Life....

I haven't written on my blog for quite a long time. Life seems to have gotten in the way. My husband had a health crisis this spring and it literally threw us for a loop. We're trying to recover and have life continue as usual.
I am slowly getting back to my card making and other crafts. Feels good. I'm going to attempt to try sewing my two granddaughters nightgowns. Not sure how that's going to go. Haven't done any sewing in a long time. Keeping my fingers crossed that they turn out somewhat wearable.
Also, bought some new stamp sets and dies and I'm excited to create something with them.
Stay tuned.....

Etsy..

I opened my Etsy shop I think , in October... I've finally sold a card! LOL... I know it takes a while to get " out there", but, geez.  I do find, though, that having the shop has gotten me to make cards more often. I used to make cards as I needed them. I find it fulfilling that someone wants my designs! How cool is that? I've just recently added a crocheted item. I'm planning to add more along that line in the future. We'll see how it goes.
There hasn't been much to do around here, but, craft. It's been below freezing more days than I can count and if the temps rise a bit.. it snows! Ugghhh. It is, however, only 30+ days till spring. I think I can make it. :)
I've found the best part of winter is the wardrobe. I've got some extra pounds I'd love to get rid of, but haven't been able to. At least with the heavy winter clothes, I can hide a lot of it. I'm really hoping to shed some of this weight by summer... any one  have any suggestions? I've been using different apps to try and keep track of calories, but, I haven't been completely consistent. It doesn't work unless you follow through all the time. I'm going to try to be better at that.
My husband and I have been doing a lot of babysitting lately too. Seems like we have every weekend booked lately with " little ones". Even though I adore my grandchildren, we would like to have some of these weekends free to spend with each other. This weekend is Valentines Day and we're spending it babysitting. LOL..... guess it's our fault.... all these grandchildren came because we fell in love some 38 years ago!
Hope you all have a wonderful Valentines Day.. Do something fun and romantic!

Polar Vortex

Polar Vortex... I'm sure you've all heard it mentioned on the TV.  I can't remember when we've had this cold or snowy of a winter. Everyday it's something... either negative temperatures or snow! When I was a kid, it used to snow a lot. My sister, brother and I would have to go and shovel before we went to school in the morning. The snow would get so high, that we wouldn't be able to see over the banks. Isn't like that so much anymore... at least not around my parts.  I , for one, have had enough of this weather. I can't wait to be able to just walk out the door without bundling up in about 20 layers.  The only good thing about this weather is that I prefer my winter wardrobe to my summer one. ;)   Covers up a lot more flaws!   I want to get back into shape this year. My husband and I have agreed on that, however.... a back issue right now, is preventing me from getting started. Hopefully that will heal soon. 
In the meantime..... I want to get " crafting". I haven't done that in a while either. We've had a lot of company and events to attend.  I've been seeing a lot of sneak peeks from cricut about their new machine. I'm so anxious to see what it's all about. I really love my Cricut expression, so it will have to be something exceptional to get me to invest in it.
If any of you know what all the hype is about..... let me in on it too. ;)

Some Christmas pix

My daughter and grandaughter

Our oldest grandaughter... just turned 11

our grandson

another grandson

mayhem! :)

who doesn't love buying clothes for a baby girl?

our son and grandsons.

our son-in-law.... trying out the new baby carrier.. she  loves it!

daughter-in-law

another daughter ( they're twins!)

son-in-law

one of the grandpuppies..

mom in law

sister-in-law and brother-in-law

Such wonderful Holidays... best time of the year...:)

Happy New Year!

New Years Eve... a time to sit back and reflect on the year. So many good things have happened this year and I like to focus on that. It's easy to get caught up in the day to day irritations and dramas, but, they are not what's important. We are so lucky to have all of our children, in-laws and grandchildren with us, healthy and happy. Anything else pales in comparison.
As far as New Year resolutions...I never stick with them, so what's the point in making them. I have, however, just decided to be a better person!  A better wife, Mother, sister , grandmother and friend. I'm looking forward to this year and hope you are too.
Happy New Years everyone!!

Merry Christmas

Another holiday is here. Christmas! I love it. I try very hard to get my shopping done early , so that I can truly enjoy the Holiday season . We are always very busy ... catching up with our families and friends.  This year we have a new grandbaby to celebrate.  We are truly very blessed.
This week a High school classmate of mine passed away. My heart aches for his wife, also a classmate and his family.  No time is good to lose a loved one, but, during the HOlidays hurts even more so.  I lost both of my parents during the HOliday season, so I know what it's like.  This death made me realize how truly lucky and blessed my family is.  I am holding my family a little closer and telling them how much I love them a little more often. 
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a very Healthy and Happy New Year. Blessings to all!

Fall............

While I love summer... being able to run out the door without a coat, boats, hat, etc....after a while I get tired of the heat, the clothes, etc. My favorite season is FALL!! I love it! I love the smells, colors, foods,, harvest festivals, etc. etc..    As soon as the temperatures change, I light my candles and start baking pumpkin and apple desserts, soups and breads.  I also drink my warm drinks... pumpkin cappuccino, hot chocolate and whatever other flavors i currently have in the house. I happen to love all things pumpkin!  I know that Fall is the precursor to Winter... which I despise, but, I can't help myself. I love it!
We went to Door County a few weekends ago, and unfortunately, it rained most of the time we were there. It stopped long enough to enjoy some of the pumpkin patch festival in Egg Harbor. We love hitting all the roadside markets and wineries while we're there. If you've never been to Door County, WI.... make it a point to plan a trip there soon! It's beautiful in Summer or Fall.
Also, now that I'm indoors more often than not... I'll be spending a lot more time in my craft room. That is, as soon as we're done with the remodeling we have going on here at home. ;)
I've added another card to my Etsy shop (Thekardshoppe).... I'll post it here. Please take the time to check out my shop and " follow" me if you'd like. Thanks. :)
Happy Fall!!