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

Everday Blessings

Have you been to Paper Trey Inc lately? Nicole and friends have some fantastic new sets, paper, ink and ribbon available! Everyday Blessings, was released last month. The images of the cross are beautiful and the scriptures and sayings are some of my favorites. I purchased it thinking I would make some Easter cards with it. I never did make the cards, but it has been perfect for several of the pages 0f my desk flip book.

As I'm behind by two months, I decided I would catch up by sharing another page. At first I thought my design too simple, but as I spent more time looking at it, I decided that the focus was right where it should be...on the cross.

Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you. ~ 1Peter 4:7 Isn't it wonderful to know that God cares for us so much that He is willing to take on our concerns...ALL of them! Now that's an everyday blessing!

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a fabulous day! :) ~Patti

Project Details
Stamps- PTI Everyday Blessings, SU! Priceless
Paper- Close to my Heart
Ink- Chocolate Chip, Bayou Blue
Embellishments- Snowflake Glimmer Mist, Bling

Good to be Back

I didn't realize just how long it's been since my last post. It's been more than busy in our home as of late, as well as a bit of an emotional rollercoaster and somewhere along the way, I lost my stamping mojo. I tried to ignite my desire to stamp by visiting some of my favorite blogs and checking out the gallery at SCS. I went shopping at craft stores and poured over magazines, but nothing seemed to do it.

Then last week, as I was looking up some verses in my bible, the Scripture Chick Challenge came to mind. I hadn't touched my project in over a month. Recalling some of my favorite verses helped bring me back to complete another page for my desk flip book.

Do you ever feel like life is overwhelming and it takes all you have just to get out of bed in the morning? I'll admit it, I do. It's on those days, before I fling off the covers, I whisper to God "Today, I need your strength Lord". I am one of the thousands of people that live with depression. It came on after the death of my daughter and after 15 years, it remains. It's more seasonal now, showing up in late fall and lingering through winter, my daughter's birthday and the anniversary of her death. I don't know if it was the tragedy at NIU bringing so many memories to the surface or the long winter we are experiencing, but this year, it seemed to take hold of me more intensely.

Keeping God's word in mind has always been a help to me in coping with depression. Coupled with prayer, nothing else is so powerful to offer comfort and peace. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13 is just one of the many verses that God offers us as a reminder that we can overcome anything with God's strength. And we CAN!

I pray that your day is filled with God's presence, His strength and His love. Hugs~ Patti

Project Details

Stamps- SU! Stipple Butterfly, PTI Every Day Blessings

Paper- Basic Grey, SU! So Saffron

Ink- Chocolate Chip, So Saffron

Embellishments- May Arts ribbon, Sakura Glitter Pen