Motherhood

So sorry I had to miss yesterday. It was a crazy day of running and then running some more. My days have gotten very hectic as I mentioned in a post before but today was even worse. I got a call from my doctors office Friday afternoon that some of my blood work I had done was just a little off. I was to be at the office first thing in the morning to get a referral to have more blood drawn. I am not sure what all this means and not even sure what exactly it is all about. I know I have prayed about it a LOT and have come to the conclusion that no matter what the results are the baby and I are just fine and there is no reason to worry. There are way too many other things going on that need our attention more. So, with all that I wasn't able to get a post done or anything made to post in the first place.

I did get a nice big package in the mail yesterday though. I have to say. I am a very lucky gal. Not only do I have a wonderful family that loves me and supports me in everything do, and a husband that loves me and will do anything for me and our boys, sons that are wonderful and growing big and strong, but I also have in-laws you love me and treat me more as a family member than the daughter-in-law.

I have to say that I wasn't sure how my Mother-in-law was going to take the news of the impending birth of a new grand baby and I will that that as that. While out shopping for my son to prepare for school we got a call asking what size clothing I was wearing. Quite a shock for me but not strange of a question from the in-laws. To my surprise not only did a get a box of wonderful maternity clothes that will probably get me through this pregnancy but a lovely card, some cups for the boys and an adorable book for each of our boys. I was so overwhelmed with gratitude that I just had to make a card. I hope my mother and sister-in-law like it as much as I loved and appreciated their gift to us.

I also wanted to say on another note. Before leaving to get the blood work done yesterday morning I was feeling very overwhelmed and just so worn out and emotional. I wasn't sure how I was going to make it through the day. I realized that I needed to say a prayer and thank my Heavenly Father that all I have and then ask for peace and help to get through the day. I immediately felt better but still overwhelmed. I didn't realize until the end of the day when I was bathing my youngest son that He sent me several strangers throughout the morning to lift me up and give me something great to talk about. They didn't say anything special and at the time I thought their comments were strange or out of the ordinary but now, looking back, I know that they were guided by our Heavenly Father to help me. I can't thank Him enough for all he does for me.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Missy

P.S. This card is practically a total case from one of Nichole Heady's cards she posted on her blog on August 20th.

A day late...

and a dollar short. Yes, this post was supposed to be typed up and, well, posted yesterday. Just got so many things going on that I didn't get time to do it. Man, I tell ya, having one in school is a lot more stress and work than I ever anticipated. Of course, it probably wouldn't be as bad if we had a second vehicle and I didn't have to drive both my son and my husband back and forth to work and school but we deal with what we have. I do have more time in the morning to get things done but I have been using it to get things done for the house that have been neglected by me the last few months.

So, for today I made a card that I intend to use as part of a card pack for someone. I got the idea for this set from Pine from Pine is here. It makes for a very easy layout but so much fun as well. I am not one for patterned paper so I made some of my own. These are so not my usual colors but I love them together all the same. I got a bunch from my stash and just started stamping different patterns on them. My intent was to use a simple sentiment like, thank your or thinking of, something simple like that. Then I saw a stamp set I loved but have hardly used. "Heavenly Medley" from PTI. I just love that set and there are so many wonderful uses for it. I am sure I will be able to find more and more uses for it the more I play around.

Well, that is about all I got for you today. I am watching a friends son today so things are probably going to be a bit more hectic than they normally are at my house. It seems my boys are not in the mood to behave today as well so it should make for one wonderful day. Thank goodness I mentioned to my husband about getting me some caffeine (soda that is) for me on the way home from his doctors appointment. I can already feel a migraine coming on. I managed to get rid of one easily yesterday I hope that is the case for today.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Missy

Kindergarten

So today I was just going to show you a little something I made for my son and his new backpack. It isn't anything special but my son seems to like it. I didn't have much room to work with because the piece of paper had to fit within a small window that was on the back of my son's backpack.

I looked through all my stamps (which, admittedly aren't very many) and gave him all the options I thought would work for him. First he was interested in the OCL peanut (elephant) stamp because he really likes elephants. And then I showed him the Billy stamp from Pink Cat Studio's. I wanted him to see ALL of the stamps I picked out so he can decide from there instead of just picking the first one and then being upset that he didn't get one he really wanted.

I gave him all the options that dress up Billy has and he finally settled on the crown and scepter. That totally surprised me because I never expected him to pick that one. The Indian or the Firefighter, maybe, but not the crown. He did mentioned the firefighter but I told him you might not be able to see all of the jacket or the boots and he didn't like that idea. So he settled on the crown and I got to work. I let him pick the colors and everything. After all, it was going to be on his backpack and I felt he should have total control over what it looked like.

Unfortunately I had to write the information because I do not have any nifty alphabet sets that would work for this small space. I guess I really do need to get either the justrite stamps or the mini alphabet set from Papertrey Ink. I will be looking into that now for sure.

I have decided to include some pictures of my son from the first day of school as well. If you don't care to see than go ahead and skip it.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Missy

Belated Anniversary Wishes

Here I am again guys. It is Tuesday and the second day for my son as a kindergartner. Yesterday went very smoothly. No major meltdowns for either my son or myself. Of course, my youngest son was having so much fun with Daddy and Mom that when it was time to go pick up my oldest from school he wasn't too happy. In fact he threw a couple temper tantrums and refused to go anywhere. I had no idea that it would be like that for him. I think he is better today and things should be smooth again.

Today I wanted to share a card I made for my parents. I got the word that the card was received so why not share it now. They celebrated their, well, I will just say it. Their 31st anniversary in July. The only reason I hesitate is because I am almost that age myself and it is hard to swallow it sometimes. I am so late in getting things done. I feel horrible. But this weekend I was finally able to get a card done for them. I copied a card made by Lorie here. Of course, her version is quite better but I am still pleased with the one I made for my parents.

Well, I am running around trying to get things done before my son has to go to school so this is going to be short. Maybe I should sit down and write these up at night so that I can have them posted earlier in the morning and more interesting stuff to read.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Missy

Whimsy Design Team Challenge

Happy Monday everyone!!! Today I announce my wonderful news that you may have seen if you have been going to the Whimsy challenge blog. After being a guest designer for the month of July I got an email from the owner of Whimsy (Denise) asking me to stay on as a Design Team member. I was so overwhelmed and excited and nervous. I couldn't pass up the opportunity but was still a little worried with everything else that is going on in my life right now. I did except, obviously, but will be designing every other week. I think that will help cut out some of the stress I may put on myself.

So, today is my first week as a Design Team member. The challenge for this week is to use ribbon, as much or as little as you want. There is going to be a few extra changes on the challenge blog as well. We are going to have a monthly challenge that will be a prize contest. Be sure to check in over there periodically to see what is going on. I will do my best to keep you up-to-date as much as possible.

Denise was kind enough to send me some goodies from Whimsy. I was so excited to color in the new hippo and that is exactly what I did. I tried to follow the Friday Sketchers sketch but it just wasn't working out for me so I just finished it up on my own.

Well, I need to rush outta here. My baby starts school today. Thank goodness my wonderful husband took the day off to help me through it. I had to hold back tears as I woke up and saw him in the living room playing a video game and I am trying to hold back tears now thinking about taking him to the school. I know he will have fun and he is so excited. He wanted to go to school yesterday after church so we are good, I hope. I will post about it tomorrow or later. I did get some projects done over the weekend so I have a few things to show you for sure this week.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Missy

Anya/Friday Sketch

Okay, so I am a little behind after doing so well earlier this week. I will explain. Wednesday afternoon I had an OB appt. It didn't quite go like I expected. My doctor had to do a c-section and when she got back to the office was waiting to hear about doing another. So, we didn't quite get the exam I was expecting which, in this case, was fine with me. We did get to hear the heartbeat for the first time. We have seen the baby and the heart beating twice so far but haven't actually heard it. My boys got to go in the room too and they thought it was neat to hear the babies heart beating on the machine. The baby has a strong 165 bpm and it is so amazing. I love it. Today I had a bit of a headache that made me a little unable to concentrate on anything else.

My sister, I think I have said before, has gotten me hooked on the Anya stamps from the Greeting Farm. Right now instead of a release for the month they are doing challenges at the Club Anya website. I am way far behind and I am sure I am late doing this challenge as well but I wanted to do it anyway. The challenge is to use blue and brown. I like just about any color with brown so this was fun.

I also used the sketch from Friday Sketchers. They are a fun site to go to if you are in need of a sketch.

I started with one of my favorite PP from Me& My Big Ideas. I am so going to have to look into getting more of their PP. I knew I didn't want to make another card. I was just kinda getting burnt out so I had planned to make a door hanger for my niece. But since the challenge was to use brown and blue I colored Anya with brown hair. My niece is a blonde so I am not sure if she would like it as much. Plus, after using the sketch I ran out of a place to put the letter "S" for her name. I might sent it to her anyway.

Well, I am kinda all talked out already so if you have a question about this project (or any other project) please email me.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Missy

Kona rocks!!!

Wooohooo!!! I am on a roll. Another post in a row. Craziness. I am just making a point to get something done for all you wonderful people that come to my blog.

I wanted to start off by saying that today is a sad day. Not really but to my mommy heart it is. We had a bit of a confusing issue the passed couple of days but it got figured out. Today my husband checked on my son's teacher. The school here posts a note on the library window with a list of all the teachers and who is in the classes. We found out my son's teacher. It isn't the teacher we were hoping for and I know nothing about his teacher so it will be interesting. I just hope and pray that they are a good match and he has some wonderful kids in his class. We are one step closer to him starting school and another step closer to my son getting older. I know it is going to happen. I can't prevent it. What mom in her right mind would literally want her kids to stop progressing, right? To me this just seems to be a big step in motherhood after the toddler years. Something that is hard because instead of helping our children to this next step we have to let them go and let someone else take over. But I know we both need it and I am excited for him and my youngest son. My youngest because now he gets a few hours a day with me alone. It will be fun to get to know my youngest son even better.

Okay, back to our regularly scheduled program. I realized I haven't played with Kona from Our Craft Lounge in a long time. I stamped and colored him in and then decided I was going to make a scrapbook page of the last time we went to Sunset Beach with my parents. I am not good with scrapbook page layouts. I love to scrapbook but find it easier to make a card instead.

My goal was to look around some blogs and such and get a layout idea and then go from there. Well, I only have a few pictures so I had planned to make the page and add the pictures later. but after looking at the layouts I liked I realized that I actually need the pictures when I make the page so I scrapped that idea.

Instead I went to Card Positioning Systems knowing I could find something to do with Kona. Guess what? I did :)

This card has a bunch of elements to it and I love it. It isn't over done but it has a lot of things to grab the eye. I think it turned out wonderfully. Do you think I am getting my mojo back? Well, kinda because I still need help with layouts, but that is okay.

The card base is a scrap of PTI Pure Poppy and then layered on some rustic cream which I love so I better get busy on ordering some more. The PP is from Me & My big ideas. I just love that paper to go with Kona. Kona was stamped using Staz-On ink on rustic cream, colored using Koh-I-Noor pencils and sponged with PTI Ripe Avocado (Oh my goodness, who doesn't love avocados? I so need some but they are expensive here, lol) as well and sponged with Stampin' Ups bliss blue ink.

The buttons were threaded with DMC floss in the ripe avocado variety and glued on. The "sentiment" was stamped individually on ripe avocado and rustic cream cardstock. The sand rake I had in my stash of buttons from Wal-Mart (I think) and the shells are real shells I picked up during our first visit to Sunset Beach. I just love the extra element the shells give. Well, I believe that is it for now.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Missy

Whimsy Croc

*If you want to read some babble from me there is a second post below this one*

Yeah, I made it. I actually got my project done and I love how it turned out. I do have to admit thought that I took the basic sketch from another blogger who is awesome. My mom mentioned her to me and I really like her stuff. Her blog name is "Flutter by atomicbutterfly".

With the crocodile I colored him first with a brown copic, then a light green, then darker green. After that I used a natural gray and colorless blender to get the different color shades showing. I think it really adds to the dimension of the crocodile.

The paper and ink are all PTI. The green button I get from my goodies through Whimsy and the others I already had in my stash. The ribbon I bought a long time ago through All That Scraps so I have no idea the company but I am thinking it is May Arts.

The card is a 4" X 4 1/4" rectangle card. I really like this size. Small enough so you don't have to do a lot but big enough where you can add a bit more stuff than you could on a smaller card.

I didn't make this card for anyone or anything special. I just really wanted to color the crocodile after I got him. When I showed it to my husband he asked who it was for and then asked if it was for his friend that is having his birthday on Wednesday. I think that is a great idea. I say friend but I should say brother. My husband and this guy have been friends since they have been toddlers. It really is amazing and I can't imagine what it would be like to have a friend for that long but I think it is awesome. Even after I met him you can tell he is part of the family and I truly see him as a brother-in-law than just my husbands friend as well.

Well, I am truly pleased with this project and hope you are too. I have more cards to make for family and friends so I am sure to have more projects more often.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Missy

Blabber for now

Hello everyone!!! I know I have been very in and out lately. I got some goodies from Whimsy stamps late last week and got to coloring right away. But on the other side I didn't get to do anything with it just yet. I plan to have that done and posted within the next few hours. Please cross your fingers for me.
Right now I wanted to talk about some things that are going on with my life. Things are just crazy but mellow. Although I have started my 2nd trimester I feel like I am starting all over again with the morning sickness and tiredness.
My oldest son will be starting kindergarten on Monday, a week from today. I am excited for him but very sad as well. I can't explain it. He is absolutely excited. I got him a book that he has me read him every night. It is about the first day of kindergarten and so great. I asked him if he was nervous about starting school and he shook his head no. I do have to give one piece of advice though, (I am an emotional person to begin with so that might be part of it) but if you can plan it do not have a child start school and expecting another at the same time. It has been horrible on my emotions. Thank goodness I have a very mellow husband to equal me out.
On a side note. Church is just so fun and wonderful. We are entering a new step in our faith. My husband and I are going to be taking special classes later this month that will get us one step further to be an eternal family. And I do have to say that makes me probably the happiest person right now. I just could not imagine not being able to be with my husband and kids, grandkids, and so on after this life. And to know that one we are sealed we will be together forever. I just couldn't be happier right now (well, minus the headaches, backaches, tiredness that comes with pregnancy. But even that is worth it :D )
Okay, cross your fingers that I will have another post soon with a new Whimsy image for me :)
Thanks for stopping by!!!
Missy

Message for my friends

Nothing crafty at the moment but I wanted to inform you all on a great blog hop/candy giveaway that is going on now and thru Sunday evening.
Stop on by the Our Craft Lounge website here or Cammie's blog and get started on the blog hop. They just released 31 new sets and with every comment you leave (one per blog) you enter yourself in a chance to win one of the 31. I just did.
Good luck!!!
Thanks for stopping by!!!
Missy

A template

Happy Wednesday everyone!!! I have been getting my posts done later and later in the day. I might end up being an evening poster by time I figure out how to schedule my time more wisely. I hope you are all having a wonderful week. Mine, so far not bad. I had another migraine yesterday. Surprising though, it wasn't bad but it still kept me pretty useless all day. I had a hard time keeping anything solid down. It seemed the only things I could eat were grapes (which we are now out of), pickles (which we are also out of) and m&m's combined with a wild cherry Pepsi. The caffeine in the soda and the m&m's (there were dark chocolate) help my head ease off on the pain. Today I feel a ton better minus the chest pain. I developed that yesterday morning after my 2nd trip to the bathroom. I am not sure what it is yet. Maybe indigestion/heartburn or my mom even mentioned gall bladder. Thank goodness I have an appointment with my OB next week so I can question them about it. Right now Tums is helping to ease the pain. I tell you what, I don't know if it is my older age (I will be the oldest mom in my family, mom and sisters) or it is a girl but this pregnancy and I are just not agreeing with each other. When I was pregnant with my boys it was so nice. I loved being pregnant. This one, this one is kicking my butt. Hopefully this is the only time this baby and I but heads :)

I did want to get something created today. I am so far behind on things for the month of July that I knew I needed to get started. I was just going to send my niece a card with a check in it but then I felt bad since I sent her sister something cute to put the check in. That is when I remembered some of the templates I have from PTI. I had actually planned on making the bigger version of this picnic basket for a friend who had a baby but it never happened.

This is the smaller version of the picnic basket made almost completely out of PTI supplies. I will tell you though. When making this basket make sure you have some thin two-sided tape with a backing. Like scor-pal tape or something. I tried to used glue dots and smooth them out but it was still bulky and made my edges stand out more than I would have liked but I hope my niece doesn't notice it like I do.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Missy

Finally a card...

for my blog and for my niece. One of my niece's turned a couple of week's ago and I just now got a card made for her.

I know I have been slacking on the blogging thing. So many things have gone on and most of them I don't really care to share. But because of that I haven't been feeling up to creating. Well, that kinda isn't true. I have wanted to create something but when I sit down to do it I just can't. I don't know what it is.

I have decided that things can only get better if I stop dwelling on the bad. That is my goal this week. I want to remember the things that are good right now. With that I am going to get in the craft room more and create things for me and for the blog.

This is the card I made for my niece and her 2nd birthday. it is kinda "older" looking for a 2 year old but I think it works for her. I am just not completely happy with how it turned out. I guess the break from the craft room really took a toll on me.

Well, I think that is it for today. I hope to be back tomorrow with something fun.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Missy