Thank you for stopping by today.  It is snowing here, just a sign that spring is on its way.  Never knew til I moved here, it can actually be too cold to snow.  I love the snow.  Snowflakes are as individual as we are.  God made us all different, hand-crafted by the best.  If you don't feel you have a purpose to be here. please take time to look harder.  He knew you and had plans for you even before you were born.  Don't ever feel alone for he is with you.  If you ever want to see one of his greatest creations just look in the mirror.  He loves you like you are the only one, why because you are, you are unique.  Keep Smilin' and find out what he has in store for you today. 



Take me away!

No, not really.  Just another crazy day.  One child home sick.  But, with four still living at home that is considered very lucky.  Getting away to a long hot bath is my escape, even on a day that isn't crazy.  Quiet time to think, in between the kids knocking on the door, "Mom, but Mom".  Just one of the prices of motherhood. 

I made this card for a dear friend, she never received it.  I am just the mechanic whos car is never working.  I make cards like crazy, but rarely send a card.   So, if you feel left out, don't, I love you all.  I think of everyone on their birthday, I do have them written on my calendar.  You are thought about, I am not ever quite sure what to say in them.  Card maker -- yes.  Hallmark -- no.

So, if you are having a crazy day.  Take a long hot bath, and blame it on me.  Let your daughters come in and fix their hair and they will have your undivided attention.  Those times are priceless.  Amazing how much talking can get done when there aren't distractions.

May God bless your day with undistracted moments with family and friends.  Where ever you may find that quiet time.

Love to all! 

Baby It's Cold Outside! Surprise?

This is one of my favorite cards and yes if you shake it the glitter falls around the snowman.

I mean really?  I myself am not surprised at all, it is 25 degrees and it is March.  I have seen it snow in June, here in Alaska.  But there are some that still seemed surprised.  They would be just as surprised if it were 80 degrees here.  It is beautiful as always.  I can not express enough how much I love living in Alaska.
So glad you decided to come by today.  It has been a busy few days.  I have made many cards, always a plus with me.  Caught up on a little house work.  Not completed at this point, but keep that between us.  The girls seem to have seen a shrew in their room, you could probably hear them where you are.  It is so hard to convince girls that you can't just go right down and kill the poor thing and you can't run out to the store here at 9 pm to get something to catch it either.  But they made it through.
Thanks for coming in for a chat, hope today finds you and your family doing well and finding blessings where you thought there were none to be found.  Have a blessed day.  
One more thing -- Don't let the door hit ya, where the good Lord split ya ;)  Keep Smilin' 

Funshine!

This card can make you feel like the sun is shining even when it isn't.  Pray this day finds everyone doing well and enjoying whatever the weather maybe at your home.  Here the sun is shining, but it is still pretty cool.  Which is fine, I am not ready for mosquitos. 
If the weather is fine in your neck of the woods, enjoy some funshine.  God's healing rays for SAD.
Enjoy!
And please take a sip of that iced cold Southern Sun Sweet Tea for me.

Spring Fever!

Have you heard of it?  It is here.  The snow is melting, the sun is shining - Absolutely beautiful.  How do I know it is here?  The kids are antsy and wanting to be outside.  They are picking at each other relentlessly.  My children are like all others.  Every year around this time my husband will ask, "So what do you want to do for vacation this year?".  My comeback is always the same, "You bought me paradise, where else would I want to go?".  Am I just trying to make my husband feel good?  Yes and No.  I love where we live.  We have been here for almost six years and can't imagine being anywhere else.  God changes my view quite often this pic is out our patio door, some days I can see the mountains, some days I can't.  Part of the year they are snow capped and the other part they aren't.  Moose come through to pay a visit, as do the bears, although I haven't seen any bears,  just prints and fur.  

This is todays view, beautiful as always, a little deceiving, it is 15 degrees.

The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) are spectacular.  Our daughter at age three renamed them The Spirits of the Earth.  I have never taken a picture of them that truly captures the way I feel when I see them.  

So the best spring fever cure for me is a walk in my backyard.  The crocus will be peeking in a few weeks -- the first sign of spring. 

Thank you God (and my husband) for my paradise on Earth.

Sympathy Card

I did this card for a card swap.  Hydrangeas are absolutely beautiful.  If you have never seen one you have surely missed out on one of God's creations.  What I did with this card is stamped in black the full hydrangea (representing family left behind) and the one that dropped still in full color (representing its new life as it moves on to heaven).  It is so easy to forget the ones that have moved on have fulfilled God's plan for them and we should be rejoicing with them.  Think of the quality that person had and think how you can carry that on to help others the way they helped you.  Never hang onto that shadow of sorrow longer than necessary.  May God help you find comfort in your times of sorrow. 

Busy Weekend Wheew!

It has been busy.  My goal was absolutely no work on Sunday, which means everything had to be done before, new for all of us.  Church as a family, always great.  Good food and CCD afterward.  My husband says "How about stopping to get fresh veggies for sandwiches?".  Me "Sorry, we can't it is Sunday and that will make someone else have to work." (meaning the IGA workers).  That was fine with everyone.  We had decided on Saturday that there were plenty of leftovers from the week, so no cooking just warming up things, meatloaf, lasagne, cowboy stew, halibut chowder (it is lent - fish Fridays).  So how did we fair once home, for no work Sunday?  Caught my sweet husband folding towels, the kids filled the dishwasher, caught myself of all things cleaning the toilet.  Have you ever heard "Don't drink water" and now everyone is thirsty?  Well, if you ever want housework done claim a "No Work Day", progress will be made.  Do we plan on this again next Sunday?  Yes, to the best of our human ability.

We did however find time to make a Resurrection Tree for Holy Week.  Seven eggs each holding a treasure of discussion during the Holy Week.  I am so excited and hope the kids enjoy hearing the story of each piece, as much as they did finding the treasures. 

It is Monday, time for a new week, and new experiences.  Blessings to you all.

Shamrock Plant -- Trinity -- Father-Son-HolySpirit

Hope everyone enjoyed St. Patrick's Day.  I still need to let my daughter pinch me.  She caught me fair and square.  I was prepared this morning, then got a shower and totally forgot.  Fun silliness for a fun day.  OHHH, I have on a green pony holder, OHHH I have on green earrings, and no don't pinch your five year old brother that doesn't understand and yes he is wearing green.
Spent part of the day working on my new adventure into art -- an ATC card swap.  Theme steampunk -- anyone that knows me, knows this is a step out of my box.  Although, I did step out of it, I do think anyone that knows my style can see right through it.  I won't be posting til mid April, so watch for it.
Thought for the day -- In todays times of trials do you have the courage of St. Patrick to bring others to Christianity.  May God bless my voice and lifestyle that others my see Him through the gifts He has given me.  God bless you for reading this whole post.  Keep smiling!

I just realized I am a day early. Does this mean I don't need to post tomorrow?  Can't do that see you then.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Are you pinch proof?  I love this card, I made the ribbon slider so that you can take it off and wear it in a pinch.  I have really enjoyed making St. Patty's Day cards this year.  Green is one of my favorite colors. I think because it is earthy and warm. 
I pray this day finds you happy.  If you can't seem to find enjoyment for yourself, then do something nice for someone else.  You might be surprised by how much it will also help you.  God Bless you in your activities.  Talk to you tomorrow.

What a lovely day 17 above zero, the sun is shining, the kids are on spring break and are amazing quiet today (probably afraid I will put them to work if they get loud).  Which I should do anyway, always so much to do.  Hope this day finds you all doing well.  And if you are or aren't you still are turning to God for inspiration.  Decided a card with a little fun in the sun would be great for the day.  Alien?  Gecko?  I guess it really doesn't matter, he seems to be having fun, as should we all each day.  Share your inspiration for the day.  I love to hear from you.  Have a blessed day!  And please find time to smile at yourself.

A New Week!

This pic is from Eagle River -- God is amazing.  Pictures in no way fully give you how beautiful His world is.

I am always excited about a new week, just sparks a new hope that I may accomplish a little more this week than last.  Sometimes I make it sometimes I don't.  But that is okay.  Thank you for joining me this week and I hope I don't bore you too much.  May God bless all of our accomplishments this week.  Keep Smilin' 

Craft Day was a blast!

I told you that I would fill you in on craft day yesterday.  So much fun.  It is always great to get together with friends with shared interests and fresh ideas.  It is hard to go somewhere other than home and craft.  I always forget something.  Yesterday -- was no different.  Had I remembered all supplies I would have made 50 cards. YAY!  But as it so happens I am human and forgot many items so I have 50 cards planned and cut that need finishing up.  I forgot glue dots, friends are awesome thank you Danielle for sharing. I realized later I had not forgotten my glue dots they were just still packed -- I said I am human -- silly me.  This is the one card that I did finish, I made it for my daughter for her birthday this month and made a few more for swaps and donations.  Hope you like it.  Have a blessed day.

Sunday -- A day of rest and reflection on the past week.  It is a beautiful day here in Alaska.  The sun is shining and it is a whopping 5 degrees.  Shared Mass with my family and friends and now get to share a few moments with you.  God has blessed me with new friends and opportunity this past week -- to him I am very grateful. 
God's love and understanding to our world -- to move on past this last week with natural disaster, not just in Japan, but places like New Jersey as well, as they deal with flooding.  That we do not loose sight of him as we feel weak. 
God bless us all as we move into a new week.  May we take one day at a time and take time to thank Him for each moment He has given us. 

LUCKY ME!
Thanks to everyone that is following my blog.  I can't express how much fun this is for me.  Today is day 2 -- plans for today --  CRAFT DAY --  I always love craft day.  I get to be with friends that enjoy crafting.  We all get together, bring the craft of personal choosing and spend a whole day together and YES I mean the whole day 10 am til 10 pm.  Let's get those creative juices flowing ladies.  Check back in tomorrow to find out about the fun of today.  Don't forget to pray for those in earthquake and tsunami areas, as well as the many that may take everyday life for granted.  Have a blessed day!

MWAH!

St. Patrick's day is on its way.  An old way of saying "Go Green".  Thought I would send out an Irish kiss for the occasion.  Send me thoughts and fun ideas for St. Patty's day.  You know things like green mashed potatoes.

Hello, from way up North

I admit, this is all new to me.  But I am giving it a try.  Pray that we can all learn a little about each other and God's given talents.  I know He has blessed me and without him, my talents would be nothing.  If that talent isn't shared, then what would his point be in giving it to me.  May your day be blessed.  And may everyone affected by the recent earthquake and tsunamis find comfort in God's love.