Monday, May 24, 2010

May almost over, card exchange

I can't believe that May only has 1 week left.  Unfortunately, it is still 'winter weather' here in Idaho.  I am sad that spring is flying by with cold, snow and wind instead of flowers and sunshine and showers.  I don't mind rain, but I am feeling a little grumpy about still getting snow at this point in the year.  Oh well, such is life. 

It was card exchange time, so here is the picture I took of the ones I received.  It isn't all of them, because I just couldn't get 4 sets made - due to time and the fact that I ran out of Glassy Glaze enamel to do them with.  I was excited at what everyone did and got some great ideas.  That's a great thing about the card exchange - all the fun ideas you get from others.  Even if you don't think you are creative, YOU ARE!  Each person is unique and has their own style, but all styles are wonderful. 

I am still having fun with my online photography class.  I think I might be learning at least a little bit - I think my photos are getting better.  My daughters are sick of me wanting to take pictures of them, but that's just too bad.  They are such good subjects/models/whatevers!!  I love them and love taking pictures of them.  They are just going to be thrilled when I tell them I have to do a mini photo shoot tomorrow or Wednesday and they are the models!! 

I am now starting to form my stamp clubs for the upcoming catalog year.  If you are interested in joining one, please contact me soon.  I will be doing a 12-month club, and at least 1 6-month club.  They are fun, we meet at my house, so you don't even have to clean and you get a turn to be the hostess and earn all the free goodies!!  It's a win-win situation. 

Have a great week - and pray the weather is good this week -at least on Friday for Minico's outdoor graduation. 
Janell

Saturday, May 22, 2010

4 Girls & A Dream Fall Retreat has openings

Just wanted to share with anyone out there that might be interested that we have 3 openings at our Fall Retreat.  The dates are October 14-16.  The retreats are held at the Old Lava School.  The cost is $90 if paid by August 1st and $100 if paid by September 1st.  A $50 deposit will hold your spot.  If you are interested, contact me.  You can find more information at: janstamps.wordpress.com
We'd love to see you there. 

I worked last Saturday on organizing my MANY cards.  It is nice to see them in the correct boxes now, and I can actually find what I need.  I also organized some other things in my cupboard.  I am going to try and actually clean and organize my whole craft room over the next few weeks.  This is anticipation of my annual garage sale of stamps, etc and also because it really needs it!! 

Although I have a goal to do some scrapbooking this month, so far I haven't managed to get any done.  I still hope to get to that and make good on my goal.  I am taking a photography class online and loving it.  I am learning that my camera is alot smarter than I thought or than I am!!  I may have to read the book several more times to get it all straight in my head, but it is fun and I am loving taking all these pictures and see what I can do!! 

This week was card exchange week.  We did cracked glass this month, and didn't have quite as many participate as we have had in the past.  It was cool though, so learn how to do it so you can join us next time.  In June the theme is anything to do with nature.  Now that's pretty broad, so get going!! The more the merrier and it is so great to get all the ideas from everyone else.  I wonder how everyone out there is so uniquely creative!!  Please come join us.

Have a great week.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Tagged

I was informed this week, that I was tagged to do a post about myself.  I don't know how many people read this blog - after all I can't manage to do many posts on it, so it's kind of boring!!  Anyway, so I am going to do it anyway. 
I live in Rupert, ID.  Except for my college years spent in Provo, UT and a few years single and as a newly wed, in So CA, I have always lived around here.  I sometimes wish we had a few more things to do (to be entertained) and definitely more stores (clothing and craft), but for the most part I'm happy here.
I am married to Wendell (for over 25 years now) and have 5 kids.  My boys are the oldest (3 of them) and they are all out of school and one is working, one is married and working and one is working and going to college.  The girls are in high school - one a junior and one a freshman. 
I enjoy crafting, especially stamping.  I have been a demonstrator for Stampin' Up! since May 1996.  WOW - that's a long time.  I love their products but the thing I love most about SU is the attitude of the company.  The best part about being a demonstrator is all the wonderful people I have met over the years!!  They make it all worth it. 
My newest endeavor is planning and holding retreats (for crafters) on a semi-annual basis.  I work with my sister, Lois, and 2 neices - Danelle & Robin.  It is a lot of work, but so very fun!!  We call it 4 Girls & A Dream and we hold these retreats in April and October.  (check out our blog at: janstamps.wordpress.com)
I am active in the LDS church and right now my calling is playing the organ in Sacrament Meeting.  It is a challenge because it has been years since I practiced the organ, and since I don't have one at my house, I either wing it or have to make time to go to the church to practice.  Wendell is the chorister, but he shows no sympathy to me when he chooses the songs. 
I love chocolate, but the other day when my girls asked me what my favorite dessert was, all of the ones I thought of were NOT chocolate.  Isn't that funny!!?  Oh well, I love anything chocolate too. 
That's a little about me.  Now I guess I tag someone else to do this.  Catherine Cazier and Kami Millward.  You Go Girls - Have fun 

Saturday, May 8, 2010

May Already

Well, it is already a week into May - and I am still FREEZING!!  What happened to having spring?  I like SPRING - even some rain and cool weather, but SNOW?  in MAY?  NOT!!!! 
That said, the grass is at least turning green and some brave tulips are up and blooming around the neighborhood.  I want to plant my barrels, but am afraid they won't do well quite yet.  Maybe in a week or two.  We'll see.
I have just updated the sidebar buttons for the Stampin' Up! special and projects for this month.  I keep thinking I'll get this done right at the first, but I'm just too slow or something.  Anyway, they are done now.  They are always so cute - too bad I can't copy all of them.  That would be fun.  Then just think of the clever gifts I would have at the ready whenever I needed one. 
We had a meeting for the Fall 2010 retreat today.  FUN!!!  It is going to be a blast with lots of "scrapbook (crafting) savvy happening.  Check out our blog (janstamps.wordpress.com) or check out Four Girls and a Dream on Facebook. 
Life at home is zipping right along.  The school year is almost over, so we are trying to make the big push for those A grades, and also gearing up for summer plans.  Wendell is heading off to work at Camp Bradley (scout camp) for 6 weeks as the Nature director.  The kids and I will be holding down the fort and working at home.  Jenna has become the official Lawn Mower.  When she was able to get it done a bit ago, her and her dad had a rousing game of basketball when it was finished. 
My sis just had some surgery, so my Mom is at her home helping her out and so Rascal (the dog) is staying at our house again.  All three dogs love to romp and play together and it's fun to watch, but boy do they eat a lot.  It's funny that the biggest one is the youngest and the smallest one is the oldest. 
No pics to share today.  I'm working on that!!  I really need to take a class on how to take cool photos and then make them even cooler in photoshop.  Maybe I'll fit that into my time and budget this fall. 
Have a great week and pray for warmer weather!! 
Jan