Brothers Reunited

It is so special to have two brothers from the litter in our family. Riley (left) and Tucker (right) got to see each other today. They wagged their tails immediately, then started rough-housing. It was sweet.

Tucker came over to our house for a while so Josh and Julie could go visit my great aunt Irene in the hospital. They got a bit too feisty so I separated them. Fat chance that a baby gate would keep them from trying to bite and wrestle. They both started chewing the wood on the gate once they realized they couldn't get to each other. Geesh! Silly pups!

Here they are at mom and dad's. This was one of the few moments when they weren't moving 80mph playing. I think they were having a face off before the next round of play. LOL!

Ok, kiss and make up! Tucker is so funny as he will just sit with his little tongue sticking out like that. You can see on Riley's chin all the doggy slobber from playing hard. Too cute!

We had a nice Thanksgiving. Not everyone could be there, but it was still nice. I had leftovers today for lunch and they were just as good as yesterday! Hope each of you had a blessed day and that the upcoming holiday season will be wonderful as well!

My original goal of getting my Christmas cards sent today has crumbled. They will go out very soon. I do little steps here and there while Riley sleeps. It's amazing how a pup can take time away from the ordinary daily things, too. He is so very worth it! We go tomorrow to get his booster shot at the vet. I'm am lovin' this long holiday weekend off work.

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings

I only made a handful of Thanksgiving cards this year. It was a simple design using only ink, paper, stamps, a corner punch and a technique called reverse masking. In traditional masking, you want to first stamp an image, then cover it to stamp the next image. For reverse masking, you first create the background, then the foreground.

Cardstock: SU!, Inks: SU! & Tsukineko(Kaleidacolor pad), Stamps: SU! & Papertrey Ink, Accessories: SU! I used the colors Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Bravo Burgundy, More Mustard, and Chocolate Chip.

This is the actual "mask" I used for these cards. I cut this piece the same size as my stamped layer, then cut the oval out in the exact position where I wanted the sponged oval to show up on my card. It made it so easy to lay this over the cardstock and have it in the right spot every time. You can see that I swirled on the So Saffron with my sponge and it inked the "mask", too. I also used the mask when stamping the branch. I wanted the branch to appear as if it were peeking out into the foreground so I stamped it using the mask, removed the mask, then stamped the leaves. I don't use this tool very often, but it does allow me to add varying degrees of color splatter quite easily using my Stampin' Up! markers. You insert the marker into the barrel and tighten the plastic screw that holds the marker in place. The most imporant part of this step is to make sure the brush tip of your marker is placed correctly so that when the air spurts across the tip, you get a good splatter of ink on your project. I know the pic is blurry, but you hopefully can get the idea.

After completing the reverse masking step on my card front, I laid the cut out oval on top of the sponged oval area. This covered the stamped area(traditional masking) and ensured I didn't get splatters of ink on that particular spot. Since the card front had a lot of "white" space, I thought the splatters of ink helped break that up a bit. When using this tool, you can achieve larger or smaller splatters depending on how close you put the tool to the cardstock and how hard you squeeze the bulb on the tool.

May each of you have a wonderful and blessed Thankgiving! I'll post again when I have a chance. My goal this weekend is to get my Christmas cards mailed, so between puppy play time and potty breaks, I'll be feverishly finishing that project. :)

Thanks

We give thanks to God for our little Riley. He sure is keeping us smiling! He loves to chew, chew chew! He is helping us fill the "Macy-sized" hole in our hearts, while building new memories that are unique to him and so very scrapbook worthy. I can't wait to start creating pages about him. We affectionately call him Mr. Weasel or Brown Caterpillar. LOL! He is just so tiny he can weasel in just about anywhere.

And now for today's card...The word "thanks" was cut out of the striped paper on the Cricut. I simply layered the actual thanks, then the cool caribbean stamped piece, then the striped piece from which the word thanks had been cut out. It's an easy way to use up that scrap instead of throwing it away. I traced around the thanks with a dark marker to make it stand out. It matches the dark, dark chocolate color of the base cardstock (looks black in this pic). I added some white dots with my Sharpie, an Old Olive cardstock layer with the torn edge and those "hard to line up" gromlets that are added using the Crop-a-Dile II. The way you have to turn the gromlet upside down on the actual tool, then insert the cardstock, I just can't see where I am. Thus....the crooked embellishment. LOL! Honestly, I really don't like this card, but I posted it anyway. :)

Even though I can't really line these up well on an actual card, they sure look good in my storage container. A rainbow of yum!

I'm looking forward to a short work week and time with family. I'll have one more post Wednesday, but if anything exciting happens I'll be back tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by...

Reverse Masking

I created these cards using the Reverse Masking technique. There are no layers on these particular cards. What you see stamped here is done directly to the Whisper White card base using the colors in the Soft Subtles group shown below. I used the same technique on my Thanksgiving cards. When I post the info about them later this week, I will also have tips and how-tos on the technique.

I was totally inspired by a project on the fabulous blog of Dawn Griffith. You can see her super version of this technique in her Stampin' Studio video HERE. Thanks to Dawn for her daily inspiration and bubbly personality! I changed my cards by using the scallop circle punch, different stamps and sponged the edges. :)

Prayer Requests

1) My mom's knee has been giving her trouble for a while and she is now incapacitated with severe pain and swelling. She had an x-ray Friday that shows "bone on bone" and that she has no cartilage in that knee. It will most likely mean a knee replacement. She sees the ortho specialist Monday.

2) My great aunt Irene is still in the hospital and is now battling pneumonia. She does have COPD, emphysema and congestive heart failure already. She is very weak and won't be able to live alone anymore. She is better than she was Friday, but still not out of the woods. She is 92 and one of the most joyful people I've ever known. I could write a book of Irene-isms that would make anyone laugh. :)

Thanks for stopping by...

A Card & A Vet Visit

While Mr. You-Know-Who-Cutie-Face plays toys for a mere 8.4 seconds or less...I'll post another card. We are certainly enjoying the pitter patter of his soft paws, the endless puppy kisses and the joy he brings. He and I are recovering from a night with little sleep. I'm going to play with him like crazy and hope he snoozes more...LOL! He's been quite feisty these past few days. He really loves the cuff of my pants in an insane way! Man!! I asked my dad if he and Riley had a keg of Mountain Dew on Friday. Whoa....it sure seemed like it. LOL! Dad lets him out in between the times I am at home and work. His Papa sure loves him!
For this card I used Basic Black cardstock, Whisper White cardstock (used Cuttlebug folder for the raised dots), and a flower cut on the Cricut using scrap patterned paper. I added a bling stone and the sentiment with rub-on letters. You can see the inside of the card below. I cut out a smaller flower on the Cricut and added some more bling stones and happy birthday wishes.

Here's Riley with Dr. Lisa Lynn at his first vet visit today. He weighed 3.7 pounds and had a great check-up. Just a few more booster puppy shots, then he gets neutered at 6 months of age. Everybody fell in love with him at the vet's office. How can you not?! He's so sweet. She was so patient and answered my many "new puppy mom" questions. We LOVE our vet office.

He was so tired after all the excitement that he was snoozing in his blankie on the way home. It looked like I had a giant brown caterpillar in my seat! LOL!

Riley says, "Thanks mommy for keeping me healthy and loving me. OH...and I love my new blankie."

I have to laugh as I tell you that in the midst of typing this one post, about 30 minutes has passed. He played toys for maybe 12 seconds, ate his supper, went out, chased my pant cuffs and then got put in his bed for a little rest and wind-down time. I am in the same room he is. He whimpered some, then soothed himself by laying on his snuggly blankie. He's a sweetheart. I'll have to try the "quiet time in bed" thing again so I can get my posts done regularly. I still have several things to show and will post them in between my puppy duties....which, by the way, I am enjoying with all my heart. :)

Adventures with Riley

I'll start this post with a card since I've been in dog mode lately. LOL! The base cardstock is SU!'s Basic Gray color. The background piece is stamped with a retired background stamp (Fine Lace) using Versamark ink and heat embossed with clear powder. You can see the pattern in the second picture. I used the ticket corner punch on the Basic Black layer. The ornate frame was cut out using the Circut Storybook cartridge. I added a stamped sentiment and four black bling stones. I didn't really make this card for anyone in particular, but there are some summer weddings I'll be attending and can save it for then.

simply adorable

tug-o-war

First bath

Thanks for stopping by! Staying busy with our feisty boy!

Introducing Riley

Kevin and I visited the Yorkichon (Yorkie/Bichon mix) pups tonight at 8pm. After one hour, we went home with our decision to adopt the brindle boy. We will name him Riley. This top picture was taken by Hope, the breeder. Gotta love her name!!! Hope. God gives us the hope of a new puppy to love and care for after losing our precious Macy girl. Thanks to God for His furry gift to us! I have to do some puppy supply shopping before picking him up tomorrow afternoon or evening. Wow....first I have to velcro everything to the ceiling. LOL!

This picture was taken right before we left Hope's house. All three pups were in their playpen and she got their attention with a squeaky toy. They are in order of size and energy in this picture. Riley's temperment is more like Tucker's (laid back yet playful), then the baby girl is a little more feisty and the black one is most energetic. Hope does have an interested person for the little black one. His new home might be in Michigan. I told the girl "I hope you find a mommy, too." If I could have, I would have adopted them all! See Riley on the left? He was the only one looking at me when I snapped this picture. Guess he knows he has to get ready to be posing for pictures for all my scrapbook layouts. LOL! It was so much fun watching them all play together. What little blessings they all are...

Another blessing today: We got a response from Tracie at the Eskie Rescue. We are the first application for Jax and all we have to do is contact her to set up a home visit. I do have to tell her about Riley, as when we applied we had no other animals. It will be interesting to see how Jax reacts to the little furball who might be his brother. It's a lot to look forward to, but also a happy nervousness as well. When we had Macy, Kevin was outnumbered 2 to 1. Now, if we have Jax and Riley, I'll be the only female. LOL! Oh and Jax won't graduate from his obedience training at the prison program until 12/24/08. If he is meant to be ours, it will be one amazing Christmas present for our little family. :)

Meeting Tucker

Oh my! I'm in love! Tucker is such a sweetheart and a cuddly little boy. He stayed at my parents house on Monday while Julie and Josh attended a funeral and visited other family members. He stole everyone's heart...even my dad's! LOL! I could have eaten him up he's so cute. His pictures just don't do his little personality justice. I saw him at lunch, then after work. I'm in love! :)
He's just a little tike, sitting there looking all cute!

This is the toy I brought him. He liked it right away and just played and played.

He used some regular cereal bowls for his food and water while he visited. The bowl was about as big as him! LOL!

You know a designer dog HAS to have a designer Coach collar. He's stylin'! :) It's an extra small and in the tightest notch. He'll grow into it. LOL!

Oh, yes...he is feisty! He got a hold of my camera strap and didn't want to let go. Later in the afternoon, he also had my thumb! Ouch! He is such a good boy and loves his toys and to be cuddled and loved. With a face like that, who can resist!?!

This is the card I made Julie and Josh to welcome their adorable little puppy boy! The base cardstock is Soft Sky (retired SU!). I also used watercolor paper, some Basic Grey patterned paper and more of that dark chocolate from Archivers (looks black here). The sentiment is from the Warm Words set and is stamped in Soft Sky ink. I really like the Baby Blue Stickles and I added that to the edges of the star and the brads.

Here's a closeer look at the distressed watercolor paper edges, the glittered star edges, the paper piercing and the word "adorable" stamped in the lower right corner.

DRUMROLL.....guess what?! Tucker's breeder lives right here in Ashland! We are so in love with him that we are going to look at his sister and two brothers tonight at 8pm. We just might have to adopt one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my....I have a nervous stomach. I think it's puppy jitters. LOL! More info tomorrow and if we do decide to adopt one...more pics! We still haven't heard back from the rescue about Jax. We really want two dogs. Ok, Lord....I'm trying to be patient. In Your time....I know, I know. :)

For You

In this picture, the base cardstock looks black. It is actually a deep dark chocolate brown that I got at Archivers. I love this dark chocolate as it is way darker than SU!'s Chocolate Chip color. The ivory layer is a piece of watercolor paper with yummy texture, but that element isn't evident in this pic either. Oh well. It's best if you click the pic for a closer look so you can also see the stamped background on the Kiwi Kiss cardstock. I stamped the flower image you see in the picture over and over and over with Versamark ink. It creates a funky pattern that looks nothing like a flower. I had shown this idea a bit earlier and I love this particular stamp for that look. Sort of a RETRO look, huh? These colors sort of happened and I liked it so TA-DA...here's today's card. Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

Cardstock: Dark brown=Archivers, Whisper White (sentiment stamped on), Watercolor and Kiwi Kiss=SU!
Inks: Tangerine Tango, Versamark
Accessories: Threading Water punch=Fiskars, Ribbon and button from my stash, Sheer flower=Maya Road
Stamp set: Say It With Scallops=SU!

I get to meet my new furry nephew Tucker at noon today. Check back tomorrow to see the card I made for the new "parents" Julie and Josh. LOL! Hopefully, I'll have some cute pics of him to show. :)

Got Fluff?

This adorable cat image is from The Angel Company(TAC). My friend Lisa had stamped several TAC images on white cardstock and boy have I had fun with them! I colored the cat and bird using Prismacolors and Gamsol. The body of the cat (gray) is a Copic marker...the only one I own. This 4x4 card will be sent to my dear friend Michelle in Minnesota. She loves cats. Her own cat Maddy is 15 years old! See details below on how I got the FLUFF on the cat's bib and tail.

Here's a side view so you can see that the fluffy parts are dimensional. I used Liquid Applique. You simply apply it right from the tube, allow it to dry thoroughly (overnight for me) and use your heat tool to heat and fluff it. Don't heat too long or your fluffy part will look like a scorched marshmallow. Ask me how I know. LOL!

You can buy Liquid Applique in several different colors. I only have white and I think this tube would last me eight lifetimes. Seriously. It's about the size of a Sharpie marker.

This is what my mojo looked like all day Saturday. Yep, never got out of my pj's and fluffy socks. LOL! I did laundry, worked on Christmas cards, made a nice supper, paid some bills, surfed the net, and STAMPED. Yes, heavens to Betsy.....I finally STAMPED! You guys will be so surprised that I have goodies to show you ALL WEEK! hee hee So, check back daily for some inspiration. Thanks for stopping by.

*****Speaking of FLUFFY... Since Ahnah the Eskie got adopted, we have applied for Jax. He's another Eskie in the same rescue as Ahnah. He's only 8 months old and is so adorable...and FLUFFY, of course. I'll keep you updated if we get to meet or adopt him. I am anxiously awaiting a reply from the rescue on his availability. You can see his pics and read his story by clicking on his name. :)

*****Since this post is for Sunday...I gotta have a Sunday-kind-of-song. Click HERE to jam. Choose the 3rd version. :) We sang this one in church last Sunday and I love it!

Whew! Busy Wednesday!

Bless all of you that keeping reading my not-so-crafty blog lately. I know I haven't had much mojo going on and hardly any stamped projects, but I hope you understand. I've been working on my Christmas cards, but certainly haven't felt crafty beyond that. Losing your best furry friend does that, I guess. Please hang in there. I promise to try and find some mojo soon so I don't bore you. Life has just had a different agenda lately.

I had a busy Wednesday. Had two appointments after work, then went to see my great aunt Irene in the hospital. She's had a tough week, but is doing better. She is such a delight!

Lastly, here's another DOG update. The rescue Eskie we applied for was adopted by the other applicant ahead of us. Yet another answer that shows she wasn't the dog meant for us. The rescue is to post more dogs soon so we'll check them out before finding a local Eskie breeder for our next baby girl. So...no Ahnah. She was a cutie, but we are happy she found a happy new home! So, over dinner tonight I just looked up and said "Ok, God...we're really curious what dog you'll send us." And, that is that. :) I have such a peace about it. He'll show us the way...

Julie's New Pup

My niece Julie has a new pup named Tucker. He's a mere 2.6 pounds and was born 9/5/08. He's a Borkie (Bichon Frise mixed with Yorkie). Oh my...he's too cute! I think I'll be planning a road trip soon to meet this cuddly new family member. *giggle*

Turkey Table Favor

On Sunday afternoon, my mom and I prepared the "pieces and parts" of this fun turkey. She does crafts at an after-school program at a local church and this will be the project for Tuesday. We combined ideas to come up with this table favor that can hold candy or nuts. All I can say is WE LOVE PUNCHES! Ahhhh...they made the prep so much easier!

I had e-mailed mom a picture of a super cute turkey card. You can see the card HERE (scroll down a bit to see the card and the "turkey parts".) We liked different aspects of the turkey but changed it a bit for this idea. First of all we needed it to be bigger, so we used the bigger Marvy scalloped circle punches and some SU! punches for our turkey. See more details below...
Here's a front view of the turkey with the cupcake paper beside him. I love his feet! LOL!

Here's the side view with the cupcake paper inside the turkey. Now it can be filled with candy or nuts. Also, see how two of the flower petals are folded so that the feet can be glued on?

Here are the components you'll need to recreate this size turkey:

body: Marvy Uchida scallop oval (purple punch)

head: SU! large oval

beak: 3/4" square, cut in half or smaller diagonally

wattle: SU! slot punch

feet: Creative Memories flower punch (folded)

feathers: Marvy Uchida scallop circle (purple punch)

base: paper strip 1"x11"

eyes: black marker (Creative Memories round tip marker used here)

The base strip is held together with one or two staples. The feathers are glued together and the entire feather piece is attached to the base strip with one or two staples. SU! cardstock used: So Saffron, Creamy Caramel, Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie

As I was adding the eyes to all the turkey heads I joked "hey, quit looking at him...hey, quit looking at me, etc." Then, mom said "Mommmmmmmmm, he's looking at me!" Ah, I bet we've all heard that one....either when your kids were fighting or your siblings were bugging you. LOL! I told her I can truly be entertained with just paper and a marker. She always said I played well alone. ha ha I know...I'm not right. But.....I always have fun! LOL!

Hope this cute idea becomes a fun craft for your kids, grandkids, kids at church or school....or you find a good laugh while adding eyes to your own turkeys. Shhhh...no one is watching...go ahead and GIGGLE!!

And...a special thanks to Patty for sharing the swap card on her blog. I read her blog daily and she has fab ideas!

Song for Sunday

I love this song by Third Day. It's called Offering. Click to listen, then choose the first one.

Magnificent Holy Father
I stand in awe of all I see
Of all the things You have created
But still you choose to think of me

Who am I that You should suffer
Your very life to set me free
The only thing that I can give You
is the life You gave to me

This is my offering, dear Lord
This is my offering to You, God
And I will give You my life
For it's all I have to give
Because You gave Your Life for me

I stand before You at this altar
So many have given you You more
I may not have much I can offer
Yet what I have is truly Yours

This is my offering...

Plans Changed...

Once the girl was gathering all of Daisy's things, she couldn't bear to let her go. So, we won't be adopting Daisy (the dachshund). My stomach flip-flopped when Rhonda told me, then about 5 seconds later I was just fine. Daisy is loved and that is all that matters. Besides, God has a pooch or pooches waiting for us. Just like Macy was perfect for us, so will be another dog or dogs. :) I truly believe that. I hate to think that our adopting Daisy would have broken the girl's heart. I understand about a broken heart after losing our sweet Macy. All things work for the good of those who love the Lord. It says so in Romans 8:28. :)

So, I will now be sleeping in on Saturday. Woo hoo! LOL!

Christie & Coby

The Hopkins Family

Coby, Christie, Caroline, Anna & Lauren

I made this anniversary card for my dear friend Christie and her husband Coby. They will be celebrating 14 years! Wow! I met Christie my freshman year of college. She lived in the dorm room next to mine. We have been friends for 18 years, we were in each other's wedding and I love her kids as my own. She is the kind of friend that no matter how much time passes between phone calls or visits, our friendship never changes. I love her and miss her!! She's only a few states away, but I haven't seen her for over 6 years. Thank goodness for the internet and phone!

I cut out the circular focal piece using the Cricut Storybook cartridge. The sentiment on the front is from Papertrey Ink. Colors are SU!: groovy guava and blush blossom. Unfortunately the lighting doesn't show the colors accurately, but I was too tired to go back downstairs in the brighter light. LOL! Sorry...in fact, I almost forgot to take a picture. Gasp!

Hope everyone has a Happy Friday!

Ever heard of Brooke Fraser?

She is an incredible singer from New Zealand. She has the voice of an angel...well, at least in my opinion. My co-worker Katie introduced me to her music. I had to share two songs that just make my heart soar and tears stream down my face. They are both written about the peace and grace that only God gives.

The first is called Shadowfeet. Click HERE to listen to it. Choose the first one.

SHADOWFEET
Walking, stumbling
On these shadow feet
Toward home, a land that I’ve never seen
I am changing
Less and less asleep
Made of different stuff than when I began
And I have sensed it all along
Now fast approaching is the day

CHORUS
When the world has fallen out from under me
I’ll be found in you, still standing
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through I’ll be found in you

There’s distraction
Buzzing in my head
Saying in the shadows it’s easier to stay
But I’ve heard rumours of true reality
Whispers of a well-lit way

CHORUS

Bridge
You make all things new

CHORUS

CHORUS 2
When the world has fallen out from under me
I’ll be found in you, still standing
Every fear and accusation under my feet
When time and space are through I’ll be found in you
When time and space are through I’ll be found in you
When time and space are through I’ll be found in you

The second is called Arithmetic. Click HERE to listen to it. You can read the artist's comments on the lyrics (well worth the read) HERE. Sorry, when I copied and pasted these lyrics they got all wonky. At least you can read them and get the words.

ARITHMETIC

I've been staring at the sky tonight Marvelling and passing time Wondering what to do with daylight Until I can make you mine You are the one I want, you are the one I want

I've been thinking of changing my mind It never stays the same for long But of all the things I know for sure You're the only certain one You are the one I want, you are the one I want

I've been counting up all my wrongs One sorry for each star See I'd apologise my way to you If the heavens stretched that far You are the one I want, you are the one I want

I won't find what I am looking for If I only "see" by keeping score 'Cos I know now you are so much more than arithmetic 'Cos if I add, if I subtract If I give it all, try to take some back I've forgotten the freedom that comes from the fact That you are the sum So you are the one I want

When the years are showing on my face And my strongest days are gone When my heart and flesh depart this place From a life that sung your song You'll still be the one I want You'll still be the one I want You'll still be the one I want You'll still be the one I want

Is it not refreshing to know that above all things, God's love and grace is all we truly need? Ahhhhhhhhh....*sniffle*

Furbaby or Furbabies

Tomorrow will be two weeks since Macy died and it feels like an eternity in this quiet house. I used to think that if anything happened to my first dog, that I could never love another one. Well, I have discovered the very opposite actually and it surprises me in ways. I miss the love and companionship of an animal in so many ways and we have already started looking for our next furbaby....or furbabies. Here's the story...

My sister's boyfriend knows a girl with a 3-month-old Dachshund named Daisy. She is the daughter of Tony's best friend and between college classes and work, Daisy is too much for her to handle. She is willing to let us adopt her, but Kevin said he also wants an Eskie. Yep, another Eskie is my first choice, too so I think it would be great to have two dogs (females). Daisy stole my sister's heart when she met her a few weeks ago. We go down to meet her Saturday and possibly bring her to her new home. Yikes! I know I'll fall in love, too. *giggle*

To add an Eskie to this equation, we have applied to adopt Ahnah from an American Eskimo rescue in Grove City, OH. There is one more applicant, but if they don't adopt her...well, we want to meet her. You have to see her. She is so beautiful. You can see pics and read her story HERE. You're going to fall in love with her....just like we have. Although we may not get her, she will still have a happy new home. You know what Ahnah means? Answer. I have wondered if she will be the answer to a prayer for a new furbaby as sweet as our Macy. Hmm...

Basically, we just give it all to God. He will let us know when and who our next furbaby or furbabies will be. :) I wonder if it was an "angel" that left the anonymous message (now removed) on a post about Macy which led me to the rescue info on the breed. *wink* Hmm...

OH....gotta tell ya. I am cranking out my Christmas cards. I think I have a disease. I keep kidding that I'll send them the day after Thanksgiving. LOL!

And lastly:
1) My great aunt Irene is in the hospital with heavy rectal bleeding. They say it is a diverticulus bleed, but she is so compliant and doesn't eat no-no foods that might cause that. I hope they find out what is really wrong. Please keep her in your prayers. She is 92!
2) Praise report. Jerry, the son-in-law of my co-worker got his PET scan results back today and he is free of cancer! He got his feeding tube removed today and the area where his trach was repaired. He is to return to work in January. He has had a tremendously rough bout with this and I am so happy for their entire family.
3) Praise report. Kristie has metastatic breast cancer and has had two brain surgeries for lesions. At her last visit, the doctor told her he didn't need to see her for 3 months and that everything looks great right now. Wow!

Cowgirls, Christmas Cards & Centipedes!!

There were only 7 of us that dressed up for Halloween at work. Rhonda had gotten the front office and med records girls these crazy cowgirl headbands at Joann Fabrics. Vickie went all out with her western wear and Kathy dressed up as Pocahontas. We have a good time!! LOL!

F: Kathy, Rhonda, Katie (I work with her in med records.), Sandi

B: Vickie, Chris, me

Yee Haw!
My buddy and co-worker was a sport and tried on my headband. He's nutty!

On Sunday afternoon, I designed my very simple Christmas cards. They are 4 1/4 x 4 1/4. I already have the trees stamped and punched out and the patterned pieces cut out. I was kidding Kevin that I might have them sent out by November 15th. Not! I was trying to use what I have, but now I realize I have to order more Kraft cardstock and some Very Vanilla envelopes. At least I stuck very close to my "no spending" card budget. It's better than my original plan of placing a larger order for paper, stamps, etc. *pats self on back* LOL!

And now...for the finale. House centipedes love to come inside. Tonight I innocently walked into the hallway to put away the clean towels. This is what I saw!!!!!!!!!!! If you don't have centipedes in your house, please stop what you are doing and thank God above. If you have centipedes, you are well aware of my reaction. I scream, shiver, jump and run. LOL! Come on....I dare you to click this picture for a closer look. He is truly a devil bug! They are all devil bugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am more afraid of these than spiders. I am more afraid of snakes than centipedes, but don't want to run into any of the three. Ewwwwww!!!! *shivers* I made Kevin run downstairs to grab the vacuum. I was so grossed out I made him suck it up in the hose attachment. He missed, the centipede hit the carpet and started running fast towards our feet. I screamed and jumped again. Kevin got the sucker devil bug and I shivered again. Then, Kevin said "Ew, there he is!" and I screamed louder. Then, when I was putting the hose back into the vacuum he said it again....and I screamed again. I should have sucker-punched him. The funny thing...he's just as wigged out as I am with these centipedes.

Well, that's about it for this week. I don't have anything planned except paying the electric bill and misc. around the house. I may work on my Christmas cards so not sure if I'll have anything super crafty to share. If anything exciting happens here, I'll post it. Thanks for stopping by...