Give Thanks Blog Hop

'Thank you' is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding. 

Alice Walker

Welcome to the Give Thanks Blog Hop!  You should have arrived from Kim @ Katydid Cards, or if you are lost start at the beginning (Alicia's blog).  As we approach the holiday season, I think it is appropriate we should reflect on things for which we can be thankful.  We can be grateful for the little things and we should be grateful for the big things.  We should take the time to give thanks for all the persons and moments that make our lives so special.  

 

Sooooo, we would like to say a HUGE THANKS to our sponsor today.

Theresa is giving away a $20 Stampin' Up Gift Certificate to one lucky winner AND

take 10% off any order placed through her (not available on website) by November 30th. 

Email her at scrapsbygracie@gmail.com with your order. 

All you have to do to win this fabulous prize is comment on each of the blogs.

That's it! It really is easy.  

Of course, we would love it if you became a follower too. 

Comment buttons can be found at the bottom of the post (on most of the blogs).

Now on with the hop!

Okay, Okay... I gave in and bought one... a MISTI! The "Most Incredible Stamp[ing] Tool Invented!!!" And as you already know I promised myself (at the Expo..) if I bought it, I must use it, so... HERE I AM!!!!

I love the platform!!! It gives you a way to have pretty much perfection. No, this is not an advertisement!

And you just place it all just so (on your card) then shut the platform...

But... don't forget this black foam piece...

Otherwise... this happens and you miss A LOT. You have a lot of "duh!" moments.

But... If you add that piece, it turns out perfectly (because it's magnetized to the same spot!

And then... if you forgot something like I usually do... you can simply add it in like so:

And then it really does end up perfect... like this...

And then we have... coloring. I thought all little kids new how to color!!! Kristina Werner (and others) make it look so easy... but it's not.

I tried... and this was my third attempt it's not a charm... that's a lie!!!! I really need to work on my coloring. I promise... I will!

 

It's not the best, but... I'm thankful I'm able to do it! YAY!!!! What are YOU thankful for?





Up next is Amanda!

Here is the entire line up in case you get lost:

Alicia - http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com/
Sue - http://suek86401.blogspot.com/
Kim - http://katydidcards.com/
Lisa - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/...
Amanda - http://salnclts76.blogspot.com
Connie - http://conniecancrop.blogspot.com/
Jearise - http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com/
CADC - http://cardadaychallenge.blogspot.com/
Theresa - http://scrapsbygracie.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much for stopping by, and may you have a lot to be thankful for!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!



Give Thanks Blog Hop

Welcome to the

Today's hop is sponsored by

Today's hop is full of great projects all about Thanksgiving and being thankful.

We all have so much to be thankful for. Many seem to forget that. Before I start "hopping", I'd like to tell you what I'm thankful for... As you may know (if you read my blog), last summer we lost our son. He was an organ donor and was able to save many lives and help give quality to many more lives. Unfortunately, he was not a match for his 2nd cousin (cousin to my husband). Knowing this cousin is on recurring dialysis, I matched her. Even more unfortunately, as we went through the testing process, the antibodies in her blood attacked mine, so we could not go through with it. This past Saturday, she got a life-changing phone call. They had found a kidney for her! And with that, she had a successful surgery on Sunday.  I am so thrilled and thankful for the wonderful donor family that helped make this happen. THANK YOU!

So... please... if you have it in your heart, please! be sure you select that little pink dot. Choose to be a donor. Every little bit helps. You could give the Gift of Life.

Now... I did do something a little crafty... So let's get hopping!

I decided to go with something a little Cricut-ty. Since working on my craft room, I've been neglecting physically "making" things and needed to get back to my beloved machines. Enter the Cricut Explore Air.

 Of course, I forgot what it's called... and it Cricut Design Space doesn't seem to want to respond right now... but this is what it looked like on the screen:

It's SUPER enlarged, as the cut was so small when it came on board to my mat.

 I will be using all these negatives for some misting and masking... but in the meantime, I sure wish Cricut would put in an option to minimize paper waste, as it used the "paper saver" selection on the old Expression.

 They are in two-part. The dark brown backing shows through the cut-out letters. Then I totally inked them up: I used Tea Dye all OVER, then Walnut Stain (both are Tim Holtz/Ranger Distress Inks) on the edges. Then I Zig-glued them together.

Hold up folks... the original intention was to make a garland with jute twine... but guess what? Um... yeah. I glued the backings on BEFORE putting the jute. And so... I tacked magnets on the back of these babies and slapped on my classroom chalkboard. Now all the high school kids expect me to decorate for all the holidays.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you have a wonderful hop and have LOTS to be thankful for!

 Don't forget to leave a comment, we love feedback.

Here's today's lineup. I know you'll see how thankful we can all be...

http://scrapsbygracie.blogspot.com 
http://cardadaychallenge.blogspot.com
www.sarahbiswabic.blogspot.com
http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
www.katydidcards.com
http://created2bunique.blogspot.com
www.craftinandstampin.blogspot.com
http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com <=========== YOU ARE HERE!
http://www.clippingsbysharondalyn.blogspot.com <=============== NEXT UP
http://sunflowerholli.blogspot.com
www.sanurascraps.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/TinstarDesigns

Paper Hoarders Design Team Challenge: What Are YOU Thankful For?

I had to think a lot about this, and try to focus on one or two things... as I'm thankful for a lot.

Thankfully, I didn't have to think to hard, because... as I was perusing through my stash of Cuttlebug folders, I came across one that had LOTS of things to be thankful for on it! HA! (You'll see in a sec...)

I've been trying to utilize my stash, so I remembered this Debbie Mumm stack that I bought several years ago (unlike others, I rarely buy stacks...) and so, I cut out the stacked pumpkins. They are so sparkly and awesome. I just HAD to use them.

Then I ran some orange cardstock through a Pumpkin Cuttlebug embossing folder, inked up the Lots to Be Thankful For (don't really know the name of the folder, but that's what I'm gonna call it...) Cuttlebug folder with Walnut Stain Distress Ink (to make the words POP!), then ran some vellum through it.

I sprayed the vellum with a spray adhesive by 3M (love it!!! it SOOO doesn't show!), and attached it to my card; then attached my stacked pumpkins with a little ATG love, added the "Give Thanks" ribbon (another stash-y item), and called it a day.

And so Provo Craft did something right! They invented something that states ALL the things I'm thankful for when Autumn comes... well... if it ever comes, HERE, in Southern California...

Unfortunately, you can't really see the pumpkin embossing, but that's ok. It still gives it a little dimension.

Now... to see other peeps who are thankful, please check out Ms. Tanya's blog... and if you want to, let me know that YOU want to be a Paper Hoarder, too! We'll sign you up!

Lastly... join us for the challenge. What are YOU thankful for? Thanks for looking!

November was a "Challenging" Month

I've been a bad, bad blogger.

I haven't written in over a month. This, in and of itself, is B-A-D... BAD. Hopefully tomorrow will begin something new. I am challenging myself to post each and every day. (Please don't let me fail!) Whether it's a quickie Christmas/holiday/winter-y quip or a run-down of shopping or crafty to-do's... I hope to make it better in the month of December!

This month (and last month, too!) have just been a whirlwind of things. Too many things to go over. Basically, I/we've been busy with the kids, putting on different school-related things (remember Kindergarten?), dealing with everybody's drama on a day-to-day basis, birthdays, school projects/essays, living life, and when I can... being lazy.  But... this past month, I accepted a challenge that was really hard for me. I had to think of a different thing each and every day to be thankful for.  Yes... it was on Facebook, but heh... it's a great way to relate to people (and a wonderful outlet if you are an addict - Family Feud ROCKS!). So, here, just to sum it up, I'll give you the day-by-day summarization of my month:

The challenge (should you choose to accept it) is to post something you are thankful for each day until Thanksgiving. For some of us, this may be harder than for others. SOME of us complain. a. lot. But... in the spirit of being thankful to everyone and everything, I am ...willing to accept this challenge.

(And so it began with...)

Day 1 - I am thankful for healthy, happy kids. Kids, who no matter what trials they put me through, are still here and pretty much only provide me with mental anguish (on a daily basis). I love my girls!

Day 2 - I am thankful for the freedom to vote for my beliefs/non-beliefs and opinions and the freedom to choose whether to vote or not. Basically, no matter what, the decision is mine. So... I'm thankful to still be able to make that decision!

Day 3 - I am thankful that friends, who I once thought lost, can now be found.

Day 4 - I am thankful that although my kids may not be "happy" all of the time, I know I'm doing my best, and that in the end, they will be better for the decisions I have made.

Day 5 - I am thankful that every morning I wake up, I'm still alive. It's as simple as that today. What a wonderful day!

Day 6 - I am thankful that I can do (almost) everything I want, with the little time I have, and when I'm almost OUT of time, I can STILL take a power "nap" and have LOTS of energy. (even at this old age!). See you at the pool! Enjoy the beautiful day!

Day 7 - I am thankful I work with so many awesome people who can accept my mistakes and let me know they do the same thing; then we all laugh about it. (Thanks, guys!)

Day 8 - I am thankful that I live in a country where Justice is served (for the most part). Thank goodness that the wonderful judge saw the fitting need for a restraining order against a psychotic neighbor. Now maybe I'll be able to sleep better! (Court was today... and THIS is why the delay in my posting of thanks...)

Day 9 - I am thankful for fresh starts. Everyday is a new one. Getting up and starting fresh is always a good thing. Open your eyes, rise and shine. Take a brisk walk and let it clear (and soothe) your head, your heart, your body...

Day 10 - I am thankful that although my kids (or kid) may upset me and tempt me to blow my top, I have enough patience to deal with it calmly... (today is one of those days...)

Day 11 - I am thankful for people that can change. Something may be needed in one's life, and it is okay and acceptable for people you love to change to fulfill those needs. (Thank you to my wonderful husband for finally letting us have a dog. We love Xanadu!)

Day 12 - I am thankful that no matter how much our world and surroundings change, there are STILL 24 hours in the day... a constant that I can count on. And with this constant, it gives me just a couple more hours, in my busy day, so that NO MATTER what, I am still able to post this... and not be late into another day. Whew! (did ya catch all that?)

Day 13 - I am thankful for wonderful internet friends and family. With all of our technological advances, we are able to connect and "see" more people than ever. Whether we use them as a sounding board for things gone good or bad or even just to lend an ear, our more-extended and available friends and families make everything better and allow us to be part of a true "global perspective" with everyone working together. Thank you to all of you. And it truly is wonderful to meet up in "real" life sometime. (Thanks for yesterday, Jenn and girls, Barbara, Kim and Zach! We had a great time!)

Day 14 - I am thankful for the brilliance of the stars at night. They allow me to look up in awe and wonder that things of nature can be so beautiful and peaceful at the same time the world is at war, in one way or another. There is still a light up in the sky... a brilliance, shining down upon us.

Day 15 - I am thankful for a little friend that came into my life. She walks with me every morning, doesn't talk back, and is an awesome listener. Thank you for my itty bitty puppy! I love my Xanny!

Day 16 - I am thankful for the peace and quiet I have (momentarily) that allows me to think and feel serenity each morning. It's a time when I (you) can believe the world is calm, even if it is only for a moment.

Day 17 - I am thankful for a husband that "allows" me to "stay at home" (if you can truly call it that) and that his job has a decent enough income that I can supplement it just a little and we're ok, barely making it, but ok. This way, our kids are taken care of daily and get to and from school safely AND are able to participate in sports and enjoy life. Sometimes... I even enjoy doing it. (lol!)

Day 18 - I am thankful for all of my Family Feud peeps that keep my glued to the computer, helping to complete my Fast Money rounds and sending me Fast Money requests. Thank you to all of you! Keep 'em coming! (lol!)

Day 19 - I am thankful for my coffee in the mornings (my hubs usually brings it for me... he works nights, so it's still warm...). Without it, I don't think I could get a great start in my day. (and so you know... on weekends, I'm on my own for the coffee thing. It sucks!) Thanks, Juan!

Day 20 - I am thankful that my puppy is still alive. She was diagnosed with parvo last night. While we can't afford to do the hospital stay, we got up round-the-clock last night to give her medication and treatment. She is still hydrated and her gums appear to be back to a healthy color. Please post happy sick puppy stories for me. I'll be reading them and hoping she recovers from this, although I know... the chance is slim. Thank you to all of my wonderful friends that help me through this time. We love our puppy!

Day 21 - I am thankful for the support of all of my friends. They (you all!) shared encouraging thoughts and stories with me yesterday. They have given me hope and courage to look at my poor puppy with a new perspective and dream of the day (very soon) when she will be all better. Thank you everyone! And keep those happy thoughts coming!

Day 22 - I am thankful my kids don't have school this week, so we all get to "sleep in" (if that's what you call waking up by yourself AND early... YAY!) and not rush around in the morning. (and YES, our puppy is doing MUCH better!)

Day 23 - I am thankful that there were still turkeys to purchase when I went in "last minute" shopping earlier today... Gotta have time to get that sucker to thaw!

Day 24 - I am thankful that even if I go to bed tired, grumpy and full of blahs, I wake up to my wonderful facebook friends, who usually post fun, happy, positive and sometimes HILARIOUS comments to start my day off a little better.

Day 25 - Today, I am thankful for... a whole bunch of things. As this challenge comes to a close, first of all, I am thankful that so many of you jumped in to this challenge and shared it with me. There are so many things out there for us t...o all be thankful for. I am thankful for all of my friends and family, for being okay (even when I think it's "really bad"), and most of all, that I have SO many things to be thankful for... that each day, I was able to post a different one. I am so grateful and humbled. Life IS good. Happy Thanksgiving to all, even to my friends in Canada, Australia, Brazil, and every where else in the world. Enjoy the holiday season, no matter how you celebrate or not. We're all here and sharing the world together. And for that... I am truly thankful. Good night!

(And it ended on Thanksgiving night)

I was able to complete the challenge above, a little later some days than others, but still... it was completed. YAY! Now... here's hoping a great beginning (and ending) to my own challenge of December! Woohoo! See ya'll tomorrow!