Warm Heart

In the last year since E's diagnosis of cancer, I haven't had a lot of time (or energy) to scrapbook. Only recently have I started to really spend some time at my table. Since I am a mom that works outside of the home, I often feel bad if I do any type of creating when my little ones are awake. I feel that time should be devoted to my family, not doing something for me.

So, I decided to put a small table in my room so that the kids can craft, color, cut, etc in the same room with me. Previously it was in the kitchen and I just spent too much time going back and forth to get what I needed from the other room. They have their own set of stamps and stamp pads (washable but I disagree with that label!!), paper, makers, scissors (though I keep those away until requested) and glue. This makes it much more productive for them to get their "supplies" out and create and less hassle for me too!

So I took a picture the other night of the girls at their table. It warmed my heart to see them together, concentrating so intently on what they were doing. The table? The table my sister and I used as kids! E is getting so meticulous with her scrapbooking (or card making), spending hours (if she could!) on one project. Many times I must gently prod her to finish up! I get requests constantly, "Mommy, can we scrapbook tonight?" and that just melts me. S is still in the "what can I stick down with glue" and "how many pieces of scrap can I make using my scissors" but like her sister, I know her time for creative genius is not far behind!

Tell me, what hobby do you like to do and how have you included your family into it? How does that make you feel? I know that life is so precious that it is hard for me to waste a minute!

Lauren ROCKS

Have any of you checked out Lauren's blog? I am a FAITHFUL reader and just a little bit ago she posted a tutorial on glass etching here. I tried it and am SO happy with the results.

A few things...

• read the directions ALL THE WAY THROUGH! ;) Though I missed the first line "shake before using" it still worked.
• I put it on and waited 20 minute (directions say 3-4 but Lauren suggested longer; I go with Lauren!)
• The paste is expensive (~$20-25/bottle) but if you have a craft store near you that you can use their 40% off coupon then it would make it much more affordable. I expect this bottle to last a LONG time.
• Make sure you have a clean brush (I used foam) on hand as well. Took me FOREVAH to find one in my house. It's now with the bottle of etching cream! LOL
• Don't worry when you rinse your piece if you don't see it. The water kind of "hides" the etching and you won't really see it until it's dry
• Try not to use short strokes, long ones are better and make sure you use a good bit of the cream. In the light of day, I can see where I did too light of a coat. It's not noticeable to the naked eye; only to mine 'cuz I was looking for it!
• You don't have to have stamps and embossing powder. You could use vinyl and if you have ability to do die cuts you could cut your shape out that way.

Here is my 99 cent votive holder using Papertrey Ink's Women of Life stamp (the flower).

What do YOU think? What are you waiting for to try this?

Women of Life

For E's teachers, I made each of them a special card to say thanks for all they've done for her and for us. I used Papertrey Ink's Women of Life set.
They were all simple to make and it was enjoyable to do the paper piercing. I need to work on the straight line part though! The yellow and green one kind of went a little off kilter!

Birthday and Mother's Day

I struggle with a "stash" of cards so I am usually making one right before an event. Here is the one I made for my MIL's birthday:

I LOVE this sheer ribbon with the DCWV glitter paper! The stamp is paper pieced and stickles were used on the present's bow. I also used my dew drops to accentuate the bottom of the card. She LOVED it!

How do you "get ahead" with cards? Do you find a simple forumula and then make a batch of them? Tell me your secret!!

Birthday Card

Seems like the last couple months have been birthday central: S's 3rd, DH's XXth, E's 5th and mine coming up Saturday.

Lesa has a card challenge and here is my entry:

I used the cupcake from a PIF thread over on SCS. I was so excited to finally be able to use one my images just sitting around in my stash! I even used the Liquid Applique for the first time. Haven't decided if I like it or not. What do you think?

Thanks for the inspiration Lesa!

National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day

Did you know that today is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day? Unless you’ve had someone affected by this horrible disease, you might not have realized this.

Did you know:
• Cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease in children, cutting short the lives of more children under the age of 20 than any other disease.
• 1 child out of 5 who is diagnosed with cancer dies.
• 3 out of 5 children suffer from long-term side effects.
• Every school day, 46 young people, or two classrooms of students, are diagnosed with cancer in this country. More than 12,500 children are diagnosed with cancer each year and over 40,000 children and adolescents currently are being treated for childhood cancers.
• The average age of a child diagnosed with cancer is six years old; saving the life of a child with cancer gives our children a future; approximately, 66 years of life’s milestones and dreams to celebrate.
(Taken from CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation FAQ)

Many of you know that my daughter, 10 days before her 4th birthday last year (9/20/2007) was diagnosed with cancer. While she’s currently cancer-free, her journey is far from over. We have met many families that are traveling down the same road of having to watch their child go through things no man or woman should endure, much less a child. It makes you feel quite helpless.

Won’t you stop for a minute today and say a prayer for those children and their families? Give them the strength to battle this monster and balance life. It’s a tough battle and it never seems to end.

If you also are able, would you consider donating for research? I am participating in the CureSearch Virtual Walk for 12,500 to conquer childhood cancer. The 12,500 represents the number of children diagnosed with cancer each year. Every donation, no matter how small or large, brings us one day closer to reaching the day where every child with cancer can be guaranteed a cure. Follow this link if you’d like to donate. (Participant name Dana Jones). I am "walking" in honor of my daughter.

One last thought from Senator Hillary Clinton:

"We have made tremendous strides in the fight against childhood cancer, but far too many children still suffer and lose their lives to this illness. The more we know as a nation the better able we will be to prevent and treat the disease and help those who are battling and surviving pediatric cancers. National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day is an opportunity to reach out to all Americans with the facts about childhood cancer, and this day will be an important symbol of our commitment on all days to find a cure," said Senator Clinton.

Hi and hiatus again for a little while

Hi to my faithful readers! ;) I am sorry that I have been absent so long but things have been crazy for me! My daughter is doing great but will have to have another surgery in a week (a week from yesterday). We are hoping and praying that this will be the end (plus one outpatient procedure) of this journey.

I have been busy. I was able to go on a scrapbook retreat and get over 30 layouts done! Whoo hoo! I have not been making as many cards I would have liked though. I am having a hard time dividing my time (work, husband, kids, family time, crafting etc). I am hoping things settle down soon and praying for a quieter hurricane season!

I made a card for my sisters birthday with Dress Up Lily. I absolutely ADORE this set as there are so many different options with this set. I even used fun flock on the hat to make it soft and fuzzy! Hope you all enjoy!