Stamp Kissing

I am just so dang tired after our big conference at work this past week, I decided to something fairly easy here today. And when I ran across this tutorial and got permission from the fabulous Tressa Black (the author of the tutorial) to put this on our blogs, I thought "Yeah! My job is complete for today's blog!"

Be sure and go visit her on her blog at http://www.fabulouslyartsy.blogspot.com/.

I'll be back tomorrow or Tuesday to catch up! (If it doesn't play when you click on it, it's because there is so much traffic being sent to the site as she just published it. Wait a little while and come back!)

Cousin's Reunion 2008

My mom and her sister's used to get together for a sister's reunion once a year. It was just those 5 girls and no one else was invited! We have pictures to tell us some of the stories, but 4 of the 5 of them are gone now and many of those stories and secrets and private moments have gone with them.
Well, those sister's had lots of kids. And those kids had kids and so on and so on!
Last year, the oldest sister, Aunt Gracie (who by the way is 103 this year!) daughter's (5 of them, too!) all got to talking and decided to have a cousin's reunion. We had the best time. We thought! Well, this year, we did it again! (Sounds like we have started something here!)
We met in Locust Grove Oklahoma at Trixie's house, Saturday. Food was being brought in and people were coming for miles. Oh, my! What an afternoon. After we all got done eating (for the time being), we started catching up. The talking and the laughter could have been heard for miles! I really think we were louder than usual! I suppose when you have something to say and you want to be heard, ya gotta be loud!












Here we are, in the house, just sitting around talking and eating. Our cousing Jenny made it this year. I had never met her before and I could tell immediately she was a Carroll! She was just like the rest of us. She came in with a big box of pictures she had that were her "grannys". My Aunt Beulah. I saw pictures of my grandparent's parents. Until that moment, I had only known of their existence on paper. I had never seen a picture of them. And then, more... my family was all in that box! It was a little overwhelming but absolutely fantastic!
Then, we all started the de-toxing. That will have to be a story for later. Judy has pictures of my feet in the water. You soak your feet in the tub of water charged with electricity (oh, and don't forget the grounding of your body!). All of this junk comes out of your feet. Gross! Pretty amazing stuff.
Saturday night was the big weiner roast. We all sat around the fire and talked and told stories. And a little after dark, we all started getting ready to go to our respective sleeping places. Judy and I were inside helping put stuff away when someone said "Come on girls... let's go swimming!" Most replied... "I don't have a bathing suit!". "Who cares!!!". So, off to find a t-shirt and then to meet at the pool.
But, not before Aunt Gracie makes things a little exciting. As we were standing there discussing the pool, we hear a faint... "help!". It was Aunt Gracie (now, remember, she is the 103 year old). She had fallen out of bed. She was just fine, but she was on the floor! After she got her sense about her, she wanted it made very clear that was the very FIRST time that had happened! With the help of several, we got her back in bed. She quickly said... "I'm ok... you all get out of here!". So we did.
And off to changing clothes. Judy and I headed to the motorhome. We found Sue in bed and almost asleep. With much persuading, we got her out of bed and heading up to the pool with us. She was not happy about it! And, oh my goodness! The water was SO cold!
We didn't swim long, but we did swim... ALL the girls that were there!
Then, off to bed for a wonderful nights sleep filled with happy thoughts of the day.
The morning woke everyone to thunder and lightening and rain! We were fine, but we were sure thinking about those in the tents!
Breakfast at 8:30, more talking and then the saying goodbyes.
Once again, it was a wonderful time and we can't wait until next year!
Thanks so much to the Garoutte Girls! We had a blast!
(I was so busy this year talking, I didn't get nearly as many pictures as I wanted! Hopefully, I'll be able to get some from all of those other camera buffs!)

Too Busy!

This is my crazy week. At my job, we are getting ready for a big conference that will be held next week starting Tuesday and finishing up Saturday with a big Golf tournament. As of this morning, we had 312 people registered. They are coming in from 28 different states and it's going to be very busy! This week is crazy because this is the week we are finalizing things and you know, if something is going to go wrong, it will be this week because it will reak panic in everyone! And right in the middle of everything, I am having to interview to try to find a replacement for one of my people.

But, everything is going to be just fine. I had a talk with myself early this week and I made a decision. I decided that if I remain calm, that no matter what happens, it can be dealt with much better. And I have done so... and I think it has been reflected in my unit. Yes, we've had out panic moments, but we've dealt with it and we've gotten through it. And blood pressure has stayed down. (note to self... remain calm... it's contagious)

Anyway, I got home tonight and my brain was just fried. I met my sister on the patio and after chatting for a few minutes, we, of course, decided we were hungry. But, as usual, we didn't know what we wanted. We ate really healthy last night. She fixed these wonderful foil packets of potatoes, onion and chicken on the grill with a side of peas. YUM! So, tonight, we didn't feel like being so good.

Off to Pasta Express we went. Motzarella Sticks and Marinara Sauce and a diet Coke. mmmmm. And then, off to Dairy Queen. Have you seen those crazy new chocolate covered strawberry sundaes in a chocolate dipped waffle cone? All I can say is... OMG! These are heaven on earth! And I really can't believe I ate the whole thing!!! And so did SHE!!!!

If it doesn't cause me to have nightmares, I will probably sleep really well tonight and be ready for more interviews and another day full of surprises tomorrow.

Wish me luck!

Hopefully, after the conference next week, I'll be able to get back to being creative and come up with some more projects to post!

Happy Scrapping!

Cards I Made Last Night

I just love these cards. I found them on the CTMH Bulletin Boards and just had to play with the design last night. I like the boldness yet the simplicity of them.

All of the cards are 5" x 4"

On "Great Job", I cut 2 strips (1" x 5") using the stripe from Paper Garden.. "Great" was stamped on White Daisy (2 1/8" x 5") in Sweet Leaf using Rustic Alphabets and "Job" was stamped in Petal using Precious Alphabets.

Thank You was made the same way only I stamped
"Thank" in Petal and "You" in Sweet Leaf.

On "Happy Birthday" I used the Polka Dot from Whoops A Daisy. (I used the same dimensions as above). "Happy" was stamped using Rustic Alphabets in Ocean and "Birthday" in Hydrangea.

I hope you like them as much as I do!

The Eagles in Branson!

Ok, well, it wasn't the REAL Eagles, it was the Eagles Tribute Band. They were so incredible. They sang all of my favorites and by the end of the show, everyone was up and dancing... even John! Being the music critic he is, I wasn't sure what he'd think about them, but he was impressed! If you are ever in Branson, I'd highly recommend seeing this show... actually, it's more of a concert. Nonstop music... no comedian... no talking... just music! And, you better love The Eagles, because that's ALL you get!

I forgot my camera, so this was taken on my cell phone. Not the best, but you get the idea!

Happy Monday!

Most people don't Monday's, but I do... really! It's the start of a whole new week! And lots of time ahead of you to accomplish things. Work was busy today, as it will be over the next couple of weeks. We have a big conference my unit is very involved in that will occur the week after Father's Day. And the weekend of Father's Day is our Cousin's Reunion in Oklahoma. I have a workshop that Friday night, but after that is over with, my sister and I will hop aboard the Lewis bus (my brother's motorhome) and head to Locust Grove Oklahoma! We will drive to Joplin and park it in a Cracker Barrel and spend the night. Yes, that is only 1 hour from home, but it's what we do every year! Then, Saturday morning we will get up and eat breakfast at Cracker Barrel and then head on down. It will be a lot of fun seeing everyone again. Hopefully the weather will hold for us and the campers won't get wet!

I'll be sure to take lots of pictures to share when I get back.

I haven't been too creative here lately. I have been working on more "fabric trashbags" and will need to get lots more made later in the year.

Close to My Heart is having a fantastic special this month. STAMPAGANZA! This only comes along once a year. You can buy 2 sets of stamps and get the 3rd of of equal or lesser value for free! FREE! Stop by my website www.jmpurves.myctmh.com and check it out. If you don't have a new 08 Summer Idea book, click HERE to look at one online. And you can also check out the 08 Spring Idea book by clicking HERE. AND, you can go to the Product Guide by clicking HERE to see any sets that aren't in either of those books. And to make it really handy... you can order right off my website!

I'm off to grab some dinner and then try to get the yard mowed! Later!

June Workshop Pages

For whatever reason, I am so prepared for June workshops! The first one is at my neice's house. We have so much fun and I can hardly wait each month to get together. But, I usually am spending the night before cutting, cutting, cutting getting ready! But not this month! I am done and I also have July's done! But, I won't post those for a while.

In addition to the Mother's Love pages already posted, we will be doing Father's Day pages. I totally lifted this from another talented consultant, but... I can't remember who it was! I try so hard to write down the name in case I do use something, but I couldn't find it when I went to look for it. If it's yours, thank you and I'm sorry I can't give you the proper credit.

I've used Sarsparilla and I have fallen in love with it. And I love the simplicity of these pages. In addition to the B & T from Sarsparilla, I used Twilight, Desert Sand and Barn Red Cardstock along with 3 Black Itty Brads as well as Dimensional Element Flowers (in 2 sizes and stacked). I covered the larger flower with the plaid B & T and ink distressed the smaller one and stamped it with "Father's Day" from the May Stamp of the Month. All products used were Close To My Heart. As usual, let me know what you think.

Getting Back to Normal

It's Tuesday, the day after a long weekend. I think I left my brain somewhere. I can't seem to get it together today! I want it to still be the long weekend!

Anyway, I am playing catch up tonight... can't do much that's too productive because I am too dangerous!

Hopefully, I'll be back to normal tomorrow. Phew. A few more hours and I can go to bed and get up in the morning and start over.

Memorial Day 2008

My friend, Diana, went home today. What a great visit we had. I already miss her and can't wait until our next visit.

I've been working this afternoon on getting workshop projects ready for June. June is quite a busy month for me at my job (the one that actually pays the bills!). We have a big conference near the middle of the month and there are a lot of last minutes projects and finishing touches that have to be tended to. Usually my Close to My Heart business lags a bit this month... by design.

However, this month could be different with new Constant Campaign that will be announced later in the week. Check back! You're going to love it!

I will try to get my new pages posted soon. It's been a rainy cool day and has been perfect for being inside. But, isn't it interesting what humidity can do to paper? Note to self... close up house and turn on a/c next time you work on pages!!!

Junk Sale Shoppin' Saturday

My oldest daughter got here last night about 9 and she and Diana and I sat up talking until after 11. We were up early this morning as the plan was to hit Panera for breakfast and start garage saleing as soon as the doors opened. Well, the weather was not in our favor... at least not for garage saleing. Instead, we got up, put on the coffee, and headed out to the front porch to enjoy the thunder and lightening and rain. We did that for about 2 hours and finally got dressed and headed to Panera. And then, decided we would go junk storing (thrift stores) instead of the garage sales. At least we would be under a roof for a little longer at a time.

We headed to Ozark. Found 4 there. Then on to Nixa and found 2 there. Every place we wet there was some kind of sale. And some treasure one of us couldn't live without. We laughed til we cryed! We had so much fun! We made our way back into Springfield mid afternoon and had a snack at Andy's Frozen Custard and then to Fuji's Japanese Steakhouse for dinner.

We didn't drag back home until around 6. We unloaded all of our stuff and Shelly loaded her car and headed home and Diana and I crashed on the couch.

Just like old times! We absolutely had a blast! Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Happy Friday!

I am so excited! My best friend in the whole world is coming to visit me today. She should be rolling in here around noon. Diana and I have known each other over 25 years. Back in August of 1982, she had only been working at her new job a couple of days when she went to the front desk to escort another new employee upstairs. We were on the elevator and something cracked us up. We were destined to be buds. It didn't take long to get us talking to each other. We quickly learned we were both single mom's of daughter's (she - 1, me - 2), we had gotten married at the exact time, day and year back in 1972 (and were divorced about the same time), we were the very same age (only 19 days apart), we were living in the same apartment complex (of a big city like Omaha, NE) and we had the same warped sense of humor. Through the years, we learned we had so much more in common. We have gone through everything, including moving away from each other to becoming grandma's. Nothing can keep us apart. We always pick right back up wherever we left off. Whether we've been away for a month of 5 years. It is the only true "contstant" in our lives. Everyone needs a friend like Diana. She will be here until Monday, so I don't know how much blogging I will get done! But I will try to keep everyone on top of what we are doing. WOOHOO! I can't wait!

Update on my Grandson, Brenden

Many of you have been following Brenden's medical issues since March 25th when the doctors found a large cyst on his brain following a routine MRI for reoccurring headaches. Initially, he saw the doctors locally, but had a follow up appointment last Friday in St. Louis. Thankfully, that went well. For that, we are all so grateful! His entire story can be read on his Caring Bridge website... http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/superbrenden08
It just so happened that the trip to St. Louis coincided with his 9th birthday, so while there, the whole family took in the sites. If you'd like, click on the link below for a fun slide show of the weekend. I enjoyed it and I hope you will, too!


Brenden's Montage 5/21/08

Graduation

I had a great birthday yesterday. Lots of birthday well wishes and John took me to dinner at Lambert's. That's a way to blow your diet! There is NOTHING like those hot throwed rolls. It was all very good. We went early so I could get back to town for a special event.
My sister, Judy, was a teacher this year... for the first time in her life! She was a pre-school teacher at her church, Glendale Christian Church's, preschool. Last night was graduation. How cute! The entire school had their spring program and was immediately followed by the graduation ceremony. I cried and I didn't even know any of the kids!

That's her on the far left!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Yes, today is my birthday! Busy day ahead! Will be working all day, but my group has to go over to the hotel where our big conference is being held in June so we can work out conference details. They are taking me to lunch first. Then after work, I am meeting John in Ozark and we are going to Lambert's for dinner. YUM! And then, I am going to the graduation of my sister's class. She teaches pre-school and her 5 year olds are graduating. How Cute is THAT! Hopefully, I'll get some good pictures that I can post later on tonight.

Last night, I attended out Scrapbook MeetUp Group. We had such a nice time. I didn't get any pages done, but I did get some other stuff done for workshops. And in record time! Those concentrated 3 hours are like heaven-sent for me. I don't know why, but I can just pound out the stuff! And I so enjoy the group. DeDe has become a really good friend. She is a Creative Memories Consultant. We have no competition and I love that. The other ladies are diverse... from beginning scrapbooking to 8 or 9 years experience like DeDe and I.

If you are in the Springfield area, check out this website http://scrapbook.meetup.com/1286/ and plan to join us sometime. We meet once a month from 5 - 9. We'd love to see you there!

Mother's Love pages

I had a workshop last night for one of my club members, Kim. We had a great turn out. There were some experienced scrapbookers and some newbies there. I love a mix like that. This was a great bunch of gals and I hope to see them all again sometime.

Here are the pages we did. Mother's Love. These can be used for Mother's Day or just for cool pictures of kids and moms.

I used several techniques and products.

1. Random stamped B & T (background and texture)


2. Paper Garden Kit


3. Petal and Sweet Leaf Cardstock


4. Big Pinks (flowers)


5. Spring Buttons


6. Printing on Post It Notes


7. Printing pictures in Black and White (makes any picture work with paper you fall in love with!)


8. Cropping pictures down to 3 x 3


9. Cricut words (welded and regular cut)

All Mom's Should See This!

I just got an update on the Close to My Heart Convention I am going to this year in July. I mean, come on, if you love scrapbooking like I do, what could be more fun than going to a Corporate Convention in Orlando Florida for 4 days and 2,000 other people who love scrapbooking as much or more (if possible!) than me! AND travel with the greatest travel partner ever, Lyla! Anyway... in the update today, they told us the headline performer will be Anita Renfroe. I hadn't heard of Anita Renfroe until I opened this video. I saw this a while back and was rolling on the floor. Everything I EVER said to my kids is repeated in this hysterical performance. So, moms, take about 3 minutes, turn up your volume, sit back and enjoy this. THIS IS FOR YOU!

Let me know what you think!

Crafty Daughter's Projects

I just have to share my daughter's talents. Stacy, my youngest made this adorable marshmallow fondant cake for her daugther, Trella's 2nd birthday. All I could say was WOW!

Shelly, my oldest daughter, made these pillows for a friend who was having an "Arabian Knights" party. She hadn't sewn since Home Ec in High School (at least 10 years ago). I think they are fabulous!

I am so proud of both of them. It was funny, because as they were growing up, I don't think they really appreciated the crafts so much, but now, that they are all grown up, it looks like they can't fight the feeling any longer!

Thanks for looking!

And Here are Three More!

Here are three more! And would you believe someone has already bought them! I had to get pictures before I put them in the mail!

I love crafts so much. I wish I could do it all day long. Right now, it's only at night! Someone asked me today if I had a life! I said YES! My crafts! I do not see one thing wrong with that.

My dear friend, Diana, is coming to visit me next weeked (Memorial Day). We have been friends for 25 years. We only get to see each once or twice a year and we are having withdrawals! I sure hope she doesn't expect a clean house or food in the fridge! Who am I kidding. She knows me so well and she knows how OCD I am, so being caught up in my crafts won't come as a surprise to her.

I can't wait to see her!

Help! I've Started and I Can't Stop!

I love these things! And we've got a store here in town called the FM Store. When I was a kid, it was called the Farmer's Market. I don't know exactly when it changed, but back then, it was like a Dollar General of the 60's. A big dime store only cheaper! NOW, it is a huge fabric store. They have the largest selection of Waverly fabric in town. And more tapestry than you would know what do to with. The more contemporary section has really caught my eye. I bought 10 different pieces of fabric and put these 2 together tonight. I hope you enjoy them!

Megan's Concert

Judy and I went to Megan's 7th grade Band Concert last night. Megan got 2 awards. We were so proud of her! Here are some pictures of the night.















That's Megan with the microphone in her hand!