It's a very special day!

I got the new Stampin' Up catalog today. And as exciting as that was- it is not what made the day so exciting for my family. Three years ago today- my twin girls, Danika and Makenzie, were born!

Aren't they just plain adorable?!!! You can't see in this pic- but the dresses actually have their names on them too! I cannot believe that it has been three years already since the night they were born. I remember it like it was yesterday!!!

So yesterday, we spent 14 1/2 hours in the car together. Wow! That took a lot of patience on mine and my hubby's part! There was a lot of crying, kicking, hitting, and throwing things. And then there was the kids.....

They got up bright and EARLY this morning. We did presents, went out for pancakes, went to the aquarium, had ice cream, went swimming, and then went to the Spaghetti Factory for dinner. What a day!!!!!

There was so much whining and crying. Everyone was tired!! And that includes mommy and daddy!

So you want to have some sneak peaks from the new catty??!!!!

Tart and Tangy and the Summer Picnic paper are in the catty!!! Also, Merry and Bright from the Holiday Mini last year, is in the catty!! The designer series paper in this catty is AMAZING!!! I want every pack! The in-colors are going to come in striped ribbon and Kiwi Kiss also comes in Satin ribbon while Riding Hood Red comes is Taffeta. There is another set of Flower Fusion with Chocolate chip and a couple of in colors.

Hopefully I will have more pics to show you soon. I will be pretty busy with classes, general session and awards night- but I will be back soon!!

Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It's off to Salt Lake I Go!

Sorry I have been MIA. It has been just plain crazy around here!!!!!

On Friday night I had downline event. It was so fun to stamp with good friends!! On Saturday morning, I had puppy class. Then I had a birthday party at the city pool for all 3 of the girls. The party went well, but it was MISERABLY HOT!!! After the party, we had some family over to the house. Then on Sunday we had church first thing in the morning and then we went to Phoenix to check out the new Lego store and pick up the pottery we painted last week. When I got home- I thought about stamping. But I didn't want too! Pick your chin up off the floor!!! I was exhausted. So I took a good book to bed instead.

I have spent the day packing the 6 of us to go to Salt Lake!! We are leaving at 4AM! So my DH and I have been rushing around doing laundry, taking cupcakes to the girls' classes, picking up last minute odds and ends, wrapping birthday gifts (their birthdays are actually while we are in Salt Lake so we are bringing the gifts), installing a DVD playing in the SUV, taking dogs to the kennel and packing. Everything is just about loaded!!

Can you believe that I have not stamped since Friday?! But I have a card to show you that I made last week.

The pictures really don't do this one any justice. I stamped the tree from Lovely as Tree in Kiwi Kiss and then I added dazzling diamonds to the branches. I decorated the tree with red gingham ribbon.

Recipe:

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Warm Words

Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White

Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Real Red

Other: Button, Red Gingham Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds, sponge

I am off to pack the last odds and ends and then get some rest. I am bringing a laptop, but I am not certain if I will have internet access. If I do- I will check in!! Otherwise, I will talk to ya next week!!

Festive Friday

If you are new to my blog- I am posting a holiday project every Friday through December. This week I have been several Christmas cards!! It was hard to get in the mood at first since it is about 106 degrees outside- but after I got started, I can't stop!!!!

Today I am going to show you a New Year's card using new products from the preview catalog! I like the idea of waiting until New Year's to send out cards. Then yours won't get lost in the holiday shuffle!


I inked up a couple chipboard stars from the On Board Accents Chipboard (retiring!) with Riding Hood Red ink. After the ink dried I covered the stars in Crystal Effects to make them shiny!
The button is also from the preview catty. Yippee!! In-color buttons!!

Recipe:
Stamps: Holidays and Wishes
Paper: Bella Rose DSP, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip
Other: On Board Accents Chipboard, NEW scallop punch, Crystal Effects, White grosgrain ribbon, in color buttons, crop-a-dile (made embossed dots on each of the scallops)


It is Friday and my family is leaving on Tuesday morning for Salt Lake City!!! The kids are getting excited even though they have no idea what Salt Lake City is. I think that mommy is more excited!!! We also have my daughters' birthday party tomorrow!! I will show you the treat bags that I stamped!!!

Don't forget to sign up for my blog candy on this post!

My Pumpkin

I was organizing some pictures last week when I came across this super sweet pic of Laynee painting her pumpkin last fall. I knew that it needed a home in her scrapbook!
The jornaling stamp is by Autumn Leaves and the arrows and parentheses are by Bo Bunny. They were birthday gifts!
The green letters are Thickers by American Crafts and the orange letter are chipboard by Scenic Route (more birthday gifts!)

The cardstock is whisper white and I used some cork board paper that I bought at a scrapbook store 3 years ago! The orange on the cardstock was made by rolling a brayer though Pumpkin Pie ink and then onto the white cardstock. The other ink color is Old Olive.

Do you no just LOVE the little outfit Laynee is wearing in the picture?!!!

Let's Welcome Jill with some Candy!!!

I am so blessed to work with such a fabulous and talented group of women in my downline! And the line is continuously growing!! I have mentioned before that Jill had decided to join my family- but today she made it official! (I sure do love the fact that new recruits can sign up instantly on my website!)

Jill is no stranger to SU! products. She has been stamping longer than I have!!! She owns some old SU! stamp sets that I had never even seen before! Jill has been scrapping since the Creative Memories/Sticker age and has been a member of my scraper's club (read the post below for more info) for the past year.

But I have been friends with Jill for much longer than that. I met Jill on the very day that I found out I was having twins. They say that God puts people in your life for a reason!!! Jill was a ton of help with the twins when they were itty bitty! She continues to be that friend you text (sign of the ages) when you are having a crazy day!

Jill is the mother of 2 beautiful girls. She is also a Border Patrol wife.

I am so happy that Jill is now a part of my "family" and to celebrate- I thought it would be fun to give away some blog candy!!! I could not think of a more appropriate blog candy then to give the winner one of each of the projects my downline gals will be making tomorrow at out stamp together!!! All of the projects are made using new products from the SU! preview catalog. So here is a peek at just a few of the projects:

And there are more!!!! Here is what you need to do to win this candy: leave a comment on this post with a tip for Jill. In can be a stamping tip or a business tip. You don't need to be a demo to enter! I will let Jill pick a winner on Monday night! Good luck!

PS- Jill don't kill me for posting your pic!!! You look great!!!

Scrappers Clubs

…Join a Scrapper’s Club,
get free stamps & more!


When your wish list is longer than your grocery list, this is a terrific way to budget your purchases over a 6 month period AND receive hostess benefits! By purchasing $25 of product a month for 6 months, not only will you be able to slowly build up your stamping supplies while staying within your budget, you’ll also receive the following:

* NEW Idea Book & Catalog
* Exclusive hostess stamp set
* $15 or more in Stampin’ Up! Merchandise of your choice…and more!

That’s over $75 worth – all for FREE!

As an added bonus….

I am including 6 monthly scrapbooking classes where you will have the opportunity to learn more advanced stamping techniques and see how the products can be used on your scrapbook layouts. Each class is between 1½ to 2 hours long, and you get to make a 2-page 12x12 layout every month! All your project supplies are also FREE. What a fabulous way to get a couple layouts completed every month! But you are not required to attend the class. You can always just email your monthly order to me.

Even if your schedule won’t allow you to make it to the classes, it’s still worth your while to join because you’ll receive all the hostess benefits (over $75 worth), without having to host a workshop!

I have Scrapper’s Clubs starting in August – so call me now to join!

Jamie Sears(520) 705-7162
Sears1130@cox.net
http://www.stampinmommyof4.blogspot.com

Have you seen the new Decor Elements?

Have you seen the new Decor line that Stampin' Up! now carries?!!! Decor Elements are high-quality vinyl wall art in Stampin' Up!"s beautiful designs. They are essentially rub-ons for your walls!!!! The have designs perfect for any room in the house including adorable flowers, words, definitions, and alphabets. I think they would look so cute in a playroom or kid's bedroom!! Check out the catalog! See something that would look great in your home? Just email me to place your order: sears1130@cox.net.

Pool Fun

I just LOVE to scrap swimming pictures! I love being able to use bright and fun colors and papers. This layout is for my one of my scrapbook clubs to make this weekend. I think I am going to make it in a 2 page layout tonight....


Did you notice the scallops that I made with the new scallop punch that will be in the catty next week?! It is so easy to use that you will want to add scallops to everything!

Recipe:
Stamps: Best Friends Lower Alphabet
Paper: Spring Break DSP, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Sky, and Whisper White
Ink: Blue Bayou
Other: Old Olive Brads, Pumpkin Pie Striped Ribbon, 1 inch circle punch, tag corner punch, scallop punch, white gel pen, Old Olive Marker

Isn't this this DSP so fun!!! It is on the retiring accessories list along with the in colors- so if you love it- contact me today to get the order in before supplies run out.

Today was my 1st real shift at Michael's. I was the cashier today as the truck did not arrive until I was leaving : ) My toe is crying right now after being stuck in sneakers. I think it will feel better after the kids go to bed and I get inky! Have a nice night!!!

Kindness from the Heart

I have a bunch of very sweet ladies in my stamping downline family!! And I am getting very excited about the Downline Stamp Together event that I am having at my house on Friday night. All, but one, of my downline will be coming over to stamp a bunch of projects with the new products from the preview catty. Gives us a chance to get some new samples made, share ideas, and just hang out. Sounds fun, huh? Can't wait! Here is another card we will be making!


I wasn't crazy about the Bella Rose paper when I saw it in the preview catty- but I have learned that I almost NEVER dislike SU! patterned paper. So I ordered it! And I am so glad that I did, because I can't stop using it!!!!!

If you are not an SU! demonstrator, you will be able to order this yummy paper and the awesome in colors on August 11th. If you don't have an SU! demo, please email me and I will get you on my mailing list so that you can receive specials, class by mail offers, and project ideas.

Recipe:
Stamps: Heard from the Heart
Paper: Bella Rose DSP, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Other: white grosgrain ribbon, chipboard, NEW scallop punch, daubers

I am working my first real shift at Michael's tomorrow. For some strange reason, my manager has decided that I will work every Wednesday because that is when the truck comes. He wants me to be there for the unloading of 7,000 boxes. Shouldn't a big strong guy be doing that??? Tomorrow will also be the first day of my wearing closed toed shoes over my injured toe. I am currently giving my toe some pep talks. But the number "7,000" is really got him shaking in his band aid!

I have a summer, all SU! scrapbook page to share tomorrow!!! Nighty, night.

Beyond excited!!!!

Whoooo Hoo, Stampin' Up! made a huge announcement this morning!!!! Are you ready for this?!!!! Customers will soon be able to order SU! products directly from their demonstrator's website!!! I am not sure when the changes will take place but I am very excited to be a part of a company that continues to grow and change with the times. I will still hold lots of workshops and classes- so no worries there. But if you are scrapping in the middle of the night and realize that you are ruining low on snail- you will be able to log into my website and order more!!!

I am leaving for convention in exactly one week!!

I will be back with some eye candy. I am working on a scrap layout and my convention swaps.

No Girlz!

This is the card that I made for Melissa's challenge at the Pink Cat Studio blog. She wanted us to use Billy or Lilly and place them in a room. I chose to place Billy at his clubhouse!I made the wood background by cutting strips of More Mustard Cardstock and rubbing Close to Cocoa and Whisper White ink on them. I glued them on to a base and used my Chocolate Chip marker to add to nails. It didn't take long at all!!!
I colored Billy with my Copics and paper pieced his shirt with Jersey Shore DSP.
The door hinges are SU! hodgepodge hardware.

I didn't win the contest- but it is always fun playing with my Billy stamps. They always remind me of my son. He has three younger sisters!!!


I am soooo tired. I was running errands and shopping all day! The good news is that I can walk normally now!!!! My toe still hurts if anything touches it so I am not to keen on walking in large groups. More good news- I got a new dress to wear to awards night at convention! Have I mentioned that I am bringing my entire family to Salk Lake with me?!!! That is why I had so many errands- I have to get everyone ready. It will be a long car trip and so I bought new movies, coloring books, snacks, etc. I also had to shop for the girls' birthday gifts as their birthdays will all happen while we are in Salt Lake! I have not picked up a stamp today. I think that I hear the TV calling. I need a little R&R before I can be creative again!

a 2nd try at the digi scrapping

I got so frustrated with my first attempt at digi scrapping (check this post) that I decided to just start over! It took me just 10 minutes to make it this time!!! I am much happier!!!

I took this picture of my son on the evening of his pre-school end-of-year ceremony. He was so excited about singing and had talked about nothing else for weeks!!!! And hen when it came time to go on stage- he got stage fright and never made it. It was actually pretty cute! I was proud of him anyway. Just look at that dimple!!!!! And seems to be over the stage fright now. Yesterday he sang songs to all of Barnes and Noble!

If anyone knows how to fix my first layout- please leave a comment!!!! I am a novice and I know there are some experienced digi scrappers out there!!!

Some Birthday Cards

I wanted to share these special birthday cards that I received. I love getting hand-made cards!!!

This card is from my sweet friend, Jill. She is also the newest member of my downline family. She knows ow much I love the Summer Fun Simply Scrappin' kit and so she used some scraps from her kit for the card. I love the simple and clean design. It is so me!!! I wonder where she learned to make cards!!!! : )
The next card is super special from it is from someone I have never met!! It was so cool to get happy mail from a cyber friend! The card is from Karen. She is a fellow Great Swaps Girl! And she is an amazing stamper. You must check out her blog. I think I spent a couple of hours there! Don't you just love the in-colors?! They look so good together!

Thanks a bunch Karen and Jill! Also thanks to the Great Swaps Girls who filled my inbox with special Happy Birthday messages. I can't wait to meet them in Salt Lake! I am leaving in just 9 days!!!!

A first!!!!!

Woo Hoo, I had a fun day today!!! I spent the day with my hubby and four kiddos. We had a puppy training class. Then we stopped my our new Fry's Marketplace and their was a clown there who made balloon animals for the kids. Then she pained there arms. They were in their glory! Next we went to Party City and bought all the decorations and goodies for the girl's birthday party next weekend. Then it was time to go paint pottery together at As You Wish Pottery. The kids did a pretty good job. Each of the girls chose to paint a jewelry box and Kyler picked a "treasure box" (which looked a lot like a jewelry box to me!). When they were done painting, Scott brought the to Barnes and Noble to read books while I finished all the coats of paint on the boxes. And finally, after Barnes and Noble (where my son sang sang very loudly to the entire store!) we went to Red Lobster for dinner. Yummy!!!! The best part was dessert because we ordered one of everything and shared them all!!! No surprise- the chocolate cake was the kid favorite! Scott even had the waiters come and sing Happy Birthday!

And when I got home- I finished my first Digi Scrapbook layout!!!! My Cyber friend, Gretchen, turned me on to Jessica Sprague's classes. This is the layout that she teaches in her first class. It was super cheap and video based so you can keep pausing and rewinding when needed. I have already learned a lot! But I have so much more to learn. But that is all part of the fun!!!

It's kinda cute, right?!! Well are you ready to laugh? Look closely at her eye. I was uploading and I was like "What the heck is on her eye?" So I opened it up in Photo Shop and there is a tiny pic of her right there on her eye! How did that get there????? I tried to get rid of it. Didn't work. I tried reediting the photo and it kept telling me that the layer was locked. Hmmmm. That didn't happen to Jessica on the video!!! Like I said- I have some learning to do!!!

Festive Friday

I made this card at the beginning of the week and I have been dying to share it with you! If you are new to my blog- I have made it my own personal challenge to post a new holiday project on my blog every Friday. And today's project features tons of stuff from the SU! preview catty!!!

I had to use the CUTE card sketch from the Got Sketch 101 class AGAIN!! I just love it so much!

I colored the nose in with a blender pen and Riding Hood Red Ink and then added Crystal Effect to give it dimension and make it shiny!!!

These buttons are new too and I love that they are the in colors!!! I made some faux threat with a thin strip of Kiwi Kiss cardstock.

Again- I love the idea of using this type of layout for a Christmas card because you can easily include a family pic, a favorite holiday recipe, a gift card, or just a note. Plus- the card fits right into a standard envelope.

The ladies in my downline are going to be making this card (and many more) when we get together next week!

Recipe: (All Stampin' Up!)

Stamps: Deer Friends and Heard from the Heart (both in the preview!)

Paper: Bella Rose DSP, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip

Other: Chocolate Chip Marker, Blender Pen, Crystal Effects, Chocolate Chip Grosgrain ribbon, Circle punches, scallop circle punch, tab punch, buttons

Thank you for all the birthday wishes. I am going to have to post some RAKS tonight after I get them photographed. And how do my photos look. I did some minor editing in my new Photo Shop Elements!!! BTW- my kids got be another set of copic markers for my bday! I will have to find some time to play with those!

Happy Stampin'!

Celebrate!!!!!

Happy Birthday, to me!!!! I am defiantly not one of those women who get depressed on their birthday! Cake and presents!!!! Yippee!!! I have no idea what we are doing for my birthday. I have a feeling that my husband doesn't either : ) But he did mention that we will be busy this weekend. Hmmm..... I bet he is scrambling at this very minute with what we can do in 110 degree heat that would be fun with 4 kids!!!



ETA: I just found out that my DH invited people over to the house for dinner. Due to my injury- my house is a mess!!!! I guess I know what I am doing on my birthday now : (

I have a fun and bright card to share today!!! I envisioned it being used as a birthday card but then I realized it would great for any number of occasions since it has a such a simple sentiment! This is another one of the projects that the gals will be making at my chipboard class tomorrow night.

Don't you just love the little chipboard tag and the star?!!! The card size is 3x6 and it is one of my favorite sizes for sure!!! You can make 4 of them from one sheet of 12x12 paper!

Recipe:

Stamps: Just Celebrate (Dangit! I just realized that the sentiment comes from a set in the retired mini!)

Paper: Jersey Shore DSP, and Bashful Blue

Ink: Brilliant Blue Craft

Other: Pumpkin Pie Striped ribbon, Brads, Chipboard

I am not 100% happy with the way the color turned out in the first photo. But guess what?? My parents gave me Photo Shop Elements for my birthday!!!! So as soon as I get a Photo Shop for Dummies book- I will be able to edit my photos. I am really looking forward to learning how to do digital scrapping too! No need to worry- that would be another hobby in addition to my traditional scrapping. I could never replace that!

I am off to celebrate! Have a happy day!!

So Thankful for You

Wednesday. already?!! Yippee!! That means that tomorrow is my birthday!!!

Today I have a cute little 3x3 envelope and card to show ya using stamps and paper from the preview catty! I cased the idea from one of the make-and-takes from this year's cruise. (I didn't get to go- but I can still CASE the projects!!!)

The stamps are from a Hostess set, Window Dressings, that will be in the catty coming out in less than a month. I colored the image in with a Pumpkin Pie Marker and a blender pen with Kiwi and Riding Hood Red (2 of the new in colors). The DSP is from the new Bella Rose paper pack.

The fabulous ladies in my downline will be making this project (and many more) when we get together to stamp and chat next Friday!

So what do you think? Are you excited for the new catty? I will have it in my inky hands in just 2 weeks!

Foot Update: I was so sore last night after my busy day. But it is starting to heal and my hubby will be home today so I don't have to do all that hopping! Thanks for all the sweet emails and well wishes!

All you need is 9 1/2 toes!

Sorry I was MIA yesterday! Due to my toe injury (sounds kinda sissy, huh?) I was unable to walk. And what do you suppose I did all day??? Stamp, of course!!!! I made some awesome projects for some upcoming events that I am hosting. First, you wanna see my toe???









Well too bad! It's too painful to take the bandage off!!! And gross, I might add! But it is amazing what one can do with only 9 1/2 toes. This morning I got all 4 kids up, diapers changed, hair done, and dressed and broke up many fights. I also managed to feed the puppies. This was a tougher task since they wanted to check out my bandage! I then loaded all 4 kids into the car. Not easy when you can only wear one show and there are tons of rocks in the driveway! It was also not easy to climb in the back of the SUV to buckle up car seats.

But then we were off! I decided to swing through Burger King drive through for breakfast. Everything went well until I realized that they forgot one of the meals. So I tried to back up to the window- but a car came zooming around the corner and we had a near collision. So I drove to the front of the restaurant and decided to send my oldest (he's 4) in to ask for the meal we were missing. (Keep in mind that we live in AZ and the pavement is VERY hot on a shoeless foot.) My son couldn't open the door to get out because we had the child lock on it! Dang it!!! So I finally decided to hop in. Isn't it amazing what I will do for some food?! I was about half way to the door when the manager came out with my missing meal. He didn't apologize. He just asked "Are you ok?" Why wouldn't I be ok??? I am just hopping on one foot through the HOT Burger King parking lot with 4 preschoolers waiting in the car!!!!

Then I dropped the three oldest kids at their preschool. Lots of hopping. Very hot. And lots of rocks. Next I took the baby to her daycare. More hopping. And more rocks. I finally get back to the car and wouldn't you know it- I left my keys in the office!!!!! More hopping!!!

Now I am home. But just briefly. Today is my first day at my new job at Michael's! I see a lot more hopping in my future! On the plus side, I am going to have some kicka@@ muscles in my legs when all is said and done!!!!

More good news- my new computer is set up and all my pictures are back!!!!! So I am sharing with you another one of the cards we will be making at my Chipboard class this Friday night.

All the DSP is from the Crew Kids Girl Simply Scrappin' kit. I covered the chipboard heart with DSP and then sanded the edges. I also added a flower and brad from the pretties kit.

Off to work! See ya later!

Festive Sunday?

I was going to post a Christmas card on Friday but with the computer issues- I have not been able to get to my pics!!!! So I took some new pics and now I can't find the cord and my DH's laptop doesn't have a card reader. Ahhhh! So I went through my Splitcoast gallery and I found this card from last Christmas. I still love it!

For the pink area- I took my Pretty in Pink ink pad and just smooched it on the Whisper White cardstock.

Recipe:

Stamps: Season Of Joy

Paper: Purely Pomegranate, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate

Other: Purely Pomegranate Ribbon, 2 way glue, dazzling diamonds, staples, circle punch, silver cord

I am stuck on the couch tonight. I had a freak accident with the glass from a photo frame. Now I am missing part of my baby toe. I am still waiting for it to stop bleeding and it has been almost 3 hours. As you can imagine, I am in a bit of pain and I am not wanting to climb up the stairs! My DH is at work so I hope that the kids and the puppies have a good night. It might be another scary morning!!!

some cuteness!

My hubby is working on getting all of my photos and favorites back on my computer right now- so I am using his laptop. I am sorry to say that I don't have any stamped creations to share since I can't get to my pics- but I have some CUTE kids to share. All 3 of my girls are having birthdays in 2 weeks- so I thought it was a great time to take some photos. I am so happy with the way they turned out!!!!

BTW- Another one of my lauouts is being featured on www.cardoftheweek.com!!! So cool!