Loving Every Season

I'm Back

2011-03-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

It's been 3 months since I've posted. I just wanted everyone to know I'm alive and kickin'! I haven't been very creative lately but I'm hoping that will change very soon. Stay tune....

2010-12-24T21:29:00.000-08:00

Have a Very Merry White Christmas!

2010-11-24T22:06:00.003-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope all of you have a blessed holiday!

Getting ready...

2010-11-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today have been days of cleaning the art studio and cleaning off the pool table (I've taken over the pool table with my "stuff") and the floor outside my studio...AND the rest of the basement! I really don't know how this happens. I hope there is never a show called Papercrafter Hoarder because my family might call in for an intervention!

After the work is done I have a couple of projects to finish and prepare kits for card class on Wednesday. I've got to say I'm loving my card classes. So many nice ladies! I have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the classes. Thanks to everybody who is signing up!

Well back to work before my family holds an intervention!

Remeber to check the Inkspots website for a picture of the Christmas Banner class, Dec.1st at 1:00 and 6:00 pm.

Another Card Class!

2010-09-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

I just scheduled another card class. "Merry Christmas Charlie Brown"
The Peanut Characters are back. I'm loving these Peanut stamps. Check out the Inkspot's website for pictures.

The date is Wedndesday, Nov.10th at 1:00 pm and again at 6:00 pm.

I f you take all of the Christmas cards classes offered at The Inkspot, you'll have all your cards done and mailed out on time!

2010-09-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

I finally have the dates of my card classes at The Inkspot in Kirkwood.

Class 1: Hero Arts All Occasion Cards (You will learn to make your own backgrounds and learn how to use your color pencils effectively.)

1:00 on Monday, October 18th
and also
6:00 pm on Monday, November 1st

Class 2: Good Grief, Charlie Brown All Occasion Cards. ( These cards are stinkin' cute!)

1:00 on Monday, October 25th
and also
6:00 pm Monday, October 25th

I hope you can come! There just might be a little surprise waiting for you!

Thank Goodness!

2010-09-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

My mojo is back! I cleaned my studio and then laid out the stamps I needed to use. I turned the IPod on and played my downloads from Glee, The Eagles, and The Beatles. The ideas have started flowing again. Check out The Inkspot of Kirkwood and look for my new class. They are All Occasion Cards. They are very versatile. I am teaching one class on two different days, one at 1:00 pm and one at 6:00 in the evening. I'll put the dates up later. Have a great weekend!

Do you Remember?

2010-09-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

Do you remember where you were when the towers were attacked? I'll never forget. I was getting ready for the first day of preschool. I remember seeing it live on TV and the first thing I did was call my mom and dad. I then called Mike to inform him. He works close to the Federal Reserve and the Arch so I wanted to make sure he was being careful. I remember the faces of the mothers dropping their children off at school worried that their children would be okay and reassuring them that they would be fine. I remember picking my children up from school and hugging them like there was no tomorrow. We put our flag out, the one we only put out on holidays. It has never come back in the house. I remember going to church with my family. I cried and prayed. To this day I can't watch the TV when they show the towers colapsing. Today I'm remembering and praying for those lives lost, their families, and those firefighters who worked endlessly. I am also praying for those in the Armed Forces and their families who have sacrificed so much.

Just Wondering????

2010-09-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

Do any of you just get a creative block? I'm really struggling to actually make something, anything. I have the ideas in my head but can't seem to start on them. Should I just stand in my studio until a start? I need to get my mojo back!!! Any ideas? I'm just throwing this out to the vast universe of the internet.

2010-08-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

Today is my baby boy's birthday. He is now 23! Hard to believe. Happy Birthday Gregory! He's such a great person. We went to dinner to celebrate the big day.

2010-08-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

Friday's was my baby girl's birthday! I can't believe she turned 25!! She has become a beautiful and sweet woman. I'm so proud of her. She is a great teacher and working hard on her Masters degree in Elementary Guidance Counseling. Last night we went to the Cardinal game to celebrate.

Today I'm learning about the Cinch Binder. I've been watching several You-Tube tutorials and... I think I might have the hang of it now. I tried using it a couple weeks ago and couldn't figure it out. Made a mess out of the paper. The tutorial really helped. I was missing some key tools on the machine! I can't wait to try it again on a card book. I'm binding together all of Greg's graduation cards. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I can do it this time! This week might be a good time to work on projects since it will be too hot to be outside. I can't believe another hot week. I love summer but not everyday in the high 90's and humid. Maybe we could have a couple of weeks in the 80's?

2010-07-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say I'm still here. I have finally gotten the basement cleaned just in time for the big July 4th weekend. I am now preparing for Greg's graduation party. It has been a busy summer. I'm looking forward to sharing pics of the July 4th festivities and the grad party. Greg has finally heard from
UM-St. Louis. He is going to work on a Masters in Accountancy and play baseball. I'm very happy for him and thrilled that I will be able to go to home games! It's hard to believe but Steph has her first day with students tomorrow! Of course she'll get 3 weeks off in late September, early October.

The big news in my house is that I cleaned my art studio!!!! I can walk into it now and have several open places to work. What is it about a clean area that helps the creative juices flow? After this weekend I can start plannig for classes at the Inkspot.

Have an artsy day!

Freedom Isn't Free!

2010-07-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

I know we have all heard this saying, but it really hit home to me this year at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France. I thought today would be a good day to post these pictures.

Omaha Beach Half of the wall that has the names of soldiers whose bodies were never found.

The beach and the English Channel in the background.

Many of the grave sites were unkown soldiers.

Let's keep our service men and women in our thoughts today.

Happy 4th of July!

Enjoy your families!

It's Official!

2010-06-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

It's official! I'm going to teach classes at The Inkspot in Kirkwood. I'm very excited. Julie and I met today to finalize everything. I will probably start teaching in August or September. I love stamping so this is a great opportunity to work with all the stamp companies I love.

Life Has Been Crazy Busy!

2010-06-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

School's been out and I'm still trying to catch up on projects at home. I'm almost done! I have to finish up the basement by putting away school stuff. Little by little I've put away stamping and scrapbook supplies and stuff ( I mean treasures) I've bought over the last 4 months. That's right 4 months! My goal this summer is to put the "treasures" away and then start making things. It's about time to get back in the swing of things and move forward creatively. I've taken a few of Sue and Missy's classes at FKS and that has seemed to get me motivated again!

My baby graduated from college! Greg graduated Summa Cum Laude with a major in accounting and minor in finance. He's planning to get a Masters in Accounting but he will be living at home during this time. It's been really nice for Mike and I to have both adult children living at home for a little while. We know this time is coming to an end soon, so we're enjoying our time with them.

I'm sorry it has been awhile since I've blogged... I'll continue my trip to France next time. I hope you're not tired of looking at the pics!

2010-05-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

Cruising....

One of the many locks we went through on our way to Rouen.

Next.... The American Cemetery in Normandy.

2010-05-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

The Louvre continued.... Part of Napoleon's Coronation and of course Mona Lisa.

It is very difficult to get a good picture of the Mona Lisa. She is encased in a climate control wall and behind bullet proof glass.

John the Baptist by Leonardo Di Vinci. What is so amazing is that when you visit the St. Louis Art Museum, you see one of this artist and one of another artist. At the Louvre you saw masterpiece after masterpeice. We were told if you looked at every piece of art at the Louvre 24/7 and spent one minute at each piece, it would take you 29 days!

I think the Louvre is a place I would visit each time I went to Paris. I took more pictures at the Louvre but I don't want to bore you!

Next time cruising down the Seine.

2010-04-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Louvre:

The Inverted Pyramid. This leads to a parking garage, an underground shopping mall and some places to dine.

Aphrodite of Melos, known as the Venus De Milo.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace. c. 190 B.C.

This monument commemorated a Rhodian naval victory. Victory was originally stood on a base in the shape of a ship's prow in a sanctuary at the top of a cliff.

Notice the shape of the wings. Victory in Greek was Nike. This statue was the inspiration of Nike's trademark. Isn't that cool?

More of the Louvre later.

I have work to do before the weekend begins.

Have a great weekend and try not to get wet. This might be a good weekend to work on paper projects!

2010-04-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

We spent one night on the boat, in Paris, before cruising down the Seine River.

The view from the deck of the boat.

The Eiffel Tower in front of the boat and the Statue of Liberty behind us. The Eiffel Tower was lit up and every hour on the hour for 10 minutes there was a light show. It was awesome! The Statue of Liberty is very small compared to the one in New York.

Our last day in Paris before we set sail, Suzette and I went shopping at Chanel and made our purchases. On the same street was the US Embassy, which we were not allowed to photograph. Also the Presidential Palace where the French President and Family lives. We could stand right across the street with the journalists and take pictures.

The afternoon was spent touring the Louvre.
Pictures of the masterpieces next time.

More from France...

2010-04-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

Did the exciting stuff today like buying a new matress and going to Dierbergs (for those from outside St. Louis, grocery store)! Came home and worked on stuff for Preschool. It always feels good to get done what you need to have done!

More pics from my trip:

Waiting for the Metro.

Musee de Orsay

Napolean's Tomb

Notice the size compared to people in background.

The outside to Napolean's Tomb.

2010-04-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful day taking classes from Wendy Vecchi. What an amazing talent and a sweetie-pie to boot!

More pictures from Paris:

This plaque is on too many schools in Paris. It tells all who pass by that children were taken from this school by the Nazis and taken to "camps". Chilling.

Les Tuileries: The garden between the Louvre and the Champs Elysees

Boats children sail in the pond.

Eating lunch in the Garden.

Loved it. I felt very French!

Finally...

2010-04-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

I have been sick most of the week, so I've taken the time to update my blog and catch up on some stuff at home when I'm awake.

I'll be putting pictures on the blog from different aspects of my trip. First a little background information. I went to France with my life long friend, Suzette. We've been friends since we were 3 & 4. We met at dancing school. We never went to the same school. Different elementary, high schools, and colleges. She had a MBA and I got a Masters in Education. I had children and she did not. But we have remained friends throughout our lives. Here are a few pictures from Paris:

Still can't figure out how to turn the pictures on the blog!

I also have a big announcment that I will be making soon. I'm very excited about it!

I'm Home!

2010-03-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

I got home very late Sunday with all but one missing piece of luggage. Finally got that Monday night. Overall the trip was inspiring, beautiful, and emotional. I saw everything a first timer should see in Paris and the beaches of Normandy were beautiful and peaceful, a far cry from what happened D-Day. I finally adjusted to our time zone and trying to get caught up on work at home. I'll be showing pictures from time to time. Stay tuned....

2 Days and Counting......

2010-03-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

"Well my bags are packed and I'm ready to go.... I'm leaving on a jet plane..." I'm definitely in the excited mode now! My bags are packed now and I'm finishing up stuff at the house that I want done before I leave. I have a few errands to run after work tomorrow and then Paris... I'll let ya'll know about the trip when I get home.

7 Days and Counting....

2010-03-10T20:38:00.000-08:00

The day has been busy getting ready for my trip to France. I have most of my dressy clothes packed. I bought a bunch of the travelers outfit from Chico's. I had never shopped there before. They have awesome clothes. The traveler clothes are dressy but are very light and they don't wrinkle! How come I didn't know about this? Went to Target after going to Perserving the Past class with Sue Kellerman. Love the class and I adore Sue! I am sad, however, that she won't be teaching night classes :[ Anyway, went to Target and got the rest of my travel toiletries. I'll finish packing them tomorrow. I can't believe that 7 days from now I'll be looking at the night lights of Paris. I keep pinching myself.

P.S. My sister-in-law is home from the hospital and doing amazing. She feels better now than she did before the surgery. Tomorrow we should find out the pathology report of the tumors. Please say a prayer for good news. The power of prayer is so awesome!

2010-03-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

Steph helped me put a new face on my blog. I hope I can remember how she did it! Home for the weekend and trying to get organized for my trip to France. I'm starting to get excited but I'm still not looking forward to the flying part. I'm okay while I'm in the air. It's just the take-offs and landings!

Steph did the Climb for Air at the Metropolitan Square this morning. She's been training for months. She did great. She finished 34th out of 234 in her age bracket. I can't believe she climbed 42 flights of stairs. Way to go Steph!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

2010-03-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who said a prayer for my sister-in-law. Angie had surgery this morning and everything went well. She came through the surgery great and they were able to remove the tumor and drain the cyst on the brain. The doctor is confident that they were benign, although they will be sent to be tested just to make sure. While she is in the hospital she will have another MRI to make sure that her spine and behind her eye are tumor free. This type of tumor also grows in these places. Please keep her in you prayers.

2010-02-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

It's baseball season in the Dambach home. I am posting from my hotel room down in Cape Girardeau. I came down to spend opening weekend with Greg. I left Mike to hold down the homefront. I spent the afternoon bundled up in layers of clothes and blankets watching baseball. Greg and I went to dinner after the the game. He choose Olive Garden. Greg went back to his apartment to study and go to bed early. I went shopping. I love shopping in Cape!!! I needed to get some jeans, make-up, etc for my trip to France. I got everything I needed at Macy's, Christopher Banks, Bath & Body, and Kohl's. I did it all within an hour! Everything is so close together you can get alot done in a short period of time. I think I'm all set for my trip in 19 days! The rest of the night will be spent in the hotel room, stamping and coloring with my Copic Markers.

Have A Great Weekend!

A Great Weekend!

2010-02-15T10:36:00.000-08:00

A great weekend. Friday night Mike and I went to our church's Sweetheart Banquet. We had a great time with friends. Saturday while Mike was at work, I went shopping in Kirkwood with Susan and Suzette. We ate lunch at Dewey's Pizza and then hit all the hot spots in Kirkwood. Saturday evening Greg came home with his girlfriend. It was great to have everyone at the house Sunday, including my nephew who is home on a 2 week leave from GITMO. Sunday evening Mike and I spent a low key evening together. Steph went out with her boyfriend, Gus, and we went to dinner at Frailey's. I know it's not the big romantic evening alot of people have, but it works for us.

Prayers Answered

2010-02-11T15:56:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who said a prayer for my sister-in-law. We have recieved very encouraging news today! The tumor that she has can be removed and are rarely malignant.

2010-02-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

I'm loving the snow!!! It has created an opportunity for me to complete "The Cleaning of the Basement". The storage rooms have needed to be cleaned out for about 6 months. I keep putting it off. I have told myself, no being artsy until the project is done! Well this weather was just what I needed to get down there and stay down there until I'm done!

2010-02-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

We've had some pretty upsetting news in our family. My sister-in-law (more like a sister) has a brain tumor. She's been suffering from dizziness and headaches for the past 4 months and was being treated for an inner ear virus. She had an MRI and it showed the tumor on the back section of her brain. We don't know anything else at this point. She sees a doctor at Barnes Thurs. We are praying for the best case scenerio. I'm asking everyone I know to say a prayer for Angela. Thank you.

2010-02-03T21:06:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow... an evening in Kirkwood. I'm going to dinner at Amici's on N. Kirkwood Rd.(aka Lindbergh). This is one of my favorite Italian places that isn't located on the Hill. Sandy, Cheryl, and I are going a little early and visiting the Checkered Cottage. Some stuff I ordered came in. It's a really cool stamping system. (I'll share more about that later.) I love that place.

Tomorrow I also need to make a Penzsey's run. For those who have never been, it's a spice shop like nothing you've experienced! They are located in downtown Maplewood. They have the best spices to make Chicken Tacos and Chicken Fajitas. I'm trying to get my menu together for our Super Bowl Party on Sunday!

Have a great day!

A Great Evening With Friends!

2010-01-30T17:41:00.000-08:00

Steph (my daughter) and I had a Pamper Chef Party last night. Our neighbor's daughter has started selling it. It was great to see everybody! I love how my freinds from different areas of my life can all mesh. It was also cool to see Steph's friends there, too. We had a blast! After gatherings like this, I always say a prayer of thanks. I am so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.

2010-01-27T16:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know I promised Christmas pictures. I've been using the month of Jan. to get caught up on preschool stuff. I'm trying to get ahead so I'm not scrambling at the last minute to get projects ready for the class before I leave for France.

The last wreath is a sample of the 12 wreaths that hung from each window. The reindeer (tree) held Old World Ornaments. The foyer tree is 1 of 5 trees in our home. This one is in the foyer. It is an angel tree. All of the ornaments are angels. I did put a scattering of bronze ornaments on it to tie in with the greenery in the diningroom and study. The bird cage was black and I sprayed it hammered pewter. I am going to put different seasonal items in it throughout the year. Also a picture of a portion of our Santa collection on the familyroom mantle.

2010-01-17T12:35:00.000-08:00

The Christmas containers are almost all back in storage!!!!! Yeah! I'm really ready to get the Christmas pics printed and scrapbooked. This year I'm going to really try to scrapbook my pictures as they get printed. Also many of you asked for pictures of the front door of my home all decorated for the holidays. I'll have them on this week. I kind of took a blogging break over the holidays. I'm ready to get back in the swing of it!

2010-01-12T22:01:00.000-08:00

Had the best holiday! This past month I've spent alot of time with family and friends. Greg goes back to school tomorrow so the house will feel a little empty. Tomorrow Steph and I are going to a visitation for a dancing mom. Steph and Caitlyn danced for many years together. We would all travel together around the country and would hang out while the girls danced. We shared Vegas and Disney World and so much more. Karen loved her family and will be missed. Breast Cancer is a horrible disease and as women we must do everything we can to support research to find a cure and remind each other to do self-examinations and get mamograms!

2009-12-22T20:26:00.000-08:00

Everyone is home for the holidays! Christmas will be spent with my family and New Year's will be spent with Mike's family coming in town. We are truely blessed this holiday season.

May all of you have a very Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2009-12-16T22:38:00.000-08:00

Today was the last day of preschool until the new year. As much as I love teaching, I'm looking forward to the break! Today all the teachers went out to lunch at Franco's. It's located in Soulard, next to the market in the old Welch's Baby Furniture Factory. The food was outstanding! It just so happens that I'm going there Thursday night with friends before the Fox Theatre. I'm going to see White Christmas. I'm looking forward to the show because the movie is one of my favorite Christmas movie. I cry every time the general walks in the room and sees all the guys who came to support him. Gets me every time!

2009-12-05T20:45:00.000-08:00

The November Card Class was my last card class at FKS. I loved teaching the classes and I loved the ladies who took the classes. After much thought I came to this decision for several reasons. My son is finally healthy enough to play baseball and I want to be able to travel and watch him play Wed. games and weekend games. He is in his 4th year of college and the opportunity to watch him is coming to an end soon and I don't want to miss it. The other reason is my trip to France comes at a time when I should be holding Easter and Mother's Day card classes. For the next 6-7 months my plate is overflowing. I have always been a person who, if I can't give a 110% to a project or job, I won't commit to it. I am aware in these hard economic times, that you spend your hard earned money to take classes at FKS and I feel honored you choose to take mine. I also want to publicly thank Timi and Nancy N. for giving me the opportunity to teach at FKS.

For right now, I'm enjoying teaching preschool, taking time to decorate my home for Christmas and making my own Christmas Cards. I am going to keep my blog going and I will display my projects and activites in my life. I would like to teach again but for right now this is the best decision for myself and my family.

I'm So Excited...I Just Can't Hide It...

2009-12-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

Does anyone remember that song? I got an email today that has sent me over the moon! I placed an order with Coture Cardstock and recieved my order. The email they sent tells me that I was randomly choosen to get my paper order FREE! They took the cost off my charge! I can't believe it. Does anyone else get excited over free stuff? Back to decorating...

P.S. I will take pictures this weekend and post early next week. I redid the front of our home this year and I must say it looks mar-vel-ous!!

Copic Marker Paper That Doesn't Bleed Thru...

2009-11-25T15:04:00.000-08:00

I had a second and thought I'd share a product that Sally Lynn has endorsed. Check out her blog. It's called One Sheet Wonder. The paper has been developed to use with Copic Markers. It DOESN'T BLEED THROUGH TO THE OTHER SIDE! Think of the possibilities! Since we spend alot of money on our markers why not use great paper! It's pretty reasonable, too. The website is http://www.coturecardstock.com/ . They also have a new paper for blending called Detail Blending Paper. I've ordered mine. Let me know what you think of it.

2009-11-23T21:31:00.000-08:00

We took Greg back to school last night. No mono...yeah! He is doing better and he hasn't had a fever for over 24 hours. Yeah, Yeah!!!! Playing catch-up today. Got the Christmas decorations out of storage and got all the trees assembled. Tomorrow is the Thanksgiving feast at school. The children are so darn cute with their Pilgrim hats! I might not be blogging the rest of the week so have a safe and very Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-21T20:41:00.000-08:00

Today I was suppose to go to FKS for a class with Debbie Schuh. Well, plans changed pretty quickly at my home. Mke went down Friday night and picked up Greg from SEMO. He's not been feeling good the last couple days but got really bad Friday. He was too sick to drive home. Soooo... Saturday he was worse than Friday so, I spent Sat. afternoon at the Urgent Care Center. Greg was tested for flu, negative. Yeah! Tested for strep, negative but could still be strep because he's been on antibiotics for 24 hours. And got a blood test for mono. We should hear the results tomorrow. All he's been doing is sleeping and studying. I'm giving him some mother's TLC and doing laundry. Mike brought all of his bedding and towels home at my suggestion. I'm hoping he can go back Monday to finish out his last 2 days before Thanksgiving break.

Tonight I went to a surprise birthday party for my Great Aunt Gladys. She turned 85 today! I hope I have a mind like her as I age. She is an amazing woman and looked like Doris Day with dark hair when she was young. She has been (my dad's side) the keeper of the family history. She was overwhelmed by all the people and said how blessed she is for such a wonderful family. In truth, I'm the one who has been blessed having someone like Aunt Gladys in my life. She is an amazing person!

2009-11-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who came to card class yesterday. I hope you had as much fun as I did. You guys are the best!!! The adorable Michelle came in and drew a name and the winner of the drawing for the sign was Jo Witney. Congrats!

Christmas Card Class Tomorrow

2009-11-17T14:46:00.000-08:00

Time: 10:00 am and 6:30 pm. I'll be there at 6:00 pm, if you want to come early and start stamping.

Supplies needed for card class.

Basic Supplies
Foam mounting tape (Sold at FKS)
Pop dots
Color pencils, glitter pens or markers
Red line tape (Sold at FKS)
We will be using Rock Candy Distress Stickles, if you have your own, you might want to bring it.
Black and red ink. (I will have ink at class.)

Looking forward to seeing you there. You're going to love making these cards!

2009-11-16T21:26:00.000-08:00

Weekend didn't go as planned. I was winterizing the fountain, which is heavy, and the large iron dodad (Don't know what to call it!) came crashing down, with me as the target. I twisted around to catch it, which I did, but messed up my back . Sunday I sat and laid around in a fog from the muscle relaxers! Doing better today.

2009-11-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday... I worked on preparing cards for the card class on Wednesday.

Today... I'm working outside. I need to take apart the outside fountain before it gets too cold! I'm also going to dig out and prepare the vegetable garden for next year.

Tomorrow... I have earmarked as a creative day. I'm going to the studio and try to be creative. My creative juices have been low lately. I need a day to get them flowing.

2009-11-08T21:26:00.000-08:00

Cards for the November 18th class.

Learn to make 2 Waterfall Cards and using the same stamp but make 2 entirely different cards.

You will need to bring the basics supplies plus pop-up dots and double-sided foam strips, sold at FKS.

You may also bring your own color pencils or markers.

You will make a bonus Bag and Tag.

And as always, a little surprise!

2009-11-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

Cards were displayed at the store Friday. I forgot to take a picture, but I will remedy that tomorrow afternoon.

Halloween get together at our home was a blast! It was laid back and relaxing. The cutest trick or treaters! Good food and good friends, what more do ya need!

2009-10-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Hallloween!!!

Getting ready for our get together and all the trick or treaters!

This is on of my favorite days!

2009-10-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

Turned in the cards for November card class. I'm hoping to have them on display tomorrow. We will be learning to make waterfall cards. These are so much fun to make!
The next couple days are some of my favorites. Tomorrow is the Halloween Party at school. I love seeing the children in their costumes. They are so excited to have you guess who they are behind the mask! I haven't decided what costume I'm wearing. It's too hot to wear my Tigger costume, so I will either be Raggedy Ann or a doctor. So I must go and make treat bags for my students and prepare my costume, whatever it will be! Maybe I'll be the character that requires no ironing!!!

2009-10-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to be back home after a wonderful weekend in Princeton, IN. I have learned soooo much! My head is still spinning. I went down by myself but met alot of really nice women. This is the first time I've been in a class with just store owners, designers, and instructors. I was like a sponge, just listening to all the ideas and about the other scrapbook and rubber stamps stores in the midwest and yes, Ontario, Canada! The classes on Saturday were open to everyone. I met alot of great ladies from the Princeton area. I learned alot about Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists. Did you know you're not suppose to shake them to get the glimmer off the bottom? I'll tell you another time what to do instead! I learned some basic techniques using the Copic Markers on Saturday and then Sunday I spent a whole day learning about Copic Markers. WOW! Sally Lynn McDonald was awesome (our instructor for 2 days). I am so grateful for this opportunity to learn from such a talented lady. I ended my experience this weekend with, TADA, Copic Marker Certification! My name should appear on the website in about 3 weeks!

Back to reality, I need to unpack my stuff and start a load of wash! I can't wait to be artsy 2morrow!

2009-10-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

A big thank you goes out to everyone who came to card class today. I hope you had a great time. I'm sorry if I seemed a little scattered brained today. I seem to be having this problem all week! It must be the Too Much To Do And Too Little Time Syndrome! Does anyone else suffer from this syndrome? Maybe we could form a support group, but that would just add one more thing to our lists!!!

2009-10-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

We had a great time yesterday watching Greg play baseball and then the family picnic. He did a great job in the baseball game.
Steph went skydiving today! I couldn't believe she was going to do it, but she did! We have the pictures and DVD to prove it. I was kind of worried but after seeing the DVD of her jumping, I think I want to go! It was pretty cool.
Getting things ready for my week at school. Tomorrow I'm going to prepare the card class and clean up the art studio. Yikes, it looks like a tornado went through it! I am starting to get excited about my trip to Princeton, IN. I'm going to take classes on Saturday and then the Copic Marker Certification Class on Sunday. I talked to the owner of the LSS and was told there were people coming from Ontario to take the class. There will be quite a few people from out of town. It's always good to meet new friends.The teacher doing the Copic Marker class is also a designer for Tattered Angels (I think that's the name). I'm going to learn how to use those misty colors sprays we all bought and don't know how to use! Hopefully I'll come back with some new ideas! I also found out there are antique shops in the town. Hopefully I'll get a chance to do some shopping!

2009-10-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

Can't wait for tomorrow!!! We're going down to Cape to see Greg. The baseball team is having a family day. The boys are playing an inter-sqad game and then a bar-b-que (inside) afterwards. I made cupcakes at Greg's request and mandrine orange salad.

2009-10-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a look at my hearthroom mantel. Those are hand painted gourds. The two larger ones in the middle light up! I found the gourds at Cobblestone Cottage in St. Charles on Main Street.

Have an artsy kind of day!

2009-10-12T18:26:00.000-07:00

Okay you've asked where are the pictures. I finally took them today for your viewing pleasure. All the pieces light up, the carnival rides all move, and several of the pieces make music and sound haunted!!! I love it!

2009-10-12T18:25:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Pop! You're the greatest dad a girl could have!!!

2009-10-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom!!! We love you Bunches and Bunches, a Buschel and a Peck, and a Hug around the Neck!

2009-10-07T21:37:00.001-07:00

I've been working on the Halloween Village tonight, finally! I promise pictures soon. It really is pretty cool! Also I keep forgetting to post pictures of the October Cards. Here they are, I hope you like them!

2009-10-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged (Is that a word?) for quite a while. I finally have the house put together just in time to put up all the Fall and Halloween decorations in our home. Mike just LOVES hauling all the containers out for me!!! He says that this is the start of 4 months of hauling decorations! What can I say, I love to decorate for different holidays! My mom always decorated our home as I grew up and it has been a tradition that I will continue. I'll try to take pictures for you to see the Halloween village. It is so cool!!!

2009-09-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

Where did the weekend go? We've been busy putting together the first floor and preparing the second floor for the carpet restretching process! I guess I haven't gone through drawers and all our "stuff" for 4 years and boy am I sorry. I've been going through files and drawers and pitching and giving away. It's a pain in the bum to do, but I feel pretty good when I'm finished. My new goal, when I finish upstairs, is to clean out the kitchen cabinets and drawers. I'm sure there's junk in them I have never used! I know there's a few drawers I call the "catch all" drawers that are going to get cleaned out. I guess that why people do big Fall and Spring cleanings!!!

2009-09-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came to card class yesterday. You guys are the best and you all seem to get more confident each month!!! I just have so much fun at class and one of my goals is that you are having a good time. Your cards looked great!!!

Update: My floors are totally done and I'm putting stuff away. I'm sooooo glad that the first floor is finished! Monday and Tuesday the 2nd floor carpet gets stretched and then I'm ready to decorate for Fall!! I love my Fall/Halloween/ Thanksgiving decorations. The warm colors of Fall makes me feel all warm and cozy.

Pictures of October card class will be posted this weekend. The cards are on displayed at the store.

2009-09-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

I was blog surfing and was on Tim's blog. Look at how he set up the ink blenders. I have the spinners and blenders. I even labeled each blender with the color ink, but you have to see what he did!!! He must of inked paper and punched circles. Then adhered them on top of the blender!! Love the idea. I've done something similar to my alcohol inks but never thought of the blenders!!!! I've had an epiphany! It doesn't take much to make me happy or it could be the fumes from the finish they put on my floors today!

2009-09-14T05:47:00.000-07:00

I'm finishing up projects I've had sitting around my studio for awhile. I've had 2 Basic Grey Card Making Packages sitting on my work table since April. I finally got them both done last night while watching Drop Dead Diva and Army Wives. They really are a quick way to make cute cards, especially if your not into stamping. When I made mine, I inked edges and put some of the pieces on chipboard and used pop dots. I know FKS does carry Basic Grey Card Kits from time to time. They are worth getting.

Not sure how the first picture one got turned sideways! When I downloaded the picture it was facing the correct way!!! I'm not quite sure how that happened! Oh well, you get the idea!

I'm reading a motivational book which says we should embrace Monday like we would Friday!

TGIM!!! Have an artsy day! ;)

2009-09-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

I'm on a roll. October cards have been submitted and have been approved. Thanksgiving is the theme and I'm using the Core'dinations Papers. You are going to love them. You'll be using the Nestabilities and the Martha Steward punches. I will post the October cards after the Wednesday card class. I've started designing the Christmas Cards and it's putting me in the holiday spirit!

Floor are almost done. Can use the floor this weekend but then Monday, the final coat goes on and I'm back in the basement. Tuesday the trim gets painted and Wednesday the furniture gets moved back into the rooms. Guess what I get to do Thursday and Friday after work? That's right, wash and put everything away. Just in time for the carpet stretching ordeal to begin!

2009-09-09T11:58:00.001-07:00

The floors are in and the sanding has begun!!! Oh boy! I had to get out of the house for a few minutes! What is it the Grinch says, "The noise, THE NOISE!..."? I went to the best place in St. Louis, my Disney World of the Midwest, For Keepsakes Scrapbook Store. I don't know why I hadn't seen it before, but Little Yellow Bicycle's Fall stuff is fabulous (Already have the Halloween collection)! I think I bought the whole Fall collection. I did leave some for the rest of you! My fav is the chipboard book and the pre-cut paper that go right into it. All you have to do is make the book your own and junk it up a bit and viola, a hostess gift for Thanksgiving!

Since I'm stuck in the basement, I think I will go and be CREATIVE!!! Have an ARTSY day ;)

2009-09-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful weekend with my family. I hate to have it end, especially knowing what's in store for me these next couple of weeks. Getting ready to have new flooring put in is a pain! Clearing out rooms and relocating stuff. I have to keep thinking of the end result and not that I will have a small, 12 in. path to get to the 2nd floor. That I will have to go out the back door, up the hill and in through the garage to get anything out of the washer and dryer or the refrigerator! I need to think positve!!! I will get beautiful new floors, I will clean out my stuff and get rid of things I don't use, I will have the Fall deep cleaning done as I put the rooms back together! Oh, and yes, I will be able to work on future card classes because I can't do anything else while the crew is here! POSITIVE THINKING!!!!!

2009-09-04T23:56:00.000-07:00

September Card Class

September 19th

10:30 am or 6:30 pm

Bring basic supplies plus color pencils or glitter pens,

clear glitter pen, and pop dots.

2009-09-03T23:19:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post.... (because I can't sleep!) My September cards will be at FKS Friday. I'm combining Halloween and Fall into one class. There is a surprise gift bag for you to make and a small, cute Fall gift for you because I think y'all are the best!!!!!

Lots going on with the beginning of my school year. Can't wait for a little R&R this weekend. Greg gets home tomorrow afternoon from SEMO and Steph and Mike have Monday off so I'm hoping for some quality family time this weekend. Tuesday starts the process of getting hardwood floors installed in the dining room and study. Also having carpet on the second floor stretched and the master bathroom having some updating done. It's always something with a house. Can't wait until it's done!!!

2009-08-23T10:36:00.001-07:00

Greg went back to SEMO Friday morning. We had breakfast at Cracker Barrel on Merramec Bottom Rd. and I-55. Had a great time and then he got on the highway and off to school. It's always hard seeing him go back. I've been doing this college thing now for 6 years and it is easier than the first time we sent them off to college. But..... there is still that moment when you see the car pull away. I cry every year, just not as long. I always remember that he is where he needs to be. I don't want to cripple my children. I want them to be healthy, happy, independent! I say that to myself over and over again, all the way home!

2009-08-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came to the card classes today. I hope you had a good time and learned a little, too. I know I did!

Big news (for me anyway) when I got home tonight. I was accepted into the Copic Marker Certification Class! I'm very excited. So look out ladies, I see Copic Markers in the future of our card classes!

2009-08-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

Happy 22nd Birthday G-Man!!!!

Since the day you entered this world you have brought us such joy and laughter!

Enjoy your day!

2009-08-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

Went to St. Charles this week and did a little Fall shopping. The stores have all their Fall merchandise out before the Festival of the Hills. I also found a thing or two for Christmas. I've decided which Dept. 56 Halloween stuff I want to get this year. I'm going to add the train and station to my Halloween Village. I finished making thank you notes and will be getting them ready to send out Monday. I'm trying to enjoy these last couple weeks of Summer.

2009-07-31T20:11:00.000-07:00

Cute Cards with Kim

Wednesday, August 19th

Classes at 10:30 am & 6:30 pm

Sign-up at For Keepsakes

Cupcakes will be served

plus a bonus gift bag!

2009-07-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Steph!!!

2009-07-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

Beware of holes in the ground!!!!

This is how our weekend started Friday afternoon. Greg's cutting grass and a swarm of hornets come out of the ground. Thankfully he runs fast and didn't get stung. Called the exterminator, and he took care of the 6 inch hole in the ground. Woke up Saturday morning to a leak under the sink. (Yes, we ran the dishwasher overnight!!) Called the plumber but he couldn't come until Monday! Called our neighbor, who fixes everything, at the insistence of Steph. Mitch came over and fixed the leak. Put the fan in front of the sink to dry it out. Eventually I put back all the cleaning supplies stored underneath. Next, Steph tells me she wants to invite a new guy she's dating over Sat. night and could I please put away all the 4th of July decorations I have sitting in the dining room, waiting for me to pack and take to our storage unit. So I worked all day cleaning up the 4th of July decorations and stuff in the basement (where they were going to watch a movie). Finally at 3:30 I got ready to go out to dinner with a couple of neighbors who were taking us out for our 25th wedding anniversary. We left at 4:30 and ate dinner at Tucker's in Soulard. (Personally, I thought it was kind of early but I know most people eat earlier than Mike and I.) We came home and turned the corner of our street and found this: A SURPRISE PARTY FOR US!!!! Given by Steph and Greg!!! It was overwhelming turning the corner and seeing about 80 people you love!!! Our families and friends all came for us. I cried like a baby and Mike had tears in his eyes. With each person I saw, I said, "OH my God!" then cried and hugged them. It was an unbelievable evening. I feel truly blessed to have so many unbelievable people in our lives. Mike and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary with all the people we love. It can't get much better than that! I can't express how proud we are of Steph and Greg to have done this for us!

2009-07-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

Well friends, I got up this morning and was inspired to create new cards!!! I hope you like them, 4 cupcake cards and a gift bag with a chipboard cupcake. In the class we will use the Cuttlebug Embossing Folders. I can't wait for you to see what a difference the dimension makes on the cards! I'm hoping to bring the cards in either Tuesday evening or Wednesday. I have to finish all the paper work that is required when you offer a class. I'm taking a break tomorrow and I'm going to the Science Center with Greg. I want to see Sue the T-Rex. Greg said he would go with me if we see the Omni-Max film about the Grand Canyon with music by Dave Matthews. I made the deal quickly before he changed his mind. The Science Center is one of my favorite places to go in St. Louis. As Steph and Greg grew up, I took them to the Science Center at least once a year. I'm looking forward to spending the day with my son.

2009-07-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

It's been finalized! In March of 2010, I'm going on a river cruise from Paris to Normandy!!! And I'm spending 3 days in Paris before the beginning of the cruise!!! I've always wanted to see Paris and Giverny, where Monet was inspired! There are so many places we are going to see!!! We will also see Omaha Beach in Normandy and visit the American Cemetery where the brave Americans that took part in D-Day are buried. I love American History so this will be quite an experience for me. Because of these boys and men we are free!

2009-07-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

233 years ago...on July 4th, 1776

This great nation, the United States of America,

In a struggle for what was right and free,
Was proudly born...
May we celebrate that precious freedom
For which our forbears fought so bravely...
The freedom that is inherent
In the Stars and Stripes, our revered flag...
Celebrate Freedom
This Fourth of July!

Author Unknown

Happy 4th of July Friends and Family!!!!

2009-06-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came to the card class yesterday! I hope you all had a great time! I just think it's so cool that you all get together every year and do girl stuff! It's always fun for me to introduce cardmaking to new people.

I have decided not to teach the card class in July. Not to bore you with all the details, but I need to turn my attention to my family this month. I'm hoping to come back in August, but we will see how things go at home. For those of you who want to take a card class, Nancy W. is offering 2 great card classes in July.

2009-06-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe July 4th is next week!!! It's been a crazy couple of weeks. Card classes on the 17th went great. Thanks to everyone who attended!!! We had the whole family over on Father's Day evening. We had dinner and a great time in the pool. Today, Steph and I looked at condos for her to buy. It's hard to believe that she is getting ready to spread her wings and have her own place. It's a very exciting time for her. So much is going on in our lives right now that my time in the craft room has been limited (Boo-Hoo).

Stay Cool!!!!

2009-06-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

Took a class from Lance of Rusty Pickle tonight. We had a great time. What a wonderful class. I'm using my book as a Father's Day present for Mike. Shhh, don't spill the pickles (I mean beans) if you see him! Check out Rusty Pickle's website to see the new patriotic papers! They are awesome!

2009-06-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

I went to the stamp convention in Collinsville today with Susan, Patti, and Karen. OMG!!!!! It was not crowded on Sunday. I go every year and I think, "Kim you've seen everything there!" Not true. A couple of new vendors worth seeing and I re-learned how to do a few techniques.
It was a fun day.

2009-06-06T19:15:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to design cards for the July card class. I'm thinking cupcakes! I've got some really cute cupcake stamps and I'm also thinking we should have cupcakes to eat during class.

Tip for Today:
I've been organizing my scrapbook studio. I'll try to share a few pictures this week of some of the ways I organize my "stuff". I find if I organize my "stuff" after I finish a project, it helps to motivate and inspire me to move on to the next project. Sometime when I clean up my room I'll find "stuff" I forgot I had and I will use it in the next project.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

2009-06-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

I was at the store Saturday and I was approached about doing my card class for a customer and her family who's coming in town. How exciting! They can't come when my class is scheduled so I am arranging a separate time for them. So-o-o-o, I was thinking (never a good thing) if anyone would like to have a group come in to make cards, I would be happy to either design cards for your group to make or you can make the cards of the month. You can schedule a group at For Keepsakes and we can work out a day and time (I'm pretty flexible in the summer). That's my sales pitch for the day, I'm off to swim laps and get a little sun before Greg's game tonight.

I've got to tell what I've been doing in my scrapbook studio, but I'll save that for another day.......

2009-05-29T20:52:00.001-07:00

We went to Greg's first baseball game this summer and watched him play for the first time in 2 years. He got a solid hit between 2nd and 3rd base his first time up to bat. It brought tears to my eyes seeing him at the plate and running out to play right field. I'm so happy for him. I'm also very proud of the way he has handled himself through adversity. I said a silent prayer and thanked God not only for the hit and healing him but making him the wonderful man he has become.

Okay, I know I'm a little emotional and I don't get like this too often, but do blame me?

2009-05-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

I'm a happy girl!!! Greg's home from school. He's so much fun to have around and I get to go to his summer baseball games. He's playing in the Metro College League and it will be the first time he will play in 2 years, since his arm and back injury. I love to watch Steph and him interact. It puts a smile on my face. Steph is gearing down for the end of her school year. She's already thinking about next year, since it will be her 1st full year of teaching and the classroom will be hers to decorate and set up. She's already brought in a loveseat that she is covering and adding fun pillows and bean bag chairs to make a reading area. How cool is that!! What an inviting place for children to read. Both of the kids (or should I say adults!) are taking classes this summer. Greg is taking 2 higher level accounting classes on line. He's been reading alot! Steph is working on her Masters in Counseling. I think this is a good fit for her. I feel so blessed to have such great "adult" children!

2009-05-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures of the June class, June 17th, at 10:30 am or 6:30 pm. If you come at 10:00 or 6:00, you can get all of your stamping done before class starts. I will be there!!!! If you can't come early that's okay.

There will be a surprize project! If you don't have time in class to make the July 4th favor (oops I'm giving away the secret!), it is easy enough to make at home!

Hope to see you there!!!

2009-05-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

On thy grave the rain shall fall from the eyes of a mighty nation!

-Thomas W. Parsons

Let us all remember those who served and those who died serving our country.

Enjoy your families this weekend!

2009-05-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

"School's Out For Summer!" Love that song! I've finished another school year and I'm looking forward to a relaxing summer. I'm hoping for a summer of laying (and swimming laps) in the pool, barbeque, and creating art! After the stressful summer we had last year, I'm thinking maybe I am due for a relaxing one!

I will be posting my next card class this weekend. It has been approved and it will be displayed in the store within the next couple of days.

Tomorrow I am taking the day off and heading to St. Charles with Susan and Suzette. We are having lunch, probably at Magpie's, and going to all of our favorite places. There's nothing better than a day with friends.

2009-05-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came to the Card Class today. I enjoyed seeing the regulars and meeting the new people. Thanks for sharing my love of cardmaking today.

2009-05-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

Hey gang, click over to Missy's blog and sign up for the Komen Race/Walk for the Cure. You don't have to walk (most of us don't). We have a really good time!!! You can join the team and sleep in, too. Come on ladies, let's fight breast cancer!!!! We all know someone that has been touched by the disease.

2009-05-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

May is a crazy month for teachers. So please bear with me the next couple weeks as I finish up another school year. I'm not going to be posting on a regular basis for the next couple of weeks.

With that said, I took off last weekend and went to the Lake of the Ozarks for a girls' weekend. I had a spa day and the rest of the time we shopped! I came home refreshed and ready to face all the work associated with the end of a school year and getting our home ready for summer. I've been planting flowers, opening up the pool and the little fountain on the patio, planting my garden, and cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning outside. The powerwasher has become my best friend!!!

I hope to see you at card class a week from this Wednesday, May 13th. There is plenty of room so I hope to see you there. I do have I surprise project for you this month! I'm not telling but I think you will like it!

2009-04-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a great time at Scrap St. Louis!

2009-04-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

It's official! The cards for the May card class have been approved! The theme of May is "Manly Man" Cards. The class will be Wednesday, May 13th. The class will be offered at 10:30 am and 6:30 pm.

2009-04-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

There is still room in the card class on Wednesday, April 15th. You can sign up for the 10:30 am or 6:30 pm class. Hope to see you there!

2009-04-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

I love decorating my home for all the holidays!

It's always fun to think of new ways to decorate the table.

2009-04-12T19:27:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Easter Sunday at our home. It was great having Greg home for a couple of days. The kids went to the Cardinals' game Saturday and Steph made it on National TV!