*Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr*

It's official.... I am cold!  This is the coldest we've been in several months and for the most part, I am chilled to the bone.  Except when under all my blankets and cozy in bed at night with a Magic Bag straight from the microwave to warm me up enough to be able to sleep.

This is day three of snow falling.... and while it hasn't all been heavy snowfalls, it's accumulating pretty damn good out there.

Talk about a Winter Wonderland.

I am thankful that I have a jacket and mitts and a scarf, a home to protect me, a car to get me from A to B...  but I sure hate the cold!  I'm sure it could be worse ... and I'm sure it will get worse before spring shows up again!

So far the forecast for next week in Calgary is for more crappy weather... but I'll be in Toronto visiting my sister where it may be rainy, but at least it won't be cold!  I might even take my flip flops with me LOL!

Today I will share a card, that reminds me a lot of looking out my front window right now...

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  PTI White, Bazzill Bling
*Images:  Impression Obsession; Hero Arts Holiday Tags
*Ink:  Brilliance Moonlight White; Encore Ultimate Metallic Blue
*Tools:  Big Shot; Snowflakes Cuttlebug embossing folder; Labels 5 Nestabilities
*Embellishments:  bling, unknown ribbon
*Challenges:  Mojo163


I created this card to meet the requirements for a mingle I joined on the CreativeCuttlebuggers YahooGroup email list... we had to make a card that was blue and silver and at least one thing had to be Cuttlebugged.

Sure does look icy and cold.... just like the world outside my window!

*Dodged a Bullet*

Well, at least for now.... by mid-afternoon yesterday they had changed our forecast to include 10-15cm of snow instead of 5-10.... and we woke up to somewhere between 5 and 10cms.  Enough to make a mess of the roads and to require shoveling, but not enough to cause major delays and problems in the city.

Sadly, the temperature is dropping.... gonna be brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr here for a while.

I had an email from a friend of mine last night, asking if I would be willing to teach her group of 22 Girl Guides to make some Christmas Cards to donate to some seniors to use this year....  sadly the date she wanted me is a date I'm not available, but I volunteered my time and costs and put together 44 card kits (four designs, 2 cards per Guide) for them to play with at their meeting on December 1st.

My friend has made cards before and is familiar with paper crafting so I am sure she can walk the girls through it all without any difficulties.  I've written up directions for her just in case she needs them.  And each of the cards is a take on something I've created before, all of them pretty simple as the girls won't have a lot of time to create.

It was a lot of work, but I am glad I could do it for them!

Anyway.... for today.... a non-Christmas card....

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Early Espresso, Marina Mist; PTI White
*Tools:  Big Shot; Quickutz Retro Diamonds embossing folder
*Embellishments:  Stampin' Up! Marina Mist Ribbon; Michael's Bridal flowers; Kaiser Pearls
*Challenges:  Mojo138


This could have very easily been a winter card by substituting snowflakes for the flowers....

Enjoy your Tuesday!

*Waiting For The Winter Wonderland*

It's a good thing I put on socks and shoes last week... the weather forecast for Calgary is ugly!!!  There is a chance of up to 10cms of snow tonight (almost 4 inches) and the temperature is going to fall severely.  We've been above freezing for the most part all fall, and tomorrow our high will be about -8C (17F).  And our nightly lows will be around -18C (that's 0F).

And from what I've heard, the long term forecast shows temperatures below freezing until at least the 26th of November.

I think I need to find my mitts and scarf too.... and probably my boots!

It's all a part of living here, but that first big snowfall and the first dip into such cold temperatures is always a difficult thing!

So, since we're looking at Winter in Calgary, I'm sharing another Christmas card with you...

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Tangerine; Classic Crest white
*Pattern Paper:  My Mind's Eye Colorful Christmas
*Images:  Hero Arts
*Ink: Stampin' Up! Tangerine Tango
*Challenges:  MTSC94


As soon as I saw the sketch, I knew I wanted to play with Christmas papers.  I love this MME paper as it's so untraditional in it's colours...

Thanks for stopping by today!

*I Just Realized....*

... just far behind in Christmas preparations I am!!  It's November 13th already!!

I have bought one Christmas present and have approximately 30 Christmas cards made.  I send out about 100 cards every year.....

And in the coming weeks I have a trip to Ontario to plan for and to take (including a chance to work on Christmas cards at a crop, I hope!), the Purdy's fundraiser for Alex's school band to enter into the computer and consolidate all payments, shop for presents, shop for our Cruise....

I sure hope it all gets done!

I probably should have done something today after preparing for the party we're hosting tonight (like maybe take the boyz shopping for clothes for cruise dinners) instead of sitting on my ass instead....

Ooops

LOL

Oh well... going to try to not stress too much about it and just see what happens!

On to the card... I love these new Nestabilities...  I think that the Beaded Circles look a lot like snowballs when done in white!

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Whisper White; Bazzill
*Images:  Hero Arts Holiday Tags
*Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
*Tools:  Big Shot; Spellbinders Beaded Circles Nestabilities
*Embellishments:  unknown ribbon; unknown brad
*Challenges:  FTL108


I just wish that the regular Nestability dies could cut larger for creating circle or scalloped cards...  I think Shannon is ordering the Grand Calibur that will be able to cut a full 8.5 inches wide as well as some of the dies....  I think I'll be visiting once she gets it!

Hmmmm, maybe I should put it on my Christmas wish list!

LOL!

Enjoy your Saturday folks....  Jimmy (our new Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker) has invited some of our friends over tonight for margaritas (and other frozen concoctions)!

*Strong and Free*

I love any day when there are no alarm clocks going off in the morning!!

The kids are lucky enough to get today and tomorrow off from school... today to mark Remembrance Day, tomorrow is a Professional Development Day.

Sadly I have a lot of things planned for the next 24 hours including a two hour round trip to pick up some stuff for Christy for her to take to Saskatchewan this weekend for a crop, getting blood work done in the morning (means I can't eat after 10 tonight, which is probably a good thing), getting some groceries and hopefully pre-bowling in preparation for my trip to see my sister in a few weeks.

In other sad news, I retired my flip flops today....  I was beginning to think that the crappy support in them was what has been causing the pain in my heels....  figure it's time to put on some socks and shoes and hopefully put the pain behind me.  We'll see if it works.

This was probably the longest I've ever gone wearing flip flops... and I loved every minute!

Anyway.... I thought a very simple but strong card would be good to share in Remembrance Day.....

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Marina Mist, Cherry Cobler, Wild Wasabi; PTI White
*Images:  Stamping Bella
*Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics
*Tools:  Stampin' Up! border punch
*Challenges:  MTSC89; SCS ColorChallenge #279


I took two minutes of silence at 11 this morning to remember all who have come before me, who have sacrificed so much to give me the freedom I cherish... I hope you did too!

*Song For Remembrance Day*

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day here in Canada... a day for all of us to pause and remember and honour all of those who have fought for our country, to ensure our freedom.... take a listen to this beautiful song....

"Highway of Heroes", was co-written and co-produced by The Trews and Gordie Johnson (Big Sugar) and was inspired by the 2006 death of Captain Nichola Goddard from The Trews' hometown of Antigonish, NS. Canada's Highway of Heroes, is the section of the MacDonald-Cartier freeway named to honour those who have sacrificed all in service of country.

*Smile*

Are you shocked?  So many days with posts!!  I just have so many cards to share that I figure I should share them instead of holding on to them.  I have several already photographed and ready to share as well as 10 cards waiting for me to take them outside and take photos.

I don't know that I've ever had this many cards in my stash to share!

It feels good to have cards made instead of panicking that there is nothing for me to share!

Sad part is that the traffic to my blog has really dropped off in the last months... I guess too much time without regular posts.

But I'm glad you're here!!

And for coming, I'm sharing a smile with you....

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  PTI White; Stampin' Up! Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango, So Saffron
*Images:  Whipper Snapper; PTI Mega Mixed Messages
*Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics
*Tools:  Stampin' Up! border punch
*Challenges:  MTSC95; SCS Color Challenge #291

*I've Been Crafting!*

I have had an awesome couple days of crafting!  From Sunday afternoon to Monday evening, I created 9 cards!!  Yup, 9!!  And only a few of them are Christmas cards!

I am trying very hard to leave the Christmas card creating until I head to Ontario in two weeks.  I am going to a weekend retreat with my sister and her very good friend.  You all know by now how much trouble I have figuring out what to take with me to create outside of my space that the decision to go to this retreat has me totally stressed!  I decided from the beginning that I would take stuff to do Christmas cards at the retreat... so I don't want to have nothing to do once I get there so I'm trying to not make too many Christmas cards before I go away.

I have enough trouble taking my stuff to Shannon's to play with the CalGals....  how the hell am I supposed to pack stuff to take on a plane??!!!  GAH!!!!

Anyway... there's still lots of time to stress over that LOL!

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  PTI White; Stampin' Up! Baja Breeze, Basic Black
*Patterned Paper:  Imaginisce
*Images:  Stampin' Up! Baroque Motifs
*Ink:  Stampin' Up! Pear Pizazz
*Tools:  Cuttlebug; Swiss Dots embossing folder
*Embellishments:  Prima Flowers; Doodlebug Brads
*Challenges:  MTSC96


Thanks for popping in for a visit!

*A Lighter Start*

The best part about the time change in the fall is that the sun is rising when we are getting out of bed at 7.  And Matthew and his friend can walk to school in daylight instead of darkness at 7:40.

The worst part about the time change is that I'm making dinner in darkness now.

I sure do prefer spring and summer to fall and winter....

But I'm still wearing flip flops

LOL!

I'm not a huge fan of this card.... it's not ugly, it's not a "bad" card... I'm just not a huge fan....

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Baja Breeze, Cajun Crazy, Wild Wasabi; PTI White
*Images:  Inkadinkadoo Dot Flourishes; PTI Mega Mixed Messages
*Ink:  Stampin' Up! Cajun Craze
*Tools:  Stampin' Up! Border Punch
*Challenges:  FTL107

*Tired Nancy*

Happy Sunday everyone.... I hope you all remembered to change your clocks before bed last night...  I was thinking about it all day and when it came time to go to bed, I was this close to forgetting!

I had a good but busy weekend....  I went to an appointment on Friday morning, leaving the house at 9:30 and got a call from Christy that she needed help getting the groceries for the Jingle Bell Crop.  As soon as I was done with my appointment I went to help her and ended up working for several hours getting the last minute stuff ready for the big crop.  I came home for about an hour and was at the hall at 6pm to help get things set up.  The crop ran from 7 until midnight on Friday night and again from 9:30am until 11pm on Saturday.  Over the weekend I helped set up, greeted croppers, chatted, laughed, ate, taught a class, cut way too many onions, sliced buns (and my finger), served food, cleaned up, coloured images with my Copics....

I came home last night and fell in to bed and slept for 9 hours straight.  Felt good!

Today I have had to do some work for Bruce's business as our year end was October 31st and I've been busy since then.  I'm now spending a little time with my crafty side... I've made one card and decided I'd take a minute and share a (different) card with you!

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Basic Black, PTI White
*Images:  PTI Signature Greetings
*Ink:  VersaFine Onyx Black
*Tools:  Corner Chomper
*Embellishments:  Petaloo flowers; unknown ribbon; Doodlebug glitter brad coloured with a Copic
*Challenges:  FTL112


I gotta tell you... I love this card!  The picture is a little dark.... the flower is purple and black.  The card is just simple and beautiful!

Enjoy the end of your weekend!

*Quick Card, Quick Post*

Another weekend....  where does the time go???

Not that I'm complaining... I like weekends!

This weekend will be a little different as I'll be at the Jingle Bell Crop (run by MondayNightClass.ca) all weekend....  I'll be working when I'm needed, teaching a quickie card class, and hopefully playing a little bit.  Guess I should pack up at least a little stuff to take with me!

I have a few things I need to get done this morning including a Drs appointment in a half hour... so this is a quickie post....

I absolutely love the simplicity of this card...

Items Used:  
*Cardstock:  PTI White; Stampin' Up! Old Olive
*Images:  PTI Signature Greetings
*Ink:  Stampin' Up! Rich Razzleberry; VersaFine Onyx Black
*Embellishments:  Michael's Bridal Flowers (coloured with Rich Razzleberry); Kaiser Pearls
*Challenges:  FTL106


And with that, I'm outta here!

*I'm Still Wearing Flipflops!*

I can't believe it is November 3rd and I am still wearing flip flops.

I went for a walk with the dog the other day and put on socks with my running shoes, but only because I don't like wearing my running shoes without socks.

And I wear socks in my bowling shoes.

But other than that, it's been flipflops or sandals since April!

The cold is going to hit hard and fast I'm sure, but for now I will enjoy my flipflops!

This is another card that I created at Shannon's house in October when the CalGals got together for an evening.

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Marina Mist, Basic Black; PTI White
*Images:  Inkadinkadoo Dot Flourishes; CTMH From Me To You
*Ink:  Stampin' Up! Old Olive; Versafine Onyx Black
*Tools:  Martha Stewart border punch
*Challenges:  FTL105


I feel like the card needs "something" along the punched border, just not sure what that "something" is.... otherwise I really like it!

I am off to work now....  preparing for the big Jingle Bell Crop this weekend!

*What The ...???!!!*

Could someone please explain to me how it is already November??  Didn't 2010 just start a few months ago?  With all that has happened in my life this year, how on earth did it all go by so fast?

Maybe it's because so much of the year wasn't "mine"... it was spent doing what I needed to do, not what I wanted to do.... and a lot of it went by while I was in a state of shock-like existence....

But seriously??  November 1st??!!!!???

GAH!  So much to do!!!!  and honestly, not a lot of desire to do some of it.  I've got absolutely no desire to "do" Christmas this year....  the thought of buying everyone gifts puts me in a cold sweat.  It might be the year of the gift card.... so original....  I hope people will understand....

Anyway....

Hallowe'en was good... Matthew decided at 4:45pm that he wanted to go out with a few friends to get candy, so he was one of "those teenagers" who show up in a mask (sigh).... but the three of them got bored and gave up after only a handful of houses.  We had a record number of kids at our door (136).  I have kept track of the number since 2002 ... we keep a tally during the evening and then I write it on the back of a cardboard skeleton decoration that we use every year.  The next highest number was 120 kids in 2005.  And this wasn't the warmest Hallowe'en we'd had either.... sure it was above freezing and there was no snow (beautiful night, actually) but we've had warmer but had fewer kids.  There truly is no rhyme or reason to it!

And now, a card to share with you.....

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Kraft, Chocolate Chip
*Images:  CTMH From Me To You; PTI Signature Greetings
*Ink:  Stampin' Up! Tempting Turqouise; Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics; white gel pen
*Embellishments:  Stampin' Up! grosgrain ribbon (white, coloured with Copics)
*Challenges: FTL111


Tracy challenged us at the last CalGals gathering to use this colour combination.  I was smart before I packed my stuff to go to Shannon's house....  I took the colours Tracy wanted us to use, found a sketch and decided on stamps before I left.  The card was pretty much created in my head before I even left the house!  I did that with a few other sketches as well... picked the colours and stamps and packed them up.  It worked out well for me as I created a handful of cards at Shannon's!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love the clean and simple cards these days??!!!

*Once In A Lifetime*

This is truly one of my favourite stamps.... I love the saying "Once in a lifetime you meet someone who changes everything".... it goes well with my other favourite saying ... "to the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world".

I think both sayings encourage us to be the best person we can be... to strive to make a difference to one person.... and to look for the good qualities of others.

If only I could find more good qualities about this card than the saying LOL!

I'm not thrilled with this card....  it's just "not right" in my opinion.  It's not that it's awful, but it's just not "right".

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Cranberry Crisp, Crushed Curry; Classic Crest White
*Patterned Paper: Magenta
*Images:  Stampabilities
*Ink: Stampin' Up! Cranberry Crisp
*Embellishments:  Stampin' Up! Ribbon
*Challenges: FTL104

*Going Out Tonight!*

I am so excited to be heading out tonight to see my most favourite band in the world!  Great Big Sea is playing in Calgary tonight and tomorrow night.  This will be my fourth time seeing them in concert.  Every one of their concerts I have been to has been a great party!  Their music makes me want to get up and dance and I can't help but sing along!  The only downer of any of their concerts is when it's over... I could truly listen to them all night long!

One of my last car trips to Regina to see Mom, I created a playlist of only Great Big Sea on my iPod and listened to them on shuffle for the entire 7 hour car trip!!

I get to see them in concert again next month... Heather bought tickets for us to go see them in London Ontario (where my niece lives) while I'm in Ontario at the end of November!

WOO HOO!

The card I'm sharing today sure mirrors how I feel about going to the concert tonight...  if that makes any sense at all LOL!

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  PaperTrey Ink White
*Patterned Paper:  Imaginisce
*Images:  PTI Signature Greetings
*Ink:  Stampin' Up! Taken With Teal
*Tools:  Stampin' Up! 1 3/8" Circle Punch
*Challenges:  FTL109


I loved the look of the large scallops but I don't own a large scallop border punch... so I just cut some circles with my circle punch and layered them on the side of the floral layer to create the large scallop border.  A border punch would be easier and a little more tidy, but it worked!

*My New Job*

I am so excited to finally be able to tell you all about my new job!  For anyone who has read my blog lately and was paying attention would have seen the "Where I Work" addition to my sidebar.....

I started my new job with MondayNightClass.ca yesterday, after interviewing in July and being hired soon after that.  I have been hired to help the ever wonderful Christy Riopel with some of the day to day duties she has as co-owner of the company.  The majority of my duties will be behind the scenes... website, blog, Facebook, email newsletter and kit direction layout, as well as running errands.  I will also be working at the Jingle Bell Crop coming up in November and will help out with other duties as needed with other events and crops.

I am so excited to be a part of such an amazing company... a little nervous though too as I hope that Christy and Cindy realize it will take me a bit to get my feet

MondayNightClass.ca employs several scrapbooking designers who create new layouts on a regular basis and write out directions to create those pages...  these directions are then test driven by a team of scrapbookers to ensure that the directions are correct and easy to follow.  Product is then ordered and kits are put together.  Each month several different kits are made available to purchase online as well as at a few Alberta scrapbooking stores.  You can either buy kits when it moves you or subscribe to receive a kit of your choice each month.  The kits are a wonderful way to try something new, get something done quickly, or just to get you back in the creative groove!  I've also heard of people who take the items in the kits and create their own layouts... or even cards!!

Please take a moment to check out their website and their blog.... and if you like what you see, come join us on Facebook too!!

*Ready for Halloween*

I have to send a big THANK YOU to my friend Nancy who inspired me today.....  she posted THIS which was her version of THIS..... and I fell in love!

It cost me about $13 cuz I used poster board and tissue paper.... and it took me almost 2 hours to get it all together....

LOVE IT!!!

*Feeling Like Fall*

Happy Friday!

Our week has been beautiful.... has felt more like early September than the end of October outside....  and I'm still wearing flip flops!!  Today it's cooled off and our high is forecast to be more seasonal (about 11*C).  Next week isn't looking that good.

I fear I will be finding my socks and shoes soon.... :-(

This is another clean and simple card for you, this time with a Christmas twist...

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Night of Navy
*Patterned Paper:  Masterpiece Studios
*Images:  Impression Obsession
*Ink:  Stampin' Up! Night of Navy
*Embellishments:  unknown snowflake brad
*Challenges:  FTL110

*Squares and Circles*

Happy Tuesday everyone!!

I must admit that I am forgetting to post to my blog... perhaps I should stop trying to remember and just schedule some posts for a while.  Hmmmmm, it's a thought.... but I think I'll work on trying to remember on my own for a while longer.

Getting back to my life has been busy, hard, easy, good, bad and ugly LOL.  A total mixed bag of emotions and feelings about it all.  I'm not pushing anything... I know it will all come with time.

It feels like I've been home forever.... but also like I only just walked in the door.  Does that make sense?

Anyway... I have been crafting a bit... even managed to make THREE CARDS with the CalGals on Friday night.... at Shannon's house!  Yup!  I crafted away from home!  I even like two of the three cards I did.

This is one of the cards I created in my brief stay at home back in August... it sat on my craft table for 8 weeks before it got photographed!

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  PaperTrey White; Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip
*Images:  Stampin' Up! Wonderful Words
*Ink:  Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip
*Tools:  Stampin' Up! square punches
*Embellishments:  Making Memories brads
*Challenges:  FTL102


I have been doing a lot of the Clean and Simple challenges since I got home... I think they take less thinking than most of the other challenges I seem to like....  I only have one more of their challenges in my To Do folder before I have to bite the bullet and do some of the other challenges.

Thanks for popping by!!!

*Trying To Get Back*

I can't believe how tough it has been to get back into a regular routine for me....  being "off" for 8 weeks a row has made my return to my normal life a little rough.  I'm constantly checking my Google Calendar to make sure I"m not missing anything!

I have had some time but no mojo for crafting... I *want* to craft, but there's just nothing there.

Maybe that will change tomorrow night as the CalGals are gathering for the first time since May!  This is the longest we've gone without getting together.  I'm looking forward to spending the evening at Shannon's with the girls tomorrow!  I should figure out what I want to pack!

This is another of the cards I created in my brief stay at home this summer....

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  PapertTrey White; Stampin' Up! Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler
*Images:  PaperTrey; Stampin'g Bella
*Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black; Stampin' Up! Marina Mist; Copics
*Embellishments:  Stampin' Up! white grosgrain ribbon coloured with Stampin' Up! Wild Wasabi ink
*Challenges:  SCS Color Challenge #279; FTL103

*A Thank You Card*

Hi Everyone.... and a belated Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians.

Thanksgiving was a little tough for me this year and thankfully my Mother in Law invited us for dinner so that I didn't have to do all of the work.  It was a delicious meal despite my mood and a few tears.

The best part was that it was a long weekend and we took it easy!

I created this card back in the summertime and was going to send it to my sister while she was in Regina.... but then I got the call to return to Regina before I got a chance to send the card.  Instead, I sent it last week when I got home... and she received it today....

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Certainly Celery, River Rock, Riding Hood Red; PaperTrey Ink white
*Images:  Stampendous; Stampin' Up! So Many Sayings
*Ink:  Stampin' Up! Riding Hood Red; Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics
*Tools:  Big Shot; Nestabilities; Swiss Dots and D'Vine Swirl Cuttlebug folders
*Embellishments:  Stampin' Up! white grosgrain ribbon dyed with the Riding Hood Red ink pad
*Challenges:  Mojo148; Color Throwdown #103

*I'm Home*

Hi everyone.... wanted to let you all know that I am home, safe and sound, after a long, tiring and emotional 8 weeks in Regina.  It's been a rough 2010 so far and I am hopeful that the rest of the year plays out a little easier for my sisters and their families and my family and I.

Thank you to everyone who has sent cards of condolence and to those who have sent donations to the Hospice in Mom's memory.  We are all truly appreciative of your generosity.  It is heartwarming to learn just how much Mom meant to so many of you.

It was very difficult to leave Regina on Saturday... I was so happy to be heading home to my husband, sons, friends and life but it was so hard to know that I was leaving my childhood home behind.  The house was sold in about 24 hours and the new owners took possession at noon on October 4th.  That house was bought by my parents 47 years ago... they were the original owners of the house.  It's so strange to think that it's someone elses' house now.

I still can't believe that both of my parents are now gone.... I miss them so much....

I hope life will return to normal soon....  at least a new normal.

For now I am playing catch up with my life, trying to remember where I left what, trying to figure out the new fall schedules for the kids and their activities.  Bruce will be back to work at the end of the week (thanks for playing Mr. Mom for the last two months.... and all the other times I was in Regina, babe!) and I will be starting on a new adventure on Tuesday I think.... more about that later!

I hope to spend some time creating in the next few days.... I have some new toys to play with!!  Mostly Nestabilities, but still!!  LOL!

Thank you all for being so patient through the last few months....  I have hated to neglect my blog and my creativity, but it was necessary.  I hope that the creative energy begins to flow again....

I created this card a few months ago.....

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Barely Banana, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turqouise
*Images:  Close To My Heart From Me To You
*Ink:  Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip; Copic Marker (to colour brad)
*Tools:  Big Shot; D'Vine Swirl Cuttlebug embossing folder; Spellbinders Flower Creation
*Embellishments:  Stampin' Up! Decorator Brad
*Challenges:  FTL101


Thanks for stopping by.....

*Not Really Here*

It's Sunday.... it's grey.... it's cool.... and I'm still in Regina

We held Mom's memorial a week ago yesterday.  It was, for a Memorial, very nice.  My Uncle and two cousins did a fabulous job of the Eulogy with laughter and tears (and props!).  I know my Mom would have loved it.

Monday my sisters and I filled a dumpster.  In one day.  We thought we wouldn't need another, but we worked hard all week, sent two pick up trucks full of useable stuff to the thrift store, and we have another almost full dumpster on the driveway.

We signed the papers to sell the house around noon on Thursday, had two showings that evening despite the house being full of boxes and mess.... and by Friday morning we had an offer and by lunchtime had a conditional sale.  We are waiting on the building inspection to see if the condition will be lifted and the sale will be final.  If all goes through, the house will no longer be ours at noon on October 4th.

One short month since Mom's passing.

Funny how she struggled and suffered for so long, but the sale of the house is so quick.

We have worked very hard to get the house cleared out.  Heather and I want to go home.  We need a few more trucks to head to the thrift store including a few runs of furniture.  We still need to pack the dishes in the kitchen.  We still have to work on Mom's craft room.  And then there's Dad's workbench and the Christmas boxes.  The craft room, workbench and Christmas boxes are going to be difficult as those are the things that hold the most memories for all of us.

I am doing OK... I miss my husband and kids, I miss my friends, I miss being a part of my own life.  I am exhausted both physically and emotionally.  I need a massage (or three) and I may live at my chiropractors office for a few weeks....  I plan on crawling in to a hot bath as soon as I walk in the door of my home... and I hope my husband and kids will unpack my suitcases and start my laundry while I relax.

Anyway....  I only have a couple of cards on my hard drive to share with you....  and I have no idea when I'll be crafting again.  I plan on heading home on October 2nd....  but who knows when there will be time or mojo.

But for today, a card... to reward you for your patience!

Again, no great details on the card as the book with all the information is on my craft desk at home.....  I can tell you it's Mojo147.  I used Michael's flowers, Stampin' Up! cardstock, Nestabilities, D'vine Swirl Cuttlebug folder, Kaiser Pearls and a sentiment by PaperTreyInk.  I guess I know everything about the card except the colours I used....  I know I got the colour combination from somewhere, but no idea at this point.

Have I told you how much I love those Michael's Bridal flowers???  I love that they keep their shimmer after they've been coloured.  I love that they take the colour so nicely from markers or sponges or ink pads.  I love that I can customize them so easily.  They are probably my most used and most loved embellishment!

Thank you to everyone who has been in touch with condolences.... and a big thank you to everyone who has donated to the Hospice in Mom's name... we really do appreciate your thoughts and generousity!

Thanks for your patience.... I don't know when I'll be back with another card, but I will be.....

*It Was Time*

This is a purely personal post....  and it will be a few weeks before there is anything crafty here.  I hope you'll keep checking in....

It is with a very heavy heart and great sadness, that I am writing to let you know that my Mom, Bev Barnett, passed away peacefully with her three daughters at her side on Saturday, September 4th, 2010 after her battle with cancer.  The last two months have been a very hard battle for Mom and we are all relieved to know that she is no longer struggling and no longer in pain.

We know for sure that Mom has joined Dad thanks to a very interesting "coincidence"....  we will never forget the date and time that Dad passed away on May 4th, 2006 (that's 04/05/06) at 6:54pm....  and we know for sure that Dad came to get her as Mom passed away on the 4th of September at 6:54pm.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made, but keep an eye on the Saskatchewan Obituaries if you are interested.

We are asking that anyone who knew mom, was touched by her kindness, or loved her cards, please consider making a donation to the Regina Wascana Grace Hospice.  The hospice is the wonderful facility where Mom spent her last 6 weeks.  The staff there was absolutely amazing...  showing so much care, concern and compassion not only for Mom but for us girls as well.

They have a memorial wall inside of the hospice.... when donations are made in someone's name, either a bronze leaf, a silver leaf, or a gold butterfly.... each of those are based on how much money is donated.  We were told by several people over the course of Mom's illness that she was a butterfly..... so we'd like to try to get Mom a butterfly on the wall of the hospice....

If you are interested in making a donation, please save the form below and print it off....  fill it out and send it with your Canadian cheque or money order to

Wascana Grace Hospice

50 Angus Rd

Regina SK  S4R 8P6

Canada

We would truly love any support we can get to make Mom a butterfly.....


Thank you to everyone for your prayers, love and support for all of us during this most difficult time.  Mom loved all of the cards she received in her mailbox.... it was wonderful to have them on display at the hospice, catching the eye of all of the staff.

If you need my address for the bottom of the form, please email me privately

*Happy Anniversary Milo*

I can't believe it's already been 8 years since we brought Milo home to live with us.... what a wonderful dog he has turned out to be.... so loving, caring, cuddly and fun!

I love that puppy!

Quick post as I am heading back up to the hospice this morning.  Mom is still hanging on.... not honestly sure how she is doing it as she is so weak...  I feel for her....

Again, no full information to give you other than this is a card I created for the Mojo149 sketch.  The image is by Whippersnapper, I think the celebrate is one of those cheap Michael's sets, and I coloured the flower with Copics.  I think the coloured cardstocks are all Stampin' Up! as is the ribbon.  And it would appear I used a Cuttlebug folder on the bottom of the red panel... can't think of it's name though LOL

Enjoy your Tuesday!

*Friday Fast One*

Hi Everyone... and Happy Friday!

I am still in Regina, still spending the days at the hospice with my Mom.  She has had very few wakeful moments since I got here earlier in the week.  Yesterday she had a good one while the Dr was visiting and she has decided to stop her feeds....  she admitted to Heather and I that she is tired of fighting and is ready to die.  We will miss her terribly, but we totally understand.

Of course, there is no way of knowing when anything will happen.... Heather has taken to sleeping at the Hospice with Mom as Mom has been scared of being alone.  I feel bad for Heather....  this is all taking such a toll on her.  But I know she is doing what she feels she needs to do.

I need to get a move on and dry my hair so I can get to the hospice.....  so here's the card for you.... it's FTL99, the patterned paper is old Imaginisce, and I used a Spellbinders die for the tag....