Urban Thank You

I bought this paper purely because I loved it, not with any particular project in mind. I just think it is so elegant! Because so much of the Designer Series Paper is retiring, I'm using *LOTS* of it on cards these days! This is such a simple card to make! And who doesn't need a few thank you cards on hand? We'll be making this card at Card Buffet this week.

Stamps: Thank You Kindly
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Not Quite Navy, Urban Garden DSP
Ink: Not Quite Navy
Accessories: White Taffeta Ribbon

Back to the old schedule

My family has had a wonderful holiday. Dh was on "forced vacation" because the whole company shuts down over Christmas. He managed tons of "honey-do's," setting up the Wii, moving furniture around, cleaning up some of the winter debris left when the snow melted.


The two oldest girls were not running to school and choir and play rehearsal. It almost felt like when they were little, and we spent our days reading and playing and singing and . . . But now it's over. Sad reality, in the form of schedules, homework, month-end close, ACT, play rehearsals, icy roads, and getting up early, has stolen our little family togetherness time. To tell the truth, I think the girls are glad to go back, other than that getting up early thing. :-)

This only affects *you* because I'll be back on a posting/creating/swapping schedule! Here's something I made to help me quit missing those important birthdays!





You can find the details on how to make one here on SCS. Now I just need to get cards in it, and put names on the dates!

Stamps: Eastern Blooms
Paper: Old Olive 12x12, Haiku DSP, Whisper White (for printed calendars)
Ink: Old Olive
Accessories: Bind It All, Old Olive 5/8 grosgrain

And a Happy New Year

I'm back! Sorry I took a little blogger break, there. It was nice to have some family time over Christmas. And after my Secret Elf posts came to an end, it was hard to keep the blogging spirit alive!



Here's a card we're doing next week at January's Card Buffet. I'm pretty sure I saw the layout on someone's blog, so if it's you, please tell me. I'd love to give you credit.

Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Absolutely Fabulous
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Multi glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Pink Taffeta Ribbon, 1 3/8" square punch

Elf Day 12--The BIG REVEAL

Well, first I have to tell you how much fun this has been, and how much closer it has brought all of us! It's true that when you serve someone--thinking about their needs and happiness--you grow to love them. And when you realize how someone has served you, thinking about your happiness, you feel a great love and appreciation for them, too. Here is my last gift from my Secret Elf. Isn't the packaging beautiful?



And inside, one of my big secret wishes:


A sampler of the Pretties Kit!

I am so touched by this gift! I haven't been able to justify ever purchasing this, and I've *really* wanted to! What a sweet, thoughtful thing to do!


Ok, I've made you wait long enough. LOL My Secret Elf is:


Kathy!!!!


Thank you so much, Kathy, for making this a special Christmas! It's a blessing to have such wonderful friends! My heart is truly touched by your generosity and the beauty of who you are, inside and out!


Merry Christmas to all who make the holiday special for others !

Christmas Candy

My Elf is *so* amazing! She seems to know all the projects that I have looked at online and thought, "Ohhh, I like it! But I could never make it!" Look at this awesome acetate box! Do you know how many times I have wanted to make one?? And now I can, because I have an actual sample IN MY HANDS! Thanks so much, Secret Elf! Merry Christmas!

And don't you be worried about that Toblerone. I promise it will *not* go to waste! :-)

You know you're old when . . .

I don't know if you can read the saying on the tissue pack:
"At our age, swimming is dangerous. Lifeguards don't try as hard."
LOLOL Isn't that the truth! I love you, Elf! That tissue cover is adorable! And I love my new name tag! Now I *have* to go to Convention, right? Thanks for brightening my day!

I needed a laugh today! We had promised the kids a quick trip to Salt Lake City to see the lights on Temple Square. Welllll, the weather intervened. We probably could have made it, but Mom would have been stressed, which would have made Dad cranky, and so we decided to be cautious and stay home. My kids are really sad. So are the "grown-ups." {sigh} We'll try to do something really fun here, instead, but it's not quite the same. We're thinking of driving around to see lights here tonite, then a family trip to the movies to see Despereaux. I'm actually hoping there's a LOT of snow, so the kids can see how wise we were to stay home! If you have any great suggestions of stuff to do, let me know!

On a cold winter's night that was so deep . . .

Isn't this precious??? My Super-Fantastic Elf just keeps going and going! I have always wanted one of these sets, but knew it was a project I wouldn't 'finish.' These cubes are just absolutely beautiful! I tried to get a picture that would show more of the papers, but this was the best I could do! Thank you so much, Secret Elf! Those cubes are going right on my mantel for Christmas!

On the 8th day of Christmas, my elfie gave to me . . .

How cute is this snowman???? My elf just picks all the right things! And inside the snowman is . . .


8 Hershey Bars with Almonds! Ohhhhhhhh! My elf says they're for my *whole* family, but we'll see. {grin} Thanks, Secret Elf!!!