the one and only

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God.  And that is what we are!”  1 John 3:1


“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me.  Your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalms 139:10

Bob and I have had friends say we act like our grand-daughter is the only one in the world.  We are crazy about sweet Isabella, that is true. She is our one and only.  We waited a long time for her and she is the “gold” in our golden years.  We understand now what our friends have been saying for years about their grandchildren.  You know- that if they had known what a delight grandchildren would be, they would have had them first!  That kind of thing.

Some of you know that she is a little miracle baby.  Our son was in his 40’s when she was born.   Poppy and I (Mimi) were both on Social Security when she was born.  Many of our older friends have grandchildren graduating from high school – and even some have great grandchildren.  We have one perfect and sweet Isabella who will be 18 months old tomorrow.  Blessed we are.

We try to bring her home with us at least once a month and keep her a long weekend to give the parents a break.  We just completed a weekend.  Did I mention she is 18 months old?  Large and in-charge?  A little whirlwind?  Never still?  Acting just like an 18 month old should act.  A large chore for a 25 year old parent (me, many, many moons ago).   But, at my age (64)… well, I can only say- you nap when they nap, cause it is like getting on a moving train that never stops when she is awake. Oh how we enjoy the visit, but I’ve got to say we breathe a sigh of relief at the “hand off” to the parents.  And say a thank you to God for giving us energy and patience to last just long enough.

But when she smiles…oh my.  We call it the Bella smile and it is awesome.  Heart melting.  Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.  You can tell by her actions and expressions that she is quite fond of us.  But, she is not saying many words yet.  I don’t know if I will be able to contain myself the first time she says Mimi and Poppy.  I look forward to having little conversations with her.

Isabella VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

My boys are both in their 40’s now and I remember those days with them.  I don’t remember the exhaustion.  I only remember the joy.

As I think about this it brings to mind how God must have felt when he created Adam and Eve.  And, subsequently, me.  His love for me, and you, at our birth brought him great happiness.  Our smiles fill him with joy.  He wants us to love and adore him, just like I want Isabella to love and adore me.  Just like an earthly parent, he is there to mend our heart when we hurt and when there is sorrow, he comforts.  He gives us challenges to strengthen our faith.  He is always with us.  Never far away.  Just call and he will answer.

Like a parent he sometimes has to let us go our own way.  And he welcomes us back with open arms and helps us heal when our way doesn’t work out like we planned.

But unlike earthly parents, he never naps and is never exhausted.   He is unchanging.  Open. Ready.  Always prepared.  Does the right thing -  always.

He delights in us, just like we delight in our children and grandchildren.  It is as if we are his one and only.  We bring him joy.  He gives us eternal life.  I look forward to sharing this with Isabella someday soon.

Blessings,
Diane

A Glorious Baby Shower Brunch for Sweet Jill

Last Saturday I hosted, with a lot of help from my sisters and mother and, of course marvelous hubby Bob, a baby shower brunch for my niece Jill.  She and Jamie are expecting their first – a little boy due May 19th.  We are so happy for them.  They will be wonderful, loving parents to this precious child.

So, I wanted her day to be special and one to remember and how do you make a celebration special?  With Stampin’ Up! products and projects!!!  So, without further adieu, here’s a snapshot (or rather several snapshots) or our glorious day.

 

Jill and Jamie Arrive VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

I really liked how the invitations turned out. They were made with all Stampin’ Up! product.  Jill’s nursery has a bird theme so I tried to incorporate that in all the decorations. I also was pleased with the photo banner. It was on two sides of the foyer and a big hit with the guests.

Delightful Decorations VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

I had a ball making the decorations.  Banners, birds, diaper cakes – even little mini diaper cakes for the table decorations.  The banner on the mirror reads “Baby Parchman” and the spring colored M and M’s are in a baby food jar.  I loved making the tissue paper pom poms.  I remember making these when I was a young girl.  What sweet memories.

		Yummy Food VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

The food was delish! My sister Charlotte and mother brought lots of goodies. Mother made a marvelous sausage and egg breakfast casserole. I tried a Cinnamon Roll casserole that turned out yummy. The flavored water was a hit! I used lemons, limes, cucumbers and strawberries. I discovered the secret is to wait until about 30 minutes before you serve to put it together. Use cold water, add ice and do not squeeze the fruits. A nice fresh taste. This will be a staple at my events from now on.  I made a little banner with the baby’s name on it for the diaper cake.  What a cute way to welcome the little one.  The diaper cakes are now in their new home in Drake’s nursery.  The birds flying above the table were made with Stampin’ Up!’s brand new Elegant Bird Die.  Leaving those up all summer!

		Gifts! VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

And, of course, opening the gifts was so much fun. I think Jamie was a little overwhelmed among all the gals, but he was a good sport and enjoyed all the hoop-la. This was their first shower and was a great success.

We are all looking forward to the arrival of Drake Christian in May.  Jill is a sweetheart and it is hard to believe she will be a mom soon.  She was a precious little girl, a cracker-jack softball player and now a Registered Nurse.  I am so proud of her and can’t wait to be Aunt Di to another precious little boy.  I hope I will earn the honor of being a “great” aunt.

Blessings,

Diane

Beautiful Banner

I am sure you have noticed that banners, in all shapes and forms, are uber-trendy in papercrafting right now and I am in LOVE with them.  I made banners for Isabella’s first birthday, Christmas, Valentine’s Day…and many for absolutely no occasion.  Shelli Gardner, co-founder of Stampin’ Up! loves them too and so much so that banners are her Creative Challenge for this month.  So….I really wanted to join in.  An excuse to make one more.  Don’t need excuse really, but did enjoy making something for me after all the decorations I just finished for my niece Jill’s baby shower.  Check out the next post for lots of pictures of our fun time.
Until then, enjoy my heart banner.  All supplies by Stampin’ Up! and you can purchase them in my store 24/7…

I {Heart} Banners VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

I have this on the big mirror over the fireplace in the den so I had to take it down and put it on a contrasting color for the photo.  And, I still haven’t finished my new picture-taking place, so the photos are not the best.  But, I am sure you get the drift.
I can’t sign off without sharing a memory from yesterday of sweet Bella and her Poppy checking out the Camellia she plucked from the bush in our backyard.  My loves. 
And, I wouldn’t be offended if you left a comment on her cuteness!

My Favorite Book of All Time

I kind of love this stamp club project from a couple of months ago. It is a bookmark for my favorite book. The Bible I use most of the time is fairly new. I think I got it around 1985.


The translation is the New International Version and I remember having a hard time moving from the King James. I felt like I was betraying someone or something. I also have reference Bibles, Bible commentaries, Bible dictionairies - not to mention notes from a bunch of Bible Studies throughout the years. I'll bet I am not the only person with bookshelves filled with resources to facilitate Christian growth.

And even though I learned the books of The Bible during "Sword Drills" at the little Baptist Church I grew up in, I get a little rattled when I need to turn to Lamentations or some other little known Old Testament book....thus the Bible bookmark. So the bookmark will be added to Post-It Notes, little torn pieces of paper to hold my place, and other bookmarks in my sword. Here's a chapter in Ephesians that shows my notes, dates of sermons, highlighted passages, etc.

It's my favorite book. It's the ultimate history book. It's His story.

Blessings to you,

Diane

A New Header and Too Many Things to Talk About

Can you believe how long it has been since I last posted?  Before Christmas.  I really don't have a good reason other than.....I've been soooooo busy.  Now I know we are all busy with home, work, kids, church, stamping, scrapping and all that stuff...it's just that I don't seem to be able to get it all done so something suffers.  Unfortunately one of those things is my blog.  I sure hope I can do better.

So much has been going on and I want to share it all with you.  So, in no particular order, I will be sharing what is and has been going on in Isabella's grandmother's life these past few months.

Today I am on the fourth day of a very bad head cold.  I feel lousy.  We were looking forward to going to Franklin to see the little Princess Friday, but alas, could not risk exposing her to this crud.  Here's a couple of recent photos of the little darlin' in case you have been missing her sweet face.

Her First Scrambled Eggs

Going to Mimi and Poppy's House

I don't really feel like stamping, so I must feel bad.  I really want to sleep all day, but can't breathe when I lay down, so I thought....Hey, girl, why don't you make a new blog header?  So, I did!  The entire header was designed in My Digital Studio using exclusive Stampin' Up! images.  And it was so easy.  I love the new Subway art trend and found some awesome words to use.  You can take a 30 day look at MDS....just to my Stampin' Up! site and download the Express version for free.  It's not just for scrapbooking anymore!

Here's a card I made a couple of months ago for a dear friend's son and his new bride.  I loved how it turned out.  Lots of silver paper, embossing and glitter paper.  Plus the terrific Flower Fest stamp set.  I don't know why I don't use it every day!  So sorry my photos are so crummy.  I am working on making a photo box and getting the proper lighting.  Hopefully soon.

So many exciting things happening at Stampin' Up!  I will be back tomorrow with all the deets.

'Til next time...

Born to Not Shop–Absolutely

 

Have I mentioned how much I hate to shop? If I already have, please bear with me.  I hate it.  I mean really, really hate it.  Except when I am shopping for sweet Isabella- but that really doesn't count.  Or when I am on vacation shopping at cute boutiques and overpriced souvenir shops. That doesn't count either.

I mean when you have to get food to eat, or Christmas lights the day before the big party you are hosting. Or something cute to wear to the big Christmas party you are hosting. Or gifts. I am a cheerful giver. Love to give the gifts. Hate to shop for the gifts.

There are few absolutes in this world. It will rain right after you wash the car or dog. And you will forget your umbrella. And it is dress up night at the symphony. Not talking about those absolutes. I am talking about shopping absolutes.

I absolutely will not find a close parking place. The cart return will be miles away.

It absolutely will be raining when I get there, or when I leave the store headed for my car parked in another city.  I absolutely will leave my umbrella in the car.  Or at the last store.

Whatever I am shopping for will absolutely not be at the first store I go to.

When I do find it, it will absolutely be the wrong size and/or color.  And color is very important.  Only one shade of blue, that you almost never can find, looks half-decent on me.  No other color. None. Nada. That is why I almost always wear black. Doesn't look good on me, but is safe.

I absolutely will look ridiculous in any of the trendy styles. Even safe ones, like those cute long, skinny scarves of a couple of years ago.  Made me look 18 inches tall. Like a little pygmy.

I absolutely will lose my list about half-way through the Christmas shopping trip.  So, I will absolutely buy the same gift twice.  It will go into the return pile.  I absolutely will miss the return date.  And it will be re-gifted.  Hopefully not to the person I gave it to originally…blah, blah, blah.  Never done that before.  Well, I think I have, but the recipient was much to nice to mention it.  I have a kind and thoughtful family – most of the time!  The good news is that if I get this re-gifted gift back this year my memory is so bad I will not remember giving it last year.  So there.  Problem is not a problem anymore.

Guess I had better get off this computer.  The Christmas party has not changed dates, it is still tomorrow night and I have much yet to do.  Including taking back the cute little Christmas trees I bought at Wal-Mart last night to go on either side of our front door.  Lighted and everything.  Even in their own cute pots.  And, I got the last ones available- the ones on display, so I knew the lights worked.  Remember when I said cute “little” Christmas trees?  Well, they look TINY on my front porch.  Pitiful.  And, do you know how much traffic there will be at Wal-Mart today?  Humm, maybe they would look nice in the back yard….

Until next time…enjoy a first birthday photo of the Princess taken by W. June Photography.  Real cuteness, right?

 

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The Twelve Days of Thanksgiving

Are you a subscriber to Pinterest?  If not, let me tell you about it.  Pinterest is a free website that is like a virtual bulletin board or virtual bookmark tool.  I have hundreds of bookmarks on my computer, which are kind of useless because of the volume.  Well, Pinterest let’s you develop categories and you can add a photo that automatically links back to the original site, of items you want to keep handy.  You can also search on Pinterest for absolutely anything and “repin” the item to your boards.   I know I sound like an advertisement for Pinterest, but I just want to share with you this terrific site.  Click on the Big P below and it will take you to my page:

 

Which brings me to today’s project.  I found this on Pinterest and decided to make a few adjustments and create a little Thankfulness Jar for a my sisters, mom and aunt.  Each jar has  little slips of paper for each family member to write what you are thankful for each day.  Then, on Thanksgiving, empty the jar and share your “thankfulness” with the entire family.

I added Stampin’ Up! Spice Cake Fabric, some tomato twine and cut out some leaves from the Gently Falling stamp set.  About 10 minutes each jar and it can be used every year.  I just kinda love it!

We are getting ready for Thanksgiving next week and Isabella’s first birthday party.  She was here this weekend and is walking everywhere.  She looks like a little monster holding her arms straight out for balance.  I have a lot to do to get ready for the party and Thanksgiving Dinner for about 35 and I am a little under the weather, so it will be a few days before I can get back to it.   In the meantime, I can get a lot done on the computer printing cupcake toppers, banner, treat toppers, etc.  Here’s the invite that we sent that was created for us by 3PeasPrints, a terrific shop on Etsy.  I really wanted to make it myself on Stampin’ Up!’s My Digital Studio software, but I am just not quite there yet with my expertise.  Maybe next year.

We are so thankful for this little miracle baby that it is only fitting that her first birthday theme is one of thanks.

I hope your holiday plans are moving along nicely.

Blessings to you,

Diane

Little Lamb

The little sweetie and her parents had planned to visit here this past weekend, but plans were changed because she began running a very high fever….and needed her Mimi and Poppy.  So we abandoned all plans for the weekend and made our way to Franklin to help out.  We took her to the doctor on Friday who said she didn’t see anything major- perhaps a cold was coming on and to continue with the baby fever reducer and call if…..you know the drill.  And sure enough, her fever went away and all was well, except that she had her days and nights mixed up….so that is where Mimi and Poppy stepped up.  Fortunately, she didn’t know she was sick (except for a lack of appetite) and played hard with us.

She’s walking a little bit and probably will be running all over the place on her first birthday in three weeks.

Poppy took her for a couple of stroller trips in the beautiful fall weather of Middle Tennessee and she loved it.  Here she is all bundled up….our little lamb.

Blessings to you,

Diane

Stampin’ Up! Louisville Regional–How Fun is That?!!!

My sweet friend and my upline Lisa and I attended the Stampin’ Up! full day Regional Event in Louisville, Kentucky the last weekend in October and it was wonderful!  Our trip was so fun and we saw some amazing color on the trip.  God is truly in the details.

The demo demonstrations were awesome and I truly appreciate the time that my fellow demonstrators gave to teach us new tips and techniques.  And the home office gals- well what can I say.  Terrific as usual. 

One of the traditions at all Stampin’ Up! events is the “Swap.”  Many of the attendees make a number of “swap” cards or other items and swap with other attendees…well, you get the picture.  And here is a photo of the two tags I made for the swap.

I made about 75 of the first tag as my general swap and then around 10 of the more detailed tag.  Both tags use Creative Elements and Established Elegance and on the general swap I used the fabulous Morning Mocha Specialty Designer Series Paper.  I had so much fun making these and can’t wait to get started on my Leadership swap item that will be held in January in San Antonio. 

AND, at each we could add our swaps to be taken back and shared with the Home Office staff.  From those the Stampin’ Up! staff attendees chose their two favorites and announced the winners at the end of the day.  Boy was I honored when Bonnie Thurber called my name and flashed a photo of my more detailed tag on the big screen!  What an honor when she said that one reason they chose my tag was it looked like one that Shelli would make.  (Shelli Gardner is the co-founder of Stampin’ Up!).  I managed to make it to the stage to receive a beautiful card and gift certificate.  I absolutely loved the tag and am so pleased that others did too!

Well, not gonna toot my horn again for awhile.  But I had to share that with you.

We spent the weekend in Franklin with a little “under the weather” sweetie.  More about her on my next post.

Blessings to all,

Diane

It’s Good to be the Hostess! Add’l $35 in Hostess Benefits through Dec. 15, 2011

If you have considered hosting a Stampin’ Up! workshop with me, then there is no better time than right now.   Our normal hostess benefits are very generous…but from today through December 15th, we are adding $35 to your hostess benefits for a workshop of $350 or more.  Take a look:

My workshops usually average at least $350 which would be $85 in free quality Stampin’ Up! product that you choose from our Idea Book and Catalog.  And, because I am so proud of our product and want to show you and your friends just how great they are, I will add another $10 to that in free product.  There is nothing better than free, is there?

Call me today and let’s set up your workshop.  I will show you step by step how to make something from paper that is beautiful and that you would be proud to send to anyone. 

Blessings,

Diane