Happy Birthday Loni!

My beautiful daughter-in-law recently celebrated her birthday and of course we all love to celebrate.  We had dinner out with all the kids and both of my 1.5 granddaughters - a great time together as always!

Loni has always been one of my biggest Crafting Cheerleaders, so it's especially fun to make a card for her each year.  I also love the new 'My Spin on the Pin' challenge in our scrapbooking group - sure makes it easier to be creative!

This is the pin I used - http://pinterest.com/pin/82331499410733993/ - and here is my card:

Virtually identical to be sure.  The Happy Birthday stamp I used is from Morning Star Stamps, the circle punches and white cardstock are Stampin' Up.

The paper is a pretty cool deal.  I'm finding that more and more I'm using digital paper and just printing out what I need.  It's far cheaper and a lot less to store.  All of the pattern paper on this card is in the Go Floral Paper Pack by Studio Basic.  

What I did was open a page in Photoshop Elements, then put two inch squares of each of the pattern paper I wanted to use on the page.  Print, then cut to fit the openings I had punched in the card.  I used dimensionals to pop up that entire layer.

I'm pleased with how this turned out and of course it could be used for any occasion just by using a different sentiment stamp.

Deep Thoughts:  "Smile as much as you can, because today is your special day. Happy, happy Birthday to you!

Card #2 - Happy Birthday Beloved!

I love stamping cards and because of that I have quite a few stamps in my craft room.  Like, probably too many stamps.  The good news is that most places either no longer sell them on the wooden base or if they do they also offer the unmounted version. So much easier to store.


But what I'm noticing is that when it comes time to make a card I rarely look to see what I have.  Instead, more and more often I turn towards digital stamps and search online.  LOVE cards this way because the only storage is a little digital file tucked away on a hard drive.


This is the card I made for Keith's birthday this year and I'm quite pleased with how it turned out.  It says what I feel about him and uses a pun, which we've really come to appreciate through our daughter-in-law.

I downloaded the image from Meljen's Designs and it was only two dollars!  Isn't it darling?  I printed the image on white cardstock, then cut it out using a die cut.  Then I printed it on the green cardstock, cut out the image and put it on pop dots to give it a little dimension.


And yes, we really are the Perfect Pear.  ;)


Supplies used for card:  Stampin' Up cardstock, digital image from Meljen's Designs, Top Note Die from Stampin' Up

Card #2–Happy Birthday to My Son!

Every year on my kids’ birthdays I sit and smile to myself and think how lucky I am.  Wonderful children that have grown to adults we are proud of.

Today is my son’s birthday and when I raise my eyes just over the top of my desk and look at the pictures of him at about 7 years old I still smile.  He was fun then and he still makes me laugh now.

Tonight we’ll all have dinner together and of course nothing could make this mama/grandma happier.  Hopefully I’ll remember to snap some pictures tonight while having a grand time!

 

I find the masculine cards to be the hardest to make.  Girls are simple – bows and bling and color and so forth.  I based this card from one I’d seen on Pinterest  and I’m quite pleased with how it came out.

 

I’m trying to get better about putting a lighter color cardstock on the inside of the card so it’s easier to write something mushy inside.  :)

 

Supplies used for card:  Stampin’ Up cardstock; Happy Everything stamp set from Stampin’ Up

Turning 50!

Oh yes, I turned 50!  My first indication that I was going to be celebrating a milestone birthday was getting an “invitation” in the mail to join AARP.  They are sure Johnny On The Spot with that aren’t they???

And wouldn’t you know – we forgot the camera!  Fortunately all our phones have cameras, so we weren’t totally in the dark.

 

We celebrated in the manner I love more than anything – with my family!  I chose Cracker Barrel as the restaurant of choice and Keith came home with a balloon bouquet, which I loved!!!  We got a LOT of looks from other customers when we set up all the stuff at the table.

 

This picture shows the tiara, lei and buttons that he also got for me.  The tiara says Birthday Queen and I love it!!!  He also brought pointed head birthday hats for everybody to wear – you can see little Brooklyn looking at me wearing hers.

This flower and awesome little vase was from my daughter – isn’t it unique?  I love it!

 

Our waiter took a group photo and even though it’s pretty out of focus I still love it.  So much love sitting at this table right here!

Having never celebrated a birthday at Cracker Barrel I didn’t realize what they would do, but I did get the birthday song from the wait staff (and Brooklyn loved that!).  Our waiter kept saying over and over that I was celebrating my 29th birthday and I kept correcting him and saying no, I’m 50 today.  I guess I’m not one of those that has to pretend about age – I’m happy about all my 50 years!!!

By the time we hit fifty, we have learned our hardest lessons. We have found out that only a few things are really important. We have learned to take life seriously, but never ourselves. - Marie Dressler

I have enjoyed greatly the second blooming... suddenly you find - at the age of 50, say - that a whole new life has opened before you. - Agatha Christie

50 years: here's a time when you have to separate yourself from what other people expect of you, and do what you love. Because if you find yourself 50 years old and you aren't doing what you love, then what's the point? - Jim Carrey

The man who views the world at fifty the same as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life. - Muhammad Ali

Family Dinner for Lynne’s Birthday

I keep thinking back to the evening of The Birthday Dinner with so much contentment and happiness.  I dearly love that our family enjoys being in each other’s company so much.  We laugh and tease and my cheeks hurt by the time the evening ends!

A few pictures to share…..

 

We got to the restaurant first and opted to wait in the truck.  Next came the Birthday Girl and she climbed into the back seat to chat.  The Boy (how she often refers to her boyfriend when talking to us) was next to arrive and joined us.  We decided since it was a Kodak moment we’d test out the timer feature on the camera.

 

Lynne’, aka Birthday Girl, and little Miss B while we waited for our order to arrive.  I’m not sure what Brooklyn was telling Lynne’ in this picture, but from the look on Lynne’s face she’s not buying it!

 

After dinner she opened her gifts and Miss B was quite interested in this, though she wasn’t really all that impressed with anything that Lynne’ got.

 

Keith and I being silly with the “hold your camera out at arm’s length in front of you” self-portrait.

 

Everything I read about photography says not to do staged photos.  Phooey on them - I will enjoy looking back at the group that met this night!  Standing between Lynne’ and Keith is Alicia, one of Lynne’s roommates.  This photo took several tries with the camera self-timer….. and with people entering the restaurant through the door behind us!

 

I had told Keith on the way to the restaurant that I was going to start a new tradition and get a photo of me and The Birthday Person every year.  He did tell me it can’t be a tradition on the first night you think it up, but I didn’t worry much about that.  Note to self for future pictures – set the purses aside.  ;)   Other than that I love this picture of my daughter and I.

This was truly one of those moments in time that warms a mother’s heart.

Card #10-Mojo Monday #211–Happy Birthday

Today is my daughter’s 26th birthday!  We’ll be celebrating later, but for today I want to show the card I made for her.

 

I used the Mojo Monday sketch and it came together quite easily. 

 

The flower in the corner?  I *MADE* that!  It was so simple and as soon as I read about it on Stampin’ Pretty’s blog I knew I had to try it.  The only problem with finding something that cool and that simple is that I fear I’ll be using the same flower on everything I make for awhile.

Supplies used for card: stamp from Stampin’ Up’s Well Scripted set

** Linking to Mojo Monday, Make It Monday

Card #6–Hoppy Birthday Loni!

Let me start off by saying how enormously blessed I am to have a daughter-in-law who is also a friend.  It certainly makes getting together with them something I treasure all the more!

Today is her birthday and really she’s one of my biggest crafting fans.  Each year as she opens the envelope with her card she always looks up, smiles and asks if it’s an “Elizabeth original.”  Now with somebody like that how can you NOT make a card? 

 

Another thing about Loni is that she LOVES puns!  Seriously, she is one Punny girl! (Hoho – did you see what I did there?  Snuck in a pun!)  So for this card I first came up with the sentiment and went searching through my stamps looking for a cutesy frog.  Apparently I don’t have one so I searched online for an image, but just didn’t find anything I liked.  So what else hops?  TIGGER!  (OK, I realize he bounces, but he’s cute and a bounce really is like a hop!)

 

I kept the color theme for wrapping her gift and I really think I’m on to something here.  I went to the “big box store” to buy a roll of Kraft paper, but they didn’t have any.  They DID have many solid colors and I figured white would be pretty.  Instead of curly ribbon I went back to the craft section and bought a roll of 7/8” grosgrain ribbon.  Actually the nice grosgrain was no more expensive than the curly ribbon and it can be reused in so many ways.  And doesn’t it make a pretty bow?  I think this might be my “go to” wrapping now – frugal and I think it looks oh so pretty!

Supplies used for card:  Image found online; striped ribbon and orange scallop behind Tigger – Stampin’ Up Pumpkin Pie

Linking to:  Motivate Me Monday, Blog Hop, Making Monday Marvelous, Just Something I Whipped Up, Craft-O-Maniac Monday Link Party, Mad Skills Monday, Market Yourself Monday, Sharing Monday, Made With Love

She’s 25 Today!

Today my daughter turns 25!  The photo above was taken Sunday after church when Lynne’ (on the right) arrived at our house with her roommate Alicia (left) before going out to lunch with the family.

 

Our family tradition for as long as I can remember is that the birthday person gets to choose where we go out to eat.  And while everybody was still living at home the birthday person got to choose what meal mom cooked for their “birthday eve” dinner the night before their birthday.  Lynne’ has long been a fan of Olive Garden and used to choose it every year.  This year she said she wanted it again as it is “an oldie but a goodie.”

 

Of course the Little Toot was in fine form to be with everybody.  She’s got the cheesy grin down pat I do believe.

 

After lunch we came back to the house where Loni had made a pumpkin roll for Lynne’s birthday.  The guys went out to do something on one of the trucks and all the girls sat around the kitchen table talking and laughing.  Truly there are few things I enjoy more than sitting around the table with those I love.

 

And then……    Lynne’ noticed an angel in her slice of pumpkin roll!  Do you see it?  Loni tried and tried to get Lynne’ to stop eating it so we could put it on eBay and make our fortune.  ;)

 

It then turned into a game of I Spy with the pumpkin roll.  This slice has a cat with a tail that loops around.  Why is it that I feel like this will also become a family tradition?  :)

We had a wonderful time together and I love the woman my daughter has become.  What a great excuse for a celebration!

40 Rocks – Happy Birthday Gift for Sister-in-Law

 

I mentioned yesterday that the family came down over the weekend to celebrate my sister-in-law’s 40th birthday – which is today by the way – Happy Birthday Michele!

Thinking, thinking …. what gift to give?  She’s been celebrating turning 40 for a bit and is fully embracing it.  And this is what I came up with, especially since my 40’s have been the best years of my life and I’m hoping the same for her.

 

A side note to the “rocks” portion of this gift – Aunt Michele was the one that brought Pop Rocks for Brooklyn to try for the first time.  That made this gift even more perfect for her!

 

And yes, double meaning to the words on the jar.  I’m hoping that Michele’s years in her 40’s really do “rock” and she enjoys them to the fullest.  And also, there are 40 “rocks” – pop rocks – inside the jar!

 

The technical information on the jar –

• label is the Bigz Top Note die from Stampin’ Up
• the 40 and ROCKS is from the Cricut cartridge Winter Wonderland
• stamp set on the lid is Crazy for Cupcakes from Stampin’ Up
• 5/8” Satin Ribbon in Basic Black and Real Red from Stampin’ Up

I put some red paper “Easter grass” from the gift wrap section in the bottom of the jar, then added all the pop rocks.

 

And I do believe she liked it!

 

 

** Linking to Take a Look Tuesday, Anything Related, Toot Your Horn Tuesday, Topsy Turvy Tuesday, Talented Tuesday, Get Your Craft On, We Did It Wednesday, Spotlight Yourself, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Look What I Made!

Birthday Dinner With Family

What an awesome weekend we had!  My sister-in-law’s 40th birthday is coming up and she decided it would be fun for them to come to Dallas and celebrate with us.  So the two of them and mom headed south on Friday afternoon and we had such a great time!

Saturday night my kids all came over and the whole group of us went to Babe’s Chicken for a birthday dinner.  Of course granddaughter Brooklyn was pretty much the center of attention with all her relatives there. And fortunately for us, the restaurant had toddler entertainment in the form of water and paper cups.

She would head over to the water stand to get each of us a little cup of water.  (And on a side note, I just cannot believe how big she is getting and how grown up.  Maybe 3 years old isn’t really grown up, but it seems like it was just yesterday that we were waiting in the hospital for them to come out and tell us that our granddaughter had been born.)

 

She would very carefully walk back over to where we were all sitting and pass out the water.  And even though it was still pretty hot, Brooklyn picked out her outfit herself and was determined that was what she was going to wear.  Seems like somebody is developing a few opinions of her own!  She did look terribly cute and the jeans made her legs look so long. 

 

And then she handed the water to her grandpa.  Is that not the cutest face EVER???  How I adore this little girl!!!

So many more stories and photos to come.  Sometimes when we experience a full weekend like this, full in the sense of ‘my cup overfloweth’, you honestly just want to savor and relish all the memories.

 

“You don’t choose your family, they are God’s gift to you.”

- Desmond Tutu

Grandma’s 90th Birthday

SUCH a great day!  I’ll admit that I was pretty worried as this party/picnic was planned at the park in a shelter and Edmond was so hot that day.  But we were mightily blessed with a great breeze and as long as we stayed in the shade it really wasn’t too bad.  Still very hot, but at least it wasn’t overwhelming.

This is my grandmother, Brooklyn and me. 

 

We had a bounce house for the kids and it was a HUGE hit!  All the littles loved going in there and jumping around.  Brooklyn is standing in the picture and my cousin’s daughter Rita is sitting in the front.  This cousin and his family live in Oregon, so it was great that they were able to come down.  Rita is one of those babies that you love to be around – she was always smiling!

 

This was so cute to watch.  Several of us are sitting in chairs enjoying the breeze in the shade.  Lynne’ was sitting on the grass and when Brooklyn saw her aunt Nay she came running over to roll around with her.  Rita saw it and started laughing and ran over as well!  My daughter is such a good sport to let the littles literally run all over her.  :)

 

Grandma and her two birthday cakes.  She really had a nice time and we had over 90 people there!  Every single time I looked at her she was grinning ear to ear.

And see the white cake?  When we went to get our piece of cake Brooklyn said all she wanted was an orange flower.  My cousin cut a small piece with an orange flower….and the only thing B ate was the icing flower.  That girl definitely knows what she wants!

Lynne' Turns 24

I'm a few days late, but I'm going to post anyway - my daughter turned 24 on Monday!  The entire family went out for dinner on Sunday night and I cannot believe I didn't get my camera out for pictures.  That's ok - we were living in the moment and appreciating our time together.  And my word did we ever eat too much, even including cheesecake for dessert.

Does anybody else look at their children and wonder where the years went?  I always called her my little ray of sunshine when she was a baby.  Every time I would go in her room in the morning she'd be standing up in her crib with a smile that would light up the room.


And while I do miss those days I wouldn't go back for anything.  I'm enjoying the lovely young lady that she has become so much.


I had to kind of sneak around to get her card made since she lives at home again and sees what I do.  Luckily I went scrapbooking on Saturday with some friends and was able to get this done.  (the stamp is Crazy for Cupcakes by Stampin Up)

Brooklyn's Birthday Party

One of the cutest things ever is going to a little one's birthday party. Brooklyn had a double theme going - the decorations were all horses and the cake was Barney. So many things she enjoys right now and it all works together when you are 2.

This photo was when we were all singing Happy Birthday to her. She was rather puzzled at first by the singing, but when she heard 'dear Brooklyn' she got the biggest smile on her face!












So much concentration when she was eating her birthday cake. I love the hint of green frosting on her lips. A one year old gets the smash cake and everybody loves to see the mess they make. When she turns two however, this is much cuter. Just that little bit to show that she's still learning to maneuver the fork. So darling!


I wanted to show these two pictures because it shows that even a two year old can appreciate a card. She was very intense as she opened the envelope and worked at getting the card out.





And then she sat and 'read' the card just as cute as could be! I'm well aware she didn't really read it, but I was pretty impressed by the time she took looking at it. Enjoying a card when she's two - she obviously has good taste and good manners.

We had such a nice time at her birthday party, even if I am a little late getting the pictures off the camera and onto the blog. :)

You Capture - Black & White

I found out about the You Capture photography challenge via Twitter (did I mention I'm a little addicted to that time stealer?). And way back at the beginning of this blog I mentioned several times my desire to be a world famous photographer (not to be taken literally). But what I would really like to do is to learn how to take and process photos more to their advantage. Don't be surprised to hear about the new class I'll soon be taking...

In the meantime, I might try a few challenges. If nothing else, it allows me to show off the most precious granddaughter ever. :)



The photo was taken just a few minutes before we were able to go in to her birthday party and start running and jumping. Note the darling bows in her ponytails, the bows that didn't want to stay in once she was running around. :)

And how cute is wearing a tutu when you turn two years old???

I decided to play around a little more in Photoshop and add the pink back to her tutu. Do you see her little sneakers peaking out from underneath the tutu? She is such a doll baby. :)

If you'd like to see more photo entries or perhaps get all the details and join in, head over to I Should Be Folding Laundry.

Brooklyn Slides

Today was just such an incredible blessing. I have many thoughts and photos to post, but it's late at night and we attend early service at church tomorrow.

This one video will be posted today, on Miss B's actual birthday, to capture the essence of how much fun she had today. Right before we went into the room with all the jump 'things' I was standing talking to Ellie, my daughter-in-law's mother. She looked around at all the grandmas and grandpas that were there for Brooklyn's party and remarked how special it was, then shared that when she was growing up she didn't have a single grandparent. I replied that yes, Brooklyn is indeed very blessed. In addition to grandparents she had aunts and uncles and cousins aplenty at her party.

Truly my heart is full this evening. I adore being around my family. :)

Brooklyn Turns 2!

Happy birthday baby girl!

I mentioned to Keith last night that time has gone so fast and I can't believe B is turning 2. He disagreed and said it seems like so long ago that she was born. What we did agree on was that right now is our favorite time with her. Lord let the future always hold the same thought.

Now we're off for a birthday party for a 2 year old. I imagine I might have a photo or two to share when we get back. :)

Loni's Birthday

Running a few days late with this post, but the thoughts are no less sincere. We celebrated my daughter-in-law's birthday last weekend and of course that means a handmade card. This image is from Pink Cat Studio's Christmas Kitty stamp set, though with a few color changes there's nothing Christmas about it.

Good thing I made a card because Loni pulled the envelope out of her bag and said that it better be a handmade card! WHEW!

Miss B was a total Rockstar that evening! She really was in fine form and her girly giggles had surrounding tables in smiles.

We went to Uno's Pizza and Loni and I split a Spinoccoli pizza that had spinach, broccoli, chunky tomatoes and cheeses and there was some for her to take home even. Brooklyn had some of ours cut up on her plate, but then she would see a big piece of broccoli on my piece of pizza and ask for it. Of course grandma said yes, so I just started handing her my broccoli. And I'm thrilled that she's that crazy over a vegetable!

When we left the restaurant and walked the few blocks to our car, Grandpa was carrying B. Lynne' and I were walking right behind them and just thought it darling to watch Brooklyn with her little arm around her grandpa's neck. And every now and then she would run her fingers in his hair. She really is a Baapaw's girl. :)

Happy Anniversary Babe!

My original plan for today's blog was to scan one of our wedding pictures. Unfortunately my computer is down, which means no access to the scanner. So imagine if you will two young people who look really young, attired in groovy '80's clothes and have '80's hair and that would be us. And today we celebrated 29 years of marriage. :)

We ended up going to a little restaurant that a friend of Keith's had recommended that required a leisurely 45 minute drive to a nearby small town. Dinner was great and then we went strolling around the square afterwards (to walk off some of the dinner perhaps?). This building is the county courthouse and I was enchanted by its charm. Keith pointed out that it was built of granite and I think that was one of the things that made it such an imposing building.

The square was full of cute shops, including a craft mall and several antique shops. Unfortunately it was too late in the day and they all were closed. I do believe I can talk him into going back with me sometime, especially when we saw the cutest park ever! Honestly I see a Saturday with Brooklyn in our future.

And Happy Birthday! Today is also my baby brother's birthday. So a very happy birthday to you and I hope you enjoyed your dinner as well. :)

Brooklyn and Keith's Birthday

And I ask honestly, isn't this the cutest baby girl? Not that I'm biased or anything. :)

We had the best time on Sunday when we all got together to celebrate Keith's birthday. The plan was to have dinner at a mexican restaurant in a nearby 'burb and we got there about 2 hours early in order to walk around and visit the little shops. Unknown to us, it was Thomas the Tank Engine day and there were lots of events for littles. The main thing was the train that goes through town had a front to it so that it looked like Thomas. For a brief moment we considered taking the 25 minute ride, but although Miss B would be free the rest of us would pay $18 each for a ticket. Perhaps someday, but she's only 20 months old and doesn't even know who Thomas is!

So instead we walked around and looked at the train exhibits, then saw a man with little bitty ponies all in a circle to ride. I didn't even hesitate, put Miss B on a pony and told Keith to pay the nice man. Not sure she was thrilled, but it was still fun.


After a bit we decided it was time for dinner. Loni teased me because I ordered a guacamole appetizer just because Brooklyn loves it. But the hot sauce was way too spicey for her and she kept watching us dip our chips, so what was a grandma to do???


After dinner we came back to our house to spend more time together and so Keith could open his gifts. Brooklyn had fun with the new little toy at our house.


And one of the best parts of the evening was when B and I went into the backyard. She's at an age where she seems to enjoy doing whatever grandma is doing. We both sat in a chair and she got so excited by the birds and the airplanes. God bless the Dallas area and all our planes, it was almost like a video game for her.

At one time I sat at the picnic table in our backyard and she climbed up on the seat next to me. She looked at my hands and she folded hers to match mine. Then she looked up at me and grinned. It truly melted my grandma heart. :)