Priceless Day!

This is a quicky, as it's another busy week. With May upon us, I'm sure it will feel busy from now until summer break. It's all good though, so I'm just going to hang on and enjoy the ride. ;)

Today I'm helping to host a luncheon for our school Secretary. She's been at our school for almost 20 years, so she is definately "priceless"! I've learned so much from her this year, not only about my job, but about patience, remaining calm during crisis and resolving conflict.

I love my job! It's such a pleasure working at Chesebro School...each day brings something new! And with it, an opportunity to plant seeds in the hearts of young people and nurture them to grow.

Enjoy your new day! Thanks for stopping by to share it with me! ~Patti

Project Details
Stamps: SU! Priceless
Paper: SU! Cameo Coral, So Saffron, Whisper White & Spring Flowers DSP
Ink: Cameo Coral
Embellishments: Stickles, bling, flowers

For My Sister

As I was putting the last gem on this card, the phone rang and it was my sister...which was perfect because the card is for her.

My sister is 6 years younger than I am. She's been through a lot in her young life and is going through yet another trial. She lives in Grand Bay, Alabama and after several hurricanes, rising insurance premiums and limited employment opportunities, she and her family are losing their home.

I wish I had some great words of comfort for her, but I'm at a loss. Mostly I just listen to her, reminder her that she's not alone in dealing with life's difficulties, tell her she's loved and pray for her. I want her to know that she's an amazing young woman and just the thought of her makes me smile. I'm so very proud of her. Her strength is an inspiration to me.

After all these years, my sister and I still truly enjoy each others company and have spent many an hour chatting, sharing, hanging out and shopping. She's a blondie and I'm a brunette and although I'm a "plain jane", my sister is a beauty. So, when I first came across this image from Rubber Romance at eP, it was a must have because it made me think of us. I sure do miss her right now.

Thanks for visiting today! Blessings ~Patti

Project Details
Stamps: Rubber Romance Girlfriends on a Bench, other
Paper: All Dressed up Mat Pack, SU! Green Galore & Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Bliss Blue, Gable Green, Taken with Teal, So Saffron
Embellishments: bling, Lime Stickles, Sweet Treats ribbon from Michaels

"Fly Check" in NYC!

Back to share a little bit more about Justin's trip to NYC. This is the DHS guys a cappella group, "Fly Check", in Central Park. Justin is in the front row on the far left. The guys spent most of their first day in Central Park roaming around and playing frisbee. Must be a guy thing. ;)

If you're interested, here's an article from our local paper about the boys http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2008/04/14/features/learning/learning01.txt , a link to some great photos of their practice and performance at Lincoln Center http://gallery.rossmedia.com/FlyCheck08?page=1 and a very complimentary recap of the competition http://pitchperfect-thebook.blogspot.com/2008/04/icca-finals-now-with-jazz-hands.html.

Can you tell, I'm just a little bit proud of him. Justin has a passion and gift for music. He's been a percussionist for 5 years, has taught himself how to play piano, guitar and a bit of trombone and just this year has discovered how much he enjoys singing. He's in madrigals, guys a cappella and the varsity choir at school.

I love this photo of Justin and his bud, Brett at Lincoln Center. They've been friends since the fifth grade. Brett is an outstanding trombonist and has been the inspiration for our youngest son, Jacob, who started the trombone this year. More importantly, he's a great guy and an awesome friend. I'm so pleased that Brett and Justin got to share in the experience of performing in NYC. Congratulations guys!!!

Get Well Grams

My poor grams has been sick on and off since Easter. She's had a cold and bronchitis and has been on two rounds of antibiotic. Grams is a tough cookie and doesn't like to have to slow down and rest. And she really dislikes going to the doctor, so she hasn't been very happy about the whole situation. I thought a bright, cheery card might lift her spirits.

I'm lovin' this color combo! I keep seeing it everywhere...on clothing and linens and summer fun items. It goes great with the 70 degree weather we are having here. :) Hope you're enjoying some of the same where you are! Take care. ~Patti

Project Details
Stamps: Bella, Paper Tray
Paper: SU! Gable Green, So Saffron & Whisper White, All Dressed Up Mat Pack
Ink: Basic Black, Gable Green, So Saffron, Taken with Teal, Bliss Blue
Embellishments: Cuttlebug Floral Fantasy, Waterfall Stickles, Primas, bling

Birthday Sparkles

Happy Monday! :) When I started this card I thought I might try Beate's WSC44, but I couldn't bring myself to cut up the patterned paper, so I went with the Verve Inspiration Challenge instead. I loved the colors, swirls and stitching in the paper and was then pleasantly surprised to find out it's Daisy D.

My daughter Sarah loves this color combination too, so it's perfect for her birthday card. As is the Inkadinkado Patterned Butterfly. Sarah is such a social butterfly, always wanting to "go" and "do", and she's transforming into such a beautiful, spirited young lady. It's hard to believe she's 10 already!

The Basic Grey chipboard piece was something new for me, but when I saw the challenge on Verve, it was the first thing that came to mind. I inked up the flourish with my Blue Bayou classic ink pad and then covered it with Crystal Stickles. After I let it dry, I added Primas and bling and then adhered it to the cardfront with glue dots. It was fun to play with brighter colors. I've got a couple more cards that I'll share later in the week using a similar color combo. Until then, enjoy the sunshine!~ Patti

Project Details
Stamps: Inkadinkado Patterned Bugs, Verve Starlight Starbright
Paper: SU! Blue Bayou, River Rock and Whisper White, Daisy D
Ink: Blue Bayou
Embellishments: bling, Primas, Crystal Stickles, Basic Grey chipboard flourishes

Weekend Fun

Whew! What a weekend! It started for us on Thursday morning as my husband and I sent Justin off to New York City to perform at the National a Cappella competition at Lincoln Center. Who knew it could be so exhausting just wondering what your 14 year old was doing each day for 4 days in the Big Apple. Naturally, I made my daily texts and calls to check on him.

Justin made it home safe and sound today and of course, had an amazing time. The guys, "Fly Check", placed 3rd in the nation for best high school a cappella group! Outstanding! While in NY, Justin went to see Spamalot and Young Frankenstein and visited Central Park, Times Square and Ground Zero.

While Justin was away, I was busy entertaining girls. We had a half day of school on Thursday, so I took my daughter Sarah and her friends Macie and Savannah for a girls day out of craft shopping. We had a blast going to Joanne's, Michael's, Archiver's, Hobby Lobby and Target Greatland. We bought, paper, stamps, bling, flowers, chipboard, beads, more beads and even more beads and some girly pedicure goodies. We finally stopped to eat at about 7:45 pm and it was then that I realized how sore my feet were. lol These girls know how to shop!

We didn't have school on Friday either, but I had a couple of hours of conferences with my teens' teachers followed by a lunch date with my oldest son. My big guys are so busy, it's nice to squeeze in a little one-on-one time. I spent Friday afternoon cleaning house in preparation for an evening of entertaining on Saturday. Our guests- six 10 year old girls.

My daughter, Sarah (far left in the photo), spent months trying to decide what she wanted to do for her birthday this year. We don't always have a party, but since she's going double digits, we thought we'd do it up big. After weighing her options, Sarah finally decided on a Build-a-Bear birthday. We spent a couple hours decorating our family room with streamers, balloons and paper lanterns in a variety of bright colors. The girls arrived for a pizza dinner and then we left for the mall. Imagine being in a van with six giggling 10 year old girls singing along to the soundtrack from Wicked for 4o minutes. ;)

At the mall, Build-a-Bear was a big hit, although we didn't build any bears. We brought home 4 dogs, a cat and a bunny with a variety of outfits including soccer, skater, doctor, police officer, jean & t-shirt combo and bathrobe. After BAB, the girls rode the carousel in the middle of the mall and then we returned home for gifts, cake and ice cream, nail painting and a movie with popcorn. The last girl fell asleep at about one. And today, I took an evening nap. ;)

I did find a little time to stamp this weekend, so I'll be back tomorrow to share a card. See you then! ~Patti

Beautiful Christian Sister

Happy Sunday! After several days of dark skies and stormy, chilly weather, the sun is finally peeking out this morning. The birds are twittering about, buds have popped on the trees and the grass is so green. I don't know if it will last all day, but it sure is glorious right now!

I recently received an email of this Maya Angelou writing. Because it's so beautiful I want to share it with you and encourage you to pass it on.

Beautiful Christian Sister
by Maya Angelou

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin'', I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!

Thanks for visiting. Wishing you a blessed day! ~Patti

With Appreciation for Mark

Is this not the cutest owl out there in stampland right now? I think so! :) He's from Inkadinkado and you can find him and his bird friends at Jacksonbelle Embellishments.

This card is for my son's boss, Mark. Mark has been so kind to Josh. He put Josh to work as his accounting assistant when Josh was having a hard time finding a part-time job. He's not only been a good employer, but a good friend to Josh, offering him advice, encouragement and a listening ear during these somewhat challenging teen years.

Mark is actually much more to us than Josh's boss. He's hubby to my dear friend Priscilla and dad to my daughter Sarah's best friend Macie. He's such a nice guy, with a big heart and a great sense of humor...for an account anyway. ;) He doesn't look at our blogs, does he Priscilla? ;)

Thanks for visiting! ~Patti

Project Details
Stamps- Inkadinkado, Paper Trey Inc
Paper- SU! Basic Black & Basic Grey, Cosmo Cricket Fleuriste
Ink- Versamagic Midnight Black
Embellishments- Dew Drops

Working for the Lord

Good Morning! I'm so happy that I get to share another page of my desk flip book today! I started my book as part of the Scripture Challenge hosted by Lori. You can find the details here in her original invitation.

It's brought me so much joy to able to work on this project, so Ephesians 6:7 was the perfect verse to add this month. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. What an awesome reminder!

This past weekend was a great example of Ephesians 6:7. God has opened doors for my church, Christ Community Church, to partner with my school, Chesebro Elementary. I call it my school, but really I'm just the Office Assistant. ;) God brought me to Chesebro late last school year, in mid-May. With a population of 260 some students, more than 65% of our families are low-income. It's simply impossible to work there and not feel the desire to do something for, and with, the students and their families.

Over the weekend, my family, along with a dozen other church members met at the school to host a pancake breakfast fundraiser to help send the fifth graders on an overnight field trip to a nature center. It was a wonderful morning of fellowship and service!

My older boys were flipping pancakes, making juice, washing dishes and asking, "what else can I do?" From the kitchen, amongst the cracking of eggs and sizzling sausage came chatter and laughter from busy church members. Fifth grade students happily served guests. My younger children were busy making new friends with some of the kids from Chesebro that they'll go to middle school with in the coming year. The cafeteria was buzzing with families from the school and the church visiting with each other. And with God's blessing, in just a few short hours, we raised what was needed for the trip. Praise God!

I hope you'll take some time to join in the scripture challenge this month. If you do, please be sure to leave me a post with a link to your design! Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day! :) ~Patti

Project Details
Stamps- SU! Garden Collage
Paper- Basic Grey Periphery, SU! Old Olive & Whisper White
Ink- SU! Chocolate Chip & So Saffron
Embellishments- Dew Drops, Primas
Other- SU! Pastels

An Award

Thanks Juli!!! What an awesome surprise after a long day! You totally made my day! (((hug))) Thank you!

Here are the rules: In order to display this "You Make My Day Award" proudly on your blog you must re-present it to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know through email or by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware, you may get the award several times yourself, and if you do, consider yourself really, really loved.

Here's my list: (BTW, it's really hard to choose just 10). I visit these blogs each and every day, even if for just a minute.

1. Priscilla
2. Paula
3. Angel
4. Beate
5. Lori
6. Laurie
7. Lindsey
8. Sharon
9. Julia
10. Juli

These women are truly an inspiration and I appreciate their willingness to share not only their beautiful work, but also their hearts with the papercrafting community. You REALLY do Make My Day! Hugs~ Patti

Live Your Bliss

What does that mean exactly? According to Wikipedia...Bliss is a state of profound spiritual satisfaction, happiness or joy.

The birds outside my bedroom window always sound like they are in a state of profound happiness, crooning their lovely songs of praise as the sun starts to peek over the horizon each morning. I thought this bird from Inkadinkado's Birds Galore was a perfect match with the PTI Mixed Messages saying "Live Your Bliss"

In Matthew 6:26-27, Jesus said, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

So, Live Your Bliss today and rejoice in knowing that God is watching over you, mindful of your every need... and sing His praise! ~Patti

Project Details
Stamps- Inkadinkado Birds Galore, PTI Mixed Messages
Paper- SU! Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Cosmo Cricket Fleuriste
Ink- Versamagic Midnight Black, Stampin' Pastels
Embellishments- SU! Black Organdy ribbon, Queen & Co. Black Vine Felt

Tag, I'm It!

I've been tagged by Kim at http://basementstamper.blogspot.com/. Kim's blog is really nice, with lots of great card designs!

1. Link to the person that tagged you and leave a comment on their Blog.
2. Post the rules on your Blog.
3. Share 7 random facts about yourself on your Blog
4. Tag 7 random people, linking to their Blog.
5. Let each person know by leaving a comment on their Blog.

Since I've done this before, I'll try to keep them short and sweet.

1. I believe that strawberries are God's perfect fruit. Yum!!!
2. Sunday is my favorite day of the week!
3. I'm a huge fan of LOST. Love it!
4. I color my hair...Clairol Natural Instincts Toasted Almond.
5. I like Jane Austin movies, but have yet to read one of her books.
6. I seriously dislike rodents. Ratatouille creeped me out!
7. I'll be 40 in June and I'm mostly OK with it. ;)

Thanks for the tag Kim! Now to tag 7 more people...
1. Priscilla
2. Paula
3. Juli
4. Angel
5. Lindsey
6. Corie
7. Anyone else who wants to play along! :) Be sure to leave me a comment with your blog link if you do!

Sing a Song of Thanks

Hello! :) I don't know about you, but my week sure has flown by! I think the next couple will too. We have a lot on our calendar. My son, Justin and 14 other young men from DeKalb High School recently received first place in the midwest region acapella competion. They are now one of four groups that will be competing at the national level in New York this month! We are so proud of them! They work countless hours practicing and perfecting their songs.

Mr. Travis Erikson is their Director and he has been such an inspiration and encouragement to the group. But there is also another person, behind the scenes, who does a tremendous amount for our boys. She's the music secretary, Angel Smith. Angel has been on the computer and the phone for two weeks now, finding plane and hotel reservations and looking for things for the boys to do while in New York. She's also been working on press releases and fundraising and keeping all of us parents up to date on things. I have come to appreciate her so much and wanted to let her know by sending her a card.

My new Inkadinkado Branchful of Birds stamp and Cosmo Cricket Fleuriste paper from Jacksonbelle Embellishments were the perfect combination for my design. The birds are embossed with clear EP and Chocolate Chip Craft ink. The saying is straight from the Fleuriste 8x8 paper pad. The faux stitching was done with my Crafter's Tool Kit from SU! And how 'bout those Dew Drops!? This is my first time using them and they are fab!!! I used SU! Crystal Effects to adhere them. (It only takes a drop!) After assembling my card, I sprayed the whole thing with Sugar Cookie Glimmer Mist. Love it!

With all of the details in it, this was such a fun card to make! Hope Angel likes it. :) Thanks for visiting! ~Patti

Project Details
Stamps- Inkadinkado Branchful of Birds
Paper- SU! Baroque Burgundy & Chocolate Chip, Cosmo Cricket Fleuriste
Ink- SU! Chocolate Chip Craft
Embellishments- SU! Clear EP, Mens Dew Drops, Making Memories ribbon, Sugar Cookie Glimmer Mist

The Winner Is...

...#6...Paula! No foolin'! ;) Paula said...

Hi Patti! Our spring break is this week. Our sons are very similar it seems, because Mark just got to Montana yesterday for a mission trip at the Blackfeet Indian Reservation there. I'm glad you are back to blogging. I like visiting your blog and seeing all of your lovely creations!Let's see. My favorite weekend activity is not working! Haha. I work every third weekend, so I do enjoy the weekends I am off. I like Sundays mornings. We go to church as a family.(which doesn't always happen when I work, since I usually go alone on Saturday night when I work the weekend) After church we usually go to Panera and pick up some coffee and. Then we enjoy paper together, and just relax a bit. Sometimes we go to Evanston to visit Daniel at school. It's especially nice along the lake if the weather is warm.:)Thanks for the chance at the blog candy! You are too nice! Paula

Thanks Paula! I think our families are pretty similar. Boys, scouting, church, stamping... ;) I agree, Sunday mornings are the best! Church, family and going out for lunch is a favorite around here too. I'll get your goodies off to you soon! Thanks for playing along everyone! :) ~Patti