December 17, 2010 Snow!

Well, here it is December 17th and we have had our first accumulating snow of the season.  It snowed all day Thursday.  It was a nice dry, small snow.  Great for playing in. Yesterday, the boys (including Kevin) spent a lot of time playing on their 4-wheelers while I was at work.  That is so unfair.  I got up this morning and snapped just a couple pictures to share with you, for those who might actually miss the snow...



This is taken off of the deck.  Kyle and I both really liked the sky this morning.

This is the other side of the deck..

OK, this is the boys castle.  I thought Kyle did this all this morning, but I was informed that Kurt started this yesterday...and they are off to play again.....

Me on the other hand, I am going to add a log to the fire and bake some cookies for Shelly's cookie and Christmas night light exchange.  I know, I've never heard of a Christmas night light exchange before Shelly.  But you know what, there are tons of them in the stores, I guess I never looked at them before................They are cute....

I have been making some Christmas cards, but with everything going on lately I have just been busy, busy with hardly any time to sit and post anything....  I hope to catch up with that too!

Have a great day...........................

Kyle's 1st and 2nd Deer, Oh My!

Kyle went hunting with Allan today.  They have been a couple of different times, but today was a special day.  Well to start off, Kyle said he knew they were going to get something  because he could feel it in his bones.  I know, silly, since he's only 8, but apparently he knew something that we didn't.  Well, Allan showed up and off they go.  I am inside cleaning (that's what I do when I'm a little anxious, upset or angry) and all of a sudden I hear a big "BOOM".  Of course instantly I send Allan a text message asking "Did you get it?".  His response was "yep, but we're going to stay out a little longer, while we have some daylight left.  So they did.  I ran to drop the boys Christmas presents off at Grandma's and then I get a text, "Got the Buck".  OMG!! I was so excited for them both.  They were both thrilled. 

OK, I know Kyle doesn't look like it, but he is very happy!  You know Kyle, he tries so hard to be serious..............and he hates having his picture taken  :-)  Allan was also very happy.  God love this guy, he has made Kyle so happy this fall and for that, I love him to death!



Here's the kill!  The Doe and her Prince............



 This picture is of the "fellas" and their "BUCK"  I know it doesn't show the boys with both deer, but it shows Kyle's admiration for Allan 100%  There is no doubt that Kyle absolutely looks up to Allan.  I often catch this look on Kyles face when Allan is talking...

Cards, Cards and More Cards!

I have made a couple cards I'd like to share with you.  They are nothing fancy, just fun!
I hope you like them and take care.  ~Tina~

The cards above were made with my BFF in mind.  I sure do miss her a lot.  If only I could remember her name.....................mmmm

This is a gift card holder that is shaped like a Christmas ornament.

See the gift card slides right into the back of the ornament.

Dad's Birthday card.  No peeking, it's in the mail :-)

Big Leaf

As you know, Kyle loves to hunt.  He loves anything to do with hunting.  Anyway, this morning he went out in the woods with his bow and arrow to sit and watch from the deer stand.  Well, he didn't get anything, but on his way back he was looking at leaves and he found the biggest leaf I have ever seen.  And without further-a-do here it is...

Have you ever seen such a big leaf???  We have it sitting under three books to flatten

it, so he can take it in for show and tell. 

We did have some bad news this weekend.  Our baby turtle died this weekend.  We were all very sad.  Kyle was the most sad and wants to know about getting another pet....uuuaagghh!!  I think we are going to have hundreds of pets before he moves out. 



Forest Hall Farm

Kyle had a field trip today to the pumpkin farm, Forest Hall Farm....  Unfortunately, I didn't get to go today, but one of my friends (Kyle's best friends Mom) Bridget sent me this picture while they were there.....

Kyle is in the middle and his best friend, Connor is on his right.  Joshua, on Kyle's left is another of his classmates.....Aren't they cute!



Kyle's 1st Hunting Trip

I know this is going to be hard to believe, but I let Kyle go on his first hunting trip.  He went with a family friend and loved it.  They didn't get anything.  Actually, Alan never fired a shot.  When the deer appeared he said it was too dark in the scope to waste a shot.  Anyway, here are a few pictures I took as they were headed out.  And yes, I was very, very nervous...........My eyes did fill, but did not spill..........Kevin and Kurt would never have let me live it down if I had cried as they walked into the woods.........

This is Kyle and Alan G. getting ready to go.  Kyle wasn't very happy I showed up with the camera.  He was hoping they would get out of there before I showed up.. He knows what a worrier I am....

And they're off!!  Kyle is that little speck of orange you see in the woods.  I stood by the garage the whole time they walked off and just really zoomed in on them walking.  Once I couldn't see them anymore I had to go inside and wait.  Patiently for them to come out again.....They say it will get better.................................I hope!

Catch up!

I know, I know, I'm a little slow on the posting.  I have been working, but with such limited time, it's hard to get them here.  I just don't know where the time goes.  There has been so much going on around here lately.  But, first things first.....Some Christmas Cards..........

Isn't this the cutest?  I love how it turned out.  I made this for a card swap over on Stampin' Ups Demonstrator Website.  I love it.  Oh, I think I already said that.  I used soft suede, kraft, cherry cobbler and very vanilla card stock.  Deck the Halls DSP and Large Buttons.  Since it is for a swap there isn't anything stamped on the inside.....

Here is a close up of the snowman.  I almost forgot, I colored the snowman with chalks.  I've never used chalk before, but I really like how it added to the vintage look here..........

Here is another card I made, thinking I was going to use it for this same swap, but decided it was way to much work........But I really like the card.  (Will you get one for Christmas?)

This one uses the same DSP, Deck the Halls and the stamp set is "Welcome Christmas" from Stampin' Up also.  This is a really nice card, but you have to be really careful when cutting the scallop circle.  If not you could end up with just two scallop circles instead of a card that opens.  Not that I've done that or anything..... 




This is a little candy holder that I made for a 3D swap with the gals at Sea to Sea Stampers.  It was fund to make and super easy.  I actually cased it from Becky Roberts over at INKINGIDAHO . Her work is FABULOUS!!  You'll love it.  Anyway, it will hold a Hershey's Nugget or two Hershey's Kisses!  Fun, Fun, Fun!!

Maverick

OK, we spent this past weekend in Ocean City, MD.  One of our favorite places to go to for all sorts of reasons.  Every year on Columbus Day weekend there is a carshow and this year Kevin really wanted to show his 1972 Maverick.  So, he did.  And can you believe it, he won a trophy!  Yeah Kevin (and the boys too, of course).  His trophy was for "Outstanding Show" from the "Wheels of Yesterday" car club.  It was very exciting.

I've attached two pictures that were taken by an unknown source called "Click Click Boom Photography".  We had no idea anyone was taking pictures to pulish on the internet.  Of course there were people taking lots and lots of pictures of the car while it was on display, but both of these shots are while in motion, so they are a nice surprise.  Thank you Billy for letting us know the Maverick was out there.  What a good neighbor.

This is a random picture of Kevin driving down Coastal Highway.
This is a really good shot of the car.  Kevin really likes this picture.

This picture was taken during the Parade of Cars on the Boardwalk.
This is a Saturday picture.  I know this because if had been Friday's picture
you would see Kyle in the back seat behind Kevin.  No Kyle.  Must be
Saturday :-)

I will have more pictures of our trip this week, sometime.  LOL, still so busy.
 Kyle goes for his "Auditory Evaluation" on Thursday, the 14th.  Wish us luck that everything goes well for him.  I feel so bad that things seem to be so hard for him. 
Isn't there a saying that goes something like, "What doesn't kill us, will only make us stronger"?

Enjoy your day!!!

Masculine Cards

Why is it that we never think about making cards for boys or men until we need one.  If you're like me (and I know you are) you think about the card just as you need it and there is no time to make one.  You would think having two boys would remind me to have them on hand.  Today is Connor's Birthday and don't you know I had to send them to the Dollar Store to get a card for their friend.  How shameful is that??

Note to Self:  Self, make masculine cards.  Boys and men......Have a great day!

Sympathy

I do not like to make "sympathy" cards, but unfortunately the cycle of life does not allow us to forget that our life here on earth ends in death.  I do not know if it's because I am getting older (barely 29) or if it's the fact that I live in a small town and know a lot of people, but it sure seems like there have been a lot of good souls moving on to a greater place.  I've been thinking about this for awhile, but when my sister-in-laws Mother passed away this past week it really hit me how many people we have had to say Good-bye to this past year.

On a lighter note, here is the card I made for my sister-in-law.



I used Stampin' Ups retired Day and Night DSP, basic gray
CS and ink, vellum, detail white embossing powder, black hemp,
silver cord, and black brads.





Here is a close up of some details



I hope to be able to post a little more often, but you know me, "a day late and a dollar short".  Have a good week.

Fun Stamps

I have found some stamps by the company Rubbernecker and they are sooooo much fun.  I had a great time pulling this card together.  You can find these stamps here: http://www.rubbernecker.com/

For this card I used "Ethel Swimsuit" (Really Mom, that's what it is called.  Too funny).  She cost $4.95 and the saying is also from the same company.  Love them!!
The paper is of course, Stampin' Up.

Just Love It!!!!

Have a Great Day!





I Sewed!!!

OK, You know, Sewing is taboo to me.  I've tried it in the past with NO success.  I look at the sewing machine and in my mind it not only looks back, but it seems to grow and loom over me with a crazy, mocking grin. 

OK, so you've got the picture.  Me, Sewing Machine, not friends.  Anyway, one day I was shopping at "Big Lots" and they had this "mini" sewing machine by singer, The Pixie.  Now the box said it was perfect for crafting and people 14 and over.  Ok, whatever, right.  I thought ok, I'm crafty and I'm over 14 years of age (barely, haha!) so surely I can use it too.  Well, to be honest the "monster" sat in my closet for at least a month before I brought it out.  I spent one day looking at it and reading the directions.  Then I looked at it some more.  Well, it took me two days to try it.  I know Mom, what's the big deal, right? Mom always sewed and sewed well, but I did not inherit that trait. 

OK, back to the monster.  Well I won't keep going on about it, I'll show you it now.


Stop laughing at me.  This thing is a monster to me.  It took several references
to the manual and a few re threadings of the needle, but I think I finally got it.
YEAH!!! me

You're probably wondering, What did she sew?  Well here it is.

I know it doesn't look great, but I am very proud of it because

I sewed.  This goes on a card.  I know that the stiches aren't

exactly right, but it's a "rustic" card, so it looks ok.

I made this card for the Sea to Sea Stampers card swap this month.  They haven't even received it yet, but I'm so excited about the sewing part I'm going to share it with you  a little early.

Wait for it....................................... (Amme, that's for you)



I hope you like it.  It is suppose to have that vintage, rustic type look.

I used Stampin' Up's new stamp set "Welcome Christmas".  I love this set.  I won't tell you how long it took me to make 10 of these baby's, but they are now on their way to my fellow swappers and that's all that matters.  I just hope they like them.

Kyle's Birthday Party

Well we had Kyle's birthday party this past weekend.  It's aways an interesting adventure.  I'm sure everyone had a really good time.  At first, Kyle felt ripped off because we didn't have as many people over as we usually do.  Usually, we combine his birthday with an end of summer Labor Day party.  This year we didn't do that, but he did get to have a sleep over.  He had three boys spend the night.  Yhep, three boys.  I had a total of 5 boys in the house overnight.  They're good boys, no worries there, but Sunday morning we woke up to rain, rain, rain.  I'm not really complaining about the rain, because Lord knows we needed it, but being stuck in the house all morning with five very active boys is a whole different story.

Anyway, here are a couple of pictures of the opening of gifts.  I can't believe I didn't take more photos.  What's happening to me??? There was an event and my camera was not hanging from my neck........Life is busy!

Getting started! (Josh (Michelle's son) came later)



Cards with money is a favorite with Kyle :-)



Happy Birthday Bud!

This is a little blurry, but you can see he was enjoying himself.  He was
patiently waiting for a piece of cake.  His request for this year was
homemade ice-cream cake....Yummy!

Enjoy your day!

Bow and Arrow Time

Ok, so we spent some time practicing with the bow and arrow in the back yard, and it actually went very well.  The boys both showed a lot of responsiblity on handling the bow and arrow.  I was very proud of them both.  I even gave it a try, but I'll spare you the fright of looking at that picture.  So without and any further ado here are my two little men and the bow and arrow.

Kyle all decked out in his camo getting ready to go out and practice

shooting his bow and arrow.

Look at the concentration on his face.  He
was so ready to let go of that arrow.

My boys are growing up way too fast.

Big Brother, Kurt, trying to show Little Man, Kyle how it is one.

Kurt is really concentrating too.  I'm only afraid that he is going
to bite his lip off if he concentrates to much harder.

Whirl Wind

My eight year old baby!  Opeining the first present for his Birthday!

Wow!  The last couple of days have been a whirl wind of activity.  Kyle's birthday was Wednesday, September 8th.  I can't believe my baby is 8 years old already.  Time really does fly.

The first look of surprise!!

Kyle was so excited about getting his bow and arrow.  I
was and still am nervous about it, but he loves it.

Kyle's Birthday

My yongest  son's birthday is this coming week, so I spent some time today making his birthday card.  He loves 4-wheeling, so I thought I'd just stick with that.  The shinny background is aluminum foil cut with the Big Shot Top Note die.  I love how it turned out.  The stamp set I used today is "Off Road" by Close to My Heart. I also used CTMH's Extreme Caps (for Kyle's name) and the Birthday set for the Happy Birthday.  The card is colored with copic markers and CTMH ink.  I think he'll like it.  Now if I could just figure out what to get him as a present........

Peach Pie

I don't know about the rest of you, but my family's favorite dessert in the summer is peach pie.  We buy our peaches locally and my husband, Kevin, came home with a load of them last night and said "this is about the last of the peaches, can you please make us pies?".  So of course I complied.

Peel and slice up about 6 cups of fresh peaches.

Add 2/3C Sugar, 1/3C all purpose flour, 1/4tsp ground cinnamon,
 1/2tsp of lemon juice (plus an extra little squirt).  Then mix up gently.

Turn the peach mixture into a pie crust.
 (This is when my youngest son, Kyle, and I like to steal
 a couple peache slices to eat).

Add your top crust and pinch edges together.  Using about 1Tbsp of butter apply
 small pieces of butter all over the top of the pie and cut your slits. 
Preheat oven to 425 degrees and bake for 45 minutes, covering edges of pie.

Whalaa!  All done.  Enjoy!!