Sept 29 Fabulous Friend

One of my former Bible study kids is starting confirmation class and he asked me to be his mentor.  I was so touched!  You hope and pray you're making a difference.  It's nice to hear that you have.  I made this for him to accept his kind request.

Thanks for looking!

Today I'm grateful for: Sweet kids who like me back, fun day at the zoo with my younger two, the variety and magnificence of God's creation, Tim Horton's coffee and TimBits, glorious weather!

Stamps: Unity fan mail

Sept. 6th

Yesterday, a dear friend surprised me with a beautiful one-layer cake.  Not just *any* cake, mind you.  It was a dark chocolate cake with dark chocolate thick, fudgey frosting, topped with fresh raspberries.  Did I mention homemade from scratch?  And did I mention that it was divine?  I would let you taste for yourself, but it's gone.  Trust me, it was divine!

Thanks for looking!

 Today I'm grateful for:  folding warm towels fresh from the dryer, watching Diva and her little buddies doing their little girl stuff, hugs from Devon 'for no reason', sourdough bread, friends who bake and know what I like lol

Stamps: Market Street Stamps Berry Sweet
Paper: scrap stack
Extras:  MFT Designer Label Stax Set 1 and Mini Double Dot Border Die-namics (yes, I couldn't resist hitting the sale last week!)

February 15th

My friend and I don't worry about dressing so 'cute' when we get together.  More like jeans or yoga pants, flips, and ponytails, but we do laugh as much as these girls appear to be.

Thanks for looking!

 Today I'm grateful for:  surprise day off for husband, kids asking if they can have Valentine's chocolates for breakfast, gooey grilled cheese, Pandora, Baby Lips

 Stamps: Javabellas
Paper: scraps

February 8th

For a friend who enjoys a good pun...

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Today I'm grateful for:  garage, Pinterest, my children's art on the walls, sounds of piano filling the house, pizza

Stamps: Unity What's Shakin'
Paper: Recollections metals collection
Extras:  PTI dies

February 1st

For my cousin/friend...

I love this sentiment.  It's so true for her and I hope it makes her smile.

Thanks for looking!

Today I'm grateful for: new highlighter, time with my dad, cold water, husband who sends me to a bubble bath, husband who then refills my wine glass

Stamps: Studio G
Paper: Cloud 9
Extras: Fiskars fancy corner cutter

January 25th

A friend of mine is raising money to help a mutual friend pay some huge hospital bills.  I think that's awesome.  So I made her this little card to tell her how fantastic I think she is for doing this.

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Today I'm grateful for:  birds chirping merrily this morning, my SIL's busted wrist is healing nicely, a spur of the moment surprise lunch date with my baby brother, kids running to him for hugs when he walked in, and *I* got a HUGE hug and a kiss on my head (he's a foot taller and, apparently, has missed me!)

 Stamps:  Hampton Art You're a Dear!
 Extras:  twine

January 18th

This Fabulous Friend Friday card is actually for Em's super sweet best friend, who is turning six.  Her rainbow themed birthday party is tomorrow.  I thought this fit the bill.

 Glitter on the stars because this is a Glitter Girl!

Thanks for looking!

 Today I'm grateful for: warm breeze, sunshine, my husband, triple coupons, sweet tea

Stamps: The Stamps of Life HappyBday2You
Paper: scraps
Extras:  ColorBox inks, Stardust pen

January 11th

For a Friend who lives in my computer. ;-)

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 Today I'm grateful for: balmy breeze, daughter loving her painting class, icy water, mint shampoo, lavender bath oil

Stamps:  Fresh Brewed  Espresso Girl
Paper: DCWV
Extras:  ribbon from stash, Copics

January 4th

It's National Spaghetti Day!  And I'm bringing back Fabulous Friend Friday.  This card is for a dear friend of mine who is ALWAYS cold.  She's the warmest-hearted person I know, but the girl has NO anti-freeze in her blood. ;-)

Thanks for looking!

 Today I'm grateful for: spaghetti, silly holidays, cloth napkins, Fridays, sweet friend that's now a teen

Stamps: Changito Cocoa
Paper: DCWV Animal Crackers
Extras:  Copics

Fabulous Friend Friday

Happy Friday the 13th!

This card is for a young friend who is turning 12 next week.  She is fabulous!  And fun!  And cool enough to dig wonky-eyed, tooth-challenged monsters.

I sort of followed Tracy's Sketchy Thursday #156.

My second panel is a bit small and they don't overlap as much, so it's not quite the sketch.  That's what I get for running the laptop battery down and going off my not so good memory. lol

And the inside has a slot for the all important iTunes GC.
 

Thanks for looking!

Today I'm grateful for:  Rachel, fireplace, great books, hot cocoa during spelling, all 3 kids reading together on the couches

 Stamps: The Stamps of Life list2write and trees2build
Paper: Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934
Extras: EAD Designs monster sticker

Fabulous Friend Friday

My friends and I used to spend many nights at the roller rink.  Giant bangs, grape bubble gum, Dr. Pepper lip balm, ah what fun.  Last month my kids went to a skate party at that same rink.  Weird!  I got old, but the rink looks (and smells) exactly the same.  This card is for a friend who could shoot the duck like nobody's business.

Thank you, Unity, for making a set that is perfect for those old memories!

I decided to make the skates all girlie and cute.  But when I finished I took another look.  I think I made the wheels very boobalicious.  See it?  Luckily, this girlfriend will laugh so I'm sending it anyway.

Thanks for looking!

Today I'm grateful for: friends with memories of long ago good times, cards that also send a laugh, 60* in January!!, random text from Scott, singing with kids during spelling

Stamps: Unity How's It Rollin'?
Extras: Copics, Stardust

Fabulous Friend Friday

My friend, Sandy, is a little down.  Is there a better image than a yoyo for a friend that is down?

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 Today I'm grateful for:  snuggles from daughter, warm cat purring, piping hot coffee, another day off with the family, and friends to love

Stamps:  I'm Here
Paper: Studio G
Extras:  Copics, pop dots

Fabulous Friend Friday

MFT's Girls Night Out made me think of my friend, Jeri.

We're miles apart, but have been known to tip a glass to, with, and for one another.

So....

Can I get an amen on that?

Thanks for looking!

Today I'm grateful for: perfectly ripe banana, my kids' health, Advent traditions, mocha hot chocolate, and friends across the miles

Stamps: MFT Girls Night Out

Paper: DCWV Linen Closet

Extras: Crystal Lacquer

Fabulous Friend Friday

I've never ridden a bicycle for two, but loved this image. This card is for a friend fighting cancer. There's some pink, but not too much. It's crazy bright and I hope it makes her smile.

The handle bars are sparkly and the center of the wheels are blingy.....I would ride a cute bike like this!

Thanks for looking!

Today I'm grateful for: time with my family, totally gorgeous weather, getting some yard work done together while NOT freezing lol, tether ball, glowing candles

Stamps: The Craft's Meow

Paper: DCWV Nana's Kids

Extras: Copic, Spica, ? rhinestones, ? flowers and brads, lace from grandma's attic

Fabulous Fortieth!

Yes, today's my 40th birthday. No, I'm not at all upset about it. My friend, Shawn, says I get to 'finally join the big girls' club' and I'm pretty excited to join all those lovely ladies!

For my 'BIG' day, I asked to celebrate on the beach with people I love. I'm currently on the beach in FL with my husband, kids, and my parents. Life is GOOD!

Today, in honor of my birthday, I'm going to make a list of 40 people who mean the world to me. I'm SO grateful to have these wonderful people in my life. Anybody else old enough to remember listening (and tape recording) Casey Kasem's Weekly Top 40???? Here's mine.....

1 - Scott, my forever. My husband, very best friend, father to my children, the one I want to share everything with.

2, 3, 4 - Tyler, Devon, Emily If you've visited here before, you already know that I love these three people more than I have words for. They bless my life immensely. They grow and change and challenge me. I love being a mom and I LOVE that these are the people who call me that. My Diva and MITs are total awesomesauce.

5, 6 - My parents. They made me as a person and helped me become the woman I am today. I am grateful for their guidance. I love that they are so involved with my kids.

7, 8 - My inlaws. They gave me a wonderful gift in the man I married. I must give them credit for him. He is a good man, in very large part, due to the guidance of his parents.

9, 10, 11, 12 - My grandparents. One grandfather is waiting in heaven, but his love is very much a part of my life today. The other three are still here on earth. All of my grandparents are/were godly people, valuing faith and family above all else. Because of them, my family tree has deep roots and is solid and strong.

13, 14, 15, 16 - My brother, his wife, and kids. My baby brother is awesome. We fought like cats and dogs as kids, but I always knew he had my back. We no longer fight (we're much too old now lol), but I know if I need him he will be there. My sister-in-law and nephews add to the joy. Much like ice cream is good, but better with hot fudge, my brother is great, but even better with his lovely family.

17, 18, 19, 20, 21 - Scott's sister, her husband, their kids. Scott's sis and I were friends in jr. high. That's how Scott and I met. I'm eternally grateful for that. Her husband makes me laugh and her children are pretty fun to be around, too.

22 - My aunt, Nancy. She's my mom's younger sister, but my friend. I call her 'aunt' out of respect, but call her 'friend' because it's the truth. She used to babysit me and now invites my kids to come hang out for the day. When I was a kid, I thought she was super cool. Now my kids think she's super cool. She's even taken a day off of work to go to the animal park with us and some friends and *those* kids think she's super cool. Seriously, how much more incredible can you get? My aunt, my friend, she just rocks!

23 - My dear friend, Charlotte. A true gift from God. Our sons played basketball together years ago and we met at practice. That basketball season is long over, but Charlotte's still a huge part of my life. I'm grateful to have her friendship. I truly don't have words for how incredible this woman is. You know how some people just make you smile when you think of them? That, to me, is Charlotte. Truly a gift! My son calls her 'other mother' and I don't mind, that's how much she's loved.

24, 25, 26, 27 - Charlotte's husband and kids. I love them all. Her husband is a great man and her kids I love. My husband and kids adore the entire family. Rare that two families of five ALL get along and enjoy each other, but we do. I don't hang out with her family because she's my friend, I GET to hang out with her family because she's my friend.

28 - Amanda. She just makes me laugh. The crazy fun friend who gets you into trouble, but you don't mind because you're having so much fun? That's her. If we need to get serious, we can (and do), but Amanda just brings honest pure joy into my life. Our husbands worry that one of them will get both of us because we both say 'I can see benefits to having sister wives'. I think both guys are scared. Scott says I'm enough, two of us would be too much, he would never win. That's probably true!

29, 30 - Mark and Neka We met in high school. I convinced him that if he asked her out, she would say yes. He did, she did, a few years later he asked a more important question and she said yes to that one, too. lol When Scott and I married, Mark and Neka lived in another state. They surprised us and came home to be at our wedding. They still live in a different state, but we clear our calendar when they're in town. I count them as close friends, even with the distance. I sure wish they would get transferred to MO, but am very grateful for the internet and once a year face to face visits.

31-37 - Jeri, Terry, Sandy, Chris, Kristie, Tasha, Char - My PSFs. Girls, we've shared laughter, tears, talked crafts and hooker heels, commiserated over kids growing up too fast and teased each other. Finding emails from you is a highlight of my day.

38 - Ellen. She's just a tiny bit older than I am and just a bit farther on the Mom road. She's my 'what do I do now' girl. Her advice (especially homeschool advice) and wisdom have been very beneficial more than once. I am fairly confident that I benefit more from this friendship than she does and I'm very grateful for her.

39 - Karen. One of our pastors, but one of my friends, too. She can guide on spiritual matters or we can share a cup of coffee (iced mochas, preferably) and talk about our kids. She's such a gentle soul. As a woman, wife, mother, she inspires me to be better. As a pastor, she's taught me immensely and I'm very grateful for her guidance. She knows history like no one I've ever met and can instantly give details of how/why things happened without sounding like she's teaching you... even when she is. lol Then we can go right in to talking about the latest books we've read or movies we've watched.

Last but most definitely not least....

40 - Denise We've been friends since 5th grade. We no longer have sleepovers or cruise around town looking for boys, but when we get together dinner is long and filled with laughter. I am so glad she's STILL in my life. She's just slightly older than I am, but I know she'll roll her eyes when I say she's my OLDEST friend. Love this girl. She was my friend when I was a gawky preteen with bad hair and she's still my friend when I'm an awkward 'old chick' with greying hair. How blessed am I to have a lifelong friend?

Of course, I have many more people in my life I value. I am a blessed woman, indeed.

Fabulous Forever Friend

Today's our anniversary. My husband will be embarrassed if I gush. I will simply say that I am SO very grateful for him. Scott's my Forever.

Thanks for looking!

Today I'm grateful for still being in love with my very best friend. Scott's still the one I want to hang out with, sharing the bigs and littles of life. He makes me laugh, holds me tight, lets me be me, and loves me in spite of all my flaws.

Stamps: SnSS Knight in Shining Armor and Princess

Paper: DCWV Once Upon a Time

Extras: Copics, Koh-i-Noor

Fabulous Friend Friday

I have lots of cousins, but Kathryn is my 'cus-friend'. When Scott and I got together he said we could have been sisters. I am so proud to say 'My cousin has written a book'. She sent me a note to say her book had been published. I sent her a note back 'I'm so proud of you'. I knew I would read her book. I just wasn't sure if I would be able to honestly say 'I liked it' and figured if I didn't, I had my bases covered already. lol I got the book, I read it, and....it's GOOD! So I made her this card to say 'I'm so proud of you, I read it and it's good'. I used Mojo Monday Sketch 182 as my jumping off point. The card is glittery and sparkly and just FUN. whew I'm so glad I can say 'your book is good' and be truthful. ;-) So, I AM proud of her for going for it and her book IS good. It's The Farmer's Story. It's very neat for me since it's set partly in my town and many of the details are from our childhood. Sharing those details here would bore you, I'm sure, but made the story extra special for me. Her story itself is very good even without that life connection. I truly am very proud of KJ!

Thanks for looking!

Today I'm grateful for: lifelong cus-friends, my son's friend sleeping over tonight (great kid I'm so glad he's in Ty's life), day off school, gorgeous weather, watching the cat try to kill a tennis ball

Stamps: Verve Beautiful You

Paper: DCWV Sweet Stack and I think Spring from years ago from stash

Extras: Red line tape, Studio G glitter, Darice gems

Fabulous Friend Friday

This is not my card. This is the card my wonderful daughter made HER fabulous friend who is turning 4 this weekend. Em was very serious about her work. She wanted sheep...her friend's favorite animal. I don't have a sheep stamp (I was surprised by that), so she settled on the cake. She did insist on white card stock 'because it's the color of a sheep'. I cut the middle strip, but Em did everything else.
I wrote the birthday message, but Em signed her name and decorated the inside.

I loved watching how much fun she had and I love that she has a fabulous friend that she loves this much!

Thanks for looking!

Today I'm grateful for: friends young and old, homemade veggie soup (single digit cold here), fleece slippers, purring cat, and a weekend with family