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!

While the kids are away...

the mom will play. Last night and this morning I have been hard at work trying to get a start on my goal to be published in a card magazine. I have submitted 4 cards to popular magazines. I know everyone that has done this before says it could take a while so I will just cross my fingers and wait... In the meantime I have a new card to show you I made this last night and I just love the colors together. Very sweet. Now I just need someone to have a baby so I can put it to use.

It feels great to finally be showing my cards online. I hope you enjoy, please leave a comment and let me know what you think. If anyone has any tips on getting published that would also be appreciated.

Supplies Used:
Patterned Paper: Lush by My Mind's Eye
Ribbon: Papertrey Ink Lemon Tart
Button: Lemon Tart
Pen:Uni-ball Signo Broad White
Stamps:Papertrey Ink

Weigh in Friday

Today was the end of my first full week on Weight Watchers. Weigh in day, I am only down .4 lbs. but I also measured different areas of myself and I lost 1 & 1/2 in. around my waist!! Yay! I know I just need to stick with it and I will see results so on I go to a new week with more food obstacles. Let's see this week I made it through doughnuts at work and The Cheesecake Factory with my family and I didn't gain, I lost. I also have a quick card to share using the Echo Park Be Mine collection again. I hope you like it...

See you tomorrow with a new card.

Short Post

So today has been a VERY long day. I had a tooth break yesterday afternoon and had to go in for emergency dental work. I do not enjoy going to the dentist but I am thankful that they got me all fixed up and I can now eat on that side of my mouth with out screaming in pain! I am sharing another card today that I made using the Echo Park Be Mine collection, which I am love with. The papers are so sweet and I could keep making cards with the collection pack all day long. In fact I made a few cards from these papers and will share them over the next day or two.

Thank you for visiting!

Supplies Used:

• Patterned Paper:Be Mine by Echo Park Paper Co.
• Metal Hearts: Making Memories
• Tag:Be Mine by Echo Park Paper Co.

Second Day and I am still here..

So today is day number two and I said in my first post that I have a second goal this year to blog about, so here it goes. I just joined weight watchers for the second time and am determined to lose the weight and feel good. So how much weight do I have to lose?? A whopping 35-40 lbs.!! I am posting that number so that I can hold myself accountable. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about joining to just do it already! It does work. So here is my first fat picture, I can't believe I am doing this...especially because I don't have any makeup on either, yikes!

 never been as big as I am right now and after struggling to have the energy to do things with my kids and my husband and a general feeling of just not feeling good... I would say it is time for a change.

I would also like to share with you one of my families favorite recipes. Taco Soup. It is Yummy... Great after a freezing cold day like today, great for feeding lots of people or just a few, good for lunches, or it could be a delicious crock pot recipe for dinner after a long day at work. After measuring ingredients and putting everything into the recipe builder on the weight watcher website I found that 1 cup of the soup is 6 weight watcher points on the new points plus plan. Hope you enjoy! 

Points Plus Value: 6 Per Serving   Cooking Time: 15 Min. 

Serves: 9                          Level of Difficulty: EASY

Preparation Time: 10 Min.      (I am not a cook if I can you can)

Ingredients: 1  46 oz. V8 100% Vegetable Juice 1  15.25 oz can of diced tomatoes Italian style drained 1  4 oz. can of sliced black olives drained 1  7 oz. can of diced green chiles drained 1  15.25 oz can of kidney beans drained
1  15.25 oz. can of yellow corn
1 pkg. Taco Seasoning 1 Pound of Lean Ground Beef Browned
Directions: Brown ground beef. Drain all cans. In a large pot combine all ingredients including taco seasoning.Bring to a boil just long enough to soften beans some. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 Minutes. Serve.

Hello....Anyone There?

So here I am. Just starting what I hope will be the start of some new changes in my life. An outlet for my creative adventures and a way to hold myself accountable for the goals I have set. I never thought I would start a blog so please bear with me as I am learning as I go. So you are probably asking yourself, "What is this blog really about?" Well... I will be featuring cards that I have designed to hopefully inspire you to CREATE your own.I will try and list the products and supplies I am using for easy reference.


I have been making cards for friends and family for a while but one of my goals this year is to be published in a card/scrapbooking magazine. Wouldn't that be fun? I also have another goal I will be sharing on the blog but I will save that for tomorrows post. For now here is my first card here on the new blog..

Hope you enjoy!!

• Cardstock:Unknown
• Patterned Paper:Be Mine by Echo Park Paper Co.
• Ribbon: Papertrey Ink Sweet Blush
• Tag:Be Mine by Echo Park Paper Co.
• Pen:Uni-ball Signo Broad White