LilyBean Paperie

i've got sunshine...

Today is so beautiful....hope it is where you are too.

She peddled, I ran...I balanced her, she looked at the pretty trees and birdies...I balanced her and steered the bike...and she leaned non-stop...yep, she's a leaner :)  We'll go again today and tomorrow and just keep trying...I want to be there when she masters her bike riding....only happens once, right?
I have just a few minutes this morning and have a sunshiny card for you.    Pretty, pretty new Melissa Frances Fresh Twist paper here along with rubon and trim,  Maya Road flower, a K&Co. Cut N Paste tag and bauble, and some Martha Stewart seam binding.

It's time to get to work.

Enjoy your day!

Melis

life without training wheels...

Personally...I prefer life with training wheels....never having to worry about falling, skinning a knee, bruising tender little skin, or tears....but life wouldn't teach us much if our training wheels always remained, would it?  So...today they are coming off...we are headed to the church parking lot after Kindergarten to practice, practice....I'm almost 100% certain that I will be the one falling on my face as I try and push, balance, hold up, and not trip over her and the bike....but it's a first for us and so I'm excited.

Today I have a fun and thrift baby gift idea....I have piles of old jeans from my husband...I'm collecting them until I can make him a large, warm quilt...but I stole a pocket off of a pair and decided to create gift packaging from it.      Sweet, sweeter, and sweetest Pink Paislee goodies used here....this is a Pink Project I created for Pink Paislee... instructions and a supply list will be available soon.....BUT I'm telling you to hang onto those worn out denims :)  Super simple and inexpensive gifty here.

Off to pick up my love.

Melis

birds of a feather...

The  chickadees are growing....we are only keeping them until they've grown a bit more and then they get to go join their brothers and sisters :)  One of these days, my little one will have her own little flock to tend to and gather eggs from....but for now, we get to enjoy them while they are little.  It seems they never stop making their sweet chirp-y noises....even when they sleep....they remind me of my little one who can talk all day long...and into they night while sleeping too :)

We've had a wonderful Saturday working on the house and enjoying the weather....flipping burgers on the BBQ for lunch and getting dirty.  I love messy Saturdays.

A couple of  things to share tonight....a creatively messy potpourri :)

  For Emma's Paperie this week.....based on a chicken scratched sketch of mine :)  So many lovelies used here....Melissa Frances, Crafty Secrets, Basic Grey Porcelain, gems.....the complete list can be found HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog as well as some sweet projects from the other designers.

  This card was created for the CPS blog with week....I had so much fun with it.  Our sponsor was Chris Franco with supplies from The Angel Company.  Love those little birdies :)  Thank you Chris!

I've just finished up a plump kit for The Scrappy Gourmet....I will show you more peeks soon...but it goes on sale April 1st.....12 cards, 1 wall hanging, and a 2-page layout...hope you'll enjoy it :)

I'll be back tomorrow...off to make something warm for hungry tummies!

Enjoy your night.

Melis

window shopping bliss...

I realized today how much I miss window shopping...strolling leisurely...walking past quaint little shops that beg you to come inside....experiencing the smells that come out the open doors to greet you....we don't have that type of atmosphere in my small town....but I tell you I'm craving it today.  Luckily I stumbled upon some sweet shoppes today as I started searching around the internet and they made my day....do you have favorite shoppes you love to stroll past online...I'd love to hear your favorites.

Today a little black cherry, raspberry fizz, dark chocolate number for you. 

  I seem to be drawn towards yellow-y greens, dark pink-y plums, and chocolates lately....such rich colors when combined together.  This card uses Papertrey Ink's Damask Designs, Background Basics:  Retro, and Mega Mixed Messages stamp sets along with Vintage Cream, Kraft, and Spring Moss cardstock, Raspberry Fizz, Dark Chocolate, and Spring Moss ink, 2008 Bitty Dot Basics paper, and Spring Moss satin ribbon.  The elegant butterfly is from Tattered Angels and is coated with Black Cherry Glimmer Mist. 

And....my little puddin' giving her motherly loves :)  I'm quite smitten with her you know....and am enjoying those little chicks more than I thought I would...they get to come to show and tell tomorrow....should be ummm....a crazy kind of fun, right?

   

Ohhhh...almost forgot to mention a couple of fun giveaways.  One at the Heartwarming Vintage Crafty Secrets Blog....I adore Crafty Secrets!  And one at Tattered Angels....such beautiful products.

Enjoy your day!

Melis

lovely...

delightful...

happy...

spring...

A quick post today before my little one comes home to tend to her little flock :)  She's says, "Mommy's here...it's ok...hush little baby..."  We turn them loose outside and they follow her wherever she goes...run after her to keep up...I'm so glad her daddy said, "yes" to keeping these little trouble makers.

    LOVELY new stamp set from Papertrey Ink used here...designed by my friend Lisa Johnson...she's so amazingly talented.  The set is called Life and it's filled with the  most beautiful images and sentiments...love it.  I used Papertrey Ink Kraft and Vintage Cream cardstock, Melon Berry satin ribbon, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream and Berry Sorbet ink, and a Vintage Cream button.  I also added in Graphic 45 paper, October Afternoon paper, and Melissa Frances trim. 

And....to get you in the mood for spring, my friend Lisa Pace is hosting an adorable Hip Hop Easter Workshop filled with sweet spring projects and inspiration.  You can find out more on her blog.  I can't wait!

Hope there's a  little sunshine warming you up today :)

Melis

spoken like a melody...

It's such a beautiful day today....my husband has started his quest to have the most beautiful lawn in the neighborhood :)...we are enjoying spring outside, blossoms popping out on the fruit trees, and the baby chicks are all of the sudden not quite babies anymore. 

  A sweet baby card for a new chick....Melissa Frances paper, trim, and rubon, Maya Road chipboard, Crafty Secrets Cotton Scraps, Graphic 45 paper, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, and Doodlebug Glitter.

  Getting ready to post this in my etsy shop...just needs a little tender lovin' care and then it's ready.  This is my original project retired from The Scrappy Gourmet.  Everything Melissa Frances...blank and ready to be filled in with sweet little baby details :)
I was asked a few days ago about a couple of books I have contributed to and when they might be available.  They are available to pre-order through Amazon.com right now.

The first is this called The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook by Sherry Steveson.  Crazy, I know...but I have LAYOUTS in this...no cards, just so you know.  It's a beautiful publication.  Here are a couple of peeks at a project or two of mine in this....the upper left corner and middle bottom are peeks at a layout of mine as well.    sigh....how I miss these baby days...the little curl on top of her head...those sweet and ultra chubby cheeks...even diaper duty...I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat :)
The second book which contains some of my cards is called Scrapbook Secrets by Kimber McGray.  Loads of beautiful projects and amazing artists in this as well. 

And....a little look into our happy spring day today...   

Loves and hugs.

Melis

the color of forsythia...

I love these beautiful bushes....they are one of the very first signs here that winter has passed and that the earth is ready to wake up again.  Today I noticed them everywhere all of the sudden....they are brilliant and happy and I love the way they start painting the world outside my windows :)

Do you have a favorite spring flower or sign of the season?  Another one for me is waking up to the birds and their beautiful melodies in the morning.  It's been a lovely day today.

I'm beat....but wanted to post a little something to say, "hello", and "I thank you", and, "I'm thinking of you".

    Some happy little tags created for the Pink Paislee blog this week....so easy, so fun, and just the right thing to add to a pretty spring package.  Supplies can be found HERE.

I've got oodles to add to my etsy shop...all of my originals from retired kits created for The Scrappy Gourmet will be added as soon as I finish a new kit I'm working on for them :)

Hope you've had a day to make you smile today....

Ohhh...and our visit to check on the chicks the other day has now turned into Sierra becoming a mother to a few of them....her daddy just can't say "no".  After all....she's only the magical age of 5 once and LOVES to mother just about anything :)

Melis

p-nut butter and sunny...

Hangin' with little Miss Bean today....it's a beautiful first day of Spring....we're off to see some baby chicks and run errands and go see daddy.  We've had a gourmet lunch of p-nut butter sandwiches and are off to enjoy the sunshine.     A fun shabby, springy, creamy card today.  Papertrey Ink Kraft and Vintage Cream cardstock, Vintage Cream satin ribbon, ink, and button, Spring Moss and Lavender Moon ink, 2008 Bitty Dot Basics paper, and two of the new release stamp sets called Guide Lines Two and Mega Mixed Messages.  I also used one of the beautiful Glimmer Chips from Tattered Angels along with Glimmer Spray in Iridescent Pearl. 

And one more card made for this release using the same two stamp sets.  So many fun things to create with this new background set...I need to try something new each day.   

Hope you've all had a most wonderful day so far.  Happy Spring!

Melis

shabby spring....

Spring is in the air at Emma's Paperie.  Our assignment this week was to create Spring or Easter projects and there are some beautiful things there for you to see.  I couldn't resist using one of the Martha Stewart egg boxes for my project.      Just the right spot to hide a special Spring treat.  My supply list can be found HERE on the Emma's Paperie blog. 

Next up, just a fun little item.  I had some scraps laying around and decided to put them to good use.  Melissa Frances paper and stamp, Papertrey Ink cardstock, buttons, ribbon, and stamp.

And...one more before I sneak upstairs to check my babe and hit the sack.  I used Papertrey Ink's new Wishing You stamp set here along with Spring Rain cardstock, Pure Poppy and Spring Moss ink , 2008 Bitty Dot Basics paper, and Vintage Cream grosgrain.  The floral paper and die cut are from Jenni Bowlin. 

Happy Spring!

Melis

moxie fab stampin' love...

Happy, most beautiful, birds-chirping-in-the-trees, Wednesday morning to you!

I have a fun little giveaway to share with you and hope you'll enjoy going on a short journey over to the Moxie Fab World blog to celebrate Paper Crafts new Stamp It! Cards.  This is such a FUN issue....filled with the most beautiful stamped cards, creative techniques, and irresistible creations I have ever seen....I keep pouring over it and seem to discover something new each time I open it up.

So....to celebrate Stamp It! week, Cath is giving away signed cards from some of the designers published in this magazine.  I was asked to create a special stamped card just for you....I'm signing it on the back and will mail it off to Cath to deliver to you along with the other cards featured on her blog today.  All you have to do is visit her blog and comment to win!

Here's my little diddy....love my Melissa Frances papers...always so spring-y and fresh and of course the Crystal Clear stamps are so intricate and gorgeous. 

Here are links to all of the cards up for grabs from my talented stampin' friends:
Kim Kesti, Jen del Muro, Dawn McVey, Maren Benedict, Teri Anderson, Debbie Olson, Julia Stainton, Angie Hagist, and Natasha Trupp.

One more before I get started on the business of my day :)   I used Papertrey Ink's Birds of a Feather stamp set, 2008 Bitty Dot Basics paper, Lemon Tart grosgrain, Melon Berry buttons, and Melon Berry ink here along with sweet paper and butterfly die cut from Making Memories.

Enjoy a beautiful day today!

Melis 

top of the mornin' to ya...

I've decided that holidays such at St. Patrick's Day are so much funner with a little one around.....she's really getting into the festivities today...we went "Secret Shamrock-ing" last night....I had bathed her early in the evening, and so she was creeping around in the dark in her tight little jammies with her sweet little pot-belly poking out in the darkness...I've told you before how much she loves to leave treats on doorsteps, knock and run :) I could not stop laughing.  This morning she had to wear her John Deere tractor T-shirt and her green bug boot puddle jumpers....and wanted to share a fresh batch of shamrock sugar cookies with her friends in Kindergarten....I can't wait to hear about her morning :)  She makes my heart smile every day.

So....today a potpourri of things to share.  I mixed some Papertrey Ink products here with some sweet Melissa Frances favorites.  I used Papertrey Ink's Heart Prints stamp set, 2008 Bitty Dot Basics paper, Spring Moss grosgrain and Topnotch Twill, Vintage Cream buttons, Spring Moss ink, and Kraft and Vintage Cream cardstock.  I also used Melissa Frances paper and rubons.

If you're feeling up to blog hopping, Crafty Secrets and Tattered Angels has more fun going on for the March Mix.  So many beautiful projects.  Here is one more creation I made using a combination of their products mixed in with some Melissa Frances and Graphic 45.    I used Tattered Angels Glimmer Chips, Glimmer Mist in English Ivy, Meadow Green, and Coffee Shop, and a sweet sticker from Heartwarming Vintage Wedding Bells sticker sheet. 

Here are the links for you to follow and enjoy!

Marisa Grosson, Anna Wight, Elizabeth Hicks, Cheryl McAdam, and Michelle Jackson. 

Thank you so much to Crafty Secrets Heartwarming Vintage and Tattered Angels!

And, one last little number before I go....  Lots of beautiful Melissa Frances here...I used elements from the Ambiente Page Kit and some rubons, and a sweet Glimmer Chip from Tattered Angels that I sprayed with Sea Glass Glimmer Mist.

Hope you're all having a wonderful day.

Melis

lemonade and porch swings...

I adore berries....anyone else love them as I do?  It doesn't even matter what type of berry....they are perfect little pieces of nature....beautifully created in colors we can only imagine....signs of warm days and whipped  cream, lemonade and porch swings, holiday greetings and warm pies fresh from the oven....and fresh bread and butter...wonderful tiny masterpieces.  I confess that I don't really LOVE to eat them...perhaps some of my mom's strawberry jam...I mostly  just love looking at them and one thing that is a must in my home is a berry wreath of some sort happily hanging from my front door.  My little one picked a container of beautiful strawberries for her treat the other day at the grocery store....all of the sudden it feels like summer here :) Tonight I get to share some of my Papertrey Ink release projects with you.  The first project shows the new Mega Mixed Messages stamp set.  GOTTA have this!  And those sweet dragonflies are from the new and irresistible Wishing You stamp set.      Just a few mini cards...kind of have a thing for these little morsels lately....showing more of the Mega Mixed Messages stamp set here along with 2008 Bitty Dot Basic Paper, Papertrey ribbons, and buttons.

  This card uses more of the darling images and sentiments from the Wishing You set designed by Melissa Bickford....love this set.

And....a little sneak peek at what I'm working on for the fun Reflections event coming up in May in Newport Beach, California!  I can't wait....still time to sign up if you'd like.   I'll show you a bit more in a day or so.....but think shabby, vintage-y, of course some buttons, paint, and glitter, with a homespun feel, and bunches of charm :)

Off I go.

Hope you've had a wonderful weekend.

Melis

sing a happy song...

Just a quick in and out post tonight...looking forward to some down time...some put my feet up time....some fall asleep on the couch time....it's been a happy, busy day today.

 

I used some fun, juicy colors from Papertrey Ink here.  Birds of a Feather stamp set, 2008 Bitty Dot Basics paper, Lavender Moon cardstock, Aqua Mist Grosgrain, Summer Sunrise and Lavender Moon ink, Collage Press paper, Jenni Bowlin Pink Crepe Paper Ribbon, K&Co. fabric brad, and a button and flowers from the craft store.

Hope  you have a wonderful weekend!

Melis

celebrating mothers...

This month's group post for Papertrey Ink is a sweet tribute to mothers.  Nichole has designed a new stamp set for the month called Mother.  It is complete with beautiful sentiments and phrases celebrating all things mother :)  We as a Design Team were challenge to use her new set and create a card and gift ensemble.

I love to think about my mom as I create something just for her...so many memories flood my mind and it's a wonderful way of combining memories and transforming them into something representative of my life with her as a child and now as I watch her love my own little girl.  I adore my mom....and would love to share a picture of the three of us, on a very special day in our lives.  

    See how she just beams as she looks at my little girl...I love that...she still does it today :)  On this day, we had just experienced the most monumental occasion in all my life.  We had to wait until my little one was 6 months old to legally adopt her....so a few days before this, we had become her parents legally....and on this day, we were able to become her parents for eternity as we took her to the St. George Temple and had her sealed to us for all eternity.  I didn't want to let go of her...she was the most beautiful little angel I'd ever, ever seen.  There my sweet mother is, by my side...holding me up as she always does.  We have always had the closest of mother and daughter relationships.  I can honestly say we have never argued...I have never raised my voice at her or disrespected her.  She and my dad taught my brothers and I to love them with all of our might and had a way of drawing us to them in such a way we never wanted to disrespect or disappoint them.  To this day, when I cry, so does my mom, and when she cries, so do I....we talk too many times each week to number...she drops everything when we come for a visit and spoils my little one with the most beautiful unconditional love I have ever witnessed....I love you mom.

So....just a little something for the most beautiful mother I know. 

      All of the supplies, cutting instructions, and step-by-steps for this project will be available through Nichole's blog.  Enjoy.

And...here are links to the many beautiful projects designed by the other Papertrey Ink Designers:

Becky Oehlers, Betsy Veldman, Dawn McVey, Debbie Olson, Geny Cassady, Heather Nichols, Lauren Meader, Lisa Johnson, Mish Wooderson, and Niki Estes. 

Melis

"more better"...

ahhh....sweet little sayings coming from the mouth of my little one lately make me smile so big....everything right now is "more better"....she has to stick her tongue waaaaay out whenever she wants to make the "th" sound....I love to listen as she develops her own way of saying everything....I adore her and love her more than I think my heart can  hold sometimes :)

I've been doing a little scrapping lately...sometimes I have to pushed into creating pages...but I always LOVE the process once it begins.  I've been working on a new kit for The Scrappy Gourmet and so I had the chance to go through pictures of my little one and had so much fun remembering exactly where we were, and precisely what we were doing.  The kit contains a double page layout, cards, and a wall hanging.  Here are a few sneak peeks for you this morning.    sigh....my heart can hardly stand to look at pictures of her when she was so little....it wasn't that long ago...but she's grown so quickly.  I still remember where we were....a pizza parlor in Palmyra, New York....we took a 12 day trip by plane and bus with 15 little cousins (I think that's how many we had at that time).  We traveled all over the beautiful Church History sites back East and I have to say....I LOVED every minute of it.....what an amazing experience...chaotic?  YES....but so much fun with that many little ones...the whole tour bus to ourselves, and hopping from hotel to motel every night for 12 DAYS....Sierra was 22 months old at the time.  One of my most favorite memories was watching the faces of the airline passengers as we boarded the plane with that many tiny children...they looked totally terrified....but we put them at ease an provided free entertainment.  Everyone was given some bubblegum to chew to help their little ears while taking off  and landing...and then you'd hear a chorus of little ones calling out, "WHEEEEEEEEEEEEE"  as the plane started taking off followed by rolls and rolls of belly giggles...soon the other passengers were laughing too...so much fun.  Thanks so much to my father and mother-in-law for taking us all with them and sharing this wonderful time together.

Here are peeks at a few of the cards in the kit.        And a sweet little wall hanging peek for you.   

Hope you're having a wonderful week.

Come back at midnight tonight for a special Papertrey Ink group post!

Melis

while you were sleeping...

Good Morning Sunshines! 

A little share for you bright and early today.  This was created for Emma's Paperie this month for a fun new color challenge beginning on the Paperie blog.          Lots of my most loved items included in this little tag project.  I'll let you peek at the blog for our color inspiration picture and my supply list and while you're there, be sure to check out the beautiful creations from the other designers....their yummy I say :)

I decided to be on the ball and have a winner selected for you this morning in regards to my Apron Strings challenge.  You made it SO hard....it kills me to choose one winner as I know how it feels to not be chosen.....I hope you enjoyed creating your special and unique masterpieces and that you'll continue, because there wasn't one entry that I didn't love and smile on and on about :)

So....without further delay, congratulations to Jolene Eborn!  I am in awe of her creativity....she has the most wonderful pocket idea I have ever seen, and I'm sure we'll be seeing many more of these sucker/ribbon pockets floating around as I'm sure she has started a wave of inspiration...that's what I LOVE!  Thank you Jolene for sharing your creativity and thank you to each of you for sharing a bit of yourself as you create with you heart :)

a merry, monday, march mix...

Good Morning!  Tattered Angels and Crafty Secrets and their designers have teamed up for March and we as designers are mixing their shabby and elegant products together and creating some fun projects.  I LOVE the combination of these 2 manufacturers...they work so beautifully and effortlessly together.

Here is my creation:    I used a Tattered Angels Embossed Regal Glimmer Chip along with Glimmer Spray in Tattered Rose and Rose Tea on the chipboard and twill.  I also used a Nature Glimmer Glass butterfly in Cocoa and painted it with acrylic paint.  After the paint dried I stamped it using a stamp from Crafty Secrets Card Sentiments stamp set and then coated it with glitter.  I love the Cotton Scraps from Crafty Secrets so I used one from the Baby Girl collection pack.  Paper used her is from Graphic 45....another wonderful fit with these 2 manufacturers.

Other design team members are playing along today and here are some beautiful sites for you to visit: 

Vicki Chrisman

Michele Kovak

Nic Howard

Heartwarming Vintage Blog

Tattered Angels Blog

Now.....I'm having the most difficult time choosing a winner for the Apron Strings challenge and have decided I need just a little more time...but wanted you to know, so as not to drive those of you who participated crazy....give me 'til tomorrow and I'll make the big announcement :)

Enjoy a beautiful Monday wherever you may be.

Melis

what shall we make today...

This morning I made a wreath for a friend...springy, yellow-y, purple-y, green-ish, twiggy, willow-y...I love it.  I made some muffins for my little one to snack on once she came home from school....I'm itching to create a card or two....but they'll have to wait until after bedtime tonight.

Clean sheets to put on beds, dusting to do, some play time, and I've got a fun project going on at work...getting out spring flowers, garlands, wreaths, topiaries,  and decorating an arbor....I'm looking forward to it.

What are  you making today?  Whatever it is, I hope you enjoy it and that it makes you smile...creating is like sunshine for your soul I tell you :)

    Just a little Papertrey love today....I used the Honey Bees stamp set along with the 2008 Bitty Dot Basics paper, White and Spring Moss cardstock, Summer Sunrise satin ribbon, True Black, Berry Sorbet, Summer Sunrise, and Ripe Avocado ink, and a New Leaf button.  A little felt, some Making Memories paper, Kaisercraft gems, and some pretty, pretty lace paper from SEI that I coated in glitter....darn my obsession with glitter :)  I smile when I see a speck stuck to my husbands forehead once in a while....is it bad I don't tell him it's there?

Hope you all are having a wonderful day...I sure am.

Melis

tomato red and sun-dried linens...

This morning I started thinking about all of the things I am excited for when we move into our new home.  One thing in particular is most definitely my clothes line....I have wanted one for so long and love the thoughts of hanging things outside to dry while the warm summer air kisses it dry....a little thought that makes me very happy.  I can't wait to step outside my door and head into the hills and mountains for walks....the peace and quiet that will surround us...and the noisy crickets at night....sigh....it will all be worth the wait. 

  This card was created for the CPS blog this week and my friend Kelly from Keep in Touch Card Shop was our sponsor....I adore her site and darling kits.....they are packed with the sweetest, most unique little trinkets.  I'm officially in love with the tomato red trim, polka dot lace, and the little flag....ohhh and the cherries too :)

Thanks so much Kelly for your thoughtful sponsorship this week.

My little one and I are headed off to work...I'm so lucky I get to take her with me.

Have a happy day today.

Melis

blue skies and marigolds...

Welcome Wednesday...today brings a blustery wind, pale blue up above, a quiet mood, a desire to simplify, a recognition of many simple necessities, a hope for a new found focus, a need to listen to my heart and the sweet and needs of others.

Life's little journeys are certainly interesting...looking back they always make sense and I am always grateful for them, but when in the middle of a new journey or a path that seems to be taking a turn or two, it takes a little getting used to, doesn't it?
So today, I'm creating while listening to the music and laughter that my little girl brings into our home, while she a her friend play happily...one simple comfort I am thankful for today among many.

Just a few random, just for fun things today....this is what comes from scraps that need a home to belong to :)

  A little scrappy, shabby house made with Melissa Frances paper and stamps, Making Memories paper, a Jenni Bowlin star and button, and some wired ribbon.

  And a sparkly little friend here all fancied and sugared up in tulle, tinsel, felt, and Melissa Frances rubons, cardstock sticker, and paper.

      Ohhh how I love this collection from Pink Paislee...it always reminds me of happy marigolds bouncing along the driveway, blue skies, and sweet pioneer skirts swaying in the breeze....crazy, huh?  Just one reason I love patterns and colors as I do...they flood my mind with inspiration,  memories, and lovely thoughts :)

Well...I'm sure there's a mess waiting to be cleaned up somewhere....off I go.

Melis

just because...

I love "just because" occasions...they are the best and most meaningful I think....who doesn't love a thoughtful note, or treat on their doorstep...even a phone call out of the blue, for no other reason, than to show a bit of thoughtfulness and caring....I need to do these simple acts more often.  I think these thoughts come to our minds for a reason and I know that I ignore the prompting to express my love and gratitude far more that I actually acting upon those thoughts....SO....here I am telling you what I need and truly want to improve upon.  Have you ever noticed that the more you do for someone, the more you love them?  I've noticed that over and over again....serving others, makes us connect to them and grow to love them in ways we couldn't have otherwise.  This coming from a mommy who has had tired bags under her eyes after4 nights of being up with the sweetest little creature her heart has ever loved....and I love her more each day because I get to answer her calls in the middle of the night and be the one to quiet her fears, get her medicine, cover up her little arms, wipe a runny nose, or hold her and help her feel loved...it's the most wonderful thing....tired, achy body and all :)  To all of you worn down, sweet mothers out there....I think you're wonderful :)

    This card was created for the CPS blog last week with Papertrey Ink as our sponsor.  I used the Tags for Spring stamp set along with Vintage Buttons,  2008 Bitty Dot Basics paper, Vintage Cream Grosgrain, Vintage Cream and Spring Moss cardstock, and True Black ink.  I also used a bit of Melissa Frances paper, ric rac, and posies from the craft store.  What fun sketches are....I enjoy them so much.

It's time to start thinking about dinner around here....hope you're all having a wonderful Tuesday.

Melis

in like a lamb...

Happy, sweet spring breezes...March is here...kite weather, grass-getting-green weather, thinking about baby chicks weather.  March came in like a lamb here....with lots of beauty to look forward to.

We're having a quiet, busy, happy day today....my little one is busy making her OWN kite since she can't wait until we get to go out of town to buy one :)  It will most definitely be a masterpiece...one her mommy won't be able to throw out, but will just add the enormous heap of creations to treasure and look back on.  Honestly....I feel horrible when I throw anything of hers away....I need to gain some balance, but for now....I'm saving every scrap.

Just something fun and frilly today before we head out the door.      I used lots of Basic Grey Porcelain paper, chipboard, and rubons here along with Pink Paislee paper and Petal, Kaiserkraft gems, and my favorite Vintage Cream cardstock from Papertrey Ink along with Background Basics:  Retro, and Birthday Basics stamp sets stamped in Dark Chocolate ink.  Of course a little sprinkling of Martha Stewart Mica flakes and a tea-stained trim handmade flower.

Well...big loves today!

Enjoy March.

Melis