http://passionforcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/04/blogoversary-candy.html

Check out this link for a fantastic giveaway! Debbie Doncaster of the UK is super excited about her blogoversary and so am I! Her art is meticulous-ridiculous and her blog is full of good tips!

another sneak peek-May Stamp of the Month

This card was fun to create. I used all CTMH products including a few tools I haven't used in a while like the corner rounder, long reach punch and piercing tool.

Enjoy!

....sweet morning...

today is the 14th anniversary of the day my DH (dear husband) proposed. Brian mentioned this to the kids today at breakfast and they were a bit wide-eyed about the event. :D) Grace and John kind of looked at us differently for a few minutes while their Daddy went on about how Mommy was speechless when he proposed and how all she could do was cry. And then this special little family moment passed, daddy headed out the door, we cleared up breakfast and the kids left on the bus.

I am still reliving that moment 14 years ago. We had mentioned getting married and finding a home (not a rental) and starting a family (not anytime soon) but I was certainly surprised by his timing and the proposal itself. Me, speechless? Hard to imagine!

What a good reminder to myself that I need to journal about that special day 14 years ago, maybe find a photo of the 2 of us around that time to add to the memories. Ah, thank goodness for the art of scrapbooking, the act of preserving memories and our stories and the ability to save these special family moments forever.

In the meantime, I think I will add a picture of the 3 most important people in my life from last weekends hike.

Have a great day-Record a special memory while you have the chance!

Another Sneak Peek

This is a 6x6 card made using the Close To My Heart May 2009 Stamp of the Month called "Be Yourself". All products are CTMH and these colors coordinate with a beautiful new paper pak called "Bella". The colors are Smokey Plum, Olive, Hollyhock and White Daisy.
Enjoy!

My First Family (BIG) Hike

Since we live at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we have plenty of places to trail hike, quite close to home. Today we went to Sky Meadows State Park in Paris, VA for my first BIG family hike. My 8 yr old twins and DH (dear husband)have done other trails but I always had something to do. Not today! We opted for a "moderate" level of difficulty with one major steep grade and a fantastic view of the surrounding valley. This was really challenging for me but everyone's help, I made it! I am NOT a great outdoors person but love my family and want to do as much as possible with them, so I am quite happy with the outcome. Plus this was a great chance to check out the park and find a good trail for my Brownie Troop. Oh yeah - I'm going back!
I didn't get to take as many pics as I usually do (probably too busy trying to catch my breath at the top of each trail rise!) but I got a few. I can't wait to scrap these using the NEW Close To My Heart paperpak "Back Country". Here's a sneak peek at the papers and embellishments that I can't wait to use on our Family Hike!

Last Night........

I was lucky enough to get to see a local production of "The Vagina Monologues" with some very dear friends. The lucky part is that this play would never have received local government support or much area acknowledgement as I live in a pretty rural area. Granted, we are only 1 1/2 hrs West of D.C. but come on, in May our kids get a day off from school to attend the Apple Blossom Festival and some of the 'stars' invited to attend include Erik Estrada and Bo Brice. We are the home of Patsy Cline, for gosh sakes! Regardless, a wonderfully progressive local woman formed a theatre company designed to raise funds for the benefit of social causes. Most of the profit from the 3 performances will benefit a local woman and children's shelter-Amen!
I had seen the HBO presentation of "The Vagina Monologues" several years ago and it was so raw and wonderful and eye-opening and soul-lifting. Last night was just as rewarding with the added bonus of attending with friends. We went to a new restaurant first for sushi and asian-fusion inspired dinner-yummy! Drinks afterwards and I had my first chocolatini-whoa!
Last night..........was so memorable.