WONDERFUL News! Happiness all around!

   Hi everyone !   Sorry that I am been MIA for awhile, but very excited to be here today and hopee that before long I'll be back to my "normal" activities and routine in life.   It's been so crazy lately, so believe me, I can't wait to have time to simply sit down, create and post!  It was a JOY to work on a card yesterday and I'm happy to be here to share it with you today!   I was all set to post it late yesterday afternoon, but then found out some really HAPPY news that took my focus off of that for a bit!   It's all good news and all about a sweet little lost dog, who had been missing in my area for the last 11 days!!

    I am SO happy to announce that  little "Benji" was finally found late yesterday afternoon, with two young boys who didn't even know he was missing.  Luckily, he seemed to be drawn to them and they were all in a little "fenced" in playground.   One of the many amazing community members that had been looking for him, received a phone call from a friend, who thought she may have seen him with these boys at the area...then very quickly a gal who lives nearby went there and sure enough, it was Little Benji, who battled out there all alone for 11 days in the the rain and cold!   Thank goodnes for our rather 'mild' weather, otherwise this outcome could have been so much worse!

 

Benji - Photo from his "Lost" flyer!!

...and Benji Today....a bit thinner,

but otherwise looking awesome!!

   He is only 10 months old, and is brand new to this area.   The very first day here, he "bolted" out of his new yard and the search was on!   Unfortunately and for reasons I don't know if I will ever understand, his "new family" did not work with any of the man volunteers who spent countless hours looking for him.   They would not put their phone number on his lost poster, they closed down their Facebook page and totally shut out all those trying to help.   It was ALL so sad...and very upsetting....!  I tried to reach out and tell them about all the available resources I knew about and sadly, they never responded.  That's when a local person stepped up, found a lost dog white, where you could 'print' flyers and filled it out with what info we had.   We all kept in touch through a local Lost Dogs Facebook page and he was sighted every day.   One gal, (Cynthia), who is part of a local rescue, even volunteered to have her number posted to the Flyer, along with one of our local Vet offices.   I am so thankful to them both for caring so MUCH.    THANK YOU~~!

  Granted, we do not know both sides of the story, but ALL we were told is that the "they" the family, felt "attacked" by some people in the very beginning?  Why or how this happened, I have NO clue and so no sign on this?   Even so, it's old news NOW and I don't' care...I ONLY care about Benji and am delighted he is Safe.  Why his family, never posted flyers or used the outsources offered to them is beyond me.  I know IF either of my dogs were EVER lost, I would be SO grateful for ANY and ALL help...but again...I do NOT know what they were thinking of WHO they are?   ALL we know is we all felt SHUT out, despite all we did to help find this sweet baby.   This was by FAR the most upsetting and saddest story I have ever been part of and I PRAY I never have to feel that way ebery again.     That part broke my heart and still does and I hope some day, they will explain WHY they did NOT help us and why they shut us ALL out?  ALL everyone wanted was to save him?   He escaped from their yard within hours of arriving here?  He did NOT even have a collar on, nor was he on a leash?     Again, the circumstances are ALL so confusing, but ALL that really matters to ME is that he is safe and SOUND!

     I have now put that behind me and will continue to PRAY he is safe and sound.  He was seen bya local vet and other than needing to eat and put on some weight, and take antibiotics for a minor bladder infection, he is doing great.  He spend last might in a Foster Home, to the best of my understanding....we are NOT sure if and when he will be reunited with this family?  Many people do NOT want him going back, and are fearful for his long term life and safely.   I admit, felt that way too, but I am trying to learn the whole story and then decide.   ALL I want is to know that he will be SAFE, cherished and given lots of LOVE...forever!   I pray that if they decide they still want him, they will be sure to fix their fence and not allow him to be out alone in an area when he can escape.  I hope they buy him a nice collar and leash and USE it, until their yard is safe for him and until he has time to bond and know them.  I would be happy to buy him a leash or collar, if needed!   I can't begin to express how happy I am to know he's safe.  It was such a JOY to take down the the LOST DOG flyers that I had posted this morning and to know he slept in a warm home last night.   If you LOVE pets like me, please keep him in your thoughts and HOPE is NOW safe and sound forever!!   My special thanks to everyone who has been a part of his story...You are all Heroes and I do HOPE we can all do something special for the two boys, who played such a huge role in his rescue.  Clearly we was comfy with them and had RUN form every other person, who tried hard to save him.  Thanks also to Rhonda, one of the gals who searched and was the one to FINALLY find them with the boys. Thanks also to the Rescue for keeping him safe and to Dr. Lockwood for examining him.   And a huge thank you to ALL who cared and worked so hard to find him....you guys ROCK!!!

   And for some more awesome news -- a deal local friend, Lisa aka "That Nutty Redhead", has now met the goal she has been trying to raise through KickStarter to make her Gourmet Nut Business a HUGE Success.   Her goal was met this morning, just three days before it would have ended and she would have lost her chances!!   I am SO happy to be one of the many who Pledged for her and can't wait to see the new packaging that she needed to have designed to have her "delicious" nut added as a product at Whole Foods....yes, that's right, "Whole Foods" wants to sell her nuts and will be, now that she successfully raised the funds needed for her product packaging.  You can read all about Lisa and her amazing story HERE!  WOOHOO!!   Just goes to show that there truly are A LOT of caring people out there and I'm so happy that so many stepped out to save Benji and also make Lisa's goal a reality~~~ !!  YOU all are awesome and I am LIVING all this very HAPPY news!   I am so honored and proud to live in such a caring community ---!  I am also thrilled that people from all over have helped Lisa, even people she has never met --- You are all awesome!!

   SO...as you can tell, I could NOT be feeling HAPPIER today and it's a JOY to have such amazing and great news to share!  

   On a more personal note, I'm still battling with Fibro and hip pain and can hardly wait for my hip surgery to be behind me.  I'm also super happy that I'll have a chance to see Brian, when home comes home !  I had a fabulous Christmas and want to say special thanks to Alex and Acacia for hosting us on Christmas morning.  Another shout out to Patty and Mike for a great time at their home Christmas Eve and we will look forward to dinner with them, along with our my BFF, Julie on New Year's Eve!

    Lastly, and as started to tell you at the very beginning of this long and HAPPY post, I did manage to make a new card, first one in ages again and it was totally inspired by the latest "Cas(E) This Sketch Challenge, which you'll find Here.   I loved the sketch and as soon as I saw it I knew I wanted to make a card, using one of my brand new "HUGS" dies, that I just bought from PTI. -- "Hugs" is my all time favorite sentiment and I was trilled to add the set, along with this matching stamp set to my stash.

CTS #104

My "Hugs" Card

   As you can see I not only used my favorite sentiment, but also used my favorite color "Purple" of course.   I am hoping to get back to even more card-making this coming week and am actually excited to that the Holidays are almost all over, so that I will have lots of free time.  I still need to complete my new room (organizing) and also finish the major purge that I have been working on for months.  I have managed to get a LOT done and am VERY happy that my for,er craftroom, is back to being our upstairs Den.  The painting is all done, we have new blinds and window treatments and a few other things all done.  Santa bought me a nice 32" TV that I'm looking forward to using while I am recovering.  It's basically to use for Movies and Internet only and I already have watched some of my favorite crafty You-Tubes videos on it...!  I also ordered a wireless keyboard for it and we think we'll may add a Netflix to that TV -- Time will tell.  Right now we're using the free trials and need to decide which is best.  I don't' think I want to deal with adding another DirecTV cable or another box...to me it's not worth the extra charges and I think I'l be quite happy with all I can do using the WiFi Internet options!

  

   Sure HOPE you all had a very nice Christmas and that you also have lots of HAPPINESS in your life!   I'm thrilled that 2014 seems to be ending in a very happy way~WOOHOO!!!!!!

Merry Merry Christmas....

.... We are happy to stop by and take a moment to WISH you all a Magical Christmas!  I hope everyone has a wonderful time with family and friends!  I am looking forward to a very nice, yet casl and relaxing day.

     Sharing some pictures of my "Babies" all deck out in their new Christmas attire.  Starting with Mr. Scout, my eleven year old boy, who is SO mad at me for putting him in his "I LOVE Santa" sweater...he looks so cute, but hates any clothes ~  he would NOT even look at ME or the camera....

And next are his little Sisters, starting with Skye, who was the first we adopted, when she was 14 weeks old.   She's a little Chiweenie and is VERY attached to her Mom.   When I went out to San Diego to visit Brian and Meghan, she would not go upstairs (to bed) for the first three nights.  She stayed downstairs, in her favorite spot on the couch, waiting for me to come back.  I felt so bad, but luckily after that, she did fine~~

And our third pup, is Zeva, who we adopted the day she and Skye turned 9 months old.  Once I realized she still had never found her Forever home, it knew it was meant to be with us.  She's the tiny girl of the family and is a Daddy's' girl.   She loves to sit on the couch with Hubby at night, but is also loves me too.   They both love their older brother and will often snuggle up next to him in his bed.  They act like little Mom's and take care of him, when he's not feeling so hot.....

  These Pups and my two Sons -- will always be the "babes" in my life and I will LOVE and cherish them forever!   No one can make me smile or as happy as they can!!   It's the best LOVE in the whole world -- that of a Mom and Children -- even the furry kind~~

   Hugs to YOU all -  from us ALL!

   Hope Santa is very good to you and you have a 

wonderful and very loving Christmas!!

Special Birthdays!!!!!!!!!! I'm a Lucky MOM!!

  This week will always be a week of Birthdays that I LOVE.  Today, (December 20th), my two female Chiweenie rescues turn 2!!    Here are a couple of new pics, including one of  Big Brother Scoutie.

   And yesterday, on  December 19th I celebrated one of the best days of my entire LIFE!   The Birthday of my first born son, Brian!   Happy Happy Birthday BRIAN -- I can hardly believe you are now 28!  Where does the time go!   The day you were born was one of the best days I will ever have and I'll forever cherish the memory of that day~I loved taking to you yesterday and can hardly wait for you to be home to visit in February!   You,  Alex and the Pups make me the most loved Mom EVER!  I'm truly blessed and LOVE you all!

Brian the Toddler Years!

(One of my ALL time favorite pictures)

 Brian's First Christmas - 1986

The best gifts in my life are my Children,

both the human kids and my Fur-babies...!!!

I am ONE Lucky and LOVED MOM!!

Brian and  Alex - Summer of 1992!!

My two Boys!!!

Brian, Brian and more Brian~~

Happy Mail ! It's a good thing...

     It sure has been awesome to have a couple of good days, so that I can create.  I miss it SOOO much when I'm not feeling up to it.   Today, I have two new cards to share and hope tomorrow I'll have time for me.   I know that that the next two weeks, are going to really become super busy as we get closer to Christmas.  I still need to get my Christmas shopping done -- wrap up my gifts, package up the mail those going to the kids in Cali and then begin on a bit of Christmas baking!

    So, how are YOU all doing?   Have you finished shopping?  Are you close to being ready and are you already planning your baking and cooking?   I used to be so MUCH better at this and would have ALL my shopping done bright and early---most year even before Thanksgiving, which made it so much less hectic, I loved that and it gave me a LOT to time to actually enjoy Christmas...but now, I'm slower and it takes me forever to find nice gifts for my family.  But, that's okay -- I do always get it done and I'm sure this year will be no different.  And since we are not doing any entertaining here, I am thankful that I can take this year off from decorating.   My house is currently torn apart, with new floors being put in and a painter here this week.  Needless to say, there is no way, I'll have time or the energy to decorate and with furniture and boxes all moved about the house, there really is NO point.  Let's HOPE that next year, I can get back to that?

     On a happy note, I still am sending out all my own handmade cards and we do have some pretty lights outside, and I've been listening to Christmas music for days, which does make me feel festive and happy.   I have iTunes on my computer and iPad, so there is always music on and I today I'm enjoying listening to it while I create.

     I am very happy to have two new cards to share and the first one today was created for the the "Card Chain Challenge", that I happily sign up for each month.  I do HOPE that I am not ruining the surprise for the gal who will receive this card, but I'm pretty sure she is not one of my regular followers, so I think I am okay?    I also should mention that the "Card Chain/Challenge" is open to ALL and is really a fun way to swap cards with cardmakers all over the world.   It is hosted every month by the fabulous Deborah Nolan and you can find all the details on her BLOG!   I also would like to once again give her a special shout out and say "Thank You" for the all the time and effort she puts into this fun card exchange.

    Each month, there is a new sign up and Deb, also provides us with a wonderful variety of ideas and inspiration for our cards.  There is always a sketch, a color palette, some fun techniques and more choices of themes -- lots of ideas for all.   And as an extra added bonus, Deb has now brought in monthly sponsors --- giving all the players a chance to win a fabulous prize from some of our favorite companies.   The sponsor for the January challenge is Mama Elephant and I'm sure you all know them well.  For me, the best part is receiving the cards in the mail each month.  I keep ALL my cards and have a wonderful collection from all over the world!    I highly recommend you hop on over and sign up.  There is a new sign up every month and it's truly a LOT of fun.

   For today's card I combined a few of the inspirational ideas and started with the Sketch, along with some of the pretty colors -- including a lovely shade of "Violet" -- YAY!

January Colors

January Card Chain Sketch

    

My Card

    My card was also fun and easy to create.  I started by picking out some cardstock and papers in the the colors I wanted and then created my card base, using my favorite "Mixed Pool" layering papers by Hero Arts.   I then chose a border stamp from the On Point set by Mama Elephant to create the border on the left side on my card, using Hero's Soft Lilac" shadow ink.   I then cut a thin strip of Periwinkle patterned paper and added that on top of the border.  I used some light violet patterned paper for my sentiment base and stamped on my "Happy Mail" sentiment in Versamark and then heat embossed it using Hero's White Embossing Powder.   To finish off my card I added some matching sequins and one of my favorite "Itty Bitty bows"!

    Before I show you MY next card, I wanted to share a very special card that just arrived in my mailbox today.  I first saw this card, over on Kimberly's blog "Wienerhoneymooners". when she posted it on her blog - HERE!   And, being the owner of three lovable (a Senior Purebred Dachshund and two sweet little Dachshund/Chihuahua Mixes "Chiweenies),  I immediately fell in love with it.  I told Kimberly I adored it and she later asked me for my address and told me she was going to send it to me.   I totally forgot about that, until I opened it today!   WOOHOO!   What a wonderful surprise... the PERFECT way to brighten my day.  I also have to tell you that in person, this card is even MORE adorable.  I just LOVE everything about it and it's a card I'll keep in my private card collection forever.   It also goes to show just how much cards mean to me and why I love this hobby so much.   This also shows how many kind and caring people there are in this world and Kimberly is ONE of the those sweethearts, who I am so lucky to have met, all through our shared love of card-making.    Her wonderful "Random Act of Kindness", truly touched my heart!   Thank you Kimberly!     Here is a photo of the card "courtesy" of Kimberly's blog -- Isn't it adorable!!    I LOVE IT!

   I'll tell you, it really does make my day to receive cards and that one is something special and one that I feel very luck to own!   WOW!!

   My next card is a sweet little "Christmas Card" that I created today after being inspired by the new "Bling it Up" Challenge over at the Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge Blog.   

   This card features a few of my favorite things....the first is this adorable little "Deco Tree" which is actually a die cut from the SSS Exclusive line.  I have used it quite a bit this year and it always makes a nice card.   The second is the "Winter Wonders" Sentiment Stamp, by Hero Arts, that is part of this collection that I simply adore.  I bought this set as soon as it hit the market and have also used each of the stamps many times, the handwriting, (by Heather Ruwe), is my favorite part and I do hope Hero Arts will have Heather design more sentiment stamps in the future!

  

    And that's it for today folks -- I am still looking for some "sunshine", we have not seen any sun in days and this miserable gray weather is certainly getting very old.  Today, the rain has turned to snow flurries, but thankfully it's not sticking or causing any travel worries!    I do HOPE the we'll see the sun soon?   I'm dreaming of seeing something like this?    How about YOU?  

Sweet Dreams!!!!!!!

A special Christmas request....

   I am posting this to all my dear card-making friends and also ask that you please share this request with everyone you know.

   It's a special request from a dear little three year old, who is battling childhood Leukemia.  Her name is Lauryn Newsome and I'm sure some of you will remember the card drive and blog hop and we hosted for her and her amazing family earlier this year.  Lauryn has been a super little patient, and everyone we are thrilled at who well she has responded to her treatments.  Lauryn is currently in remission and the maintenance phase of her cancer treatments.  This link will take you to her Facebook page, where you can keep up to date on her treatments and daily life -- "Fight on Little Lauryn".

Photo shared from  Lauryn's Facebook Page

    At the time of her card drive a special private Post Office box was set up for all her cards and wonderful gifts.  Now, we would LOVE to have you help fill the box once again with Christmas Cards, at her own request.   She loves to go to her box and is always is sad when it's empty, so let's try and keep it full for a long time.

     When I read the post about her asking for cards, I was happy to share it on my Facebook page and also wanted to share it her.  It would mean so much to this sweet little "Princess" to find mail in her special box.   Kindly send cards to:

Miss Lauryn Newsome

P. O. Box 172

Thornburg, VA 22565

    I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who has graciously sent cards in the past and encourage you all to continue to do so.  What better gift than to put a smile of this sweet little girl's face.

    We all look forward to the day that Lauryn will be cured and will have completed all of her treatments.  She's done awesome and been a superstar patient, and that's a JOY!

Photo shared from Lauryn's Facebook Page

Lauryn and her Siblings

    

Lauryn with Mom and Dad at a Special Gala hosted to

fund Pediatric Cancer Research!

Merry Merry Christmas to Lauryn 

and

her wonderful family!!

Hugs and Love too!