Blarney!

I don't celebrate St. Patrick's Day very enthusiastically, probably because I don't see the point.  We never gave it much thought in our home growing up, and I don't need a reminder to drink every day (I've got a kid for that).

All joking aside, as a Mother, I've found myself wanting to make everything memorable for my son.  This need was never there before and I don't remember anyone mentioning this when they gave me  the "nesting" and "post depression" talks.  Maybe I missed those classes at the local hospital.  Anyways, all I know is that it consumes me.  I try to fight it and it eats away at me nonetheless.

And so, here I am, entering March and another Holiday on the horizon.  Hopefully, I don't go overboard.

 

To Do NOT

It's been one of those days that seems to go by so fast and yet, I can't for the life of me think of what I got done.  I'm beginning to think "to-do" lists were invented as a mean practical joke.  They do nothing but laugh at me behind my back, and to my face for that matter.  And I have oh, so many of them.  On my frig. On the pad of paper located on the counter.  In my purse.  In my car.  In the purse I keep in the car. On my phone.  On the App I download to my phone to keep "to-do" lists. I'm so organized, I'm unorganized.






On top of all that I had to deal with the dreaded "No Napper" today.  My plans were simple.  Get up, go into town, visit Michaels, JoAnns, Hobby Lobby and take pictures of embellishments to replicate at home with my supplies. ('Cause I'm not paying $10 for flowers and glitter stickers).  Instead, there was a power struggle in the house today for over 2 hours.  Didn't he see that "take nap" was on HIS "to-do" list? (Or maybe he did, and I'm just now realizing that the depth of this cruel joke is deeper than I thought).

I put him down.  He would sneak out.  Back down.  Sneak to Mommy's and Daddy's room and play there.  Back down with gate preventing sneakiness. Climb said gate and pretend like I don't see Mommy.

The winner?

Well, there was no clear winner.  I didn't end up going to town, and Braam ended up taking a nap. It was pretty ridiculous really.  He slept on the floor and I in the crib.  Neither gave in.

Easter Delight

I love Easter. *Sigh*  So, much so that it seems I created these layouts...and forgot to add my pictures.  I've been organizing my craft room (an affliction that doesn't seem to go away) and found these in my stash.

How cute is this layout!?  I think it's all CTMH products.  Yeah, I know what your thinking, but you have to understand that I used to be consultant for a little bit and I have lots of stuff.  Don't worry, I've been checking out the CHA videos this past winter and I've got my eye on My Mind's Eye line coming out.  Time to branch out.

Banners are all the rage and I got THREE on this layout.  So, there.  I'm caught up with the rest of the trendsetters.  I love how the paper pieced rabbits came out.

The paper pack is Mayberry, which I wasn't a big fan of when it came out, but I made it my own.  Literally.  I added strips of light blue to the striped paper and BAM! It's workable for boy layouts.  I have to do that a lot it seems.  If you have a girl, your all set for scrapbooking supplies.  Throw some flowers and rhinestones on those scraps and your good to go.  With a boy it's different.  Things are getting better out there,but I'm sick of buttons.  Buttons, really?! Don't get me started.

I'm just going to take a minute and look at these cute layouts and let my rant dissipate...ok, I'm good.

Leap Year Traditions

 It's really been a mix of summer and winter here this year.  I've never experienced a February like this.  Braam and I went for a walk in his wagon yesterday and while our cheeks and noses were pink, I was thinking about how much fun summer is going to be this year with a two year old.   There are so many things I want to expose him to, and watch as he experiences them for the first time.

It made me think of a layout I did earlier in January.  We, as parents, always have the best intentions, but our plans can sometimes go amiss.  Case in point: Labor Day Parade 2010.  It started late.  We arrived early.  It rained.  We got wet.   It was cold.  I dressed everyone is shorts and tees.  It was loud.  Braam cried.

We'll try again next year.

Supplies:
CTMH Fanfare paperpack
CTMH stamps

Another example: Winter Lake Walk.  Every year I love to go for a walk on our lake when it's frozen over.  Little problem: it hasn't completely frozen over yet this year!  Now, I like to call myself adventurous, but not with the half frozen lake thing.  And I don't care if the lone fisherman thinks it's just fine.  YOUR ALONE, CRAZY!!! Take a hint.  So, I did this layout of last year's walk and hope that the annual tradition just has this one leap year.

Supplies:
CTMH Wonderland papers, Flurries DE, rubons, buttons
K&Company purple letters
Twine

Thank you for the snow

Living in Michigan, I expect to be snowed in a little every now and then. I look forward to walks on the lake, ice skating, cold noses, and building snowmen.  This year, well, it's been a little light on the white stuff.  Today, it's snowing.  I'm thankful.  Maybe one of these snowflakes will take my card back up to heaven.

Supplies:
CTMH (cause I have boat loads of it.  Hey, they deliver to my door.)

Milk Does the Body Good!

I went to a CTMH unit meeting with a friend (no, I am not a consultant, but a darn good consumer!).  I kind of snuck along to see all the new product just out from their catty.  This little carton project was available to do for $5!  All In!  I wish milk came like this when I was little, I might have drank more.  Any hoo!  I don't know what to put in it, so I'll just set it on my desk and let it make me feel happy...

Baby Blessing Train Card

I wanted to share a little card I made with one of my favorite stamp sets called Childhood from Close to My Heart. The train is pieced and has pop dots to add dimension.  Doesn't the ribbon remind you of a track?!... or road, same difference. (Sometimes what we have just has to do.)  I don't know if I can give it away, I might just incorporate it into one of my scrapbook pages!  That's the problem with making cards, I want to send them to myself.  I'm terrible.
Enjoy.

Catch and Comment

I'm not a consistent Blogger, as you can see, but I want to change that.  So, my new resolution is to post twice a week.  If I don't, the first person to "catch and comment" gets a gift in the mail from my stash.  It could be ribbon, a card, a ribbon and a card, or even paper that I've been hoarding.  All I ask is that you sign up to follow  my blog (give a little love) to participate!

Thanks!

Rules:

I hate rules:)

Another March SOTM card...from LAST year! Ha!

This is another sweet spring card by my friend Jolene.  She has a way with making cards that bring a little "aww" to your lips. Isn't the little rabbit adorable?!  This card almost makes me want to wake my sleeping son up and pinch his cheeks.  Almost.

I love how with the use of blues and greens the card could be used for a baby shower or as an Easter card.  I'm all for cards that can do double duty. As always, click on the picture to see it in more detail.



CTMH supplies used: Miracle Level 2 Paper Pack, March SOTM, and Watercolor Pencils.