Happy Birthday Dad!

Yep.  For real.  TWO posts in one week!  Ha ha ha ha.

My Dad's birthday was October 30th.  For those that didn't know, here in the Northeast we got WALLOPED with an early Winter storm on October 29th, complete with 18 inches of snow, and no electricity for 5 days.  We dug out to get out and wish Dad a Happy Birthday, and it was an ADVENTURE to say the least!!

My parents were at my brother's house, my brother had gone and 'rescued' them earlier in the day.  Just trying to get to my brother's house, which is usually a 5 minute drive (IF I get stuck at the light) took us 20+, because we had to go around the long way due to downed trees.  We finally got to his neighborhood, and had to re-route a few times there, as there were 2 telephone poles that the tops were snapped off and were hanging in the middle of the road by the power lines (EEK!)

ANYWAY -- we FINALLY got to my brother's house, and got to sing Happy Birthday to my Dad :).

Here's his card:

I took the photo with my phone, as it was very last  minute.  The '65' is actually a 'ribbon' that's tucked behind the 'Ad Sense' die cut and sentiment.  I put a basic grey magnet on it, and 'pinned' it to his shirt.

I took a piece of kraft CS and ran it through my Cuttlebug with the woodgrain impression plate from Papertrey, and then rubbed my Dark Chocolate ink pad all over it, to bring out the embossing.

And there you have it...Happy Birthday Dad!  Wishing you many more :)

Supplies:
All supplies Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted
Stamps: Ad Sense
Ink: Aqua Mist, Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate
Paper: Kraft, Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores, Summer Sunrise
Accessories: Delightful Doilies Dies, Limitless Layers 1.75" dies, By the Numbers dies, Woodgrain impression plate, Hawaiian Shores ribbon, basic grey magnet

All Because Two People Fell in Love...

WHEW!!  It's been a busy, yet SUPER FAST weekend.  WHERE did it go???  We've been busy here with some house projects, hoping to get them wrapped up in our "spare" time, lol.  Making progress, but still a ways to go.

Anyway -- onto my post.  A few months ago, my in-laws celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary.  A pretty big deal, especially now a days.  I decided to make a card that would emphasize the importance of that 45.

I pulled out the Papertrey Ink By the Numbers dies, and cut a 4 and a 5, ran them through my xyron and then poured glitter all over them...I mean really, aside from blinking lights (which could come in the future, I'll have to top this in 5 years, HA!) what better than glitter to catch your eye??

Layered the 45 onto some die cuts (1.75" limitless layers, and Mat Stack 4) - and accented with the largest flourish from Fancy Flourishes that was embossed with clear ep.  Finished it off with the sentiment 'amazing years'. From Big Birthday Wishes.

I say amazing, because we ALL got together that day, and took a photo of the whole family...take a look at what has been accomplished in 45 years...and smile.

Have a great day!!

Take a Moment Today...

To remember who fought for your right to celebrate this weekend...

This is a photograph by John Gaffney -- I think it speaks volumes.

This is my friend Josh Dukes, he is a member of the 3rd US Army Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard.  Each year, he and his comrades, plus many many more service men and women head out to Arlington Cemetery and place flags and each and every of the near 300,000 graves of the fallen buried there.  What an honor to be a part of something so amazing.

I started to think the other day about how this weekend has turned into a reason to shop, picnic, barbecue and head to the beach...and thought how awful that those who died are not remembered more...

Then I thought a little more, and really think, hey - you know what??  These men and women died so that we COULD celebrate the way we want.  So, this weekend -- I hope you DO take time to remember those that fought so that you can celebrate FREELY with those you love, celebrate what they gave to you, and give thanks to those who continue to fight today.  Celebrate their lives.

I do have a card -- I used Jen del Muro's Sketch for You to Try for this week, and it will be going to one of my favorite Marines...

So to those serving today, and those who have gone before you... THANK YOU...

Testing... Testing.... *tap* *tap* *tap*

Just making sure this thing works, since I haven't been here in forever...lol.  Sorry I haven't been around - just been SUPER busy with all sorts of things - birthday parties, school events, and even a date with my hubby!


First off -- thank you to those who have sponsored me for the Relay for Life -- it means a lot to me...I appreciate it!!


I DO have some cards to share with you today -- but I thought I'd share a few photos from my outing to NYC last weekend.  I got to meet one of my friends from Splitcoaststampers in real life last weekend.  While a bunch of the ladies from our "Group" were meeting up in Michigan, I got to go on a date with my hubby to NYC, and meet Samantha and her husband Chris.  We had BEYOND perfect weather, and just enjoyed the day.  We went up to the "Top of the Rock" at Rockefeller Center - take a look at these views:

Now, I had to laugh, because it really was such a PERFECT day -- LOOK at the sky in the photo of the Rockefeller building, doesn't it look fake???  like the building was superimposed on the sky... but nope, that's the real deal!

Breathtaking views of the skyline from every angle.  

We had a great day - and Samantha and Chris were so much fun to hang out with...too bad we live on opposite sides of the country, and can't do it more often!

Now, onto the cards... I made these for my two nieces...this first one features an image from a new to me company called Woodware USA.  I got a few sets at CKC Manchester.  I thought they were SUPER cute.  Moreso for my older daughter to use for cards for her friends, but hey - she gets to use my stuff, I get to use hers too, right??  ;-).

The background was made with Papertrey's Dot Spot set.  The Woodware stamps are great quality photopolymer, stamped crisp and clean too -- check them out HERE

My second card for today uses Dot Spot again - and a great set from My Time Made Easy called Puckered Up Patterns - in fact, there is a sale on this set NOW -- so head on over to the store and get YOURS today!!  I used the large pattern from Puckered up Patterns on the kraft piece on the bottom.  I stamped the images from Dot Spot randomly in different colored summery colors.  Finished it off with a faux bow, and a big fat button.

Thanks for stopping by today!!  Hope you're all having a GREAT weekend!!

Supplies:


Just for You card:
Stamps: Mary and Friends (Woodware USA), Dot Spot (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Black, Berry Sorbet (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Lemon Tart, Berry Sorbet (All Papertrey Ink), One Sheet Wonder (Couture Cardstock)
Accessories: Berry Sorbet Swiss dot ribbon, Copics


Fabulous Day Card:
Stamps: Dot Spot, Signature Greetings (Papertrey Ink), Puckered Up Patterns (My Time Made Easy)
Ink: Raspberry Fizz, Orange Zest (Papertrey Ink), Lime, cumquats (SEI), Versamark, Memento brown
Paper: One Sheet Wonder (Couture Cardstock) Kraft (SU!)
Accessories: Raspberry Fizz swiss dot ribbon, Orange Zest Buttons

I was ok until I saw the top hat...

We said goodbye to a friend today.  His name was Edward Shook Sr....more widely known as Eddie.  I've known him since I got involved with fife and drum 16-17 years ago.  I was a bit intimidated by him, he always looked so serious.  But, the more I grew to know him, I realized what a funny, kind, and giving person he really was.   Never judge a book by it's cover, because you'll just never know how good the story really is.


Drum Corps is just one of many facets to his life, as was evident by seeing those who attended his wake yesterday.  Scores of people from all different walks of life, there to honor Eddie, and support his wife and 3 children, and although there were a few tears...it wasn't really sad or solemn...which is just how he would have wanted it.  Good memories were shared, and laughs could be heard from time to time, a true testament to the life we were celebrating.

Now, those who know me, know I'm a REALLY easy crier, but I was determined to be strong for the family...I was ok, got teary when I saw Ruth, his wife, what an amazing lady...looking through all of the pictures...but then...I went to pay my respects and there he was...and the top hat.  Some people may not have known Eddie by name, but say 'the man in the tattered top hat' and we ALL knew who they were talking about.  THAT was hard, that was when the waterworks were hard to shut off...then I suddenly had a sense of peace, and knew that he was at rest, and he was in such a far better place than if he were to remain here.


I certainly didn't know him as well as others, but I know his kindness and humor reached many, more than even he probably ever realized.

The funeral service today was perfect, and fitted for Eddie.  He went for one more ride with the motorcycles, surrounded by friends and family.  Fife and drum played at the graveside...and it ended with a toast.

This song is written on the back of his funeral card:

♪♫ Show me the way to go home,
I'm tired and I want to go to bed
I had a little drink about an hour ago
and it went right to my head
Where ever I may roam
On land or sea or foam
You will always hear me singing this song
Show me the way to go home ♫♪

We'll miss you Mr. Shook, but we know your spirit lives on in your children and grandchildren, and you will be in our hearts always....until we meet again...

RIP Edward Shook Sr. 4/25/10 

Free Spirit Boy...

Hello!!  Yes, I am alive.  I'm sure you've all been wondering ;).  I've taken a bit of time off and enjoyed it with my family, and I feel refreshed.  Yes, I know I just posted on Thursday, but I think in blog days, it was an eternity! lol.

I'm here today to share with you a simple little number featuring the latest and greatest from Waltzingmouse Stamps.  I've been struggling for a while now for appropriate images for cards for my nephews who are pre-teen/teenagers, and Claire has TOTALLY hit the nail on the head with these sets!!  Free Spirit Boy, and Free Spirit Sentiments...LOVE them!!

My nephew Bobby had his 14th birthday last week, I still can't believe he's 14!  For goodness sake, I was still a teenager when he was born, and I can't be that old, can I??  Dang.  Anyway -- he's a real great kid,  he's got a good heart, and a great sense of humor.  And, he's my first nephew (also my Godson) so he always has a special place in my heart (he'll probably GAG if he reads this!)

He's pretty easy to shop for these days, iTunes gift cards or cash that he can use to put minutes on his cell phone are always a good bet - and I know they're being put to good use...besides, how else will I know all the coolest apps for my iPhone, than to get input from a teenager?? ;)

Here's my card, simple, straightforward, and uses his favorite color, orange (which is my favorite too, in case you'd like to send me some happy mail ;) ).

He said he liked it, though I'm sure he liked the check made out to cash much better, but hey, what more can I ask for??  I'll be lucky if he even still wants to associate with me by his next birthday, so I'll take what I can get ;).

Thanks for stopping by today -- hope it's a great one!


Supplies:
Stamps: Free Spirit Boy, Free Spirit Sentiments (Waltzingmouse Stamps)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Not Quite Navy, Green Galore (SU!) Memento Brown
Paper: Not-Quite Navy, Whisper White
Accessories: Sponge, Aquapainter

Babies...

I ♥ babies...I have two little girls of my very own, and I am SO blessed.  Something about those beautiful little bundles just make me happy.  I can't help it but smile when I see new dads carrying the babies out of the birthing center at the hospital I work in to go home.

Now - there are some things I don't like...

sleepless nights
uncontrollable crying
those first few 'icky' diapers...
oh - and the cord -- WHAT is up with that?!?!  I know it's all "natural" but yeah, still kinda freaks me out.

I've been lucky enough in the last two weeks to get my teeny baby fill, and send them back off to their mamas (who look a bit tired, BTW ;) )

My card today is for one of those beautiful babies.  We had the honor of attending her Christening on Valentine's day, isn't that sweet?  Francesca is a sweet little thing, and her parents are just as wonderful.  I am so happy, as having a child was a far off dream, and thankfully with 1 part science, 2 parts love, and a dash of miracle, Francesa came to be.

I chose the sentiment "Nothing is worth more than this day" from Papertrey Ink's Everyday Blessings, as I felt it was perfect for the occasion.  May God bless and keep Francesca always.

Thanks for stopping by today -- I'll be back Thursday with a Pink Cat release!!!  Stay tuned...

 
Supplies:
Stamps: Everyday Blessings (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Sweet Blush, Versamark
Paper: Select White, Sweet Blush
Accessories: filagree gold EP, Adhesive pearls, sweet blush swiss dot ribbon, Martha Stewart Border Punch

He's 13?!?!?!?!

Alright -- so now, he's actually 13 and a half ;).

I can hardly believe that my oldest nephew turned 13 this year.  It seems like not too long ago he was born, and my only nephew...somewhere along the way, I've gained 20 other nieces and nephews! LOL. 

Since he's at that stage where I just never know if something is 'cool' I thought really hard about his card...and hoped I did ok.  I started out with Surfer Ian -- such a fun image -- had a great time coloring him in.  Then -- hmmmmm...what to do for a layout???

I have this great paper from SEI, Black Orchid.  This was a pattern that was black embossed on white paper, and used my Copics in colors that I used to color in Ian, and went to town.  I like how it came out - and when I asked if it was too girly, I got an emphatic 'no' from the birthday boy, as well as my DH...I figured the pattern tied into the Hawaiian shorts, but wanted to make sure it wasn't just me, LOL.

Anyway -- score for me, he seemed to like the card -- which I always worry about...and I had to laugh because my nephew is actually sporting a similar hairdo to that of Ian...too much.

Hoping everyone is having a great weekend - it's been GORGEOUS here - and we've gotten a lot done outside...though tons more to go.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Surfer Ian (The Greeting Farm), sentiment from SU!

Ink: Memento Black
Paper: Gina K pure luxure white, SEI Black Orchid PP, PTI True Black

Guest Designer - Timeless Templates

Thought I do a quick post -- and share with you some work by my very own guest designer...my daughter!

She and I spent some time together in stampland...and she created this out of Lauren's "Let's Do Lunch" template.














Well, she chose the colors, and I put the pieces together, but she decorated everything...

It is (as I'm sure you can tell of course) Spongebob -- the drawing on the front of his blue pants (she wanted to change things up a bit) are some scenes from "Sponge Bob vs. the Big One"...and Plankton is attached to the back, sneaking up on SB.

She's VERY proud of her creation - and I think she did a great job -- there's definitely another papercrafter in the family!!

Thanks for stopping by today -- have a great day!

Mariners weekend, remembering a friend, and finally a card...

WHEW!

I can hardly believe it's Monday already! The weekend was a blur. Thank to all of you who stopped by on Saturday for Lauren's challenge -- I need to get around and check out what everyone else has made!

Friday night I had a parade, and Saturday we had a Muster in Old Saybrook, CT. What an AWESOME day. The Ancient Mariners, out of Guilford, CT were the hosts of this event, and it was fabulous from top to bottom. The corps is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, as their founder Roy Watrous started the corps on July 4, 1959. This brotherhood stretched over the Atlantic Ocean, and a Swiss Contingent was formed as well. They had a HUGE group of Mariners at the muster, from the US and Switzerland...what a rush to see such a big group come marching down the street... (all that testosterone too...stand back!)

A very cool thing about the Ancient Mariners...their colorguard carries these oars with them...see those little brass plates? Each one of them has a name of a member of the corps who has passed away. In 50 years, they've lost a lot of good people, including their founder, Roy Watrous, and a real great guy I knew -- Sean Egan.

Sean sure knew how to have a good time -- funny as all get out too. Take a look at this post - which Greg describes Sean best. And most of all -- he was so awesome with all of the kids, even though he had none of his own. He always treated my nieces like his own, and what a smile he got when he'd be out on that muster field. For the muster, in addition to the oars that they carry, they had these others made up to stake around the muster field so their fallen brothers would be with them in more than spirit for the weekend.

I get run down with parades and rehearsals, but for some reason, a good muster always renews my pride in what we do, and makes me feel great to be a part of such an amazing community of people, who love what they do. I've included some photos from the weekend below...

'The Wild Bunch' from Basel Switzerland

"The Old Guard" --- 3rd US Infantry Regiment BCT -(The President's Fife and Drum Corps) these guys and gals are INCREDIBLE...

'The International Mariners' from Basel, Switzerland, and Guilford, CT, USA

'The Young Colonials' and alumni from Carmel, NY

'The Civil War Troopers' from Cornwall, NY

The Junior Colonials from Westbrook, CT (those are 2 of my nieces and my nephew -- aren't they CAH-UTE???)

Ok - I said a card, but I think I've given enough to look at today -- I'll be back with my card post tomorrow -- for real ;)

Thanks for letting me share the other passion in my life and thanks for stopping by!!

Remembering a Friend...

It's been a long week. I hosted Thanksgiving dinner, so between working and cleaning and cooking, I haven't had ANY stamp time...BLECH.

BUT -- I went to an awards dinner tonight, to remember a friend. As most of you know, I'm involved in Fife and Drum, what's that you say?? check HERE. I used to belong to a junior corps, called The Young Colonials. This is actually how I met my hubby. He wasn't in the corps at the time, but his younger brother was, and his sisters taught the fife line, and his 2 older brothers taught the drum line...

On May 31, 1995, something pretty terrible happened. I was home sick from school (I was a Sr. in HS at the time) I got a call from a friend of mine from a payphone (back in the day of *GASP* no cell phones! *sigh*) who had said that one of our classmates Chris, had been in an accident, and that his sister was in the car with him and she died....my stomach dropped. Chris has 2 sisters...Angela, and Michelle...which one was it??? No one knew. I called my Mom (she's a nurse, and works at the local hospital) She answered the phone, and I said "Do you know??" She said "Yes, it was Angela." I still remember that moment like it was yesterday. She was 12. 12. Now being a mom, even moreso I can't even BEGIN to think about how short her life really was. It also gave me a good dose of 'I'm not invincible' reality too.

Angela was an incredible fifer for her young years, and though she was small, and had to hold her fingers a certain way to make sure she covered the holes all the way, she ROCKED the fife. She taught me a thing or two, that's for sure! She always did what was right by the corps, and was the fife sargeant as well...for a little girl, she knew how to command attention!

So, on a weekend where we should have been celebrating our last few weeks as Seniors in HS, Chris (Angela's brother) was in the hospital, and we (my hubby and friends and I) were at Angela's funeral...NEVER will I forget that.

Each year, The Young Colonials hold an awards dinner, where they give out medals to the members of the corps for parades they've won, and they have some perpetual awards that are given out each year as well. One for an outstanding member of the Colorguard, one for an outstanding member of the fife line, and one for an outstanding member of the drum line. That year, they added a fourth award. The Angela Simmons Award, to be given to a member of the corps, that exemplified all of Angela's qualities as a corps member. The recipient would be a member of the corps that demonstrates leadership, encourages their fellow corps members not only to practice, but to just be together and have fun, to have good parade and practice attendance, and to be an example to the younger members of the corps (or even perhaps the older ones!! *wink* ) I was honored to have been given this award the second year.

Well, after 12 years, the plaque is full, and the corps has decided to reitre it, and give the plaque to Angela's family. So tonight, all past recipients were invited to attend the dinner, so that we could all pose for a photo with the plaque to be presented to the family with the plaque.

I still see Angela's Dad now and then, and I'm still friends with her sister Michelle...and always give Chris a hug when I see him...I think a lot about what could have or would have been if Angela were here today...though I know she is in a far far better place, but man, how sweet it would be if she were still here...we miss you Angela!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Glow in the Dark fun...

Well today's post has NOTHING to do with stamping, but I thought it was fun, none the less. This past weekend was my nephew's birthday party (I don't even have a card topost for him, I gave him his present back in May (tickets to a Mets game with his brother and Dad)

k - onto the party...he had it at this cool place, Monster Mini Golf. It's all indoors, all lit with blacklights...I was a weeee bit nervous about my older daughter freaking out, but she actually did ok...here are some cool shots I got under the blacklights...

Here's my daughter, playing air hockey...I love her neon yellow shirt :)

A great time was had by all at the party...but go figure, I didn't get a single shot of the birthday boy!! That's what happens when you turn 10 I guess...

Thanks for stopping by!!

Nick's Birthday...

So, yesterday was my honey's birthday...it wasn't the BEST day, as the girls were totally coming down off an exhausting weekend, so everyone was a little crabby :( I did try to make up for it by making a nice dinner, and letting him take a nice afternoon snooze...

We got him Rockband for the Wii for his birthday...he is REALLY tough to buy for, and always asks for practical stuff, so I thought this might be fun...it will be interesting, that's for sure!

So, inspired by Rockstar-ness...I made his card, to give him a little hint. I used this GREAT paper from Piggy Tales - Wonder Years from the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Collection. I used the smaller pattern for my cardfront, and then I cut a larger guitar out from a scrap piece.

I punched a star from my DCWV Glitter Cardstock Stack using my SU! Star punch, and used dimensionals to pop the star off the card, and the guitar of the star...nice effect.

The sentiment...I used my Big Deal Alpha from SU! for the 'h' and 'b' and PTI's Simple Alphabet for the rest. The stars around the sentiment were hand drawn with my sakura stardust pen.

I think my favorite birthday present had to have been the year I got my 10 speed bicycle...I had this dinky little red and white radio flyer bike that my knees would hit the handle bars when I peddled if I didn't sit just right or stand. Other kids would be like...'nice bike'. I begged for a 10 speed...and Mom and Dad came through, it was a Huffy - black with pink handlebars...I was *hot stuff* ;)

What was YOUR favorite birthday present??

Thanks for stopping by!