Artfully Yours

pearliebird's photostream

2011-06-07T14:09:00.001-07:00

pearliebird's photostream on Flickr.

i'm on flickr!!

fun stuff at pearliebirds!!

2011-04-02T17:57:00.001-07:00

these are some of my favorite things.......love these spring tags sets i made for etsy!

mannequin shoot

2011-04-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

girlies in their" mannequins got BANG" photo shoot!

Coming soon to Pearliebird's...

2010-09-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

gonna list tomorrow at Pearliebird's!(-:

new fun at pearliebird!

2010-07-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

just listed some fun new things in the shop!!
the garland is so pretty in real life, like it's frosted with crystal!
and the tags are so charming!

cruella photoshoot....

2010-06-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

jas and cam.
a "cruella" photoshoot...
need i say more?

lily's art ROCKS!

2010-05-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

lily's art is my inspiration! lily is my oldest daughter. this weekend she worked all sunday morning on this awesome fabric wrapped birdcage! this would have taken me days! she also made the organza flowers that top this sweet birdcage. how CUTE is this???? i just had to share!

Quilties are here!!

2010-05-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

Finally!! i made 8 Quilties and finished them up this weekend, then photog'd them yesterday. seems like it has taken me forever, they were alot of work but i LOVE them!! i uploaded them to my etsy, whoa, that took forever!! three hours on dial-up, no lie! sooo.....here they are!! to see all 8 visit my etsy store!

eyecandy from the artroom...

2010-05-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

some eyecandy from the artroom for inspiration!! yumm!!

sweet mother's day ....

2010-05-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

my girlies are the best! they made a beautiful breakfast table setting along with a wonderful mother's day breakfast! the menu:
fresh fruit salad topped with vanilla brown cow yogurt
fresh blueberry muffins with lemon sugar glaze
yumm-o esspresso in a new espresso cup set, so darn cute!
then lily made the cutest quilted heart card and attached it to my gift bag! clever child!
SO, i had to copy, and made one for my mom, whom i will see on Wednesday and give to her!
fun stuff! i am truly blessed!
xo

getting my groove back on...

2010-05-10T14:30:00.001-07:00

it's been a loooong dry creative spell for me BUT i am finally coming out of it! with the help of my loon friend and a fun and inspiring blog i found:
joli paquet
lots of fun ideas and major eye candy!!!

so, here are some fun things i just listed in my etsy store! the first photo is of my "tiny tag garden charm set", which happens to be my loonie friends' fav at the moment! the next three photos are from my "bits of whimsy" collection. super cute homespun charm!! enjoy!

spring lovelies!

2010-03-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

perfect for spring! new" lovelies" gift tags!

more pearliebird inspiration.....

2010-02-23T08:47:00.000-08:00

i just listed these 2 sets of fabulous gift tags and art tags! they have become my new favorites, as usual everytime i create something new! they are just too cute! the beautiful weather has been my inspiration, birds singing, spring sunshine and the garden starting to wake-up! "Tiny Tag Garden Charm Set" was so fun to make and work in miniature! the tiny film strip is just awesome! then my "In The Garden Collage Art Tags" are truly little pieces of art! remember, everything is even better in "real life"!!

more pearlie pretties!

2010-02-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

i am loving these French Flea Market Bird tags! i sold out of the Birdcage sets, but just listed these bird sets yesterday! so, so, so pretty, even more so in "real life"!

new love at etsy.......

2010-01-21T16:23:00.000-08:00

fun new valentine papergoods added to my etsy shop this week! take a peek.....

christmas tea party of '09

2010-01-06T12:24:00.000-08:00

the Christmas tea party of '09 has came and went. the whole season was a blur! i did capture some fun photos starting with the menu, then decor, then me and friends (loonie, me and laveda), then my girlies and their friends! everything was beautiful and delish!! a fun time was had by all, and this was Laveda's first tea party!

ummm, goodies...............

2009-11-24T16:43:00.000-08:00

The goods from our trip to town yesterday! Ah, how I wish I had time to create instead of prepare for the Turkey dinner! I got lots of homespun fabrics, finally! And I found these packages of vintage looking rhinestones, really excited to use them! I am just chomping at the bit to make some more felted ornaments, tags and what- nots!

Ahh, some new FAV'S just listed!

2009-11-17T14:51:00.000-08:00

These aged tags were just so fun to make! Photos do NOT do justice to their charm! They were so fun I just might have to make MORE!

all sold!

2009-11-17T14:39:00.001-08:00

Thank you Laveda, my friend who I used to work for at Stampstruck, which is no longer )-; We had some fun times there!
She totally bought all this new cute stuff right after I listed it on my etsy! These were some of my favorites, well, everytime I make something new I say it's my fav!
Love Love Love tulling! Loved sewing vinyl over the stamped designs. It gave me new ideas for future projects and I LOVE tiny pompoms!

new funstuff....

2009-11-12T19:48:00.001-08:00

These are so cute in real life! For more views check them out at my etsy!

Loonies view.....

2009-11-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

photo by morgan

here is what my sweet Loonie friend had to say about the wedding (Oh, and the pic is of us boogying down!):

"faves-

the flowers- best i have ever seen at a wedding- the color combination was amazing

the cake- oh the spongy white cake with the blackberry filling and rich buttery creamy frosting- sigh.

the dress- she looked like she was floating in that dress- beautiful.

the music- omg i had to be pried away! i was having sooooo much fun dancing with everyone (;

the bride- shining like the beautiful star she is.

wonderful wedding!

i was so so happy to be a part of this - thank you."

Fun stuff just listed on my etsy!

2009-11-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

I love these new things I just made for my Etsy store! So much fun! The pictures don't do them justice.... The Snowbird ornament is made from a vintage wool sweater I felted and cut from my own pattern then stuffed and decorated! SOOO cute! And the altered 1 qt. paint can (never been used) I decorated with beautiful papers, a handcut bird pattern, iridescent snowflake paper, bells and I braided a rustic wire handle for the can giving it a truly rustic charm feel! I also included a whimsical little matching tag! Check them out at my Etsy store for more detailed photos!

more of wedding.....

2009-10-01T09:29:00.001-07:00

I have to show the beautiful fall decorations that we used for the wedding! I scored when I bought everything for 70% off last january! We also made really fun sparkly crystal flower lanterns to hang in the big oak tree at the ceremony site. Big Guy wasn't too happy about hanging all of them but Jas was quite a task master!

The beautiful flowers were the most striking fall color combination I have ever seen! Exquisite and I thank Clara for that!

The cakes were to die for and Lily decorated all her tables so wonderfully! The inside of the barn was rustic, perfect for the BBQ, and the big wooden dance floor was so fun to dance on!

It was perfect!!!!

The Wedding of the Year!

2009-09-28T15:52:00.001-07:00

Our amateur photos of Lily's wedding day! Lily and Shawn, me and Camille, me and Lily , my beautiful family, Daddy and Lily, her dress, and Daddy walking Lily down the isle!! What a beautiful day and I SURVIVED it! Whew! It was just an awesome, fun day! We had the old barn at Pacifica in Williams Ore, (the old Steve Miller Band Ranch) decorated with all fall decor, sooo pretty! We had a big catered BBQ and THE most delicious cakes from Apple Cellar Bakery (Ashland Ore) Raspberry Poppyseed, Fresh Blackberry Vanilla Genoise and Hazelnut Chocolate Torte! So delish and the flower lady, Clara , decorated them gorgeous! The big dance floor was rockin' with the DJ playing lots of fun music as the champagne flowed! It was an incredible amount of work and planning. I could not have done it without all the help I received from my wonderful friends and family! I love you guys!!

30 years!!

2009-09-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

Celebrating 30 years together!!!

oooo, it's that time again.."end of school" tea party!!

2009-06-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

Jasmine is very quick to remind me that it's time for my famous "end-of-the-school-year" Tea Party! Since we just moved her back home, from her year in the dorms, I guess she is right! So, I was looking thru photos and wanted to post pictures of last years Tea!! Num, num! Menu for this year will be something like this: I want to try those little Pillbury Savories, make some Strawberry Cupcakes from Martha's new Cupcake cookbook, make homemade Bon-Bon's again, Tea Sandwiches (of course) and whatever else I can think up!!!! OH! And PG Tipps Tea!

i'll admit.....

2009-05-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

so i am obsessed! ok? i'll admit. 5 days i obsessed over this lilac ribbon i picked up on a craft shopping spree. i had only purchased 5 yards. i got home and made the card with it and loved the color! so, i obsessed about it until i finally talked myself into driving, the 45 minutes it takes to get to the bigger town with craft stores, to get more! well, i get there and i can't find it! OMG! i panicked. i searched for 10 minutes then, lo n' behold, i found it buried under other spools, in with the navy blues! so i found that, and more as you can see, i am an addict. the poor store clerk, that had to measure and cut the ribbon for me, asked me if it was for a wedding? she thought she remembered me from the other day. i said oh, no. she asked well, then what was i going to do with it? i said, well, um, i just.....i just like it, i collect ribbon! lol! i ended up purchasing the whole pile of ribbons. now i will get busy and make the cards for etsy!

Easter Baskets!

2009-04-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

I got up this morning and frantically put my three Easter baskets together! Nothing like waiting until the last minute! I made the three bunny tags yesterday after being inspired at The Mulberry Tree in town. Super cute gift shop! I love! They took me a few hours to create, then put together. I think the girls will love them. Lily and the finance are going to come out later for dinner. I decided to make a big spaghetti dinner, garlic bread, green salad and Brown Sugar Strawberry shortcakes for dessert! Yummers! Jas asked me "You mean you aren't going to have meat?" I said, "What do you mean? There is meat in the spaghetti sauce." She replied, "You know, a piece of meat, like turkey, ham or a roast?" I said "No, not this time. We are going to go UNtraditional, and easy this year!" Well, as easy as a big dinner can be! Pics are of the three easter baskets and of course as I was photographing them Zoe decided to run up the oak tree for attention! Then ignored me! Hmmm, I wonder if she is still up there.........................Happy Easter all!

Super Gorgeous!

2009-03-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

Jasmine instigating photo shoots again with all the new Clinique eyeshadows! yummy! the big idea was wrapping tulle around their heads and using the garden as background. Also, photoshop actions are awesome!

Etsy Treasuries!

2009-03-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

A windy, wet day here in Southern Oregon! I love it! I have got Jasi hooked on making treasuries on Etsy! ( Well, I think she started making them to feature me in it because she feels sorry for Mommy!) And she is so exceptional at it! Her current treasury is Add Spring To Your Hop and is the top photo here. It is just so beautiful and pleasing to the eye! Way to go Jas! I am so proud of you! My current treasury is the second picture and called called PerkUP! . You can almost smell the coffee aroma just looking at it! Fun stuff and amazing artist's!

Me and My Loonie!

2009-02-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

Loonie! Remember this? What did you name her, I never found out!? Mmm, those cookies were so good and the gifts were so wonderful!

Valentine Cards are DONE!!

2009-02-13T14:31:00.001-08:00

The Valentine cards are finally done!! The three cup cards are for the girls and the red felt heart is for the Big Guy!! I really liked how they all turned out! I was so worried I wouldn't be able to come up any fun new designs but again, I surprised myself!

Ranting......

2009-02-10T14:04:00.000-08:00

So, it started snowing about 2 1/2 hours ago and I have an inch on the deck, cars and most unfortunately...my DirecTv Satellite dish! My favorite channel, FoodNetwork, went out and I tried everything I knew to get a signal again. I finally went outside to look at the dish and yes, there is snow on it BUT this is not the first time there has been snow on it but it is the first problem I've ever had! Of course, the big guy is out of town and I don't dare try to climb the pitch of the roof to brush the dang thing off! Grrrrrrrrrr......

Guess I'll just have to start a new book!!!

Homemade PIZZA!!

2009-02-03T13:19:00.000-08:00

Mmm, nothing better than some of those Almond Bars (see previous post) and a cup of Fair Trade Organic Jasmine Tea with stevia! I am sooo addicted to my Jasmine tea! My guilty pleasure, since I drink 3 cups a day! Yikes! Hey, it's a green tea, supposed to so good for me (:

My latest fav is the Whole Wheat Pizza with Arugula from the Jan/Feb 2009 issue of Everyday Foods magazine! Soo nummy! The only thing I do different is that I brush the rolled out dough with olive oil then I top with thinly sliced red onions before I top with the tomatoes. It adds such a nice taste! And instead of pecorino cheese I shave a fresh chunk of Parmesan with a vegetable peeler and top with that!

I really love the whole wheat dough recipe too! It reminds me of foccacia. I also toss the arugula with 2 T. olive oil and 1 T. balsamic vinegar before I top the pizza with it. What a taste sensation!

Almond Bars

2009-02-02T12:20:00.000-08:00

Almond Bars

Crust:

1 ¼ c. flour

¼ c. sugar

dash salt

½ c. butter, cold

Filling:

3 Tbl. soft butter

½ c. sugar

1 egg

½ tsp. almond extract

½ c. blanched almonds, ground

1 Tbl. flour

Glaze:

3 Tbl. butter

¼ c. sugar

½ c. blanched almonds, sliced

1 Tbl. flour

2 tsp. milk

½ tsp. almond extract

Crust: Cut butter into dry ingredients. Pat into 9 x 13 pan.

Filling: In processor, grind almonds with flour. Cream butter and sugar till fluffy, add egg and extract. Stir in almond/flour mixture. Pour over crust. On Lowest Rack : Bake 350 degrees till golden - 25 minutes.

Glaze: Stir all topping ingredients in small saucepan and heat over low till blended. Spread over hot cookies and broil 6 inches from heat till glaze is golden, about 3 minutes.

Cool in pan on rack. Cut into bars.

48 bars

Mmm, I have made these cookies two times this week already! Oink! They are a bit tricky, spreading the filling over the uncooked crust so patience and a light hand must prevail! Enjoy!

Lily's Esty!!

2009-02-01T20:43:00.001-08:00

We worked all day and finally got Lily's Esty shop "Craftylass" up and running!! Wow, it was alot of work! Taking pictures, editing, describing, uploading (remember I am still on dial-up!)..... The guys enjoyed the big game and all the nummys I prepared to munch on! We missed not having Buddy with us though! BUDDY I love you!

Anyway, take a peek at the shop!

I'm soooo excited!!!

2009-01-31T10:54:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited!! The mailman just drove up and you know what that means??? A PACKAGE! It was my Amazon order and I forgot what I had ordered so I was so excited when I opened the box and saw the "Slumdog Millionaire"CD!! Whoohoo! I immediately had Lil put it on so now we are doing art to the Slumdog musica! 5 stars all the way! Of course how can it be anything but fabulous considering the awesome movie!

Lily is making things to put on her etsy and I am working on making a banner for her etsy store! I have been hounding her to get an etsy shop going for sooo long! I'm excited she's finally going for it!!

Current Favorites and such....

2009-01-30T12:36:00.000-08:00

Ahh, I don't know why but I love the music of Blue October! I love to do art while listening to them. And I can't figure it out because I am not a "rocker chick" (: Something about them, his voice, their lyrics....... And then yesterday I downloaded Angels on the Moon by Thriving Ivory, another rocker-ish song! Quite the contrast to Sarah McLachlan whom I just loaded all 4 cd's onto my ipod too!

Current read is Saffron Kitchen by Yasmine Crowther. Nice book, I have a feeling some tears might be shed though. That's ok. It was time for a change. I just finished the four books that make up the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. They were ok. I don't know, something about them made me come back to read each addition book. Hmm, not sure what my next book will be. I can't wait to browse my shelves though.

Jasi & Pearliss

2009-01-29T10:18:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! My friend Donna asked to use the girls' pictures as her model/inspiration for her AWESOME paintings! She used this one of Jasi holding Pearliss and it is so beautiful!! Donna you ROCK! Please visit her blog to see the artwork!

Ahhh, my beautiful girls....

2009-01-27T15:20:00.000-08:00

I love having girls! I am a girlie girl and so are they. That explains the need for them to do "modeling shoots". That's what they call them. Jas will come home for the weekend and con Cam into giving up precious study time (why isn't Jas studying?) to have a "modeling shoot" then they have to download them and see who can create the coolest look with photoshop. The stark photos Jas calls the "Marc Jacob" shoot. No make up and really random poses. Cami calls the ones with her and Lil the "twinnies" shoot. People mistake them for twins! Weird!
NOTE: Pearliss made a cameo with Jasi!

New stuff....

2009-01-22T19:19:00.000-08:00

Trying to get back into the art room!

The Trifle!!

2009-01-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

I forgot to address "The Trifle"!! I made a chocolate peppermint trifle for Christmas dessert. It was Martha's recipe and easy but many steps! It called for chocolate liqueur which I had to go buy. They recommended Godiva but gee whiz, $30 a bottle? The big guy was with, so I had to buy another brand at $10 a bottle. I am sure it wasn't as good BUT no matter I didn't use much anyway. The trifle was delicious but very very rich. And it looked so pretty!!

I also loaded up a picture of Sophie on Cami's scrapping table at Christmas time. Cam was working on a very awesome scrapbook for Jas for Christmas and Soph had to be in on the action!! She is the "Sophie Jekyl Sophie Hyde" kitty....multiple personalities....

And here is the "Snowman thank you" card I made Looney's Mom for sending her delicious cookies to the tea party!! Also, I finished Laveda's birthday card and it turned out real cute! The Queen Bird!!

Some Christmas Photos......

2009-01-20T16:01:00.001-08:00

Since the Big Guy worked all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day it seems like Christmas never happened for me!! It was not planned to happen that way but when duty calls I guess there is no choice......So we all kept waiting for Dad to get home and didn't want to open gifts or have dinner until he got home even though we didn't know when that was going to be!! Finally around 6pm Christmas night he came home bleary eyed with fatigue but ready to "get the party started"!! The pictures are of my three beautiful girls, me and Cami, me with Lily's drawing of my 4th child Zoe (so precious, I cried) and me with the touching scrapbook Cami made of all our furry and feathered pets!!

Christmas Tea and Cookies!!

2008-12-22T20:25:00.001-08:00

The fruits of my hard labor!!! All the cookies I made this holiday and the set up for a small tea party with the girls and my Looney friend! You know who you are! Also pics of my best Christmas bouquet ever!

Gabled Christmas gift boxes....

2008-12-22T20:04:00.000-08:00

I am having fun decorating these cute gables gift boxes for some of the girl's gifts!!

Modeling on Thanksgiving...

2008-12-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

Leave it to Jas to instigate the modeling picture shoot when everyone is home. Then Cam and Jas are wizes on photoshop! I love it. They inspire me to get scrappin' again! Beautiful girls....

Rustic Apple Pie...

2008-11-18T19:47:00.000-08:00

Rustic Apple Pie

4-6 apples, sliced
Fill pie plate (10 inch buttered around edges) 2/3 full. Pat down.

Squeeze a half lemon over apples.

Mix 1 T. cinnamon and 3 T. sugar and sprinkle over the apples.

Melt 3/4 cup of butter.Mix with:
1 egg
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 to 1 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Pour batter over top of apples, spreading out to edges.
Bake at 350 degrees on a piece of tin foil for 45-55 minutes until top is golden brown and crunchy.
Serve with vanilla ice cream!

This is so easy and quick for a last minute dessert.
I used my garden apples and didn't peel them as they are organic. Turned out really good. I highly reccommend the vanilla ice cream and a cup of joe!
Bon Appetit!

me and me sweetheart...

2008-11-12T21:49:00.000-08:00

We are so blessed.
I remember that everyday.
Through good times and bad.
We are not perfect beings.
But maybe we can be perfect for each other.

The Best Day!!

2008-11-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful and memorable 48^th this year! As in 1960 when I was born it was election day! My Grampa Nita never forgets, as he remembers voting for Nixon, then coming to the hospital to see me! 48 years later my birthday was on thee most historic of election days and it was THRILLING! I watched Barack Obama get elected as the 44^th president of the US of A! I was so so excited! He was the RIGHT man for the job and thank God the nation saw fit to make it happen!! BARACK THE VOTE!! I was so excited I hardly slept that night!

I also made a 12 lb. German Chocolate cake, my once a year thing that I do for myself! I make the best too! Lil & BF came out and he made me tacos for dinner! Now, you wouldn’t appreciate this unless you’ve been the one to cook dinner for 29 years, for others, but I just LOVE having someone else cook me dinner as I sit and watch and chat in the kitchen.. It feels so decadent! That could have been my best gift!!

Jas also came home for the night to celebrate my bday and the election. She is a hoot and I miss her dearly! Cam, of course, was here and so was the big guy albeit asleep as he worked all night the previous night!

The girls got me wonderful gifts and cards and so did the BGuy, even though I had to go pick it out! I love the new See’s candy flavors “Pecan Pie” and “Cranberry Orange Truffle”. Mmm, Cam got me a box of those. Lily got me the cutest book and a mat that snaps into a basket! From Powell’s! I have got to get there someday! And a fab kittycat coaster for my tea! Jasi found a whimsy for me! An EcoJot mini notepad and the beautiful butterfly ornament along with the milk chocolate eggs, “kinder surprise” filled with toys! BGuy got my perfume, earrings, DB bucks and soap! Mmm. I is BLESSED!

"Baby" sitting!

2008-11-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

Meet Samson and Mish! These are our "grand babies". We had the honor of babysitting them this weekend while the kids went to Portland for Halloween. They are so cute, which is their saving grace as they are such little devils!

I am totally exhausted today, well I was yesterday too. They are like having two 2year olds running rampant. Pooing and peeing wherever. High energy! Ahk! They are so darn cute tho. Unfortunately, this was the rainy weekend and so they had to stay under the mudroom porch most of the time. They get cold easily so there was alot of shuffling from the porch to their crate and back again. They went to bed at 8:30pm but I worried all night they might have to go potty. Then we had to get up at 6:15 am to let them out, into the dark rainy morn, to do their business. They get all muddy, wet and cold and then jump all over you! This has gone on for 3 days and 2 nights now.

I can't wait till their Mom gets back.

Now I know why people love being Grandparents! They can give the kids back at the end of the day!
Hallelujah

Bob's blog!

2008-10-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Bob's got a blog! That little devil never told me! She is such a funny writer too! Now I see what goes on instead of homework, eh? And, uh-hum, Bob? When asked, you said you did ok on that GenChem midterm! Hmmm.......I love you! Good job! Come home!!

My Lily!!

2008-10-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

I had a M&M day today with my Lily!! It was so nice! We went to Medford and traipsed all over town visiting our favorite haunts!! Target, Harry & David's, Barnes & Noble, Starbuck's, See's, Olive Garden and Old Navy!! We got wedding planners and a "How to" wedding book at Barnes! Now we just need to get going on it! It seems so overwhelming but I know we can do it and it will be fabulous!!

Crazy Girls

2008-10-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

Crazy girls doing their "modeling" photos again!The second photo has Jas pulling Cam's blond hair over her brown hair thus making her a blondie!! Then they "photoshop" the pictures and do really cool things to them! I want to make album pages with all of them!

I miss Jas so much now that she is living at the University! She made me laugh all the time! Miss you Bub!

The Whole Fam!

2008-06-24T11:00:00.001-07:00

Mom's Day '08

2008-05-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! I got my red ipod nano for Mom's day! I was sooo excited and I started my walking routine the next day! Haven't missed a day yet! The girls engraved it:
"To Mom, A Trifle of Our Love". Jasmine says that in a really corny voice and I have never forgotten it. It was the perfect engraving for me!

We had apple pancakes with cinnamon orange butter and Lily brought out a fresh fruit salad with whip cream. And coffee, of course! Num Num. For dinner we met Lil and Shawn for Mex food and then we went to DQ for a dipped cone! Oink. It was a wonderful day!!

Pictures are : me and Jas, Lily laughing and last one is me (:

Jasi's Prom

2008-05-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

Jasi had her senior prom a few weeks ago. She looked gorgeous in Cami's old prom dress. She really wanted to wear Cam's dress, I asked her if she didn't want to go shop for one of her own? But this dress, it is exquisite and I understand why she would want to wear it. She got to ride in a limo with friends and have a tasty dinner. Evidentially the dance itself wasn't so great and she came home early. Crazy kid (:

New Stuff!

2008-04-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! I got the Ipods that I ordered for the 2 girls today! I got them off of Apple and had them engraved free! J got a red one and C got a mint colored one! I am in love with the RED one! I want one for Mother's Day!!! Wonder if I could talk the Big Guy into one!!? Hmmm!They got them for all their HARD work in school! Cam has kept straight A's in college with extremely HARD classes, premed. Jas for getting an A all thru the year in AP calculus and being the Valedectorian! I have now raised 3 Valedectorians!!

Got new LO's done of Jasi! Can't believe she will be graduating soon!That's a hard one for me. She will be off to college in the fall on a full tuition an fees scholarship for all 4 years! Yeah! I am feeling very blessed in my life right now!

Happy Day!

My Ly-lee (Lily)!!

2008-03-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

I finally finished this layout I started for Lily, like, a year ago! I think it turned out real nice! She loved it!

Easter Cards for the Girlies!

2008-03-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

Just finished the Girlies Easter cards! I had these vintage images on transparencies that I knew I wanted to make the Easter cards with. I also had the fun ribbon for months intending it to be for Easter. Well, it might not match exactly but it is so fun! I also made the little alpha stickers with some cool fonts that Jas had downloaded. She is a Font Addict! Happy Easter!!

New Layouts!

2008-03-15T14:06:00.001-07:00

I did it!! I got these images resized so that it didn't take 10 minutes to upload each picture! Woohoo! I never realized that changing the image size, pixels and dpi could result in a faster upload especially for me since I am still using a dial up modem!

26 years ago...

2008-03-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep
I wish they had been there for me 26 years ago.....

26 years ago, when I was a naive, optimistic 21 year old, married for almost 4 years, I gave birth to a stillborn son, Jordan Matthew. I was full term.

But, the nightmare began 3 weeks earlier.

It was a Friday and I woke, looking forward to a warm summer day. As the day wore on I waited and waited to feel Jordan move. He was always so active. Somersaulting to the point that it took my breath away. When 4:30pm rolled around I could stand it no more and called the Dr. I didn’t want to go through the weekend worrying. They agreed and had me come in.

They tried to find a heartbeat and couldn’t. They did an ultrasound and didn’t find the heartbeat. They were sorry.

I was hysterical. I told my Dr. “Take him out!” “Can’t you do a cesarean?” He said “No, because then you will always have to have a cesarean. It’s BEST to wait until you go into labor.” This was in 1982. I remember driving home and wanting to wrap my car around a tree. How could this be real?

I had to live with a dead baby inside me for 3 weeks. It was beyond horrible and when I think back on it I can’t believe I actually lived through it and still have a hold on my sanity. I know I am a changed person though.

I hated going out. People would ask “How much longer do you have?” “Do you have a name picked out?” All the questions people ask, they are excited for you. They didn’t know my story. It was so sad. I was so young.

I went into labor. He was born with his cord twisted like a telephone cord. Wrapped around his neck and then around his leg. Poor little boy.

Afterwards the nurses felt so bad. I will always remember that they wanted to get me an ice cream sundae. I wouldn’t do it. I felt I didn’t deserve it. After all what was to celebrate?

I really wanted to see my son! The doctor said no, it wouldn’t be good for me. The baby had been dead so long that the Dr. said he was starting to decompose. I listened to him.

Dear God, to this day I wish I hadn’t. I wish I would’ve seen my baby. I even called the doctors office and mortuary years later to see if anyone had taken a picture of my baby. I was obsessed with wanting to see him. There was no picture. I remember my mother in law telling me that the mortician had told her that the baby didn’t look that bad. I wish the doctor would’ve let me see him.

I ended up with an infection because not everything came out during the birth. I had to have a D&C. People would tell me, “Well, at least he didn’t die after he was born. It would’ve been much harder for you” and “You can have another one”. What the heck are people thinking????

It took 3 years and 3 miscarriages to finally get a healthy baby born, my daughter Lily. Born cesarean. Then, 2 years later another daughter, Camille. Born V-back at the hospital. Finally, 3 years later my last daughter, Jasmine, was born at home. I never had another son.

I feel so incredibly blessed to have my girls.

I only wish that I would’ve had emotional support back then. My husband got tired of my crying and “dwelling on something you can’t change”. I wish I had a photo.

I am so glad that there is now this wonderful organization to help others. Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. I would encourage anyone who goes through this ordeal to have a photo taken. You may think “No, I can’t” but years later you will wish you had.

I know I do.

Valentines are here!!

2008-02-14T10:43:00.000-08:00

Loonie! I finally got the Valentines done. I put the last touches on Jasi's this morn. Her's is the one with the "little Bird" poem on it. Cami's is the one with the "bird in the hand" on it and Lily's is the one with the standing bird holding the flower in his beak LOON! How fun!!

Now I am going to go make fresh strawberry cupcakes from Marthas Feb 12th show! Nummy!

Happy Valentines Day Loonie!!

Looney!

2008-02-13T15:20:00.000-08:00

Looney!! I still don't have the Valentines uploaded. Actually I am still working on my last one. Hope to finish tonight or tomorrow. I have had a hormone headache for 3 days now. Bummer. So, I have posted this really goofy pic of me and Jas to tide you over Loon. It's me and Jas being LOONS!!

The Big Day....

2006-11-08T15:26:00.000-08:00

The big day came and went with dinner at Circle J Cafe and fun little gifts from the girls, a new car stereo from the bigguy (he put it in 2 mos. ago and just informed me it was my birthday gift! BUT, i love it!). The best gifts though are hands down, the cards the girls made me!! Lily's was very elegant with hand drawn pen and ink and ribbon! Jasi's is so funny with Venus rising out of the starbucks cup with my head on THAT bod! I WISH!! And...Camilles just CRACKED me up!! Me and Rob Thomas kissing! She did it on the computer and thought up this whole elaborate card complete with 2 tickets to the "greatest Unknown Love Story" ever shown. She is such a funny girl! I made my German Chocolate cake (I make it every year for myself), the thing must've weighted in at 10 lbs!! So nummy! And, Lily is to thank for that little pack of "donkey" gum I am holding up!! ( I'd like to think the saying is true but alas, things are starting to go south at this age.) She finds the funniest gifts!! Another year older....but I'd like to think wiser too!!

Tags and My Buddy...

2006-10-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

Ah, the cold mornings and warmer days...lovely! Days are too warm to fire up the woodstove but the BigGuy says maybe we can start burning on my birthday! Just a few weeks away. I love wood heat! The heat-pump just makes it stuffy and drafty. Anyway.... Here is a photo of the tags me and Buddy made a few weekends ago. We had a good time. And I also posted a layout I did of her in her new glasses! She looks sooo cute! Poor kid couldn't see the chalkboard or overhead at school but didn't tell me until I noticed she couldn't read the TV from the dinner table! Now she's all set!

My new fav paper is CosmoCricket Love Notes!That is what I used on her layout. Ordered the new Basic Grey Fruitcake and Dasher Holiday papers today off of Scrapgal.com. Can't wait for FancyPants Claire deLune to get in the stores too! Love their stuff!

Mmm, cold front moving in and a blustery day!

Lily wonders why......

2006-10-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

....there are not as many pictures of her as there are of Cam and Jas on the blog. Hmm, don't know, but I just fixed that! She is so beautiful! The first three were taken on Cam and Jas's modeling day! And the last 2 were taken when Lily got her new Marilyn Monroe shirt! How fun. Can't wait to do some layouts including these pictures.

Me and Jasi visited the new scrapbook store today to see what was new and ended up with some fun Christmas stuff. When we got home we had an art day and made some Christmas tags! (Will post pictures of them later.) It was so fun and it made her in a better mood. She is such a "teenager"! I never had to deal with those moods and attitudes when Lily and Cami were at that age! Guess I've been very lucky.

Supposed to rain tommorrow! Yippee!

New Stuff!

2006-10-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, I am finally going to post my "Loonie" friends' birthday card done in a 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch format. It is sooooo Loon! Picture was taken from last years Christmas Tea Party when she was opening gifts! HeeHee!

Next is a cool layout of Jasmine. It was photos taken at the Beanery coffeehouse this summer and Camille took it with her 35mm camera, then we scanned it on the 'puter and photoshopped it to make it look soo cool! Fun papers from new Karen Russell collection and Foofala! Finally used some of the many thousands of buttons I have, thanks to Elsie Flannigans new book which I finally just bought!! Fun Fun Fun!! And of course....glitter!!

Mmm, found the new Fine Cooking Holiday issue yesterday during my weekly trek to my fav store, Barnes and Noble. I made the awesome Chocolate Chip Muffins for breakfast this a.m. Fantastic. Also got the new Donna Hay magazine which is total eye candy for a foodie like me. Simple, wonderful recipes to boot!! New Legacy and Stamper's Sampler are out too which made their way into my basket! Ah, my bad, I know!

Well, off to the grocery for me!!! Happy Fall!

PS. It was 37 degrees this morning! Brr! AND, the bigguy has to get into the Pool to disconnect the pump so we can shut' er down for the winter!!HeeHeeHee!!!

Catchin' Up...

2006-09-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile! My friends probably wonder where the heck I have been! Well, just workin' on getting an answer for all the headaches. I went to the neurologist a couple of weeks ago. He wasn't much help. He didn't think it was anything "bad in my brain" (Thank God) , so no MRI, which is FINE with me! He just thinks it's stress, which alot of the headaches probably are, but the ones I call"Brainswells", well, I am not so sure they are stress induced. So, now I am working with a Naturopath/Homeopath, and have kinda got a handle on the PMS stuff (my family thanks the Dr. for that) and then I am seeing a cranial/sacrial therapist and I think she really might be able to help. Yesterday she gave me some relief from the pressure in the back of my head. AND then, next Monday I am seeing a accupuncturist who is going to test for food sesitivities. Whew, I am one busy gal, just not in the areas I want to be busy in! Needless to say it all cost a small fortune and the "BigGuy" is on his pitypot about it. Oh well. Moving on......

The Hal Ketchum Concert was totally awesome! What a great performer and wonderful voice!! SOOO Fun!

The girls are all back in school. Jas started Sept 5th and Cam & Lil just went back yesterday. They are commuting to the University together. We had to buy a new car for them (whoa was that stressful as the BigGuy has such a hard time letting go of the greenbacks!), I insisited on dual airbags, how can the BigGuy argue that?? So, we got 'em a 97 Toyota Camry with 87K miles. Very nice car, actually it's the nicest car we have ever owned. Jeez, kinda sad (; Now, if only he'd get his truck running again and repair the Honda that he wrecked, for Jas to drive when she gets her license, still working on that, ugh!

And..I love the new fall mornings!! I just can't wait for fall and winter, Thanksgiving and Christmas! Still not really planning on the having the Christmas Teaparty this year but it is such a tradition that it feels weird not planning it!! The pics are from last years party, so pretty!

Last but certainly not least, me and the BigGuy celebrated our 27 wedding anniversary Sept 1st! It was actually very nice and I got a new bling too!!

PS. Cool new Fav's:
FUN Books:" Imaginary Men" and "Invisible Lives" by Anjali Banerjee
"The Little Lady Agency" by Hester Browne
Interesting Exciting read: "The Trudeau Vector" by Juris Jurjevics

Awesome Pic's of Cami and Jasi

2006-09-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

Cami and jasi took "modeling" pictures today and they turned out sooo gorgeous!!! They also "photoshopped" them and made them look even cooler! WOW! I can't wait to print some out and make some scrap pages with them. That will give me something to do since tommorrow everyone is going back to school and jobs and I will be left alone to my own devices ):

Some new Fav's....

2006-08-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah! I have a new favorite book! It's "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. So, so, so breathtaking, wonderful, poetic, melancholic, awesome and UNFORGETTABLE!! I just loved it and I will never forget this book. It is written by a young man. Incredible! Please read it! (Loon, wait till your birthday please!)

On the music front my new favorite is Joshua Radin, "We were here". Love the slow melancholy music of his. ALSO, just out today.....Ray LaMontagne "Till the sun turns black". Waaay soulful voice! Great CD! (sorry no pic!)

Cami 's Big Day, Wonton Salad and Creme Brulee...

2006-08-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

Ahhh.. finally I get to blog! Cami turned big 19 on the 14th and she got the day off of work. She requested NO cake, maybe just a fruit salad! Hunh??!! I said "Cam, are you sure?" and she was adamant, "No cake." Well, what is a bday and no cake and what kinda mom am I if I didn't make her a bday dessert? Sooo, the weekend before her bday I picked up some beautiful blackberries and raspberries from the grower's market and decided to make, "in secret", Creme Brulee! I had a selfish reason too. I wanted that "used" vanilla bean to make vanilla coffee with! She also wanted Wonton Chicken Salad and Mumbaldi (with our garden's eggplant.) A chinese and greek dinner! The wonton salad was sooo tasty and the mumbaldi was to die for, soaked up with fresh bread and butter! The Creme Brulee with melted sugar (I got to use the kitchen torch, scary thought!!) and topped with fresh mixed berries....it was all divine! She scored on the gift front too. Jas was quick to quip "Yeah, this is like Christmas for you and Lily's birthdays and mine was like Valentines Day!" What a girl! I just shake my head. Camille had a great time and just loved the fact that I didn't listen to her and I went ahead and made a special birthday dessert! All is good. And, thank goodness the birthdaze are OVER!!

Ahhh.... The Big Day!

2006-08-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

Lily's birthday was sooo nice! I got up early to put her cake together. I "tested" it so much though, that by the time we had it I was kinda sick of it! Really, though, it was awesome. We had vanilla coffee, fresh peaches with blueberries and cream and Cook's Quick Cinnamon Rolls(May/June 2002) for breakfast. It was delicious!

We went to dinner at River's Edge and sat out side and watched the Rogue roll by. It was absolutely gorgeous! Just the right temperature and a small breeze. Since she was "legal" she ordered a Choco-tini. Mmm, it was delish, kinda strong. I swear, I am just a wimp. I had THREE sips of that drink and I could feel it! No kidding. I don't drink ever anyway but I don't think I can tolerate alcohol anymore, maybe because of all the migraine stuff I've taken and continue to take. Hmm, just as well I guess. Then Cami had 2 sips, and she is just skin and bones, she felt it too! ( This is a quote from Cami on the way home "Does alcohol give you gas? We just crack up. "I just want to know!" More laughing from us. "Geez, never mind, whatever!") It was an awfully fun dinner! The "big guy" just sat there, surrounded by his beautiful women.

We came home and opened gifts. I don't know why I always overdo everything but it was like Christmas for Lily! I mean, I don't feel bad cuz she is such a wonderful daughter and it WAS her 21st! The digital camera came at the very last minute yesterday. I was sweatin' I'll tell you! She had no idea either. I had her open everything else first then saved the camera for last. She was sooo surprised, it was great. The cake was wonderful, even though we were all full from the dinner. (I had blackened tuna salad. I had no idea that the tuna was left pink inside and I had a hard time eating it, actually I gave it to the "big guy" and snitched some of his salmon).

Anyway, it was really nice and, I now have to gear up for Camille's 19th on Sunday! Yikes!! I think I've gained 10 lbs already! What was I thinking , having their birthdays soo close!

P.S. The order of photos is: Lily being Marilyn, Me & Lily at restuarant, Jasi copping an attitude, beautiful Camille and "The Cake".

Just Stuff.....

2006-08-09T06:28:00.002-07:00

I am just a bad blogger! I think it has something to do with still being on "dial-up" because everything takes sooo long to upload! Well, that is a good excuse, huh?

Anyway, Pearliss is doing just great now! Got him transferred to his new "high potency" pellet food and Cami says he looks soo good. I think he looks "sooo" good because I took the collar off and the poor bird was finally able to groom! He was a "groomin' fool" for a while there after I first took the collar off! Such a funny bird!

Finally finished a new page. This is of Cami, during her and Jasi's "cowboy photo shoot". The camera loves this girl! I just really want to create some more art. Man, there is just no creativity there! It is soo very frustrating!

I met my Mom at the Grower's Market this past weekend and got some nummy rasberries to make Giada's "Raspberry Almond Tart". So simple and easy and goooood! We had lunch at Circle J Cafe and it was delish! I am so glad that she is in our town now, sorry Mom and Sis! She used to be in Crescent City but decided to move over the mountains to my part of the valley! I lucky! I split a hot pastrami sandwich with Jas and it also came with sweet potato fries that were awesome! The sandwich itself was on the best homemade roll! I can't wait to go back!

And....Lilyann's 21st Birthday is tommorrow!!! I just can't believe my "baby" is turning 21!!! I am anxiously waiting for a digital camera I ordered for her, to get here UPS! I am hoping it comes today! I am also making Caprial's Coconut Cream Cake for the party. She loves coconut and in honor of the 21st I thought I'd go to the lengths to make this cake. Will post pic's when I have it done. So far, the coconut cream filling is delish ( I used the Mexican Vanilla I got at Market of Choice in Ashland this week and a whole vanilla bean, which I can now use in my Gevalia coffee this morning....oooooo nummers!) and the buttercream frosting starts with a pastry cream! Then you whip it into a creamed butter/sugar mixture....mmmmmmm good!!! Can't wait!! Happy Birthday Lils!

Hmmm, well I think I'll go make some fresh blueberry muffins to go with that Vanilla coffee this morning........oinkers!

Fun photos.....

2006-08-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

I love to tweak photos in photoshop! I took some pics of my beautiful Mandavilla and they turned out sooo pretty! I then tweaked it along with a photo of some pansies that had a beautiful butterfly sitting on the edge of the pot!

Pearliss went to the Dr. today to check the "bubble collar" and he said we can start easing him out of it! Uh, Whaaat? Evidently I have to take the collar off when we are around the bird and put it back on when he is alone and when he goes to bed at night! Oh My Geez! I'm thinkin' I should be getting paid for this?

My Bad.....

2006-07-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

I don't know. I guess I just can't say "No" to fun, nummy things. Hmm, it shows in the waistline too ): Today was my weekly trek to Ashland to see the chiropractor and Ashland has one of the last remaining "Market of Choice" stores. Ours, here, closed down last year, which totally bummed me out. They have the coolest food stuffs. Scary when food is so exciting. Me and Jas just went nuts in the store today. We were like swivle head dolls. Spent $180 on , what the "big guy" would term, not real food. You know, not dinner foods or anything, but baking and snacky foods! Is there really anything else? I got my Scharffen Berger Chocolate bars (for my own stash), the Dagoba chocolate drops to make the new "Chewy Chocolate chip cookie" ( I learned about these from a cool foodie blog called Mixed Salad Annie), Scharffen Berger baking chocolate (I can't wait to try this!) and I just had to get the Lillie Belle Farms Spicy Pecan Toffee! Oh, and forgot to mention the fresh Baklava! So good with the Dutch Bros Americano! Mmm, to die for! There were alot of other things too. Like soft cream cheese that took 2nd place in some cheese contest (I am such a sucker!), great bagels from Little Shop of Bagels, fresh breads and more.. Then on to Harry & David's for great apricots, peaches and white nectarines (so good with fresh blueberries). They are the best and go fast in my house.

And, as always, the last stop at Barney's aka Barnes & Noble. I picked up the book "The Mercy of Thin Air" by Ronlyn Domingue, sounds real good, and couldn't pass up the fun sounding read "Body Mover's" by Stephanie Bond. I finished "Case Histories" by Kate Atkinson, the first of a new mystery series featuring P.I. Jackson Brodie. I really liked it. Reminded me of the PBS Mystery Series. Am now on the 2nd of a new series by Shirley Tallman. The first was called Murder on Nob Hill and the 2nd is called The Russian Hill Murders. Both featuring Sarah Woolson as the heroine, 1880's woman attorney who solves crimes. They are fun reads. So many books, so little time!! ):

I also saw a very cool bumper sticker that read "Be Peace". What a wonderful saying!!

Rocker Chick....

2006-07-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

Pearliss is doing good. Starting to eat more each day and hasn't bled at all, thank goodness! The collar looks uncomfortable and he can't groom or anything but it is doing it's job. I really didn't think the bird would make it. And I never thought we'd make it this far!

It's hard to watch him though when he twists his little head around trying to groom. I hope we can take it off on August 2nd, at the follow up visit. The vet said something about 2 months! Jeez, that's a long time for a poor little bird to not be able to groom! Like us not being able to bathe ):

Camille altered this headshot of Pearlie! Isn't it cool?! You can see the peanut butter crumbs on his beak!! She calls it "Rocker Chick"!!

Pearliss is home...

2006-07-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

Well, Pearliss got to come home today! he is looking good but has that collar on which he doesn't like at all because he can't groom! And Pearliss is all about "grooming"!! Poor little bird.

I can tell he is glad to be home though. Now we have to switch foods on him too! He should be eating these high nutrition pellets and of course he loves his seed and won't touch the pellet. The vet said it will take about 2 weeks for him to switch over. We"ll have to work on it.

My talented Loonie friend....

2006-07-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

How cool is this little chicken planter? This was made by my dear Loonie friend. She is so talented and when I was at her house she gave me this wonderful hand built chicken planter. She should be selling her stuff! Loon! Hear me?

Well, I took it home and planted these fun succulents in it. It looks sooo cute! I love it and I already told her I want to put my order in now, for Christmas gifts! Get busy Loon!

PS. Pearliss is still at the "hospital" and will spend another night there to be sure he gets accustomed to his "collar".

Pearliss.....

2006-07-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

Well, Pearliss bleed again last night. He has gotten to picking his poor scabbed nubs. Thank God this morning was his check up with Dr. Dickey cuz I am really getting burned out on being the "vet on call" at home.

Pearliss is now admitted to Dr. Dickey's clinic for a few days until he becomes accustomed to a neck collar. Yes, they have neck collars for birds! Oh, poor poor Pearlie. They had to put him in a padded cage too until he stops freaking out. Needless to say I was A-OK when he said they'd have to keep him for a day, I said "Keep him as long as you need to!".

Ahh, peace and quiet at home. The weird thing is.....I am still worried about the bird! He is not even here! Anyway, I hope to get an update tommorrow and will let all know.
PS. Loon you are the greatest and I want your dogs!!

A set back...

2006-07-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

This afternoon Camille checked on Pearlie and there was a drop of blood on his perch. I had to do the whole "flour & pressure" thing again. We were disheartened but I know we need to keep a positive attitude, sometimes it's hard! We don't know how he did it either. We don't think he beat his wings as there wasn't any spatter, I'm thinking he accidently brushed it on the perch or picked it while grooming. Either way, bummer.

P.S. Loonie, thank you for all your well wishes and the great Pearlie song!

Pearliss Update...

2006-07-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to report that Pearliss is getting back to his onery self!! Biting, squawking begging to get out of his cage!! We have not let him out of his cage for 3 days, and I think that was the key. It kept him quiet and not active. Well, we did get him out and gave him lots of scritching and kisses but just for a few minutes at a time. I have been able to put the ointment on his wings 2x a day and give him his dose of pain med 1x a day. His appetite has picked up and he hasn't had anymore episodes of unbalance or bleeding. Oh, thank God.

I also decided that I can add "veterinary" to my list of "hats" were I to actually get paid as a "stay at home Mom".

Pearliss needs Prayers.....

2006-07-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

Oh, poor Pearliss Bird. We came home from the RT concert Sunday night and something had spooked Pearliss in his cage, he beat his wings against the cage until they were bloody stumps at the ends. There was his blood splattered on the wall behind the cage and his wings were still dripping. It was so incredibly sad and scary. I immediately applied pressure and flour to stop the flow. It worked but he was soooo traumatized. Monday was ok, then he got spooked again and started to beat against the cage, we ran out and stopped him BUT he started the bleeding again, and again I had to apply pressure and flour. So, Tuesday morning at 12am then again at 1 am he started them bleeding while in his covered cage, I swear I could NOT be a nurse because when I saw Camille holding him and the blood was flowing down her wrist I had to put my head between my knees!!!! It was terrible. So, I called the Vet Tuesday a.m. and took him to Dr. Ron Dickey in Rogue River, known as the best bird vet in the valley. He is too! He fixed him up and I brought him home, with Jas's help, but Pearliss made this weird keening noise the whole way, freaked us out! Dr. Dickey also informed me he was going out of town the next day, just my luck! He gave Pearlie a vitamin B injection to stimulate his appetite and get him eating again, applied a liquid bandaid to the cuts and pulled out the blood feathers. This poor poor bird has been through so much. He again bled twice yesterday and I seriously thought it was the end for him. I was bawling, Cami was bawling and I was calling Vets after hours trying to find some help. I ended up just applying pressure and flour again even though the Dr. said NO flour as it turns to a glue. It was the only way I culd get the blood to stop. As we put him to bed last night he started getting really unsteady and I thought he was going into shock. Poor Camille (he is her bird) she was so sad and we were both crying and crying. I was so scared to look in on him this a.m. for fear of what I would find BUT he was still alive this morning and I gave him his pain meds and ointmented his poor bloody stumps. He didn't eat all day then when Cam got home we gave him some homemade granola and he loved it. I take him back to Dr. Dickey on Tuesday, I hope. I guess we take it one day at a time and pray for a miracle.

The Awesome Rob Thomas!!

2006-07-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

What an Awesome night!! Rob Thomas is a true artist. Brilliant singer songwriter! It was worth sitting in the blazing sun, (95 degrees in the shade) parched with thirst, sweatin' up a storm and claustrophobia setting in becuz of the close proximity of the seating arrangement! Finally he came on and his preformance was so great! The girls stood in the "mosh pit" the whole time! Anyway, Cam took the photos! Love that digital camera!

Just stuff...

2006-07-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

Finally got a new layout done. Camille took this photo of us at Point St. George over Mother's Day weekend. She developed the film and photo in her photo class at college. She had fun in the class and learned ALOT, esp. how to use her 35mm!

Went to Grower's Market today and got a homemade donut and homemade goat's milk soap that smell sooo good, called Amazon Rain! I just love that guys soaps. My girls are so spoiled cuz now that's all they will use.

It is just too darn hot to do anything!!!

Wild Turkeys...

2006-06-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

"A band of wild turkeys is coming down the hill. They are coming slowly-as they walk along they look under the leaves for things to eat, and besides it must be a pleasure to step alternately through the pale sunlight, then patches of slightly golden shade. They are all hens and they lift their thick toes delicately. With such toes they could march up one side of the state and down the other, or skate on water, or dance the tango. But not this morning. As they get closer the sound of their feet in the leaves is like the patter of rain, then rapid rain. My dogs perk their ears, and bound from the path. Instead of opening their dark wings the hens swirl and rush away under the trees, like little ostriches."--Mary Oliver titled "Three Songs"

Finally....

2006-06-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

Well, that was a really long streak of headache. I am soo tired of it! But I am feeling better and have been trying to walk 2 miles every morning! 5:30 am is really early though!! We have a neighbor at the end of the road whose horse just had a foal so we get to see the "baby" on our walk and lately a really cool hawk has been sitting on the horse pens post, presumably looking for an early morning mouse breakfast? Very cool sitings! 3 more days of school then summer vacation! Unbelievable! Cam's moving home Thursday, that will be so wonderful. Lily will be home but working full-time at the cafe so probably won't see much of her ): Jasi turned Sweet 16 last week! I want to scrap a page for her. I have really "lost my groove" these past 2 weeks! The one I posted here looks like a futile attempt at trying to be creative again. I don't get why it comes and goes! Fun books I just finished were by Sophie Kinsella called "The Undomestic Goddess" and "Can You Keep a Secret?". Really fun Brit Chick Lit, I kinda shy away from that but these were an exception. Just finished Lisa Gardner's newest "Gone" and it was really good too. Now I get to pick a new book to read! That is so fun, browsing my bookshelves...getting a feel for what mood I am in for. Well, dinner calls first, what a bummer!

Ugh, migraine time again...

2006-06-01T18:38:00.000-07:00

Ugh, and here I was doing so much better! I don't know, I think I am destined to be plagued with these monsters. So depressing, but at least I got them to slow down since I changed meds and started the Petadolex and Migrelief. Still tho, the hormone migraines haunt me ): Thus, I have pretty much lost 2 days of my life this week. No creative energy is flowing, at all. Makes me crazy! All the goods are just sitting on my art table screaming to be played with! And, my package from Scrapsupply came today with the new Designing with Type book from Autumn Leaves, and some fun scalloped Bazzill cardstock. I hope tommorrow is a great day!

I finally saw the turkeys again today, only the 2nd time! We have some wild turkeys around our place. We had 2 big girls, and then we didn't see them for a while. Then, lo n' behold one shows up with at least 10 baby chick turkeys! Talk about CUTE! Today as I was napping and suffering the headache, I heard turkey gobbles out my window. I sat up and peeked out and there they were! All 10 or more babies and Mom, babies are alot bigger. I have got to get a photo of them! Just saw them again this evening, Mr Mann (our big black cat) was stalking them. He just does not get that the big hen could really beat up on him! Well, he's not the brightest bulb on the block either (:

The Art Room

2006-05-28T16:06:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the art room. It really wasn't planned as the art room, just got there by osmosis. We did an add-on 10 years ago, still haven't finished it and I got tired of waiting soooo, I just expanded out there.
It is never tidy, always a mess BUT that is a good thing, means lots of creativity is going on! There is everything you'd want. There is a ton of art on the wall from Lily and Cami. I have a few small things up too. The little tag-y things are things I made a few years ago with a stroke of total creativity. I really had fun making them, I was obsessed. Just used good old cardboard and distressed it. Got sloppy and free with them. Sparked lots of neuro pathways making them. I loved it! Happy Memorial Day!

Cherish Always

2006-05-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, my beautiful Lily! This is now, one of my favorite pieces I've done. I love the photo. I used digital brushes from Elizabeth the Painter
I love her brushes! I also am into sewing alot on the layouts! Machine seems to be okay with it so far(: This is Lily's favorite too. Then the spash of color with the winged heart. Just made a really cool look. Paper is from Wild Asparagus. Usually I go for more bold color but I am really into their muted colors!! Enjoy!

Me and the "4th Child" Zoe

2006-05-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Why do we love our animals soo much? I know that I do. I get so scared thinking of something happening to Zoe, I am definately attached. I told my Hubby and my girls that when everyone is grown and moved out that I am going to get me a little lap dog. That will be my "baby". Animals bring such joy. I am so thankful for them.

I have been cranking out the layouts lately. Well, just one a day, but hey at least I am getting it done. And, I actually filled my Making Memories album. I never thought that would happen! I love it! An online friend, Leesie from 2peas, asked how I do stuff. Well, for one thing I have a truck load of stuff to choose from. See, I used to work at a stamp store and amassed quite alot. Then, I do have an "addiction"(Laveda don't laugh!) to buying new stuff. (A bone of contention with the big guy.) So, having alot to choose from, and work with, makes for more interest on the page sometimes. And I must have musica! That creates the mood. I must have TEA! I must have cookies too! Not a Lo-Cal activity!

Starting the piece is the hardest. Then I just have to let it go, not let it become "precious" and it flows from there. Having the stamping background and doing alot of cardmaking has helped too. Plus, one thing that I have always been good at is color matching.

The photo altering is a whole 'nother thing. I do alot of desaturation, more saturation, more contrast, less contrast, with them. Sometimes I will use filters too. I love Legacy magazine from Stampington. They have a cyber section that gives good hints. I have learned the most from that magazine and just experimenting, wasted alot of $$ on photoshop books! ):

So, basically you need to go with the rule that "there are no rules".

Spunky Buddy

2006-05-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

Ah, just love these colors! This is my buddy at her spunkiest. She just looks so adorable! I used all new Karen Russell Narratives stuff. It is so beautiful. I also sewed over the transparency, never done that before. My machine was ok with it! Used my big Heidi Swapp flowers and also used my Crop-a-dile. That is some tool.

Was Hot Hot Hot all week so we got the pool going and as soon as we did that it cooled way down! I also, finally, got a new patio set, my first one actually since the other was an old hand me down. I just went to Fred Meyer Thursday and bought it! Every year I say I am going to do it and every year I think to hard don't do it. I was proud of me self for following thru this year!

Mom's day at coast

2006-05-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Ahh, what a wonderful picture of all my girls! This was at the coast on the 13th, day before mom's day. We actually went over to see my Mom for Mother's day and give gifts, bbq and visit. It was fun. Just gorgeous on the beach, sunny and a light breeze. Not windy at all!

Lots and lots of driftwood but not many agates at all. Of course, I was shooting pictures the whole time! Cami was too, with her new lens, for class. She has turned out some very cool pics!

All in all it was a fun day but the drive on that coast road always gets to us. Kinda puke-y!

My Buddy

2006-05-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

This is my newest layout of Buddy. I love it because it is so soft! She can be such a little pistol and this captures a softer side!! I incorporated the Starbuck's cupcake sticker on it. Her new FAV.

Also, finally used some gaffer tape!! I have to say tho, I am not happy with 7gypsies new packaging of the gaffer tape. It was much easier to handle on a roll, now it is flat strips on non-stick paper!
Not good ):

Lucky Lady!

2006-05-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

I am the luckiest and most blessed Mom! All 3 of my girls always make me the most beautiful cards for Mother's Day! I have posted this years crop! They are sooo cool! They are the gifts themselves!

I had a real nice Mom's day too. The girls made me strawberry cream scones with devonshire cream and lemon curd!!! French pressed coffee too! Candles lit, presents.....so special! I loved it!

They gave me Sandalwood soap, smells divine! 2 more Laini's Lady's!! A cat one that says "If there were to be a universal sound depicting peace I would surely vote for the purr!"(Barbara L. Diamond) It s SO me! And then the sweetest one that says "You're my sweetest thought of everyday" (Laini) Gives me tears. They also got me some postage stickers with the "Bad Cat" cats on them. So funny!! Then they got me a cool "quotable magnet" that says "if i know what love is, it is because of you." (Herman Hesse) Makes me think I did a good job as mom.

The Big Guy was so funny. He hadn't got me a gift so he put 200$ in the card envy. Well, I didn't see it so he finally took it out and said it was for the tickets to see Rob Thomas! Ahhhw, sweet. But I didn't accept cause I had already told the kids they had to contribute at least 1/2 of the cost of their tickets, but mostly I couldn't accept because I had already bought me my Mom's day gift from him!! Hee! New clothes and new Clinique!! Fun Fun Fun!!

Rob Thomas is.........

2006-05-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

ROB THOMAS IS COMING TO THE BRITT FESTIVAL JULY 9th!!! I am beyond excited. I am hysterical! I got the mail, saw it and immediately called and got 5 tickets!! The kids were all screaming with excitement....... as was I. He is the one person I most wanted to see LIVE!!! I LOVE him!!

OK, need to calm down. Get grounded and, ugh, make dinner. Back to the real world!!

Obsessions....

2006-05-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

I am on the hunt this a.m. for some Rhonna Farrer clear stamps. I really want the Flourishes, Swirls, Flowers and Nature! All I can find on-line, in STOCK in Nature! Ahk! It makes me crazy and I waste so much time looking and searching. I just want it all NOW. Well, guess this is a lesson in..waiting. Something I have a really hard time doing!

I really am supposed to be making my mom's Mother's Day card. Back at it I guess. ):

Ahhh, I finished it!! Hope she likes it. Now, I just have to figure out what to get her!!

Introducing the Baby

2006-05-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

This is my baby, Jasi. She will be 16 soon and acts like she is going on 30!! Makes me crazy! She is just a beauty and very smart as well. Following the footsteps of her older sisters.

These photos were taken on the way home from ice skating. We stopped at out fav place, Starbuck's, and got our fav drink, a Mocha Breve. It was so windy that day, blowing everyone around. The Girl Scouts were out selling their cookies, of course we had to buy some to eat with our mochas!! Mmm.

I loved using the Starbucks pamphlets and other fun stuff in the layout. I changed the saturation in the photos with photoshop, sanded the edges of the photos and used the cool white staples I found, to attach the photos! I have some 7 Gypsies cardstock stickers and gaffer tape on there too. I love how it turned out.

Star Quality

2006-05-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

This is Cami. She is absolutely gorgeous and smart too! Straight A's all the way, graduating valedectorian (as did Lily) and receiving a Presidential scholarship for college (as did Lily). I just love this layout. It's so soft and beautiful, just like her. I call her my "sunshine child". Always a sunny disposition and very compassionate. She loves her kitties.

Not only is she very smart but she is also a wonderful artist! Winning 1st place 4 years in a row at her Spring Art Show in highschool! She was also Prom Queen and awarded "Student of the Year"! I so wish she would embrace all these wonderful gifts!!

I took her to lunch today for mexican food in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. She is quite the whip at Spanish, finishing her 2nd year of it in college. I always say "I love it when you talk Spanish Cam!!". It sounds so cute coming from this beautiful blond girl!!

After mexican food we wanted to see if we could find some popsicles Lily told us about. Dreyers Coconut Bars! We found them at Albertson's and were thrilled!! They are Delish! 'Course we love coconut!

Well, it might just be "teatime" now. I wish I had DSL or another hi-speed internet connection. Dial up just takes so darn long to upload!! Ahhh!! Hmm, might have time to work on a layout b4 dinner!!!!

Angel Face

2006-05-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

I just made this layout of Lily today. I took this picture as she was leaving to go to work, to barista a "sweet 16" party for the owner's daughter. After she got home she said she was never having children! I laughed and laughed.

Lily has the most sweet face. I have always called her my "moonface child". When she was a baby people would stop and say "What a beautiful child!". She has grown into an absolutely stunning young lady! She looks like a young Marilyn Monroe! People tell her that alot at the coffeehouse she works at! I have got to upload some photos we took of her after Cami made her up to really look like Marilyn. We even fooled Grandpa! It was great.

Lily graduated Valedectorian and won a presidential scholarship to college, as did Cami. She was also Prom Queen which was so cool after being so shy all her years of highschool! Such a gifted artist too! She is majoring in english with minors in art and journalism!

I love you Lily!

The Time has Come...

2006-05-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

Hi! This blog is something I have been contemplating for a while now and decided to "just go for it!" I love visiting other creatively inspiring websites and blogs and I can only hope that I can make mine as inspirational.

My new love is to scrapbook my 3 beautiful girls. I started rubber stamping 10 years or so ago ( my husband made me go to the wife of a colleagues Stampin' Up Party, said I could spend $25 ..ha! I spent $75 and was hooked....thank you Honey!! Who's sorry now?LOL), making cards, and amassed quite a collection of all kinds of stamps, inks, pens, papers, embellishments, ephemera, ribbons...you name it!

I have watched scrapbooking take over rubberstamping in the last few years and I kept purchasing new "stuff" and then thought "what am I doing with all this stuff?" Thus, I bought my first photo album (a Making Memories 9x9 inch) a month ago and have made about 11 pages. I am so excited to share them with you!

My fav scrapbookers are Elsie Flannigan, Karen Russell, Maria Grace Abuzman and Heidi Swapp (her older stuff). I love Legacy Magazine, Scrapbooks Etc., and Creating Keepsakes, not to mention all the special publications and books!

I'm lovin' to sew on the layouts and I love give them the distress look, or "shabby chic" look!