So, today was the first day back to school. I’m sure you’ve seen all of the samples of those super cute paper backpack treat holders that are all over the internet right now? Well, my plan was to make one for each of the kids in Cole’s class for the first day of school. I thought it was a GREAT idea back in June. August 30th at 10pm…I wasn’t thinking it was a great idea, especially since that’s about when I remembered my plan to make these for everyone! Instead, I picked up this cute apple filled hand sanitizer for his teacher and whipped up this card to go with it. When I say "whipped up", I really mean it. It took me approximately 6 minutes to complete from inception to completion. I must say, although it is a super simple card…I absolutely LOVED it. I used a chipboard owl I had in my stash and some of the new Stampin’ Up! designer paper called PLAY DATE. I covered the owl with the paper and then used a variety of punches to make it look like an owl. What do you think?

So, I know I promised to start getting more samples on this blog…for those of you that actually still even bother to check it out…and I know I haven’t delivered. Truth is, my creative juices have been focused on one project lately that I STILL have not had time to do and until I CAN get it done…nothing else matters right now. You see…while we were away on vacation at the end of July, we got a phone call that my cat Stimpy had passed away. The poor girl looking after our cats while we were gone found my furry little friend under our bed, passed away in his sleep. I want so badly to do an amazing scrapbook layout to honor him, and until I find time to do so…I can’t seem to wrap my brain around anything else.

To be honest, I guess it was the best way to go. He was never sick and I never had to make those tough choices that so many pet owners have to make. But that doesn’t make it any easier. I wasn’t here for him…and I never really said good-bye. We all miss you Stimpy, but I think I miss you the most. I miss….

 - you running to any sink you hear water running in for a drink ( you would only drink out of the sink…too good for a bowl..)

 - you sitting in my lap while I put on my makeup every morning

 - your furry little body curled up under my arm every night to sleep

 - your cackling meow as you spoke to me each day

 - the way you lifted your head for never ending rubs under your chin

 - your freaky love of catnip

 - the way you rolled yourself all over any item of my clothing that was laying on the floor

It’s funny how I used to curse the hair you left all over our house and the litter you kicked all over the floor. Your crazy footprints all over my bathroom counter RIGHT after I finished cleaning. Now those tufts of your hair that I find bring tears to my eyes and I find myself looking for your footprints in the sink.

I will miss you forever my little "stinkman".

STIMPY 1993-2010

If you are like me, the release of the new Stampin’ Up! catalogue is one of the highlights of your year. OK…maybe I need to get a life , but I’m not ashamed to admit that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE July and the release of the new catalogue. It never lets me down and this year is no exception. Click on the link below to check it out, or email me for your copy today!

You may have also noticed that my blog is sadly short on samples and cute stuff that I have stamped and want to share with you. That is because I really need to get off my butt and take some pictures and edit them and then POST them on this blog that I promised myself I would always keep up to date. I am a blogging failure……but I  PROMISE to start making this blog worth the money and your time and actually post something once in a while! I think this new catalogue is a good place to start, don’t you?? I will create something magnificent and post it shortly….I promise.

Have a great week!!

Always find yourself looking for that perfect card for the men in your life? If so, then this is the class for you. We will be using the new TRAVEL JOURNAL designer paper from the just released Summer Mini catalogue to create 5 fun cards with men in mind.

Unfortunately, the only Friday I have available for this class is May 21st @ 7pm. This will be the first May long weekend in 15 years that I am not going away…I’m sure there are others out there that will be around for that weekend?

If so…sign up below. Five cards and your very own package of the Travel Journal designer paper all for $25!! RSVP by May 6th to have your paper there and your spot saved. See you there!