Sneaky, sneaky...

This is Samantha's sister Marie with a : ). I'm being a little sneaky here, and Sam may regret that she gave me her blog password so I could give her blog a face lift (she's been busy with a thousand and one responsibilities) Anyway, I'm in Colorado and she's in Vermont and it makes me sad sometimes to be so far away from her. Today I received a wonderful box of goodies from her and amongst the other goodies, were a couple of things she has made. Now I know that she has posted a couple of these on her blog already, but I don't think her photos do justice to her work so I took a few photos and am posting them for her ; )

(I couldn't resist..at least I took one photo first...)

I Love my sister :-)

Marie with a :-)

New Look ... New Day

The snow is still coming down hard.  Travel is pretty limited to necessity as the Green Mountain State is blanketed in heavy, wet cover.  The weatherman warns that snow is changing to rain and next come flood warnings.  Gotta love Vermont!  Feeling a bit stressed I decided to take a break and make a couple of cards to share.  Lately I've been stumbling across various papers and color combo's that I thought I would never use or could not envision them on a card or project.  That holds true for the Nouveau Chic designer paper I used on these two cards.  Not thorougly convinced I liked this DSP, I was awed at the elegance it could bring to a card with very little additions.  

"Forget about all the reasons why something may not work. You only need to find one good reason why it will."

~ Dr. Robert Anthony

Thanks for visiting!  

A treasure

The first word that comes to mind when I think of my dear friend Michelle is treasure. I feel like I struck gold when i met her a little over a year ago.  She has the most generous heart and caring spirit, a person I would not hesitate to pour my heart out knowing that she is listening without judgement.  I am fortunate enough to not only have Michelle as a dear friend, but she is also my Stampin' Up Upline.  This past Saturday she held an appreciation afternoon at her home for her downline and her workshop hosts.  the afternoon was filled with laughter, food, games and prizes and some amazing Make and Takes. 

    With all that is going on with my mother's health and trying to care for her, my own family, work and go to school my heart has felt heavy and I often find myself alone and reaching for a hand to hold!  The Lord knew what He was doing when he gave me this gift of friendship for Michelle has been there to hold my hand without even knowing it.  I only wish that I pause and say Thank You more often!  I did manage to surprise her with a little Friendship frame in a hand stamped bag. 

Thanks for popping by!  I appreciate all of your comments!

Gum Party Favor ...

I can't believe it ... I'm posting for the second day in a row!  Yikes ... that means I am ignoring those Statistics books.  I spent too much time today searching for some gum treats I had seen made with the Two Tags die.  I finally decided to just wrap the gum in a 3x3 piece of DSP and add a scallop punch.  I can't believe my Mom and Me club is only 4 days away ... I'm usually so organized and prepared but with everything goin on I will be running around chasing my own tail.  Oh how I wish I could clone me!!  I have to remember not to carry the load alone ... to reach out and ask for help ... one of my weaknesses.  Life's a lesson!

Thanks for stopping by!

"Your going to wear yourself out ... This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself."  EXODUS 18:18

My Hiatus

Dear Blogging Friends,


I can’t believe how much time has passed since I’ve been present in the blogging world! How I’ve missed sharing in all of your lives. Much has happened to take me away. I am not even sure I could explain my emotional state. I have been struggling with acceptance. My mother is ill and though I knew the day would come when I would be sitting beside her hospital bed but no matter how much you feel you are mentally prepared for the moment, you never truly are. I spend a lot of my time without adult companionship … I have operated a registered home daycare for 11 years. My days are spent caring for children and my nights caring for my family. So here I was scared, angry, heartbroken and alone… I needed something … someone! And then I spoke to Him. I asked Him for comfort and strength. I asked Him for understanding. And in the stillness of the night I felt a gentle breeze and I knew He had heard me.

“I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. the angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away.” ROMANS 8:38    

I've been trying to pull some party favor ideas together for my second Mom and Me club taking place this Sunday.  I have a wonderful response and am looking forward to a much needed reprieve from the daily life!
 
Blessings,
   Samantha

Waterfall

I have to say that one of the things I love the most about Stampin' Up is the support and friendship from other Demonstrators.  I went to a Demonstrator meeting at my upline's house this week.  We worked on goal setting and while we were there my Stampin' Up "mom", Michelle Deslandes, taught her downline how to make a waterfall card!  These are so adorable and I must say I'm hooked.  We also stamped Thank You cards to send to the soldiers who want to send them to friends and family showing their gratitude for the support they are receiving.  I will post pictures of some of the cards later tonight.  I'm thinking that I'm due for some Blog Candy since I have not done that yet.  So watch for the post on my giveaway!
   Yours in Creativity,
         Samantha