I’m BAAACCCCKKK!!!

Thanks for all the info re: Amber’s Fifths Disease. She is doing OK. Thank you all for the concern. We are suppose to get rocked with snow today. I hope there is no school so I can get some work done without running around. Alexa is suppose to have her post chemo follow up, but there is NO WAY I’m going out in a storm for that.

On a happy happy note: My brother is moving today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m doing a big happy dance. Now we can make their bedroom into the kids playroom, which is right off my stamp room. Not sure if that will be a good or bad thing yet. I’ll keep you posted. Bottom line, it will be nice for them to have a place to set up for the baby. I will be helping this week and taking her shopping for baby stuff. They have NOTHING and no money. Good thing I love to shop and I have has 3 kids, so I  know what she needs 😀

Well in between the crazy little thing called life-I have been super busy whipping up samples and today, and I am excited about the card I have.  I actually made over 20 samples with the new sets! LOL! But want to spread the love a little bit, and not overwhelm you 😀

Today’s Peeks from Lizzie Anne are:

LB Tutti Fruity
LB In the Nursery
LB Things that Go
SS Supergirl
SS Knight

The actual release date of these sets is the Friday the 9th.

On my sidebar I have links to all the design team members, so be sure to hop around! Also check in on the NEW! Lizzie Anne Designs Blog

OK here is my Tutti Fruity sample:

A good apple-

I am in LOVE with this apple image. It was the first thing I inked when I got my new sets in the mail.The sentiments in this set are awesome, and I really went to town with the entire set (to be revealed later :D)

 I used a black gel pen to color in the “seeds”, and dotted my flower centers.

Can you see the 2 dry embossed flowers I did? I used an old SU! Brass stencil. I forgot how much fun dry embossing is-

I thought they were a nice SUBTLE element, and they matched the apple flowers too.

Now upon browsing my samples I see that I am in a RED mood. That and green. (oh and black!) I’m not sure what has me in that mode but I was obviously on a roll with it 😀

Next up I had to get a card made for Garrett—-> see this post. So I thought what better image than the Knight!

Now Garrett is being a brave boy, and battling the Cancer dragon! So I figured I’s make him a card for his bravery.

I loved the Knight, but needed “more” images, so I also used the Once Upon a Time set to help me out. That is where my castle came from and my dragon.

The dragon is done in shimmery pastels.

My paper is by SU! Im on a “use my old SU! stuff “kick these days. Maybe because I have an order to place and I want to feel like I am using some of what I have first??? Anyway-I hope he likes the card. More so I hope he wins his fight. I can’t stand hearing about all these sick kids. Its so sad.

Anyway-my sentiment is from Elzybells. It was just perfect.

The card is fairly plain and simple, but it is for a BOY so I didn’t want to overdo it. I just hope he gets lots of HAPPY mail!

Well thats all for me. Im wiped.

Thank you again for taking time to stop by 😀

Later

Back from the doctors-looks like Amber has Fifth’s Disease.

Basically a virus that looks like you have 2 slapped cheeks. Nothing we can do. Contagious 2 days before you breakout in the rash :C

Not a big deal, except for pregnant women-given that my brother’s girlfriend lives with us and is 35 weeks along we have to watch her. She will have a tidor drawn tomorrow, but given she isn’t in the 1st trimester and is in the 3rd trimester she should be good.

Fingers crossed

OK right now I want to throw my camcorder equipment out the window!

I have my first intro video-sort of a “tester” done, and edited (very amateur!) and can’t figure anything else out! GRR! I need to upload it somewhere, and then figure it out from there. Im so not computer savvy, so this is becoming a bigger deal than it should be, I am sure. I know this talk is getting old, but Im going insane, and wasting so much time, its ridiculous. Done for today :C That took up way too much of my time.

 Well in a happier note-C.C. Designs is having their release tonight at 10pm! Don’t miss out on them.

Check—>the blog <—for you chance to win.

Now for my sample 😀

Lots of love-

This is the GingerSnaps Hey Cupid set.

I adore the mushroom girl the most. She is just beyond cute.

Well I hope you can attend their release party tonight at 8pm on the forum–> HERE!

Im off to the doctor with Amber. She has a weird rash that is rapidly spreading!!!!!!!!! EEEK!!!!!!!!!!

So I’m off-

Hi everyone

There are 2 posts today, so be sure to scroll down!
The sketch challenge is posted after the Birthday Organization post 😀

Hi everyone. The kids are on vacation, and life is crazy. How are you all doing?

Are you crazy with me yet?! Only 3 more sleeps till its back to school, and only 5 more sleeps till my brother gets hs own apartment! YEAH!

OK today I have more peeks to share. Actually this week is going to be jam packed with samples since MFT, and LAD are also releasing some AMAZING stuff this week.

Tomorrow is my Saturday Sketch-and a special PTI group project. Don’t miss that.

Snow Friends is another set that is being previewed over at the ATS Blog. It was designed by Diane. Check in there for more samples, and your chance to win this new set.

How cute is that little rabbit, giving the snowman a carrot for his nose?

I think this made the perfect little thank you card. I love that Dianne made a snowman set and took it to all “occasion” level. I have many friends who collect snowmen things, and this is perfect for them.

Here is a close up of the details.

I had fun coloring the scarf, and adding some snowy glitter.

I used little ribbons for tabs on the side to tie in more of my colors.

A cuttlebug star folder was used for a embossed star detail. Subtle. I like that.

Sorry, nothing too chatty today. Im being pulled in 10 different directions, so I need to wrap it up. Hopefully in a week life will be more “normal” again.

My new year is off to a great start though, so no complaints here 😀

Enjoy your day!

I want to say Happy New Year to each and every one of you!

How is THAT for a BRIGHT family photo. Flash mode is a killer! I was going to b&w but this was certainly more festive!

Here we are, last photo of 2008

Amber 4-and like a mini me. She is so girly and grown up for 4. She and I do lots of things together that Alexa isn’t interested in-like shopping :D. Amber is my little side kick. Growing way too quickly for me. She is little creative creature who is girly one minute and wanting to watch foot ball with dad the next.

 Alexa 9-healthy and Cancer FREE! Thank GOD!! I remember thinking she may never see another Christmas at times. Here she is, her favorite time of year. Hair growing. She is amazing to me and inspires me everyday! She is my little artist. She likes reading and writing stories. Maybe she will be a writer when she is older. I’m amazed at how well she does with it. I think back to all the awful things they told me my life would be like, being a young mom and having a child with Down Syndrome, and I get mad. I would have missed out on the most amazing things in the world if I didn’t have Alexa. If more people in the world saw things as she did it would be an amazing thing.

 Me 30 and over 45lbs lighter .I haven’t checked, but definitely lost more weight over the holiday, and am 5 pant sizes smaller! In only 20 weeks. I’m not done. I’m still staying on a healthy lifestyle. Who says you can’t lose weight after 3 kids and tons of stress eatting! LOL! I really am proud of myself, and am loving 30. Much better than 20! I have so much to be thankful for-really. 2009 is going to be fabulous!

 Jay 31-This is the best man on the planet! He is the most amazing, patient, loving, and supportive husband/dad. I feel like I won the lottery when I met Jason. He loves me for who I am. That says a lot! LOL! He accepted Alexa as his own, and has always been there for me every step of the way. He spent hours on Christmas morning taking toys out of packages, putting things together, 100 stickers on Amber’s doll house, and playing with all their new toys with them. He is just amazing. I can never say enough about him.

 Noah 6 -who is a entire head taller than his older sister! He is the caretaker of the family. I always think of him as the older child, and have to remember he isn’t. He is such a great brother to hi s sisters, and really watches out for them. He is into his boy stuff, but loves crafts with mom! He is so creative too. I love everything he makes. He is so sensitive, and considerate. He always makes me laugh and has so much energy. He is going to turn into a great man some day. I have a very special place in my heart for Noah. Its different that the girl thing. I feel like I am watching Jason as he grew up, and if he is 1/2 the man Jason is someone will be lucky.

Here is Daisy in her Santa Dress! She wasn’t too happy with me 😀 But it was so cute. She kept trying to rip it off, so that is why she didn’t make the family photo! LOL!

 Daisy is one now, and we have had her a year. She is a cockapoo, and only 14lbs full grown (I always get asked that). She is the best dog ever. Great size too, and fabulous with the kids and the cats/other animals. Biggest issue is peeing with excitement when people come over, and jumping on them when they come in. That isn’t a good thing, but not horrible. I’m so happy we have her in our family. She still follows me around everywhere in the house, and spends as much time in my stamp room as I do, keeping my feet warm!

Our cats-boy are they wallet suckers! Our boy cat Moo-Moo has cost us more money and stress this year, than anything! LOL! The other 2 girls are fine, thankfully.

Then there is my brother and Valerie, and soon to be baby Gabriella! They are suppose to be moving on the 7th! Cross your fingers for us please 😀 I can’t wait to meet my niece. I get to be in the delivery room! She is due Feb 5th. Pray for a healthy, happy baby!

As I rang in the new year, I reflected on 2008, and have to say it was a FABULOUS year! I always get emotional when that ball drops.

Alexa completed her Chemo, and is doing amazing-who could ask for more?

My children are growing into great kids-

Our dog Daisy has been a great addition to our family-

I was able to start doing something I LOVE-My Timeless Templates, which seeing other people love, and use is beyond amazing. The entire thing is just a dream come true, and I pour every ounce I have into it, and love every second. How many people have a job they truly love? Plus doing it while home with my children is such a bonus.

I was able to find some time to give back to others. That feels great.

And I was able to FINALLY have a New Year where my primary goal  wasn’t wishing I could lose weight! YEAH!! Im on shaping up mode, and love shopping for new clothes.

Life is so good. I am excited to see what 2009 holds.

I really hope TODAY will be your TOMORROW! You have a clean slate to start with. I always make a list of goals and wishes/dreams. I keep it in view so I am always aware of what I want to do.

The important thing is to also have a plan on HOW you are going to put those goals/dream/wishes into reality. Dreaming is wonderful, but nothing is going to fall in your lap. If you want something you have to be willing to work hard to get it.

Maybe you have simple goals. Maybe you want to get organized? I spent the last few days re-organizing my stamp room, and cleaning it up a bit. Boy did that get my mojo in high gear! WOW! I love cleaning and organizing things.

I will share my goals for the New Year, and hope you will too.

My goals for 2009-

Enjoy my children, and time with my husband. Really live for today.

Continue to exercise, and live a healthy lifestyle-everyday! Pamper myself more :D) I love excersing daily now. I feel great.

Be a good example for my children  in all areas, always. Be it exercising to volunteering, I want them to be well rounded. I want to raise kind, loving and giving children. Being a parent is so hard, in the end I want to know I did something right. I have off days, and I hope those don’t over shadow the good!

MAYBE design my own stamps! I have had so much interest from all you asking WHEN I would do this. Maybe its time. I’m not sure. I really love the template more, and want to continue to pursue that avenue, but I may branch out-so watch out! I pray I have the $$ and time to learn the software I need to get started. I had ideas for how I would want my things to look, but an no artist there. I’m a better designer with other people’s stuff than my own.

Open my own Etsy shop! I think its time I had a place to sell my creations I have made with my templates and other items. MANY people have also asked about this, and I hope over the next few months I can get started on that. I also want to take custom orders and things, but not sure if my time will allow that, just yet. Its on the list-so we shall see.

Actually SEND the cards I make (this is another goal I have yearly and it never happens! Tomorrows post will share more on that-actually sending stuff!)

Get this CRAZY video thing figured out by the end of the week! I want to do more video stuff here to help, and get more “in touch” with you all! I had hoped for my video, but honestly haven’t had much time to mess with that!

Actually answer my emails! I have over 300 sitting in there right now, and just haven’t had a minute.

I would LOVE to hear your goals for the new year! I don’t like the word resolution. I like to think of it as something you want to work on! So I call them goals instead.

Now I will share some more weight-loss stuff since that is general “goal” we all have for the New Year! Health is so important and I have definitely gotten a lot of responses to this area when I have talked about it. Maybe there is something here that will help you.

My Time’s Tips for a healthier 2009!

I have talked very openly about my recent weight loss goals and struggles. Its NOT easy.

This post isn’t about a quick fix. Its about an overall healthy lifestyle. All you have to do is WANT it.

Be positive! You CAN do it. You can do anything you set your mind too. Truly. Its not too late. Its never too late to start taking better care of yourself.

If getting in shape were easy, then everyone would be in top shape. It’s a constant work in progress. You have to live it everyday. Not just a few weeks, or going on a “diet”. Diets are short term, and often involve cutting something major out-like carbs. We actually need all food groups-in moderation. You cut something like carbs out 100% then the second you have them back you will blow right back up! Its about daily life changes. Something you stick to, so all your hard work can be maintained. Eatting in moderation. I can’t stress that enough.

GETTING STARTED

Before I begin let me tell you that the first 3 weeks are the worst. Getting use to making time to work out, putting your plans into action, and cutting out some of the bad food and the cravings is hard. You CAN do. Just overcome ONE obstacle at a time. Don’t look at tomorrow, focus on TODAY, and doing everything you can to make today better.

Like I said before, I’m just like you! No personal trainer, no dietician. I have 3 kids and a busy life. You don’t need to join a gym, or have a trainer, and get expensive equipment. I did all of this from my own living room.

We all have to start somewhere! So go to the store and get a few inexpensive items. All the items you need to get fit at home cost less than a gym!

I say get a DVD that interests you and give it a try. It won’t be easy!!! Its suppose to kick your butt! I have made suggestions HERE before as to what has helped me. I say get what you like and suits your needs. You may even be able to rent some! Then if you really like them make the purchase. Your library may have some as well!

I have also enjoyed The Biggest Loser DVD’s. The Cardio Sculpt one is fabulous!! As I said before I LOVE Jillian Michaels 30 Day shred, and really helped me shed some more of that hard to lose last few lbs. The Mitch Gaylord one though was what really got me where I am today.

I think getting a mat for the floor is a good investment for your back and floor exercises, and some handweights. Start with 2 or 3 lbs.

I also have a weight band, and have gotten some other equipment but that isn’t necessary stuff. I like to mix up my workouts. Its important to NOT get bored!

When you work out at home it doesn’t matter what the weather is, or if you have time to drive to the gym! So go for it.

By just making better decisions you are on your way. Instead of that fried chicken go for baked or grilled. Instead of 2 pieces of pizza eat ONE! etc.

Trust me I don’t know any more than you do about all this. I’m just putting common sense into action.

IDENTIFY!

I think you need to figure out what motivates you. What is your motivation for getting healthier? What road blocks have stopped you before. Get rid of the negative “I can’t” attitude. You CAN and WILL! Just read my other post here. Push past those road blocks and just do it.

Also identify what motivates you to eat badly. Is it stress, boredom? Do you not eat all day then are starving? Stay on top of your hunger. Then you won’t blow it on a handful of chips or cookies.

Get motivated and get moving!

Obviously activity is the key to losing weight. ANYTHING you can do to increase your activity level is great. No excuses. If you can find 20 minutes on the computer you can find 20 minutes to some sort of physical activity. Take a brisk walk around the block even. ANYTHING is better than nothing. I work out literally everyday now, because now I love it and I want to!

PACE YOURSELF!

Set realistic goals, and only look at it as one pound at a time. If you gained 20 lbs overnight you’d just DIE! You aren’t going to lose it that easy either. It is hard work.

Keep track of your progress. Be mindful of what you are doing and eatting, always.

Keep a journal or track your progress. I used our calendar to know how many weeks I had been working out. I filled out my weeks to the end of the year! There is NO stopping 😀 Write down what you eat if you want. Or just keep track of activity. Get a friend involved for support if you can. Ask people in your home to make you accountable, especially at a function where yoiu may want 2 full plates of food,  just because its there-and delicious and that is what you do at a BBQ! You don’t really NEED it.

Eat to live, not live to eat.

Don’t beat yourself up!

If you do slip up or whatever, don’t blow all your progress on ONE oops! Just do better the next meal. AND if you are making an oops, don’t got for seconds!

MODIFY!

You can make any meal and make it healthier! Go fat free, or low fat. If you aren’t use to those items you will slowly get use to them over time. Try 1/2 full fat, and other 1/2 low fat/fat free if its a big issue. Before you know it you will love Skim milk! LOL!

Eat Breakfast!

This is a major thing most of us don’t do. Its actually WORK for me to eat breakfast. Im just not hungry. But its like gas for your car. You need to fire up your metabolism, and breakfast is very important. You will feel better when you actually start the day with something to eat.

Portions!!

This is huge factor in gaining weight. CONTROL your portions! You can eat what you want in MODERATION.

 I eat on a kid size plate. When I go out to eat I automatically take 1/2 off my plate, and have them package it to go home with me. When you are eatting ANYTHING watch the portion size. Its usually smaller than you think.

Have easy healthy snacks on hand! So when you are hungry you can just grab a healthy option.

The 100 cal packs are great quick choices, fresh fruits another great choice. Measure a serving size of your large bagged snack foods and package them into snack zip lock bags. You can mindlessly eat handfuls of something when youa re hungry.

Water, water, water!

 Its good for you,  fills you up, and keeps you hydrated. Your skin will glow if you drink lots of water, and it reduces the sign of wrinkles!

Don’t eat after 7pm!

That is a biggie. We often eat out of boredom, and anything that goes in your mouth after 7 will usually go right to those hips! Try your best to NOT eat after that time.

Snack healthy!

I find that I need to stay on top of my hunger in order to eat well. That means eat when I am hungry, before I get to starving and mindlessly grabbing whatever is in my face when I open the cabinet door.

Top thing to avoid

anything FRIED, Smothered, or in Alfredo sauce! LOL! Those are all really bad.

Supersizing! NO!!! Don’t do that. If you do ahve fast food just make a better choice as I said. GRILLED, no SAUCE! Those sauces on sandwiches are packed with empty calories. If you really want fries get the kid size stuff instead.

Anything “gourmet”!  

 Chocolate/sweets in moderation.

AND-Just because it says fat free doesn’t mean its OK! Its usually high in sugar, which them turns to fat. You eat too many of fat free anything its not good for you.

Fresh fruits and veggies are always a great choice. NO DIP!

Bottom line-eat everything in moderation, get moving and you will get losing 😀

That concludes my new year goals post!

I hope you find time to share your tips, goals or whatever else you can here!

Happy New Year!

So this week I have some more gifts to post that I created for people during the holidays!

Santa met up with me the other day to get Alexa her Baby Alive doll. All day she kept saying “I’m so happy Santa found my doll. I can’t believe it!” When I left and told her I was going to a “secret place” to meet up with him to get it for her, and then I wrapped her in the car before I got home ! The look on her face when I came home with that doll was priceless. She was jumping up and down, and just smiling ear to ear. She just kept saying “Oh! Im so happy to have my baby. Im so happy!” Over and over again. That doll was truly all she wanted. Its so funny how we work so hard to get them nice things for Christmas, and when it comes down to it there is usually just ONE thing that they truly want. She could have opened an entire toy store, but if Baby Alive wasn’t in that mix, it didn’t matter. Anyway, I’m so happy I got it because its things like that, that we remember forever! It would be “Remember that time all I wanted was Baby Alive, and I didn’t get it” I work hard to give my kids good memories and I hope this one will be in there.

Speaking of gifts-I had fun (and loads of stress) last week whipping up all this stuff LAST minute-YIKES! All that matters is it all got done, and on Christmas Eve I still was able to make the time to make cookies from scratch with the kids (for Santa, and guests) and do some last minute ornaments! It was really nice.

I love making personalized stuff. I have said before, I think its because I LOVE seeing my own name on things, since growing up-Lauren was far from popular! I was the only one, even in a huge High School. Granted it was nice, but as a little kid, not so much.

I also think being able to make personalized items really is fun, and shows how much thought went into the gift. Not to mention when you BUY personalized stuff, its expensive!

I decided to make a personalized set of stationery for Noah’s reading teacher Mrs. Trefrey. She has been a Godsend to Noah, and I so appreciate her.

Here is a close up view of the personalized tag I made using JustRite Stampers From the Desk/Library/Kitchen of border set. I then personalized it with her name using my small letter set. The “T” is one of my favorite font sets-The Special Occasions Font & Border set. I love the scripty-ness (is that a word?)

I made a set of 8 cards, with stamped envelopes to match.

What better way to box them up than to use my My Timeless Template–Desk Top Stationery holder!

Now when making this set I decided to do ALL stamping! No patterned paper.

What I make this set its often easiest to-have my envelope be the cover for my card set, so I put that in front.

I used a very pretty set from Inque Boutique-can’t remember the name or find a link since the business changed hands :C I used it to stamp behind my monogram, and my box and envelopes :D. I love the softness it has. Noah insisted it be blue, so he got blue.

Here is the stationery holder, with the sample of the card

PS-After I took the photos I realized this particular embossed panel was up-side-down! LOL! So I changed it. Figures that is the one that got in the photos! All the rest were applied correct with birds ON the branches, not UNDER! LOL!

Another view-

This is a side view of the box. I just wrapped some pretty ribbon around the outside.

OK last photo-then Im off & running! Going to a new stamp store with  my friend Paulette!

Thanks for checking in-I hope you liked this version of a card set. I had fun with it

Be back tomorrow!

Well if you do I know 2 families who could use some holiday cheer!

A friend of mine put this tid bit into my INBOX this am-Not a great way to start the day, as I have balled over this email for about a hour now :C Too close to home for me, and makes you really THINK about how precious life is everyday.

Many of you may remember my dear friend, Chris Garman, who lost her battle with breast cancer 2 years ago.  When she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, she was pregnant with her third child. Her doctors didn’t think Chris would live through her pregnancy without treatment, so they took a chance & gave her chemo while she was pregnant. Chris survived her pregnancy & had a beautiful, healthy little girl named Hannah Faith.  Chris died when Hannah was three.

If you would like to help with her wish, please send her a card at:

Hannah Garman

704 Orchard Rd

Lititz, PA 17543

 Now I am TERRIBLE at getting cards out but I am definitely going to be getting some out to these 2 families TODAY!

Then Andrea had a RAK request for a family with a very sick baby. If you have children you can imagine how hard it is when they are sick!!

So please check out Andrea’s thread here!!

Thanks for taking the time to spread soem holiday cheer towards others who need a little oick me up.

OK please make sure you scroll down today! I have 2 posts to share. I’m a stamping fiend these days, and don’t want you to miss any of it.

One for each template, and my sketch is under the Papertrey Ink group post.

Thanks for visiting 😀

Have a great weekend.

I had to post this before I forgot! Im so super busy and did NOT want to miss the oppourtunity to help a cause I know SO MANY people are affected by!

My friend Nancy is raising money for Autism through O.A.R.

 You can get all the details HERE! Tis the season!!! A great cause.

If your life has been impacted by someone with Autism, or you know someone else who it has- check it out, and pass it along! Each person, when working together can make a difference!

Every little bit helps!

Thanks 😀