Sunday, March 01, 2009

Friday, February 27, 2009

Happy Birthday Todd

My Todd is 5 today, and what a little cutie he was as he opened his gifts from us this morning.

First, he opened this Tupperware boat (he loves boats right now!) He was happy. Maybe we could have stopped with the $7 we spent on it.


But we didn't stop. We let him open this next... a little collection of pirate Playmobil toys. He LOVED them! He was delighted.


Then we had breakfast. He thought he was done opening presents. He wasn't! When he started taking the paper off of the Pirate Ship he was ecstatic! It's so fun to watch them go crazy over something!


After we got it set up, he played with it for hours... I think there are many more hours that will be devoted to it today as well!


And now, (and for the next 2 weeks) I have two 5-year olds!! We get to go through this all over again in 2 weeks when Scott turns 6.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Music Classes

Earlier this month, my boys started music lessons. The classes are called, "Music for Little Mozarts" and they love the program! Scott is the know-it-all in the class, and always has the answer to the questions... the teacher has to say, " ____ do you know the answer?" So that Scott doesn't give all the answers to every single question ☺ That's my boy! He loves doing his homework, too. I wonder if that will last after a few years of music lessons? (probably, if he really does take after me!!) They get to play the piano, but so far it's been lots of other music exploration, as well. It is a group class, and there are 4 kids in the class... we make up half the class!!

In their last lesson they were learning about forte and piano (loud and soft). Scott got the LOUD tambourine, and Todd got the soft sounding bells! Todd really loves music class and he loves Mrs. Marilyn, the teacher... I think he wants to be the teacher's pet, but he is also the youngest in the class. It is so cute to watch him sit beside the bigger kids. Every once in awhile he zones out, but then on the way home he starts singing one of the songs, so he was obviously paying attention!

Last week, on the way home, Todd came out with this: "Planyo lessons are more funner than making paper boats!" Well, now, if that didn't just melt my heart. Makes me know that it's worth every cent! I love it that at this age, I get to be in the lessons with them as well.


Here are Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear... the 2 heroes of Music Lessons!




Friday, February 20, 2009

A New Blog to Follow!

Blogland is so fun... and I have just found out about a new blog called Blue Bird Notes. The author is Koralee, a former coworker of mine. What a delight her blog is, and I promise you, she is just as delightful as all the neat things she writes about! I love your blog, Koralee!!!

Read it here:

BLUE BIRD NOTES...

Crazy Kids...

I love my husband... I love my kids... and that's why I'm taking a break from them this weekend! (or should I say, "I'm giving them a break from ME this weekend!?!!!") I am so excited to go on a ladies retreat with my church. I can't WAIT! There will be crafts, hikes, friends, sharing, food, no cooking, no laundry, no cleaning... did I mention that I CAN'T WAIT?!!! There are 90 women going, and there are so many fun things planned. I will share pics sometime next week!

Here's a couple pics that I know my dad will especially chuckle over. Todd grabbed a chair the other day and said, "I'm papa, come and sit on my lap!" The other 2 gladly accepted his invitation and came and sat on his knee. What a goof! Funny thing is that from very early on, everyone has said that Todd looks most like Papa (my dad) and he has a bit of his personality, too... always quick witted and active - he can do a pretty good frown when he wants to, too!

2 peas in a pod.... so much alike that someone even said, "Elise is just Todd in a skirt!" They became friends last year when Scott started school. I was worried that Todd would be so lonely with Scott gone all day. I shouldn't have worried - Elise filled the void almost immediately!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Lipstick

Yesterday... Elise markered her face... She wanted "lipstick!" Very pretty.

Today... Elise marked her face again... unfortunately, this time it won't wash off... She face planted into the board at the bottom of our slide. I saw it happening, and I thought for sure she was going to lose her front teeth. But it was just her nose. She barely cried!

Happy Valentine's Day! ♥

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

This week at school, Scott exchanged Valentine's with his classmates... here are the treat boxes he made. I cut the papers to size, then he ran them through my Big Shot machine, and then I tied the ribbons on and he wrote the "from Scott" on the heart tag. I wanted to get him to write the name of each of his classmates on the back of the heart, but that would have been a 2-day job, so I decided to just get him to write his own name. Besides, the treats were all the same except for the colour of the paper.

Another thing... this is a great way to use up old Designer Paper. As a SU! Demo, I only demonstrate the current papers in my classes and clubs... but then I end up with a lot of pretty paper leftover, so this was a great way to use up some old stuff!!

** There is a little pack of Jelly Beans inside.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Zellers...

...aka "The Toy Store!" My kids call Zellers the Toy Store! I don't mind one bit that they don't consider "Toys R Us" as their store of choice because that store is too far away for me. And Zellers is a lot less busy! I do NOT like busy stores... I don't even really like any stores that much, but I think I have a slight shopping phobia, so it might just be me!

Here is a fabulous cart idea.... Yes, my oldest is almost 6 and he still rides in a shopping cart. He doesn't know there is another option. Please don't tell him that some kids are allowed to walk beside the cart! That is one thing that keeps me semi-sane while shopping - all kids must be contained! As you can see, Steve was with me this time, too... usually we have 2 carts on the go to contain all the kids, but we didn't need to this time because this cart seats 3!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

My retired sets blowout!!

It is time to clear my baskets in order to make room for my "newer" retired sets. So the following stamp sets need to go... Please let me know if you would like any of the sets below. Thanks for looking! Please email me at stampinsars(AT)hotmail.com if you are interested.

** Buyer pays shipping... or you can pick up from my house if you are local.

Looks Like Spring $15.00
Spring Solitude $ 10.00
Block Party $12.00
Be Happy $10.00
All Natural $10.00
Autumn Fest $10.00
On Angel Wings (NUM) $15
Simple Shapes $15.00

Monday, February 09, 2009

Why do I scrapbook?

It's therapeutic, relaxing, fun, social, and it records a wealth of family fun and events... and if that is not a long enough list of reasons, here are 3 more!



Friday, January 30, 2009

Dress it up!!

Have you noticed that there are some pretty beautiful blogs out there these days? I wanted one!!! So, I went to The Background Fairy and got myself one! If you want to check out all the great designs (and they're FREE!!!) for your blog, just click the link in this post, or the link will always be in the top left hand side of my blog, for as long as I am using their free designs.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Poppin' Pastels

When I signed up to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator close to 5 years ago, the pastels were one of the things in my starter kit. I love my pastels, but I go in spurts of using them. But they are really a great value because you get all 48 regular SU! colours, and with a set of blender pens, you can colour in your projects to match your paper, and accessories, even if you don't have all the markers or ink colours. Pastels can also be used dry, and the set comes with little applicators, but you can also use regular Q-tips.

But, another fun thing to do with your pastels is a technique called "Poppin' Pastels." You just stamp your image in Versamark and then with a sponge or other applicator and watch the image appear before your eyes!! The images on the red paper below have been stamped in Versamark as well, and they just give a watermark effect.... Versamark is a pretty cool product, too!

Here is a sample of this... one of my card club projects from last week.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Valentine's Card

I don't know about you, but I am ready to move onto Spring! But no such luck... we are experiencing yet another downfall of snow, and the Valley is white again. Pretty, but that's it!

So, here's a Valentine's card that I made with my Stamper's Club last Wednesday. We used the Valentine's bundle, which is on sale until the end of January, at 20% off... and the yellow in the letters was achieved with the Bleaching technique.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Terrific Technique

On Thursday evening, I had the first night of my new "Beyond the Basics" club. All the ladies that are in this club have been in at least one of my previous clubs, and for a couple of these gals, this is their fourth club with me! Wow - talk about loyalty - thanks so much ladies!!!

One of the projects we made was this View-Master card. Check out the tutorial on Splitcoaststampers HERE.




Sunday, January 18, 2009

Pre-buy class

I have a pre-buy class coming up on February 12th, and it was listed as TBA because I wanted to pick a set from the new catalogue. I love the set for this class... it's called "Trendy Trees" and starting tomorrow, you will be able to see it on page 91 of the online catalogue. The class is $30.00, and we'll be making 4 projects with this set. Please contact me if you would like to sign up for this class... I need to know by February 2nd so I have time to order enough sets.

Friday, January 16, 2009

The rest of the picture!!

Remember the sneak peek I gave a couple days ago? Well, here are the finished projects... no pics yet, but I have several hundred on hand, so I am sure that it won't take long to find some to fill these spots!

I loved what Leanne did on her page tonight, she put a 5X7 on the left side of the black layout, close to the bottom, and then let the circles "float" above the image as well, rather than just along the left hand side. The title was "just me and my dad" and the pics were all of her hubby and son. Sure wish I remembered to take a pic of it before she left with her masterpiece. (If you post a pic of yours, let me know please, Leanne, then I can add a link!).


Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Look what I've got!!

It's here - the new Stampin' Up! Spring-Summer 2009 Catalogue. It's beautiful! If you are in one of my clubs, you will receive one for free. If you would like to buy one, they are $10.00 each. To have me ship anywhere in Canada, the cost is $16.00 each.

A Teaser...

This Thursday I am having a scrapbooking class. We will be making 2 double layouts... here is a little teaser for you - pieces of the pages we'll be making - the pages are using the 2008-2009 In Colors. There is still room, so email me if you are in the area and want to come to a fun evening of scrapbooking.

Who? YOU!! And invite a friend... please RSVP by Wednesday night.
What? Treasure the Memories, Scrapbook class $15.00 - everything included
Where? My house
When? Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 from 7:00 - 9:00pm
Why? Because you will get 2 double layouts done in an evening, and you just have to add the pictures!!!
How? It's easy! Your kits will be all ready to go and all you need to bring is your favourite basic adhesive.

stampinsars(AT)hotmail.com



Monday, January 12, 2009

Sweet Stems

Here is another card from my stamping Friday night.... this card is pretty self-explanatory, but both the set and paper are going to be in the upcoming catalogue. I coloured the flowers using ink and blender pens. And a final thought... I LOVE this ribbon! It is the double sided Kiwi/Vanilla silk ribbon and I think it suits this paper perfectly.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Our Visitors ☺

On Thursday night, my cousin and her friend came to stay overnight. They were on their way down to the states for the weekend, and almost had to cancel their plans due to the heavy flooding situation in Washington State right now. I saw some of it on the news and couldn't believe the destruction. But thankfully, I heard today that they got to their destination safely last night and are having a great time!

Here are a few pics....

Maren and Katie picking out a stamp set from my retired sets baskets!! They are both stampers and loved it that I said pick a set... Steve was happy to see some of it head out the door, too!

The kids attacked the girls as soon as they came in the door... but they were great about it, and returned the favour in tickles! Yep, the kids were pretty wound up before bedtime!

Earlier in the day, on Thursday, we had this scene (below) in the office... nice, eh?! The fans on the computer were acting up, so Steve took them into the shop. Seems to be working fine, so I think that they just needed to have a good cleaning. I wouldn't know where to start inside the computer, but I sure like using it, so I'm grateful that there are people that find building and fixing computers "fun"!! A couple years ago our computer completely crashed, and it had the smell to go with it... I thought everything was toast - but the guys at the computer shop replaced stuff, cleaned stuff, and saved ALL my pictures, which of course I hadn't backed up to discs... but I have now!!!

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Treasure the Memories

Scrapbooking class
My house
Thursday, January 15th
7:00 - 9:00 pm

Do you love to preserve memories through scrapbooking? Do you find it hard to make the time? Do you want some fun and fresh ideas for your pages? Then this class is perfect for you! We'll make 2 double 12X12 layouts (so 4 pages in all) and the cost is just $15.00. Book your spot today! Email me at stampinsars(AT)hotmail.com

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Retiring Accessories

The retiring accessories list is here!! If you want to ensure your order is up to date, or you are out of town, I invite you to place an online order at my website... http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinsars/ or if you want to order with me, please email me at stampinsars(AT)hotmail.com and I will place orders as I receive enough to fill an order. So, you are only guaranteed availability if you order online, but I will do my best if you order via email.

This list will be updated daily, and items in orange are no longer available.

Item # Product Description Availability
111377 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
102782 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12
104188 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384 ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*
104516 ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381 ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6*
103977 BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
103978 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446 BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445 BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12
102174 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY
112462 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY
112466 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER
112467 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK
111355 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
106523 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER
104104 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI
107298 ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695 ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115 ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372 METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925 ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
109190 ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
109180 ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086 ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923 PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25
104942 PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE

104943 PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273 PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
104389 PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*
100391 PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE
104830 RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831 RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037 RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282 RUB ON ANCHORED
111806 RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805 RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417 RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283 RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME
112043 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT
112016 SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
109868 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647 STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813 WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II
107212 MATEYS MAP
106749 BRIGHT BULBS
109672 BRONCO
104100 MAKING TRACKS
108978 SANDY SHELLS
110332 SNOW
101233 SNOWFLAKE
109694 SWEET STARS
111249 TAKE A NUMBER


*This item is discounted and included on the Inventory Blowout.

Monday, January 05, 2009

Inventory Blowout!!!

Inventory Blowout

Order ONLINE at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinsars/ click the "SHOP NOW" button at the top under my name, and start saving!!

There are other specials on right now - Love you Much bundle and the Retiring stamp sets. Check it all out at my website!

From January 5-18, get a variety of retired, retiring, and current Stampin' Up! products up to 50% off regular prices!

To see the full line of sale items, please click HERE

Thursday, January 01, 2009

Happy New Year!

2008 was great.... As I look back at the year behind me, I feel so blessed. There were lots of family times, dates and weekends away with Steve, dates with each of my kids, and lots of gatherings with friends.

Also, as I look back at 2008, I feel so blessed to have made a lot of new friends. Some through stamping, some in my neighbourhood, and some in my church. I had the joy of helping plan our Klassen (Steve's mom's side of the fam) family Reunion in July, and we got to celebrate with our friends Derek and Crystal that got married in October.

I got to spend time with friends stamping, and I went on several coffee dates with girlfriends as well! One highlight was our half-week with my sister Louise and her family when we met up in Salmon Arm to go camping.

And my little girl getting potty trained is really high on my list as well!

2008 was the year that claimed my grandpa, and I feel blessed to have had so many years with him, and that he got to meet and get to know all of my kids.

I want to wish you all a very Happy, Healthy and wonderful New Year, and may you be truly blessed in 2009!