Fun Times in Phoenix

Today laying out in 77 degree weather by the pool I am wondering why we live in North Dakota. Yes I love the seasons, but winter that seems to last forever just weighs on you after awhile. Since we have been here we have be relaxing and enjoying the warm sun. Yesterday we spent 8 hours at the Phoenix Zoo, which the kids loved. I would recommend it to anyone.....The kids had a blast seeing all the interesting animals, some we have NEVER seen in ND and MN. We raced paddle boats and watched monkey's inches away from our face. I have never been in a monkey cage before! VERY COOL! Went to an animal talk which we learned a lot about Owls, Tortoises and a Tree Frogs. Even heard on the news today that one of the giraffes had a baby yesterday, we must have missed it! The kids had so much fun they got up this morning and wanted to go back.....it will be on our to do list for next year!

Today was more of a restful day as we shopped a little, hung out at the pool, went roller blading and tonight are dining with friends. We hope to make another return to the spot (Westgate) where the super bowl took place as we went last year as everything was being built. Ashton enjoyed dancing in the streets that had water that set to the music, needless to say she left soaking wet....we hope to make another return as the weather is beautiful and we will be prepared! I get to do some shopping while the kids have fun.....

I thought it would be fun to update everyone on the happenings in Arizona. Hope everyone is having fun Stamping and creating wonderful things....can't wait to catch up with you when I return.



Happy Stamping!

Vacation Time

I just got the sweetest card today.....This person always seems to surprise me! She is a dear friend, whom I love to have coffee with and she is a huge inspiration to me. She is also my upline (aka my boss)....Shelly. She sent a very thoughtful card to wish us well on our trip, I just had to share. Something this nice can't go unnoticed.

Happy Heart

Today as I am busy packing and going through everyone's summer things, I'm excited to know in 24 hours we will be in the air on our way to SUNNY Arizona. I'm not just excited about the warm weather; I'm also thrilled to see my parents again. We haven't seen them since Christmas....moving closer to them, has been hard having them gone so long. Usually we saw them once or twice a month, now we could see them every day if we wanted. It is a big switch. They won't be back to ND until May, so we will treasure this visit in more ways then one.

I am posting a couple cards I made earlier this month. I made them for my display board for Treena's Open house. I thought I would share since I don't know if I will have time tonight to sneak downstairs to stamp. If I don't have time tonight, I won't be posting anything new and exciting for about 2 weeks. I am sorry....but a girl needs to relax every now and then.

Sunny Arizona here we come......

Project Supplies: Friendship Blooms Stamp Set, Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink and Basic Black Ink, Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink, Whisper White Cardstock, Certainly Celery Prints Paper, Tempting Turquoise Marker, Mat Pack, Dimensionals and Rhinestone Brads.

Project Supplies: So Many Scallops Stamp Set, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Old Olive and Whisper White Cardstock, Certainly Celery and Bashful Blue Ink, SU Circle and Scallop Punches, Dimensionals and Glitter

Life Happens

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."- John Lennon

Project Supplies: Tart & Tangy, Full of Life Stamp Sets (Occasions Mini: March 1st-May 31st), Whisper White Cardstock, Hostess (Level 1) Designer Paper, Metal Edge Tags, Old Olive Ribbon & Marker and Real Red Ink & Marker

So Sweet

Thought I would share my three new creations tonight. I had fun opening and playing with all my new designer paper......I still have two unopened packages. (I'm saving that for tomorrow.) I have now another list of things I need, so I will be placing another order this week before we leave on vacation.....I'll have another surprise when I return. (Yeah!!)

Project Supplies: Birthday Whimsy & Lots of Thoughts Stamp Set, Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi and Whisper White Cardstock, Jersey Shore Designer Paper, Mat Pack, Stickles and Dimensionals.

Project Supplies: Big Bold Birthday & Lots of Thoughts Stamp Sets, Jersey Shore Designer Paper, Wild Wasabi Ribbon, Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White and Wild Wasabi Cardstock, SU Brads, Dimensionals, Brilliant Blue Maker, Scallop & Circle Punch, Corner Rounder, Mat Pack, Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue and Wild Wasabi Ink.

Project Supplies: Lots of Thought, Little Pieces and So Many Scallops Stamp Set, East Coast Prep Designer Paper, Scallop & Small Circle Punch, Wild Wasabi Ribbon, More Mustard, Tempting Turquoise and Whisper White Cardstock, Wild Wasabi and Ruby Red Ink.

It's All About Details

"We think in generalities, but we live in detail"- Alfred North Whitehead

Today's card was inspired by something I saw in Splitcoast mixed with an article out of my Stampin' Up Success Magazine on details. The detail I am showing off is Dyeing Ribbon with markers. Something I have never thought about, but wow....turns out really cool. It is hard to really see the ribbon in the picture, this card looks so much better in person. (I'll be making a dozen of these to have on hand for Birthday's) To dye ribbon use either tip of the marker to color the ribbon. You can create a pattern in any color to add custom details that coordinate with your project. I used my pumpkin pie marker to dye the edge of the white ribbon, very easy to do. To get a clean line when coloring just the edge of the grosgrain ribbon, turn the ribbon over. The edge of the ribbon is raised on the back, or wrong side, of the ribbon, allowing you more control as you ink the ribbon.

Project details: Birthday Whimsy stamp set, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White and Tempting Turquoise cardstock & Ink, Cuttlebug, Bali Breeze Designer Paper, Dimensionals, Gold Cord, Yellow Stickles, White Ribbon, Pumpkin Pie Marker and Window Punch. Card size is 5 1/2 x 5/12

At Last....It's Here!

Yesterday my Stampin' Up package arrived, Yeah! I was so excited!!!! I didn't get to stamp last night or I would have had to sleep in the dog house. (Brrr....) I don't think that would have gone over well, since I didn't cook or even bake a cake for Matt. Luckily I had made heart shaped cup cakes the day before and we had some left over. The kids sang Happy Birthday, I couldn't even find candles. Yeah, not my best moment! I am planning a party on Saturday for Matt so I hope to redeem myself!!! I am cleaning and organizing today, so again no stamping! (I'm pouting)

Matt did surprise me yesterday with 2 dozen roses!!! He is always so thoughtful!!! The funny thing was, I got home yesterday from Ashton's school and was in this funk. He called and said did a delivery arrive. I'm like no; I should have opened the front door to check. Well, he came home and there were flowers sitting outside on the porch....FROZEN! Who leaves flowers outside in North Dakota weather? It has been below zero this week more times then not! So, here is a picture of the roses I tried to revive. I placed them in warm water and cut the ends.....still looking only so, so today. Matt was so not impressed, I'm sure I'll be getting fresh ones later in the week.