Here... but invisible.

Friends and Followers:
Please accept my apology for lack of recent posts. I have Fibromyalgia and it has been acting up big time lately so I have been unable to sit down and get crafty. I have some time planned with my upline this weekend so I hope that I'm functioning by then!! Don't give up on me!!
~Samantha

Botched MOJO100 Day 1,bday card and my mom

Standing at the kitchen sink with my back to the door I jumped unexpectedly when my dog began barking – her way of letting me know someone is here. My immediate reaction is frustration – it’s been a very challenging week with extra daycare kids, school preparations for my own children as well as myself and the never ending TO DO list keeps growing and growing. An “intrusion” of my sparse time did not sound welcoming. I dried my hands and turned to the door just in time to see my 80 pound struggling to open the door with a large box in her hands. I dashed to help her as it made a big KaPLUNK on my table. I looked at her in bewilderment… you must know that my mother is not well and every little physical action on her part sends her gasping for breath - “What in the world are you doing?” I asked as she leaned over the table. “This came today – open it”, she gasped shakily. Inside the box was a brand new toaster. “Happy belated birthday”, she smiled. As tears began to well in my eyes she explained that she heard me saying I needed a new toaster just a few days earlier. In that moment I felt overwhelmed with emotions – a surge of excitement because yes I did need a new one, but more so was the admiration and love I felt for this woman standing beside me. My mom struggles with finances living on her own after my step-father passed away four years ago. I was reminded of her selfless acts. Even though her children are grown adults raising their own families, she doesn’t hesitate to make sacrifices for the wants and needs of everyone around her. I dream about giving her the world someday … and pray that someday comes before it’s too late!

*** the top card was my take on MOJO monday 100 - day one. I didn't end up posting because I didn't like how it turned out. ***

--- the second card is just a bday card I made during nap ---

Thanks for visiting!

MOJO100 - Day 3 and a rambling

Here's my take on today's MOJO and a few thoughs ...

Today I found a friend,
Who knew everything I felt.
She knew my every weakness,
And the problems I've been dealt.
She understood my wonders,
And listened to my dreams.
She listened to how I felt about life and love,
And knew what it all means.

Not once did she interrupt me,
Or tell me I was wrong.
She understood what I was going through,
And promised she'd stay long

I reached out to this friend
To show her that i care
To pull her close and let her know
How much I need her there

I went to hold her hand
To pull her a bit nearer
And realized that this perfect friend I found
Was nothing but my mirror.

Cleaning House ... CTMH sets for sale!

I am not sure how many of my blogging friends are aware that I recently switched from a Close to My Heart consultant to a Stampin UP demonstrator. The decision was not an easy one. I have spent the past two years putting everything I have into promoting my CTMH business. In the small state of Vermont, with only five CTMH consultants, I had no support or 'team' to work with. My sister, whom I signed up under, was always there for me but I wanted to 'get out' and become active in groups, swaps and more. So, to help afford the transitions I am selling half of my CTMH stamp inventory. Buy 3 sets and the shipping is on me! Email me: ovittfam@ncctv.net if you are interested in any of the following:


NEW

D1349 Be Yourself D sets Retail $22.95
D1163 Holly Jolly Season My price: 18.00
D1260 Endless Love
D1177 No Peeking
D1168 School Zone
D1299 Thoughtful Seasons
D1286 Today’s Date

A1037 Baby Impressions A sets Retail $10.95
A1075 Woodland Sentiments My price: 6.00

B1215 Life Is
B1033 Blossom Blocks B sets Retail $13.95
B1054 What a Great Day My price 9.00
B1311 Summer Sweetness
B1332 Good Times

C1347 Ms On the Go C sets Retail: $19.95
C1268 Valentine Exchange My price 14.00




Used Sets: (most have only one stamp out of the set that was used!)
50% off Retail!!!!

A1053 Love Bug $5.50

B1314 Inspiration $7.00

C1237 Relax $10.00 each
C1234 Simple Stitches
C1325 Wonderful Holiday
C1281 Card Commentary

D1287 May Word Puzzle $11.50 each
D1245 In My Heart
D1342 World’s Best Dad
D1254 Soul Mates
D1114 Create-A-File
D1178 Christmas Greetings

This, That and a Bit of Everything ...

I can't remember how long it has been that I have been so relaxed. I slept in, left the laundry and housework and enjoyed the sunny weather, family and friends! It started out on Saturday morning when I received a gorgeous card in the mail from my sister Marie (sorry Marie, I haven't figured out how to link to your blog). Isn't her card gorgeous!!!

I spent the day relaxing with my children and ended the evening by crafting with my 8yr old daughter, Kaetlyn. She made this birthday card for her friend - I was so proud of her! (And by the way - yes, they talk on the phone all the time! What do 8yr olds have to talk about for an hour?)



On Sunday, my friend Sandra and her family joined us for some poolside fun. The kids had a blast- two of mine are in the goggles and the others are friends. Loved listening to their laughter!



I couldn't let Sandy leave without introducing her to the wonderful word of stamping and paper crafting ... she needed no guidance - she's a natural! The top card is hers and the bottom is mine - she blew me away!








I ended up playing with the new Stampin Up IN colors - I love making Jr. Legal pad holders. I used the stamp set True Friends!

Thanks for stopping by.

Quick Friday night greeting ...

I just wanted to pop in with a quick hello to all my blogging friends. It has been a long, hectic week and my nerves are fried. As the night comes to a close I find myself wanting to curl up and scream ... or cry! Must be too much sun! Here's a quick card put together while 'stamping' with my eight year old daughter. For a closer peek - just click on the picture!

Have a great weekend!

I cased a card ...

I cased a card ... and I think I like it! LOL
The only way that I am going to be able to find time to sit down and actually get any crafting done is if I pack myself up and rent a room somewhere! Tonight was the ideal night to get something accomplished with only two children home ... and still I managed a single card. My house is always buzzin'!

I found this card on splitcoast stampers when I first ordered my SU demo kit. I saved the picture but failed to tag who it was created by (if you stumble upon my blog please give yourself credit). I must admit that I really do like the new IN colors! I used a stamp set called circle circus. I love this set as it can be used so many different ways! I just wish the weekend would arrive so I can play. I am done summer semester and don't start school again until the 28th! Yay - no late night homework!

If you are reading this ... thanks for stopping by.

Fires can't be made with dead embers, nor can enthusiasm be stirred by spiritless men. Enthusiasm in our daily work lightens effort and turns even labor into pleasant tasks.

MOJO 99 ... quick post

Hi everyone!
I finally managed to whip up a card during naptime today! I have to say that I actually felt good about my Mojo card this week. I love the new In Colors that SU came out with! My demo kit arrived yesterday so I am going to block in some "me" time and play a bit tonight! I'll be back to post my work! Thanks for taking a peek!
Blessings,
Samantha

Inspired by ...

Though our visit was short, I found myself once again inspired by my sister Marie. I adore these long cards that she makes. She left one behind almost finished so I colored in the stamped image. When I was done I felt some of the old excitement surgery in my veins so I gave it a try and voila - my card. I was feeling 'happy everything'!

TO ME YOU ARE AN ANGEL IN DISGUISE.
FULL OF INTUITION, INTELLIGENT, AND WISE.
ALWAYS GIVING AND HELPING

THROUGH GOOD TIMES AND BAD.
YOU ARE THE BEST FRIEND I'VE EVER HAD.
IF I HAD ONE WISH IT WOULD SURELY BE
TO GIVE YOU AS MUCH AS YOU'VE GIVEN TO ME.
THOUGH I'VE PUT OUR RELATIONSHIP

THROUGH SOME CLOUDY DAYS,
YOU'VE BEEN MY SUNSHINE IN SO MANY WAYS.
THROUGH TRIALS AND TESTS,

RIGHT BY ME YOU STOOD,
AND GAVE ME YOUR HAND

WHENEVER YOU COULD.
THANK YOU SO MUCH MY SISTER, MY FRIEND
MY GRATITUDE FOR YOU HAS NO END.

Love you Marie :-)!

Samie

One day at a time (and project shares)

Today was one of those days where I felt stuck at a crossroads. I could wallow in pity for what I've lost or pause and give praise for all that I have. The choice was easy! Life is the sum of experiences that we encounter as go through life. Day to day to struggles and triumphs are experienced by all of the world's creatures. As human beings, when we encounter a challenge, we have freedom to choose how to react. Every decision that we make leads us down another road. We will never come to exactly the same crossroads. Every decision the we make has significance. The tiniest choice that is made reverberates throughout the entire universe.

My Family: Me, Hubby, Kaetlyn (8), Sayde (15), Ryan (20) on floor Caleb (10) and Steele (12).



Here is a layout I made with my upline Michelle - she is such an inspiration! All SU products were used on this layout!









My first bag in a box project ... I was surprised at how simple these are to make! I love the new Razzleberry paper from Stampin Up!




Tonight I made card fronts for my very FIRST Stampin Up card swap. I used the Priceless stamp set, top note die and a new embosslit folder so I could play with my big shot. I was having camera problems so the picture doesn't show the true colors. I would love to hear which card front you like the best ... the one on the left with little flowers stamped around or the one on the right!

Blessings,
Samie

MOJO98 and a little note

I'm sitting here with my feet in a warm soak and decided that I better slow down and take a moment to touch base with my blogging friends. My sister Marie, known to my blogging friends as Marie with a :-), left Monday after a week long visit with her family to Vermont. I can not express the love and respect I have for her in words. She lifts my spirits to a place where I feel so free. She is one of the very rare individuals I can share anything with and know that I will not be judged. It was hard to say goodbye and knowing that she is so far away brings tears to my eyes. For anyone who has been blessed to welcome her into their lives understands all too well what a truly special person she is.
I have had a very difficult time crafting. In a previous post, I shared a picture of the children I care for. We had held a childcare fundraiser/lawnsale on July 24th. When the sale was finished I posted the leftover items on a freecycle list as I felt that someone out there could use the items we had. (Now let me say, there were lots of items left over). The items that needed to be brought into my home were put on the front porch to bring inside the next morning. When we woke, we found that the items on the porch had been taken also. Now I understand that material items can be replaced, however; one tote was filled with scrap booking / card making items which included a box of ALL the handmade cards I have made since I began a couple of years ago. My heart is broken and my creative side frozen. The stamp sets, punches, paper etc. can be replaced but not the piece of my soul that is carried with each of these cards and projects.
I tried a MOJO today ... I was saddened that it was void of the exhilaration I typically feel when I create something.