Last of the Holiday Cards!

Here are some of the Holiday Cards I'll be sending out. I hate to show them before my circle of friends and family gets them, but I really want to post them. Like I said in the post before this, I'm working on Valentine's Day cards now. Plus, I've got a special project to do for my Stamp Club Group which starts in January.

This n' That

Some of my friends have said they check out my blog to see what I'm up to. Well, I haven't done too much posting specifically about that sort of thing. So I thought I'd provide a little update.

Let' see.....Thanksgiving was so nice. I made an incredible spaghetti sauce (thanks to Ray) and we had dessert and a movie (Wall-E) at Ming and Ray's. Plus we got to see her mom, dad, grandma, sister and brother-in-law which was very nice. We stopped by Eugene and Beth's after that to see their new home; which is way cool. That truly was a nice visit as well. I also got a workout in at the gym which was only occupied by one other person. Had the whole place mostly to myself.

On Friday, 12/5 a whole bunch of us got together for Jill's birthday and went to River's Edge Bistro, which was very festive. Ming and I spent the night with Jill and Kelley came over for some girl talk as well. Saturday I had Madelyn and Barbara up for my last Holiday Stamp A Stack and that was also so very nice. I put up the tree and the candles in the windows. Brian and I put the wreath on my turret which is beautiful. Since it was so warm here last night, (60 plus) I put the lit garland around my door. So all that is done.

As usual I have Yoga on Thursday nights and I'm trying to fit in some visits to the gym too.

Bella and Rikka still haven't mastered the puppy door Brian installed. Actually, Bella was traumatized by it Monday night when we made her go through it. She still seems to be off kilter and I'm really not sure why. Don't get me wrong, she's eating, drinking, piddle and pooing as well as playing, but she seems to want more attention than normal. Hmmm..wonder if she can sense it's about time for me to go away for a week or more. Anyway, they are doing well.

This weekend I plan to go to Walkerton to buy some of the Brunswick Stew that will be on sale at the Fire Department and hopefully get to see Ming, Emily and Ray while there. Saturday evening I plan to go to Terry and Bobs for some great fellowship at the barn. One of my most favorite things to do actually. I'll be making cards to send out for Christmas this weekend too; yes I'm late.

Brian flies out very early Friday morning for Texas. He bought a vehicle from there and is driving it back. I get my hair cut tomorrow; thank goodness. Monday the puppies go to the groomers. And, next week is my last week at work until January 5th. So I've got two payrolls to do, bonuses and tax preparations to complete. My company Christmas party is at The Hotel Jefferson next Friday. I leave for Bali on the 23rd. I can hardly believe it. Plus, I'm really pumped about all the new Stampin Up things in the very near future. I've been working on Valentine's Day cards actually and am looking forward to the stamp club that I'm also starting in January.

Oh, and way cool news. Brian and I are going to the Adirondacks in February for his birthday for a weekend of snowmobiling. Even though I hate cold weather, this should be fun. Check it out; it's in Old Forge, NY. http://www.oldforgeny.com/

Okay, I guess that's about it for now. I'm sure I've forgotten something.
And, how about some new cards?

Beautiful Avery!

I just have to share with you the newest addition to the "river clan" who was born in August. Scott and Elizabeth (I performed their marriage ceremony-my first) were blessed with a beautiful little girl and they named her Avery. I'm sort of honored as I offered up the name to them in March when we were at Ming and Ray's for dinner one evening and they liked it. Actually, another friend of mine named his daughter the same but about almost 4 years ago. So this little Avery has a name sake. Maybe one day they'll meet. The first little Avery is adorable too.

Overdue post!

Gosh, I feel bad I haven't posted in over a week, but there has just not been enough time. Too much to do with only 3 weeks left of the year for me to do them in. That's because the first of the third week of December is going to be spent mostly on my getting ready to go to Bali, Indonesia on the 23rd. I can hardly believe it's approaching. Anyway, I haven't made too many new cards, so I'll continue to share with you ones I took pictures of from Regional.

Oh, and today is my nephew's 15th birthday and I haven't even sent his card. I did make it though. It will be sent tomorrow for sure.

Jen's SWAP & My CASED

The card on the left is what my Upline made for SWAPS to take to the regional we just attended in Virginia Beach. They are yummy! Because I didn't have all the supplies to make it exactly like hers, I substituted and mine is on the right. Jen always does impressive cards.

Regional SWAP & Cased!

So the card in the picture on the left is the one I swapped for at regional and the one on the right is the one I made. I did not have all the necessary items to make the one like I received so I did the best with what I had. Well, now I have everything to make it except the Chocolate Chip DP, which is scheduled to arrive on Monday. :D I think it's an absolutely beautiful card.

Doggie Door and Deck!

I just had to show off Brian's handy work. He did such an incredible job at building Bella & Rikka's deck and installing their puppy door. Now, I just have to train them to use it. And, even though my whole back yard is securely fenced, I still need to fence in their area and put a pergola of some type over it as well. I don't want them venturing out into the yard or near the pool (currently covered) while I'm not home. And, I don't want to chance anything flying or crawling in there. It really is an awesome piece of work.

Regional Ideas!

So here are some of the pictures I took at the Regional I attended in Virginia Beach last Saturday. Fabulous aren't they.

Peeps!

Many times I mention Ming's and Katie's name in my posts and I know I've posted pictures of them before. But these were taken recently at Joani & Arm's Halloween party (friends and neighbors of mine) and I think they turned out pretty good. The first one is of Ming, Me and Katie. I think you can figure out the second one. Haha!

As promised-Regional Swap!

This is the SWAP I took to the Virginia Beach Regional this past weekend. It really was nice to attend this event as it re-energized me and I'm so pumped about all the new things we learned. Just so little time it seems to share it all; but I eventually will. For those demonstrators who can't attend Convention I strongly encourage you to go to the closest regional . You really do learn a lot and come away with a lot of ideas. And, OMG, it was so exciting that Shelli Gardner was there as well. What a neat surprise. Oh, and I'll post some pictures from the Regional soon so you can see some very inspiring projects.

Snow Swirled!

Snow Swirled (combined here with Season of Joy) has got to be one of my newest favorite SU sets with regard to theme; Christmas. The set is so versatile and I'm even using it for my swaps to take to the SU VA. Beach Regional this Saturday. I'm so looking forward to that. I have since modified this card a bit though. I did not stamp on the part underneath the squares, I just haven't had a chance to take a picture of the new card. And, I'll post the Swap card soon.

Happy Owlloween!

Once again I used punches to create this cute candy treat pack. The SU Top Note BigZ Die from Sizzix was used for his head and circle punches for the eyes and the small oval punch for his nose. Don't you just love the Halloween energy that abounds! Or, could that be effects from the candy corn? Haha!

And, today is my friend Cory's birthday. He and his wife, Amber, are temporarily living in Spain, so it's a bummer we won't get to celebrate with them this year as we've done in the past. Hopefully they will be back soon though.

Along Came A Spider...

We made these in our most recent Downline Meeting and OMG, isn't he the cutest. And easy peasy. You can probably determine he's made from all punches. Oh, and there is a York Peppermint Patty in between the two scallop circle punches.

Let It Snow-NO, not really!

Not yet anyway. I was especially looking forward to a little cold weather as I now have a hot tub, but since I've had a head cold for almost a week now I've really not been in the mood to get in it. Nor am I sure it's the best thing when one has a cold. However, that has not dampened my holiday card making mood as most of the card creators I see are doing as well. I love this set and just got it recently. The colors are not traditional, but I still like it a lot.

Jolliest Time of The Year!

I so love this set! I just got it yesterday and made all three cards last night. I am missing my creative mo- jo lately (probably because I have a head cold) and absoluetly CASED each one. I plan to use them for my October Stamp Class. I really need the Always Artichoke for the Tree one though and will most likely order AGAIN!

Ray's Birthday Card!

And, here is the card I made for Ray's Birthday. Yep, his birthday is three days after Ming's and the same day as his best friend, Griff. Ray happened to be out of town on business the day of his birthday, but he and Griff apparently celebrated very well on Saturday out on the river on Ray's boat and pier. :D

Ming's Birthday!

First let me say when I first typed the title to today's post it converted it to Hindi! OMG, it was too funny. I panicked and realized I changed something in error last week and quickly corrected it. Whew!!

Anyway, Ming's Birthday was Sunday and this is the card I made for her. I CASED it from one I'd seen on the SU Demonstrator site; I absolutely love the Regal Rose color. This has got to be one of my all time favorite layouts and color schemes.

On Saturday, Denisha, her son (Jacob), and Ming and Emily came over to the house/studio so the children could play in my yard and the adults could make cards and just have a nice time creating. Which we did! It was so nice and watching Emily and Jacob play was quite entertaining as well. I look forward to doing that again. Oh, and my sister's birthday was Saturday. And, Ming's husband's birthday is tomorrow along with three of my other friends. January of those years certainly was a busy month. I've got quite a few more friends who have a birthday this month as well.

Bobbi's Birthday!

No, it's not today, but it was Friday, the 26th. But I could not post these as I didn't want to take the chance she'd see them before I saw her on Saturday for her birthday celebration. Which was so nice. She's been working so many hours lately and every Saturday too, so the peeps haven't gotten a chance to see much of her. This is her birthday card and some monogram note cards I made using my JustRite Stamper.

Meaning of my name!

Okay, so I went to Paper Pleasing Ideas blog spot and found where Julie had posted what her name meant and I decided to submit my name. OMG, it's kind of freaky, but I swear I think it described more about me than any other type of thing like this has ever done. So I thought I'd share it and for those of you who know me I'm sure you'll be nodding your head on quite a bit of it. Some of it I don't agree with of course. But enjoy!

What Marysue Means

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Monogram Madness!

I've gone monogram mad this week in case you've wondered where I've been and what I've been doing craft wise. I'm so loving my JustRite Stampers and I think you would too if you don't have them already. But I must say I like the do-it-yourself ones they offer and not the one that's in the tubular like canister. Just my preference. Anyway, I have two of the do-it-yourself style and one of the canister style. I plan to order more DIY. Easy peasy and fun. I've got a stamp class Monday night and since I've only got 4 attending this time, I'm going to offer these in class. It should be fun.

Papasan Princesses!

Bella and Rikka truly do love their little Papsan's and when I'm in my studio they could not be happier than to be on them but close to me. But what makes them even happier is to have their calf hooves with them in their papasans, close to their mommy. A lot of times they try to squeeze into one and cuddle with each other. But last night they each wanted to spread out in their individual chairs.

Unconventional Christmas!

So here I go again with the Pink Pirouette. I just can't get enough of it and can already see I need to order WAY more CS in that color. I think this card will be one I use to send out for my Christmas Cards this year. I do need to tweak it a bit though to make it even more popping. But this was my first attempt.

Thanks So Much!

I guess it's a fairly accurate statement to say I'm so loving the Pink Pirouette more than any other color that SU has. I think it's just yummy. This card was made using the Pocket Silhouettes Stamp Set, which I'm also loving big time. Oh, and the Sweet Always Designer Paper is beautiful too.

Workshop Card

This is the other card I made for the workshop I did last night. It's a new set from SU. Demonstrators who attended convention received it free. I don't have my CATTY with me today, but I think it's called Eastern Blooms. Very versatile! The ladies at the workshop really seemed to like this one.

CD Mailer-Mini Album!

I first saw one of these albums at Jean's Stamp Room recently and just loved the idea of it. One of my SU Sister Demonstrators there was selling some of the blank CD mailers and I bought about 30 of them. Jean provided me instructions and I took pictures of the one on display there. Well, I really didn't follow the directions too much because once you have the dimensions of the paper it's pretty easy to figure out the rest. Plus, if you know me I always modify. It took me two hours to get one made. However, I'm going to offer this in my September Stamp Class, which won't take nearly as long for my participants as I'll have everything already cut. I think these make wonderful mini-scrapbooks and I plan to add lots of pictures and journaling. You should see the red one I did too!

Flight of the Butterfly!

This is the first chance I've had to use the new set SU gave us at convention and I think it's going to be a favorite. This card is one I'm demonstrating at a workshop I'm doing next Monday night. Bright hunh?

For the new parents!

Well, Elizabeth and Scott's new bundle of joy arrived last week and although, I haven't seen her personally yet, I hear she's adorable. And, she weighed just a little over 9 pounds; you ought to see her cheeks! A little history for those who don't know who Elizabeth and Scott are. I met them through Ming and Ray and absolutely loved them right away. So much in fact that in 05 I performed their marriage ceremony on the banks of the Mattaponi River at Ming and Ray's house. Yes, I'm a marriage commissioner for the State of Virginia. And, I actually became one just so I could perform their ceremony. As it turns out, it's very nice to be able to do that for folks who are very dear to me and I had the privilege of performing a ceremony about two years ago for my best friend's daughter. Married them right in the living room of my home. It was very special. Anyway, this is a card I made with Elizabeth and Scott in mind.

Bella & Rikka are 3 today!

I can't believe my babies are three today! To celebrate I'm going to make sure I take as many pictures as possible, which I started first thing this morning. They are going to have chicken and rice for dinner and I'm going to stop by PetSmart for some treats and a few new toys for them before I head home. Brian has been out of town all week and is coming back today and spend the day with them. They will just love that I know. We'll sing them happy birthday too. I know they have no clue about all this, but we do and it makes us feel better. So here are a few pictures I took of them this morning. I think they are just beautiful girls!

Santa!

Woohoo! I finally received my Big Shot dies from Stampin Up and was able to make this Santa! I absolutely love really cute Santa's and I think he's definitely one. As most of you can probably tell, he's made from all punches.

Hooty Who's the cutest?

OMG, is he too cute. I CASED him last night immediately upon looking at my Stampin Success and seeing him in there. I thought it would be a perfect card to send to my niece, Lauren, for her birthday which is this Saturday. And, Bella and Rikka's birthday is Friday. They will be 3! I'll have to find some pictures of them when they were really little and post; they were so stinkin cute. But of course, they still are.

Monster Card SWAP

I made this card, however, it was CASED from one I received at Convention as a SWAP. It is so easy and mostly uses punches with a little ink for shadowing and a pen to draw the mouth and eyebrows. Everyone I've shown this card to absolutely loves it!

Highlights from Stampin Up! Convention 2008

Make a Smilebox slideshow