Nieces

It's been a huge blessing to be able to visit my sister and her family. Not only that my Mom came and visited too. We were roomies for the last few days. She's kept me in line and out of trouble. ;-) You would think that being on vacation means that I would of had more time to be blogging but it's been tough to post anything. Right now I am waiting, waiting, and more waiting in the Denver airport. I still have four more hours until I can check my bags in and eight more hours until we board for Alaska. I'm gonna have to fire my travel agent for arranging such a terrible schedule. Of course the "travel agent" is me. I should of been aware of the time changes. I accidentally added two more hours of wait time by not paying attention to the time differences. YIKES! Well, the wonderful thing about this airport is that they have free wi-fi to keep me entertained. Another blessing.

I've been out East to attend my niece's high school graduation. I thought I'd share my favorite photo of the event. It's me with each of my neices. It's so hard to see them so grown-up. It just seems like yesterday that we all lived close and that we visited often. That was a decade ago. My hope is that my precious nieces would come to the saving knowledge of God's grace and have a fulfilling relationship with Him. (Actually I wish this for everyone.) I better end for now. I probably won't be able to post again until Tuesday or later.

Thank you for checking in on me. I appreciate it.
:-)

Prop Swap

A part of the Med Club experience at the TAC Seminar is the prop swap. Since I've never been to Seminar and Club Med I wasn't quite sure what to make. The gist of it is to make something that wasn't a card to swap. Once you arrive at Club Med you hand over your prop in bag and then when it's time to swap the lovely TAC helpers deliver a different bag to you. If you get your own back to you they will switch it out with a different one. Then we will all open our gifts at the same time. I must say that there are some very creative and talented ladies out there! I was a tad embarrassed when I saw all the amazing swaps but now I have a better idea what to make if I am blessed to be able to go again.

So what did I swap? I made a fun 4"x6" Bind-it-All Scrapbook. Everything used to make the scrapbook were from TAC. I love the quirky and eye-catching designs of the papers. Not to mention the ribbons and embellishments. I also used the some more of the matching papers and ribbon to alter the gift bag. WHAT FUN!!! :-) I received a really cool altered wooden jewelry box from Sandy. I would include a picture of it but it's currently packed away in my suitcase. (I am still in the midst of traveling and everything is in my suitcase or carry-on.) I didn't think to snap a picture of it before I packed it. I'll get it posted as soon as I have a chance.

Here are the photos that I did get at the Club Med prop swap.
DETAILS:
Top Pic~ My BIA Scrapbook
Second Down~ Acrylic Family Frame
Third Down~ Seminar Survival Kit
Bottom Pic~ Recipe Tin & Pot Holder Scrapbook



Scrapbook Supplies:
Bind It All Machine
1/2" BIA Silver Wire
Brights Chipboard Stack
Catelynne Soar With It Collection Papers
Brights Cardstock

TAC Seminar Banquet

Being an Angel is just more fun!!! I can't express to you how much fun I've had getting to attend Seminar. If you are an Angel with TAC I recommend that you go at least once. It was worth it all. Our last night activities at Seminar was the banquet. Here we all had a chance to dress up and be girlie-girls. I haven't had an opportunity to dress up like this in a really long time. I sure did love it! My upline, Candi, wears her tiara when she vacuums and I think that I should dawn my evening gown when I run ours. What a fabulous idea!!!

Anyhow, I was promoted twice this year within The Angel Company and with the promotion at Seminar you have the honor of crossing the stage and introducing yourself. Not only that you also receive a special blingy pin. Inger, snapped a shot of me as I introduced my self and I thought I'd share it with you all. When I look at it it almost looks like I am naked. !!! It's like one of those crazy nightmares where you find yourself buck naked in the midst of a crowd!!! I hope it makes you smile. I know it did me. :-) Also included in the post are snapshots of me and Mabelle and me with Rita. What special ladies! As are all the Angels I had the privilege to meet this weekend and all the Angels I hope to meet with TAC. I will be posting more photos from Seminar and some stamping projects as I have a chance later this week as I am still traveling.

Thanks for hanging in there with me and for visiting.

Big HUGS,

CONGRATS to....

A big CONGRATS to Jen Young, Pieces of Me. If you didn't already know Jen is an Angel both with The Angel Company and as a person. This last year Jen signed up to be a demonstrator with TAC through me (SO EXCITING!!!) and she's soared high with her sales, recruitment, and enthusiasm. Unfortunately Jen did not make it to Seminar this week. If she had she would of experience the honor of receiving her award as a "Rising Star". This means that she was one of the top recruiting Angels. I am so inspired by Jen's achievements and I look forward to her continuing to soar with The Angel Company.

CONGRATULATIONS JEN!!!!


PHOTO DETAILS:
The first photo is of Miss Jen directly off her blog, Pieces of Me and the second photo is of the crowns all the honored Angels received at Seminar.

BLING!!!

Tonight was the night for for bling and boas. I think wearing such fun accessories should be a must for all our FunShops (stamping parties)! It makes a good time even more silly.








Here's are just a few of us ladies after an evening of laughs. Part of activities included Comedienne Kelly Sisney. I had a perpetual grin on my face and lots of giggles laughs. It made for a great time and a nice way to conclude the first full day of the Seminar activities.

Thanks for visiting me today!

Smiles,


PHOTOS:
The Alaska Angels! Candi, Me, & Inger
My Up-Up-Up-Up-Line, Holly & Me
Me, Jewels, & Heather

*SARAH & NICOLE: If you are reading this I don't have a snapshot of us at this spot. Please email me one & I'll post it.

New CATTY!!

Here's a peak at the new catty!!! It's incredible!!!! I can't wait to share it with you all!!! Enclosed with this post are some snapshots from Club Med (Manager level and above). We had a brief peak at the inspiration book before they official passed them out this morning. The bottom two pics are of the assembly line trade at Club Med and a project that Julie of Paper Jewels made for the prop swap. You can see her tutorial for this project on her blog. TOO FUN!!!!

SEMINAR!!!

I can't believe I am here at The Angel Company's Annual Seminar!!!! It feels like a dream!!! So CRAZY!!! Everything I've experienced so far has been very positive and I am happy to be here. It was worth the travel time and the heat/humidity. The only sad thing is that not all my Downline is able to be here too. Maybe next time! So far I've been to three meetings. The official Seminar activities like the make-n-takes and entertainment starts tomorrow. I hope I can sleep tonight!!! I hope my giddiness as I write this post isn't distracting. I am just so excited to be here!!! :-)

The amount of swapping is unreal! I've received many mini pieces of art with my few trades. There has even been many Angels that have given me some of their swaps even though I didn't have anything to trade. I feel so blessed and overflowing. It's wonderful!

Anyhow, I'll have more to report on Seminar as I have an opportunity. Thank you all for your warm comments and well wishes!!! I appreciate each one of them! I might be able to get some blog surfing in next week and I look forward to seeing what you all have been up to.

Smiles,

Howdy...

Hey there. Just wanted you all to know that I am doing so much better. My root canal went very well. I'll have the crown done when I get back. For now I'm just chillin' at the air port.

So where am I going next? To The Angel Comany's Seminar! Yes, I can't believe that I am on my way. It's so surreal to be going to such a big event. It won't be real until I get there and experience it all. From the sights to the sounds and the change in climate I can't wait!!! The new TAC catty will be revealed at Seminar. It's a mystery to me what's gonna be in the new catty. I wonder which Angel's art work will make in too. :-) TAC had a design call for this one but I didn't submit any of my work this time around. Instead of blabbering on and on I'm gonna sign-off for now. I'm not quite sure when I'll be able to post again. Hopefully it won't be too long from now.

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and well wishes. I appreciate your kindness and prayers during my root canal escapades.

Big SMILES,


PHOTO DETAILS:
Even though he's no longer living, this is the closest I ever hope to be to a polar bear. He's on display here in the Anchorage air port. From certain angles this fella looks like he's smiling. CRAZY!

Neglected?

Hey there. I hope you aren't feeling neglected. Life has been very busy so some things just have to give. On top of it all I am lacking in the energy department (too exhausted). On the flip side, I am happy to let you all know that my ouchie tooth is finally settling down just in time for my root canal appointment with the endodontist. God has been so merciful to me.

Since my last post I've received some very exciting news. I've been invited to be a Guest Designer for Clear Dollar Stamps! When I saw the DT call I took a few days to pray about about perusing a spot on the team and I couldn't be more content with how it's all turned out. I am telling you with all the talent out there I really didn't think that I had a chance. What an honor to be included this time around. I'll be sharing a guest spot term with Katie Renz and Tina Wilson during the month of August. CRAZY!!! :-)

By the way, Clear Dollar Stamps has new shipping rates. Pluse use coupon code JUNE10 at the checkout and receive 10% off your order during the month of June! I just love it!!!

Anyhow, I just wanted to let you all know that I am still alive and doing better. Thank you visiting me today and I'll be back to posting regularly as my travel schedule allows.

Smiles,


PICTURE DEETS:
My husband snapped this photo of me and Ellie last Sunday. I thank God for blessing us with our daughter. She's such a sweetie and a living miracle.

LOOKIE!!!

Hey, look what my sister Cassandra caught on her digital camera!!! I love her snapshots!!! So beautiful!!!

:-)

Scraps

I am trying to use more of those gifted images that I've been coloring into some of my cards. Here's a great summer card that I made using scraps stashed in my stock pile and a sketch from The Stamping Diva, Toni. I modified her sketch to fit on a regular card that has the folding crease off center and tacked down with eyelets and a bow. It makes for some added interest a fun fold. I used Copic markers and Spica pens to fill-in the image. I don't actually own the Copic markers... I've had them on loan. However, the Spicas are mine. I found them on All That Scraps not too long ago with free shipping. It's still a debate in my mind if I'm going to invest into Copic markers but in the mean time it sure has been fun playing with these loaners.



Thank you Toni for the wonderful sketch!!!

Have a sweet day everyone.

CARD DETAILS:
Stamping Bella
Tinkering Ink Papers
Copic Markers & Spica Pens
SU! Eyelets
Martha Stewart Ribbon
Dew Drop
Nestibilities Die Cuts

MORE Sketches...

Uhg... I wish I could say I am feeling bettah. The good news is that I have my endo appointment set, air fare taken care of & the hotel set. The last thing to do is get a car. I am so stunned to see the summer rates!!! God bless everyone traveling this summer. I hope it doesn't hurt your pocket book. Now that I think about the last thing to do is to maintain until I can get to my appointment.

Since I've been a tad under the weather I haven't really stamped. Instead of stamping I've been coloring. The coloring has helped me get my mind off things. Not only that I was able to finally use some more of the wonderful images that I've been blessed with. The best thing about having a stash of pre-colored images is how easy they are to use with sketches. Who doesn't love sketches?



Heather of Oz-somestamps posts a new sketch every Monday. I used Clear Dollar Stamps fun sets called "Sometimes You're the Bug" and "Heaven Bound". If I would of planned a little better I would of used my TAC stamps because Heather is an Angel with The Angel Company. Next time, that's for sure. I love Heather's style. She always inspires. :-) On a side note, I couldn't help myself with my Clear Dollar Stamps! They are so original and special.



The other sketch I did this weekend was Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #51. Beate is amazing! I don't think that there is anyone in the stamping blogging world who doesn't know Beate. Thanks Beate for being you! Usually I am right on with the sketches but since I was incorporating my pre-colored images I am a wittle bit off on the scale. So I'm just gonna put it out there and hope that she doesn't mind.



Hey Heather & Beate,
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE SKETCHES! They were just what I needed.

Lastly, thank you all for your well wishes and prayers. I appreciate each and everyone. I am so sorry that I haven't been blurfing lately. I will stop by and visit when I am feeling better. It's crazy how a silly tooth ache can be a challenge. Praise God for sticking it out with me and for giving me supportive friends & family.

Smiles,


CARD DETAILS:
Clear Dollar Stamps Sometimes You're the Bug
& Heaven Bound
My Mind's Eye Scrapbook Paper
CTMH Black Cardstock
PaperTrey Ink Lemon Tart CS
Prima Flowers
Mini Bling Jewels
Palette Ink
Tombow Markers
Copic Spica Pens

BEATE'S SKETCH:
Stampendous Bees
TAC Sentiment & BG Bees
PaperTrey Ink Lemon Tart CS
Tinkering Ink Cardstock
Palette Ink
Copic Chao & Spica
Sakura Pen
May Arts Ribbon
Cuttlebug Folders

UPDATE: Me

Well, yesterday was a wash. I am so glad that it's behind me now. It's incredible how much a tooth/jaw ache can make a day seem long and miserable. Lots of prayer and patience. Thank you all for your kind and encouraging words of well wishes. I am still in pain but I was able to sleep through the night and I have my sense of humor back. Being able to laugh is always a measure of how well I am doing. I have my endo appointment set in Anchorage and the last thing to work on is getting our airfare, hotel, and car rental all worked out. Praise God for getting me this far!!!

On a blogging note, I've been tagged by Julie, Paper Jewels, and Heather, Oz-Somestamps. Thanks ladies for thinking of me!

Here we go:
Ten years ago: My life was upside down instead of right side up like it is now.

Five things in todays 'to do list':
Get my TAC order done.
House cleaning.
Take my antibiotics on time.
Take care of Ellie.
Spend time with my husband.

Snacks I enjoy:
Peanut M&M's. I wish I could say those mini carrots were my snack of choice but for some reason I've been craving peanut M&M's.

Things I would do if I was a millionaire:
If I were a millionaire I would depend even more for God's leading in my spending, investing, and giving. The selfish side of me would want to move to the Lower 48 closer to my family, invest more into my husband's inventions, open a small stamping studio, and travel. (I would also want a tummy tuck but sh-h-h-h... don't tell anyone!)

Places I have lived:
California
Alaska &
Washington State

I will now tag:
Angela, Artistic Detours
Doris, The Stamping Tower
Laurie Wilson, Clearly Delightful
Kim B, My Angel Inspirations
Beate, Fresh & Fun

If the five listed above choose to play they will share their answers, include a link back to my blog and tag five new people.
:-)



PHOTO DETAILS:
I snapped this photo earlier this week. That's a a view from our front porch looking out over the road and into open spaces.

More SKETCH Fun

How could I do just one when there was two sketches designed just for us stampers over at 2 Sketches 4 You? Yesterday I posted Kazan's and today I am sharing the card that I did with Laura's. The main image was stamped and colored when I first tried watercoloring with markers way back when. This is the very last of my stash so I'll have to make some more now. :-)

I hope you are having a wonderful day. I haven't been able to stamp yet today. Sometimes it's good to take a break from inking it up but my forced break is not one that I would of chose. I spent my morning at the dentist. It was the best visit I ever had and the worst at the same time. I've been putting off a root canal however now it's come to the point that I really need to get it done. So why the wait? Well, for one they don't do root canals here in town and two we were waiting to see if having a nightgaurd would help give my teeth a break and allow for my ouchie tooth rest from the pressure of clenching. It's had its break and did well until now. Being in pain sure does remind me to rely on God a whole lot more. I am relying on Him to help us with the travel plans and finances to all fall into place for my dental visit. I'll have to see the doctors in Anchorage for the root canal which means air fare, hotel, and a car rental. I'll be even more thankful when it's all over with that's for sure.



Anyhow, THANKS Laura for the sketch!!!
Smiles,



CARD DETAILS:
The Angel Company Butterfly Swirls
PaperTrey Ink Lemon Tart
Watercolor Paper
Copic Spica
Palette Ink
Tombow Markeres
Versamark
Fabric Flowers
SU! Flower Punch
Princess Brads
PaperTrey Ink Ribbon
Mini Bling Jewels

Clearly Delightful ~ 2 Sketches 4 You

Have you seen the new sketch blog by Laura Davis and Kazan Clark called 2 Sketches 4 You? It's going to be a hit that's for sure! Another site that I recently found that is another blogging winner is Clearly Delightful from Laurie Wilson. Laurie is hosting a challenge for some BLOG CANDY & so I decided to combine Laurie's challenge with Kazan's sketch. I just love how my card turned out and not only that it was so fun to make. :-)

I hope you are having a blessed day.

Big SMILES,



CARD DETAILS:
Clear Dollar Stamps Cute Critters
& Christian Critters
My Minds Eye Papers
Watercolor Paper
Palette Ink
Tombo Markers
Buttons
Fabric Flower
Martha Stewart Ribbon
Mini Bling Jewels

Sharing...

UPDATE: I HAVE THREE LOVELY LADIES THAT ARE READY TO PAY IT FORWARD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.



Have you "PIF'ed" yet? If you haven't "Paid it Forward" yet here's your chance. I need three stampers that will promise to "Pay it Forward" to three other stampers.

Here's the details:
1) Be the first three to comment to this post. Be sure that you leave a way that I can contact you because I will need your mailing addy.
2) I will send you some "PIF" stamping goodies.
3) Commit to send three other stampers some "PIF" stamping goodies too and in return they will send three other stampers some stamping goodies also.



See how that works? Hilma, Designs By Hilmarose, sent me some "Pay it Forward" blessings last month. You can see the photo of what she showered me with. I love her handmade cards. They are so beautiful. :-) I had been waiting to post my PIF challenge because when her package came in I was giving away blog candy. So if you are wanting to give back here's your chance. I will take the first three ladies that comment to this post and send them some surprise goodies.

Thank you HILMAROSE for letting be a part of blessing others!