The sun is out!

oh, my gosh... It's here... it's finally here!! Spring!  The last few days have  been absolutely glorious. I have the gardens started and the patio put together.. just waiting for the weather to get even warmer to finish planting.
We love sitting outside in the summer, visiting with neighbors and family. It's a regular occurrence in our neighborhood. A cool wine chiller, some snacks and interesting conversation and kids running around. I love it!! Keep getting warmer and bring it on!
That said, however, it leaves me a lot less time for my crafting. That's the only downfall. Just don't want to be inside when the weather is warm and the sun is shining.
Next weekend is my daughter's wedding. Hoping that will be a glorious day as well so she can have the ceremony outside. Think it's going to be a very emotional day for me as it's our last child to tie the knot.
So much to look forward to.... not the least of which is the new grandbaby in July!!

Relief

As I said in my earlier post, I had to go and have a diagnostic mammogram done for something the radiologist saw on my screening mammo. I was terrified and a nervous wreck. I went and had it done and it was all ok! Thank you, Jesus!  What they were looking at was on the scan last year, but, appeared to have gotten bigger. Not so, said the radiologist after looking at the repeat scan this time. Everything was fine. I wish I could learn to not react so quickly and wait until I have something to worry about. That's not how I'm built tho, I guess. I've suffered for over 20 years with anxiety and panic attacks. Not fun!! I've had so many times that I've had to leave a function or gathering, store, whatever, because I was having a huge panic attack. Over the years, I've started to learn how to deal with them. I've learned different coping mechanisms that have helped immensely. Occasionally, they still like to rear their ugly head, though.  I've learned to talk to myself the way I would talk to a friend who would be going through the same thing. That really does help. I can try to " talk myself down".
I've just got to learn how to live while I'm alive( as Jon BonJovi says) and stop worrying so much! :)

Anxiety..

Today my anxiety level is at an all time high.. I had a mammogram on Monday which came back with " abnormal" findings. To say I'm freaked out is putting it mildly. My mother had breast cancer and succumbed to it at the age of 55. I've always been vigilant about my mammograms and breast exams. Today I am having a second diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound to see if they can see better what the abnormality might be. I'm trying to relax and " breath"... but it's not working. :(   Can't wait till this is done!
I'm trying to draw strength from some people and family I know that are dealing with breast cancer at this time with amazing , positive attitudes.
If you're a " praying" person, please say one or two for me today. Thank you!

Cards

Since it's been rather gloomy the last few days, I actually found some time to make a few cards. The weather isn't conducive to anything else. ;)
I like to keep my " stash" of cards pretty well supplied. Always have a lot of birthdays, anniversaries and other events coming up. It's nice to be able to just pull from my supply and not have to make something everytime.

busy, busy

I haven't had much time for crafting lately. I've been very busy with my daughter getting married in a few weeks.
I did, however, buy myself a new sewing machine. I bought a computerized Singer machine. My old machine; a Brother, I've had for about 30 odd years. I don't do a lot of sewing anymore, but , I'm thinking it's because I don't have a better machine. We'll see if I was right about that. ;)  My sister is a very good seamstress, so I'm going to take my machine over there and have her teach me how to use it. Then, we'll see, if I start some small sewing projects for my new granddaughter, expected at the end of June. Thought maybe I'd start with little sunsuits, bibs, sleep sacks, etc.
Anywho.... I'm hoping that I can get back into my crafting room soon and post a few new cards.
In the meantime, I'll stop by your blogs and check them out hoping for some inspiration. :)

Andrea's Shower!

Yesterday we had a combination baby/wedding shower for my daughter. It turned out beautiful and everyone had a great time. I am so amazed at how generous and thoughtful everyone was. What an amazing family we have.
My other daughter made a baby fruit carriage. It's adorable. So much work though. Our first watermelon split like the turkey on the movie " Christmas Vacation"!
Now, we have only a month to wait for the wedding....going to sail by quickly!

You're unfrogettable.

This is my latest card " challenge".... clean and simple. :)

Geocaching!

Discovered Geocaching today! Geocaching is a sort of " treasure hunt". The app is on your phone and it tells you where to go via gps. You use your " location" to find " treasures" in your area. What you're looking for is usually a little canister of some sort. Some have little treasures in them  and some just have a piece of paper that you date and sign. I had the 3 grandkids with me and had sooo much fun!  We found three of them in our area. Can't believe I hadn't heard of this before today. It's free, it's exercise and it totally occupies the kids.
If you're looking for something to do with or without the kids.... give this a try!

Outlawz Twisted Thursday Challenge

Clean, simple designs...

These cards are sooo simple. Sometimes I don't have time to create anything with a lot of " stuff". These cards are very clean and simple, yet , I think, adorable...
Just plain Papertrey Ink white cardstock, a couple of stamps , a sticker and some pearls.... done!

Baby/Wedding Shower

My daughter and I are  planning a combination baby/wedding shower for my other daughter; her twin. It's so much fun. We are lucky because her wedding colors are pink and white and she's having a baby girl.... so PINK is definitely the color!!
Our venue ended up changing because of a error with double booking by the company we were dealing with, so my sister kindly offered her home. 
I've got the gifts bought and wrapped .. I made cute little gift boxes with my Cricut that we're going to fill with pink and white candies. I'm also making white chocolate covered pretzel rods with pink sprinkles. We have cute tissue paper flower decorations. It's difficult to keep trying to remember that this is a combination shower and not just a baby shower. If anyone has any other cute ideas for this shower... I'm all ears.

Cards!!

Just a couple of cards I made. I do a little bit of scrapbooking, but, definitely love the " instant gratification" of making cards..

what do you think of them?