Happy Stampin

Yes.....it's 4:20 in the am and I'm awake.....been up since 2:00! I've tried getting up an eating something because my stomach was upset, tried watching some tv and Ava woke up, went back to bed and just layed there.....I still have over 2 months to go too! I've been sleeping pretty good lately, so I shouldn't complain. Any advice from any moms that have been uncomfortable during your pregnancies too?? Ava and I had a good time on our trip to Michigan. Here are a few pictures to share of Ava on the beach. It literally rained nearly the entire time we were there. We did finally sneak about an hour on the beach on Friday afternoon. Ava had a ball playing with her sand toys and running to and from the waves.
We got to eat at a very good place for lunch on Thursday that served homemade crepes. I had a crepe with spinach, eggs, and goat cheese. It was so good. They served them with a salad that was equally as good. Ava got to have some ham and scrambled eggs so she was …

Zineas are one of my favorite flowers. I have had a large patch of them for several years now, but I must say they are especially pretty this year. I love how they are a variety of colors and bloom for so long with very little maintenance. Ava girl just got some new fall clothes and I thought her shirt went so well with the zinea patch. She wasn't really wanting her picture taken, but I did capture a few shots. So take this as a little inspiration piece for your next card or scrapbook page....wouldn't it be so pretty! I'm trying to wrap up some things around the house here this morning before we take off. I've been sleeping so good lately, but all good things must come to an end right!!! I've only been up since about 5, so that isn't too bad. Hopefully the weather will be nice sleeping weather up in Michigan. I'm sure I'll have pictures to share. Have a great week!

I've had good intentions for quite a while now and finally sat down tonight and made a thank you. Most of you know Lauren Meader through the crafting world, but she is more than just a creative crafter. She is a very nice person and very thoughtful. She went above and beyond to do things for me while I've been going through the loss of our son. I have appreciated everything, from her kind words on the phone, sweet e-mails, her wonderful care package, the build-a-bear horse for my daughter, my personalized bracelet....the cards, and the unbelievable stamp set Weiman Wranglers to honor my Ethan. She's just a wonderful person that I can't thank enough. This card is for you Lauren.....I'm hoping to add a little package with it too! I have a "TON" more thank yous to do so that's on my list! Hopefully I'll get more finished in the days to come!


I'll be MIA for a little while too. I'm heading up north to Michigan with a friend of mine to her pare…

This week we were to make a template with a "Back to School" theme. I decided to go the non-traditional route.....no apples, letters, bright colors, etc! I love pink and thought of the sentiment last night that would be perfect. So I got up this morning and luckily enough I didn't wake up until after 6:30! That is a first in a long time so I took advantage of sleeping in.....(my explanation for my late post!) What I wanted to put on the inside were those little candy strawberries, but of course I don't have any so you will just have to pretend. I used Lauren's new Template "Fold n-Go"......LOVE IT! It is so darn cute and very, very easy to assemble. I used the smaller version that comes with the package....all for $5!

I stamped the larger strawberry from one of my favorite PTI sets, Green Thumb. Then I added the strawberries on the tag from Vintage Picnic. I colored in my BERRY with my copics and added a little ribbon to finish my project! I really like…

Today my little Ethan would have been starting kindergarten! Ethan loved school and was so excited about starting kindergarten. I think I was just as excited as he was. He loved everything about school, getting ready in the morning, riding the bus, playing, listening to stories, crafts, snack time....you name it Ethan had a great time. I'm so glad he got to go to preschool last year and experience everything.
Here's Ethan riding around on one of the trikes that they had during gym time. He loved to just ride around in circles! Ethan loved to ride on his bike and that was one thing that never ever seemed to bother his legs so he thoroughly enjoyed it. Look at how much fun he is having!Ethan loved the building blocks too. I was a big fan as well so I always helped the kids build things. We had these same blocks at home, but doing things at school is always so much more fun! Ethan was always so proud of the things he did at school!Notice Ethan's paper hat. They had made these…

So it's in the wee hours of the morning here in the midwest, but I couldn't sleep and I hadn't made my card for today so I thought I would give it a whirl! This isn't my favorite color combo in the world so that was my first challenge of the morning, then what stamp set to use?? I just got this cute little princess set from SU last month and it was still unassembled in the box. I got it to use for my daughter's 2nd birthday party scrapbook. I added a lot of sparkle and bling. We have a couple of little girls birthday parties coming up so this will be perfect for that. I love the little wand with the star and I like what the rhinestones add for the tierra. Be sure to stop by and see what all the other gals created too! LaurenDanaDawnJenniferKendraMacKenzieMariaOdetteTamaraTraceyKristin , Pam (Kristin & Pam...sorry, I just noticed that I didn't have you 2 on my list of blogs....I didn't mean to forget you!)

I may have came up with something different had…

Ava has really been into "school" lately. I got her this dry erase/magnetic board a few weeks ago and not a day goes by that she doesn't draw on it. She is really getting good at her letters and we started working on numbers this week. Here's a picture of her this morning. She can write all of the names in our family....isn't that neat and she is only 3! Here is a card from some that I submitted for the PTI Guest Star stamper. My new color combo is Enchanted Evening, Hibiscus Burst, and New Leaf....isn't this a great combo! I used my new stamp set, Everyday Button Bits from PTI.....I love this set!
We're off to go feed the kitties and hang out outside for a while. Looks like it is going to be a nice day out there! I'll be back tomorrow with Lauren's color challenge!