctor’s. A thank you. For walking that long road with us.

THAT saying on this card is my newest motto. It puts everything we go through in this life into prospective.

WARNING: This gets deep! LOL! At least to me. Even if no one gets it, I do.

The weirdest thing happened to me. I so believe in fate, and God providing answers in unusual ways, or providing us with answers and things we seek.

 The very last day of Alexa’s chemo treatment, I was a wreck!!! During that visit, I was on a wild goose chase for some much promised Groovy Girls. Upon my hunt, I saw a silver bangle in the jewelry case of the store, out of the corner of my eye. I went over to look at (I never get that interested in that stuff), and the silver bangle read……

“The journey of a 1,000 miles”

I asked to see it.

Now I had JUST posted about what a long road it has been, and all we learned along the way, and blah blah blah. I looked inside and it read “begins with a single step”

Now you may think- SO?

But to me that was so pivotal! I was standing there, Alexa’s LAST chemo, and already worrying about the WHAT Ifs, and then, this simple bracelet put it all into perspective for me. Like a silent voice from God, reminding me-Lauren ONE step at a time. I felt so at peace. Tomorrow will take care of itself. We got through this journey that way, and we will continue through life the same.

Just like Footprints in the sand

So, that left me sitting there, really wanting the bracelet as a reminder to take life step by step. I thought it would be perfect to keep next to my Alexa bracelet that I have worn since the day she was diagnosed. Sort of a “we can do this”. But, it was pretty pricey for a simple bangle.So I walked away.

Then, later that day, I go to another store, hunting for those darn Groovy Girls, and in the store window-just before the store I am there to go to, THERE IT IS!!! That SAME bracelet! I wasn’t even looking for it. It just popped right out at me.

Mind you -the store in the hospital, and the store in Concord NH are like 75 miles apart! I thought WOW! What a message someone is sending me! LOL! But I left it again. Remembering the message I was given.

Then, the next day my dear sweet friend Paulette went and found that bracelet!! She gave it to me, and I was just in awe. She is so good to me. I am blessed to have a friend like her.

I have not taken that bracelet off since. I am reminded several times a day to take it one step at a time!

WHEW! Are you still with me? Weren’t expecting all that now were you?

I just wanted to share too, what an impact a photo can have on a card. I also like that it shows the A Man’s Sole, isn’t just a guy set.

My sentiment was printed off my computer. Paper is Autumn Leaves. The flowers are Queen & Co, and SU felt flowers.

This card is 5 1/2 squared.

So here is a view of the sketch-click to enlarge

You don’t have to use a photo. Just have fun with it. The possibilities are endless. It could be a scrap page. Those wanting to see more of that.

If you get to try it out, send us a link here so we can all see your take!

OK I’m WAY busy. Orders are all shipping today! YEAH! Don’t even want to know how much that is gonna cost EEKK!!!

Speaking of orders……Pink Cat is next up for their release on the 12th! You won’t want to miss that Then we have PTI on the 15th. Following up with my first Unity release on the 25th. Then in July Lizzie Anne celebrates 2 years! WOW!

Dont forget ATS just released 2 sets, MFT just released 3 sets and 3 singles!!

LASTLY!!! If you haven’t yet, don’t miss my classes at The Paper Tree next Friday and then Sunday the 29th!!

OK enough of that. Im off.

Till tomorrow

Well I want to thank you all for the encouraging words! I will let you know how it goes today.

Ill be gone ALL day, and am tired just thinking about it! LOL! Should be fun. I definitely see a Pina Colada in my future.

Well this is a quick post cause I am ready for bed!

I have a sneak peek for you today! It is a set from C.C. Designs girls-Layla & Virgina. It will be released on June 4th! CHECK THE ATS BLOG! Each day, up to the release there will be a peek and a giveway!!!

 Ahoy There!

I love when these girls have their arms up! Its screams super star to me.

I knew I wanted to do something star themed but NOT red, white & blue like expected.

I loved this paper by Piggy Tales. I think its so cute. The glitter stars are a glitter mat stack by DCWV. I used my star punch for them, then a star ghost shape.

I like the ribbon wrapped around this way-so fun.

Now for the sketch CLICK TO ENLARGE

The circles can represent whatever you want! Just have fun with it and feel free to change it up a bit!! I am so into tilting things again. I get bored with everything being all symmetrical.

Now remember this is a CHALLENGE!! So you may be stumped at first, but give it a try and I am sure you will have fun.

OK I’m out! Thanks again for poppin in.

Later-

YEAH! My favorite day of the week-Saturday is here! Time to celebrate with a Sketch

 All about the presents

I just LOVE that sentiment from Its My Birthday! Isn’t that the truth? When you are a kid, that is just the BEST part about turning another year older. Lots of presents!! When you get older, all you want is to not have the age on your driver’s license go past a certain number.

I did this card last month, but failed to post it here. I wanted it to be a sketch, then I forgot about it, and well you know the story. No matter its here now!!

I hope you enjoy! I am sure NO ONE is even out there reading with the holiday weekend! I almost didn’t post! But I couldn’t let the sketch day pass. Its my OCD!

So celebrate! Please take the time to share something you should be celebrating or grateful for. I am thankful to all the men/women out there serving our country!! Fighting to keep us safe, and defend our freedom Then to the families who are sacrificing their time with them so they can do that for us. I also pray for each one’s SAFE return home-SOON!!!

I also know after this week I am just so thankful for the HEALTH of my family and children. I really don’t know what I would do without them. I am one blessed person.

I have a super full weekend, that I am looking forward to. Hope you all stay healthy, happy & safe!

Till tomorrow.

Well I am so sorry I didn’t post back yesterday :C I do have a great sketch for you below.

I ended up feeling so sick ALL day at CKC! I thought it was a “possible” hangover from the whopping ONE Raspberry Lemonade Martini I had at dinner on Friday, but it turns out it must be the awful virus Amber & Alexa have passed back and forth the last week.

I was getting WAVES of awful nausea. To the point where people could just look at me and say “Oh boy are you OK? You are green and your lips are white.” When Paulette and I started the trip is when it really hit. He stopped to get some anti-nausea medication-so I could make it through the day (talk about your die hard shopper right? LOL!). So ALL I could find were these Cherry Chewable tabs. Now THAT is the true test right there!! If you are nauseous and you don’t vomit while chewing down those 3 NASTY tabs you are good to go! LOL! Seriously WHY do you want to chew down soe nasty gritty cherry flavored horse tab-that I couldn’t have opted to swallow? Anyway after a 1/2 hour more awful waves of nausea hit. I looked on the back of the box and it said MAY REPEAT DOES IN 15 MINUTES. WHAT!!! What kind of drug did I take? Obviously not a very good one if I can repeat it in 15 minutes!!

Anyway I wasn’t very good company. So not myself.  I sort of shopped on my own so I wouldn’t be a downer, and complain all day. I felt really bad since Tracey, Kerrie and Mom (Tracey’s mom-who is just like the sweetest person ever,  we were all calling her mom) came from NY, and my friend Debbie from MA- who I haven’t seen since last year, and then Molly B (yes she is the WINNER of all the PTI stuff!! and she made me the sweetest card) who I met for the first time there at CKC met up with us from ME, all traveled a long way for me to not be very chipper.

We did make a pit stop at The Paper Tree! That was fun. And yes she takes phone orders and will ship to you. (can you say Scor-Pal and ATG gun! To name a few of the yummies-tell her I sent ya!)

Put it this way-I walked in the door with ALL my purchases and my husband said “THAT is all you bought?” me-”Yes, I told you I feel awful” him-”Do you have some of it hiding out in the car?” me-”No! This is really what I got” him-”Yeah! You ARE really sick! Whay don’t you go to bed, and I’ll put your stuff away for you.”

Don’t get me wrong I still got a lot of stuff. Just nothing compared to previous years. I never come back with money! LOL! I tried too, to not get WAY too much patterned paper.

OK blah, blah, blah!

Let me get to the card for today. Since I got a bunch of emails and requests for THIS CARD (scroll down-its the butterfly pop out), I figured I better share what I did! LOL!

So todays Sketch is a pop out card!

 Click to enlarge

The one I will share today was done for a b-day Party Amber was attending yesterday, where the theme was Curious George. The  invite had him holding a balloon. LIGHT-BULB moment here!

Side view

Here is what you do!

You make your A2 size card ( 4 1/4 X  5 1/2 FOLD AT TOP).

Then you make your pop out layer! You cut your card layer 4 X 11.

Stamp your image, where you wish, towards the BOTTOM of the card.

Pick what part you want to pop out. You then go to your Scor-Pal, and score UP TO (not through) your image, on either side. Anything ABOVE the score line, you use your Hobby Blade to cut out. NOTE: Use a Basic Grey File (or sanding block) to smoothen your edges if they are too funky from the blade! I went back and did mine on this one later when I realized it wasn’t perfect;y smooth looking

(FYI mine was scored about 2 1/2 inches from bottom)

Then you score it again, where ever your front flap folds down to. So when it is closed the ends lay flush together. From the second score-(when your bottom flap is folded against the card) you will cut the top of the cardstock to be 5 1/4 inches. This makes the layer for the front of the card.

DO THIS BEFORE YOU DECORATE THE TOP PORTION OF YOUR CARD!

Now the reason for this method is every set is different and where you stamp  things can affect the length you need for you card. This way ensures you will definitely get your card to look perfect every time-just by trimming any excess off the the top.

Once it is cut (so your fold out layer-when folded closed is 4 X 5 1/4) and decorated, adhere to card front.

I HOPE THAT MAKES SENSE!

NOW another tip for an EASY pop out-just score you card pop out layer-then on a separate piece of cardstock-stamp and layer your image, and place it on the scor-line. That is not nearly as fun though!

My card is layered onto black cardstock.

Here is the card from the top view

I used the airplane/banner (LOVE that image) from MFT Going Places, and sentiment is from Happiest Birthday Wishes. I used SU! Markers to color each letter in the colors I liked, and since its an acrylic stamp I just bent it to go inside my banner!

 Birthday Boy Wishes for Ben

Letters are by SEI Penelope’s Potpourri.

I used the monkey from It’s My Birthday (YOU MUST OWN THIS SET). I then created my own clouds using my circle punches, and a sponge dauber. The colors were taken from the American Crafts ribbon.

Inside this clear top nugget tin are Curious George stamps, a black ink pad, sticker book, and stickers. (We included a few other things, but this was the Curious George portion of the gift).

I just stuck the card under the ribbon band. I wasn’t at the party but Jay said he seemed to really love the stamps. YEAH! I ALMOST went the extra mile and decorated the tin, but then thought it would be more fun for him to use his stickers and stuff on it.

So there you have it!

I swear this is SUPER easy and SUPER fun!!! So I hope you give it a whirl. If you do send us a link here so we can check out your creation.

Also if you have ?’s let me know. I do ask that you print the directions out and TRY it, before you think it doesn’t make sense. A lot of times if you at least attempt it first you can figure it out, as oppose to just reading it.

Thanks again for checking in. I’m off to bed again. I need to rest up before the busy week.

Tomorrow I have a post for Pink Cat Studio Challenge!! I hope you will try and play along

Later this week I have a post using some Gina K and who knows what else! LOL! Lot’s to do.

Enjoy the beautiful day (after to you try this)!

Lauren

OK you better answer YES to this question! LOL! I’m not that old yet!

Do you remember the movie Clash of the Titans? I so loved that movie when I was a kid.

Harry Hamlin was the HOT Greek God Perseus. Oh did I love him.

Here is a You Tube clip of when he met up with Medusa! There is a ton I found on Google. LOVE IT! I never knew they made Clash of the Titan’s figurines!!

By now you MAY be asking “What is my point?”

Well THAT is where my love of owl’s started! Remember the golden owl in the movie?

 This is Bubo!!

Bubo was the name of a mechanical owl in the 1981 film Clash of the Titans. It was a gift of Zeus made by Hephaestus for Perseus since Athena would not cede her companion bird.

The name is derived from the Bubo genus of owls. Bubo watched over Perseus. REMEMBER?????

Now, when I saw this owl (below)from C.C. Designs A Hootin Good Time, it brought back fond memories of watching that movie a million times. AND my love for Bubo. I’m sure if I watched it now I would die of laughter. So I’ll keep the memory as is!

 2008 version of Bubo.

I used some HOT colors, gaining inspiration from some Basic Grey paper. LOVE IT!!! I colored my bridal confetti flowers, with my copic markers, to look like the flowers in the paper, for a little something extra. Sentiment, and flourish are by Stampin Up!

I thought the phrase-so thoughtful was cute for the owl! LOL!

So after that super long explanation, I am leaving you with the sketch for today! I know a whole day early! Happy Mother’s Day! LOL!

Here is yet another sample!

Its the same layout! My focus became the panels, not the center circle image.

This sample uses In the Meadow my Lizzie Anne. This is going to be Jason’s mom’s Mother’s Day card. It doubles for my blogger’s challenge too! The blog challenge was to create a card for Mother’s Day! YAHOO!! Here is one of them.

I wanted a VERY SOFT look for this, so I brushed my Pebble’s chalks onto my cardstock. They are shimmery, so while the color is subtle it makes a huge impact.

I then took my quickie glue pen (yes you need one) and colored in parts of the flowers. I then added white flock, so they look just like the real deal!! You just want to make a wish, and make them blow away.

Here is a closer view-because they are worth it!

This is a sweet & funny card to me because Jay’s mom is a total nature person. If I ever got stranded somewhere, with anyone, I want it to be her! Me and my mom would cling to each other and just die! While, Jay’s mom knows all that naturey stuff, of what you can and can’t eat. If its poisonous to picking the dandelions out of her yard for salad! When the kids eat something weird she is the first person I call to identify what it was they ate so I can call poison control-I kid you not. Last year Alexa ate a Lily of the Valley berry-THAT is poisonous. Great right?

ME-so NOT naturey! I love the beach, and any place that has “amenities”. No reptiles, rodents, or a large assortment of bugs that could freak me out, and possibly kill me. Places with a bed, and HOT shower. Anyway, we got her a grow your own salad kit, since she does this in her own back yard, she can bring it indoors. I hope she likes it, because I really did think a lot about her card. Every-time I see a dandelion I think of her.

DID YOU KNOW-She is the one who introduced me to stamping! I loved all her hand-made cards she would make for me, that I decided to give it a whirl! I owe finding this passion to her, for sure. How can I possibly thank her for all that?

OK so that is it.

Today I am off the a field trip with the kids to the Space center. Amber has her dance recital this weekend. My mom is coming up for a visit, and things will be busy. I hope whatever you do, is enjoyable! I’m picking my mom up some of those YUMMY desserts from Jacques Pastries, like I got on my birthday! She was tickled pink, when she saw them here! I hope to get her a couple to go with her gift.

Have a great one.

If you try the sketch, send us a link here so we can all see it!

Till tomorrow-maybe!

 Happy 30!

Happy 30th Birthday to me! (and you, if it is your day too, but if it is I doubt you are reading this! LOL!)

Today I am celebrating with a BIG giveaway! In honor of my 30 years, Im doing THREE random.org winners!!! So THREE people have a chance to win. The winner will be drawn Monday morning, since Im celebrating ALL weekend!

Here are the GOODS!! SORRY for the yucky photos, it was to the point that if you wanted MYTIME MAIL- this was as good as it was getting.

Package 1-3 Lizzie Anne Designs sets-Samantha Alphabet, Dreaming of Dots, and In the Meadow. There are also 2 Paper Bouquet templates. (2) template sizes in each-one is a take-out box, the other a pillow box!

Package 2-Hero Arts Cupcakes (no birthday give-away is complete without them) and Bird-Day Designs

Package 3-Crafty Secrets Kitchen Classics and a Paper Salon mini tin with my favorite flower! A Tulip!

Just reply to this post with any of the following-your very best birthday memory, a gift you would love to receive, one thing you have learned from life, or words you live by!! You pick!

WOW! 30 years flew by fast! After 17, I don’t know what happened.

Thank you for the b-day wishes and those who sent me cards! WOW! So touched by that! Oh and lets not forget the emails! I had over 600 emails! OMG!! That is a gift in itself. I am slowly reading each and every one.

OK TODAY IS STILL SATURDAY SKETCH TIME!!!

So here is the reminder! Remember this will enter you TWICE!! So you should all try it.

I believe it was 2 years ago, I began the tradition of making MYSELF a birthday card! I found it to be so fun. This is the sentiment (from www.impressrubberstamps.com)  that will be used on every card, from here on out! It is the first anniversary of my 29th birthday! LOL!

Sine I LOVE purple, Bella’s and bling, this card was super fun for me to put together. I also love vellum, and the tag thingy’s. Lets not forget Copic markers! I am actually sending this to a fellow blogger, who is my “Birthday Twin”. Her name is Becky. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY!!

I’m all emotional and long winded today so get the fresh cup of coffee if you feel like reading! LOL! 

This part begins the REFLECTION section.

 Oh so 30!

This is Ohsoprettybella. Perfect. I am beginning to start this decade with self acceptance! What better Bella to use than this one? This is me! On the inside! LOL!

Did you notice the reflection in the mirror? Pretty cool huh? I was so happy that the “idea” translated to paper.

OK I am actually excited to be turning 30. My brain has clicked in, that it really isn’t the end of the world, but really a whole new start!  I have so many amazing things taking place in this new decade of my life!

My daughter is finishing her Cancer treatment! That is number ONE amazing to me. By far the best thing I could ever ask for. EVER! As mother’s we all just want our children to be HEALTHY & HAPPY. I know that is my number 1. Then it is to know God and have faith. I want them to grow up and find a fulfilling job, that they love, someone to share it with, and become people in the world who are kind, respectful, thoughtful and give a little something back to the world.

I could not ask to be in a better place right now! I have the BEST husband in the world. He is my rock and my very best friend. He has been there for me every second, never, letting me fall. He treats me like we are still dating, and looks at me the same-kids later & all!

I am getting to do something that I LOVE and find fulfilling, and think it’s safe to say I found my niche in life! I cannot tell you what this crazy stamping life brings to mine! Then the ability to reach others doing so. I never would have thought I would be where I am today, and I have enjoyed that journey! I’m so excited to begin teaching these classes in this setting!

When I look back on my 20’s, they were quite full. Some good, some awesome, but also some of the worst things I could have gone through! All amazing in the aspect that it lead me HERE! To a fabulous place, that I wouldn’t change one step for, because I would not be who I am today. I can’t tell you how each step affected me in phenomenal ways. Making me stronger, more independent. Unafraid to go for what I want.

Here is a 20’s recap

-finish college to become a nurse,  got married at 20, at 21 had first born child with life long disabilities but an amazing blessing, becoming a single mom by 22 and getting divorced, eventually meeting my husband and moving forward in life, packing up and moving to a place where I know NO ONE, remodeling a home, having 2 more children-both healthy, getting re-married, getting into stamping, finding out someone you love has Cancer (and that its your baby!!), pushing through that, someone I love beating cancer, then somehwere in the midst of all that, finding myself, sharing it all, and working to do what I love. WHEW! What a decade.

I think I may even be glad to say good by to my 20’s! I think that some of what I did takes most a lifetime! LOL! CRAZY!

So this is going to be a Decade of Different! A Decade of Fabulous! A time to enjoy life!

I am happy to say I have absolutely NO REGRETS. Let’s hope I get through my next 30, and can say the same.

30 things I learned along the way-in no particular order.

1) FAITH! The single most important thing I could ever have. Without it I would not have gotten through some of the worst times in my life. Same goes for family & friends.

2) You NEVER want to talk to ANYONE who calls from an (800) number! TRUST ME! LOL!

3) Make time for yourself and the things/people you love. You never hear anyone say “I spent too much time with so and so”. Usually only regrets of not enough time.

4) Try to be positive. It can ALWAYS be worse, and when it is, then know it has to get better-right?

5) You miss 100% of the chances you DONT take.

6) NO! I am learning to say that word to things I dont really want to do, or just don’t have time to do.

7) Shopping really is therapeutic! For me anyway! LOL!

You will never love anything more than your own children! Who else in the world would you GLADLY give your life for?

9) Work to LIVE, not live to work.

10) Money cannot buy you happiness.  Memories are something that will long outlast any fortune.

11) If it comes easy, it goes away easy! Things that are earned with hard work, will last much longer, and be more valued and appreciated, than those handed to us.

12) There is a reason that the older I get, the more I become like my mother! The older, the wiser!

13) That brings me to the understanding of “Youth is wasted on the young” While Im not “old” I am older, and I now GET IT!!! I wish at 20, I knew what I know now!

14) It is much CHEAPER to go to the dentist every 6 months, rather than wait a decade! I know what I am talking about.

15) Make sure you Pee before leaving the house too! You never know when you may ge stuck in traffic! LOL!

16) You really can have too much of a good thing.

17) Say what you mean, and mean what you say! Words are never forgotten and can hurt forever.

18) I hate sports! ALL of them, unless my child is involved.

19) Don’t wait till you have over 20 mice, to make your husband buy DECON! If ther is ONE there is a BIG problem-period!

20) If your husband takes you shopping for something (like a dog) he better be ready to buy it-THEN AND THERE!!

21) Everything has a reason and a purpose. You have the ability to make the most of very situation.

22) Take out does taste better! LOL!

23) When a house project gets started, there is a 2 year period from start to finish, anything sooner is a bonus! LOL!

24) If you want something done a certain way, then do it yourself

25) To Do lists really do work! They are essential to my life. OCD isn’t all bad, it can actually come in handy.

26) In only ONE second you life can change forever. Don’t waste one minute.

27) Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today! No one is guaranteed tomorrow.

28) Live life to the fullest.

29) Twenty Nine-Once you leave it, its not the end of the world!! And speaking of the world, stamping can make a difference in the world! It can relieve stress, make someone’s day, capture a memory in an amazing way, and some of the best people do it!

30)THIRTY Is just the beginning of many great thing for me and my family!

I am SO up for the journey.

If you are still reading WOW! You must really like me! LOL!

I can’t wait to finish reading my emails & your comments here! Best of luck!!! I am off to a fabulous day! Thank you for the support and well wishes!

MWAH!