LilyBean's Paperie

g'night moon...

Morning....it came a bit too soon for us...one of those up all night kind of nights...it was stormy and scary for a little one in new surroundings...ummm...and maybe for her mama too.  But we weathered it together just fine....daddy snored on and on and didn't seem to notice that the roof was ready to blow off...he's very skilled in the sleep department...I need lessons.

 

The moon and stars are so vibrant out here where there isn't a single street light....it's truly breathtaking.  My little one is learning all about the Solar System....I'm amazed...she is soaking in every tiny detail and each night while we're snuggling, we watch the moon and the stars and she tells me everything she knows. 

Last night was a first for her because as she was snuggle in her bed, she could watch the clouds float swiftly and gently across the sky passing right in front of the moon....it was a perfectly witch-y moon....and a small and beautiful wonder for my girl.  I don't think she's ever seen clouds move before...they were beautiful and wispy and glowed around the edges.  So sweet to sit and experience life through the eyes of a child from time to time. 

I created this card using a beautiful Cotton Scrap from Crafty Secrets, a Glimmer Chip from Tattered Angels, Making Memories paper, vintage trim, glitter, adhesive pearls, and buttons of course. 

I have the morning to work and create a few things for my etsy shop....it's a perfect day to bundle up and stay inside where it's warm...perhaps tonight will be a soup night....I can't wait to wish you a Happy October tomorrow.

Ohhhh...and wouldn't THIS make the most perfect warm, cozy, homey, ooey, gooey fall treat?  Sigh....I love you Bakerella :)

Melis

meet jack...

It's the most beautiful time of the year around here in my book....living in the desert we don't really have trees that bring beautiful fall colors....a few turn a vibrant yellow...there are some weeds that turn a beautiful reddish purple...and then of course the rabbit brush which is completely gorgeous as it blooms golden yellow in the fall...but brings with it sneezes and itchy eyes....I don't care....I'll take whatever I can get. 

Pumpkins are starting to make their appearances on doorsteps and porches...corn stalks greet you as you visit a friend....it's like heaven to me :) 

This little card trio was created using Papertrey Ink's Spooky Sweets and 2009 Halloween Tags stamp sets along with Vintage Cream cardstock, True Black and Ripe Avocado Ink, Spring Moss Swiss Dots and True Black Gingham, and Vintage Cream buttons.  Ohhhhh....these were such a joy to make.

For Emma's this week, based on a sketch...

 

I couldn't resist making something Halloween-y out of the sketch provided on the blog....I always shop to my hearts content buying new Halloween goodies....then hoard them and find them again in a year and realize I never touched them....not this year....I will hoard the leftover scraps....but I'm using up the big stuff....too cute not to.  A complete supply list for this can be found HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog...and lots of beautiful creations for the other designers as well. 

Let's see....how 'bout some Darkroom Door???  How I love this stuff.....a couple of things created for the blog there...

 

See why I love this company???  I used the Yuletide Vol. 2 stamp set, Yuletide Vol. 2 Wordstrip, and a couple White Size 8 tags to create these....a bit of glitter, some buttons...some trim....you know...my favorite things...they always sneak in somehow.

One more before I explain why I'm chatting like a nervous Nelly this morning...

 

This was also created for Darkroom Door...I used the Journal stamp set, Full Bloom Montage, White Roses Pearlescent Paper, and Full Bloom Wordstrip.  Of course I snuck in some Melissa Frances as well....it works with just about everything....some vintage sheet music, vintage doily, and my tea-stained twill.

 I'm trying to take my mind off the fact that I sent my little one crying and screaming for her mama to school today....she's all the sudden in a new phase and doesn't want to leave me....I'm so boring, but she loves me still :)  Anyway....it makes me sad and I worry...I'm very good at that....and I'm hoping her daddy could be patient and work his magic with her this morning and get her in the doors to school....I know she'll be fine once she's there.  Bittersweet moments I tell you.

Hope you all are having a wonderful week so far.

Melis

peas porridge hot...

Soup lovers unite...

 

(Photo from marthastewart.com)

THIS is our very favorite Broccoli Potato and Cheese Soup recipe...but you'll notice that it's actually called Broccoli Chowder with Corn and Bacon....I can't ever seem to remember the name...I just know this is the only recipe I use...and it doesn't call for cheese...but I always throw some in right before serving it....my husband LOVES this stuff...says it's better than the gourmet restaurant stuff...such a sweet fellah...and thanks to Miss Martha.

Something fall-ish this way comes...Papertrey Ink's Fall Elegance stamp set, Dark Chocolate and Summer Sunrise ink, Summer Sunrise and Vintage Cream cardstock, Making Memories glitter bookplate and paper leaves, October Afternoon paper, Petaloo flowers, vintage trim, and a Creative Imaginations brad.

Wish I could stay and chat....but, this girl is tired tonight.

Enjoy your weekend.

Melis

what matters most...

Welcome autumn...nights getting cooler...days getting shorter...warm socks, long afternoon shadows, family time, a cozy home, comfort food, sweaters and school, spices and stews, blankets and a fire in the fireplace....I love it all....

Short and sweet today as my little one is home from school now and my husband too....I love it when it's his day off. 

This month at Emma's Paperie we are showcasing a few chipboard projects.  I can't begin to explain my obsession with chipboard, but it's a staple here....I love it's bulk...it's dimension....I love to distress it and rough it up....love to paint it, glitter it, sand it, stack it, and a new to me technique...emboss it.  You can see a tiny glimpse of that in the image above....I've never tried it before, but love the soft, subtle touch it adds.  Just run it through your die cut machine with an embossing folder and it's there waiting for you....see why I love chipboard?  You can find all of the supplies I used on this card HERE at Emma's Paperie. 

Before I go, I wanted my brothers, their sweet wives, my parents, my in-laws, all of my cute nieces and nephews, my sweetheart, and little girl....and you of course too...to listen and watch THIS....I don't even know if my family reads my silly blog...but if by chance they do, then I hope they know how much I love them.  Hugs to each of you as well....thanks for visiting and brightening my day.

I promise to post my Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe for you....it's yum....but I gotta go get started on dinner for tonight....Broccoli Potato and Cheese Soup.

Night.

Melis

simple joys...

My mother-in-law sent home a jar of her freshly bottled pears last night.  When my husband walked in with them I was so touched...nothing could have made me smile more.  There is something about a beautiful jar of peaches, cherries, pears, green beans, etc. that is incredibly beautiful and meaningful....almost as if it's an art that has been forgotten...I am thankful for her busy hands and for the time she spent preparing these and sharing them with my little family...almost too beautiful to eat, but I know how much my little girl will enjoy them.

This card was created using some beautiful Melissa Frances and October Afternoon paper scraps, the Rustic Branches stamp set from Papertrey Ink, along with Vintage Cream cardstock, Summer Sunrise, Pure Poppy, and Dark Chocolate ink, and Summer Sunrise and Pure Poppy vintage buttons.  I love the colors of fall....they make my heart happy.

Another project created for Darkroom Door using the new Yuletide Vol. 2 stamp set. 

I have yet to see a Santa image as completely adorable as this....love it and all of the other images on this set as well....see those cute primitive stars in the background? 

Well....I'm heading out the door....just made Zucchini Chocolate Chip cookies for all of the Primary kids today...we are practicing for our program on Sunday....I can't wait for their parents to hear their sweet songs...they sing so beautifully.

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday.

Melis

september babe...

How I love my girl...she melts me...she makes me a better me...she overwhelms me with her presence in my life...she fills my heart...and fills my thoughts with happiness and love...so thankful to be hers. 

This little treasure found it's way home to me not too long ago.  I created it for a book I was invited to contribute to called, The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook.  The book is amazing....so incredibly beautiful and packed with creative ideas.  I made this with my little bean in mind...with stamping and unique ideas for incorporating stamps into projects as my focus. 

You'll notice she is a bit worn after her travels from here to there....just needs a little love...a new picture and I'll keep her safe here in my craft room...so happy she's back.  Believe it or not, she still has those same chubby cheeks...I  kissed them awake this morning and soaked her in before she headed off to school. 

I've fallen for stamping....the possibilities are endless.  You'll notice that on the above project I added stamping to my flowers and chipboard...even on top of glitter....I love to embellish borders, frames, photo corners, etc...stamping is delicious and so much fun. 

I was recently asked to be a Guest Artist for an Australian stamp company owned by my new friend Rachel Greig called, Darkroom Door.  Rachel is an amazing photographer who turns her photos into beautiful products to use in paper-crafting.  I've been busy creating projects for her blog...here is one and I'll share more later. 

I used the Wildflowers Vol. 2 stamp set on this card along with a Full Bloom Filmstrip.  So many beautiful things to see in her store.  Thank you Rachel for your invitation.

Lastly, I couldn't resist creating something in warm fall colors on this first official day of fall. 

Along with these wooden hearts cut by Kim Hesson, I used Papertrey Ink's Vintage Labels and  Flower Garden stamp sets, Kraft cardstock, Smokey Shadow, Fresh Snow, and Dark Chocolate ink, and a Vintage Cream button.  The die cuts are from K&Co., glitter from Doodlebug, gems from Melissa Frances, and trim from a special friend.

Hope your fall is starting out beautiful.

Melis

cozy kitchen...

Sundays are the perfect day for baking...today's special is Nana's Banana Bread and Chocolate Chip Cookies....the combination of them baking together is making our new nest feel so much like home.  Church was busy and wonderful....love my Primary children.  Daddy and Sierra have been out on the front porch lounging in the hammock reading about snakes...her new favorite thing...heaven help me when I see one around here...I know it's going to happen....I hate 'em.  I'm practicing my scream right now...it will be heard  across the hills...

Something quick tonight...with a recipe for you at the end.  This card was created using Papertrey Ink's My Punny Valentine and  Polka Dot Basics II stamp sets, some Vintage Cream cardstock, Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, and Dark Chocolate ink, a Pure Poppy button, Webster's ink and October Afternoon paper, a Melissa Frances glitter chipboard heart, and a die cut from October Afternoon as well.

Nana's Banana Bread

5 Tbs. butter

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 egg

2 egg whites

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cups mashed bananas

1 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 cup sour cream

1/3 cup walnuts...if ya like 'em

Beat butter until light and fluffy, and in sugars, egg, egg whites, and vanilla;  beat until blended.  Add mashed banana, beat on high for 30 seconds.  Add in dry ingredients with sour cream added in last.  Pour into large loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

It's time for the bedtime routine to begin...can't wait to kiss her sweet, sleeping face after she drifts off....one of life's most precious moments.

Melis

golden delicious...

Hello fall...

Hello you all...

It simply must be fall because:

• all though we are still in the high 90's during the day, at night I need a hoodie to be comfortably cozy. (hurray for hoodies)
• the Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Patty Pumpkins are on the shelves (oh yeah...on the shelves)
• according to my husband, the most wonderful time of the year is here....coyote season has begun...he has a spring in his step, a twinkle in his eye, and a cooler full of Dr. Pepper.
• my fall decorations are finding their way to special spots around the house....sunflowers and fall leaves on the mantle, a corn husk and pumpkin wreath on the door....oh, how I want to go shopping for more (take note of this....I haven't stepped foot in Tai Pan Trading in over a year....since my birthday of last year to be exact....somehow I brought home enough stuff to make my front porch look like a yard sale, so I've curtailed my Tai Pan expenditures and am very proud of myself...I really don't think it counts that I sent my mom in for just a few minor items before she came to visit me...)
• the golden delicious apples are ripe and so tasty...certainly apple pie filling worthy.  Great Grandpa brought us a bunch off of his tree and I'm feeling the urge to bottle some.  My mother-in-law makes the most deeeelicious homemade apple pie....not the canned filling kind...not the store bought crust kind...the kind that you will only get at her house...she's got the touch...and the adorable pie safe that I've been eyeballing for just over 10 years now.  I think anyone with a pie safe should make yummy pies no matter what....one of those unspoken rules.

I am happy to report that I am coming to you live from my own house tonight...I am connected again :)

A little something fall-ish tonight.  I love the sentiment on this....I firmly believe in it.  I used  the Papertrey Ink Spiral Bouquet stamp set on this along with Rustic Cream cardstock, Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate, and Spring Moss ink, Vintage Cream ribbon and button, Summer Sunrise buttons, and Autumn Abundance paper.  Kaisercraft adhesive pearls were also used along with a K&Co. die cut, October Afternoon and American Crafts paper.

I have a new card kit up for sale at The Scrappy Gourmet...here's a peek or two. 

My secret involves THIS...not this issue, but one that's coming soon....how did that happen, anyway?  I'm tickled...and floored...

Well....it's time to curl up with my book for a little while as wait for my husband to get home.  Hope you're all tucked in tight.

Night.

Melis

sweet-ums..

Hello and good morning :) 

I'm happy to report that we are all back where we belong...including the hound....darn dog.  We are crazy about him...my husband brought him home as a pup for Sierra 2 Valentine Day's ago....he has a very distinguished and meaningful name....Rifle....and he even smiles (Sierra says so).  He's a great pet....but not a super great coyote hunter...which is the reason behind his introduction into your family....Sierra and I spoil him too much and therefore he'd rather run back home than go hunting with my husband...but we love him.  I love the story behind his name....you might think my husband picked it out...but you'd be wrong....I did.  My dad gave me his very first saddle not too long ago...it belonged to his first horse named Rifle.  His dad, my grandpa, rescued the horse from being taken away to the glue factory.  But grandpa brought him home to my dad when he was a little guy and my dad fed him sugar and Rifle the horse would follow him anywhere and everywhere just like a dog....so now we have a Rifle to remind me of my dad and his gentle, little shadow.  I never knew my grandpa on my dad's side, so maybe that's another reason why I cherish stories like this...anyway, I hope he's around a nice long while.

Today I have a few more projects to share with you before I hurry home to get back to work.....thanks to my mama, I am organized and feeling crafty again.  I love my room...I promise to show you pictures very soon....I need to pound a hole in a wall or two and hang something pretty then we'll be set.  First, a fun project created for Emma's Paperie....our challenge this week was to use the Primary colors in our creation.  All supplies can be found HERE along with more creations from the other designers.

And a couple more goodies using new Papertrey Ink stamp sets including this created with the Peaceful Poinsettia set... And Winter Swirls...

I think that's it for today.....hope you're enjoying a beautiful September wherever you might be.

Love you mom....miss you already.

Melis

providence...

Good Morning.  I'm so happy to have a minute to check in.  We are settling in very nicely.....a few bumps...a few tears from my little lilybean.  She and the dog are not entirely sure they want to stay....she was upset the other night because her dishes were missing from her kitchen and she wanted to move back to the old house.....so mommy made sure they were found and waiting for her when she got home from school.  The dog....well, he ran away this morning.  As Daddy and Sierra took off in the truck for school this morning, he decided he needed to follow, and I haven't seen him since.  I love that boy and hope he comes home soon....I need to go look for him some more.  Other than that and a few tarantulas....we're doing great.  I'm so happy to have my mom visiting today and tomorrow to help me organize my craft room....it will be fun to have her with me.

I have oodles to share with you today....but I think I'll spread things out a bit just so I don't put you all to sleep.  It's Papertrey Ink release time, so I am excited to start sharing a few things with you.  I could never, ever begin to choose a favorite stamp set from Papertrey Ink....ummmm...but I sure do love these three new sets.  Signature Christmas from Dawn McVey....she has the most beautiful handwriting, and Vintage Labels which coordinates with Spellbinders Labels I Nestabilities die cuts.....so much fun.  Annnnd...then of course the ultra irresistible Stocking Prints stamp set.....smitten, I tell you...simply smitten. 

Here is another card made with the new Vintage Labels stamp set with a sentiment from the Tree Trimming Trio set. 

I'll end there for today.  Going back to the title of my post.....this past Sunday I had the honor of meeting someone very special....someone I have long looked up to and admired, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the 12 Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I don't think I will ever be the same, as this man had the power to change my heart, my mind, and my life.  My heart is still bursting with the spirit he brought as he spoke to our Stake and I am forever thankful for the opportune time in my life that brought him to me. 

I sure love ya!  I promise it won't be much longer until I'm back and blogging and responding to your emails as usual....Friday is satellite internet day!

OOoo....and I've been keeping a wee little secret....more to come.

Hope you're doing well.

Melis

Holiday Jump Start...

Christmas wishes and holiday greetings....let's jump right in and kick off the holidays Papertrey Ink style, shall we? 

Our group post this month showcases the new Tree Trimming Trio stamp set and a handmade gift of our choosing.  One of my most favorite gifts to make for the holidays are ornaments....whether they're pillow type, quilted, or fabric pieced...I love 'em...and not one turns out the same....just how I like it.       This little quirky star ornament was created quite quickly with just a few fabric scraps, tea-stained muslin, thread, ribbon, and a button.  I can't wait to sit and create other shapes to accompany this as well such as, a bell, dove, heart, and mitten.  So inexpensive....and hopefully loved  by someone special.

I created a card using the same color scheme so that both of these handmade items would look perfect together when presented as a gift.  Isn't this new stamp set irresistible?  LOVE the jumbo ornaments and large tree....what a fun focal point.

I used Papertrey Ink Scarlet Jewel cardstock and ink, Ripe Avocado and Sweet Blush ink, Sweet Blush grosgrain and button....a fun twist on the traditional Christmas color scheme.  The paper is all from Basic Grey's Eskimo Kisses collection.

Be sure to check out these links for the other Papertrey Ink Designers for many more creative ideas:

Becky Oehlers

Betsy Veldman

Dawn McVey

Debbie Olson

Geny Cassady

Heather Nichols

Lauren Meader

Lisa Johnson

Michelle Wooderson

Nichole Heady

Niki Estes

And on another note....my first card kit for Frost it Pink is up and available for purchase now.  Here are a few peeks for you.  The kit includes supplies and instructions for 8 cards and 1 tag....it's filled with beautiful things to make your fingers happy.

Have a wonderful night.

Melis

you say tomato...

Summer veggies are the still growing strong here....I can't think of anything I love more than fresh tomatoes...still a bit warm from the sun with a big scoop of cottage cheese....I will miss you big, beefy tomatoes...thank goodness for your friends the pumpkins....the little Miss and I are waiting ever so patiently to watch you  grow so we can  plunk you on the porch.

I only have a few minutes....I feel as if I have neglected you, but I sure don't mean to....first thank you all for your wonderful ideas for online classes....you've got me so excited...I'm just about to burst, but must wait until technology catches up with us at our new home....so I'll be patient.  Meanwhile, please continue to shoot me  your dream class ideas and I'll file them away for later.  I think we'll have such a great time making cards Lilybean style...and other stuff too.

Before I go I wanted to share something happy and cheerful with you...consider it a smile and a warm hug from me to all of you. 

This was created for Emma's Paperie this month...step by step instructions and supplies can be found HERE.

I look at this card and I see the shadows in the background and am reminded that the sun is dipping behind the mountains earlier each day.....sigh...it's been a sweet Summer...enjoy the rest of it.

Goodbye for now.

Melis

home sweet home...

Happy Tuesday afternoon...

I have a minute to check in and say hello....then it's off to pick up Miss Bean from school.  We are officially moved in to our new home....and I LOVE it so much.  I will be sure to post pictures for you as soon as I can guarantee there won't be a big brown box lurking in the corner of the picture somewhere....we are making great progress.  I have no phone or Internet access....waiting for the phone company to bring a line out to us which may take a good long while....so, I'll pop in whenever I can, however I can. 

Our holiday weekend was so wonderful....lots of time together getting good and dirty, Dutch oven cooking, playing with cousins, playing games late, late, late at night, and just really enjoying ourselves.  I even decided to hop on a motorcycle of the dirt bike variety and learn how to ride the darned thing....I did it...I loved it....I want to go again tonight.  It was inevitable.....marrying into a family of dirt bike riders.  The highlight of my weekend was hopping on 4-wheelers and dirt bikes and taking a ride together...Uncle Joe, Aunt Ashley, Jada, Jordan, Uncle Sean, Aunt Kate, Baby Jesse, Mikelle, Duston, Jerett, Daddy, Sierra, Uncle James, and of course me...so much fun.  I knew I would get dumped off, and I did, but the bike and I are still friends, and I will be trying again.

A little something fall-ish today with the First Fruits stamp set from Papertrey Ink along with Kraft and Rustic Cream cardstock, Rustic Cream grosgrain, Summer Sunrise and Smokey Shadow ink, and an Aqua Mist vintage button.

Hope you're all doing well.....and for those of you who are waiting on an etsy order, I promise to put a little something extra in your package to thank you for your patience.

Thinking of you.

Melis

sugar pumpkin...

You know...I shouldn't be here....should be packing, but...it's almost pumpkin time...those darling, happy, plump, chubby, little pumpkins are about to make their autumn debut...I can't wait to line 'em up on my porch, paint them with copper and cream spray paint, and enjoy them for a few months.  I couldn't wait and decided to use an adorable wood pumpkin cut by my friend Kim Hesson...how I love her wood cut creations.  I painted, sanded, inked, stamped, and glittered the little dude until her reached his perfect state....couldn't resist.  I used My Mind's Eye and Basic Grey paper on this card along with Papertrey Ink's  Polka Dot Basics II, Fancy Flourishes, and 2009 Autumn Tags stamp sets, Rustic Cream cardstock, Rustic Wood buttons, True Black, Smokey Shadow, and Dark Chocolate ink, and a bit of Melissa Frances trim and my own tea-stained twill tape. 

Hmmmm...I should go now....but first a little sugared holiday card created for the CPS blog this week using Stampin' Up! stamps sponsored by Jennifer Buck...thank you, thank you dear Jennifer.  Love me some holiday stuff...anytime of the year.

And...well...ok, one more and then I'm grounding myself...created for the Emma's Paperie blog this week....based on a cute sketch there... I'm absolutely crazy for this fun Kraft paper from Fancy Pants called Krafty Kuts....it's adorable....and all of the supplies can be found HERE.

One more thing before I go....I would love your input as I'm thinking about offering some online workshops in the future.  I would love to know what your interests are as I put my thoughts together....if in fact this is something that is of interest to you.  Would you like to learn specific techniques, create lilybean cards, or something completely different....tell me your thoughts so I can come up with classes that you'll love.

Enjoy your day friends.  Grounded until later tonight when I'll be posting some cards in my etsy shop...meanwhile, if you see anything on my blog you'd like, send me a note and I will set it aside for you.

Melis

P.S. I'm so sorry to taking so long responding to the color of my cabinets in my craft room.  The blue is called Lotus Leaf from Behr with a brown glaze from Ralph Lauren called Crosby over the top.  Hope that helps :)

gypsy wednesday...

Sweet, wonderful, crazy, September....packing, cleaning, sorting, organizing...we are off to a great start.   I must admit that I don't love any of the  above activities....just cause my mind doesn't work in that manner....I don't mind cleaning, but if I never, ever move again, I will be a perfectly happy wife.  When it comes to organizing, my method is shoving things in closets and drawers and then quickly closing them so that nothing can fall out....that's it....very simple....I honestly don't have an organizational bone in my body...so therefore I hope my mom will come help me put things in there oh, so perfectly tidy places...please...i love you... 

Today begins my life as a gypsy....I am having a silent nervous breakdown as each hour passes....but have to keep reminding myself that it will all be worth it and I get to throw out and give away stuff that we don't need and therefore....I am happy...don't like carrying extra baggage of any sort.

Before I go pack up another box I wanted to pop in with a challenge on this beautiful Indian Summer September day.  I used this photograph as my inspiration piece for my card today.  Can you see where my mind is wandering as I feel fall on the horizon?

Photo from Country Living

I think I could create over and over again based on all of the inspiring aspects of this photo....from the colors, the silhouettes, the shapes, the damask....so I am not done with this, not yet.  But here is a little something that came from this picture.  I used some beautiful products from Darkroom Door on this card including Wildflowers Vol. 2 stamp set, Viva la Flora word strips, Viva la Floral Montage.....love this company from down under.  The resin frames are from Melissa Frances, vintage button from Making Memories, and paper from Basic Grey.  Hope you'll let this photo inspire you too.....if you have a minute, will you share your creation with me?  I'd love to see where this leads you.

I've become a truck and dog girl....I decided yesterday to load my stinky, big, dog into the back of the truck and take him on errands with me....he did just great....filled in a gap or two left while my little one is at school....he's not quite as cute as she is, but he'll do.

Enjoy your Wednesday.

Melis

 

i love you the bluest...

 This will NOT be a downer....nope....I will NOT dwell on my empty heart and arms, nor will I dwell on the darned tears that always seem to be ready to tumble down my cheeks, not the silence, not the way I seem lost in the grocery store without my little buddy....none of that.  Just someone please tell me that this feeling will go away soon....because I really don't like feeling this way.  I suppose this is the part of motherhood that I didn't adequately prepare myself for....you know, I've never been a mama before, and I know that this is just the beginning...sigh...I hate school :)  So, let's talk about things that make me smile today.  We have a beautiful pink sunshine outside right now....wildfires about us....I am just about done cleaning my new house....it's shiny and sparkly and ready for us to fill it up with memories.  It's September and in my mind that means fall is coming soon....I have a beautiful September baby celebrating her 6th birthday on Friday....there are black birds perched on my fence talking loudly about something...they're noisy and obnoxious, but I like 'em anyway, and really, really, life is sweet.  I wouldn't know this sadness if I didn't get to experience the immense love and joy too.

 

I created this card set last night....my fingers were itching to play....I think it had everything to do with some new Basic Grey goodies I got in the mail and of course new Papertrey Ink stamps as well.  This set features my most favorite Basic Grey line...Nook & Pantry....sure to make any lonely mama happy :)  We'll end on a bright and cheerful card today.  I used Papertrey Ink's Polka Dot Basics II and Floral Frenzy stamp sets, Rustic Cream cardstock, Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush, Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, Dark Chocolate, and Lemon Tart ink, and Summer Sunrise, Aqua Mist, and Spring Moss buttons.  The tiny chipboard pieces are from Maya Road...I am smitten with these right now, glitter from Doodlebug, paper ribbon from K&Co, and of course some delicious Glimmer Mist in Caramel Apple and Rose Tea.

Ohhhh...wait....let's end on this happy note :) 

Happy day.

Melis