Too Many Years to Remember!

My daughter-in-law's birthday was yesterday.  She turned 34 but on her blog post, she said that all year she thought she was 34 so it was a pleasant surprise to her that she was not turning 35 on Friday.  Guess that is one way to sneak up on the years.  Unfortunately, I have known all year that I was 62 since I started getting my Social Security check last year so guess I can't fool old Mother Nature into letting me have another year at 62.  The good thing is I guess, Sonny will have a birthday next week and he'll start getting his medicare health insurance!  So at least I am not there yet!

We are going to a football game  with friends today.  In fact, as you are reading this, we are on our way!  We are traveling to Durham to see Wake Forest play Duke.  I have to find something warm to wear.  The temperature is supposed to only get to about 65 tomorrow but sunny.  I don't think it even made it to 60 today.   Don't know if I am prepared for cold weather yet!

I have received some very nice birthday cards this week and want to share them.

from my convention roomie, Nancy Lewis (I'll be CASEing this one!)

from NC Demo group

from Brenda, Stampers Alley owner

from my good buddy, Sharon D

from Stampin' Up Office (digital card)

from Joyce M, one of my stamp club ladies

from "girlfriend" Sharon R - She's gotta teach me how to do the scallop square!

My Christmas Stamp A Stack

Get an early start making your own personalized Christmas cards!  I will be holding a Christmas Stamp A Stack at my home in Sherrills Ford in November.  The dates that I have set up right now are:  November 4 at 6:30 pm and November 8 at 1:00 pm.  I may be adding more dates in the future. 

The price is:  $35 for 20 cards / $65 for 40 cards / $95 for 60 cards
(amounts will be pro-rated for other quantities)

Sets of cards should be done in 5’s (of same card)

You will pick the cards and how many you wish to make of each design in advance (sets of 5 please) so I can have the packets ready for you when you arrive.  You will need to bring your own adhesive.  I will have glue sticks available for you to use.

If you cannot come but would like to order kits, please contact me for details.

Please call (828-478-9272) or e-mail me (smaranich@yahoo.com)  to reserve a spot.

I will also be offering a Hostess Appreciation gift if you book a Stampin' Up Workshop during the Stamp A Stack event.  You will receive one free package of 8 ½ x 11 cardstock in your choice of color!

Door Prizes will be awarded during the event!  Don't miss out on the fun!!

I have worked hard to make cards that are basically pretty easy to put together (no heat embossing, not a lot of coloring, etc.) but are not too basic in design.

Here are the card designs that you can pick from:
(you can click on the cards to open up another window)

CARD #1 - SNOW MUCH FUN
uses Silver Glitter paper and Snowflake embossing folder

CARD #2 - HOLIDAY GREETINGS
rhinestones on the ornaments

CARD #3 - STACKED SNOWMAN
Dotted embossing folder on white

CARD #4- WARMEST OF WISHES
Snowburst embossing folder with white gel pen

CARD #5 - PENNANT PUNCHED TREES
Dotted embossing folder -  glitter on snow - uses Pennant Punch to punch trees

CARD #6 - NAUGHTY-NICE STOCKINGS
Stocking Punch makes it easy!  Designer Label Die for sentiment

CARD #7 - PEACE LOVE JOY
Designer Label Punch (non SU emb. folder)

CARD #8 - TREE TRIMMINGS

CARD # 9  Dasher with Shimmer Spray

CARD #10 - SOUNDING JOY
Sentiments stamped on vellum over Vanilla cardstock with star - could also stamp "JOY"
Silver Glitter paper stars

CARD #11 - SEASON'S GREETINGS
non-SU embossing folder - could substitute the SU stripes folder
Stocking Die and Stitched Stocking stampset

CARD #12 - GIFT GIVERS
Isn't she sweet?  Punch out with scallop circle punches
A little Dazzling Details (glitter) around her makes her a WOW!

Card #13 - plaid stockings in Cherry Cobbler  /  Card #14 Dotted stockings in Real Red

Contact me if you have any questions.

Stitched Stockings

I have had a request for a revision of one of the cards on my Christmas Stamp A Stack.  So I am adding Cards #13 and #14 as seen below.

Plaid Stockings in Cherry Cobbler is #13   /   Dotted Stockings in Real Red is #14

I met Angela and Mom at the surgeon's office this morning ..... at 8:00 which is way too early for me to be up and in town!!  I am NOT a morning person!  Luckily, he did not recommend any major surgery!  We took the x-rays from the Nerve Block Injection that she had on Tuesday so he could see them.  His recommendation is -  let's see if it works; even possibly having to redo the injection in a few weeks.  If we  determine that it is not working, he can do an out-patient surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerves.  The doctor would use a microscope to see and protect the nerve roots, and safely remove the portion of the disc that has herniated. Removing the fragment of disc material that is pressing on the nerve eliminates the pressure on that nerve.  

After the doctor's appointment, we went to breakfast and then I headed home.  I worked fast and furious until my club ladies came at 1:00.  We have started a painting project .... well, let's rephrase that - Sonny is doing the painting!!  We Sonny is going to paint the interior of our house.  I am tired of the white and cream that is on all the walls.   He did the living area yesterday.  I was surprised that he did the whole room in one day!  I stayed out of the way and he never even got cranky!!  When I got home today, we did a little bit of touch up in the corners and then moved all the furniture back in place.  We finished about 30 minutes before club started!   I have been wanting to do this painting for about a year but never really pushed him about it - mainly because I couldn't decide what colors I wanted.  Finally, when he got in the mood to go buy the paint last week, I knew I had to make a decision.  I have a painting in my hall that is matted in a sorta suede brown so that is what I chose for the den, hallways and foyer.  We are going to hire someone to come in and do the foyer since the ceiling is 18 feet tall!!  We have also bought the paint for the dining room.  I am going to match a valance that I have in there and paint the room burgundy.  There is a chair rail so I will leave the bottom white and cream.  Now to figure out about the kitchen.  Ashley gave me a suggestion that I think I am going to go with and paint it a mustard-y color.  When I was in Gig Harbor, I worked at a ceramics painting shop and painted a mustard-gold rooster.  As I was moving the rooster out of the den yesterday, I decided I liked the color and that's what I will paint the kitchen!   That color will also go in Sonny's office/den.  I think it will be perfect with his black and gold Steeler stuff that he has in there!!

OK - my bed is calling my name - time to go visit it!

Double Duty for Your Punches

This month for my clubs, we concentrated on Halloween and Thanksgiving cards and treats.  Plus I showed the ladies some different ways to use the Cupcake and Owl  punches other than the obvious way.   I won some Halloween DSP and matching ribbon by SEI at the CKC show this summer.  So I decided to use it for the Halloween cards.  I don't usually use non-SU stuff, but I knew I wouldn't use the 2 packs of DSP and ribbon and it was so cute!  So everyone got a different piece of DSP and their choice of ribbon.



Supplies Used:
Paper:  Lucky Limeade, Tangerine Tango, Basic Gray, White, Black, non SU DSP
Stamps:  Out On A Limb, Wicked Cool, Warmest of Wishes (hostess)
Accessories:  Nestabilities Circles, Markers, Owl Punch

I put a little bit of Platinum Shimmer Paint on a cotton ball and rubbed it over the spider web after running it through the Big Shot - a little bit goes a long way.

Supplies Used:

Paper:  Black, White, Cajun Craze, non SU DSP

Stamp:  Gift Givers (Holiday Mini)

Accessories:  Web Embossing Folder, non SU ribbon, markers, Platinum Shimmer Paint

I used the cupcake punch on this card .... can you tell?  The basket is the bottom of the cupcake and the apples are the cherries on the punch! 

Supplies Used:

Paper:  White, Old Olive, More Mustard, So Saffron, Cherry Cobbler

Ink:  More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Soft Suede,

Stamps:  Season of Friendship

Access:  Embossing Folder (for basket); Cupcake Punch

These Cellophane Bags in the Holiday Mini are a deal - 50 for $2.50!!  They are not just for Halloween either - I can see them with red and green M&Ms at Christmas or with a long peppermint candy inside.  Or for Thanksgiving ... fill them with the Autum Candy Corn and put one at each person's place setting at dinner.

Another use for the Owl Punch - make a ghost!  Punch the owl out, turn him upside down and cut feet off.


Supplies Used:

Paper:  Tangerine Tango, Lucky Limeade, White, Black

Stamps:  Wicked Cool

Accessories:  stapler, Scallop Punch, Owl Punch, markers, Circle Punch, Cellophane Treat Bags (holiday mini)

I edited my Christmas Stamp a Stack post (above) today.  I added a few details about the cards.  Let me know if you can attend so I will know how much supplies to order.

Queens Sketch Challenge Week 9

It's Wednesday .... time for another Stamping Queens Sketch Challenge!! 

I worked on this sketch forever last night trying to get something that I really liked.  Finally I did it!  And no wasted cardstock, ribbon, etc.  That is the beauty of My Digital Studio - if you don't like what you've created, delete and start over!

The color scheme is from the Spice Cake DSP - pool party, crumb cake, more mustard and early espresso.  The stamp is from Day of Gratitude.  So, see, you can create this card without having MDS if you have those items.

 Won't you play along with us this week?  Check out the sketch itself and the other interpretations of the sketch HERE.  

I had Stamp Club yesterday.  We had a small group - only 4 ladies.  So it was quiet and we got a lot done I think.  I'll be posting the projects later.  We did Halloween and Thanksgiving cards.  I have room for more in the Tuesday group if you live in the area and would like to join us!

Marianne and Angela took Mom to the doctor yesterday for her nerve block injection.  She did great with it and it did not hurt her like the last one she had did.  Now let's keep our fingers crossed that it works!  Angela took her out to eat afterwards and then to get a massage.  She had a rough night Monday night and her upper back was bothering her.  The massage therapist said she had a big knot that she tried to work out.  I am sure it is from the tension of the past few weeks.  Angela sent me an e-mail last night and said Mom's leg started hurting again and she went to bed crying.  She has just sent me another e-mail this morning that Mom did not sleep at all last night and is hurting in her back, shoulder and leg!  She is waiting for the doctor to call her back.  When is this going to end???  We have an appointment in the morning to talk to the surgeon.

Where Does Time Go?

No excuses .... life just gets in the way of my stamping sometimes.  I hate it when that happens!!   But also, I have gotten addicted to an internet game and it's eating up my time!!!  It's an old game - Jewel Quest but I keep telling myself, I'll just play for 15 minutes .... next thing I know, it's an hour later!  Just got to stop it.  I did play Mahjongg last Friday and lost all my money ($2)!!!  I hadn't played in a couple of months and I think I was just rusty - just couldn't get anything going.  The one time I thought I had won a game, I ended up with an extra tile in my hand so got disqualified!  

Saturday I did face painting at the Sherrills Ford Library.  The Friends of the Library put on a little fall festival for the children - face painting, games, pumpkin painting, decorating cookies, etc.  It is all free and great fun for the little ones.  My specialty was bats and spiders.  I think every little boy there wanted a bat on his cheek!  Sonny and I went out to dinner later that night and there was a family sitting behind us in the restaurant with 3 children.  They each had their faces painted .... by moi - a bat, ghost and candy corn!

Today we went to Big Al's to watch the Steelers play.  They were flying high at the half with the score 17-3.  I think they got a little cocky because it was sure a different game the second half.  We won but I was chewing my nails up until the last few seconds.

We stopped by to visit Mom after the game.  She seems to be doing much better.  She has quit taking the Oxycotin and is taking the Hydrocodein at night.  That seems to be the worst time for her.  She said she is real restless at night.  I'm sure a lot of it is because she is doing nothing during the day to make her tired.  Plus, she probably naps during the day.  She has narcolepsy (a sleep disorder) and takes meds during the day to keep her awake.   But since she has been on the pain meds, she has not been taking her sleep meds.  She was sitting outside enjoying the beautiful day when we got to the house.   She is still using the walker and going slow but I did not see her wince as she was walking.  She will be getting the nerve root block on Tuesday.  We have an appt. on Thursday to talk to the surgeon.

I got 2 Monday Mailer cards this week from Brenda Tapp.  They are great!  I don't have the Sizzix Leaf die but I sure wish I did after seeing the card.

Isn't this pretty?  She used faux tearing - it looks like two pieces of paper but it's not.

 

 

Another great card using my favorite .... Spice Cake DSP

I have Stamp Club next week so I will be sharing those projects with you soon.

Shoebox Swaps

I haven't shared the Shoebox Swaps from Quarterly with you .... mainly because I haven't finished them.  But, I decided to go ahead and share the pictures that I took of the ones I need to finish.  I hope to work on them real soon!! 

The stocking punch makes this one so easy!

Again - another punch to make it easy - this time, the owl punch.

No punch - have to cut the snowman out.  This is the cute snowman in Snow Much Fun



A great autum card using French Foilage

Angela took Mom to Dr Hines today - the spine and pain management specialist.  He diagnosed her with severe stenosis, disc bulging and severe osteoarthritis.  He is going to give her an injection next Tuesday - a nerve root block to try to decrease the inflammation which should reduce her pain.  He says it will not change the stenosis and does not know how long the relief will last.  The other option is surgery and he wants us to talk to a surgeo.  I am very leary of her having back surgery. 



Queen Sketch No. 8

It's Sketch Week again.  Funny how this slips up on me every week ... this week it really did!  But again, it was My Digital Studio to the rescue!  I used a new Thanksgiving download for this card.  I plan on using this download to help decorate my Thanksgiving table this year!

We had a pretty easy sketch this week.  Why not give it a try?  We queens vote for our favorite each week - you could be a winner!!  If you decide to, send your card to the Stamping Queens Blog. 

And here is my card:

I used these colors:  More Mustard, Early Espresso, and Soft Suede.  There are so many other things to give thanks for but I love the things I listed on my card!  What are some other things YOU are thankful for this time of year?

An update on my Mom:  I went over to her house Monday after playing bridge and stayed with her until shortly before Angela came home from work.  She had several instances that the pain was really intense.  It's strange because most of the pain comes when she is trying to stand, walk or get up from her chair or bed.  But there are some times when she is sitting perfectly still and the pain hits her like a ton of bricks and she starts screaming.  She had an MRI Monday morning.  I stayed with her again Tuesday and we finally got the MRI results around 2 pm.  She has Spinal Stenosis which is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which places pressure on the spinal cord.  It is the gradual result of aging and “wear and tear” on the spine during everyday activities.  Oh how I hope I don't develop this!!  When the doctor's office called to give me the MRI results, they referred her to a spine ortho specialist but he couldn't see her until Oct. 18 - another week!  Unbelievable!  I told them that was unacceptable - that we could not wait another week  for her to get some type of relief.  Plus, she is taking that Oxycotin every 4 hours.  That can not be good for an 83 year old person!  I truthfully don't think the drugs are doing anything because she still has really intense pain.  But she asks for them every 4 hours thinking they are doing something.  A friend had given me the name of her doctor at bridge on Monday who specializes in the spine and pain management.  So I called him.  It was my lucky day!  They had just had a cancellation for Wednesday at 8 AM and I took it.  Angela will take her to see him and we will see what he can do for her.  I'm guessing he will give her some type of injection - nerve block or steroids and probably refer her to physical therapy.  I will probably be babysitting for her again after her appointment.  Sonny and I are going to Lincolnton for him to get his driver's license renewed and have lunch but after that I will probably be going back to mom's. 

Where does it stop?  We take care of our children and in just a few short years we are caring for our parents.  And next thing you know, your children are taking care of you!!  This has made me vow to take better care of myself and start exercising more diligently so my daughter does not have to be in this same position with me in a few years. 

Techniques for You

Did you miss me?

Things have been pretty crazy here lately.  My mom has been sick all week.  We think it is her sciatica nerve tht is getting the best of her.  She is bothered periodically with back problems.   She was on hydrocodien for pain as needed but this week, it was not doing the job.  So, I took her to the doctor on Wednesday for a pain shot and x-rays.  My sister called me on Thursday and said the shot didn't ease the pain either.  So, the doctor gave her a prescription of oxycotin.  It also isn't working like I think it should. The x-rays just show arthritis.  Thursday night Marianne and I went to a Pampered Chef party.  After it was over, we got a call from Angela (my sister) that Mom was in a lot of pain.  So my friend, Kathy who was a nurse, went with me to mom's.  We were able to get her up and into an office chair so we could wheel her into the bathroom and then put her in bed.  We girls have been taking turns staying with mom and getting her to the doctor.  Angela lives with her so she has night duty.  Marianne stayed with her this weekend while Angela was working.  Mom is going in for an MRI on Tuesday.  Once we get the results, we'll decide what to do - continue going to her dr. who is great but is just an family practice doc or try a chiropractor.  I would like to get her off all those meds.  They are not fixing the problem - only masking it.  I'm hoping we can convine her to do some good back stretches and exercises to prevent future outbreaks.  I have had sciatica pain before and I know how bad it hurts.  Luckily, I can tell when my I have sat too long without good support and make an effort to get a step ahead before the pain hits me by doing stretching, exercises, and stand to do my work instead of sitting.

I was happy today that our Steelers played so well and got the win!  I thought the Panthers were going to pull a win off as well, but it wasn't meant to be.  Cam Newton has been a good pick for Carolina but if you live here, you might be getting sick of hearing his name!

I have some techniques to share with you today.  I did a technique swap at Quarterly last week and got some good ones.  Everyone put their techniques - examples and "how to" - on a 6x6 card.

Bleach/Chalk Technique

Embossed Embedded Image

Markers on a Roll

Faux Mother of Pearl

Top Note Square

Iris Folding

Butterfly Pansy

Emerging Color

My Digital Studio Thursday

I'm going to start putting a project from My Digital Studio on my blog once a week - maybe on Thursday.... maybe another day.  Each Tuesday Stampin' Up offers new downloads for My Digital Studio.  I want to let My Digital Studio users aware that there is an update available for your software.  Just open your Digital Software and it should prompt you for the updates. If it doesn't prompt, click on the "help" button and check for the update there.  There is also a fantastic Holiday Hostess special you will want to check out.  This digital download is only available as a hostess item and will be available through December.  It has some great items that will help you with the upcoming holidays!

Today I want to share a couple of scrapbook pages that I did while watching TV tonight.  That is how easy it is to use this program.

Both of these layouts use the Beau Chateau DSP.  You can order this DSP from the catalog also - it is beautiful!  It's not just a digital item!

Stamping Queens Sketch Wednesday

Time for another Stamping Queens sketch.  I made another card using My Digital Studio.  So easy and I can use products that I don't have here in my stamp room.  This time the card I made uses the Beau Chateau Collection.

Here is the sketch we were to follow:

And here is my card:

This card actually started out as a pre-designed card in MDS.  I just took some elements off and added some of my own.  The "cherish" and "memories" are actually cut from the Beau Chateau DSP.  This card could easily be done by hand if you didn't have MDS.  The colors I used are Baja Blue and Soft Suede.

I found out today that my nephew and his wife (Jack & Kat) will be having a boy in March.  I am so happy for them!!  Ashley had dinner with Jack tonight in Austin and found out the good news.  I had found out earlier in the day via Facebook.  I just hate that Facebook and Twitter is the way young people choose to share their news these days.  What is wrong with picking up the telephone and actually talking to someone instead of having to text or twitter, etc.!!

Ashley is headed home and is overjoyed to be able to go home to stay now!  Jack tried to get her to spend the night in Austin but she said no thanks - she is more than ready to get home and get everything back to normal (what ever that may be!)

Lollies

SU I am starting to get back to normal here.  I played bridge today .... almost got high but came in 2nd and won $4!!!  Getting the big bucks, huh?  I got my club orders sorted out and am ready to deliver them this week.  I'm working on some table decorations and menu for the Southern Living Dinner that our group auctioned off.  It is tomorrow night so I will be finishing up the project tomorrow.  And I even cooked us a dinner tonight - chicken tacos which is an adaptation of my daughter-in-law's recipe and is very good.

As I mentioned in my previous post, Marianne and I made a few stops along the way to Greensboro on Friday.  At one of the stamp stores, they had a really cool wreath hanging in their bathroom.  I took a picture and I think Marianne is going to try to make one for her bathroom in shades of purple.

It is simply 12x12 DSP rolled.  I think this would look great with our Spice Cake DSP and a big button in the center!!

At the Quarterly, there were random Prize Patrols.  Marianne and I both won prizes - red and green buttons in one of the little plastic sleeves that is in the mini.  (I'll take a picture tomorrow - it is really cute.)  But another group won "lollie" wreaths that Janie made.  They were great!  This is going to be a project of mine soon too.



This one uses Spice Cake DSP



This is a Christmas one.

 And finally, here is a picture of a Thanksgiving wreath that I saw in one of the scrapbook stores.  I thought it was pretty cool.  Wouldn't it look nice on a front door?

Well, it is almost the bewitching hour of midnight so I am going to say good night and go to bed!!