Deployment news and Raffle Prizes

Wow!  I had a busy day yesterday.  I was up pretty early (for me!) and headed to the Soup Kitchen to help prepare meals for those less fortunate.  It always makes me feel good to do that.  Somehow, I have gotten to be the "go-to gal" for meal preparations when I am there.  Jan, the head of our group is one of those cooks that is not very adventurous and follows a recipe to the "T".  I have convinced her it is ok to add a little of this and a little of that to make a recipe your own.  Today the dish that was chosen to prepare was a Hamburger Casserole.  They got it out of a book the Girl Scouts put together for a badge and presented to the Soup Kitchen.  The recipe called for mixing hamburger meat (already cooked) with Cream of Celery & Cheddar Cheese soups and  mixed veggies (ugh).  You also mix up Bisquick into a dough and put on the bottom of the casserole and then spread cheese over the top.  Well, we decided that sounded pretty bland.  So, I found a few green peppers and scallions that someone had donated and we chopped those up and added them.  The gals who were preparing it decided to put the biscuit mix on top instead of on the bottom.  Sounded good at the time!  Luckily, we fixed one pan first as a test model without the biscuit mix - we were going to add it after cooking the dish for a while.  Well, after about 20 minutes we took the pan out of the oven and it was really soupy!  I think the biscuit mix is supposed to absorb some of the liquid of the dish.   We already had 4-5 pans made up and ready to go in the oven (without the biscuit mix).  So, we got another pan and put the biscuit mix on the bottom and dumped the casserole on top.  That came out much better!  It tasted ok to me - probably not something I will make and serve at home but the patrons of the Soup Kitchen loved it and many came back for seconds and requested to take a plate home with them for dinner.  So, that is what counts!  We served about 100 people today.

After Soup Kitchen duty, I headed over to a Board Meeting that lasted way too long!  We had a lot to discuss with our big Horse Racing Fund Raiser coming up in early June.  Unfortunately, it is on June 8 which is when I will be returning from Texas so I will not be able to attend.  From the Board meeting, I met Sonny at Red Eye Bar and Grill in Mooresville for a late lunch/early dinner.  We had a couple of beers, some food and played a little trivia.

I have not shared publicly the news that my daughter is being deployed to Iraq - probably because I don't want to believe it is real until I have to.  We have known that it was probably going to happen for a couple of months now.  Well, this week, she finally got some specifics on the deployment.  As it stands now, she will be deploying with a unit out of Fort Hood.  She reports to them in mid-August for a mid-September deployment and will probably be gone 8-9 months.  She is scheduled for training at Fort Polk in Louisiana in June just after my mom and I leave her in Texas.   Although she is an Infectious Disease Pediatrition, she will act as a Brigade Surgeon with her unit.  I told her that sounded pretty impressive to me.  She told me she will be basically the unit's doc - treating the soldiers in her unit if they are sick or wounded.  Although if the injuries are severe, they will be sent to a CASH (which is today's equivalent to MASH.)  We hope that she will be able to spend a couple of weeks with us in July.   Several people have requested her address when   she is deployed.  When I know, I will let you know.  I will miss her terribly, but I am so proud of her and of her commitment.

Here more of the raffle prizes I made for my Newcomers's Horse Race Game Night.  I gave the items to the chairman today and the ladies really "oohed and aahed" over them.  Made me feel good!

This is a Flower Brooch that I made out of upholstery material with the Kiwi Kiss button in the center.

This is a box I made that holds cards.  I stamped the box with the butterfly from Flight of the Butterfly and the swirl in Priceless.  I scalloped the edges.

This is the top of the box - I just love the flower!  It matched the paper great.

The cards ar all made using Inspired by Nature and the Embosslet Butterly.

I really like how this gift came together.

American Idol Final FOUR

Four perform tonight ... individually and as a duet. It's movie night so we're paying tribute to the music that impacts the silver screen.  The mentor this week is the fabulous Jamie Foxx.

Lee has that dreaded #1 spot and sings Kiss from a Rose.  The judges didn't like it.  I think he could have made a better song choice but I just love Lee and love that song and thought he was ok!!

Mike was next with a song I wasn't familiar with, Will You Bhe There.  It's from the movie, Free Willie. ???  Huh?  The judges were mixed with their reviews.  I like Lee better.

Crystal and Lee did a duet, Falling Softly.  Oh ... they are so great!  All the judges thought that was the best moment all season!

Casey sings Mrs. Robinson from The Graduate.  Not so sure about this one - it may be time for him to go - pretty hair and all!  The judges - except for Simon - liked it.  Randy is asking why he chose that song, but this Kara/Mrs. Robinson thing is tacky. I’m annoyed.  But, in the end, I agree with Simon. “There have been some very strange song choices tonight, and that was one of them.”

Next is Crystal singing the theme from Caddyshack, I'm All Right.  Weird song choices tonight!  But she definitely made this song HER ... a little Janis Joplin style.  Ellen is right - her performance was Crystalized!!

Now Big Mike and Casey team up for their duet, Have You Ever Loved a Woman.  I’ll give Casey a star for the guitar and Mike a star for the vocal.  Great performance!  Ellen's comment was funny!  She's loved a woman before!

The duets were better than the performances tonight.  The chemistry between Crystal and Lee was super!!

I think Casey will be leaving us tonight.

Get them while you can!

If you want anything in any of the retiring colors - PLEASE - you need to order it NOW. The demand for these products has been up to 4 times higher than projected and items ARE selling out. While the company is doing their best to fulfill all orders, they have let us know there is a possibility that all orders might not be filled. The best way to ensure that you receive your items is to order NOW. In order to keep any orders from being held up, I am encouraging you to place your order on-line through my Demonstrator website - http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/sharonm

(click on SHOP NOW - register and select me as your Demonstrator)

Ink refills and cardstock seem to be the most affected.

Mother's Day

I had a nice and relaxing Mother's Day.  I didn't even get dressed until after lunchtime!  It was so nice to just be lazy and do whatever I wanted to do!  Sonny offered to take me to the movies or anywhere else I wanted to go but I told him I was ok to just get caught up on some things in my craft room.  I made the cutest Top Note Purse and cards to go in it.  My Newcomer's group is having a Horse Racing Game Night in June for a money making project.  I always donate items to them for the event.

Isn't this the cutest?  I found this pattern through a search on Splitcoast.  I used Kraft paper and the Top Note die.  The handles and lining are some retired Designer Paper.  It reminds me of the Rag Purses that my sister makes.  I am putting the following cards with envelopes in the tote.

Simply Sent Kit

Lifelong Notes Simply Sent  -   item number 109868
Price: $16.99   (Previous Catalog Price: $42.95)


l Iove having handmade cards on hand so I can give them out at a moment’s notice. This kit contains the essentials for creating beautiful cards. And the designs are beautiful! It’s a great time-saver, as well—the card stock is prescored and precut. Once you've used up the cardstock, the ink and stamps will continue their usefulness for years to come. These kits are wonderful for beginners or anyone who wants to create several of the same card without spending a lot of time. Coordinates with: Bashful Blue, Old Olive, and More Mustard. 

■ Makes 10 cards, 5 each of 2 styles. Finished card size: 6-5/8"x 3-1/4"
Kit includes:
■ 6-piece die-cut stamp set
■ Bashful Blue, Basic Gray, Certainly Celery Classic Stampin’ Spots
■ Bashful Blue and Certainly Celery Long Notes
■ Whisper White (3-1/2" x 6-3/4") envelopes
■ Circle self-adhesive die-cuts: 5" x 7-1/4" sheets (2)
■ Ribbon self-adhesive die-cuts: 5" x 7-1/4" sheets (3)
■ 2" chipboard circle designs: 5" x 7-1/4", .59 mil sheets (2)
■ Stampin' Dimensionals (100)

This kit and many other brand new items such as DSP, embellishments, rub-ons and chipboard products were added to the Clearance Rack last week.  At this price, you'll want to order not just for yourself, but also for gifts!

Clearance Rack merchandise is available only while supplies last, and only available through my shopping website http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/sharonm.  Hurry!!

Mojo Monday Challenge Card

I made this card for my mother for Mother's Day.  It is also a Mojo Monday Challenge card.  I have been so busy making cards for swaps, classes, etc. that it felt good to do my own thing!  I made the tulips using the wonderful Bird Punch.  Do you have that punch yet?  What are you waiting for??  There's so much you can do with it! 

We are going to my mom's house on Saturday evening. Sonny and Greg are going to cook out on the grill .... what, we don't know yet! Something easy without a lot of clean up! I'm thinking tin-foil dinners for each person. I remember making those when our kids were little at home and when we went camping. They were so good. I put a hamburger patty, potatoes, onions, and green pepper in the packs and added a little Worcestershire sauce. Yummm!!  My sister, Angela, is preparing the dessert.

SU Retiring Colors and a treat for you!

With the retiring colors going out, there has been a rush on ordering them. SU! is going to do their best to keep backorders down, but they also are running out of certain colors. They will be replacing (as needed) textured cardstock with the smooth paper. There will be no increase in price. As for the re-inkers, they will allow you to order replacements the month of May, but once June arrives they will only be available while supplies last!! Don't wait to place your order!! Contact me or go to my SU! website to place your order!!

I got to hear my grandson's little voice today.  My mom shared a book (think it came from Hallmark) that my son had sent her called "I Love You Grandma" for Mother's Day.  It is a recordable book.  They recorded Jayce reading the book to my mom.  It was so sweet - he sounded so grown up.  I haven't seen him in 2 years.  He is 3 1/2 now.  Just a long sad story but I have hope that one day things will change.

A friend sent me this and it struck a chord with me.  Hope you enjoy it.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.  
So love the people who treat you right.
Love the ones who don't just because you can.
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Kiss slowly.
Forgive quickly.
God never said life would be easy.

Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says~~
"Oh Crap, She's up!" He just promised it would be worth it.
 
And a little chocolate for the tummy ... Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans - Small bites packed with flavor, these sophisticated sweets are perfect on their own as a snack or dropped into a cup of coffee.

INGREDIENTS
Espresso beans
8 oz. chocolate of your choice

INSTRUCTIONS

• Lay espresso beans (available at your grocery store) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Create a double boiler by boiling a pot of hot water and placing a heat-safe bowl on top. Or, use your microwave to melt chocolate of your choice— recommend dark for this treat.
• Using a large spoon with straining holes, dip beans into melted chocolate, letting excess drip back into the bowl before setting beans on baking sheet.
• Once all are fully coated, place sheet in refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.  

  

American Idol Results

At the beginning of the show, Ryan pulls Lee front and center.  Without a lot of hoopla, he reveals that Lee is SAFE.  No surprise there  - he was great Tuesday night.

Then he makes two groups - Crystal and Casey and Mike and Aaron.  My thoughts are that Crystal and Casey are the bottom two which would be correct in my opinion.  But, NO - it's Mike and Aaron.  What's going on?  Casey should be in the bottom two instead of either Mike or Aaron!!  For some reason, Big Mike is just not getting the votes. As it turns out, Aaron is going home.  He should hold his head up high - he has a great voice and should have a secure future.

I enjoyed hearing Harry Connick Jr. perform.  Don't think I ever noticed how lop-sided his mouth is!  He's funny though - he was really cutting up with the contestants and with Ellen!

So we're down to four!  Hard to believe - seems like the season just got started.  I'm still betting on Lee and Crystal in the final two.  The way Lee has been performing lately, he could just beat Crystal.  What do you think?

Check out the Clearance Rack!

How do you like the my new blog background?  This is one of the papers available for download on My Digital Studio!  I am hoping it will be in the new catalog this summer.

Stampin' Up has just put a bunch of new items on the CLEARANCE RACK!  Check it out in my right side bar.  You can order directly there and get the Preferred Price since you will be ordering through my demo site or you can e-mail or call me with your order.  There are a lot of  Designer Papers listed as well as Hodgepodge Hardware, ribbons, rub-ons, corduroy buttons, card kits, chipboard, wheels and a lot of other goodies!!  What a deal!

I have some more cards from the Quarterly to share with you.

Isn't this vintage look great?  This card uses the Square Lattice Embossing Folder and Elements of Style which iare both in the new Summer Mini Catalog.

Janie demonstrated making the Fabric Flowers without using a sewing machine or hot blue.  We put a cardstock circle between each layer and then threaded the prong of the Corduroy Button through all the layers.  Another great tip I discovered is to go to the Thrift Store (Goodwill, etc) and look for old skirts, capris, etc. for cheap and cut them up for fabric!!  If you can find some of those broom skirts or square dancing skirts, there would be a lot of material in them.  See you at Goodwill.

Isn't this adorable?  I'll probably be doing this one at my club meeting soon.  The elephant is made using punches - his ears are the Heart Punch!  How clever. 

Karen Culler guided us through a Zindorf card!  Isn't it gorgeous?  It also uses the Elements of Style stamp set from the Summer Mini.

Final Five ... American idol

We are down to 5 contestants. One more leaves tomorrow. Tonight they are singing songs from the Frank Sinatra songbook with piano backup and mentoring by Harry Connick Jr.  Oooh ... he's such a cutie and that N'Orleans accent ain't bad!!

• Aaron Kelly sings "Fly Me to the Moon"  He's got such a big voice for a little kid.  It wasn't bad but not his best.  He should be safe though even though he got the dreaded first spot.
• Casey James sings "Blue Skies"  Ooooh ... not good at all.  Probably his worst performance.  He could be in trouble tonight.
• Crystal Bowersox sings "Summer Wind"  Probably her worst performance too.  What's going on???  I thought Sinatra songs would be great!  She should be ok but just not the song I would have expected her to sing.  I would have liked to have heard her sing Chicago.
• Mike Lynche sings "The Way You Look Tonight"   So far, the best of the night!  He was comfortable on stage and sounded great.  I'm glad he got the save a few weeks ago.
• Lee DeWyze sings "That's Life"  Wow!!  Loved it! Best song choice of the night.   It will come down to a Lee / Crystal finale in my opinion.

We’re trying to find the next big pop star, and Sinatra’s tunes just aren’t conducive to the search.  The only one who made Sinatra current was Lee.

Bottom 2:  Aaron & Casey with Casey going home I think
Will Crystal be in the bottom 3????  Maybe!