Guest post at Delicate Construction

I was a guest post on Delicate Construction. 

Come over and check it out when you get a chance.  

She has a lovely blog just full of inspiration.  

Definitely worth a "follow"!

As a side note, I hope you enjoy your long July 4th Weekend as much as we are hoping to!  Hoping to get much accomplished or at least have a little fun!

Stay Cool!

She's Crafty ~ A One Day Artisanal Boutique

I hope you will stop by for a lovely shopping spree and support local mom crafters!  

She's Crafty ~ A One Day Artisanal Boutique

[Specific info the various crafters committed coming soon! ]

The Stamp Set I Can't Live Without

There are some stamp sets that you just love...For me, that set is Baroque Motifs.

This is the part of that set I use the most.  And you can clearly see I use it a lot.

When I say a lot, that is understatement. 

Here are some examples of random stamping projects I have used this specific stamp on. 

[Click on picture for larger look.]

Versatile is not even the word for it.

Do you have this set?  

What set can you not live without?

The reason for my 6 month hiatus

So this is why I have been on a 6 month hiatus of my blog.  I do apologize but life is much busier with 2 babies.  I know everyone said it would be, but somehow I was surprised by it..  ;)
Abigale Dearie had her first breath on January 20, 2010.  After being induced twice [yes 2 times, and ask me about my VBAC!], we were so glad to hold her!  Do to the swine flu outbreak, children were not allowed in the hospital so Jesse met his sister at Gigi & Grandma's and he has loved her dearly ever since!  They are so good together and he warms my heart daily at how he cherishes her.

Their first picture together

7 days old with Jesse, mommy & Abigale

This one is a collage of Jesse's first week shot and Abigale's... "For this child I prayed"1 Samuel 1:27

Easter Family Pic at our church April 2010 ~3 months old

About 4 months old in MY dress.

 Dedication with 4 Generations: Gigi, Me, Abigale, & Grandma
May 2010

Little Sister :)  July 2010 5 months

Sweet Sleeping Baby July 2010 5.5 months [another of my outfits]







Created by Stampin' Up! My Digital Studio.  :)

Anyway, thanks for the reprieve.  Now I am back [though probably a little slower for now ;) ]!

3 More Craft Shows to go!

I promise I will rest after Tuesday night!  I SWEAR!
Here is the listing of the last of my shows for the season.  Stop by if you are in the area!

Saturday. December 12th  10-4 pm
Yia Yia's Beads & Gift Artisan Market 10am-3:30pm [corner of McDonald Street & Tennessee]  [postponed from 12/5 due to the weather]

Saturday, December 12th  6-9 pm

Bridgewater Holiday Open House  off R 33  http://www.williamryanhomes.com/bridgewater/application/community_overview.php

December 15th
MOPS @ the Mall's Crafty Mom's Christmas 10:30am-11:30 am  All are welcome to come up and shop during this time with the 20+ local vendors!   Located at FBC @ the Mall 1010 E Memorial Blvd.  Lakeland 33810.

Upcoming Craft Fairs

[Display at a recent show]

I am so excited about the upcoming craft fairs & events where I can sell my hand-stamped PaperCrafting gifts!  If you are local, come out and say HELLO!

Saturday, November 7th
Sandpiper Golf & Country Club 9-1  North Lakeland off N. Socrum Loop Rd. near Plantation Publix.  [My mom is running my table at this location.]
Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club 9-2 Even-More-North Lakeland, off 98 N going towards Webster. [I will be there!]

Thursday, November 19th 6pm
FBC @ the Mall Women of Purpose Christmas Event [open to the public] $7 includes dinner, P & W time, and Shopping!  [contact me for ticket details]

Saturday, November 21st 9am -2 pm
Lakeland Harbor Mobile Home Park [on 33 [Northside] right across from  I-4 exit] next to car dealership

December 5th
Yia Yia's Beads & Gift Artisian Market 10am-3:30pm [corner of McDonald Street & Tennessee]

December 12th

Bridgewater Holiday Open House 6-9 pm http://www.williamryanhomes.com/bridgewater/application/community_overview.php

December 15th
MOPS @ the Mall's Crafty Mom's Christmas 10:30am-11:30 am  All are welcome to come up and shop during this time with the 20+ local vendors!   Located at FBC @ the Mall 1010 E Memorial Blvd.  Lakeland 33810.


If you hear of any others in the local area, please let me know!
Hope to see you at one of these this Christmas season!  Only 50 days left!  Yikes!  Better get to crafting!  :)

Things I Learned on Vacation

Things I have observed & learned while being away from home for 4 out of 9 weeks this summer in no certain order:

• Doing 2 trips of 2 weeks, 3 weeks apart, was a dumb move but done as an honest mistake..thought we were making the right decision for the right reasons.
• It is quite difficult to plan a party 1800 miles away without help..in fact, it didn't happen. Next year..note to self, ask for help!
• Though the "going away party" planned for the first leg of this trip fizzled..I wouldn't trade anything for being able to see my guys in concert with those amazing seats!! It is always great to be "Young & Insane" every now and then!
  
• You never know how much you take things for granted like consistent internet access, holding your hubby's hand, and your own bed ~ till you are gone for that long away from them.
• I didn't realize I was as protective a mother until I got around so many random relative's children [diff ages, dispositions, upbringing, etc.] ...I also took for granted how well our friends' kids treated each other, & that I didn't worry there.
• I really miss hanging and talking with Yabette [or as I knew her growing up, Beth Ann ;)]. Time just goes too fast but we pick up a conversation like it was yesterday.

• It is sad to see some of the older relatives and how much they age each year. You never know who won't be here next year...
• It was nice to have little responsibilities while there and I got to work on my own stampin' projects that have been neglected for too long. I took classes, went to crops, paper crafted until 1 am some nights, and leave here feeling creative and ready to get back to business!
• It is hard to be in a house with 3 women for 4 weeks. No matter how much you love each other..
• Everyone has their own story if you take some time to listen.
• I love having a church home-away-from-home. Thanks Crossroads Community Church in Doylestown for making us feel welcome each year!
  
• I miss my dogs, my computer, my house, my friends, my church, my stampin supplies, but most of all my dear sweet husband! Can't wait to get home and into his loving arms.
• I will come back next year but for one week only probably..after that, you just wear out your welcome no matter how much they want you there! ;)
• It was great to take off and explore the day with my son..need to make more time for that.
• I am ready to go home!

• 

AmyD