Make It Monday on Tuesday!

With all that's going on this week at Papertrey Ink, my friend Amy and I were texting about the first PTI stamp sets we purchased.  PTI's first release was in February of 2007.  Do you remember their first stamp set?  It was Paper Tray!  And I bought it!  That same year I also purchased the Borders and Corners Circles and the Ambassodor Monogram Edition.  Little Lady is still on my Wish List, but she seems to keep getting pushed aside. 

In 2008, I added Mixed Messages, Everyday Blessings and Remember to my collection.  Would you believe I just used Remember last month?!  Shame on me!  Still on my Wish List from 08?  Honey Bees and sentiments. 

Most of my stamping budget went to PTI in 2009 as there were so many incredible sets to choose from!  I purchased On My Couch, In Bloom, Take Note, Signature Greetings and Turning a New Leaf.  When finances permit, I still hope to add Damask, Tea for Two, Vintage Picnic, Autumn Abundance and Signature Christmas.

2010 was the Year of Stamps and I was blessed to increase my collection of PTI as I never imagined!  My favorite freebies from this year:  Year of Flowers; Studio Style; Delightful Dahlias; Chair-ished; It's Official; Up, Up and Away; Flutterby Friend; Tea for Two Additions; Love Birds; and Sheet Music.

It was fun to reminisce about the past releases.  Even more fun:  Make it Monday!  Papertrey Radio!  And...the BIG Giveaway!  PTI sure knows how to host a celebration!

Here's my take on Make It Monday!  For me, this card became all about the buttons!  Once I decided on the layout, I knew it needed them.  Not only did it need them, but they had to be sewn on.  Do you know how hard it is to stitch threw 3 layers of paper/cardstock?!  It was so worth it though.  I heart those PTI Razzberry Fizz buttons!  

Hope you're having as much fun as I am with PTI's Anniversary celebration!  Thanks for stopping by~ Patti

CHA: A Slice of Crafty Girl Heaven!

I was fortunate enough to spend the day with four great friends at the CHA Supershow in Rosemont yesterday!   Wow!  I mean, WOW!!!

As we waited in line to enter, you could feel the excitement.  We were definitely in for some serious crafty goodness and fun!

First stop was the PTI booth.  We decided to start with a make and take...a pretty little felt flower pin.  On to shopping where Nichole greeted everyone with a warm smile.  The entire crew was so friendly and helpful.  It was pure joy to be able to thank them for the amazing gift of stamps I've been receiving each month.  Seeing all of those beautiful colors and products was amazing too.  I treated myself to buttons (lots of buttons), felt, felt and more felt, a handful of dies and even a stamp set. 

Highlights of my day at CHA: 

Kaisercraft booth-  Got a ginormous bag of goodies for free!!!  Clear stamps, paper, rub-ons and embellishments!  Oh my!

MFT booth- The rolled flower die turned out to be my favorite find of the day!!! 

Taylored Expressions booth-  Hands down the cutest booth there!   Adorable make and takes!  And Taylor and Jon were so sweet.

PTI booth- Loved being able to see their product up close and personal!  Met Debbie, Dawn, Mish, Jennifer, Jane and Nichole.  Fantastic make and takes!  Beautiful CHA only stamp set!

Of course, it was all made even better by sharing the day with friends.  We had lots of laughs and enjoyed an amazing Italian dinner before we took our goodies and our aching feet home. 

I'm already looking forward to next year's CHA experience!!!  If you get the chance-GO!  Thanks for stopping by today!  Enjoy your weekend! ~Patti

Copic Coloring Classes!

Hello Friends!

I hardly know where to begin, things have been so busy with my family. It's been an absolute joy to share in the milestones of my children's lives with Fifth Grade Finale and High School Graduation, band, choir and Accappella concerts and all kinds of banquets, events and grad parties!!!

Check this guy out:

With school being done, I'm off of work and that means more time for family, friends and stamping!!! :)

Recently, I was contacted by Tonya Weakly of Peddler's Den in Somonauk, IL to teach some Copic coloring classes and I am incredibly excited about this opportunity! Tonya already has all of the details up on her website http://www.creativedesign1.com/classes.htm

My first class will be July 11th from 1-3 pm and will be an Introduction to Copics. The class will be hands on with lots of time to play with Copics as well as 3 card projects for you to complete. I am really looking forward to sharing my love of Copics with you!

Warmly~ Patti

Blogging Break

Hi Friends,
I thought I should let you know that I'm taking some time off from blogging. I know that doesn't exactly keep with my goals for the year, but sometimes "life happens". After nursing my four kiddos through the flu and dealing with my own sinus infection, I thought I'd get back to blogging after a couple of weeks, but it just hasn't been a priority.

In addition, we are coming up on lots of activities including an A Cappella competion, a missions trip, a musical production, an elementary school graduation, a Senior graduation and lots of other end of the school year banquets, concerts and activities. It's enough these days just to find a little quiet stamping time for myself.

Just want to say thanks to all of you who regularly visit and thanks so much to those of you who visit AND leave me comments. ;) Also to Petra, Priscilla, Christi and Carla the cards you've recently sent/given to me are lovely!!! I'm sorry I didn't get them posted to share on my blog, but everyone whose seen them in person has ooohed and aaahhed!

I'm sure I'll get back to posting at some point...maybe this summer. In the meantime, I'll be posting my Creative Play designs on Splitcoast. And of course, I'll pop in on your blog from time to time. So, keep stamping! :) Blessings~ Patti

Month in Review

I know it's been a while since my last post, but I didn't realize it's been over a month! I apologize for the long absence.

My family enjoyed a wonderful vacation. We were blessed to be able to just relax and re-connect. We spent a day just enjoying our rental house...playing pool and Clue, cooking out and watching a movie together. The boys spent a day golfing while Sarah and I stamped, read, baked, chatted and napped. We also went to the beach at the lake, hiked and fished at Apple Canyon state park and visited the shops of downtown Galena. It was just what we needed.

Our last day of vacation was cut short by the news of my father's passing. He'd been ill for some time so it wasn't unexpected, but the emotions that surfaced were. My parents divorced when I was 18 and my father and I haven't had much of a relationship since. His choice.

As his next of kin and leaving no will or wishes behind, it took a couple of weeks to sort things out and a couple more to work through some memories and feelings. In His faithfulness, my Heavenly Father has seen me through by opening doors, offering healing and providing me with wonderful family and friends.

As month end drew near, school began and with it came my return to work. It's been a whirlwind of a week. Registration is up at my school and the office has been hopping. In addition, our 4 children are now at 3 different schools. Sarah in her last year of elementary, Jacob starting middle school and the two oldest in High School, Justin a Sophmore and Josh a Senior. We have something going on for someone every night of the week. We are truly blessed!

Sounds crazy I know, and in another month I may be whining about the chaos, but right now I can think of nothing better than enjoying my family and all their goings on! I hope you're enjoying yours as well! God Bless~ Patti

Brilliant!

I'm so honored to have been given an award by my blogging friend, Christi Milliken. Christi shares her beautiful work and her beautiful self through her blog Blessings on Paper. Her blog name says it all! It has been a true blessing getting to know her Christi through her blog and our email chats. Thank you Christi, you inspire me in so many ways!

The rules for this award are:
1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link to the person who awarded you.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links to those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you've nominated.

I'm sharing this award with the following ladies. The first four, Paula, Amy, Priscilla and Juli are dear friends of mine. I enjoy visiting their blogs not only because they are incredibly creative, but also because it's just one more fun way that we can connect and share life.

Like Christi, Angel and I have become friends through blogging. Angel's so sweet, does lovely design work and I really enjoy the stories she shares about her family. It's through Angel that I found Nancy and Amy's blogs. Be sure to make some time to visit them as their blogs are simply delightful.

1. Paula
2. Amy
3. Priscilla
4. Juli
5. Angel
6. Nancy
7. Amy S

The common thread among these women and myself is that we are all Christians. So ladies, if you haven't seen this, I'm passing it on to you for your blog.

Thanks for the continued stamping and spiritual inspiration that you so freely share! Blessings & Hugs~ Patti

From Amy

Just wanted to show off this gorgeous card that Amy sent me for my birthday. The color combination is lovely isn't it? Soft Sky, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Pomegranate...love it! Amy has a real eye for color. And look at those cute little pearls and all that ribbon! This card is a slice of heaven!

Amy is such a sweet friend. She can find the silver lining in just about anything. I enjoy being around her positive spirti! She's also a teriffic mom to three beautiful girls and an amazing stamper and scrapbooker.

If you haven't been to Amy's blog yet, be sure to visit it here.

Thanks again for the beautiful card Amy! :)

Fabulous 40!

Last night I went out with my dear friend Carol. She took me to our favorite Mexican restaraunt for dinner, (mango) margaritas (yum) and chit-chat. As we pulled into the driveway, there was a big Happy Birthday banner in my front yard and a door hanger featuring the Grim Reaper! Shocking!

For a moment I thought I'd pulled into the wrong driveway. lol And then I realized that all the fuss was for me. I turned 40 today! While Carol and I were out to dinner last night, her hubby, Todd came over and decorated the yard and my kitchen. It's just like Carol and Todd to make a girl have a good long laugh on her birthday. It helped put things into perspective.

40 really is fabulous! I am incredibly blessed by a God who is loving, merciful and faithful. I have a husband who adores me, 4 healthy, happy children, and the best of friends and extended family. What more could a girl ask for!?

Well...a trip to Chicago! Despite being born and raised in Illinois, I've only been to the windy city to go to museums, theatre, a Cubs game and the American Girl Store. So, when my husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I requested a day in the city with him and our children. We're looking forward to going to Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place, the Wrigley Building, Millenium Park, Buckingham Fountain and the Sears Tower. I'm hoping for good weather tomorrow. ;) Enjoy your weekend! ~Patti

Austen Heroine Quiz

Being a big fan of Jane Austen movies, I just couldn't resist taking this fun quiz to see which Jane Austin character I would be. I was honored to be likened to the very sensible Elinor Dashwood! Although my husband said that 15 years ago I was much more like Miss Marianne Dashwood. I suppose there's a little Elinor AND Marianne in all of us!

Take the Quiz here!

If your not familiar with any of the movies, you must see them! I recommend Sense & Sensibility first. Followed by Mansfield Park, Emma, Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion and Northanger Abby. I also recommend keeping a box of tissue nearby. ;)

I've decided to add reading the Jane Austen novels to my summer "list". If you're an Austen fan, I'd love to hear which book, movie and character are your favorites.

Thanks for stopping by today! Smiles~ Patti

Giveaway!

It's time for a little giveaway! The occasion? Just because! :)

I came across these great little stamps at Michaels and paired them up with some double sided black and white satin ribbon and several fun adhesive chipboard shapes.

Just leave a comment here (one per person please) for a chance at these goodies. I'll do a random drawing next Friday morning to select the winner. Thanks for stopping by and have a super day! :) ~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

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

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!

Bloggin' Buds

Isn't this card adorable? My friend Priscilla made it for me. She's so sweet! One of the many things that Priscilla and I have in common is that we "don't do mornings". I need to leave for work at 8:05 am and I have my morning routine down so I don't have to hear the alarm scream until 6:40. Allowing me just enough time to walk a mile with Leslie (Sansone), shower, eat breakfast, dress, do my hair and make up, take my multi-vitamin and let the dog out and back in, all the while checking with the kids to make sure they are doing what they need to do while getting ready for school. Whew! Of course, that does not allow any time for a morning crisis, so we just don't have them. LOL


Besides not being morning people, Priscilla and I also share a love for the Lord, our families and stamping. ;) In addition, Priscilla recently decided to join the wonderful world of blogging and since she is one of my dearest friends, I am excited to share her blog with you. You can see her delightful designs at http://2kidmommy.blogspot.com/.

I would be remiss if I didn't offer you two other terrific blogs to visit. The first belongs to my friend Paula. We met nearly 6 years ago at a SU! meeting hosted by my upline. Paula and I hit it off right away. I always enjoyed visiting with her at our meetings each month. We got to hang out and play the slots together at Convention in Las Vegas and shared a table at Regionals in Milwaukee with several of our other stamping friends. I don't get to see Paula as much as I'd like to which is why I love the fact that she has a blog! I've always admired her lovely cards and I really enjoy hearing what's going on with her and her family. You'll find Paula's blog at http://www.stampinspy.blogspot.com/.

The second belongs to my friend Juli. Juli is a part of my SU! group, Pure Inkspiration. We met at the SU! workshop of a mutual friend about 5 years ago. It was during SAB and Juli ordered a LOT of stuff! She also asked a LOT of questions! Which prompted me to ask her if she would be interested in joining the SU! family. LOL Well, after a few days of some serious prayer, Juli said yes and the rest, as they say, is history. Juli 's got such a genuine, caring spirit and her enthusiasm for stamping and SU! is highly contagious. You'll see what I mean, when you visit her blog at http://www.stampinjewels.blogspot.com/.

It's so fun to have bloggin' buds! Now if only I could get Amy and Tina to join us. ;) ~Patti

Happy Weekend!

We've been enjoying spring break this week and it's been wonderful, but I'm glad the weekend is here because that means our son Justin will be returning from his missions trip. Justin has been in Kentucky this week at the Apalachia Christian Project. He reported earlier this week that he learned how to lay laminate flooring and hang shutters. He sounded good, but tired. I can't wait to hear all of the details and of course, see his smiling face. :)

This weekend our oldest son, Josh will also be playing guitar with the worship band at our church. It's his first time playing during church service. He's been practicing for weeks and is so excited about the opportunity. It makes me so happy to see my boys using their gifts to glorify our God.

It's such a beautiful day today here in DeKalb. The sun is so bright! I'm off to Archiver's and the mall with my friend Amy and her girls. My daughter Sarah ditched me for a sleep over with her cousins last night. I guess I can't blame her as she only gets to see them once in a while. ;)

Before I head out, I wanted to share some blog candy with you. Just leave a comment here sharing one of your favorite weekend activities. I'll pick a random winner on Tuesday, April 1st. Now go enjoy your weekend! :) ~Patti

SIMPLICITY

After visiting my blogging buddy, Angel's site this afternoon http://angelosity.blogspot.com/2008/01/focus.html, I started thinking about my word of the year. What should it be? So many words made their way into my mind, but the one that stood out the most was Simplicity.

Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough. ~ Charles Dudley Warner

In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. ~Hans Hofmann

From Wikipedia: Simplicity is the property, condition, or quality of being simple or un-combined. It often denotes beauty, purity or clarity. Simple things are usually easier to explain and understand than complicated ones. Simplicity can mean freedom from hardship, effort or confusion. It may also refer to a simple living lifestyle.

This year, I hope to take the saying "Less is more" to heart by embracing simplicity.

Lucky Girl!

I've had an eye out for this Making Memories shelf unit for some time. I first saw it on Kimmie's blog. She said she found it at Michael's, so I went looking for it. Couldn't find it locally, so I started calling around. No luck finding it, so I gave up. That was 4 months ago.

A couple weeks before Christmas, I was in Michael's with my oldest son and there it was! At that point I couldn't justify the expense. Afterall, there was still Christmas shopping to do. That night, my son went home and put the bug in dad's ear and on Christmas morning the shelf was under the tree!

It's fantastic!!! I have a very limited space for stamping and this puts more of my favorite things within arms reach. My guys are so thoughtful! I'm such a lucky girl! :)

I've Been Tagged...

by my blogging buddy, Angel. She's incredibly sweet and has a terrific blog at www.angelosity.blogspot.com On to the 7 random facts about me...

1. My maiden name is Patti Cline. I spent most of my young life answering "no" to the question "Were you named after the singer, Patsy Cline?" I am actually named after my grandpa Pat, whose real name was Chester. Go figure!

2. When I was in high school, my best friend Nan and I were huge Duran-Duran fans. I was going to marry Simon and Nan was going to marry John and we were going to live next store to each other and.... (well, you get the picture). Nan is married (not to John) and lives in Canada. I live in Illinois and am married to the love of my life, Chris. Sorry Simon!

3. I really like going to the theatre...my favorite production is Les Miserable and my fabulous husband is taking me to see it again for Valentine's Day! I am such a lucky girl!

4. Although I don't have the best hand-eye coordination, I love playing Guitar Hero with my kids and could secretly get hooked on it.

5. I'm a dog lover. If we had the space, I would adopt several dog friends to hang out with our black lab, Jack. (a chocolate lab, a beagle and a golden retriever)

6. I'm an organization freak. I think there might be something to feng shui...I feel so much better when everything's in it's place. ;)

7.Galena, Illinois is one of my favorite places. It's a lovely little town in the hills of northwest Illinois. There are quaint shops and delightful restaurants and it feels cozy and comfortable there. Chris and I got married in Galena and I could easily retire there...opening a bed and breakfast with a big room for stamping and a stable with a couple of horses.

Tag to these 7 other bloggers...

1. Juli at http://www.stampinjewels.blogspot.com/

2. Julia at http://bellepapier.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/

3. Laurie at http://justgivemestamps.typepad.com/my_weblog/

4. Christina at http://flowersandink.blogspot.com/

5. Beate at http://beate.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/

6. Taylor at http://tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com/

7. Julie at http://paperpleasing.typepad.com/my_weblog/

The rules are simple, share 7 random facts about yourself and then tag 7 other bloggers. I'm off to finishing organizing my stamping stuff! :) Thanks for stopping by...and best wishes in the New Year!!!

Christmas Time

I simply don't know where the time has gone the past couple of weeks. My husband, Chris had his back surgery the day before Thanksgiving (he is doing remarkably well), we enjoyed a nice quiet Thanksgiving here at home, then my older boys and I shopped till we dropped on Black Friday and before we knew it, our 5 day break was over and it was back to the usual routine...only the pace seemed to pick up quite a bit.

Off-season football training, a trip to the American Girl Store, outings with friends, band concerts, winter dance, increased madrigal practice, a couple of episodes of the flu...

As all 6 of us sat down to enjoy dinner together last night, we realized that it was a first in over a week. It was nice to share stories of the weeks events and to enjoy a time of advent celebration before putting the kids to bed. As I then looked over my calendar, I saw that the next two weeks are filled with madrigals, choir concerts, Christmas programs, parties, visits with friends, shopping, baking, volunteering...and more.

My prayer last night was that we make the most of the moments we have together as a family and not loose sight of the real reason for the season in all of our busyness. I wish the same for you and your family during this holiday season. I can't promise that I'll have much time to share projects over the next couple of weeks, so I want to take the time now to wish you and yours a very merry Christmas!

Tagged!

I've been tagged by Angel to play the Name Game. The idea is to list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life, for each letter of your middle name. Then, at the end of your blog post, choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag.

My middle name is... Jo. For those of you wondering, it's a family name...my grandmother is Wanda Jo, my mother is Linda Jo and I am Patricia Jo. Any other Jo's out there?

J: Josh, Justin and Jacob...my 3 sons. They bring so much joy to my life! (As does my daughter, Sarah...I know, you wonder why we didn't name her Jenny or Jessica...good question.)

O: Organized! I function so much better when everything is in it's place, especially my stamping supplies. ;)

I wish I had more letters in my middle name, it's so hard to limit my tag to just two! ;)

How about....
Kayla and Lexi Play along if you have time! :)