I am so excited about this!

 My dad called to tell me about this movie—->The Child King. I just ordered it, and am dying to get it. Not that I will be able to watch it. Things like that get me WAY emotional. Unless you sit here, where I am, it is probably hard to understand what I mean, and why.

This is a review about the movie I found ——->HERE. It explains the plot, and there are some reviews as well.

Be sure you watch the Trailer for it. Looks like a great movie for ALL.

 The best part is that the starring role is played by a then, 17 year old boy, named Peter Johnson, who has Down Syndrome! He is considerably local to us here in New Hampshire-he is in Situate, Massachusetts.

I applaud his family for striving to let Peter be the best person he can, and not limiting him. I also applaud the creator of this movie, for giving such an opportunity! 

This will help open many eyes, and many doors.

For those of you who DON’T know, my daughter Alexa is 8, and has Down Syndrome. To find a movie like this is just over the top amazing to me. Especially reading the reviews on it. Also Christmas is Alexa’s FAVORITE time of year.

I think it will allow people to know that people with Special Needs can accomplish ANYTHING, if given the opportunity, and when society doesn’t LIMIT them.

COPY/PASTED from their site:

Proceeds benefit a non-profit organization:

———————————————————————————————————-

THE CHILD KING FOUNDATION

Founded in 2007 by Jeff Kerr, producer of the feature motion picture, The Child King, the non-profit Child King Foundation (CKF) administers funds and disburses grants to organizations, charities and individuals that assist those with intellectual disabilities.

Foundation funds are generated by all producer’s profits from the sale of The Child King DVD and related merchandise, 100% of which are channeled to the CKF for disbursement. CKF grants are offered to eligible applicants after review by the Foundation’s awards committee.

An advocate for those with intellectual disabilities, foundation founder Jeff Kerr is an active long-time supporter of Down syndrome causes, including The Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

For more information on The Child King Foundation click here.

———————————————————————————————————-

So thanks for letting me share my excitement!

I know its not stamping related-nor has my latest posts been, but you are all such a part of my life, I love to share things like this with you all. Especially when it helps a cause too!!

Thanks for reading.

I’d love your thoughts on the trailer, or hear about someone “special” that has touched your life.

Tomorrow I’ll be here to share our blog challenge. Yes, it will involve stamping! LOL!

Happy Holidays

I just want to wish everyone in the world a very Merry Christmas, from my family to yours!

This card was made using the Santa, and sentiment from Holiday Cheer from Lizzie Anne Designs.

Who says Santa has to be in red?

The paper is wrapping paper, by Martha Stewart. As is the card base color. I though it was gorgeous for my card Wasabi was the perfect match. Buttons are by SEI! 

Thanks for looking and have an enjoyable day, with your loved ones.

Alexa has Chemo tomorrow, so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers!

Well I cannot believe its Christmas Eve!

How fast did that go by? Seems like just yesterday (October) I was taking my kids to get their photos done. Now here it is!!

I am hoping your family have a very safe, happy, healthy New Year!

I have some exciting things coming up, over the next few months, to share with all of you! I hope you will share my excitement, when the time arrives.

Many are publications-YEAH!!

The next 2 projects, I can now share with you. They were published in Crafts n’Things the December Holiday issue. Both projects I am sharing use a CUTE penguin set by MFT called Winter Blast

I also have a WHOPPING 7 projects in the current issue! YEAH!!!

 Carrot Top Christmas Tree

This one can be found on page 76. Supplies found there.

The thing that is “special” about this is, it was originally a template for a “carrot box” or triangle box. I flipped it over, and made it a Christmas tree!

Next up is an ornament-Found on page 33

 Pretty Penguin Ornament

Now why is this SO special?

Well it is NOT a tin! It is actually the lid from a candle I used. I applies 2 sided cardstock to the back, so I could make an ornament. It was a great way to recycle. See why we stamper’s SAVE everything! LOL!

Anyway, I know these projects are ow no use to you for Christmas, but hop you enjoy them just the same, if you hadn’t seen them in print.

I was very proud of these

Well I am having a day with family, then Santa comes for a visit!

I am very excited for the kids to wake up this Christmas.

I will definitely post photos, when I get some time.

Till then-Merry Christmas!

How sweet was this?

Someone sent me this package of awesome goodies Was it you?

I saved the address on the envy-to send a card to, but I ahve no idea WHO it was. They obviously know I love butterflies and flowers. The ribbon is gorgeous.

So thank you so much!!!

Happy Holidays!

 PS I will be back to post the sketch asap.

 Watching the snowplow

OK more dog stories!

You don’t have to read it-but I’m sharing them anyway I have now convinced several neighbors (including, but not limited to the Fed-Ex guy,and the mailman)that they really NEED a Cockapoo! Or should I say Daisy has! LOL!

She is the best, happiest, sweetest thing on 4 paws. The best Christmas gift I ALMOST never got!  I will have to get some photos of her and the cats. She is so good with them. They are in shock still, I think.

I made a Smilebox of Daisy, and what she does in the snow. Its just so funny. She even chases the shovel. Loves watching the plow. She is fearless. She is also very dis-tractable.

She literally DIVES in the snow, head first, and makes a path! She then gets full of “snowballs” on her fur, which she then eats when she gets in the house. I try to towel dry her, but I think she likes that process.

She loves the snow! Right now its WAY over her head!

Someone asked about our Christmas tree-and Daisy’s behavior. I learned there will be NO presents under our tree this year, as that is her top secret hiding place to go potty :C

I had removed the lower ornaments, but there is nothing I can do about that other stuff. Who can blame her right? Would you want to stick your hiney in a snowbank?

Who can resist that face? She is just a bundle of fur baby love!

You have to see it

Make a free ecard – it’s easy!

Thanks for looking

One more photo!!

My sweet friend Bonnie, sent Daisy a few treats!! Look at that candy cane. raw hide bone! It is bigger than she is. She has to DRAG it across the floor to move it. She loves it, and sits there for hours-gnawing away!

Thanks Bonnie She loves the 3 rope chew toys to. The kids play tug of war with her (which I do discourage), but she loves it.

Till tomorrow

Another banner! Cool huh?

One of my PSF’s (blogland reader)Sara Henton emailed me this banner! Thanks girl!!

She combined my favorite flower and love for butterflies! How sweet was that?

So what do you think of this one. Pretty cool huh?

Sorry no stamp candy today-Im workin on it!! Im in the “zone” and really can’t stop-I’m sure you won’t mind.

 I got some Bella cards that are gonna knock you off your seat-I swear! LOL!

Yes I am patting myself on the back-cause they are really CUTE!

I do have a post ready to go tonight after midnight-for a Dirty Challenge!!!! Its do not miss It has my winter butterfly………..that is the only hint I will give you.

Till then

I changed my banner! It was time for a change

You know how I LOVE butterflies. Well,I found the perfect photo, then spent FOREVER trying to edit, and layer on my Blog name! I am SO computer challenged! Its a MIRACLE.

I think it goes well with my blog base, since my colors have to be gray and blue.

I have a tulip one, ready for spring too! No blue, but Tulips are my most favorite flower-ever! No idea why-they just are!

Thanks for leaving your opinion

AND-Thanks for looking!

Make a slideshow – it’s easy!

Well here is Amber’s Smilebox of her Dance Recital.

She looked SO CUTE!!! She had on a Santa apron, and a matching hair clip.

She did a great job. I was SO SO PROUD! I thought it was the most adorable thing I had ever seen. All the little girls dancing for everyone. The residents seemed to really enjoy it as well.

She is shy, so seeing her dance for everyone was adorable. She got distracted seeing us, and got a little behind, but she kept going. Now I cannot wait for the big one at the end of the year.

Did I say I was so proud? LOL!

I am SERIOUSLY bummed that I cannot get the video to load :C I have no idea why its still not working, when it has in the past.

I really hope to find a way to share it-cause it really is a must see.

OK my bragging mommy moment is over. But seriously-how adorable is she?

Hope you can view the Smilebox ok.

I have lots to do today, so I’m off and running. I did get some cool stuff done yesterday! So stay tuned.

Ok so maybe I AM turning into a crazy dog lover!

I call her Daisy Doodle, and Alexa calls her Crazy Daisy. Its really cute to see the kids participate in her care by following commands, and giving rewards, putting her in and out of the crate, feeding, brushing, and of course playing.

I had to share this photo of Daisy with her adorable PINK doggy coat

C’mon you KNOW I was going to have to get her outfits! LOL! She is too adorable not too. She actually likes it. (I think). She is very compilable with whatever I want to do. I think its great I get to start her out like that

But, I had to share my success with all of you, since you did help me with all your advice So thanks. I especially appreciated the phone calls and emails I received. Really helpful.

Daisy has her first appointment tomorrow, and it should only cost me well over a $100. YIKES :C Now there goes my stocking stuffer’s! LOL! I think she’ll fit in there nicely.

I also want to direct you, who have dogs, to this place—->Ask Me Dogs, that I found, which is like a SCS, but for DOG OWNERS!!! How cool is that? It has an online pet expert that can help with any question, as well as other owner’s give helpful advice.

So I wanted you all to know after all the advice I did the following………………which has lead to success!

No Success Story

 Tuesday-  I deciding to TRY to let Daisy have the run of the kitchen (used lots of gates), instead of being crated. What’s weird is she goes in the crate at times on her own during the day, and when I leave or can’t watch her every move (today I made my bed, and she found and ate a crayon Alexa left on the floor while coloring ;C). She doesn’t mind it all. No crying, fussing or freaking. Totally happy to chill. Come night time-watch out.

OK Night comes- I have her gated in the kitchen, which is good size, and cord safe . I kept her crate open, but thought if she could see us it should work. Our room is off the Kitchen. Well she jumped, and jumped and jumped till she knocked it over! Came into our room, and tried to jump up on our King size bed-Um, yeah, not happening. She cried and cried-so I decided that SLEEP would WIN. I then let Daisy sleepwith us. Jason was so NOT happy. But, you wouldn’t even know she was there. She was very good. She woke me up twice in the middle of the night, by nudging my arm, went out for a potty break, then back to bed. I realized I didn’t want this to be long term, so made the decision for the following night to stick it out, be consistent, and try something that would hopefully work.

Just like kids right?? Now is the time to NOT instill BAD habits.

Now Wednesday Night

I keep her crate open. Put up all the gates in the kitchen. I move her bed to the doorway, where there is the gate, but she can see us sleep (thanks Dawn and Bobbie). I then swaddle her like a baby in this blanket that she dores (it was Noah’s when he was a baby). She loves to be swaddled-funny huh??

I included my t-shirt, and her favorite stuffed squirrel. Left a nightlight on, and ran the DISHWASHER!!! That seemed to help.

She would get up, and just whine, as oppose to bark, and yelp.

I would tell her down (to make her stop jumping on the gate), and then Daisy Bed. It took several times of me getting up and re wrapping her, and putting her there with the commands. So after several trips I stopped getting up but used my voice, and a snap of my fingers (my mom use to do that with our dogs), and VIOLA. She went to her bed and slept She did wake up at 1:30 and 5 :30 to go out, but then quietly returned to her bed, without fuss!!!

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now here is a photo of her swaddled in her blanket, on our Suede video rocker chair that she has deemed HERS. You can see her little squeeky squirrel she carries around.

She litterally lets me lay her down and wrap her up. Its Hilarious.

Let me go on and say that Daisy is like the best little thing on 4 paws. Seriously, amazing. She is very well behaved, and is already getting some simple commands. I am using one-to two words to teach her.

I am doing the bell thing as suggested for going out to use the “potty”. She will ring the bell on the door sometimes too! She hardly has any accidents-which I am so thankful for.

She has long curly hair in the “back”. Needless to say she has had 3 baths!!! I never bathed a dog before, but she loves it. Stays perfectly still, then lets me dry her, and brush her. She then let Jay and I cut her hair-NO PROBLEM!

I teach her sit, down, treats, eat, out, fast-fast (that means we are here to potty not sniff the entire yard), and then there is crate-go, and bed Daisy.

I just might actually be able to do this.

So my point was thanks for the advice.

I also think we made the best move buying Daisy. She is a great breed for what we as a family were looking for. Plus she is definitely MY DOG. I am HER PERSON!

I felt like picking her was like a Grey’s Anatomy show, when Meridith says to Derick (when he is deciding over her and Addison) “Pick me, choose me, love me” Yes I am pathetic

That was exactly what I told Jason. I said that is what she is saying. She belongs with us.

He said we made a good choice. She truly is a darling.

OK thats it for my dog insanity. Thanks for bearing with me, as I am so new to this. I know its a stamping blog, but I wanted to share it with you Plus the beauty of a blog is I will never really know if you read it or not, and I can still throw it out there!

NOW I am really going to get stamping! I think I have a “routine” in place, so it may just happen.

Till tomorrow. Don’t forget Saturday Sketch time

Make a free ecard!

So here it is! The Smilebox with photos from the kids meeting with Santa Claus. It was such an awesome time. I included photos below, that I still wanted to share, but didn’t have the room, and I wanted to use this particular creation, as I am sure you will agree, its perfect.

I hope you have time to view it-grab the kids! I think they will be in awe of Santa. If they are on the border of believing this will reinforce it I think.

I’m totally bummed that the Smilebox will not let me load videos :C This feature has not worked for a while now-no matter how short it is. I SOOOOO hope I can find a way to share the video. Really cool.

So here it was 7pm, a knock at the door.

In walked Santa and Mrs Claus. They had their red toy sack, with lots of goodies.

Alexa was in shock, but she promptly introduced herself then invited them in to see our Christmas tree. Now that is shocking in itself.

He gave the kids each a special Christmas stocking, candy canes, covered lollipops, and reindeer antler’s, that were so cute.

Alexa also got a Magic Bell from Rudolph’s harness (since they change them yearly ), a magic pen, so you can write letter’s to Santa, and they dont need to be sent in the mail, and the book Twas the Night Before Christmas, which was signed by the Author, and then Santa and the Mrs. Claus

He then delivered the children their most asked for toy! Who else would know what they wanted besides Santa himself?!

Click photos for larger view

Alexa got her Baby Alive doll-she wiggles, coo’s and drinks-then you know what-pee’s! YEAH! Another non-potty trained thing in the house right now! LOL!

Noah and Santa-love this photo. He is the first of my kids to willingly ever sit and chat with Santa

 He was quick to tell Santa that he was a good big brother and only belonged on the “NICE” list. He also tried to sell Alexa down the river by tattling on her, and saying she deserved “black rocks” for Christmas for being naughty, and that she never cleans up her room. Nice Noah!! I was  a little embarrassed, but you can’t deny he had a point! LOL! However, given Alexa’s treatments, she certainly deserves to be on the “nice” list , clean room or not.

Here we have Amber-she was not in love with Santa, but played along. She loved that he gave her a Dora candy cane-that matched her Hello Kitty jammies-kids!

Oh and Jason-My biggest kid

 He looks cute, even with goofy antlers.

Then there was the goodbye. Alexa LOVED Mrs. Claus, and had no problem hugging her, but for Santa, she preferred a Hi-5

 Check out her expression! Too funny.

It was a wicked nice thing for Make a Wish to set up for our family. Especially for Santa who VOLUNTEER’S this time of year to go out house to house like this.

 They really do go above and beyond the “wish” that your child is granted, which is totally unnecessary, but what an amazing thing to do. They set up all these little things that make Alexa’s day’s that much more special. Times that we hope will over shadow the memories of long hospitalizations and scary procedure’s. It gives her reason’s to look forward to things, and do well during the tough things.

I want her to say “Hey remember when we got to do this!”, instead of “Oh I hated going to the hospital and having X done. I truly believe these will be the memories that stick out.

I have always supported MAW, and am so thankful to be able to share this stuff with you.

Thanks for reading and let me share more of my family with you