Saturday, November 27, 2010

The Stockings Were Hung.

Hubby's schedule has him leaving us next week till mid-December.  So yesterday, we got staright to work to get the house decorated so that he could enjoy the the season before leaving.

We watched the Macy's Thanksgiving parade (that I DVR'd from the day before) while we decorated the tree.  Yes...all of our ornaments are snowmen!

I can enjoy the holiday festivities and not worry about the hustle & bustle. 

Taking time to remember the "Reason for the Season" is what Christmas is about.  Hoping you take time to enjoy your holiday season too!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Taking Time To Play.

Some people I know have a lot to say.  Not me.  I figure no one wants to hear my schedule.  Everyday.  My life's not too-terribly exciting.  And I kinda like it that way.  Don't get me wrong...I've got a LOT going on...but we ALL have a lot going on.  And really, I have no interest in re-hashing it all.  Where am I going with all this?  A daily post on my blog is just something I can't get done right now.  Until I reach a point where I can show you all something I've made everyday, I've got nothin'.

I do, however, have something today. 

Saturday I spent the 1st half of the day at my friend Cookie's house.  She recently moved to the sticks (for you locals...that's Norfolk, CT) with her hubby to a gorgeous, sprawling ranch with lots of woods.  Beautiful!  We spent the afternoon downstairs in her scrap room.  I was so excited to start my "December Daily - Christmas Countdown" mini album designed by Stephanie Ackerman


(Pay no attention to the Twix bar in the corner...)

All the ingredients to create a beautiful Christmas Countdown are included in her kit.  I changed mine up a bit to reflect my personal style and my pictures, but I love how she put the coordinating pieces all together.  I'll get back to this in a moment.

Here are some pics of Cookie's scrap room:

Organization is KEY to a great working space.

Her cardstock is color-coordinated.

She has everything she needs right at her fingertips.

And the island in the middle is great for spreading out.  I've got to get my act together & re-do my stiudio space!

As for my Christmas Countdown album, I worked on it again on Monday.  I'm finished thru page 19, including the cover.  I can't wait to get it finished this weekend.  Then, I'll be all ready to capture my December moments, one day at a time.  It's important to stop and celebrate the season each & everyday.  After Christmas, I'll print my photos and adhere them to my completed album.  And my memories of the season will be saved forever.  Take time this holiday season to remember the moments that matter.  Create a keepsake of your own and have it for many Christmases to come.  Wishing you & yours a very happy Thanksgiving holiday!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Taking A Moment To Catch Up.

Things have been C. R. A. Z. Y. busy these past few (10+) days.  The scrapbook store had a retreat we sponsored in Simsbury, I had pies to help deliver for the PTO fundraiser, Andrew started the junior swim team, and hubby had to make an emergency visit to the knee doctor for a cortisone shot.  Not to mention the 5000+ other things I had going on.  But today I am taking a wee-bit of a break to get myself somewhat caught up.

I've got a few sponsor opportunities I am working on.  Last night I made some toppers for my bags of goodies:

I purchased my very own stamp from the Scribbling Club

And I'm working on these:

But this isn't the finished product.  You'll have to wait to see how cute they are when they are done.

I've got a list full of things to get done before I head off to work.  It'll be a late night for me, but tomorrow is my day off...maybe I can sneak in a nap. 

Sunday, November 7, 2010

A Good Day.

A great big thanks to all the ladies who came out today to spend their Sunday with Debbie & I working on their calendars.  I had a wonderful time teaching, laughing & having fun.  It was a lot of hard work...

...but it was worth it.  Now imagine...think of these kits...times 20 students...times 12 months. 
Man, that's a lot of paper!

Everyone worked hard to stay on task.  (You know how women can be...all chatty & giggley!)

These two ladies did me proud!  They were doing two kits at the same time.  Talk about dedication.

See Debbie way down the end?  She was on her break.  I didn't get a break...I'm just sayin.  HA!

Now I'm home and hubby & child are making me dinner.  BBQ chicken, sweet potatoes, green beans & iced tea.  I've got the life!  Happy Sunday!


Friday, November 5, 2010

A New Adventure Begins.

If there is one thing I dislike, it's coming off a new routine.  I know myself...once I fall off my wagon, it's hard for me to start up again.  I was going strong with my blog posts...and then...WHAM-O!  I missed a day.  But I've had a real busy week, so I'm trying to get over it.  Trying...

Today was no exception to the busy-ness.  Hubby came home at 2am (yes, you read that right...) this morning.  That woke the dog up.  And with the dog up barking, I was up.  And I stayed up.  All through the night.  And now it is 10pm...and here I am writing to all of you.  I ought to have my head examined!  It's been a really long day.  *Yawn.*

Back to my title.  Adventures.  We're always starting new ones around here...especially this time of year.  Tonight Andrew started the Jr. Laser Swim Team at the YMCA.  It was his 1st time, so we all were a bit anxious.  But, being the proud mama that I am, I have to tell ya that he was F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C.  He didn't stop once.  I am so proud of him.



He continues with his once-a-week lesson on Saturdays and will meet with the Jr. Swim Team on Fridays.

I have two more long days ahead of me so I am off to bed for some much needed rest.  Wishing all my peeps a good evening.  Sweet dreams!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Switching Gears

On the 1st Saturday of November our church plays host to a Fall Festival.  This year's event is this Saturday, November 4th from 9am to 3pm.  We offer handmade crafts, baked goods, a raffle drawing for beautiful baskets and a yummy lunch with homemade soups, sandwiches, hotdogs and desserts.  If you are local and would like to stop by, we would love to have you.  Admission is free and is handicap accessible.

I often assign myself the job of creating a "snowman-type" craft every year.  For anyone who knows me, you know I ADORE snowmen...country-folksy type snowmen.  We decorate our tree every year with snowmen ornaments.  So, I don't mind crafting them for the fair.  Here is one I am finishing up today:

I have 8 of these guys waiting for some type of seed for the bottom.  I went on the hunt looking for dried corn, but alas, I found only sunflower seeds.  Walmart no longer carries wild-bird food; only domestic.  And Home Depot had cracked corn, not whole corn.  So, I settled for seeds.

 Here is my finished one:

My hope is to make a few more tonight to put up for sale on Etsy.  If you love him, and would like one of your own, leave me a comment with an email addy we'll talk. 

I'll be working late in the studio tonight on another snowman creation.  Enjoy your day.  I've got lots of work to do!  :)

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Teaming Up To Teach With A Good Friend

If you local & are looking for a great gift-giving idea, consider signing up for this spectacular calendar class, offered by my friend Debbie...and me.  Take a peek:

This class has limited seating, but we have a few spots left.  We would love to have you! 

Here are the details:

*Debbie B. & Christy have teamed up to offer an 8 x 8 calendar class on Sunday, Nov 7th, 10am to 5pm.
*Feel free to bring a lunch or go out...we'll break for a half an hour.
*This class always sells out, and we've got a limited number of seats available. 
*Cost is $62.50 per calendar. 
*Call to reserve your spot soon.  860.693.9197
*Can't make the class?  Call to sign up for a kit.
*These make great holiday gifts. 

Hope to see you there!

Monday, November 1, 2010

The Trickers Have Come & Gone...

...and the treats have been put away.  It's November dear friends.  For us that means voting, a Thanksgiving feast, and holiday preparation.  Lots to do, lots to do.

I came across this pic today from one of my cyber friends, Stephanie Ackerman.  Her passion for life and her optimism inspite of doubt really inspire me to be a better person.  Her work is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!  She is a self-taught "crafter-extraordinaire" but don't take my word for it.  Go take a peak at her work on her blog.  Tell her I sent you!

Most mornings she is kind enough to remind us we are all here for a reason.  Today's Facebook post was fitting for me:


Doesn't this just make you think for a second?  Wow.  She's right.  We all have that potential.  Thanks Stephanie!  You have shaped my goals for today.

Make you day extra-ordinary.  Why?  Because you can!  Happy November everyone!