Oh Christmas TREE Coasters?

My Husband is getting really good at the Eye rolling thingy the girls are famous for. Followed by, "what the heck are you doing now)? Jeez, I ask for such simple easy things. LOL! This time it was to cut up a tree trunk 3" diameter and 1" thick. Easy, right? So by the time the family has packed the ornaments to store for next season you will have created more gifts.



Product list...
PTI stamp set Turning a New Leaf and Ripe Avocado Ink**
**Bold full images work best with a dark ink
Twine

I think I was thumbing through Country "Living" when I found the coasters.

Told you it was easy! Thanks Baby;)
Happy Stamp Day, God Bless.

PDCC62

My friends have been playing here for sometime, finally Play Date Cafe has made it onto my list. NOT a favorite color combo that is certain!


Why does simple appear to be most difficult for me? Simple is much harder making every element precise.
Any how here it is all products PaperTreyInk.com except wire and dimensional dots.



Happy Stamp Day, God Bless.

SC313 Pucker Up Buttercup

The sticker flower was first placed on some cardstock cut out and set with dimensional dots.
All BasicGrey with PTI vintage cream cardstock.

Lauren's Cute Box, PCP 3D Challenge

**Edit to place edible crayon link**
Gourmet Mom on the go edible crayons plus free wrappers
This is what I was looking for the other day and I plan to go back and make an edible crayon box with these bad boys. Oh, they are sooooo cute!

Check out Paper Craft Planet Blog complete with a free template cutesy Cover Box from Lauren Meader My Time Made Easy.



I Have many great ideas for this little box
Homemade crayons came to mind first then the bath crayons. Can't find the tutorial for one and the store was out of the other so for today's post I went with the fragrance stones.

Product list...
Cutesy Cover template
BoBunny DP
Rusty Pickle Brad
SU scallop circle punch
PTI felt, die flower
rick rack, velvet ribbon unknown
Shabby wrinkled seam binding
MS heart border punch

Have a Happy Stamp Day, God bless.

2010, Let Go Laughing

...Now it is poor me, why me, oh me
Boring the same old worn out blah blah story
There is no good explanation for it at all

Ain't no rhyme or reason
No complicated meaning
Ain't no need to over think it
Let go laughing
Life don't go quite like you planned it
We try so hard to understand it
Irrefutable, indisputable
The fact is
Psssh
It happens...

The Saints are the Sinners that keep going. Robert Lewis Stevenson

My Friend said that I was a Testament to true Grace. Hey, we are talking about me here. Sure you don't want to change your mind on that one?

Donna wanted to know why her Dad did not get her NC bumper sticker off the car. Are you kidding me? Really Donna? Seriously?
Funnier yet she is expecting a new set of keys with a sweet ride, not going to happen in this lifetime kiddo yo Mama is so over that!
Possibly a Barbie jeep or a set of rattle keys (can they get hurt with them)? Oh heck ya, gotta see this...



I can totally see us doing this, now that is funny! Jesse says he is going to do it. Hey Donna, Guess what? Won't get one of these either;)

Not sure how funny this was but I laugh at it now. I went to do something and when I came back to Donna's room the Hospital Chaplin was outside the door. "OH HELL NO, SHE IS GOING TO BE OKAY!" I did...OOPS!

You know how I was sure my kid was going to be okay, she was able to laugh and never lost her determination. Okay, she did loose that however, she had a Mom that was more determined and was not going to give up.

Donna was sleeping (so I thought). I was gazing at a sudoku puzzle. My Brain was not working how did I think I was going to figure out a Sudoku?
I hear, "You better not be eating my candy!"
What?
"You better not be eating my candy, it is mine!"
OMGoodness I about fell out of my chair. Later when she slept this is what I did, was going to dump it all over her but with the luck running the way it was it would have gotten in the way somehow.



Yes, I did get some candy. Sara + Candy=YUMMY! I'm sweet after all right? I had to get there somehow!

A fave sweet saying...
Families are like fudge, mostly sweet with a few NUTS!

I have had a horrible time sleeping. Mom cranky is not funny! What is funny...Jessica laughing in her sleep, dogs snoring louder then Jesse. That is funny!

Don't say OMG**! Say O M Goodness! Your kids will love it.



When your Daughter is laid out on a table bleeding from the head, her ear shredded to pieces what to do? I had to say it...Oh yes, I went there. "This is your last chance for anymore piercings better have her do them now while you can." When she was done, "Can you hear me now". I know, I am so bad;)

NOTHING is worth more then Faith, Family and Friends. I love all of you thank you so much for all your prayers, hospital visits, help with the girls, phone calls help around our home, meals, cards and encouragement. So amazing are each and everyone of you we are so blessed to call you our Family and Friends.



Matthew 6 19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."



I have Christmas cards made, not in the mail. No one has been removed from my list. However, they may turn into New Year's or Valentines snail mail.

Just some thought on the serious side.
A Mom in the Hospital that lost her child? I don't know how she could ever be happy again. My world would have ended right then and there.

The one year old no one holds or comes to see. Will he ever laugh? Oh Heck Yes, When Jessica is in his door he will!
When Donna was getting sick of me a Nurse told her, "You are lucky MOST kids come here with parents that do not care at all". "What one would you rather have?"

May God Bless you and your Family this Christmas season, Let Go Laughing!
Sara;)

Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a quiet child, Mom's restful one. She doesn't get in my face yelling back, "it's not fair", "I don't want to". Liz just does! I was just listening to a friends play list this is totally the perfect description of Liz. "Could have com like a mighty storm with the force of a Hurricane (Donna and Jessica)...But you came like a winter snow quiet soft and slow." She could not be more different from her Sisters on so many levels. To my FAULTS she tends to get lost in the shuffle of our Chaotic lives and big personalities.

This post is going to be tough for me I have looked at it for days wondering if I should hit the post key or delete it. Have to post it may be a difficult story but I find hope here...All have fallen short... Romans 3:23

We set aside a day to celebrate Liz and end up spending the day in the Emergency Room with her Sister. This was Monday December 20th with only 3 days left on the Semester Calendar Liz used her free day from school. She worked very hard to get this with good grades and perfect attendance last year. She never once complained she had to sit in a room and wait on her sister.

THE hardest thing I had to do on August 16th was the simple act of hanging up a phone. The single most important time Liz needs me most, I am hanging up the phone on her. The story goes like this...
Elizabeth was in the passenger seat that day, she did not want to go with Donna but Mom made her go. Her seat belt kept her in the car. She was unconscious for a time that is not known. She woke up couldn't get out her door, did not see Donna in the Drivers seat. She climbed out through Donna's window still did not see her Sister. She heard the phone ring. Went back into the car to retrieve it. Called back the missed call, Donna's friend. At that point Donna's friend called me. Liz was flagging down a semi truck, LITTLE LIZ stopped a truck for her Sister. I know!

I was told there was an accident with the girls.
"No, I just talked to them they will be home in a few minutes."
No, Liz called there has been an accident.
"This is a joke you girls are so funny"
No Sara this is not a Joke
"This is a joke they will be home in a few minutes"
No Sara (She could not get me to hear what she was saying).
It took her Mother and Father coming to the house to get me before I would believe.

All of this is happening in seconds, seems like a lot when you wright it out but, just seconds are going past.
I called Donna's phone and Elizabeth answers...
"What is going on? Where are you? Give the phone to Donna."
Big blue house
"What is going on? Where is Donna"
Big blue house.
"ELIZABETH, Where is Donna? What is going on?"
I can't find her
"What do you mean you can't find her, WHERE IS DONNA?"
Big Blue House
"What?"
Big Blue House
"What?" Then next I am hanging up the phone. What the heck was I thinking? Well I was thinking that someone had seen what was going on and called it in? Possibly they could track Donna's Cell phone? Hopefully the person I talk to next would be able to give me some answers as to what the heck is going on. That is what I was thinking.

I was right 911 was on the phone with the Man who Liz had flagged down.
What is the car?
"White Toyota Camry"
How old are the girls
"15 and 13"
Where do you think they could be
"either hyw 42 or back roads about 20 minutes from sioux falls"
Okay, this is the accident go here.

It was the right thing to do for what was going on but who would think this is the right way? What Mom would think this is the right thing to do? To my fault this One, Me, Elizabeth's Mom. The Mom who hung up the phone when she was scared, hurt, crying, confused. Me, Mom, this person talking to you. The same one who put Liz in the car to go with her Sister. (Well, I made her ride along so in a sense I put her in the predicament and my next step was to hang up on her.) What am I? Who am I? What Mom does this?

This pic is from Donna's friends all you see is Elizabeth's side of the car. No broken window yet she had a concussion. Could not open her door because when the car rolled over damage was done to the back and to the front. Nothing on Liz's door.

What you don't see is the road on the other side, dug up, ruts, shoes, phones, ipods, pepperoni, prunes, metal, glass, plastic...all over the road for many feet. Where the photographer is standing is the Ambulance, sheriff cars, multiple cars from the people who came to help. What you don't see the Truck Driver has left, he went to the intersection to stop cars.

It is on my list now that my brain can multi task again to find this man Liz was able to stop.

Okay, I will get funny for one second here this is pretty good. God has some pretty good ones if you just look!
I did say pepperoni and did say prunes. Pepperoni from the pizzas they went into town to pick up. Prunes from the tree my sisters had made for my 40th Bday. Liz first saw me when we arrived and she said SORRY! I know, Sorry! The prune tree was scattered all over the road and the pizza was ruined. The kid said Sorry! Oh, it gets better. Sometime around 3 AM the next day, I made it to LIZ. Guess where she was? In the HOT STUFF wing on the Hospital. Hot Stuff, where Mom used to work, where my brother in law still works, where the pizza's were picked up from.
I did crack a smile, looked up and said, "Your kidding me right"? "How can you be funny like this now?", God I was talking to here, laughing at him talking to him out loud. Like he was right there? OMGOODNESS, he was there. Getting me to laugh so I could get past where I was stuck. Getting me to laugh showing me this is how I had to deal with the situation. He was there!

At the hospital it continued to be her Sister that need me more. I asked my Sisters to stay with Liz and not to let her know how bad her Sister was hurt. My Sisters sat with my Daughter. I was not there. My Sisters assured Elizabeth, loved Elizabeth, cared for Elizabeth. Her Mother was not there.

Weeks go by, Liz starts school. I don't ask Elizabeth how it is going, how her teachers are, if she needs help with anything. I don't even ask how she is about riding in cars, the bus. I don't even ask!

More time goes by I am totally lost as to what Liz has been doing for months.

Liz calls, asking me to come home. I don't go home, I stayed with Donna.

Okay, I have to stop there this list was long, I totally have messed this up. Anyone know how I can fix the situation please tell me.

So Our Beautiful Elizabeth, was in the Car also yet she is pushed aside.

Elizabeth has done many great things in the shadows...

Elizabeth goes to Church EVERY SUNDAY, she helps with the nursery EVERY SUNDAY. (Some adults don't keep to this commitment but Liz is there to pick up the slack.)

Elizabeth is a great student. Even after the wicked start to the school year Liz has not missed one day.

Who made Mom her favorite Bday cake...Liz

Church Concert on Sunday four girls were singing. One Girl new the entire song, that was Liz. Liz kept singing!



I love you Elizabeth.
Life is a splendid gift-there is nothing small about it. Florence Nightengale

"JESSICA!"

I thought to look back this past year a bit differently, I did not have much time to create and come up with new projects to show off. On the other hand my kids did all the work for me this year. Not one scrapbook page was made, yet more memories were created and life lessons learned.

Do you have a guess what the single most uttered word in our home might be?

Hands down it has to be "Jessica". She turned 5 on November 12, guess who forgot her bday? Mom Did! Just to get everyone though the past few months I totally was concentrating on one thing, "Donna", and all other stuff I was pushing to the side. I was paying attention. I did take notes. I had to write everything down, text myself and I still was forgetting things. The big joke among the girls and their friends this year for Christmas my gift is to be the "Jitterbug phone". Yeah girls, next time you need something let me know I will be sure to forget it.

At 5 she has learned to dance in the rain "okay, the hospital fountain, while the security guard is walking by with a huge smile on his face." Why, he met..."Jessica".


She is very creative and always on an adventure sure to pull you along no matter where she is going or what she is doing. I have always said about this kid once she goes somewhere you know she has been there and you will remember her name. That would be..."Jessica".

Who can fall off of Bear (our lab) and ask her Mom for a new Horse..."JESSICA".

Who then can take the same dog and put her dress on him..."JESSICA".

Who then will paint his toes red..."JESSICA". And drip nail polish all over my living room rug? You got it now, "JESSICA"!

Who would use their Mother's favorite lipstick as eyeshadow..."JESSICA".

Who goes out on Halloween as a princess, dancing, butterfly cat at the same time...Jessica. I think the look on her face is when she remembered she may have forgotten to put something on?


Who can catch a single fish in a bucket while swimming when her uncle has fished all day and has caught nothing...Jessica. Then walk around in public with a mermaid tail...you guessed it, Jessica.


Who is not afraid to start something with a peacock at the zoo..."JESSICA". He did chase her around by the way and I silently said an I told you so;) Don't worry I have it figured out all ready this kid is going to do what she wants, when she wants and however she wants. Sound like someone you might know?



Who will give Donna a driving lesson as we are going down the road...Jessica.

Who can be found sleeping in my bed...Jessica.

Who is more comfortable in Church sleeping under the pew instead of sitting in it..."JESSICA".

Who will shout out in the store "I Like Big Balls"..."JESSICA". In reference to "Wipeout", one of our fave tv shows she just spied on a magazine cover. "We knew what she was talking about however, the other 20 people around us didn't."

Who would drag their mother through the HS lunch room at 12:00 just so she could hug Donna's friends...Jessica.

Who can approach a stranger at the store and have the following conversation?
Hi, I'm Jessica
What is your name?
Hi,_________
This is my Mom, Sara
Do you know God?
Have you seen him?
I have He lives in my Heart.
Oh yes she did that's my girl! I was amazed and horrified at the same moment not sure how the lady was going to react. She did get an answer the lady told her, "He is in my heart too Jessica"! Yep. She now knows her name, JESSICA".

Who will choose the crowded table in a cafeteria over the empty table in the corner..."JESSICA".

Who was heartbroken when she was not allowed to go talk to the sick kids in their rooms, yet found a way to make them laugh while in the doorway..."JESSICA".

Who is never afraid to get her feet wet..."JESSICA"


Who is always standing there just watching you 24/7 saying, "Mommy I love You"...Jessica

As Jessica's Mom I am so very aware and humbled to the fact that she does a wonderful job of pointing out my faults and failures. I love you Jessica;)

Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Okay, Dad and Jan you can stop laughing now. I get it, really I got it!

Happy Stamp Day, God Bless.

Love Them Like Jesus

Many of you know our two oldest girls were involved in a near fatal rollover back in August. Some of the lyrics in this song speak to the path Donna and I have been walking (Okay, crawling) the past few months...

By Friday August 20th I started to wain I was so tired, anxious, heartbroken and it was the first time I let it slip into thought that Donna may not live through this.

Donna woke up to my tear streaked face, I was holding her hand pushing her hair out of her face. She looked at me for a few seconds then asked if she was going to die? How are you supposed to respond to that when you are physically and mentally caving on the inside? Well my answer was don't cave, suck it up put the tears away and SHOW SOME FAITH. I did manage to find something to say, "God had his chance to take you home on Monday, you are stuck with me for a long time better get used to it. God has a wonderful plan for your life he is shaping you right now, figure out why!" She smiled and went back to sleep. She was looking to me, if she was going to make it she needed my help.



(Want to hear this song? Scroll to the bottom pause the Christmas music then hit play on this player.)

Lyrics...
The love of her life is drifting away
They’re losing the fight for another day
The life that she’s known is falling apart
A fatherless home, a child’s broken heart

You’re holding her hand, you’re straining for words
You’re trying to make sense of it all
She's desperate for hope, darkness clouding her view
She's looking to you

Just love her like Jesus, carry her to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don’t need the answers to all of life’s questions
Just know that He loves her and stay by her side
Love her like Jesus
Love her like Jesus

The gifts lie in wait, in a room painted blue
Little blessing from Heaven would be there soon
Hope fades in the night, blue skies turn to grey
As the little one slips away

You’re holding their hand, you’re straining for words
You’re trying to make sense of it all
They’re desperate for hope, darkness clouding their view
They’re looking to you

Just love them like Jesus, carry them to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don’t need the answers to all of life’s questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus

Lord of all creation holds our lives in His hands
The God of all the nations holds our lives in His hands
The Rock of our salvation holds our lives in His hands
He cares for them just as He cares for you

So love them like Jesus, love them like Jesus
You don’t need the answers to all of life’s questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus
Love them like Jesus

Happy Stamp Day, God Bless.

Pfeffernusse

This "little" and I do mean little cookie comes from my German Heritage the Tieszen/Adrian's. Just a little background for you my ancestors settled the area around Marion and Monroe, they were a part of the immigration of German Mennonites from Russia in 1875.

The best Mennonite cookbooks reads for me are
Mennonite Food and Folkways from Russia 1&2 by Norma Jost Voth,
if you live in the area the Freeman Public Library has a copy of each, you can also purchase new or used one by searching Mennonite on Amazon.

Not a cookbook but a great read was published this year Mennonite in a Little Black Dress I loved it! Have your phone handy you will have to dial 911 when you bust your gut laughing.





On to the little cookies, these can be made weeks in advance either in dough or baked form...

Pfeffernusse (Peppernuts)
Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup dark molasses
1 large egg

Directions:

Grease cookie sheets; set aside. Place flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, salt, cloves and pepper in large bowl; stir.

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, Beat in molasses and egg. Gradually add flour mixture. Beat and knead to Form a disc; wrap in wax paper and refrigerate until firm, 30 minutes or up to 3 days.

Preheat oven to 350°F

Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove cookies with spatula to wire racks.
Store tightly covered at room temperature or freeze up to 3 months.

Frohliche Weihnachten, Gesundheit (Merry CHRISTmas, God Bless you)!

Krumkake

You are going to enjoy these little beauties they are from my Mother's side of the family Norwegian in Heritage. They are actually classified as a cake but I call them cookies;) It is tradition to make them in our home every CHRISTmas.

However, it takes good instruction and practice when it comes to Krumkake. Pay attention I am giving up my secrets so everyone can enjoy the wonderful tradition of Krumkake.

1) Ingredients start with the freshest you can get, good pure vanilla and lemon extract make the flavor delightful.



Grandma "Skovly" Smith Recipe

3 well beaten eggs
1/2 C Sugar
1/2 C Flour
1/2 C Butter (one stick) melted but not hot you don't want to cook the eggs
1/2 tsp Vanilla
1/2 tsp Lemon Extract

Mix, drop by tsp onto the center of the press, count to three then flip. Remove from press with a table knife and roll. Makes about 3 dozen.

My Mom taught me when making cookies for our family to double the recipe or you are just wasting your time Krumkake is one recipe that should not be doubled!

2) The press should be of cast iron and used over open flame. I remove the burner cover and place the collar right around the flame there is only about an inch or so of clearance enough to flip the press.

**You are working with lots of grease from the butter and alcohol from the flavorings it is a must to have a fire extinguisher standing by**
**Cookies should be a light tan in color and not lacy, if they are lacy your iron is too hot causing the alcohol in the flavorings to burn off quickly.

**Just like pancakes as the saying goes the first few never turn out perfect you have to reach optimal performance between heat and the timing of the flip.**

3) Krumkake should not be rolled tightly when rolling it should be just loose enough to hold the cone shape and not cool flat. If you are right handed set up your work space to the right this will help create a good rhythm. Once you get the hang of them it becomes a fast process.

**You can purchase a rolling cone but I was taught with a knife and my fingers.**


When eating krumkake if you are not picking crumbs off your shirt or holding your hand under you chin they have not been made correctly.

Some people like to stuff them with cream or dust with powdered sugar, Naked krumkake is how our family rolls.

Let them cool on wax paper, do not stack.

Best when made the day of your celebration.

Find a good hiding spot if you leave them out you will have none to share.

If you find yourself wanting to try these I have found some Irons that would be a good purchase...
Amazon Nordic Ware
Kohl's Nordic Ware
Live around my area they can be found at Ace Hardware.

If you purchase an electric model I wish you luck, I don't recommend them! Grandma would be saying, "Uf Da FY Da". Yes, I find myself saying a few of her expressions from time to time. Wanna know the meaning...Uf Da (annoyed) Fy Da (horrified). You may just be uttering some along your Krumkake journey.

May you have a Gud Jul (Merry CHRISTmas) Gud velsigne deg (God Bless You).

Faith, Hope and Love

First off today here are two Gifts for Little J's PreK teachers. I used one of my favorite products this year October Afternoon's Thrift Shop it is a simply wonderfully designed package with the warm tones and vintage feel.
The gifts contain...
1 altered comp book
1 list pad
3 clip-its
3 Cards
1 hand lotion



Did not make it to my chapter for today was sidelined by this little gem in a nutshell it defines the last six months...

You find out who really loves you when there isn't much to love, like when you bring home bad grades or have a bad attitude. Children find out where they really stand when they embarrass their parents or rebel against their beliefs. Sometimes they seem to be asking, " Can you love me like this?" "Can you love me defiant?"..."Can you love me when I've broken your heart?" If you can find the grace to say yes, you have given the highest love there is-unconditional love...Ironically, when your children are the least loveable, they need your love the most. When you feel the least like loving them, they will be able to feel your love the most.
Ron Hutchcraft

1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Happy Stamp Day, God Bless.

UpCycle this CHRISTmas

Upcycle is the process of converting Useless or Waste products into craft.

For a very long time I have been hoarding all glass and soap, lotion pumps cute little containers I used to just peel off labels and make my own potions and lotions for gift giving. This year I took it one step further and enlisted my Hubby for craft detail having him drill center holes in lids.





What you will need...
Empty clean Glass Jar with Lid
Soap Pump
Drill with a 5/8" metal bit
E6000 Adhesive
Goo Gone
Glass Gems
Ribbon
Charms
Decorative Paper
Lotion, soaps, sanitizer

How To UpCycle Glass containers to Dispensers...
1) Remove Stickers using Goo Gone (Some artwork and lids are just to good to remove your creations would look grand either way.)
2) Clean and Dry your container and lid.
3) Drill hole in lid center.
4) Attach your dispensing pump with E6000 adhesive, let dry.
5) Place a hand full of glass gems in your jar.
6) Place your jar filling (clear) products are best when using Glass Gems.
7) Screw on your jar lid.
8) Decorate the outside of dispenser.

Proverbs 25:20
Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Happy Stamp Day, God Bless!

Fragrance Stones

I ran across these little gems while surfing the net a couple weeks ago had to give them a try right away. So the girls and I mixed some up over the weekend and oh what fun! These will make wonderful little Christmas Gifts the girls have scents in mind to make up for their friends.

Baroque Blackberry Stones


1 1/2 C Flour
1/4 C Salt
1/4tsp cornstarch
2/3 C boiling water
1 T fragrance oil
color of choice

Mix dry ingredients, stir in boiling water, knead with your hands like a bread dough, roll out to 1/4" thick. Cut freehand or with cookie cutters, let dry.
Find this and more at this link Teach Soap.


product list...
fragrance dough
knife
cookie cutters
Baroque Motif stamp set SU

Psalms 95:1
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; Let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation.
Happy Stamp Day, God Bless.

CHRISTmas Tree, Legends and Decorations

Legend has it that about the year 1500 Martin Luther began the tradition of decorating trees to celebrate Christmas. He decorated it with candles to honor Christ's birth. It is thought that German immigrants brought with them the Christmas Tree Tradition.

Take this link to a past post on the Christmas Tree Spider

Take this link to learn about the German Christmas Tree Pickle.

Cinnamon Art
10 T cinnamon
4-6 T plain applesauce
Mix in small bowl til forms a dough. Roll out like a sugar cookie to 1/4" thick, use cookie cutters to cut designs. To hang poke hole at top with straw or toothpick.
Dry in the oven 150 degrees for three hours.

Matthew 7:25
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Product list...
My Minds Eye DP, chipboard element
Papertrey ink Card Stock and Buttons

Happy Stamp Day, God Bless!

.

Two Links

Want to see one funny card? Visit Wanda over at My Creative Corner to see Santa's Pants card.

Inspired Crafters challenge vist the blog at this link Inspired Crafters


Have a Happy Stamp Day, God Bless.

Potato Chip Cookies

Donna's friend made a batch of these and sent one home for me, I sent Liz back for the recipe. I had never heard of using Potato Chips in cookies, these are just Wonderful, could it possibly be the cup of butter? No, they are Christmas cookies butter calories don't count this time of year!

Potato Chip Cookies

1 Cup butter
1/2 Cup Sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 Cups flour
1 Cup Crushed potato chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans (I used 1/2 cup chocolate chips)

Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add rest of ingredients, mixing well. Drop by teaspoonfuls on ungreased baking sheet,. Flatten each cookie into round disc by pressing with a small glass bottom dipped into sugar. Bake 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees. If you use the nuts they are to taste like Pecan Sandies.

I don't like Nuts in my cookies that is why I used the chocolate chips, there is a quote about nuts that I love...

Families are like fudge
Mostly sweet, with a few nuts.

LOL, I told you it was a good one.

Now Butter, one of my Favorite things yes, it is to be found in the Bible in several places this is a favorite of mine:
Genesis 18:8
He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them.

Happy Stamp Day, God Bless.

Hooked on Ornament Hangers

I saw these ornament hangers in some Magazine at one of the Many Dr. appointments the past few months. They used green beads not sure if it was the beads or the concept that caught my attention at first. Okay, it was the green beads. I wish I would have had this post ready soon my friend Amy had to go out and purchase some hangers this year. You can still alter the store bought with the following supply list...

24 gauge wire (or store bought metal ornament hangers)
Jewelry pliers
Crimp Beads
Assortment of Beads

Here is how you get started cut a 7" length of 24 gauge wire
Bend 1/4" down for the hanger
string on crimp bead and crimp about where the length of hanger ends
String on your beads
String on Crimp bead and crimp
At the end of the wire turn the circle this will make the end that attaches to the ornament

Jeremiah 2:32
Does a maiden forget her jewelry, a bide her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number.

How many days of your life are passing with out Remembering our Lord?

Happy Stamp Day, God Bless!

Kickin' It Old School

Okay, today I am Kickin' It Old School going back to basics in the creation of cards. Since the Accident I have had been in my craft room very little I started back slow and made CAS (Clean And Simple) creations the above is one of them. I used glitter chipboard elements from My Minds Eye and Sentiment from Papertrey.

So my card leads into the scripture and song for today...


I think I enjoy Go Fish more then the girls do they came out with a new album this past summer called Kickin' It Old School I just love it, my ultimate fave song from it is the title track while Jesse loves the swing version of The Solid Rock and Jessica loves I'm A Soldier. Their Christmas songs are wonderful also Christmas with a capital C is in the youtube video below.



Luke 2:11
Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is CHRIST the Lord.

Happy Stamp Day, God Bless.

Merry Santa is Sleeping

I was bored Thanksgiving night and ventured into the craft room where Mount Washmore was waiting for me. (Mount Washmore was the name my friend Dana gave to our laundry pile when the washer was broken.) After I shuffled around the mess I plugged in the cricky and got busy with some vinyl.

Merry was cut from the Cindy Loo cartridge at 4" on red vinyl from Printonit.com
I used the flourish cut on page 43 also at 4", on the second flourish cut I used the flip feature.

I found a great tip on Mypinkstamper.com she suggests that you number your pages when the cartridges are loaded with extras (she did Paper Doll Dress Up) I have since done this also now on the Cindy Loo. It works out great because their are 10 keys per row, so you just count instead of searching for the correct cut on the keypad. Here is the youtube video link for her tip. It is a great idea and worth watching her short video.

Since today is the first day of December and CHRISTmas is on the way I will be again including a favorite Bible verse on my posts here is a great one for the day...
Micah 5:2
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans' of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

This Bible verse reminds of a wonderful song From Casting Crowns called "While you were sleeping". The photo at the end of this video is so very cool! Don't get caught Sleeping this CHRISTmas season.



Happy Stamp Day, God Bless!

Oh Christmas Tree!

I have had these tiles laying around since DH and the Girls did the kitchen it was time to put them to use when the Youth Group had an annual fundraiser for Montana Retreat.

Tiles were purchased at our local Menard's they are unfinished (make sure you wipe them with a damp cloth before stamping.

I used PTI pure poppy ink pad along with ODBD sentiment stamp.

The tree box was cut on the Cricut Expression at 5" using the Tags Bags boxes and more Cartridge. I love this cartridge and it is retiring so if you see one in the stores and don't have it yet I would snap this one up! You can view it here Scrapbook.com

This tree box size would be excellent for bath salts and candy. There is also an option to place a center window in the box so your goodies show through.

Product list...
Cricut Expression
Cricut Tags Bags Boxes and More cartridge
SU Glorious Green Card Stock (retired)
PTI vintage buttons in pure poppy
Jute from Wal mart
Glue dots
Star Brad (unknown)
Stone Tile
PTI pure poppy ink
ODBD sentiment
Tissue paper
Tombow Multi Adhesive

Happy Stamp Day, God Bless!

Lovely Christmas

Most of you know the past few months have been crazy for our family that I have not felt like nor had time to create. It all changed with one phone call from my Aunt, she wanted me to make their Christmas cards this year. Here is one sample I came up with that they loved, I kept it simple(okay it is pretty advanced I should say I kept it one layer so they could avoid extra postage charges).






Step one: Use the center point function on the Cricut to cut your mask. The cartridge I used here was Winter Woodland, Tag at 3 3/4"


Step two: Take Tombow Multi and place around the inside edge of your mask, let this dry and it becomes repositionable. I was able to get 20 cards from one mask. (Use copy paper for the mask if you are going to stamp in a background thick cardstock does not work well for this type of masking).


Step three: Take your Copic airbrush system and spray the center of your mask.

Step four: Place your background image here I used a SU Christmas background Holiday Print (retired) and Pear Pizazz Ink. Here is a tiny hint I use when stamping with the large su background stamps flip the stamp over so the rubber faces up, dab the ink onto the image, place your cardstock over the inked image, place copy paper over the cardstock then brayer over your stack.

Step five: Stamp your main image in a darker color I used Old Olive from SU

Step Six: Do your embossing layers (Detail Gold from SU with Versamark ink)

Happy Stamp Day, God Bless!

A Little Weekend Indulgence

Homemade Coffee Liqueur

2C water
1 1/4 C Sugar
2T vanilla
2T Fresh ground Coffee Beans
2 1/2 C Vodka

Combine water, sugar, vanilla and fresh ground coffee
bring to a boil, simmer 10 min
remove from heat and let cool
Pour mixture through fine sieve into a jar
Stir in Vodka
Close bottle and store in cool place for 2-4 weeks
Shake before using



Chocolate Chip Coffee Crisps

1C butter, softened
1C brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs beaten
3T coffee flavored liqueur
3C flour
3/4 t baking soda
3/4 t salt
1 t cinnamon
3C milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350
combine butter, brown sugar and sugar til light and fluffy
add eggs one at a time
stir in coffee liqueur

combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon
add flour mixture to butter mixture, stir
drop by teaspoons onto cookie sheet
bake for 8 to 10 min


I purchased this little book on my Birthday this year at the Kiros in Freeman SD the ISBN number is... 13 976 1 56383 216 1 "A little Indulgence COFFEE"

Kiros contact is...
Box 490
Freeman SD 57029
605.925.4344
on the web at...
http://www.thekairos.net/

view online here

To make the clips its I used here as bookmarks visit this post Clip-it's and Courage They would make wonderful Christmas Gifts.

Enjoy, Have a Happy Stamp Day and God Bless!

My Minds On Christmas

My friend Wanda over at My Creative Corner made some of these snowflakes last year and they went right to my CASE files, I made them this year for my Niece and Nephews. The tin I used was purchased at our local Menard's Home Improvement store (it is roof flashing) sold on a roll and is very sharp on the edges. After the tin us die cut the edges are no longer sharp.
The DP I used is from My Minds Eye Colorful Christmas from 2009. The ribbon hangers I used was from the Wrinkled Seam Binding shown to you earlier this year.





Give these tin ornaments a try they are super fun and will make awesome gifts.
Happy Stamp Day, God Bless!

Count Your Blessings Name them One by One.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Deuteronomy 8:10 – "When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you."

Chorus for video below...
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your blessings
See what God has done
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings
See what God has done



Faith Sisters had a 52 week challenge of blessings going this year I so wanted to join but never had the time or ambition. You can check it out here and see what others have been up to for the challenge Faith Sisters 52 Blessings. Today I am going to take the time to list a few blessings in my own life...
1) Jesse my Husband of 16 Years
2) Donna Sue
3) Elizabeth Ann
4) Jessica Amalie
5) My Parents Charles, Donna and Jan
6) Relatives
7) Friends
8) Bear
9) Cody
10) computer
11) Creativity
12) Craft Supplies

How to focus on counting your blessings...

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Focus on One Blessing each day, really take time out to concentrate on one single thing and envision how your life would be without it.

Happy Thanksgiving, God Bless!

What Faith Can Do

I have one more favorite song as of late to share with you it is What Faith Can Do by Kutless. (To hear the song push the play button on music player they lyrics are also posted below).

An update on Donna first she is getting better with each day from the outside she looks great on the inside she continues to heal. They have left the filter in for now and she continues on blood thinners, last week the Doppler did show one remaining blood clot. She was asked by work if she could return her Hematologist said no way one slip or fall one person falling against her would be catastrophic. This was tough news for her to take because she is feeling much better and has good energy. There is also still Pericarditis (swelling around her heart that is resolving. The biggest follow ups she has left will be with the vascular surgeon, plastic surgeon and cardiologist/hematologist.

What Faith Can Do Lyrics...

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you're stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

I have been working on a few projects that I can't wait to show to you after Thanksgiving.

May God Bless you and your family this Holiday Season and may you have the strength to rise.