I've been Stampin'!

Pulling out the supplies and playing around ... yup I've been stamping.  I had prepared posts that were scheduled to update on my blog but apparently I did not do something right because I see that I am not showing my blog posts.  I will play around with that later.   Life has been so busy lately that I almost let time go by without stamping ... knowing that the best stress relief treatment is to grab some ink, stmaps and paper and PLAY!  I have making a bit of Holiday cards using some card fronts that went around last year.  I also pulled out one of my favorite stamps and some retired paper.  I have tons of retired items and decided that they would be great to use for cards that I am giving as gifts.  I just finished a box for a very special aunt who goes out of her way to help take care of my mom.  I hope to post some of the cards and projects that I have made so that my blog continues to update.  I also hope to figure out how to add my Stampin' Up blog favorites to the tab on my home page ... I'm just so NOT tech savvy!!  I am off to browse and see what you have all been up to!  Happy Stampin'!!!

Stampin' Up Gratitude

It must be a sign ... this "WHY" statement that has been the center of everything for me lately.  I was in a bit of a depressed mood today.  Been feeling a little bit lonely and thinking I should plan some girl time ... with school preparations for all of the kids and getting ready for a weekend trip to the Great Escape I haven't been able to 'hook up" with any of the girls.  It always seems that when I am in one of these 'moods' my upline, Michelle Deslandes, has a sixth sense.  Not only did she call me today to check in and catch up, I also received a beautiful card in the mail from her today.  There is no question WHY I became a demonstrator ... it's all about family and friendships.  Thanks "My Me-Shel" for touching me with a bit of sunshine today!

Stampin' Up Family Fun & Sister Blog Candy

Family - it has come to mean everything to me.  We celebrated Grandma Ovitt's memorial over the weekend and so much was shared about the foundations we build over the years.  When I sat down at the table to finish my card fronts for a Christmas swap my youngest daughter Kaetlyn asked is she could make cards too.  Before long three of the four kids were at the table sharing laughter (a bit of chocolate - a crafting staple in our house) and my heart just swelled.  I found myself fighting back tears.  and I reminded myself for the second night in a row WHY I became a demonstrator.  I woke up the next morning to find a card and flower from my nine year old daughter waiting for me.  I was a proud Stampin' Up mom!!

This picture of my family was taking during the outdoor celebration on Sunday.  Myself, husband Blaine, son Ryan (21), daughter Sayde (16), daughter Kaetlyn (9), son Caleb (11) and son Steele (13).  The Lord has blessed my life and to Him I am forever grateful!

If you get a chance, stop by my sisters blog:  Isom Cre8tions.  She is offering up some yummy candy - leave a commet for a chance to win!!

Have a Blessed night!

Stampin' Up - it's a Family thing.

Left to Right: me, husband Blaine, Kaetlyn, Sayde, Ryan
Sitting (floor)  L to R: Caleb, Steele

Discovering My Why ... I've been soul searching over the past few days.  Our upline challenged each of us to write our why statement.  I thought to myself "that's simple, I was buying the product myself so I might as well get a discount".  Last night I was sitting at the table with my youngest child - 9 yr old Kaetlyn- playing around with some new stamps from the Holiday Mini trying to come up with a card front for a Christmas swap.  My daughter whispered to me "can I stamp too Mommy"?  My heart melted as I watched her eyes begin to twinkle as I slowly began to nod my head.  It reminded me of the pitter patter I felt the first time I held a stamp in my hand.  It was like a wow moment ... this is what it's all about.  Building relationships and I knew that she and I were doing just that ... as mother and daughter.  This moment, I realized was one to build on and I know that many more are in store for us.  (I will post the card she made tomorrow - I don't have access to my camera ... I left it at the family reunion today - but don't tell my sisters or they'll induct me in their club -"Forgotten, Misplaced or Lost"! LOL

Here's to another very blessed day!

Stampin Up Convention Mojo and another semester behind me ...

Whew ... I haven't really had time to sit down and catch my breath since returning from my very first Stampin' Up convention.  Utah was gorgeous and there are no words to describe Convention ... I will definitely strive to go again!  I am just finishing up finals and only have one semester to go before I finally have my Bachelor's degree.  This semester was the most challenging semester ... now that I am going to have a two week hiatus I'm ready to get Inky.  We had a demonstrator meeting last night and after sharing the notes from  Convention with everyone I felt energized.  So I'm sharing the Christmas card I made for our swap last night!

Stamp Sets: Punch Potpourri and Pricelss

Cardstock: Garden Green and Cherry Cobbler

Ink:  Garden Green and Cherry Cobbler

Here is my first take on the card but I didn't like it at all:

Well the UPS guy delivered all of my Convention bundles and Holiday mini goodies so I am going to plan a "play" weekend!  Now if the rest of my life cooperates with that plan I'll be all set!

Happy Stamping!

      ~Samantha~