Missing in action...

I know I have been missing for a while now...life has been a little hectic with the girls on summer vacation,  trips to the beach, birthdays, barbecues, work, etc... I will be back later this week with some fun cards I have been working on and maybe a few pictures. Hope you all are having a great summer!

Happy Late Mother's Day!

This is my second post today. I thought I would also share the cards I made for my mother in law and my mom. I know it is a little late but...better late than never. I still haven't seen my mom since mother's day because she was out of town but I am mailing it to her tomorrow. Hope you enjoy.

This one is my moms:

She loves pink!

This one is my mother in laws:

She Loves Red!

I love them both, they are amazing, strong, talented women.

18 Pounds and 18 Things

So I haven't really blogged very much about one of the first goals I had for the year, which was to loose weight. I had 40 pounds to loose. Wow it really hurts to even say that large of a number. I know some of you that know me are thinking there is no way she had 40 pounds to loose!! I sure did..I am very short only 5 feet tall. My healthy weight range according to weight watchers for my height and age is somewhere between 102-120 pounds. My goal is to get to 110. I feel like that is attainable. I CAN do it!!

So far I have lost 18 pounds and counting and I thought I should take that 18 pounds and tell you 18 positive things that have happened since the start of this journey:


1. I don't have to make excuses for why I look the way I do. I'm making a change because I realize it's not healthy.

2. I am now a role model to some of my friends and family who have decided to make healthy changes for themselves as well.

3. I feel sincerely proud of myself for committing to something and sticking to it. And not just that really... but succeeding at it!

4. I've lowered my risk for diabetes and other diseases increased by weight. I've always worried that my weight would contribute to this since it runs in my family.

5. I feel successful and it makes me walk taller.

6. My clothes fit better and I spend less time worrying about where they are clinging.

7. I shop in the fresh foods department. I always wanted to be a healthy eater... I just never was.

8. I can see my waist becoming more defined and it makes me feel like a foxy momma. I love my figure when I'm thinner. Though right now I'm not really an hour glass, more like a 5 hour glass... but soon enough!
9. I think people are staring to notice.

10. I don't feel embarrassed going through the checkout with my groceries. My cart is full of healthy and fresh food. Not snacks, chips, icecream, and candy. I feel less judged... even if it's just less judged by myself.

11. I love myself enough to do this for myself, to dress up, to fix my hair, do my makeup and to attract a little attention. It's only going to get better from here, and I want people to notice me... even if it's so later I can shock them with my future weight loss.
12. My energy is up. This has always been a problem for me but no more.

13. My relationships have improved. I am not as grouchy (hopefully).

14. I realized how BIG our portion sizes have become and it was soooo crystal clear why I am FAT!!

15. I am happier, which is what really matters right???

16. I have turned down A LOT of easter candy and treats recently which is a sign I have moved in the right direction.

17.  I'm learning the difference between eating because I'm hungry and eating because of some emotional malfunction. I don't feel so all over the map lately. Food should not be tied to so much emotion.

18. Being lighter just feels good.

Thaks for listening. Have a great day!!

CTMH Inks

Since moving my oldest daughter to her own room and giving up my craft room (Sigh...) I am despretly trying to downsize my supplies. After going through my ink pads I realized I had bought a few of the CTMH collections twice! I am selling the new ones. They haven't been used . I have 10 colors to sell for now (more to come later).

The colors are:

Holiday Red
Pacifica
Sunny Yellow
Sunset
Cotton Candy
Dutch Blue
Lagoon
Pear
Sky
Smoothie

I would like to sell them for 3.50 each plus shipping. 35.00 for all 10 plus shipping.

CTMH ink is awesome. I love the way they open and snap shut to prevent drying. They are stackable and are labeled.

Sneak Peak!

So I just jumped on real quick to post a sneak peak of the card I made for my mom for mother's day. She is at the beach this week so I am hoping she misses this post. Her favorite color is pink so that is the direction I went. Hope you all are having a great weekend!

Now off to play Little Big Planet with the kiddos!

A really beautiful Saturday!

Yay!! A little crafting time, some sunshine, new furniture for my living room, time with the family! It has been a really great Saturday. Typical Oregon style it has been one rainy year so far so I think we were all in dire need of some vitamin D. Everyone is in a great mood. Very nice! I am not sure if it will stick around for Easter tomorrow...but I am crossing my fingers. I also have a couple cards to share with you today.

The first one is an easter card (I just love the little chick!): 

The second is a card I made for a good friend who is really going through a rough time. Her mom who is 94 suffered a stroke and she has been taking care of her night and day. She is a wonderful person and I can't imagine being in her position right now. This is also the card for my challenge over at the Papertrey Inkers blog:

The picture of this card doesn't really do it justice. I think this is one of my favorite. It was a lot of fun and I actually got the inspiration for my shower curtain of all things. Here is a picture of the curtain:

Hope all of you have a blessed Easter!

Off to watch The Wizard of Oz with my girls.

5 Out of 100

Since this blog is newer for me I thought it might be fun to list 5 things about me as a way to introduce myself.... I will be adding posts like this every once in a while.

Here it goes:

1. I am a mother of 2 beautiful girls. There names are Emma (11) and Kaitlyn (8) They are so much fun but a lot of work. They make me laugh all the time. They are really messy. They have each other and I am grateful for that. I don't know what I would do without MY sister. I hope they realize what they have and hang on to it with both hands.

2. I am married to my best friend Sean. We met each other when we worked nights at Wells Fargo years ago. He is very considerate. He also makes me laugh (A LOT) which is probably where my kids get it. He loves sports and poker. We have a lot in common, like we both enjoy weird movies and just relaxing at home. We both love to play video and board games. We are both very competitive. When meeting Sean you would never guess these things because he comes off as quiet and conservative. He isn't in to politics (neither am I). He is very clever and likes to play practical jokes. He is the best!!

3. I actually really enjoy my job. (for the most part) I work at a local credit union. It is very small and in a great neighborhood. I enjoy the members that come in and chat. They really make my day so much easier. I learn so much about people and they make me laugh. I feel like some are great friends. I know what is going on in some of there lives and they ask about mine. I am very social. Coming from a job previously where every one is always screaming and yelling at you it is a relief. There are a few things I would change about the job going on behind the scenes but for the most part I really like it.

4. I LOVE food but hate to cook. This is a good and bad thing. I really enjoy all different kinds of food and my husband is a wonderful cook. He doesn't realize the talent he has. I always tell him we should open a restaurant. The bad thing is it makes me fat! I have no self control when it comes to good food. Especially pizza and sweets (my favorites). I really hate cooking though so if Sean isn't around I am pretty lazy about feeding myself.  

5. I call my mom everyday. I really do. If I don't call my mom everyday she wonders if something is wrong. Like I said in an earlier post she really is the best. I look foreword to calling her and she always is very encouraging and helpful. She would do anything for us and my kids adore her. She is creative and we like a lot of the same girly movies. She is a strong woman and has set a wonderful example for me and my sister. I couldn't have asked for a better mom and hope she realizes how much I appreciate all she does for me. Not everyone has the same relationship with their mom and I am fortunate to have the one I have with my mom.

This post is really long... Sorry about that. 

Have a great day!!

Oldies but Goodies

I haven't had much time to care for my poor little blog lately so today I am going to share some cards I made a while ago but haven't shared here before. In hopes this will make me feel better about not posting. Hopefully I will get some time to do a few crafty things this weekend. Here we go:

 Have a great day!!!

Yay..Some crafting time...finally!!

I finally had a little time to myself today so I made a couple cards to share. I recently bought the create a critter Cricut cartridge and I have to say it is a lot of fun! I have sorta neglected my Cricut since I got it a few years ago. The poor thing. I have found new love for it though with this cartridge. I also used my new Tiny Tags set from Papertrey Ink and I am in LOVE with this set! There are so many options! 

Here are two of the cards I made:

Hope you all are having a great weekend!!

Still here...

Life has been a little crazy lately! My husband started a new job a few weeks ago so our schedule is a little different and is causing me to be a little off. I have also had my sisters kids for the weekend. She has 4 little cuties, add that to my 2 girls and that makes 6 kids!!! I have been working on a few projects but have not had the time to take photos. I am hoping to get them up this week. Just wanted to let you all know that I am still here and hope to have some eye candy for you soon. Have a great night!

Goal #1....Check!

I have some really awesome news.... I am being published in the July 2011 Cards magazine! This was my first goal of the year and it's only February, yay! I just couldn't wait to share the news. So as you all probably know I can't post the card here yet but I do have another card to share instead today. Thanks to all you folks who gave me words of encouragement and to my good friend Janet my biggest fan.... I know  it's sort of sappy like I am accepting an award, giving my speech or something..(LOL!) That is sorta how it feels though, it is so much fun. Now if I could just have the same luck with some of my other goals.

This is not the card that is being published but I thought I would share it anyway:

Hope you enjoy, and Thanks again!

The Movies...

This Weekend I have to admit that I was "roped" into taking my 11 year old daughter to see the new Justin Bieber movie Never Say Never. LOL. I also have to admit I really secretly wanted to go. His songs always make me happy! They have good messages and remind me of a time when I was smitten for the next teenage heart throb. (NKOTB???)
While watching the movie I was amazed and dazzled by the by this kid with a whole lot of talent and charisma. A wonderful mother standing by him providing support and encouragement. I clearly saw the reason for all the uproar. he gave so many people HOPE. He shows that if you work hard and believe your dreams they really can become a reality.
Leaving the theatre with my daughter had me thinking about all of the things in my life I  haven't accomplished. All because I don't think I ever truly believed I was worth it. I know it sounds corny and ridiculous but that is when I realized Never Say Never can inspire you to push a little harder at achieving your goals. So on we go with life. This movie had made a impact on how I will continue though.
I think as a parent this movie shows that supporting and encouraging your kids to always do their best is essential and I will make sure both of my girls know just what that means and be there every step of the way. So no matter what age; young or old this movie leaves you feeling encouraged to do your best and live life to it fullest. A great movie to take your kids to.

Just a few cards...

Only a few cards to post, not much else to say. Hope you enjoy...

Papertrey Ink

All weeks over on Nichole Heady's blog she has been celebrating Papertrey Inks anniversary and giving away some amazing prizes. I haven't had the chance to really play along yet because my youngest little one has been sick. I did however get a little bit of time today to upload some pics of cards and tags I made and it happens to fit with the contest. Yay!! I really enjoy using PTI products and if you have never used them before you will not be disappointed. I also received some fantastic news on Wednesday but I am not quite ready to share just yet. it has to do with one of my goals for the year...wink, wink!

As promised:

There is always something...

The weekend rolls around, birthday parties, the office breakroom, the holidays, sick days, etc. There is always something....some reason eating healthy is difficult, a little bit harder than it really needs to be. Now that I have started Weight Watchers again & I am eating healthier. I am not going to let those things get in my way anymore. I am determined. 

Part of getting to my weight loss goal is to stop making excuses for why I need that extra slice of pizza, scoop of ice cream, candy, cookies...the list could go on & on & on. 

I have come up with a few things I plan on doing to accomplish this goal so I will share a few here on the old blog to keep me accountable.

They are:

Plan meals a week ahead of time

Eat a healthy snack before I go out

Just say No!

Buy more produce

Surround myself with healthy snacks at home, in the car, & at work

Drink more water when I get the urge to eat

Here they are in no particular order: 

Stop procrastinating

Be more patient

Stop being negative

Watch less T.V

Get outside more

Think positive- goes with #3

Eat healthy 

Live in the present

Let it go...

Lean on God more- Trust him!

Thanks for letting me babble a bit. If you think of any other ways to plan ahead, please let me know. I would love to hear your ideas.

 I (we) CAN do this! 

Right??

While I was brainstorming ways to plan ahead I also thought of some other things that I would like to accomplish and improve on this year

Papertrey Ink

Did I mention how much I LOVE Everyday Button Bits?? It is the best set I have ever purchased and use it constantly. It has so many images that make it easy to create. I also used Distressed Stripes for the background and that was a lot of fun! I think the night I made this I stayed up late just playing around with all the different color combos and patterns you can make with this set. To enter the contest on Nichole Heady's blog today she asked us to post our favorite project using papertrey ink products. This is a card I made a few months ago and I think it is my favorite. The picture isn't very good but I have already given the card away so I couldn't retake it.

Have a great night! Sorry I have been missing for a few days, I haven't been feeling well but I will have another post tomorrow for you.

A Lighter, Shorter Note

I know my earlier post was pretty heavy but I have a few mini cards to share tonight also. Using Papertrey Inks Everyday Button Bits and Baby Button Bits both are great sets and there are so many possibilities. To make this short and sweet I am just going to show the cards:

Have a good evening!

One Year...

Since this is my personal blog. I am taking the opportunity today to write about something that is as personal as personal gets.
A year ago this week I lost a very special person in my life. He was the very BEST! My Grandpa. Come to find out he had cancer that we were unaware of or maybe it was just his time.
So in a way to remember him today I am going to post some memories of him, maybe a few pictures, & the letter my Grandma asked me to write for the service. 
This post is mostly for me as a way to express how I feel and remind me of how lucky I was to have him in my life. I only wish I would have had more time with him. I think I took for granted that he would always be there. There have been so many days where I thought about him and wished I could just pick up the phone again and hear his voice. He had a smile that was contagious...

He was always there for me when I needed. When I was a teenager I remember him driving me from Portland to work in Vancouver everyday so I wouldn't have to ride the bus on the way he would listen to Paul Harvey and we would talk about all kinds of things. I will always be thankful for my time with him then. 


I am the oldest cousin in my family and he made a promise to me that when I turned 10 years old he would take me and my sister Amy and 2 of my cousins Cym and Nickole (that was all there was at that point) to Disneyland. I waited patiently and when I turned 10 he made good on that promise we all packed up in the car and headed for Disneyland. A child's dream at that point in life, and we were on our way. We had a blast and I loved every minute. What a fun thing to get to share with your grandparents. They were a lot of fun and my Grandpa went on just as many rides as we did. On the way home as everyone was sleeping in the car. I chatted my Grandpa's ears off and when we got home he teased about how I kept him awake so he wouldn't fall asleep driving.


He was always joking with us. He would always play that game "Gimme 5, up high, down low...too slow Joe" and when were around he loved to play games with us like anticipation, and rook. 


I have wonderful memories of him...


I was fortunate enough to have him marry my husband and I. My husband and I have been together for a while but have only been married for 2 & 1/2 years. One Christmas Eve a year before we were at my uncle's house and my Grandpa pulled me aside. Now my Grandpa was not the type to talk to hear himself talk and only really said things when they weighed heavy on his mind. He told me that he had been praying for me like he did all his grandchildren and that he felt like God was telling him if I didn't get married soon it would be too late. Now I took that to mean that the world was going to end and I was going to be left behind because I at the time was living in sin by living with my husband before we were married. I cried all the way home that night, thinking about what he had said. Well we ended up getting married and then he got sick. It made me wonder if maybe he knew all along that something was wrong and he wanted to be there for me on my special day. Either way I am ready for what may come!

I have lots of wonderful memories of him...


I know this post is getting long but I have one more thing to share. The letter I wrote at the request of my Grandma for his service. She asked that we all would come up with something and it was difficult to listen to but the service was a celebration of his life and the example his set for us by living for Christ. I have never known anyone as Godly as him and I know in my heart where he is...


Here is the letter in the email form that I sent to my Grandma:

Hi Angela,   This is very good and no it is not too long.  I would say it is perfect in every way....Thank You for loving Grandpa it means a whole lot to me to know others loved him very much.  He was all that you said he was and more.

 

I Love You Angela more than words can say...

 

Grandma

Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 10:06 AM

Subject: What you requested...

This way by far the hardest thing I have ever had to write. Let me know if it is too long. I am not sure that I could read this at the service. I love you and I can't wait to see you. Let me know what you think ok?

 

 

My Grandfather

 

It is difficult to know how to best describe the man that my Grandfather was. Because he was like no other man I’ve ever encountered.

He was a man who spent every moment in the service of others. He was a pastor, counselor, and friend. He was a husband who loved his wife and provided for her until the day he passed away. He was a father to three who he loved unconditionally. He was a Grandfather. My Grandfather. A man who taught us so many wonderful things. His light sense of humor always made me laugh like when I called and said, “Is Grandma there?” he would always say “No, she’s here.” And gave us funny names like Amos and Andy.

He loved people. He didn’t pass judgment on anyone no matter what they did or said. He took care of people. Even after he’d retired from the ministry he would drive miles and miles to some church in the middle of no where to preach if the pastor was not able to make it. For years he would go to the hospital and visit people who were unable to attend service themselves.

He delivered my wedding vows, a day I will always cherish. When he laid his hands on us to pray at the end of the ceremony I could feel his love for us and the way God’s love came through him, was evident.

He died peacefully knowing he was going to heaven. I often fell short of what he knew I could be, but he always loved me. I know he is no longer suffering. He is still with me. He always will be. I have wonderful memories that I will hold on to and share with my grandchildren. I will never forget the impact he had on my life and the lives of others.

He was the best and I couldn't have asked for more.

Well it is out and it feels good to share. I hope that I can encourage you to grab a hold of the ones you love and enjoy every minute. Thanks for listening.

My First PTI Blog Hop

I am really excited. Every month I admire all of the beautiful cards and projects but have never participated. What was I waiting for? This was a lot of fun!
This month the challenge was to use a pti set that had never been used so I chose the Star Prints set. I remember when I bought it. I thought it would be one of my favorites. I had so many ideas for it, but then...I forgot. When I saw this challenge I went through all of my stamps and there it was. Tucked way in the back of it's storage container. All the plans I had for this set came rushing back. Yay! I was up last night forever making a few different things with it and now i think it has become one of my favs. Now instead of being in the back I think I will keep this one right up front. Thanks for the challenge PTI!!

Having some trouble with iphoto so I was unable to edit my pics. Don't laugh ok..

Weight Loss Update and a Surprise!

I know I have been missing for a while but I have had A LOT going on at home lately... My husband finally got accepted into an apprenticeship with IBEW for inside electrician! Woo Hoo! We have been waiting about 2 & 1/2 years for this. It is a long process to get in and when the economy took a turn for the worse it unfortunately prolonged the process. Good news he is in!! It is such a blessing, for a few years now to make daycare work my husband and I have worked opposite hours and had different days off so we maybe saw each other a few times a week for just a couple hours. He made the comment that now that we will see each other more I might not like him as much... we'll see?? Just kidding, it will be fun.

Good news on the weight loss also... I am down another 1.8 lbs. i have also been measuring and it has made all the difference in the world to see those inches come off. I know it isn't a lot but I will take what I can get. I haven't been as strict as I need to be but I have decided that this week my goal is to get in all my water and work out. I haven't started working out yet I was trying to focus on the food part to start out. So this week I will commit to at least 30 minutes of activity. I will let you know how that goes. 

One more thing. I have not been a good granddaughter! Every year my Grandma asks for school pictures and I send them to her, she lives in Hermiston. This year though I have yet to send them. So I made her a card and am mailing them tomorrow. Here is the card I made:

I hope she likes it and maybe she won't notice this post before it arrives. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks for dropping by!

Yay, It's a holiday!

Well today I am off work. I love days like this but also dread them knowing tomorrow I will be back to my regular schedule. Since it's a holiday and my kids have the day off we decided to go roller skating. I am sure it will be jam packed but it should be a lot of fun! My sister and her kids will be joining us. I really enjoy my sister and her 4 kids. The more the merrier. Do you have something fun planned for today?

I was going to share a card I made for another challenge but changed my mind , it didn't turn out the way I wanted but.... I do have another card I made to share. Turquoise is my favorite color and I am in love with this card.

Whatever you end up doing I hope you enjoy every minute!

Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger

I finally was able to get a card done in time to play along with the Tuesday Trigger over on the Moxie Fab Blog today!! Yay! If you haven't had the chance to get over there you should they really have some fun challenges and great inspiration photos!  I really had fun with this one, the colors were so bright and fun. I knew I just had to join in. I made a birthday card and got my inspiration from all the fun spots. I know the person who receives this card will just have to smile! I also have another card that I will be posting later today for another challenge that is going on over there.  

Here is the card I came  up with:

Have a fun day!!

Progress

I have to say today is the first day I actually feel good. It has been a while since I have really felt this way. Lately it seems I am really tired, cranky and I just generally felt bad. It is my second week on Weight Watchers and I believe that eating better and following the plan has helped me tremendously. Even if my weight loss is not significant I see a huge a difference in the way I feel and that makes it all worth it.  This is going to be a long journey and I am on my way!

Here is another card for today also. Just thought I would share,

Thanks For Visiting!

Sending Birthday Wishes

Do you ever feel like you have a balloon in your stomach?? I have been trying to get all my water in everyday but at the end of the day I feel full. Full of water. I have been following my good health guidelines on weight watchers this week and am feeling pretty good for the most part except for the bloated feeling. Does anyone know why this happens? I am drinking the right amount for my weight and activity levels. Maybe it will pass, I will cross my fingers.

I also have another card to share tonight. I love all the bright colors. It makes me long for summertime. Ahhh...green grass, sunshine, flowers, and blue skies. A girl can only dream.. Hope you enjoy!

Bright & Bold Color Challenge

Today I decided to play along with the Moxie Fab blog they put out a challenge called: Color Inspiration Bright & Bold Color Challenge. The moxie Fab blog is somewhere I turn when my creativity needs a little push. I have never participated in any of the challenges so I decided today would be the day! Part of reaching my goal to get published I guess. The colors in this one remind me a little of sherbet or sweets. 
 
It was a lot of fun and I hope to start doing a lot more of these. 


Here is the card I made:

Supplies Used:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink

Patterned Paper: Unknown

Doily: Martha Stewart

Stamps: Papertrey Ink

Flair: American Crafts

Pen: Uni-Ball Signo White Gel Pen

Bakers Twine: Etsy

Have a great night! Go Ducks!