Mermaid Swap

So where was I? Wow, I think this is the longest I have been away from my post, but it seems the best time to upload pics and write is when kiddos are in bed at night and by then, unless my mind is super motivated which lately it has not been, I am too tired. I just have to realize that there are times when I cannot be here as often as I like. The photo above is of some beautiful flowers from my friend at our women's CBS class. She gave these lovely gifts to a handful of us. She had also sent me a card w/lots of thoughts typed in. Receiving letters and cards in the mail can really lift your spirits and make you feel like a kid again, awaiting that special surprise in the mail. That is the fun of Swaps too. Not enough letter writing any more..mostly emails!
Speaking of swaps....Ahhhh, the feeling of completion. I finished my project for the "mermaid swap" and not only that, but a week ahead!! We were to make something "mermaid" and I made this wall hanging. Above was my first sketch.

This was fun as I added some different techniques that I never tried before. I wanted some shine and sparkle for my mermaid girl. I painted her tail then used a sparkly paint, then cut is apart w/scalloped scissors & glued all the pieces down one at a time. When dry, I coated it w/ "paper glaze".

I also used some beads, shimmer paints, a few rhinestones, crepe paper, and ribbon too. It is good to challenge myself and even better to finish a project!

Little Mermaid baby tag came along too. Remember, it is so fun to do tags as you can only add so much stuff to them because of your space limitations! I finished up the Birds & Bonnets swap, will post another day. Hope you all were able to feel the joy of completion.
Hugs/Blessings....Carol

Speed Bumps

Sometimes we are moving right along and focusing (well, o.k., kind of focusing, how people like me try to do) on what our goals are. Full of energy and determination. Then those little speed bumps come along and knock us off track a bit. That is how this week was, appointments to dentists (kids, & on the way home dd12 is still not feeling well from the fluride stuff and begins to get sick during mom's coffee run...it was my lucky day..she packed her lunch in a plastic bag and you have never seen lunch go flyin out of a bag and onto the mouth of a child so fast, and actually that was my lucky day as I have never had that kind of luck before, normally it would be all over the car..ugh. So while dd still feels unwell, I am goin on and on about how wonderful to save the day w/one of those plastic bags & she wonders if that is all I care about since she has just gotten sick! LOL...oh, is this a run-on sentence?)

Now where was I? This week I just was not accomplishing much in the way of the organization plan or anything else. My days went astray w/all kinds of unplanned things...bumps. Add PMS and that spells trouble. The "I am never gonna win this battle who am I kidding" kinda blues...can you hear that song. So I am just going to crawl out of it. Still exercised/walked. Added some "peanut chews" & "swedish fish" to the mix (chips & dip may be coming up yet, I cannot tell yet). But hey, I finished my project for the "Mermaid Swap" from Bella-Enchanted Just have to add finishing touches and mail out Monday..another one due out end of week. Will take photos this weekend.

I remember when all I could post was these lovely vintage pictures and could only hope to post my own stuff, crafts, family, fun finds. I have more to upload this weekend maybe adding yard sale finds once again if it does not rain in the morning. Last weekend I found some really great things again, including a tripod for my camera that I have to try out. I like posting my treasures but had no time lately. Hope you all enjoy your weekend. I hope to get back into my forward motion of getting my home in order and posting regularly. There is always another day isn't there? Some nights I can feel like I am so defeated and then comes the morning full of hope.

Goodnight & God Bless
Carol

Gone Fishin

The lilacs are blooming - it's amazing how flowers make you feel

And, they smell wonderful












Hello and how was your weekend? Ours was fun. No deadlines this time. Just enjoying the weather. Last Friday one of the girls also had a school trip to the zoo that I was able to go on. Followed by Chinese food for dinner for us all (minus a dd12 who went away for weekend w/friend camping).



The girls were happy to go fishing.




















But.....this was what happened when the fish were no where to be found. It's the Sad Puppy Dog Face, oh no!
So,
we went for water ice
That helped.



Saturday was YARD SALES Too. AND we love yard sales.Picked up a few treasures.

A few wonderful books and some pictures

















A wire/wicker shelf for craft supplies (remember, we are organizing our stuff)

I hope you had a great weekend too. It is Monday again, so soon. Dd-12yr. happened to play soccer w/bare feet while away. We know what happens when we do that don't we?? Yes, we hurt our foot and had to go to the Dr.s today...just bruise/swelling...
Is anyone else organizing, cleaning out? I am happy to say that I am getting rid of things here and there almost every other day. We will not quit. We need a place for everything. It is time for positive thinking. Can we do it? Yes we can. Oh sorry that was from a kids show.

Gotta go, signed up for 2 more swaps. Must continue w/our creative energy in the midst of life. AND swaps demand that I fulfill my commitments and create! Have a great night.
hugs, Carol

Only a Year?

Yes, you too can have an organized life. Who would have thought that even though most of my life (no I am not sayin how many years) of chaos could be changed in one year? I keep telling my husband that I can't wait, I only have 11 more months until I am completely organized, LOL! Yeah it does sound good. This is what I have been reading and I have not read at bedtime for a while. I do like to have a good book and have not had one for some time. Reading at bedtime really does help me get sleepy, that nice kinda dozing off sleepy....that my DH gets every night and I do not. It takes me quite a while to fall asleep, but reading seems to get me to relax, I need to keep up with that. In my never ending quest for sanity and organization, a dear friend had led me to this latest best seller (One Year To An Organized Life, by Regina Leeds). I have been tired of my CHAOS. And it sounds like I have some friends who are going through this in life too. This is a very good book, I hate for it to end...but I guess it does not really if you try to keep going over all the helpful advice. AND I am for helpful advise.

When you live in total disorganization it effects everyone around. I have always thought I could never be organized, that it was for the chosen few. But that is not true and it is what we tell ourselves over and over. Well, today (actually weeks ago) I can be organized....just for today as it goes. I will share with you some of what I am learning as I get time.

Being organized takes time and motivation and quick decision making doesn't it?
If you have any tips along this journey please feel free to share them. Being organized will let me bloom in the garden of crafting....I could not create and enjoy crafting time when I NEVER got anything done (my rule was: upon completion of all my chores, only then could I craft..WOW) AND I could not find all of my stuff, as it was all in little PILES everywhere. In fact, right now I cannot even sew one stitch on my sewing maching because it is covered and surrounded by STUFF. That is on the list too, but I am not onto that little room yet. BUT I will be.

Being disorganized makes me STRESSED and late for things. AND I only complete things half way, as I do not know how to manage my time correctly. You can follow me on this journey. It is now a journey of crafting, blogging, making new creative friends, and organizing and working on my home each day!! I am so happy as I have already thrown out and donated some stuff! yay!
Hugs and Blessings,
Carol

Taking Time

Taking time... I went away this weekend, overnight, to a mini women's conference for our bible study. There was a speaker there who talked about "leaders" taking time for themselves and "filling up" their own tanks before depleting completely as they pour out what they can into others. His title was "Dead Leader Running". A leader can be lots of things. You don't have to lead a ministry or bible study or be a manager of a company. You can be a wife/mom too (either with or without the above titles). You can be helping to "lead" your family in every way. So this can apply to just about everyone. I am wondering. How are you? Are you running on empty? Have you taken time to invest in you and then your family so that you can be effective in all that you do or want to become? Think about it. He said he was told to take a piece of paper and make 2 categories....one for "what fills you" and the other "what drains you". To find what fills you, he (Wayne Cordeiro) said to think of this: What am I doing, where and with whom am I doing this...that when I do this, I feel most alive and full. That is what "fills" you.

Some of what fills me is creating. Below you will find 3 ATCs...Artist Trading Cards, that I created. Awhile back I noticed on Lori's blog
that she was giving away a lovely ATC type card and the only catch was if chosen to receive one that you requested you had to create 3 of your own to give away.These three are available for giveaway. The one above is "Once in a Blue Moon" w/a moon made out of beads.

The next ATC is called "French Farm" and is embellished w/some rhinestone jewels at the bottom.
Lastly, a card titled: "Awaiting Love"
If you are interested in any of these let me know and it can be yours. Remember they are just little works of art, the size of a playing card..but fun to make as you only have so much room to obsess over..LOL
And my rules are more relaxed...if you cannot make 3, just make what you can to give away. I am no expert as I only ever made one before.
Take care and don't forget to take time for YOU somehow each and every day.
hugs,
Carol

The Easter Basket Swap

I am now posting pictures of the Easter Basket Swap hosted by "Bella Enchanted" (bella-enchanted.blogspot.com). This was very fun and my partner was Lolly (lollysnestegg.blogspot.com). She did a great job and her basket was full of surprises...glitter, scrapbook stuff, Easter treasures, a nest w/eggs, some cute tags that she made, a bunny scrubber for dishes/hand towel, some embellishments and more. That was my first basket that I can ever remember even as a kid as my parents changed religions and stopped celebrating the holidays as we know them when I was probably in 1st grade. So it was so fun to do this!!


And then I decided to send her this white basket w/hydrangea trim on the front and included some treats/scrap paper stuff/collage images/white furry & ribbon trims/pink cookie sugar/vintage apron/doily/note cards w/"L" on them etc.... it was as much fun filling a basket for her as it was to receive one!!
I included this Easter Card that I made...It was fun as I figured out how to make an egg and have it open w/another egg inside that had these vintage Easter images on them as a removeable tag. I was in the creating mode and I hope it continues...but I guess I gotta find time again.
Oh, goodness where does time go? Time to visit w/my Honey. (and dream of entering more swaps...yeah that's the ticket..zzzzz)
hugs, Carol

Catching up

Hello out there! I have some catching up to do. Below you will find the rest of the "Hippity Hop" swap items that I received for swap.

Day 8: A lovely hanging picture by Stephanie Rojas. (we all hope she has a site for us to visit one day soon!!!) It is very nice w/a vintage pic w/layers of paper and pink tinsel at the bottom...and sparkly embellishments! (the photo has a lovely was finish)

Day 9: from Dolly (www.frommycherryheart.blogspot.com) She made this beautiful vintage looking box w/glitter accents on the top..just the right sparkle and some candy treats inside! Go visit Dolly's blog, she is a sweatheart! (most of you know of her by now!)
Day 10: Brought to you by Jessi at scrappyjessi.blogspot.com.
It is a lovely collection of colorful cards..they remind me of ATC's. w/Easter embellishments and
pretty ribbons!
Lastly...Day 10 was from Bristol (cottagebythe river.typepad.com). She made a cute easter basket w/the handle wrapped in pink ruffled ribbon...the basket has glitter all over it and a vintage pic on the front...inside is a very cool egg!
I want to say a big thank you to Heather (www.boobyfish.blogspot.com) for hosting the swap and also to Donna (undertheredroof.typepad.com) for helping organize and shipping out our stuff. We had such a great group of girls, so fun, sweet, and talented! Thanks a bunch!
and since posting/uploading pics takes soooo long, I must be on my way....ttfn
and goodnight for now Carol

Easter, the Son has Risen

HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL!!



He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed! (I saw a great saying..it is not about the bunny, it's about the LAMB)


I stayed up way too late again, but had to complete the decorating and baskets for Easter. We had a nice church service. Followed by: Our second Easter egg hunt outback...which included 2 of the youngest and granddaughter

Why were these children trying to climb the garage walls? (the stone faced walls that Honey just put up end of summer...that may become loosened by egg hunting climbing girls)

Because "Honey" thought it would be great to watch the kids wonder how to get them when they are up so high...they will try anything!

My oldest, granddaughter's mama...watches on


Some more...2:00 AM Easter decorating


Loved the blue chickies in Easter baskets...cool colors



And yes, we colored eggs this weekend

What did you do today? We had an early Easter dinner with my brother and his son. Ham, potato casserole, pineapple bake, corn, applesauce, rolls...yum. We did not make dessert as we were going to my sis-in-law's for dessert later.
After dinner we got out "Ressurection Eggs" (decided to complete them, as some pieces were missing, and will do them with the family each year as the little ones are getting older...sob,sob)
It was nice to have brother there to take part...as he is not familiar with them at all. (Ask me about how to make them if interested) You have 12 eggs and open one at a time with a different item/verse in each one about Easter....the last Egg is the best...it is Empty......He Has Risen!!!!

Soon the kids will be back at school..off tomorrow yet. So sad and hard to get back into routine (I know..what routine? I try, honest, somehow). Just had to stay up late one more night (it is now midnight again..if these photos would load quicker..that is what takes me so long for each photo..any tips??) to say Happy Easter and show you how we celebrated our day...Even took a nice walk w/honey tonight too!
HAPPY EASTER FROM THE CAMPBELL'S

May you know the joy and hope that Easter brings as I leave you with this:
"We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but no abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the Life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

More Hippity Hop Swap Gifts

Our Swap countdown continues with
DAY -4- By Nola Wedlake (she doesn't have a blog..but she needs one!!)
It is a lovely mini bag scrapbook w/lots of pretty color, glitter and Ribbons!














Day -5- A precious bunny box w/bunny & eggs on top and lovely pastel colors & yes, topped w/glitter, another fine addition
by Jennifer (acharminglife.blogspot.com)














Day -6- was pretty necklace w/a sweet stitched bunny on one side (you cannot see, but the top is raised like a jewel on this side!)



With this on the back...great job Michele
(lifeonthisgoodday.blogspot.com)










Day -7- was my turn, my banner creations....I barely made it since I obsessed about colors of eggs and designs and must have cut out 100 or more ovals to get them just right. I made my first pattern and then tried to scan all the little bunnies and birds and "Happy Easter" banner separately and had to touch them all up along w/making each bunny dress painted different and bowl and background and you name it...why can't I just do simple???? Maybe because I was artistically deprived for so many years....(i went ga-ga, yeah that's it) But it is always nice to create for other true crafters!




























And here they are, well there was 11 altogether and so worth it all to receive in return the art and talent of others





Be sure to check out these gals blogs and see more treasures.







HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!

AND even somehow fit in this little gals birthday party on Sunday.
oh, can't they stop growing so fast, they are breakin my heart!




Good evening and God Bless!
hugs,
Carol

"Hippity Hop" Easter Swap Countdown & More

I am still struggling with how to get these photos placed where they need to be! I thought I had it figured out how to move them around and now they are jumping like some kinda bunnies! How fitting for these swap photos.
As you can see (wherever these things show up) I opened my fun package last Thursday and waited until Friday to begin. Yes, it has taken me this long to get through the weekend w/b-day parties attended and to be given (1) along w/sleepovers and what-nots.
Seeing all of these treasures suddenly made me have difficulty waiting and there was a day (or two) when I simply could not control myself and had accidently, slightly ripped open a package and had to finish that, to reveal another hand made gift.




DAY -1-
Wrapped so nicely w/a pink polka-dot and brown bow (had to hold back dd12 from stealing said ribbon) was A wonderful papier mache bunny from a vintage-style chocolate mold from Cathy Nash, complete w/hand made easter grass from crepe paper,


and sprinkled w/some mica glitter (we love glitter)

along with glittered leaves & vintage paper flowers. Thank you Cathy!
(tadpolesandteacups.blogspot.com)











Day -2- Brought thise nice little two-sided charm from Amy.


It has vintage Easter pictures on each side.











It is very delicate and nice! Can't wait to hang it somewhere w/some pretty ribbon.
You can find Amy at: craftingbycandlelightblogspot.com
Thank you Amy!



Day -3- has brought a sparkly easter bunny by Teresa.
You can find her at plumwatercottage-evansville.blogspot.com
This sweet bunny is made out of papier mache and pastel colors.



And yes, we LIKE glitter. (we could just roll in it sometimes!!hee)
















And so, stay tuned the next few days for more "swap" fun. I had actually vowed not to do another swap w/more than one day attached to it, but really, I TAKE THAT BACK (don't tell my hubby). It was worth every minute of obsessing about those hundred eggs that I cut out and color matching for each project and detailing each little bunny girl and painting all those bowls for the eggs and glitter everywhere and birdies and more glitter and a banner too and.....well you know, we just can't help ourselves. Creating is just flowing in the veins of us all indeed. Can't wait to share more of others works. But you must as it is not 12:25 and we are not talkin lunchtime here girls. These photos were hoppin so much and I was editing "undo" so often that I cannot think anymore (well to make sense that is). If I have learned something it is this: for now on I am not putting more than a couple photos on a post until I ever learn all the tricks to keep yer sanity.
night, night bloggies.....and hugs!
Carol

So many things to do, so little time

Here is what I have been doing...creating, worrying some, getting through illnesses and car troubles and crafting...oh and we have to fit in a birthday party for Cassidy this weekend amidst nonstop appointments and life in general..So, I made some quick invitations too!











To your right is a beautiful "ATC" type creation that I received from Lori from Faerie Window, I am now supposed to make 3 cards to give away myself....that will be in the near future! Stay tuned for that! Lori does such lovely work, very vintage and romantic.








And, here is a sample of some works for the "Hippity Hop Easter Swap" that I so happily completed. We made 11 items (well one for me too!) and shipped them out and soon ours will arrive and we will do the countdown w/our treasures. I will work on finishing my "Easter Basket" Swap this week.


















Wow, how long have I been away. Too long, I wonder what all of my blogging friends are up to? now I will have to visit you all and let you know I am here once again. I was so busy I did not get to post older pics. Here is some of what I had done for Valentine's Day, a Card. I have lots of beautiful vintage images and stuff that I had not had a chance to play with yet.

How have you all been? Probably busy as me! I don't like having such full schedules w/parties,Doctor Apt.,activities..and Stress. Daylight Savings now, here anyways. Maybe I will get more done? (sure)

Tagged - and weird things

Well, Yes I was tagged by my friend Lisa
to actually tell you 7 more weird things about myself.
They were almost 10 angry things since this goofy blogger thingy is giving me a hard time and was not doing anything it was commanded to do! ARGGGH.
But back to weirdness....(what? those 7 other things about me in the past were not weird enough for ya?). Here goes:

1. I too have cut my bangs before while waiting for hair appts. but I have not stopped there (hold yer ears you perfectly coiffed chicks), oh no. I have done the sides and, well yes the back a bit and the length. How is that done so perfectly? Does she have eyes behind her head like her kids think? Only her hair dresser knows. (maybe that is why I don't have a steady hair-do gal.

2. One of my favorite books was "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey (don't worry, I am still the same but just thinkin about changin up a bit here and there. AND, in hopes of that all, my husband had purchased the next in line book..."The 8th Habit"--"From effectiveness to Greatness". Maybe some of that book will rub off on me.

3. I have a terrible memory.....which leads me to the fact that I must re-read "7 Habits" book again before even trying the "8th" or I may not move so easily into "greatness".

4. I don't like the dark. I mean pitch black dark, no night light, no street light, no nuthin. As in that big sky you all have out west that I was once so lucky to see. (and I thought the sky was only a portion of what it really is, guess these buildings and power lines been foolin me all along!) (and I never knew there were so many stars!!!! beautiful!

5. When I eat my dinner, it is one group at a time. (no special order) Like usually all the potato, then the next thing, etc..my husband just loves this quality... what does it all mean?

6. I like the barbie's to be dressed in their lovely outfits, preferably gowns. I once helped my girls out and dressed them all so lovely only to find them half naked the next day! (I know somewhere out there is a therapist just waiting to meet me) Don't worry, I have not made it a remember? I am going to re-read the "7 habits")

7. Hmmm, I know there is more weird stuff but when you live with yourself this long, it just seems natural, until a family member is over your shoulder eager to fill the world in on your weirdness (better save some for next tag, don't wanna overwhelm ya). I like to save some pretty tags/cards/labels/scraps of stuff/pictures/fabric/trims/glitter/paper--just loving the colors and thinking I was weird. Apparently there is a name for it...I am an Artsy Kinda Girl!

Oh my, now I gotta go off to dream world. No more chatting....I may be actually sleeping while writing this...

A Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to you All!
This is a lovely picture on your left that my honey bunch made for me one Valentine's day...remember I told you all, secretly, that he can do just about anything?? Well he did a lot of that delicate paper cutting too!(I just tried to spell what it actually is called..forget it..(much better than a store bought card, don't ya think?)

It has been another rough week. The illness bug has struck again, and Momma was included...one of those "I cannot even get out of bed but somehow I have to" type of things. I especially hate the stomach virus that comes with it all!!!

But never fear....I am slowly returning. Enough to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day...One daughter missed her party, but we were able to pickup her stuff after school and save the day. Just another day for Momma and Poppa....no merry making this time, not up to that at all, so we will have to make a "rain" date!!
I knew I was recovering when I could drink a cup of coffee after 2 days of none...yes, I heard a gasp! That awful I sure was. Recovered just in time to do my cleaning job tomorrow...as I say...at least I cleaned someone's house from top to bottom (just not my own..ugh) Have a lot of catching up to do around this place...and another swap to get moving on.

Take care my dear friends!!
Carol

Hello

Hello My friends. I have not been back as quickly as I wanted. Was I on a trip? No...

**Photos Copyright: Delicate Beauty

It is a hard thing keeping up w/the bloggers. But I will just keep trying to do my best. I am not good at keeping up with anything. One of the little chicks were sick this week. It was one of those weeks where you wake up and you are not even going to do what you thought. DD6 had a fever, soar throat, cough, bad ear infection (did throat culture and chest x-ray) and then had a bad case of hives that we have not figured out yet! She gets them about 4 times a year and her feet even have swelled a bit and hurt to walk on them! Gotta get some blood work done, I know. Have trouble doing that w/a wee one! (be brave Momma!) OH, and when dd6 has a problem, dd7 (soon to be 8 I might add) insists she is not going to school either. (yes I resorted to bribing and no, it did not always work). Of course, dd7 gave me fair warning before the weekend was over, 2 days warning that if sister was sick on Monday she was not going anywhere either!

Wanted to add some more pics, but seems this internet is not cooperating. Hey, one day I hope to surprise you w/some pics of some crafts instead of other people's lovely vintage photos. BUT, until then.... If any has figured out how to add crafting time to their day on a regular basis, please leave a comment promptly and I shall try your solution. So far, only Swaps have worked as I would never want to dissapoint my fellow crafters!

Gotta run before dh thinks he is a computer widow (as opposed to those football widows ya know). However, no matter how busy I am, seems I have to visit my new friends if not everyday, then every other!
Ta, Ta, and God Bless
Carol

Valentine Swap Treasures!

I am seeing Red...in a good way, that is. Red and pink and white. You will see below the awesome surprises I got in the mail today. I do this, not to make you envious but to share my joy in what my Valentine swap partner Lisa has sent me.

Here is the lovely box it all came in w/a handmade card.
And.... Below are images of the gifts she showered on me.









A treasure trove: Chocolate (dark!!), stamps,hearts,candles,trims,more trims,rubber stamps..

including a "be mine" banner w/sparkley letters I love (I know, it's that princess thing again..) and tiny glass candle holders decorated w/paper trims









I must admit, I let out a gasp at this lovely handmade heart too. I had an audience, my DH and one DD were there to share the excitement of mama's surprises. They were impressed too!

Lisa, rest assured that these lovelies will hold a special place in my heart. I sure feel so blessed.
Now I am surrounded by sparkles,
if only
I could find
my crown,
it must be here somewhere.....

Thank you Lisa!

A package for me and blessings to you

A package arrived in the mail for me today. How fun is that?? Very
And, when you open the box, the bag inside and vintage post cards are an added bonus!! So, I had my assistant model the lovely "Bella Banner" that I won from the gracious Jillian from her giveaway..you can find her on my side bar and go visit her site!




Thank you so much!! I Love It! It is great to make new friends.




And speaking of new friends, I have 2 other new friends that I need to pass on my "Tag" from earlier, I received it from Jillian and listed below, on another post, "why it is great to be me" and now will pass this to: (I have not figured out the "link" thing yet, but you can find them on my sidebar and visit from there!)

Lisa (my new swap partner) from LisaLaughs: She is a very talented girl looking for the same creative inspiration and friends in bloggie land as me and is very kind.
AND
Karen from Karen Eileen: She is realizing her dreams of her own business and has a beautiful site to visit w/lots to gaze upon and a great new friend too.

Well, I wanted to tag another site, since we have something in common, but she was just recently tagged and I don't want to overload her at the moment, just want to give her a mention: Tootie from Honey Girl Studio because she has such great colors and creations that you just have to see!! They will make you smile!

When you get time, create your own list of blessings and then try to pass it on! When you focus on the good things in life it can give you a lot of sunshine, even if it is raining...

Goodnight All,
Carol

What did I win?

What did I win? Well I won this lovely, sparkley banner from a giveaway at Jillian's pages blogspot. I don't even remember how I happened upon her pages (you will find them listed w/my favorite places to roam) but I am glad I did as I not only won a great prize but also a lovely friend! It has been an experience that is just beyond words since I began blogging such a short time ago..the end of November and here I am w/many new friends and lovely crafts from swaps and here I am creating stuff again. I have gained to much. AND boy is it fun to click on my blog and see my comments from friends when I can remember when I wondered...how will ever get comments/mail if no one knows I even exist?? And, how did I get so addicted to this blogging stuff???

Tagged.....by Jillian of Jillian's pages
"WHY IT IS GREAT TO BE ME".....OR ..REALLY COUNTING MY BLESSINGS....
** images copyright...delicate beauty
My blessings:
God, who so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son so that we may have everlasting life.....and His forgiveness for each terrible sin that I have committed in my life from the past to the future.

Saving grace, again...for where would I be but for his turning me around, my life around and changing me into someone that the old me would not recognize (No he's not finished with me yet)
I know I would not be alive today.

Children...blessings from heaven itself. I wanted boys from the beginning but Got knew I would probably never part from them so he sent me girls..... probably also to give me a taste of what I was like as a teenage girl (ugh...Mercy)

A husband who is, to me, a genious. The guy can fix and create anything that he reads about. He has gone from mechanics/flooring/gunsmithing/blacksmithing/baking artisan sourdough breads/painting...(glad that did not last, he blew my abilities away and I was always the artsy girl) building a huge brick bake oven/some plumbing/electric/woodworking/building speakers/learning a computer from top to bottom without ANY instruction....I mean, you name it, he has done it....I can only claim true fame of birthing a baby, he cannot do that...well he would if he could (well no, he says if men had babies, they would stop after the pain of the first and never have more)...anyway, I love him, he is a great provider. Many things he has done out of necessity, he has had no choice but try to repair most of what we have!

We have a wood/coal burning stove....and that is another piece of heaven..need I say more?

We have a great church and friends.

our family is all healthy....without our health nothing matters.

We have been given an appreciation for little things, when, we at times did not have much. That our faith gets us through!

I have a husband who knows what a mess I can be and....still loves me.

AND, now I am making crafts again, feeling creative and loving that. Looking forward to more swaps and more friends and more bloggie inspiration.

Well I have so many more blessings, that I could go on and one....life is like that when you take the focus off of the negative and start counting, one by one...We have to cherish what we have now don't we. Because things can change in an instant and the life we wake up to each day could be different in a flash.

Good night and God bless you my dears,
I will be back....
Carol

Some more things to share

I am back and picturing pinks/reds and those great colors in between!
I have taken time to fit in Valentine Swap crafting and these colors on the right in the vintage photo are dreamy and romantic don't ya think?! Oh, dear my only trouble w/beginning to craft again by way of "swaps" is that one tends to obsess over all the colors and placement of letters/words/images...and the person who has longed to come out again does so only to spend hours on little details/thinking and then having to stop just when ideas begin flowing like a mighty river. Oh goodness. It is a start anyway and fulfilling to accomplish artwork. hmmm that is what would happen at the couple craft shows I did, my little creations would not stand for just simple, no. They liked being embellished and would cost more than my neighbors tables that held the simple crafts (but none more than $30 if any at that price at all)...they did not like the kind of vintage/whimsical/shabby (Eclectic) stuff me and my husband liked. wow, I find such treasure that I love in all of your little blog spaces!

Oh, and I am leading up to something else, speaking of places..."oh the places you'll go.." I made the mistake of visiting some new friends and linked to a few more and now here I am, sleepy girl, but needing to tell you of 2 new giveaways!!! You will find the link/banner to the home of Nancy Lee Malay on my side bar. Talk about gorgeous and whimsical in one. She is having an Easter basket giveaway, but be sure to check out her awesome site and great creations. I love them all!!!
AND, Sylvia at www.sylviaanderson.blogspot.com is also having a "Valentine Giveaway", but hurry over there and visit her place as she is ending hers soon, last date to sign up 1/31/08! She has nice things too!

Goodness Gracious, look at the time! Oh, Jillian I thought I'd post in response to your lovely "tag" that you passed onto me, but I'm just plain poofed (dd's saying) out and gotta "head em up and move em out" (me that is). I ran out of time!! I promise I will do it soon!
Good night and God bless
Carol

In The Winter We Can Build A Snowman...and stuff!

Hello out there! I am back. Wish I could visit you all daily, but time does not permit. I am making lots of nice friends and getting lovely visitors!! I picked up this little treasure tin box just today from a little shop w/thrifty treasures, isn't it lovely w/pretty colors...seem just made for a valentine!! My one daughter did not spot it yet, good thing as she loves treasure looking boxes!!







And then, I thought I would try out my camera on some other things I have to make me get moving on Valentine's Swap crafts.....
If I gather some lovelies, then I will think of ways to make them work. I actually begin a little craft for my swap partner and trying to make some little things along the way. Craft motivation is on the low end as far as the action part...because when I get all my supplies out and start creating, before I know it and hour went by and someone, or something needs tending to and there it sits!!! How sad! My stuff is all out and I need to go back to it. Don't worry my swap friend, I will not leave you heartless..truly, you package will go out by the date due.