Love, Love, Love the new Stampin’ Up! Expressions Thinlits!!!

I should be working on a baby shower invitation job this morning, but decided to continue with my challenge streak (this is the second day!).  Today’s card is for the ColourQ # 204 challenge to use Concord Crush and Lucky Limeade, (both retired) and Bermuda Bay.  My card is a quick, clean and simple card focusing on the Expressions Thinlit Dies in the Holiday Catalog. 

All supplies by Stampin’ Up!  Paper:  Bermuda Bay, Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade and Whisper White; Ink: None!  Accessories:  Big Shot, Expressions Thinlit, Circle Punches;

Have a wonderful day and as always,
Blessings,
Diane

P. S.  A little Princess Isabella to give you a smile…..

Got Juice?–Day 3

Today was a great day!  I had a lot of energy and didn’t get as hungry as yesterday.  My juice today was made with apple, orange, grapefruit and lemon.  Very citrusy I must say.  But quite tasty.  I treated myself at lunch to a big ole salad at Jason’s Deli.  They have all the good stuff to put in it and I cheated just a tad and had the nuts, raisins, almonds, seeds mixture they have.  Just kind of spooned it all over.  Oil and vinegar dressing.  Filled me right up. 

 

 

Tonight, I made a super good almond milk smoothie from Tiffany’s super good almond milk.  Bananas, strawberries, blueberries and mangoes- all frozen.  Yummy!

And, look how pretty it is!

 

 

I picked up my juice for the last three days after lunch today.  Two are orangey and one is beety looking.  I will show you a pix tomorrow.  I need to finish this post so we can watch the series premiere of Person of Interest.  Posting a couple of cute cards tomorrow too….stay tuned.

 

So, before I go, thought I would leave you with a new picture of Sweet Isabella.  Ain’t she something?

‘Til next time,

Blessings,

Diane

the one and only

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God.  And that is what we are!”  1 John 3:1


“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me.  Your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalms 139:10

Bob and I have had friends say we act like our grand-daughter is the only one in the world.  We are crazy about sweet Isabella, that is true. She is our one and only.  We waited a long time for her and she is the “gold” in our golden years.  We understand now what our friends have been saying for years about their grandchildren.  You know- that if they had known what a delight grandchildren would be, they would have had them first!  That kind of thing.

Some of you know that she is a little miracle baby.  Our son was in his 40’s when she was born.   Poppy and I (Mimi) were both on Social Security when she was born.  Many of our older friends have grandchildren graduating from high school – and even some have great grandchildren.  We have one perfect and sweet Isabella who will be 18 months old tomorrow.  Blessed we are.

We try to bring her home with us at least once a month and keep her a long weekend to give the parents a break.  We just completed a weekend.  Did I mention she is 18 months old?  Large and in-charge?  A little whirlwind?  Never still?  Acting just like an 18 month old should act.  A large chore for a 25 year old parent (me, many, many moons ago).   But, at my age (64)… well, I can only say- you nap when they nap, cause it is like getting on a moving train that never stops when she is awake. Oh how we enjoy the visit, but I’ve got to say we breathe a sigh of relief at the “hand off” to the parents.  And say a thank you to God for giving us energy and patience to last just long enough.

But when she smiles…oh my.  We call it the Bella smile and it is awesome.  Heart melting.  Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.  You can tell by her actions and expressions that she is quite fond of us.  But, she is not saying many words yet.  I don’t know if I will be able to contain myself the first time she says Mimi and Poppy.  I look forward to having little conversations with her.

Isabella VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

My boys are both in their 40’s now and I remember those days with them.  I don’t remember the exhaustion.  I only remember the joy.

As I think about this it brings to mind how God must have felt when he created Adam and Eve.  And, subsequently, me.  His love for me, and you, at our birth brought him great happiness.  Our smiles fill him with joy.  He wants us to love and adore him, just like I want Isabella to love and adore me.  Just like an earthly parent, he is there to mend our heart when we hurt and when there is sorrow, he comforts.  He gives us challenges to strengthen our faith.  He is always with us.  Never far away.  Just call and he will answer.

Like a parent he sometimes has to let us go our own way.  And he welcomes us back with open arms and helps us heal when our way doesn’t work out like we planned.

But unlike earthly parents, he never naps and is never exhausted.   He is unchanging.  Open. Ready.  Always prepared.  Does the right thing -  always.

He delights in us, just like we delight in our children and grandchildren.  It is as if we are his one and only.  We bring him joy.  He gives us eternal life.  I look forward to sharing this with Isabella someday soon.

Blessings,
Diane

Beautiful Banner

I am sure you have noticed that banners, in all shapes and forms, are uber-trendy in papercrafting right now and I am in LOVE with them.  I made banners for Isabella’s first birthday, Christmas, Valentine’s Day…and many for absolutely no occasion.  Shelli Gardner, co-founder of Stampin’ Up! loves them too and so much so that banners are her Creative Challenge for this month.  So….I really wanted to join in.  An excuse to make one more.  Don’t need excuse really, but did enjoy making something for me after all the decorations I just finished for my niece Jill’s baby shower.  Check out the next post for lots of pictures of our fun time.
Until then, enjoy my heart banner.  All supplies by Stampin’ Up! and you can purchase them in my store 24/7…

I {Heart} Banners VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

I have this on the big mirror over the fireplace in the den so I had to take it down and put it on a contrasting color for the photo.  And, I still haven’t finished my new picture-taking place, so the photos are not the best.  But, I am sure you get the drift.
I can’t sign off without sharing a memory from yesterday of sweet Bella and her Poppy checking out the Camellia she plucked from the bush in our backyard.  My loves. 
And, I wouldn’t be offended if you left a comment on her cuteness!

A New Header and Too Many Things to Talk About

Can you believe how long it has been since I last posted?  Before Christmas.  I really don't have a good reason other than.....I've been soooooo busy.  Now I know we are all busy with home, work, kids, church, stamping, scrapping and all that stuff...it's just that I don't seem to be able to get it all done so something suffers.  Unfortunately one of those things is my blog.  I sure hope I can do better.

So much has been going on and I want to share it all with you.  So, in no particular order, I will be sharing what is and has been going on in Isabella's grandmother's life these past few months.

Today I am on the fourth day of a very bad head cold.  I feel lousy.  We were looking forward to going to Franklin to see the little Princess Friday, but alas, could not risk exposing her to this crud.  Here's a couple of recent photos of the little darlin' in case you have been missing her sweet face.

Her First Scrambled Eggs

Going to Mimi and Poppy's House

I don't really feel like stamping, so I must feel bad.  I really want to sleep all day, but can't breathe when I lay down, so I thought....Hey, girl, why don't you make a new blog header?  So, I did!  The entire header was designed in My Digital Studio using exclusive Stampin' Up! images.  And it was so easy.  I love the new Subway art trend and found some awesome words to use.  You can take a 30 day look at MDS....just to my Stampin' Up! site and download the Express version for free.  It's not just for scrapbooking anymore!

Here's a card I made a couple of months ago for a dear friend's son and his new bride.  I loved how it turned out.  Lots of silver paper, embossing and glitter paper.  Plus the terrific Flower Fest stamp set.  I don't know why I don't use it every day!  So sorry my photos are so crummy.  I am working on making a photo box and getting the proper lighting.  Hopefully soon.

So many exciting things happening at Stampin' Up!  I will be back tomorrow with all the deets.

'Til next time...

The Twelve Days of Thanksgiving

Are you a subscriber to Pinterest?  If not, let me tell you about it.  Pinterest is a free website that is like a virtual bulletin board or virtual bookmark tool.  I have hundreds of bookmarks on my computer, which are kind of useless because of the volume.  Well, Pinterest let’s you develop categories and you can add a photo that automatically links back to the original site, of items you want to keep handy.  You can also search on Pinterest for absolutely anything and “repin” the item to your boards.   I know I sound like an advertisement for Pinterest, but I just want to share with you this terrific site.  Click on the Big P below and it will take you to my page:

 

Which brings me to today’s project.  I found this on Pinterest and decided to make a few adjustments and create a little Thankfulness Jar for a my sisters, mom and aunt.  Each jar has  little slips of paper for each family member to write what you are thankful for each day.  Then, on Thanksgiving, empty the jar and share your “thankfulness” with the entire family.

I added Stampin’ Up! Spice Cake Fabric, some tomato twine and cut out some leaves from the Gently Falling stamp set.  About 10 minutes each jar and it can be used every year.  I just kinda love it!

We are getting ready for Thanksgiving next week and Isabella’s first birthday party.  She was here this weekend and is walking everywhere.  She looks like a little monster holding her arms straight out for balance.  I have a lot to do to get ready for the party and Thanksgiving Dinner for about 35 and I am a little under the weather, so it will be a few days before I can get back to it.   In the meantime, I can get a lot done on the computer printing cupcake toppers, banner, treat toppers, etc.  Here’s the invite that we sent that was created for us by 3PeasPrints, a terrific shop on Etsy.  I really wanted to make it myself on Stampin’ Up!’s My Digital Studio software, but I am just not quite there yet with my expertise.  Maybe next year.

We are so thankful for this little miracle baby that it is only fitting that her first birthday theme is one of thanks.

I hope your holiday plans are moving along nicely.

Blessings to you,

Diane

Little Lamb

The little sweetie and her parents had planned to visit here this past weekend, but plans were changed because she began running a very high fever….and needed her Mimi and Poppy.  So we abandoned all plans for the weekend and made our way to Franklin to help out.  We took her to the doctor on Friday who said she didn’t see anything major- perhaps a cold was coming on and to continue with the baby fever reducer and call if…..you know the drill.  And sure enough, her fever went away and all was well, except that she had her days and nights mixed up….so that is where Mimi and Poppy stepped up.  Fortunately, she didn’t know she was sick (except for a lack of appetite) and played hard with us.

She’s walking a little bit and probably will be running all over the place on her first birthday in three weeks.

Poppy took her for a couple of stroller trips in the beautiful fall weather of Middle Tennessee and she loved it.  Here she is all bundled up….our little lamb.

Blessings to you,

Diane

Super Hero–Yep, that’s me!!! And I am honored!

 

 

A few days ago I submitted a card to the brand new terrific KA-POW Kreative Challenge hosted by one of my stamping heroes, Artistic Avenger Carrie Gaskin.  And this morning, I was tickled to see that I had been named the very first “Super Hero” for that card.  Wowza!  You can find my card on this post.  Here is the cute badge that I get to display on my sidebar.  Click on it to go to Carrie’s blog- you will find totally awesome creations and great stamping and papercrafting tips.  Thanks, Carrie for this honor.

 

 

And, here is a new picture of Isabella with her Poppy.  Wonder who’s the happiest in this picture?

What is Isabella doing today?

Wondering what Isabella has been doing?  She’s trying out her new bathtub.

Kindness Matters

I could send this card to thousands of people and I’ll bet you could too.  I have been blessed so many times with the kindness of others.  God has put wonderful people in my life- I wish I could list them all.  Some of these wonderful people are kind enough to ready this blog.  This card is for you.

I altered yesterday’s CAS challenge sketch and used the gorgeous color combo in today’s Color Challenge.  AND, found a reason to use the cutest and sweetest new Stampin’ Up! set Kindness Matters.  AND, if that isn’t enough, I made my very first Gerbera daisy from my brand new Flower, Daisies #2 Bigz Die.  This is absolutely “to die for.”

We had a wonderful weekend in Franklin with Isabella and her parents.  Growing. Like. A. Weed.  Here’s the little princess crawling down the hall with her Poppy:

So sad to see Scripture Stampers end, but look at Isabella at 8 months!

July was our last club meeting of the Scripture Stampers.  I loved every minute with these wonderful gals.  We laughed, created and ate marvelous food.  But, we will start back in October and I can’t wait.  Here are the Scripture cards we made in our 6 months together.  They are all A2 and fit into the little box and all use Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper and colors. 

Scripture Stampers VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

A couple of weeks ago our sweet Princess turned 8 months old.  What a precious gift from God…grandchildren are just the best.  Here are a few photos at 8 months- she still likes her Poppy best.  Oh, well…I really like him too!!!

		Isabella at 8 months - August 2011 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

First Fourth

A short little post today so I can include these cute, cute photos of Isabella on her First Fourth.  Actually, the photos were taken on the day before since she and her family left to go back to Franklin that night.  We had a nice photo shoot, but getting a smiley baby picture is hard work.  She senses the camera before she sees it and intently stares at it refusing to smile.  So to get a good smiley shot, I have to work really hard.  Her daddy can usually get a smile out of her- so I called for him to help.  Here’s my favorite:

And, here’s how we got there:

		Isabella's First Fourth VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Needless to say we had a wonderful holiday weekend.  And I hope yours was wonderful too.

Hello Doilies Sneak Peak

I am still here waiting, waiting and waiting for Mr. Brown (UPS) to arrive with my demonstrator copy of the new Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog that goes live to customers on July 1.  In addition to the catalog, I will be getting the new In Colors and a couple of new stamp sets with this ship, so I decided to bide my time by getting a card ready to go with items from the new catalog.

So, in just a little while, I will be posting my first card using brand new items- it is an absolute case of a card on the cover of our demonstrator monthly magazine.

And, here it is!!!  Thank you Mr. Brown ….

I used the current Curly Cute set and the new Delicate Doilies Set, along with brand new In Color Wisteria Wonder Textured Card Stock which looks great with the Pumpkin Pie, Pretty In Pink and Whisper White papers.  Then, as the terrific focal point, a Melon Mambo doily die cut from the to die for Flirtatious Specialty Designer Series Paper.  Add a couple of rhinestones (oops! forgot those before I photographed)  and a little white Baker’s Twine and you have a gorgeous card- suitable for most any occasion.

 

‘Til next time….

Scripture Stampers–Something Old and Something New

Last night was our May stamp club meeting (I had to delay one week so we could visit our sweet Isabella) and the Scripture Stampers were in full force.  We made three cute projects and I loved each one.  Linda was our hostess and she chose Colossians 4:2 – the definitive verse about prayer.  I was not surprised because Linda is a dedicated prayer warrior…you absolutely want her on your team!  The scripture card I designed that will go into our sweet little scripture box used our theme designer paper, Springtime Vintage (old) along with Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, the Top Note die and Framed Tulips embossing folder.  We all love projects made with the Big Shot. 

I always try to make a little treat for the members each month, but yesterday I was stumped on ideas and could not decide what to do.  Then I had a brainstorm and made a quick trip to Dollar General and bought a bunch of 3.5 X 5 inch acrylic frames and got to work.  I knew I wanted to use the brand spankin’ new Flower Fest set from the Summer Mini and the new embossing powder on a project, so I got busy embossing and punching and cutting.  I didn’t get everything done before the gals arrived, so assembling the elements became our first project.  The sentiments are from two sets that are on the Last Chance list (tear) – Sense of Time and Simple Friendship.  Although they will be gone, they will not be forgotten.  The final project used all current products, including the fabulous Elegant Bouquet embossing folder and had a little twist.  After the image was stamped, we sprayed it with spray adhesive, covered with a used dryer sheet, then covered with Dazzling Diamonds (gorgeous glitter), cut the dryer sheet to size and popped up on our card.  Pretty, pretty.  Who knew?

Take a look-see- and as always, you can shop Stampin’ Up! 24/7 on my website here:

I am sitting here waiting not so patiently for Mr. Brown (UPS) to roll up with my expedited Stampin’ Up! order that will also have my copy of the new Idea Book and Catalog that goes live on July 1.  I’ve been to the door at least ten times…it’s on the truck and out for delivery and I am hoping he gets to us earlier than his usual last delivery of the day.  I know that patience is a virtue- just not today!

Thanks for visiting and before you go say hi! to sweet Isabella- all dressed up this week:

Bella Bunny and Uncle Scott

I am so behind in my posting. I used to think I have to write something profound, but have decided that something often is much better than waiting for the perfect words and perfect picture. This one was too cute to pass up. I will have more Easter stuff later this week, but here is the cutest picture of Bella Bunny and Uncle Scott taken Easter weekend. It is not the best quality...but still precious.  We had a marvelous Easter weekend and sweet Bella spent a few days with us the following week.  It was a wild week with the tornadoes and all- but that is stuff for another post...and exciting entries in her baby book!

More later, take care and have a great week!

Snowed in with a Princess

So, we were planning to go to Franklin to see sweet Isabella on Monday.  But, with snow in the forecast for both here and there, we decided to get ahead of the weather and headed out Sunday after church.  We figured that if we were going to be snowed in, why not be snowed in with a Princess.    It didn’t start snowing in Franklin until after midnight and when we woke up on Monday morning there was 4-5 inches on the ground and it was so beautiful- just like our sweet little Isabella.  I couldn’t wait to show her the snow through the sunroom windows.  I think she was impressed, but you just can’t be sure what they think at 7 weeks!

We gave her a bath one night- all five of us were assigned a task.  One to get the water just right, one to disrobe the baby and then keep her warm, one to hold the towel ready for the hand-off and two to wash all those cute baby parts.  Bo said it reminded him of an oil change.  One baby and five people running around doing their respective jobs.  She was a little peeved at first, then relaxed and seemed to really enjoy it.  By the time we finished and the water started cooling you would think she was at the spa…totally relaxed and very interested at the baby in the mirror.

Here are a few pictures – I think you might enjoy them.

Blessings,

Diane

Isabella Song Stader has arrived!!!!

On November 22nd we received the most wonderful blessings as we welcomed the arrival of our first grandchild, Isabella Song Stader. She was born at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville at 3:58 pm and weighed 8 lbs. She was born at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville at 3:58 pm and weighed 8 lbs. 8-1/2 oz. She was 20 inches long and had a headful of dark hair. Parents Jennifer and Bo are doing great. Grandparents are thrilled!

She is 5 weeks old today and what a busy five weeks it has been. We spent almost two weeks in Franklin after she was born and three or four days a week since then. We stayed pretty frantic during the holidays, but it was certainly worth it.

Blessings,

Diane

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad