Seal'd In Ink

40 sucks....

2011-04-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

My poor, poor neglected blog. My creative juices have been dormant for a little too long....which means maybe one of these days, they will all come bursting out & I will have a creavite explosion!! :)

First, let me say, 40 doesn't really suck. It's a pretty cool age :) But, it's kinda fun to mess with those birthday's. When a dear friend of mine turned 40, I wanted to make something fun & colorful to celebrate the memorable day. Here's what resulted:

A "sucker" bouquet containing 40 yummy Tootsie Pops inside that cute little bucket! Such a fun little gift to make. The next monumental bday, give it a try! Who doesn't love Tootsie Pops?? ;)

Mama said there'd be days like this!

2011-01-28T21:06:00.001-08:00

My friend's guy just had back surgery, so I threw together a quick card, just to let him know I was thinking of him.
It's nothing extravagant, but, after all, it is for a man...couldn't really embellish is with flowers & ribbons ;)

The inside says "I hope you are back on your feet again soon" :)

All stamps: A Muse

Thanks for peeking in!
Have a great weekend.

A simple THANK YOU....

2010-12-29T16:56:00.000-08:00

Hello friends~

I hope you had a blessed Christmas. I know I did! Things are finally slowing down, so I thought I'd get a little crafty. (And, I do mean "a little". LOL)

Just before Christmas, my sister-in-law bought me the most awesome necklace from Heart on Your Wrist for no reason at all-other than the fact that she knew how much I wanted one! :) (I've been coveting hers for a few years now) It is so special to me, on the front are the names of my kids, and on the back of each silver disc, their birthdates are engraved. Awww. It brings a smile to my face, just writing about it! I LOVE IT!

We do not generally exchange gifts with our extended family simply because it has gotten a bit too big! Needless to say, this gift was such an unexpected surprise! I didn't want to let it go without a special, homemade, 'Thank You' card.

While I was shopping in Hallmark before Christmas, I noticed they had a few cute little premade note cards, with a blank white circle on it, for which they were also selling letter/initial stamps. I got to thinking....I have several circular stamp sets & punches....this could really help me out! So, I bought myself a box to test it out.

So, I decided today was the day to give it a try. I was able to find some ink, the circle punch & a set I thought would work well (......this meant, that I had to go into the garage & tear into some of my paper-craft boxes which are, sadly, still sitting out there in the cold) I stamped, punched & used diamentionals to pop the dot out, then made another trip into the garage to search for some ribbon.

I did nothing fancy, but with the cardstock decorated so nicely, I'm happy with how it turned out. I might just have to go back & buy a few more boxes until I'm fully unpacked. LOL.

Thanks for stopping by!

stamps & ribbon: Stampin' Up
ink: StazOn black
designer cardstock & matching envelopes: Hallmark :)

beautiful necklace: Heart on Your Wrist

Funniest Card Ever!

2010-11-14T15:16:00.000-08:00

Can anyone relate?? LOL!!!
If only it worked this way!

Saw this & just HAD to get this to send to an old friend from Weight Watchers. Hope she enjoys it as much as I did (even though it's not homemade) ;)

"Just Chicken In"

2010-11-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! Wow! It's been a while, I know!!! I suppose I am just not cut out for this blogging gig. Starting to wonder if I'm even cut out for this stamping gig....as I've hardly had time this entire year to do any :( So sad. Matter of fact, I think for the first time in about 15 years, I may not send out homemade Christmas cards (talk about sad!!).

Life has been so busy that I haven't made much of anything. I've slipped. I've let birthday's and other special occasions go without acknowledging them in the way that I love. I've turned to "texting" birthday wishes &/or Facebook-ing hello's. It's not nearly as satisfying (on either end, I imagine). Besides the demands of raising a very busy family, we joined a fitness gym and have spent many free hours there recently. I am participating in their "Biggest Loser" Contest which goes until early December (maybe someday I'll post some before & after pics-HA! Don't hold your breath!) I am also involved in a local bible study fellowship group. I tend to spread myself thin, and scramble most days. LOL.

Anyway...I found (notice I didn't say 'recently made') this card in one of my premade piles & decided to send it to my Grandparents. They are getting up there in age & enjoy receiving fun mail.

Then, I'm going to attach this picture of me and my big catch from this summer just to make my Grandpa extra proud. :)
*all stamps from SU
*colored with prismacolor pencils

Now I really am "sealed in ink"

2010-09-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Got a tattoo yesterday. Yep. In celebration of my birthday, I literally inked on my person how much God loves me in a place I will see daily & be reminded (that's my wrist, btw). (Translation: "i am loved", in French)

Since I haven't been crafty, here's what you get ;)

Happy Friday & long weekend my friends! Enjoy!

Bright & Cheery

2010-08-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

Well, hello there! I have (clearly) been having the hardest time getting to this blog. I don't really know what to blame it on, except summer. ;) I LOVE summer! I love being outside when the sun is shining! And, I absolutely love the bright, cheery colors that summer brings!! Therefore, I present you with a bright, fun colored card! I cannot take credit for the layout of this card, but I can say that I did all the work ;) This was designed by my mom's friend, who is a SU gal. I love it so much, I wanted to share it.

It is made up of all Stampin' Up products & using only the new "in" colors. I LOVE these new colors!! The sentiment stamp is colored in with markers to get the multicolored image. But, what's really unique about this is the 'flower'. If you look closely it is actually created using 2 butterfly punched images, which were watercolored using a drop or two of the ink refill colors placed on the image which was first wetted (is that a word? lol) with water. After the image dried, the lines were drawn on with a thin marker. The 'leaves' were created with a 5 point flower punch, which was stategically cut & placed behind the butterflies ;) Topped off with a gem & voila! Cool, huh?

Thanks for taking a peek. I have more coming..... one of these days! lol. Check back ;)

Make it a great day, my friends!

Happy Mail! :)

2010-08-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

Last week as I was reading some of the SITS blogs and I came across Michelle Nist's 'Ink's Outside the Box'. Low and behold, she is also a fellow stamper! It just so happened she was having a blog giveaway, which I entered just by leaving her a comment (which, DUH...I was going to do anyhow!) Well, turns out, Tuesday was a lucky day for me! I was the random winner of her blog candy!!

Today, (Yes, today. Yes, I know it's Sunday!-somehow Saturday we all forgot to get the mail) my mailbox had happy mail waiting for me! (I can't believe I made it wait overnight!) Here's what I received:

Not only did I receive this beautiful card, but she also sent this super cute mini acrylic stamp set. Adorable!

Michelle, thank you so very much. You are not only talented, but very kind. Not just this gift, but the sweet comments & links to my blog. You're a doll, and I'm happy I found your blog!

And, fellow readers/bloggers-you never know who you'll come across, so why not spread the lovin' comments to your sista's, & when those comments double as a contest entry.... BONUS! After all, it might be your 'lucky day'!

P.S.-I made cards this weekend! Will post some later in the week!

Make it a great one!

Before & After's....

2010-07-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share with you the #1 thing that has kept me from being creative with stamps and paper....

That's right.....MY KIDS!!!! Yep! Hee Hee. Okay, just joking. Well, sorta. While they do get most of my time & attention, so has the whole moving/remodeling process. Holy cow!! Who'da thunk? So, since I don't have anything pretty & sparkley to show you, I will share our kitchen "make-over". Because, we finally (as of yesterday) hung the last cabinet door. My kitchen is about as clean as it ever will be (:-D) so I shot a few pics.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

I am so very grateful to my husband, because he can literally do any task put before him! And for my friend, Pam, who gave us direction, took measurements, & ordered our supplies! THANKS, PAM! I am so happy with the outcome! :) Yay for my new kitchen!

Leave me feedback & let me know what you think of the changes.

Thanks friends! Have a fabulous day!

just a little note (&card)....

2010-07-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so, I've been watching the SITS gals tackle the #31DBBB challenge and WHOA! I am impressed!...and so motivated to get blogging again! Today, my goal is to get my crafting stuff moved into the house (from the boxes in the garage), organized and ready to roll! I WANT to get my hands inky! :) ( I almost said "dirty", but believe me....my hands have been dirty lately with the move & remodel I have learned to embrace my 'inner carpenter')

My hat's off to all you gals! You totally ROCK!

I made the time for a very (VERY) quick & easy card this week, which I planned on sending to a friend (IF only i could find that darn box with my cardsized envelopes in it!!!). Since I haven't & it is sitting here staring at me, I'll throw it in for grins. Made up of just some scrap paper, ribbon, gems & one measly stamp, it's nothing fancy, my hands didn't get very inky, but it is handmade. ;)

Have a productive day! I know, I will!

I'm still alive...

2010-06-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

I just haven't unpacked my stamping stuff yet!!! ;) Wow. I forgot what an ordeal moving is, but I haven't forgotten about my blogsphere. Neglected, but not forgotten.

As I mentioned, since I last blogged, we have moved into a new city & home. Remodeled the kitchen, painted all the rooms, transfered the kids' schools....and continue to unpack daily. (Just today I found our BBQ tools! Which was a HUGE accomplishment, as the sun is finally shining again here in Washington state! Sun= BBQ!! :))

I promise to post any creations, be patient with me. I am trying to still find some ink! ;)

Have a wonderful day/night/week!

Packing & stamping don't mix!

2010-04-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

Truth is, my life is in limbo these days-has been for several months. Because that's how long we've been partially packed & waiting to move! Oye! Ever feel like if anything could go wrong, it's gonna happen to you?? That's where I'm at. But alas....the end is near! (i pray!)

Some things cannot be postponed, regardless of circumstances, birthday's are one of them! Today is my oldest daughter's 24th birthday!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAMARAH!!! She is a fun, bright colored person, this card suits her :)

All things SU. LOVE the new sweet pea paper pack!!

Wishing my daughter the best birthday ever (you make us so proud!) and you, my friends, a fabulous day!!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2010-02-21T22:14:00.000-08:00

Today is my mom's birthday! :) Lord knows I could not possibly give her a store bought birthday card-matter of fact, I hardly think she'd accept one without complaint, all things considered. LOL. Soooo, guess I had to get in there & clean off my dusty stamp table & get creative! I spent a little time online looking for some idea's of where to start since I was feeling a bit rusty. And, I came across this card sketch from Jen del Muro's sketch challenge.
(for more information on her sketch challenges, see her site)

With this sketch in mind, here is what I came up with:

supplies:

Stamp Set: Hey There, Cupcake-Stampendous

Papers: Sugared-Basic Grey

Ink: Close to Cocoa-Stampin' Up

Prismacolor pencils

Ribbon: Vanilla-Stampin' Up

square, oval & scallop edge punches

brads

Mom, I truly hope your birthday was as great as you are! I love you!!

I have a good reason...

2010-02-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been away so long-life happens, as they say. Been spending a lot of time with my family. My dad was in ICU for 5 days-he is home now recovering, but needs 24 hour companionship for a while. There is no greater scare than almost losing a family member. I have not had the time, or energy to create.....until today :)

This is a SUPER easy, quick card. I started with this dual colored pre-cut card from Impress. Grabbed old "Bessie" (really, the name on the side of the stamp), stamped her on a metal rimmed tag, colored her & attached the tag with a pink eyelet. I simply stamped the sentiment & finished 'er off with some matching ribbon. Voila! Quick & Easy.

All supplies are from Impress Stamp Store, except the ribbon which was purchased via StarLit Studios on ebay.

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your day!

Need I say more?

2010-02-02T20:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Mail

2010-01-29T07:29:00.001-08:00

Truth is, I don't have any new creations of my own to show you today, as my papa is in ICU & thus I have 1.) not been home, 2.) not been in the crafty mood ;) Buuut, I'm a lucky gal....with sweet friends! Look what I got in the mail today!! This card is from a dear friend of mine, whom we moved away from about 10 years ago.

This is her "Christmas card" that she never got to, thus became our "Groundhog Day" card. LOL. Isn't it great? I've always adored her work. Thanks Kristi! :)

And, thanks to you for stopping by!
Make it a great day!

King for a day!

2010-01-24T19:39:00.000-08:00

Today's CAS (clean & simple) challenge on SCS today is to use designer paper (and keep it 'clean & simple'). This was a fun challenge. I love designer paper & love simple cards! heehee.
Ripped (literally :)) into some OLD scrap designer paper and threw this together. This card is 5x7 vs. my typical 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 ones-you know....BIG for the King! ;)

Thanks so much for popping in! Come again :)

stamps: King for the Day-Uptown Design Co.

Simple Sayings 2-Old SU

paper&ink: Outdoor denim CTMH

other: stickles for crown jewels

black journaling pen for outlining

silver eyelets

watercolor brush for watercolor effect on crown

Thank you from the kids.....

2010-01-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

Where did the weekend go?? Don't know about you, but as for me & my house, we are still working on our Christmas Thank You's. The following are a couple cards I made for my kids to send out. Back a few years ago I bought the kids each their own name stamp that I found in the Impress stamp store in downtown Seattle (back when there still was one in Westlake Center). I thought it'd be fun to make cards that kindof looked the kid's themselves with their name attached....here's the result:

Emma's:

Dakota's:
All images & alphabets used were older CTMH stamps:

Emma's: Kids will be kids and Playful lowercase alphabet

Dakota's: Dude and Sketchy lowercase alphabet

The designer paper is from Impress.

Black journaling pens were used around the edges of the card, images, and sentiments.

Images were colored using blending pen & ink.

BTW, they do kindof look like my kids. LOL.

Thanks for stopping in. I appreciate all feedback. Please leave me a message, let me know who you are & that you came by. Much thanks!

Bashful Blue Suede Rubies...

2010-01-19T22:39:00.000-08:00

I made this card for todays Color Challenge on SCS.

We were to use the Stampin' Up colors: Bashful Blue, Soft Suede (or Close to Cocoa) & Ruby Red. Well, it turned out to be quite the challenge indeed since I didn't have two out of the three colors. LOL. So, mine is a compromised colored card. The one true color I used was Bashful Blue. The red & the brown are as close as I could get. On this card, I did not use any stamps or ink! The images & sentiment are all Stampin' Up's Rub-On's. They make a project all the easier! Gotta love that! :)

Even though I didn't have all the colors, I still enjoyed today's color challenge because it did get me using a color combination I would not ever have come up with on my own. That's the fun in the challenges....stretching your boundries!

Thanks for stopping by. Off to bed...sweet dreams all!

Look Ma! No card today!

2010-01-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

Sorry y'all. It was a holiday & my kids were home & I just didn't see the top of my stamp table today (for more reason's than one. LOL) Hope you've had a great (&hopefully long) holiday weekend! I'll be back with something to share soon. Till then....go out there & share your smile! :-)

You're (SO) cool!

2010-01-17T18:49:00.000-08:00

I needed a card today to give to the young couple that leads our church youth group. They have blessed our church AND my personal family so much, that my husband & I wanted to give them a small gift to help them out-as times are tight.

This is such a fun (& simple) card! I cannot take sole credit for it though-as it is one I learned at a card making class, hosted by Julie Ebersole at the A Muse stamp store in Seattle a while back. She is an amazing, creative artist, & deserving of all the credit! I simply followed rules & reproduced. ;) All images & sentiment are from A Muse. I used a piece of toothpick & some twine for the fishing pole, and glue & glitter to make it "icy" like.

Thanks for coming by. Hope you've had a great weekend...and continue to if you are blessed with a 3-day one!! :)

Reaching for the stars...

2010-01-15T08:20:00.000-08:00

Friday's edition of a Monday challenge. Better late than never....that's how I roll. ;) As I mentioned in my last post, this week kinda got away from me, so I am trying to catch up on some challenges. One of SCS challenges on Monday is titled "Clean And Simple" or CAS for short. I love these types of cards because they get my creative juices flowing without requiring a ton of time input. They are meant to be easy enough to reproduce or mass produce. Anyway, this weeks CAS challenge was titled "Cut it Out", to cut out any paper elements to attach to the card. I chose super simple! I used 2 different sized square punches, a little star punch, the sentiment (by A Muse) and ribbon. Can't get much simpler! ;)

Thanks for looking in! Have a great Friday!!!

Thursday, already??

2010-01-14T19:23:00.000-08:00

Wow. Where on earth does the time go? I have been desperate to stamp & post on here, but, alas, life happens. I'm grateful to be here today...with a card, no less! :)

So, onto today's Splitcoast Stampers challenge....to make a card using a bird of somesort, anywhere on your card.

I choose this bird today because, well, it's just so stinkin' cute. ;) I kept it simple by using the large oval punches for the main image, pre-made yellow/polkadot card (from A muse), and some pretty ribbon to "tie" it all together. All the stamps I chose for this card are by A muse, except for the teeny, tiny sentiment "to you" on the LR corner-which I made using Snap Stamps. The image was colored using prismacolor pencils & then blended using a paper point dipped in mineral spirits (my most favorite coloring technique). I also used white pencil to dot on the blue paper. Lastly, I used a little glue & glitter on the birthday hat & raised the bird's little wing using a wee bit of double stick foam tape. Thanks for popping in! :)

This is dedicated to my new blog!! ;)

2010-01-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

......and to the super talented gal who designed it, Lauren @ Designer Blogs! It pretty much rocks, doesn't it!??! I love it!! Thanks, Lauren!

Custom Design: Terri

2010-01-08T20:01:00.001-08:00

Test Post

I'm anxious!!!!.....

2010-01-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

My blog will soon be undergoing a makeover, and I CAN'T WAIT!!!! I recently hired the gals @ Designer Blogs to give my blog a custom look. My friend, Gina, recently had hers done & it looks fab!!! Check it out! Right now they are having a 30% off sale! So, if you have been considering a new look, take the leap-you won't find a better selection at a better price for a fabulous job!

If you decide to take this advice, please, leave me a link to your blog so I can watch as your blog transforms-and I invite you to do the same with mine :)

Have a great day, friend!

A big, bright Thank You!

2010-01-06T22:20:00.000-08:00

Well, hello! :)

This is my creation for today's sketch challenge on SCS. I have been loving these stamping challenges-they really get my creative juices flowing. ;) It sure helps to have a direction. If you haven't been there, check it out here to play along! It is such a fabulous resource!

I peeked in on the sketch for today's challenge this morning before heading to work & thought about it all day. I knew what stamp set I wanted to use, but I wasn't sure of a color scheme or how to pull it off. I ended up using a collaboration of supplies. Funny, but apparently I don't own any shades of orange ink, so I had to be a little extra creative & use my daughter's orange scented Mr. Sketch marker to ink up the THANKS in the upper left corner & then blended a little raspberry ink into it. And..here's this is what I ended up with. Hope you like! Thanks for popping in. :)

-Terri

supplies:

Stampin' Up "All About You" stamp set

DCWV " Pocket Full of Posies" paper pack & orange solid color

CTMH raspberry ink

Orange Mr. Sketch marker-LOL, it's true!

blender pen

Stampin' Up "flower fusion" pink & orange felt flowers

White ribbon & brads

Hello, friend :)

2010-01-05T23:29:00.000-08:00

Hi friend :) Thanks for popping by.

Today's card was made for the color challenge on Splitcoast Stampers. We were to use the colors: Taken with Teal, Certainly Celery & Handsome Hunter; with a 'dessert' option of adding pink with the exception of pink cardstock. Hmmm. This certainly was a challenge for me. The Handsome Hunter in this challenge threw me for a loop. But, I think I might've pulled it off, thanks to the pink distractions. ;) Pink makes everything better! ;) HeeHee.

I hope you enjoy the card.

Today's challenge met!.....And, it's late! I'm heading to bed, my real job calls early in am :(

-Terri

Supplies: (all supplies Stampin' Up unless otherwise stated)

Polka Dots & Paisley stamp set

Sentiment-Amuse stamps

Taken with Teal cardstock

Certainly Celery cardstock & designer paper

Handsome Hunter cardstock

Versafine Black Ink

Pretty in Pink ink

Certainly Celery ink

Lots of punches: scallop edge, scallop circle, 1 1/4 circle, 1 3/4 circle

Paper Piercer

White Prismacolor Pencil

pink ribbon

A Clean & Simple Valentine's Day Card

2010-01-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday!! I made today's card for the Splitcoast Stampers Monday Challenge-making a clean & simple Valentine's Day card. It is just that. Simple is good. :)

Thanks for looking.

-Terri

Supplies used:
white cardstock
regal rose cardstock
SU pretty in pink ink
SU regal rose marker
cuttlebug embosser
pink ribbon

buttons

glue dots

Welcome to Seal'd In Ink!

2010-01-03T22:55:00.000-08:00

Hi friend! Welcome to my new venture & my new blog, "Seal'd In Ink"! As this year one of my goals is to be more active in the online community and be more diligent with my card making (...and sending! LOL). I have spent quite a bit of time in the recent days considering my new task & my new blog design to go with it (which, btw, is ordered & in the works!). There are seriously so many choices out there! For starters, I changed the blog name from "Stamps & Starbucks" to "Seal'd In Ink" ....what do you think?? My last name is Seal. (Get it?! "Seal'd"? heehee) I can't wait until my blog is all cute & stuff ;) ....so please, stick around- there are good things to come.

Won't you join me in making some new, self-improving goals for 2010. It's definately gonna be a good, good year-I can feel it! ;)

-Terri

Ta Da!!!

2009-12-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

Introducing The Seal family Christmas cards 2009!

And, (a poor quality phone picture of) a complete Christmas "set", which I made for each of my co-workers, which included a card (duh), a box of personally designed peppermint patties, and a candle to match. I am really pleased with the result! Buuuuuttttttttt......

There is SUCH a story behind these cards!! Let me share...

I LOOOVE Christmastime & I love to celebrate the reason behind the season! I try to ensure that my Christmas cards share my faith, as it is the one time of the year that it is widely acceptable to do so, so why miss such an opportunity?! ;)

When I saw this stamp, I loved it immediately!!! I just didn't quite know how to use it. Iniatially, I thought I wanted to use non-traditional Christmas colors & went brights. Here's an early trial.

Yeah, YUCK! ...I just couldn't quite get it. LOL.

One day while in the Paper Zone, I came across the choosen gold/mustard cardstock (precut & prescored, no less!) and then found the designer paper in another section, which just screamed "royality" to me. And, I just knew I found the color scheme! :) My next goal was to find a ribbon (i LOVE ribbon!!!) that matched at least somewhat. The world wide web....a woman's best friend! Found this gorgeous ribbon at an online store, I wish I remember which one, but the real secret here is, I bought the supplies & began on these cards over 2 years ago! Yep, that's right! I'm ashamed to say it took me over 2 years to perfect (well, they ARE rather involved! ;)) & then complete the 80+ Christmas cards I send out annually. Except, this time it wasn't "annually", LOL, this was the first year I sent cards after taking a 2 year hiatus ;)

Let's just say my card making hasn't been anything like I wish it to be. Nor has this blog been anything like I intended it to be-the title says "Stamps & Starbucks", not "Starbucks & Ramdom Ramblings" (hmmmm, is it too late to change?..... LOL) thus I announce my new goal to you.....I am going to challenge myself to:

#1. stamp

#2. post & blog my creations

I hope you will check in on occasion & see that I am achieving this (& if i'm not, tell me to get on it!)

This is my early New Years Resolution. (BTW, I loathe New Year's Resolutions)

Heading to my stamp room to clean off my table & prepare for the feat ahead!

Have a great day!

A pj's and movie kindof day....

2009-12-27T20:49:00.000-08:00

A crazy lazy day, as I am still on the recovery from an icky stomach bug of sorts. Today, at least, I am well enough to be out of bed :) I showered & got back in my jammies for a day of movies with my hubby. It has been a long time since I've seen so many movies in a short amount of time, but it was enjoyable. It all started with our Christmas viewing of Avatar in 3D. That was pretty dang cool! I can't help but wonder if 3D is the future of movies....it sure wasn't the old 3D, the kind that used the red/blue viewing glasses. Technology apparently has improved tremendously since. ;) It made the movie really come to life. I'll admit, it wasn't my first choice in movies, but it surpassed my expectations, and I'd recommend it to anyone!

Then, today consisted of 3 movies that my husband came home from a grocery run with:

First, we watched District 9. Again....not my #1 movie choice, but it was good enough to keep me watching. Honestly, the verdict is still out on my feelings on that one. Very different.

Next, we watched Julie & Julia to break from the Sci-Fi for a couple hours. That was pretty cute. I love Amy Adams & of course Meryl Streep. Truthfully, it made me get on & blog today ;) If you've seen it, you know why....

Then, we finished the day off with Star Trek. Not bad. I had to ask my husband part way through, "was Captain Kirk really that cocky on the original?" LOL. Apparently he was!

All in all, it was a good, mellow day. One that hopefully brought oodles of recovery to my aching body. I hope to wake tomorrow fresh & whole, because, after all, life goes on....even when a mom is sick. So sick or not, tomorrow will come. Please, God, let me be well. :)

December 26th, it's like the end of a good book....

2009-12-26T22:28:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over....now what? ;) It seems like it takes forever to come, but is over in an instant!

Our's was nice...we spent some time Christmas Eve at my step-mom's house before heading to church. My husband & I were readers @ that service for a little presentation about the birth of Jesus. Christmas Day, itself, was pretty low-key. My dh makes his special custard & toast on Christmas morning...a tradition carried on to him from his stepmom, who has since passed on. Our oldest & her family came & spent much of the day, just hanging out & playing games. And, apparently neither me, nor my husband, gave much thought to meal planning, so for the first time ever, we went out to dinner on Christmas! Followed by a movie. We went & saw Avatar 3D. (It was awesome, btw.)

Today, however, was a different story. I woke up sick & spent the whole day in bed, missing out on my extended family Christmas party :( I slept all day, now i'll probably be up all night ;) Since I missed out on my family party, i was sent this totally cute pic of my granddaughter....thought i'd share. Just look what i missed out on today! :(

Hope your Christmas was delightful. Now onto the new year.....

My new love....

2009-11-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

I love simplicity. And, I love a good cup of coffee. This new gadget definately delivers. I think I am in love. The only problem...it is so easy & fun to use, I find I am drinking more coffee than before just because I can & it's virtually effortless!

It's so easy, in fact, I recall the morning after I purchased it, I laid in bed & said to my husband, "ooh, I can't wait to go try out my new coffee maker". It was about the same time as I heard the pitter patter of feet coming down the stairs, followed by the door swinging open & my girl standing there holding me a fresh brewed cup of coffee. The stinker was the very first person to use it!!! And, oh how proud she was standing there in the doorway that morning. :) I am happy to say she has delivered me coffee every morning since (4 days & counting). NOBODY brewed me a latte when I had my Barista Espresso machine, so this is a welcome treat! Thanks Keurig! (& Emma!)

Sharing Songs, Sunday....

2009-11-15T08:37:00.000-08:00

It is Sunday....my sharing songs day! :) Another of my very very fav's. And, of course....featuring Third Day! :) This is a beautiful video...brings goosebumps to my spine. God is great!!!

When I shoulda been packing......

2009-11-13T16:47:00.000-08:00

I was instead fulfilling an obligation for my church's woman's group by making these Christmas Cards and ceramic coaster's for a craft bazaar fundraiser to aid in the cost of the upcoming retreat.
I pulled a rare almost all nighter, staying up until 3am to complete. (I'm a bit of a procrastinator) ;)

Now that these are done though, so are my excuses for not packing! I'm off to search for boxes.....

Just Call His Name

2009-11-08T21:15:00.000-08:00

For my Sunday post, a message from Third Day. Take it to heart...and, have a great week!!!

(i LOVE LOVE LOVE these guys!)

Thinking of a friend....

2009-10-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Finally, there is hope for some card making in my future! It's this weather....cold, rainy, windy October days tend to keep me indoors more often & slowly, but surely, I am finding my way to my craft room. :) My desk is cleaned off & I am ready to make a dent in list of upcoming occasions in need of some recognition. (sorry for my family & friends whose birthday's fall in the summertime....i have been so bad!)

Today I have a card to share that I made for my co-worker's husband who will be having Prostate surgery on Monday. My dad had this procedure done last year & I know how difficult it is, emotionally & physically, post surgery. Anyway, I just wanted to send him a little note with a prayer in hopes of uplifting his spirits. The card was created using all Stampin' Up products.

Thanks for popping by. :)

We did the Monster Mash!

2009-10-07T06:10:00.000-07:00

This is what you get after a sick day at home....i've had time to 'play'. Here is a fun video from my family to yours, even got my granddaughter in on the action. ;) Enjoy! And, Have a great day!

Starring: Top row: my son, myself & my daughter. Bottom row: my hubby & my granddaughter.

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

A fabulous coupon offer...

2009-10-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

Fall....a great time for a new handbag, wouldn't you say? So, for all my friends out there who love Coach purses as much as I do, here's something you don't want to miss!! Follow the link to a printable 20% off coupon for use at your local Coach outlet store! Check locations here. It's only good from 10-6 to 10-12, so get out there and shop!!! :))

Click here for coupon...

My weekly blog post-HA! ;)

2009-10-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm not so good at this blogging thing. My word!! I admire those of you who are faithfully keeping your blogs going. Kudos!!! :)))
Another busy week (surprise, surprise!)

with football......

GO TROJANS!!!
Trojan Tough!!

and soccer........(doesn't that just look October-y?)

In the past week, I've had a sick son, husband, and over the weekend, the illness claimed victim #3...ME! Not so cool. :( As I type, I am in my jammies, cuddled in a blanket with the sniffles. I took Advil Cold & Sinus (the GOOD stuff. The kind you have to show your license for at the pharmacy) , and I am just waiting for it to kick in so I can feel invincible for the next 8 hrs. or so-enough to make it thru my Monday. Monday's are are my "get everything done" day before my work week begins on Tuesday. Thankfully, the bug didn't hit full fledge until Sunday morning, so I was able to attend the kids' sports games (TWO victories, BTW) and hit the Fright Fest at Enchanted Village on opening night. We had so much fun. I love my family time!

For the time being, the rest of my family is healthy (oh please, God, let it last) and at their designated destinations of work & school and I think I need a good soup recipe. Got one? ;)

I hate Tuesdays!!

2009-09-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

I have nothing to say, except, I worked today (left @ 6:45am, returned after getting kids & stopping for a few groceries & subway for dinner.... oh, 7:30pm), I am tired, work sucks, and Goodnight! ;) LOL.

Another Manic Monday....

2009-09-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

Mondays! Ya just gotta love 'em!! ;) I spent most of the day today preparing tonight's meal. See, I got a call last week asking me to make 2 crock pot's full of refried beans for the high school football team's weekly family dinner. I had never actually 'made' refried beans before, so I thought it might be a good idea to test em out on my family first ;) And, ya know... they were delish! Since I was going so far as to make the refried beans, I figured I may as well make some enchilada's as well. AND THEN, I thought, oh, what the hay!....A little mexican rice should get thrown in the mix. Much to my surprise, everything turned out pretty darn wonderful. Thanks, mom & dad for sharing in our feista!

Amazingly, I do have a card to share today. It's one I made a while back, but I never parted with. I think the time has come....my sister-in-law's birthday is tomorrow & she lives a couple states away, so it will be late (as is typical Terri-style). It really is one of my favorite cards-you can't too well from the photo, but the hippo's bum is raised up with pop-dots. Hee hee. Hope she likes it!! :)

Time Fly's

2009-09-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

Wow. Time DOES fly!! Where have I been & what have i been up to, you may be asking yourself ;) Here's a glimpse into my absence.

First off, ....I got a new bike! (isn't it cute!?)

And...i got to spend some time my family & meet my son-in-law's new family members...whom, BTW, i immediately fell in love with! This is Comfort, Josephine & Brian, aren't they beautiful!?

Seeing the world through their eyes is such an experience. I really wish I could spend more time with them. They bless whomever they come in contact with.

And, just yesterday, our Saturday began, as they all do, with soccer....

Followed by team pictures:

Then, we were able to spend some good family time at the fair! These are my beautiful, albeit silly, kids & granddaughter...

And, to end the great day, we saw our favorite band....THIRD DAY in concert! LOVE these guys!!!! :)

There ya go! There is my excuse for being away from my blog. AND, for the present state of my home. ;) LOL.

Sweet baby....

2009-09-17T22:18:00.000-07:00

I did a little stamping today, the card I made is for my co-worker/friend who is expecting her first baby (a boy) soon. I made it to match the gift & packaging, and i think it turned out pretty darn cute. I think she liked it ;)

He's 'officially' not single

2009-09-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

The general dating "rule" in our home has always been, basically, none until age 16. All the kids know this. All bawlk at it, but (thus far) have been respectful of it. As I stated last post....guess who's now 16....and guess who wanted to eagerly lift the ban ;) LOL. My husband, of course, did some dancing around the subject when it was brought up. He said "I said we'd talk about it when you turned 16". So, we talked, set up some ground-rules/guidelines and ultimately gave the "ok". The gal he had his sights set on seems "good enough" for my son, but then again, i don't know her all that well. ;)

One of the 'rules' is more time with US, so that we can get to know her more. Another being, zero alone time. Yet another: limited PDA (or private for that matter). All that agreed upon, he has updated his facebook status to "officially not single", and very proud of it! LOL.

I feel more gray hairs popping up as I type :-O

Happy 16th Birthday, son!

2009-09-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today my son turned 16! I can hardly believe it. Truly, where does the time go? I love him so much!! I know I am blessed abundantly by being his mom. He was scheduled to have a football game today, after school so we were planning on postponing any celebration until the weekend, but the game got cancelled, so dinner was on! The dinner party consisted of us, my oldest daughter & her family, my mom (dad was working on installing a door) and the youth pastor from our church. Oh, and a "gal" friend of Dakota's came by towards the end. (Our family rule has always been wait till 16 to date....guess what our son wanted for his birthday?! A girlfriend! Duh.)

Not much of today went as planned....On Monday's, I watch my little granddaughter and we had all sorts of fun plans for the day, which included making a birthday cake for Dakota & letting her do all the decorating. Buuuuut, as luck would have it, first thing this morning, we got locked out of the house. Fortunately, my dad came to the rescue & we got in shortly after. I was thankful, as we had 'big plans'. First though, I needed to call the orthodontist & schedule an appointment for a new retainer for Dakota-he informed me on Saturday night that he had lost it working with his dad earlier in the day. (so, guess what he was getting for his birthday! ;)) Their only opening was an hour later (and they are 25 mins away) so we quickly got ourselves ready & headed out: to pick up Dakota from school. Got there and had a delay in the waiting room, got the impressions taken, but had to return a few hours later to pick up the new retainer. Needless to say, my day was spent running back and forth for 2 ortho appts, picking up & returning to (then picking up again from) school, lunch on the go, gift buying & wrapping, making dinner plans & reservations, soccer practice...then helping my daughter with her homework, and laundry, and now, finally bed is near.

I will sleep with happy dreams tonight, however, because, I am feeling so blessed. Happy birthday, son! Thanks for 16 amazing years!!! I am proud to be your mom!!

9-11

2009-09-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

Take some time today to reflect on 9-11-01. A day that we, American's, will never forget, yet it is painful to remember. Thank your local firefighter, police officer, and military for all they do & the risks take & sacrifices they make for the country we love to live in. And, pray for our country, and the leaders in it!!

Now, Go out & have a GREAT day!! :)

Really??

2009-09-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

Today was "a day off" for me, yet it started @ 6:30 am....and has not ended yet (after 10:30 pm) as the dishes have yet to be done & lunches prepared for tomorrow. I wish I got paid by the chore on my days "off", Dude!...I'd be RICH! ;)

Had an unusual incident occur tonight. When I arrived home, there were flashing lights in front of our house, and my husband was outside talking with a police officer (slightly worrisome)..... Turns out my husband was the one who called them! Apparently someone decided they needed our boat motor more than we did and stole it right off of our boat which was sitting in our driveway, backed up against our garage. So I just want to say, "HEY! THAT WASN'T VERY NICE!!" :-P

Now, I better get off of here & go do the dishes....tomorrow comes sooner than I can say 'goodnight'.

A shameless plug for a friend....

2009-09-07T22:37:00.000-07:00

A dear friend of mine is campaigning for the Verity Mom contest, and I'd like to help her spread the word. She is everything described in the search for the Verity mom & would be so great it! She is blogging along the pathway, you will find a link on the list of blogs that I follow: The Verity of my Life. Go check it out! And, if you'd really like to help her out...please go to the Verity Mom contest page @ http://www.veritymom.com/ and read about & leave a comment for Gina Newberry. She IS the woman for the job! I would not state it, if I didn't believe it! Whether she wins this title or not, she IS verity to me!

GO GINA!! :)
xo

Happy Labor Day!

2009-09-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

It was an at home holiday for my family. I usually prefer not to travel on holiday weekends due to the frustration of traffic. Living in the Seattle area, traffic is bad enough when it's "normal", but summertime Friday & Sunday nights and holiday weekends are killer! Spent time around the house, watching movies and casually doing the chores, being under less of a time constraint than a regular weekend ;)

This morning I was informed by my high schooler that today was the very last day to get his order in for all his football gear. Not all of it necessary, but included things from the football girdle to oh, the cool hoodie sweatshirt with the school logo & his name on it. $165 later, i hit enter. Done. On to the next task...need more peechee's for school, oh, and A HUNDRED & THIRTY $$$ graphing calculator. Ok...So, is it just me? I feel like I need a fundraiser just to raise my kids! LOL. They are nickel, diming, AND $100 billing us to death!! This is just one scenario, with just one kid...clearly, I could come up with many more, but I'll spare you.
Oh, but parenthood....it's worth every penny, isn't it!?!

Lucky Me!

2009-09-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

I have GREAT friends!!! Even today, 4 days after my birthday, the celebrating continues. ;) Look what came in today's mail!

I just LOVE homemade cards! This card is from my friend, Gina. She is so creative! :) Oh, and enclosed in the card was....dun dun dun... a Starbucks card!!! My fav!! Wow! THANK YOU, GINA!!

Also, today....my good friend, Lisa, brought over the blanket that she worked hard at making. It is simply gorgeous! I love it!! Thank you, Lisa, for working so hard on something when you didn't feel up to it. That's a true friend! ;)

The lower left corner is flipped over so i could show the beautiful fushia color on the flip side.

My birthday week...

2009-09-04T21:55:00.000-07:00

It is my belief that September 1st should be a National Holiday, after all, it IS my birthday ;) But, since it's not....I spent the day at work. My co-workers treated me pretty special, treating me to lunch & (my fav!) a Starbucks card for my after work trips ;) And, tho i really didn't expect any birthday gifts from my family since my big purchase of my MacBook a few weeks ago...my husband treated the family to dinner & bought me some wonderful perfume! He does such a great job of picking out new scents! Next time you are looking for something new to try, check this out...
He has great taste, i tell ya! ;)

My mom, whom also has good taste, also treated me to a find we had discovered a few weeks back....it's new from Bare Essentials-a fantastic wet/dry eyeliner kit. Another goodie you should check out:

Probably the BEST gift of all tho, was a very thoughtful note my 15 year old son had written to me & snuck onto my pillow for me to find as I went to bed. It brought tears to my eyes. That, and the fact that my daughter is now home again. I love being a mom to my kids. They are more than any mom could ask for :)

Needless to say, my birthday was great....dispite the fact that it is not a holiday! I am very, very blessed.

That was Tuesday......Wednesday was the 1st day back to school for our area. My daughter began 5th grade, and my son 10th!! Everyday is an adventure!

Thursday was the first day that I didn't work OR have kids home since last spring, so once everyone got off to their designated spots, I grabbed a cup of coffee & sat around in my pj's and watched a movie-"17 Again". (Loved it!) Later, (i actually did shower & get dressed ;)) I did a little shopping and laundry (but not much-lol) until attending the first Football Team Family Dinner at the HS. Had a fancy hot dog meal. Finally ended the day by crawling into bed with a nasty headache :(

That brings us to today....Friday. Unfortunately, my headache did not go away on it's own. I woke at 1:30am feeling every heart beat in my forehead. I made my way up the stairs & took one of my migraine RX's and 3 ibuprophen, iced my back & layed a cold washcloth on my head. I woke feeling much better, PRAISE THE LORD!! My friend, Lisa, took me to JoAnn Fabrics and had me pick out some fleece so she could make me a blanket to snuggle up with in the upcoming colder weather. I can't wait until it's finished! It is going to be gorgeous! I will be sure to post a photo when i get it!

Hope your week's been equally good. Happy Labor Day Weekend y'all!

My baby girl is home

2009-08-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

Ooops. Lots has happened since my last post on here....For starters, the offer we made on the house we liked, was not accepted, which, I really am okay with. My husband started having a few anxieties about it, so we are probably better off. But, I DID really like it. :(

On to better news.....My baby girl came home from her 2 week trip this morning! She came home donning a new "do". Really cute, i might add :) After picking her, and grandma & grandpa up at the train station, my hubby treated everyone to breakfast at a quaint little coffee house in the U District, before heading home. Had everyone back over, including my aunt & uncle and brother & nephew, for a salmon BBQ with the fresh pink salmons my amazing fisherman caught yesterday! We had ourselves a mighty good time :) I absolutely LOVE family time!!!

Oh, and to top the day off, my husband bought our family tickets to go to the Third Day/Toby Mac concert in September!!! My fav band EVER!!! Yay! Happy Birthday to me! :))

Weekend's End...

2009-08-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

Spent the weekend looking at a few houses locally for sale, and found one we really like :) Met with the realitor today & wrote up our offer :) I should have some more news in a couple days. It was nice for Don & I to meet the day's end with a joint prayer regarding God's will in our purchase. I know the future is in His hands & whatever happens, if it's God's will, I am totally good with that! :) I'll be posting as things progress.

YooHoo!

2009-08-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

This is a card I made to send to my daughter while she is out of state visiting relatives. I wanted to keep it simple so I could be productive ;) I actually made it last week while I was with Gina in Ocean Shores. The paper & ink are Stampin' Up and the stamp is from one of Gina's CTMH stamp sets. Don't they go great together?? I used some May Arts polka dot ribbon (which i LOVE!) and....voila! I sent that in the mail along with a few little fun things to enjoy while she's away, which include some cuuuuute glue on kid nails for her & her cousin, Kayla, to play with; some gum; a drawn picture from her neice; some hair clips; and a paddle & ball for Kayla's brother, Axel :)

Have a great day!

Voila!

2009-08-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

Voila!
Originally uploaded by starbuckseal

Saturday's BBQ...Todd, the BBQ master at the grill serving up the goods :)

sisterly love :)

2009-08-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

sisterly love :)
Originally uploaded by starbuckseal

Emma's way of showing her brother how much she loves & will miss him! ;)

Here, and gone again....

2009-08-14T21:18:00.000-07:00

Mom, Emma & Dad
Originally uploaded by starbuckseal

An emotional day today as we had our baby home for only one night before it was time to ship her off on yet another venture! She certainly has had a full summer! She will undoubtedly be treated like a princess when she's with her grandparents, & return home with some AMAZING memories! For that, I am grateful, but tonight my heart hurts. Emotions can sure take a toll on a person!...I am one exhausted mommy, who is off to bed. ;)

Ocean Shores

2009-08-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

IMG_0324
Originally uploaded by starbuckseal

Me & Gina with the ocean displaying a beautiful backdrop :) Clearly, we had a great time!

Back to civilization!

2009-08-14T01:33:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share some of the results from our stamp time (just to prove we really WERE stamping, LOL) Proof! ;) The first 2 were made using the SCS SC241, and the bottom pic is showing off all of our accomplishments :)

Last night we were making the most of our last night at the beach, & ended up staying up till early dawn making cards & chit chatting, we had to clean & pack up and head back home. Turns out that was not as easy as it sounds. (I know Gina is LOL right now if she's reading.) Oh my! They use their house as a rental, so when it's time to go, it means EVERYTHING goes! And laundry is all washed, dried & replaced neatly. And, it is a HUGE house (sleeps 9!). Needless to say, it's very time consuming. This trip was planned around our girls being at summer camp & tonight we pick them up after an ending church service....so there were time constraints....We underestimated the time necessary & sad to say, Gina had to drive back late to finish up. (i am SOOOO sorry, Gina!!) We were SO close, but not close enough to save the drive :( Due to the fact that my sweet girl is leaving again tomorrow for another trip, it was not possible for me to join her, so I am heavy with guilt that she is cleaning up after me.

Right now, however, I am doing laundry & preparing to send my 11 year old daughter on a train trip with my parents for the next couple weeks. I can't believe she will be gone so long-it will be a long couple weeks for me! Especially if I don't head to bed! EEEk! It's already tomorrow!!

Goodnight all!

A few days of R&R in Ocean Shores, WA :)

2009-08-12T22:40:00.000-07:00

Well, today I am rededicating to this blog. I would like to make a bonifide effort to keep this somewhat up do date ;) And, of course being a week of vacation...away from home with no kids....here i sit ;)

I was blessed with the offer to spend some time with Gina & her son, Jordan,at their beach home in Ocean Shores. Here are a couple of pictures of my time at the Newberry's beach home...just me & Gina & Jordan for 3 whole days. It was a very welcome change of pace. :) THANK YOU, GINA!!

Failures & Successes....

2008-11-08T20:07:00.000-08:00

It has been an indoor kinda day at our house. Kids had friends over & I had time to spend in my stamp room :) I've been trying hard to find the time to make cards for the 5 sketch challenges on the Verve forum of SCS, but failed to make all 5. I did, however, manage to complete 3, which is HUGE for me, and I would show you, but right now blogger won't load them! Poo!!! After all this!

Guess I'll try later.

A card! A card!! :)

2008-11-05T15:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I did it! I'm so happy! :) Julee, over at Verve stamps is having a 5 day long contest in anticipation of her Holiday Release Party, & each day a sketch is accomplished, you are entered into a drawing for a particular stamp set. If you do all 5, then you are entered into the grand prize drawing of all 5 sets!! (Check out the Verve Forums on SCS for more info.)
These are new, yet to be released stamp sets. So, of course, I wanted to use one of the Verve sketches, as it is my goal to do all 5 offered this week so I can be in the big drawing at the end.

Anyway....about the card....this is for a friend of mine, who just found out yesterday that she's having a boy! This will be a new experience for their family.... to help get them excited, i wanted to make a card specially for the occasion. ;) I used Stampin' Up Bashful Blue for the base, and unknown (sorry y'all) scraps for the rest. Bashful Blue ink on the feet and the saying is from the Absolutely Fabulous set. Thanks for checking in. Gotta run...got lots more work to do yet this week if I'm going to make it thru this contest ;)

Another lazy day...

2008-11-05T12:46:00.000-08:00

Oh vacation is soooo good, but can be so bad. I feel so lazy! As I am still trying to figure out how all this blogging thing works, it is taking a lot of time out of my day! (rolley eyes) After this test post...i am logging off & going to attempt to make a card-THAT'S what I really need to be doing on my days off, however, my butt seems to be glued to this chair.....DAMN COMPUTER!!! ;)

True to my word, I'm off.....but, I'll be back. LOL.

Election Day and First Post!

2008-11-04T11:59:00.000-08:00

Today is Tuesday. Election Day 2008. So....go vote everyone! :) And, after you vote, swing into your local Starbucks for a free cup of joe :)

I am about to head out the door for mine.

It's a week of no work for me (:-D) and a stormy Tuesday in the Pacific NW, seemed like a good day to finally start this new venture of blogging. I admit I was inspired when I saw my sister-in-law started one & it's been a goal of mine for a while. I've had the blogspot for months (LOL) but haven't posted a darn thing-TILL NOW! Today is a new day. :) I hope to do some stamping this afternoon, after a few errands & my java stop, which I will post on here if I succeed ;) But for now.... I'm off to get my caffeine.... I deserve it, I voted.