~Just Janell~

Catching Up

2011-11-05T23:12:00.001-06:00

Well, I am so sorry I have gone missing for several months. Life has been totally out of control and I have barely been able to keep up, but I think I'm almost to slow down and get some control back. I hope!!

Anyway, there are a couple of specials from Stampin' Up! going now. #1 is for those wishing to join SU as a demonstrator. If you sign up before Nov 11, you will receive a free Big Shot (die cutting machine) or $100 worth of free stamps on top of the usual demonstrator kit. This is a super deal and I would love to have you in my downline. Call me with any questions or to find out how to sign up. #2 is for Free My Digital Studio downloads until Monday. There are some really cute ones and you can click on the link on my blog to check them out. If you don't have My Digital Studio, you can still download these for use in other programs. #3 is a special for anyone hostessing a workshop between November 1 and Dec 15. Check out the rewards by clicking on the link in the sidebar.

I have been crocheting like crazy lately. So far I have finished a baby afghan, 4 doilies with another one only a few rounds away from being finished. I have lots of things to get done before Christmas. It will arrive sooner than I will probably wish for, but that's always how it is.

Hope you are all ready for the snow and for the holidays to be upon us. I hope you can all enjoy this time of year and remember all the blessings we have living in this country of America. As I have a son in the Air Force, I am much more aware of how precious our freedom is and the price that has been and will continue to be paid for that freedom. As part of this, I am continuing to collect cards to be sent to a group of ladies that send them to servicemen and women all around the world. If you would like to donate cards and envelopes, money or supplies, please contact me and I will get it sent off. Thanks for your help.
Have a great season. Janell

July Almost Gone

2011-07-22T22:15:00.000-06:00

Wow, I just can't believe it is almost the end of July. Where does the time go?
We spent the 4th of July in St George visiting my in-laws. They are getting older and experiencing many health issues - NOT FUN!! I don't really look forward to that part of getting older.
It seems like summer is just flying by. In only a month school will start again. Unbelieveable.

This week I am having my annual "garage sale and open house." I have lots of retired Stampin' Up! stuff to sell and to give away. After this it will hit the Ebay posts because I really need the room!!

Bella (our dog) had 8 puppies again 2 weeks ago. They are opening thier eyes now, and starting to try and walk instead of crawl. Unfortunately, 2 of them and our small male dog died this week. No apparent reason. We saw no symptoms of Parvo, so we think they somehow got into something that was posion to thier systems. It was a very sad day!! Bella and the other 6 puppies are doing well.

Sean is still in Texas at school for AF and Heatherly is headed down soon. In late September or early October, they will be moving to NE for their first duty station.

The other kids are going along in school and work as usual. Melanie will be doing photography at CSI for now and is looking forward to that.

Not much else is happening. Our retreat for 4 Girls and a Dream is coming up in October and I am in charge of the food this time. I'm excited about that because I sometimes miss cooking. I'll share some of the menu as I get it figured out.

I made some totally awesome cards for my stamp club this time, but I don't have pics yet, so I can't post. I have 3 clubs this year and am excited about that. Each group is fun and will be a blast to meet with.

Have a great day - or month if I don't get back any sooner.
Janell

Oh My, How Time Flies

2011-06-23T21:30:00.000-06:00

Hum...so I see my last update was April 28 - that is almost 2 months ago. My ony excuse it a lot has been going on since then. So let's catch up first. My son Sean has finished Basic Military Training and graduated, moving on to Tech Training in Witchita Falls, TX. My daughter Melanie has graduated from high school. My other daughter Jenna has turned 16 and moved into the "dating scene." My in-laws have had some not-so-good health issued come up and are needing more care and help. We spent a week in San Antonio, TX - had a blast and I'm going to try and share some pics here in a minute. We are happy to finally be getting some warm temps and thinking it might actually be summer - still not sure yet - it's only been 3 days. Anyway, you get the picture. I'm busy just like you are, and I don't get around to updating this blog very often.
So anyway, we had a great time in San Antonio - it was VERY warm there - around 100 each day!! The graduation activities were amazing and we enjoyed the time we were able to spend with Sean on base, learning a little more about military life and the great times we had exploring things in San Antonio - like the zoo, the Japanese Tea Gardens, the River Walk, the LDS temple, and trying to manuever on the freeways. It was impressive to see the way the Air Force is working and amazing to see how big the Lackland AFB was. You could literally live there and not ever leave and probably not miss anything. The BX (base exchange) is huge and has everything you could want from a mall and Walmart all rolled into one area. The commissary (grocery store) looked equally as large, although we didn't go in there. There are parks, movie theatres, a bowling alley, and lots of eating establishments all on base. There was also a 'mini mall' that we went to several time that had a small grocery/convenience type store, a food court, a barbershop, alterations store (to do what needs doing to their uniforms), a shoe store, and a couple of other stores that I can't remember. We attended church on Sunday there and that was fun and interesting. We ate at the Officers/Enlisted club for brunch one morning, at Smokie Joe's bbq once and at Godfather's pizza all on-base.
I have always been really patriotic and this whole experience just brought it all home for me. We spent some time walking around the parade grounds looking at alot of planes - many from WWII era. It made you realize what has transpired to keep us free, and what is still an ongoing battle to keep these freedoms. On Friday while we were there, right after the final graduation ceremony, we went to the River Walk to eat. While we were sitting there eating some people at the next table got up to leave and they stopped and shook my son's hand and thanked him for serving. Then they thanked me for letting him and I got all teary-eyed. We take some much of what we have for granted, but someone is paying the price and I now realize that and feel it more since it's my son that is doing it. I am proud of him and now he will serve with honor. So I would encourage you all to take the time to show your gratitude to someone that is serving - if you see them around or if you send them a card or whatever.

Ok, so here is Melanie and Calissa (BFF) the night of their graduation from Minco. I think it was all worth it to them then!!

Here we are after the first day of graduation activites at Lackland AFB. Jenna is with us, but she volunteered to take the picture. I think Heatherly was one very happy wife at this point!!

Here is just one of the planes that surround the parade grounds on the base. It was very cool to walk around to see them.

During the 'pass and review' on Friday for the final graduation ceremony, one flight was honored to carry the flags - the US flags as well as a flag from all US states and territories. It was really a site to see.

This is just one of the cool things we saw as we took a boat ride around the River Walk. Our boat guide was hilarious and we had a great time seeing the sights. I would recommend this to anyone going to San Antonio. I will try to post some more pics later - hopefully not 2 months later!! LOL

End of April Special

2011-04-28T21:28:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder that April 29 is the last day to take advantage of the special I am offering. Anyone placing a Stampin' Up! order with ME by April 29 (evening) of at least $50 in merchandise, will be eligible for a free Classic inkpad of their color choice. You can either call me with your order or go to my website and shop. My website is www.stampinup.com/esuite/home/janahernstamps then hit the SHOP button in the top right side. That will take you to a place that you can place an order. The value of the stamp pad is $6.85(pad, s&h and tax). Don't miss out on this free offer, available only from ME.

Prom is Saturday at our high school. So my daughter that is a senior is excited about going. I have a sister that is a miracle worker at the sewing machine and so we went to Pocatello a couple weeks ago and purchased some fabric for a dress. OK, the first miracle was that the fabric Melanie picked out was all on sale, so the total cost was around $54. Then we brought it home and she drew up a picture and delivered it to Margene. The next miracle was that we thought we wouldn't have enough of the lace, but we had more than we needed, then the dress turned out gorgeous and Melanie is so excited about it. I only hope her day will be wonderful on Saturday too.

May will be busy with graduation/senior acitivities for Melanie, getting ready to go to Texas for Air Force Basic Training graduation for my son, and a few fun stamping events.

I am hoping to have a stamp night when crafters will come and make cards that we can send to an organization that send packs of cards to servicemen throughout the world. I will be posting more information about this very soon.

So for now, hope everyone is PRAYING for spring weather - I am so tired of this cold!! Thanks for stopping by.

April is Here

2011-04-05T20:19:00.000-06:00

Well the end of March went by in a whirl and it is already April. The wedding and reception for Sean & Heatherly went well. Her dad said the theme for their wedding was "wet." It rained, snowed, blew and was generally nasty, but everything still worked out and the pictures are nice too. Unfortunately, I am a total Loser and didn't take ANY pictures. So I will have to wait until the can pirate some from Heatherly's family to post. If you are on Facebook, she has lots of them posted and you can see them by going to my page (I think-I am not totally Facebook literate.)
So today, we went to Boise to send Sean on his way to Basic Traing for the Air Force. It was good to see him go, but hard also knowing we can only send and get letters for the next 2 months. But his sweet wife was a rock and so I can be too. His plane was late leaving Boise, so he got stuck in Phoenix and will not arrive in TX until around midnight. Not a good way to start off, but it can't be helped. I know he'll be OK. He was anxious to go and get started in this next phase of his life. We are planning to visit San Antonio for his graduation in a couple of months.
So next on the agenda is the 4 Girls and a Dream retreat - which starts this Thursday. It is themed "come craft and RELAX with us" and I am surely going to relax this time. I was sort of hoping I'd have some pictures from the weddings to scrapbook, but that didn't happen, so I am taking several novels and I'm going to read and soak my feet and just be a good Hostess. I am really looking forward to that.
Have a great week, and I will try to get some pictures of SOMETHING to post soon.

Almost here

2011-03-24T06:51:00.000-06:00

Well, March is winding down, and my "to do list" is winding down also. Today we leave for Utah for the wedding. But...in the mean time my new "grandson", Elliot got married on Monday of this week to his girlfriend, Cami. It's been a crazy week, with lots of things going on. I'm looking forward to going to the temple today, and feeling relaxed and peaceful.
It the midst of all the weddings going on, I have been trying to finish my exchange cards - for March (I know, my bad). I have one more set to finish, but it is on glossy paper and the ink was taking a long time to dry, so I had to leave them for a few days. I hope they will turn out cool, cuz it was a fun technique. This month's theme was to do cards using a technique you had not ever used before. That was a real challenge to me so I had to go digging to find a few new techniques. Thanks to my Stampin' Success magazine from Stampin' Up! I was able to find some fun things I just hadn't had time to try. I'm pleased with the results. I'll post pics later.
Have a great finish to spring break week. I'll be back with pictures next week.

It really is Marry March

2011-03-19T10:24:00.000-06:00

Well little did I know when I wrote last time that we would end up with 2 weddings in March - 1 week apart!!
On Monday of this week, my oldest son Jacob called to say he and his girlfriend were getting married on Friday night. They had originally planned a wedding on Halloween. So they decided to move it up ... alot!!!
So they got everything done and were married very EARLY this morning - like at 12:10 AM. They had the ceremony at their house and a friend of Jacob's did the ceremony. There were quite a few people there and we all crowded into their living room/dining room. So here are a few pictures of things. Tamra did a great job of getting everything ready and nice in a week's time.

Sorry these didn't load in the right order, but the ceremony really was first, then the rings, then the refreshments.
So today is the Snake River Flats spring show and Wendell is singing in that twice, and Reflections (Minico's premier choir) is singing and Melanie is in that, and we have a shower for Heatherly, so it started early (for the wedding) and will be a busy day. Then next week will be very busy with Sean & Heatherly's wedding.
Once that is over, then the next big things are Sean shipping out to Basic, and then our wonderful retreat. I will definitely need a relaxing retreat - I think I'll take a book to read and just sit around with my feet in the foot bath the whole time!! LOL Probably NOT.
Have a great day and if you are traveling for spring break - be safe. We are looking forward to seeing lots of friends and family during the next week.

MARRY MARCH

2011-03-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

Well, time is going by and the wedding is only 21 days away - even a little less. Things are going along nicely ... at least for my part. Except I still haven't found a dress for the reception yet, so tomorrow Wendell and I are headed to UT to see what they have that we don't have in Burley and Twin...that should be ALOT I hope!!!. I hear that the invitations are arriving at their destinations, so that is exciting. I think they turned out great - Hooray for Heatherly and her awesome designing skills. Too bad I can't run MY DIGITAL STUDIO so well, but I'll keep plugging along. I think everything is falling into place.
Almost all of the puppies are gone now...we only have 2 left and they are spoken for, just haven't been picked up yet. I will miss them because they were so cute and fun to play with, but I'm sure glad to not have to be worrying about them all the time.
Things are in full swing for our 4 Girls and a Dream Spring retreat to be held in April. We still have one spot open, but we are thrilled with those that are attending and we are excited about what we have planned. Our theme is Come RELAX with us, and we will be providing some "relaxation" time as well as their scrapping and crafting time. We are doing a photo shoot for each lady for the project. How fun is that? I can't wait.
So have a great March and check back later for some photos and updates.

February Exchange cards

2011-02-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

I thought I would try to get these posted today - amazingly enough- BEFORE I actually sort the cards. Wonders never cease, huh?
The theme this time was to use button, eyelets, or brads on your cards. That is an easy one usually, so here is what I came up with. Enjoy!! Next month's theme is: to use a technique you haven't used before on your cards. Hum, that might a little harder to come up with. I have to start early as the wedding is next month and I have a million things on the agenda already that have to be done.
This month will finish with a bang, doing voice stuff with Melanie. Here voice recital is this Thursday, she has festival on Saturday and District Solo Competition in next Tuesday. She's ready, but her accompaniest (ME) is still a little shaky in a few spots. I will be spending a lot of time these next few days at the piano.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week.

Puppies are Growing

2011-02-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

Most of the time the puppies are curled up in a big pile, unless Mom shows up and then it's a free for all of pushing and rolling and trying to get a meal!! It is pretty fun to watch. Bella is a wonderufl mommy dog, keeping the puppies all cleaned up and fed. Their eyes are open now but they still crawl rather than walk and they roll a lot. They are growing though. There are 3 girls and 5 boys and of course, everyone wants a girl. 4 of them are spoken for so far. I think 2 of them will have slick fur like Bella and the rest will be more fluffy like StarFox.
I keep thinking I could put them outside, but it has been So COLD that it really isn't an option right now. So they are still in Jenna's room, and she's in the library.
I haven't had time to do any crafting this week, except for my club this week. That was fun, even though only 3 of the ladies got to come. We had a good time and got the projects started for the others too. Hope they enjoy them.
It is Sale-A-Bration, so it is fun to help everyone get their orders figured out so they can get some free stuff!! I love the Ice Cream Parlor paper and accents and ribbon and buttons, and of course, there is the darling Punch set and the great CD of content for My Digital Studio. It's just too hard to pick a favorite.
I finished my taxes last night, but there was a glitch in the system and it won't let me upload-efile them, so I have to wait until Monday and call for help. Very frustrating. It didn't have a problem when I did Ryan & Sami's the other night. Good thing we're getting a refund, so we can pay for our part of the wedding!!
Things are going along OK for that. Heatherly will be back this coming week, and then we'll go into high speed to get things like the invitations done and whatever else needs doing.
This month is going to be busy, especially since I have to learn the music for Melanie's festival on the 26th. 2 of the songs aren't too bad, and I've been working on another one, but the 4th one is very new to me, and not so easy. It's going to take some serious practice. But I have to get it done, because she will be competing for a scholarship and we are crossing our fingers she is a winner.
I will also have to make time to work on my assignment for the 4 Girls and a Dream retreat in April. We have 2 spots left open, and it is getting close, so I have to get moving. I'm in charge of the project. I have a few ideas so I have to get them put together and start sharing bits and pieces. Keep your eyes open, and if you want to come get on over to the 4 Girls and a Dream blog (http://www.janstamps.wordpress.com/) to sign up.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.

More Valentine type samples

2011-01-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

Oh, I'm having a fun time making these cards...and my hostess club members will reap the benefits when they come next week to club. Can't wait to share.
Anyway, here are the last of the samples for these.

Hope you enjoy. I'll try to have more pictures of things later, but I have to do laundry now.

Eight is Enough?

2011-01-19T11:10:00.000-07:00

I know lots of you are too young to remember this show, but...this morning our dog had 8 puppies, and that is enough. We thought she would have 3-4 and when she had #6 I thought she was finished, but about an hour later, she birthed another one, and then another hour or so, the eighth one popped out. Now I have never seen dogs give birth...and I realized I haven't been missing anything. What a mess and since she chose Jenna's room and bed as her birth center, we will be cleaning!!! I thought the girls were both going to be sick, and me too when she threw up on me after number 4. What a morning. She started at 5:25 and we just finished about 10:45. She is now resting and snuggling the puppies. You can't see all of them in this picture very well, but there are 4 very white - light ones, and 4 of the darker tones. Should be interesting.

A couple more Filled with Love cards

2011-01-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

I managed to get a couple more cards done with the Filled with Love set and Papers. It is so fun. Just remember that the DSP is only available through the special and the stamp set also. So don't miss out if you like it.

Filled with Love Cards

2011-01-15T23:21:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that I actually did some card-making today. I haven't had the energy or the time to do anything at the craft table for a long time now, but I was inspired today to make some fun cards with the Special Bundle Stampin' Up! has right now. So I am going to post the 3 samples I CASED from a demo community website. I am excited to do a few more, but that will have to wait. So here they are.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it has come and gone, but the memories remain. We had a new experience this year. As our family has gotten older, Christmas has changed. A couple of years ago, for the first time, we had one son missing and a future daughter-in-law present at our Christmas celebration. Then last year, we had 2 sons missing and the oldest son and the 2 daughters home, and it seemed really quiet and funny to us. Well, this year, we made up for that. Our oldest son, his fiance and her youngest son joined us; our second son and his wife were here; the third son and his fiance were here, and our 2 daughters. It was a house full, but so fun. They all came to spend the night on Christmas Eve and I finally crashed in bed at 2:34 AM and most of them were still going strong. It was a delight to see them interact with each other as siblings as well as seeing the new family members integrating in. I was so happy that they were all here. They teased, played guitar hero, video games, ate, the girls had their nails done, and we were constantly "loved" by the 5 dogs that also had come to join the fun. (Thank goodness Ryan and Sami didn't bring their cats!) Our 2 dogs still seem to be tired from all the running and playing and barking!
Now we look to a new year - with lots of happenings. Sean and Heatherly will be married in Salt Lake on March 25. Then Sean will leave for basic training on April 5. Lots to do to get ready for those happenings. But we are thrilled - after all, they have been dating for almost 4 years now, and have known each other since they were small children.
Ryan is busy writing music and will be going to school and working. Sami is working on her teaching degree and working. They keep plenty busy and we don't see them as often as we'd like, but we love talking to them as much as possible and seeing them moving forward with their lives.
Of course, Melanie will be graduating this May and she has been accepted to the Art Institute in Seattle to major in Fashion Design. If it all works out like she would like, she will start her program in July. She continues to sing beautifully and wowed the family at our Christmas Eve celebration with a couple of songs.
Jenna has become involved in Young Republicans and is excited to be going to Boise Jan 7-8 to attend all kinds of fun activities including the Governor's Ball. She is getting a wonderful new dress (personally sewn by Aunt Margene) that she will be able to also wear at Sean's wedding. She is getting ready to get back into piano lessons and is becoming a completely proficient driver.
Wendell and I just plug along and wonder how our children are growing up and we are still so YOUNG!! LOL I wonder how I got old so fast. But that is how life goes. We look at our parents and wonder if we will still be doing so well at their ages (late 80s). They are such a good example to us.
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to a wonderful and happy New Year in 2011.

How Patriotic Are You?

2010-12-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

I had to ask myself this question a while back, when my son called to say he was enlisting in the Air Force. We had talks and I finally came to feel good about it, and this past Tuesday (Pearl Harbor Day) we were in Boise as he was sworn into the Air Force. He won't actually leave for boot camp until May or so, but he is under contract now. I thought I'd post a couple of pics we got to take while we were there. I am very proud of him. He really did the research to make this decision and I think he will do great. I am extremely patriotic, and so I can only pray that he will do his best to keep this country's freedoms in tact while he serves and that he will return safe and with honor!! God Bless America!

November Thankfulness

2010-11-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Time just rushes by, and I don't get things done, but I can't let myself seem ungrateful for the blessing I have. My family is my greatest blessing. They each have many talents and I enjoy seeing them using those talents and lifting those around them. I can't imagine NOT having each of you.
I am so blessed to live in America. I get teary-eyed at the least provocation of patriotism, but that's OK. I'm glad I'm an American and I'm proud that my father served this country during the WWII and that we have the freedoms we do. I pray that we can do what it takes to KEEP the freedoms we all take for granted. I hope I can instill in my children the knowledge that freedom is bought with a very high price and it takes all of us to keep it.
I'm thankful for our home and food and all the creature comforts we have. I spent a night in the hospital this week, and it happened to be a BLIZZARD outside, and I was sure glad I was warm and dry and that my family was safe and warm and dry. I appreciated being able to watch the storm out the window and there was even a snowman right outside my window to watch. If I have to go to the hospital, I'm glad it was Minidoka. The staff is very nice and the nurses are exceptional and that makes me feel way better.
I'm grateful for my membership in the LDS faith. I love the gospel and the peace it brings to me. We all have trials and troubles, but the spirit can help us through and comfort us so we can make it. When I get discouraged, I know I can leave it all at Christ's door and He will pick it up and carry it until I can go again.
I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and a Joyous holiday season.
Janell

Well, I think I've lost about a month

2010-10-20T22:04:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I haven't posted since Sept 1 - where does the time go. Of course, part of the problem is I don't get a turn on the computer except if I stay up past everyone else - which I just can't always do - TOO OLD for that.
But I've been busy. In September, there was all the "getting started in school" things - you know-paying your life savings to get everything the kids need and everything the school thinks they should have!! I wonder sometimes if the people that run the schools have kids of their own? Or they are wealthy!! Anyway, so that is over, and we're in the routine now.
Homecoming at Minico comes on the 1st weekend of October, so Melanie is all excited about that, and getting everything ready. She had a good time, and was very tired by the end of that day. Then we have a couple of days and then Melanie leaves for her Reflections Retreat. Reflections is the audition-choir at Minico, and they go to the Pinedell camp south of Twin each fall for a couple of days to get to know each other and work on their music. They left on Tuesday after school and returned on Thursday afternoon. It was fun, and they were exhausted again!! Now it's time to catch up on her homework and sleep and work lots - so she can afford to go to the Harvest Dance on the 30th. Good thing she's only a senior once!!
Last weekend was our 4 Girls and A Dream Retreat in Lava. It was wonderful and I felt one of the best so far. We had 22 ladies and it seemed like everyone enjoyed themselves and interacted so well with each other. It was awesome to see how creative everyone is, and how individual everyone is - making totally different things from the same supplies. I totally enjoy doing these retreats and hope lots of you will join us at one of our upcoming ones. Check the retreat blog - look at my favorite blogs list and see what it's all about.
Jenna is doing wonderful in school and is becoming involved in Young Republicans. She loves to go to teen dances and hang out with her friends. She's contemplating becoming our "housekeeper" for a part time job. I would love that!!
I see I haven't posted the Sept or Oct exchanges, so I'll have to get busy on that. I would love more of you that read this to participate in that. It is so nice to see how creative people are and to get ideas from others.
Have a wonderful rest of October, and I promise to try and do better at posting.

Wow, September is almost here

2010-09-01T18:53:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it is already September. I feel like summer just flew by, of course, since the weather was so "un-summer-like" it really seems like we got cheated. But I do love Fall, so I can't complain too much.
I have some pics of the exchanges from August if I can get them to upload. Then I will be posting the items I still have available for sale from my Stamp Stash.

Well, here they are. I can't ever get them to load like I want them, but I guess you get to see them anyway. Now I'll see if I can get the lists for sale loaded.

If you want anything from my for sale lists, just give me call, or leave a comment here and I'll get back to you. The prices are assuming you would pick these up at my house. If I have to mail them, there will be an additional shipping charge. I really need to get this stuff out the door to a new home. I hate to keep storing it, and it just sits and collects dust, and I am also trying to raise the money to send my daughter on a wonderful choir tour to Seattle this year - and I hope to be able to go with her.

Stamps for Sale

Christmas Carolers $ 6

It’s All Good $ 4

Seasonal Icons $ 4

Live Like You Mean It $ 8

Snow Burst $ 8

Genuine Articles $ 6

Tagger’s Dozen $ 6

Eastern Influence $ 6

Be Happy $ 7

Sweet Shapes $ 7

Friendship Blooms $ 8

Hugs & Wishes $ 6

Itty Bitty Backgrounds $ 4

Dilly Dally $ 4

Merci $ 6

Lots of Thoughts $ 6

Whimsical Words (new) $10

Vintage Labels $ 8

True Friend $8

In The Spotlight $10

Big Flowers $10

Totally Tabs $ 5

Alphabits $ 5

Happy Everything $ 6

Carved & Candelit $ 5

Sweet Serendipity $ 8

Celebrate Everything $ 6

Rustic Rooster $ 8

One of a Kind $ 6

Country Morning $ 8

Circle of Friendship $ 7

Holidays & Wishes $ 7

Big Deal Alphabet $10

Big Deal Numbers $ 7

Bella’s Bloom $ 5

Berry Best $ 6

Short Order Numbers $ 7

Mark The Date $10

Simple Serif Alpha & No. $10

Seeing Spots $ 6

A Beautiful Thing $ 7

Labelicious $ 6

Boho Backgrounds $ 6

So Many Scallops $ 5

Think Happy Thoughts $ 6

Say It W/Scallops $ 5

Summer By The Sea $ 8

Trading Collection $ 7

Business Memos $ 5

Office Accoutrement $10

Ephemera background $ 6

Print Pattern background $ 6

Canvas background $ 6

Monogram A $ 6

All Year Cheer III $8

Frames w/a Flourish $10

Stamp of Authenticity $10

DD Lighthouse $10

Wheels: - Jumbo

All About Gratitude $ 4

Rough Texture $ 4

Dilly Dally Friends $ 4

Petals $ 4

Snow $ 4

It’s Beautiful $ 4

Spot On $ 4

See You Around $ 4

Batty $ 4

Wheels: -Regular

Candy Cane Christmas $ 2

Fishy $ 2

Flip Flops $ 2

Bloomin’ $ 2

Gingerbread Man $ 2

Pindot $ 2

Watercolor Joy $ 2

August 2010 For Sale

Ink Pads: $2 each, refill $1

In Colors

1. Cool Caribbean

2. Vintage Violet

3. Groovy Guava

4. Cranberry Crisp

5. Buckaroo Blue

6. Purely Pomegranate

7. Blue Bayou

8. Kiwi Kiss

9. True Thyme

10. Soft Sky

11. Marigold Morning

12. Crushed Curry

13. Dusty Durango

Discontinued Colors

1. Apricot Appeal

2. Cameo Coral

3. Really Rust

4. Blush Blossom

5. Taken With Teal

6. Almost Amethyst

7. Ballet Blue

8. Handsome Hunter

9. Sage Shadow

10. Only Oranage

11. Glorious Green

12. Pale Plum

13. Lavendar Lace

14. Pixie Pink

15. Barely Banana

16. YoYo Yellow

17. Gable Green

18. Pink Passion

19. Lovely Lilac

20. Brocade Blue

21. Rudy Red

22. Basic Brown (permanent)

23. Mellow Moss

24. Green Galore

25. Summer Sun

26. Bordering Blue

27. Close to Cocoa

28. Going Gray

Craft Inks

1. Close to Cocoa

2. Ballet Blue

3. Only Orange

4. Positively Pink

5. YoYo Yellow

6. Craft refill – Only Orange

Ribbon: $5 per spool, $ .20/yd

1. Purely Pomegranate – 15/16” satin

2. Pink Pirouette – 5/8” striped grosgrain

3. So Saffron – 5/8” grosgrain

4. Certainly Celery – ½” twill (2)

5. Various others on open spools

Pattern Pack II – regal rose, apricot appeal, brocade blue, basic gray, garden green (6X6) $5

Pattern Pack III – ruby red, mellow moss, sahara sand, really rust, night of navy (6X6) $5

I'm sorry this doesn't come across in the same format it is typed in, so I know it is a little unwieldy, but if you have questions let me know and I can email you a WORD copy.
Have a great week.

More Accomplished today

2010-08-07T15:16:00.000-06:00

YeA!! I got my auction items done today. Now I have to move on to my stamp club projects - cutting and getting things ready for our fun evening on Wednesday. I also took a few summer night sky photos the other night. Unfortunately, I didn't have the camera with me when Jenna and I saw some totally amazing cloud formations. But I used my cell phone and we'll see if you like them.

The whiter clouds looked like they had been rolled up and spread out with a frosting tip. Later that same night I got the one above of the sun setting through the clouds and the trees silhoutted again it. It was really pretty. I used the Night Scenery on my camera. It is interesting what these scene modes can do for pictures. It is fun learning about them.

Here are my other reunion auction items. I really love the bag, but they sure take time and energy to do. I think the hardest part is "snipping" all the seams so it will fray!! It makes my hands ache doing it.

Now on to the laundry and my club projects. Saturdays are just way too short. I can't get it all done!! Good Luck in your pursuits today.

Working on some fun items

2010-08-01T08:19:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I worked on some of my items for our family reunion auction. It is fun to see what everyone brings each year, and even more fun to see what sells high!! It is always a surprise. I am taking aprons and rag-quilt bags. I did the sewing on 1 bag and 2 aprons yesterday. I still have to get the closure for the bag and the decorations for the apron pockets. I still have a few more things to finish up before the reunion in a couple of weeks.

Here are some pics of what I did so far.

I also finished up a layout I was doing for the retreat challenge. Finally got the pics mounted on it. Now to just finish all the pics for Jenna's trip so it can be put in her book.

My daughters have decided to have a yard sale next week, so my craft room is a total disaster!! Good thing I cleaned it and organized it a few weeks ago - gave them more room to fill up. LOL

I am thinking it will be a good day to put out some of my "items that I'll never use" and see if I can find my closets and shelves again.

Here is a pic of the layout I did. I thought it turned out pretty cute and I was using up things I had in my stash for at least 6 months.

July Exchanges and Music Camp

2010-07-22T20:13:00.000-06:00

I wonder how time flies right by and I still don't get things done. Last week, Melanie went to Rise Up and Sing Music Camp at Minico. Her voice teacher is one of the founders (Leslie Crafton) and it was really a great event. It last for 1 week and goes from 9-5 every day. The kids work hard learning music and choreography, etc to perform on Thursday evening and Friday afternoon.

I did not do a good job of taking pictures so I only have a couple to share that are kind of OK. But it was an awesome show, both times and Melanie did just WONDERFUL on her solo and on the group numbers.

This one was during one of the group numbers and she is dancing - which is one of her loves.

Tonight I did the card exchange, and I was so excited to get them sorted and get mine put away - trying to keep my work space clear these days...I forgot to take pictures of all of them. So I guess I'll share the ones I made, since I had extras made of them and they were still together on the shelf. I'll try to do better next time. August's theme is birthday - so please join us.

Well that's all for tonight. Keep checking for updates. Oh, and if you are interested in the retreats we do then go over to janstamps.wordpress.com to see what is coming up. Have a great day!!

July is HERE!!

2010-07-08T07:02:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone, So glad you dropped by. It is an exciting time of year for me. It's Stampin' Up!'s new catalog year. I am excited about the new catalog and hope you are too. I am having my annual garage sale and open house this Friday and Saturday. On Friday it will be from 6:30 - 9:30 and on Saturday from 9:30 - 2:30, at my house. Come on over to see what is happening. I have lots of papers for sale, as well as stamps and accessories and if you want an older catalog from year's past, come on by and I'll give you one of those to use for inspiration. There are also cards and card kits available. Hope to see everyone there.

Have a great day!!

New Creative Projects

2010-06-24T22:19:00.000-06:00

Ok, so 2 of my nieces have started a new blog - posting a creative project every day - all because my niece, Danelle, posted a card a day on her blog, so they were inspired. Anyway, so I thought I would try to post something I did. It was Kristi's b-day and I made a small 5X5 chipboard album for her. I thought it turned out well, and so I took a few pics to post. The album has 20 pages and I didn't them all different, using butterfly and flower designs. Hope you enjoy and maybe it will inspire you to be creative.

Well I think Summer finally arrived!!

2010-06-24T21:34:00.000-06:00

I am so happy that we have finally had more than 2 days of nice weather in a row. I was beginning to think that we were really never going to have any warm weather this "summer" but this week has turned out beautiful. I even had to water the flowers outside tonight and in the barrels on the back deck. That's a first this year. It did cloud up tonight, but so far, no moisture has come from them. I think they'll roll on past.

I sorted the card exchange last night and was so pleased with the cute cards everyone did. The theme was nature and so it was fun to see all the different things. I have photographed them in groups by the artist. I would love to see more people participate in the exchange. It is fun and low-key with great ideas and sharing. I ask for your cards to be to me on the 20th of each month - or the first Monday after, if the 20th falls on Saturday or Sunday. You do cards in sets of 5s and you can do up to 4 sets. Come join us. The theme for July is Thank You cards. I have the themes listed on my Stampin' Up! website (http://www.janstamps.stampinup.net/) Hope to see cards from lots of stampers soon.

Here are the ones from this month.

May almost over, card exchange

2010-05-24T21:14:00.000-06:00

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

4 Girls & A Dream Fall Retreat has openings

2010-05-22T22:10:00.000-06:00

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.

Tagged

2010-05-15T08:59:00.000-06:00

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

May Already

2010-05-08T12:51:00.000-06:00

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

Completed Retreat Items

2010-04-11T18:30:00.000-06:00

Ok, I promised I'd try to post some of my retreat items. I usually don't get very much done, so I was excited with what I was able to accomplish this time. The first pictures are the exchange cards I made for April. The theme this month is a sketch to follow (see the post below somewhere). I thought they turned out pretty cute for just using papers and things I had with me at the retreat.

Here are some CD tins I covered. I'm going to make some square cards to go inside to be given at gifts. These are really cute and were easy and fun to cover and decorate. My favorite is the pink one with the silk flower on it. I brushed versamark ink onto the flower, then put on heat and stick, then dazzling diamonds/silver EP onto that. I like the way it turned out. The hearts on the red one were spritzed with Stampin' Up!'s new Smooch Spray. I used the Silver on the large heart, and the vanilla on the small one.

I also covered 3 chipboard clipboards I had around. There is a 9X9 and 2 4X9 ones. I think they turned out pretty cute. I used the new Island Oasis DSP from Stampin' Up! to cover the big one and one small one, and Sending Love DSP from Stampin' Up! on the other small one. So fun.

have a great day. Hope you enjoyed the pics.

Retreat was a success!!

2010-04-11T07:53:00.000-06:00

Well this weekend was the spring 2010 retreat. I think it was successful. We had 21 ladies there (yes, the 2 teenagers were ladies - just delightful). The food was good, the project was darling and it was fun to meet new people and get re-acquainted with ones that have come before.
The best, most amazing part to me was the fact that I actually got several projects DONE!!! Now, if you know me, you know that I don't "play well with others." I have a really hard time working and being even a little creative in a crowd. So the fact that I got 3 chipboard clipboards covered and decorated, 5 CD tins covered and decorated and 4 sets of cards done for the April exchange is truly amazing!! I will have to try and take some pics and post them. The other amazing thing is that we put a sign up list out for those that might be interested in coming to our fall retreat and it was full before we left. WOO HOO!! We will have a waiting list just in case some of them can't make it.
I was totally exhausted when I got home, but did manage to unpack and put away most of my things and even do a couple loads of laundry.
I am excited the weather is looking a little more like spring. Even though it is cloudy, it just seems nicer and warmer. I am excited to see the flowers starting to poke up and some to even bloom. I am anxious to get our flower beds finished in front and get some flowers going in there.
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week.

March Card exchange

2010-03-21T09:54:00.000-06:00

Well, the card exchange this month was so fun. Using ribbon on cards is always so fun and I almost always think it adds just the right touch. I personally had a blast doing this one. The cards were all wonderful and I hope you decide to join us in the future. The themes are: April-sketch (see posting); May-Cracked Glass; June-something from Nature; July-Thank Yous; August-Birthdays; September-Any Holiday; October-Christmas cards & Tags(both in each set); November-Anything you want to make; December-Brads,Buttons & Eyelets (any one or all).

Here is the sketch challenge "sketch" to follow for the April Exchange. If you have questions, let me know. I think this one will be fun. You don't have to follow it exactly, just generally. Have fun with it.

I think Stampin' 411 for doing such fun sketches, and I would encourage you to go to their website and do some or at least look at what they do. It will give you some great ideas of how they work the sketch challenge.

Have a great week. I am busy getting the final touches put on our spring retreat. If you want to check it out, go to http://www.janstamps.wordpress.com/ for details. We will be holding another one Oct 14-16,2010. We would love to see you there.

Some fun stampin' Samples

2010-01-29T23:22:00.000-07:00

Well January is almost over, and I am trying to do better at getting things posted to my blog in a timely fashion, so here are the January exchange cards - WOW before the end of the month!!!! This is such a fun exchange and we would love to have more people participate, so feel free to join us any month - you don't have to commit to every month. The single card is a challenge project for our retreat - a project made using Red, White & Black. I am excited how it turned out.

That's all for today.

December Exchanges, 2010 Card Exchange Themes, Retreats

2010-01-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

Well, it's a new year, and lots of things going on. First I want to post the December exchange cards. They were to the theme of "Kids Birthdays." They were great and I hope more of you will join us each month.
The themes for the first 6 months of 2010 are: jan-use rub-ons, feb-chipboard, mar-ribbon, apr-sketch, may-cracked glass, jun-images from nature.
If any of you have followed a little about the retreat my sister, and nieces and I had in October, we're at it again. The next one will be April 8-10. We have a blast and get some great crafting time as well as relaxing time in. Check out the details at the retreat blog: http://www.janstamps.wordpress.com/
I am happy to report that my oldest son has landed a job. He is working at the Wayside Cafe and we are so happy for him and his is happy too. He was getting totally discouraged and bored not having a job. He is hoping it will work into full time and in the mean time he is still looking for another part time job.
I am slowly finding the tables in my craft room---HA HA. I have 3 of them set up and they were all 3 totalled buried, but I have found them and now all the stuff on them is in "neater stacks" than it was before. I have high hopes of actually clearing at least one of them off this month!! In fact it has to be tonight, since I need it for my stamp club group tomorrow night!! ACH! I better get it done. Have a great day, and check out the specials Stampin' Up! is offering right now. Sale-A-Bration is going to start tomorrow and it is the BEST time to hostess a workshop and get FREE stamps and accessories. Have a great day.

Opps!!

2009-12-13T13:02:00.002-07:00

I forgot to do the pics of the reindeer and they are so darned cute, I have to show you.

The poem on the back goes like this:

I woke up with such a scare when I heard Santa call...

"Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!"

I ran to the lawn and in the snowy white drifts,

those nasty reindeer had left "little gifts."

I got an old shovel and started to scoop

neat little piles of "reindeer poop."

But to throw them away, seemed such a waste,

So I saved them, thinking - you might want a taste!

As I finished my task, which took quite awhile,

Old Santa passed by and he sheepishly smiled.

And I heard him exclaim as he rose in the sky -

"Well, they're not potty trained, but at least they can fly!"

Cute, huh? The reindeer is made using the Top Note die from Su and then circle punches for the eyes and nose, and the snowflake punch to make the antlers. I cased it from someone's blog, but I don't remember where I found it. Thanks to whoever had the great idea.

A White Christmas?

2009-12-13T12:51:00.008-07:00

Well, the white stuff is sifting down today and it is much prettier than it has been. The cold isn't pretty or pleasant and if it takes some snow to warm it up...Bring It On!! I really actually like snow, just not having to drive on the snowy, icy roads.

The girls and I ran to Twin yesterday to try and finish up some shopping. We got a few more things finished, but not everything yet. It always seems like there is "one more thing" to get or get done. Thank goodness Christmas doesn't wait for all of us to get ready, or it would never come!!! That would be terrible.

I got the gifts done for my office co-workers yesterday. I thought they were fun. I did some neck scarves for the ladies - just a fashion statement, not a warm clothing item!! Easy and fast. Some star books for LeAnn and Kristi too, and some cute Reindeer Poop bags for the men. I have a couple of pix of the reindeer bags, but not of the others. I am also going to post the pix of the Nov exchanges. I thought I had done this, but I guess not.

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season and not letting the rush and roar make you forget the real reason for the season. Take moment to reflect on our Savior and His wonderful gift to all of us. I am grateful to Him for all I have!! Merry Christmas

Wow, it's a sale at Stampin' Up!

2009-11-23T21:25:00.002-07:00

Just a quick note about the Huge Online Extravaganza button to the left. It will take you to the Customer side of the Stampin' Up! website. If you want to order online for anything from this fabulous sale, you can go straight to my website at www.janahernstamps.stampinup.net . You can also call me or email me to place an order. Remember this sale only lasts until Nov 30. There are no quantity limits on most items, except the Stamper's Starter Bundle. Check out the listing to see what you want to get. Have a great Holiday.
J

No.2 in November

2009-11-13T19:36:00.011-07:00

I am now going to post some fun things we made at our family craft party last weekend. It is always a blast to do the projects and just as fun to hang out with family members. We have a great time and lots of visiting as well as the cute crafts we make. Enjoy. I was so impressed with the versatility we had and the useful things we made. I plan to copy most of them for gifts this holiday season. SHHHH....don't tell anyone!!

Sorry I'm not too good at loading these so they don't take up so much room.

Jan

Already November

2009-11-13T19:26:00.003-07:00

Well it's been a long time since I posted anything here. So I have a bunch to post today. I will not do them all in one post because it would be way too long.

I have a bunch of pics to post also. I'm not going to post the October exchanges because Lois did that. You can see them on her blog.

Ok, so Jenna has been taking a floral design class this trimester. I should have been taking pics of each of her creations, but I didn't get it done, so at least here is the last one she brought home today. I have loved all of them and thought she did a wonderful job in the class. She enjoyed it and it was fun for her.

We had three dogs for a while. Now Rascal has gone to live at Grandma's house, at least for awhile. Most of the time they got a long fairly well, but it was just too much. Here is a pic of them when they were all resting together after running around the house like crazy dogs for a while. Rascal is the lighter colored small dog, Bella is laying over Pepper's neck. Pepper is Sean's dog and Bella is Melanie's dog. We also have a cat and a kitten outside. I wonder if we have a zoo starting?

Stampin' Up! - Deals of the Week #4

2009-10-27T07:26:00.000-06:00

Stampin' Up! - Deals of the Week #4

Stampin' Up! - Deals of the Week #3

2009-10-20T18:31:00.000-06:00

Stampin' Up! - Deals of the Week #3

Stampin' Up! - Deals of the Week

2009-10-13T21:20:00.001-06:00

Stampin' Up! - Deals of the Week

New week, new deals. Check this out for great deals. Order from my website to get these special prices.

Check each week.

Card Exchanges for September

2009-10-04T09:11:00.008-06:00

Here are the card exchanges I have for September. I do not have one of everything that was done, but they were all equally as wonderful as these I'm posting.

And guess what? We woke up to snow this morning!!! Hopefully it will all be gone soon, at least before Thursday when we have to drive to the retreat at Lava. Since I don't have to go anywhere today, I can enjoy watching it come down, but the dogs that are outside are not liking it much.

October brings Fall Weather

2009-10-03T20:04:00.003-06:00

Well, October arrived, and boy does it feel like fall/winter weather came right with it. We've had much cooler temps these past few days and there is rain/snow predicted in the next few days. WOW, I'm not really ready for that. Time just keeps flying by.
Sean sent Pepper (his dog) to stay with us again. Pepper has grown ALOT since she was here at the beginning of September. But the three dogs seem to be doing OK together. Pepper and Bella stay outside most of the time, and Rascal stays in. That seems to work the best, but Pepper and Bella don't really think it's fair.
Sean sent me a text today asking for his birth certificate. Inquiring as to why he would need that, he said that he was going to Chile in December. His girlfriend's mom is from there, and I guess they are taking the whole family and bought him a ticket too. He just found out about it a couple of days ago. That should be exciting!!
We are getting really anxious for Jacob to be back with us. I check the court cases every few days to see when he shows up, but nothing so far. He should be back here before Oct 25 at the lastest. I hope he is ready to go forward and get his life in order. He seems to have a different attitude now and I think that is good.
I enjoyed listening/watching General Conference today (for the LDS church). There are always good talks and seem always to "hit the spot." There were a couple today that really touched my heart and made me think. I will look forward to re-reading them later.
Well Wendell and Jenna are watching Mary Poppins, and I think I'll join them. Nice, relaxing evening. Oh, we bought a new car today - well not NEW, a 2001 Ford Escort, but certainly newer than our 1990 Honda we traded in.

WOW, how the time flies

2009-09-24T22:10:00.002-06:00

Well, I can't believe I haven't been posting here since August. I just can't seem to get caught up. Over Labor Day we drove to North Central Idaho to visit Jacob. We took Jenna, Melanie and Mel's friend Esther. We drove up on Saturday to Grangeville. The drive was very pretty and we didn't really hurry, but didn't really stop alot either. A lot of the drive is next to the rivers and that was cool, especially to be able to see all the rafters, kayakers and other boats. We also saw a lot of really neat bridges. I'm sorry to say we didn't get our act together and take pix of the bridges because there were so really cool ones. Oh well, maybe I'll get smarter in my next life. We stayed in Grangeville. On Sunday Wendell and I went to visit Jacob. That was nice and I know he really was so happy to see us and know we had taken the time and resources to make the trip. He is anxious to come back home, which will be happening in October as far as we know. After that, Jenna joined us and we drove on to Lewiston and over to Clarkston, WA. Beautiful drive!!! Idaho is a gorgeous state with a lot of varied landscapes to see. We stayed over in Grangeville again and drove back home on Monday. We drove through McCall on our way up and back through Weiser, so we saw some different country. The drive up was definitely the prettier, but I always like to see new country.
I don't have the exchanges scanned from September, but I'll try to get those posted over the weekend.
The retreat that is coming in October is almost here and the work is pretty much done. Now I have to get ME ready!! I love to plan things like this, but trying to plan my "work" for doing there is another story. I am terrible at things like that. I just spent 3 days in Soda Springs with 2 of my sisters and my mom this week, and I hardly finished anything because I didn't have what I needed with me. So I really need to plan better for this retreat. I am very excited and I may actually take scrapbooking to work on - I know - wonders never cease!!
Thanks for stopping by. Come again soon.

August Card Exchange Posted

2009-08-22T22:54:00.008-06:00

Well here are the card exchanges for this month. Wonderful work by all the participants as usual. This is such a fun exchange. No pressure and just fun things. I would love to see more people participate to make more fun. I could tell you who did which cards, but I can't figure out how to post word next to or right under a pix, so that won't happen. It doesn't matter anyway, cuz all of them are so stinkin' cute!!

Lots Done

2009-08-16T21:31:00.003-06:00

Well yesterday was a productive day. Lois and Robin came and we worked on surprises for the retreat. It was fun and we got ALOT DONE!! YES!! That makes me feel better. I also got the projects prepped for my clubs this coming week. Here is one of the projects. Very cute and really easy. It will be fun to do these cute little purses. The other 2 projects are cards and they are posted on my SU demo website.

Jacob called yesterday and told us we are approved to visit him, so we are going to get that planned. The girls can't go with us. It will take about 6-7 hours to drive each way. Long trip, but he is very excited for us to come. He says he really looks forward to the mail and when he can call us. He is working hard and this will give him something else to look forward to.

The kittens are growing and so cute. They are playing with each other and they tumble and jump and are just generally fun to watch. They will be six weeks old this week and are starting to eat pretty well. Almost time for them to go to new homes. It will be hard to see them go because they are so fun to watch.

Jenna will start school this Friday - summer went so fast.

I will try to have some more pix to post by the week's end. Have clubs on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, so that will keep me busy. It's also card exchange week - on Thursday - theme is Thank You cards. Hope lots of you out there get cards to me for this. Then I can post all the pix of those wonderful cards too.

Thanks for sharing with me. Janell

How does time go so fast?

2009-08-13T19:02:00.002-06:00

Here is it almost the middle of August already. We are in "get ready for school" mode now. The girls and I went shopping in SLC on the 1st and that was fun, but very tiring. We only went to Gateway Mall. We left at 8:30 AM and were actually back home by 7:45 PM. Are you impressed. Doesn't take to long to spend a lot of money!! Melanie has been saving her babysitting money all summer and she did some good shopping. She got 5 pairs of pants and a bunch of shirts and hoodies. Did not find shoes, so she had to order some of those online after we got home. Jenna got several shirts and we actually found pants for her in Burley. They are thinking that they would like school to start and go just long enough to wear their new clothes, then have a vacation again. LOL isn't that just like teens?
I am busy with stamping. I have 3 clubs going this year. 2 will meet each month. I am excited about that and hope I can keep them loving it and learning new fun things. I am also busy working on a retreat I'm doing in October. If it works well, Lois and I are thinking we'll try to do another one in the spring. Lots of work and Loads of Fun!!
Sean (my 3rd son) threw me a curve last week, letting me know he has decided to become an Orthodontist. So instead of being done with college after 1 more semester, he has LOTS of semesters and lots of money to GO. But he is a very bright young man and I know he can do it if he wants to. Too bad all the kids will already be through braces by then - maybe we could have gotten a discount?!!
Ryan and Sami are doing well, setting up their apartment and enjoying being married. They are so cute together.
Jacob is hanging in there. He is working hard at his program and we are hoping we can visit him over the Labor Day weekend. We are waiting to hear if we are approved to visit. I know that would encourage him. He is homesick. I miss him too.
Thanks for stopping by today. I hope to have some fun pix to post soon.
Janell

A Few Wedding Pix

2009-07-30T20:02:00.003-06:00

Well I didn't have any pix to post last time but I did a couple tonight. The one of the line is funny. My daughter said, "wow everyone is just doing their own thing in the line." I guess that's OK, but it is kind of funny to look at.

The other one is of Ryan and Sami after the wedding and before the reception. They are so cute and are happy together.

AHHHH...we survived

2009-07-29T18:20:00.002-06:00

Well, Saturday was a totally hectic and crazy day, but we survived; Ryan and Sami got married; we had the reception and they went off on their honeymoon while the rest of us packed it all up and then hit the sack exhausted. But it was nice and we learned a lot and it turned out great.
Now on to the next thing on our agenda - trying to catch up on sleep!! I just keep staying up too late and then I'm still tired - wonder why?
I have a family reunion coming up in about 10 days so I have to get some things ready for that. We have an auction there to raise money for the reunion and to help family members when they need it. Everyone is supposed to donate items to be auctioned and hopefully everyone also buys things. We also have to help with the big meal on Saturday night. Maybe we can bring the leftover punch from the reception as our contribution. That would be good - get it out of my freezer and not have to buy any more stuff.
The girls and I are heading to SLC on Saturday to do some shopping. Melanie has been hording her money from babysitting this summer to buy school clothes and is thrilled to go, but Jenna doesn't have very much, and I sure don't have much, so she isn't so happy about it. Oh well, we 'll work it out. It will be a long day.
Thanks for stopping by.

One Day to Wedding

2009-07-24T15:39:00.002-06:00

Well, tomorrow is the big day - Ryan and Samantha are getting married, so that means I only have the rest of today, and then part of tomorrow to finish getting everything ready. I hope I can just remember what it is I'm supposed to be doing!! LOL
The frig is stuffed with all the yummy food for the reception and the punch base is in the freezer and the 7UP is in the neighbor's frig getting cold - we only have so much room, you know!!
Ryan and his friend Chad will be here tonight and help with set up tomorrow and Sami will be coming tomorrow after her hair appointment. She's been sick, so I hope she will be feeling better by then. I was sick when I got married and it is NO FUN!! Pray that she gets better soon.
A few gifts have started coming to our house and Ryan has said he has a few at his house already too. That's the fun part. My house is looking like a wreck, with tubs of dishes, tubs of table cloths, boxes of platters and bags with decorations, etc. I guess next week we can clean.
Granma and Granpa Ahern are here from St George. Aunt Doris is here from Soda Springs, Uncle Dennis and Aunt Louise are coming from Layton, and maybe others are coming from out of town too. Of course, Sami's family is coming from Glenns Ferry. It will be a grand affair.
I haven't had much time for stamping lately, but I plan to get back at it soon because I am dying to try out the new stuff I've gotten so far. I love the new In-Colors and can't wait to try some more projects with them.
I am still looking for a couple more people to fill a 6-month technique club, starting in August. If you want to fill a spot, let me know ASAP. They will meet every other month with the minimum purchase being $25 each time. You will get hostess benefits one of those months and we learn fun new things and make 3 projects each time we meet.
Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by.

Decorating the Bedroom

2009-07-18T08:46:00.003-06:00

Well last Saturday Melanie was ready to do the new decorations in her room. She has repainted and things were clean and all set. We had purchased some stencils from Stampin' Up! and had the acrylic paint colors she wanted. We cut the "adornment" stencil in half so we could put it into the corner. Here she is getting it started. At the top is the finished stencil. The swirls are the Flourish Stencil by Stampin' Up! She did this design into each corner of her room. I think it turned out really cute and I am excited about it. I will post later showing the tree we did on her other wall.

Creative Projects Detail

2009-07-18T08:28:00.001-06:00

Creative Projects Detail

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Creative Projects Detail

2009-07-18T08:16:00.001-06:00

Creative Projects Detail

Shared via AddThis

Creative Projects Detail

2009-07-18T08:06:00.001-06:00

Creative Projects Detail

Shared via AddThis

Here We Go

2009-07-02T18:05:00.002-06:00

Well, nothing like starting off a month with a bang. So July 1 - starts off the new Stampin' Up! catalog year. Totally Awesome - new stamps and accessories, new samples and new specials. Check out my sidebar for all kinds of new things to check out. I am so excited!!
Then summer has finally come and the weather is gorgeous, if a bit hot. We didn't really get a chance to get used to the heat before it was really hot, but I'm not complaining. I am glad we aren't having buckets of rain every day anymore. The grass is green and growing and so is the garden. I guess since Wendell is gone I better get a hoe and do something about the green growing stuff that we DON'T want. Why do weeds always grow so well?
Since the 4th of July is on Saturday, my office is closed tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to housework, sewing, and maybe a little crafting - in fact I better fit that in, since my technique club-6 is starting on Tuesday and I haven't made the samples yet - but they are darling!! I can't wait to do them and post them. My other club will be a little later and that will finish up for this year, and the next one starts in August. These are really fun and I enjoy getting to know the members well and see their talents and growth in crafts. All of you ladies are awesome!!
My son's girlfriend was crowned Miss Canyon Rim last Saturday and so she will be riding in the 4th of July parade this Saturday. Thanks to her mom's quick thinking and the "bond" we stampers make, we were able to secure a cute convertible for her to ride on. She will be so beautiful and poised for the parade. She was totally awesome in the pageant and not only won the title, but also the leadership and talent portions as well. YEA - a good amount of scholarship money that will help her reach her educational goals.
My son that is getting married, only has 22 days left of bachelorhood. Things are moving along on that front: dress coming along, food being figured out, decorations, etc. It has been a learning experience for all of us, since this is the first wedding in my family and it has been fun.
I hope you are all having a great independence day week and stop to count your blessing for the freedoms we have here in America!! Go Red, White and Blue!! thanks for stopping by.

More Crafty Things

2009-06-30T18:41:00.008-06:00

Well it is time to post the June Exchange cards. They are totally awesome this month. The theme was sympathy cards and everyone pulled out all the stops to do their best work. I hope you can see them well enough. What fun. I do hope more of you out there will join us for this fun exchange. You can go to my SU website for more details. Next month is recipes on 3X5 decorated cards.

I have one more thing to post. I just wish I could figure out how to post the pix amongst the writing, but I can't seem to get that part. Any help out there?

Last week it was my birthday - I'm still 29 and holding!! But my sister Margene made this really cool hand-stitched framed hanging. I am excited to get it hung up. I took it to work with me earlier in the week and sat it on my desk so everyone could see it. Thanks so much sis!! (I guess this one ended up clear at the top of the post. Be patient I'll figure this out someday...maybe?

Summer has finally come

2009-06-30T18:31:00.004-06:00

I may donate some of these to my reunion and I'll put some of them into packages for my upcoming stamp garage sale. I had fun doing them.

Wow, we went from wet and cold to hot and dry!! But I'm not complaining. I am enjoying the summer sun and the warm weather. I am loving the rose bush in my front yard that is blooming a beautiful pink. I wish it would keep blooming all year round, but of course, it won't so I have to enjoy it now. I'll have to get a pix of it and post before it's done.

Today I am going to post some craft things I've been working on. I'm on a "mission" to use up things I have around that are of no use just lying there, but could be very useful if they were finished up. So here are some pix of what I did a couple of Saturday ago when it was still rainy and I was trying to get some laundry done. (I know...but if I leave the vicinity of the laundry room, I totally forget I'm doing laundry and it never gets done.)So I figured I could work on my projects while I was doing laundry and it worked out well. I had a stack of "Love Notes" - 3X3 note cards with envys and I just decorated them in groups. I thought they turned out fairly cute.

Wednesday - Hump Day

2009-06-10T18:32:00.002-06:00

Well it's hump day for this week and I'm glad. I was sick yesterday and I'm tired today. Melanie and I worked last night to get the wedding invites almost finished up. Not too much left and they will be ready to pass on to Ryan and Sami. YEA! Then it will be on to other things.
I am excited about the upcoming Stampin' Up! year. I have my 11-month club filled and all but one spot in the 6-month club. I am still open to doing one more club if there's is enough interest. These are so fun, and a good way to learn new things, make new friends and budget your stamp and accessory purchases.
Heatherly is supposed to be picking up Converse (her big black Tom cat) today, so we've had to keep him in the house all day, so he was around when she comes and he is not a happy camper. Every time someone walks towards a door he is right there trying to escape. Poor Boy is going to be sad when he has to become an apartment dweller again. He likes being able to roam the neighborhood and come back to eat and sleep. He and Bella (the dog) have become friends and I know they will miss each other.
I still haven't had a chance to play with my new toys, but I've drooled over them and Jenna wrote with all the markers yesterday so we could really see the colors. They are gorgeous and I'm excited. Today I spent my lunch hour going through the catalog and making my "yearly new catalog wish list." The thing I notice is that as the years have gone by my "spending" has moved from stamp sets to the accessories section -mainly paper and "bling" things. This new catalog has a wide variety of styles, so everyone should find something they like.
Still don't have any fun new pix, but maybe next time. Thanks for stopping by.

Jacob Called

2009-06-07T10:00:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was a rainy day and Jenna was supposed to be having a cheerleader fundraiser car wash - DIDN'T HAPPEN. But, she was able to go to the temple to do baptisms instead, so it was all good. I worked on wedding invitations while she was gone, Wendell was sick in bed, and Melanie was catching up on sleep. It was quiet and nice and I got quite a bit done. Then in the afternoon, some of the YW presidency came over to work on these cool "self-esteem" keep rings we are making to give to the girls at camp. It was a blast and we got all the covers done. But in the middle of that, Jenna answered the phone and said "mom, it's Jacob." I was very excited. He was able to talk for 1/2 hour and we used every minute. He is in Boise now, and will be there for 1-3 more weeks, then will move on to Cottonwood. He said we can actually visit him once he is there, so we'll probably try to do that later in the summer. He said it was kind of boring and he's been reading - thanks to another inmate that let him read some books from the prison library. Since he is only there temporarily, he can't go to the library and check books out. Strange system!! Anyway, I was happy to hear from him. He said he sent us a letter with his address on it, so we'll be able to write to him. I may try to write a letter today so it's ready to go once his letter gets here.
We thought we had his house rented, but then the people changed their minds - bummer!! I will be happy when we get that done. Wendell is still working on little things and we have to get the new front door installed this week. The bathroom cabinet is in, and Wendell will do the light/ceiling fan in the living room tomorrow. Then we still have some paint touch up to do, but it's mostly ready and done.
We have been having more rain - it's crazy. We just don't normally get this kind of rain in the spring. Our grass in the back is like a pasture, but it never gets dry enough to mow. Too bad the dog and cats don't eat grass. We may have to get a goat or a sheep - but I don't think the neighbors or the city would really like that.
I am so excited - my new "pre-order" stuff from SU will be here tomorrow. I can hardly stand the thoughts of going to work and not being here when it comes. I am so excited about the In-Colors. Every sample I've seen, I've loved the colors. I hope to get a chance to do something with it tomorrow night. Of course, the added treat is that my demo copy of the new catalog will also be in that box!! WOO HOO!! I may be doing some of the June card exchange -Sympathy- with new stuff. I can't wait.
Speaking of stamping - I am still looking for members to fill up my clubs for the next round. One spot is in the 11 month club - January, and I have 2 spots in a 6-month club. The 4 ladies in that club haven't picked months yet, so I'm not sure where the openings are there. If you are interested, contact me soon. I would also be willing to do 1 more club of either 12 or 6 members. If you have some friends that enjoy stamping and want to do fun projects, these clubs are a great way to learn new techniques and also to earn free benefits. Depending on the club, the commitments to be a members will be $20 or $25 each month of your club. You will get one turn to be the hostess and each month you will get to come and learn fun things and do projects. Call today to join.
That's all for now - I have to get dinner prepped before we leave for church. The sun is shinig-kind of - but the wind is blowing - so I better use lots of hairspray today. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

I DID IT

2009-06-02T18:55:00.002-06:00

YES!! I actually was able to put the last chance lists and the june special and the june project all on this blog. Of course, that is because I found someone that had the codes all ready for me to just copy and paste. But at least I was able to do that much. I may get the hang of this yet.
Today was a sort of rainy,cloudy day, but not too cold, and it's OK tonight, thank goodness because my daughter is having a birthday party and they are playing fugitive. In case you don't know what that is, we drop the "kids" off somewhere and they try to get to point B without getting caught by the "cops" - the adults chasing them. Kids in our area love it. This group will be fairly small compared to the group that played at my older daughters party last fall. I hope they don't get poured on by a rain cloud.
The nicest part is that she has been cleaning house for 2 days in preparation for this. I love it, I may institute more birthdays for this child. It is so nice to come home from work to a clean house and my yummy cinnamon bear sentsy warmer going.
I am ready to start printing on the wedding invites so they can get finished. That will be one thing to check off my list. I'm sure it will be replaced by 2 or 3 more things though. There is never a shortage of things to do.
I splurged and pre-ordered a bunch of stuff from the upcoming Stampin' Up! catalog yesterday. It is so exciting, and so...expensive. Duh, I wonder who my best customer is? Anyway, I am excited about the new In-Colors and it was interesting today that SU had a note to demos suggesting we not get rid of the past IN-COLOR things we have as they MAY incorporate them into the future. Wonder what's up with that? I would love to see some of the previous In-Colors come to stay in our color options, I have hated to see some of them go. I just want to make sure they don't bring in the ones I didn't like - LIKE VINTAGE VIOLET!! That was my all-time least favorite IN-COLOR.
I got these really cute binders for cookbooks from LTD. So now I have to get busy and print some recipes for them - I got them to give as wedding gifts. They came with a bunch of printed paper and sheet protectors all ready to add recipes. I think they will be darn cute when I'm done. I'll have to post a pix when I get that far.
No pix today, but enjoy the last chance lists and the June project and specials. If anyone is interested in joining one of my stamp clubs for next catalog, give me a call soon to pick your month and spot. I also still have a box of "need a new home" stuff for sale. The prices are great, so call today to see what is available.

June is Here

2009-06-01T22:46:00.002-06:00

Well, I see it has been forever since I posted. I didn't get any exchange cards done this month, and so I can't post, as I don't have anything to post. But, I am going to do better this month. May was a stressful month. My oldest son has had his day in court and is now under the control of the Idaho dept of corrections. He will be spending about 4-6 months in Cottonwood. I am so sorry about it and so worried about how it will affect him. I'm personally not sure the corrections dept can really change his attitude and help him come out a better person, but it's what we have to work with. I am praying everyday that he will have a changed heart and really want to make a success of his life going forward. Wendell and I have been busy cleaning his house up and getting it ready to rent. We have had a lot of people come to look, but so far haven't had anyone sign the rental agreement. Maybe this week.
I have been working on the wedding invites for Ryan and Sami's wedding. It will be coming up fast, and Mom and Lois came over to help me last week. We got a lot of them to the point of adding the announcement part on the inside. I also have all the hearts punched so we are on zoom. I am pleased with how they are turning out. I love the colors. They are Pink Passion, Green Galore and Only Orange, with white. Very Pretty.
I am going to try and put more of the news about Stampin' Up! on my blog, so be patient while I work on it. I may have to "hire" someone to help me - like my daughters!! I'm sure kids have computers for brains, unlike whatever slow, unsmart, mass I have for a brain. Keep checking back though for news and updates. In case you are wondering there is a list of all the "last chance" stamps, accessories and decor elements on my SU website. http://janahernstamps.stampinup.net
Have a great week, and check back to see how I'm doing on becoming more computer literate.

2009-04-25T09:04:00.002-06:00

Opps, I see I forgot to put the copyright stuff on the exchanges. Some images are copyrighted by Stampin Up! 1989-2009. I'll do better next time.
have a great day.

2009-04-25T08:53:00.007-06:00

Well here it is time to post the exchanges again, and I haven't posted since last time. It is a crazy time and I am running from morning til night. But I keep hoping things will slow down soon. Jenna made cheer at Minico so we're already into full swing of fundraising for uniforms and camp. The freshmen chose to stay here for camp and have fun activities to do besides the camp, and I'm glad about that. It cut the cost almost to 1/3 and now they will do some fun activities here after the camp each day to still have time to get to know each other and form a cohesive group that will work well together. But the uniforms are very spendy and thus the fundraising. She has today to finish it up and have it ready to turn in on Monday.

I hope you enjoy the exchanges. It is always so fun to see what everyone comes up with. I thank everyone for their efforts and would encourage anyone else that wants to get some great ideas and share their great ideas to join us each month for this. The themes are on my Stampin' Up! website and you can check them out and if you have any questions, email me or leave a comment on this blog.

Have a great day. Hopefully it will be somewhat warm and wind free. This afternoon I am headed to Twin with my sister and a daughter or two to shop with my future DIL and her mom for wedding dress material. My sister will be sewing the dress and it's time to get started. July 25 is the day and it will show up sooner than we think. I'll post more about this after we get back. Wish us luck.

2009-03-30T17:23:00.006-06:00

I should mention the wonderful stampers who participated in this exchange. There are cards by Catherine Cazier, Julie Evensen, Laurie Hunt, Lois Wood, Doris Jensen, Marjorie Stapelman, and myself. All the cards were awesome and I hope it inspires more of you to join us each month. The information about the exchange is on my Stampin' Up! website: http://janahernstamps.stampinup.net/

Come join the fun!!

2009-03-30T17:21:00.003-06:00

Well here we go again. I think I got it.

2009-03-30T17:07:00.002-06:00

I just can't seem to get everything done anymore. I must be getting old!! LOL
Anyway, the month of March is quickly passing by and I am finally getting around to posting tthe exchange cards from this month. The theme was heat or dry embossing. There were a couple that I just couldn't get to photograph so they could be seen, so don't feel bad if yours doesn't show up. I'll get better with my camera. It was fun and I'm looking forward to next month - Designer papers used on cards.
Enjoy!!

Well I can't get the images to upload, so I'll have to work on them more and hopefully be able to upload later. Sorry!!

WOW It's March already...

2009-03-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

Well I am totally amazed that it is March already. Time flies - whether you're having fun or not. I am uploading some pix of the card exchange I host every month. I'm a little slow, but I'll try to do better in the future.

Life is going along with lots of ups and downs. I will be glad when it warms up a bit and when the grass starts to come up and be green. I like to see the "new" of everything start to happening.

I am continually amazed at how awesome all the blogs I look at are, and I feel totally inept, but I'll keep at it until some kind soul reaches out and tries to teach me how to do things. I want to be able to post the specials from Stampin' Up!, but haven't figured out how to get them from my SU website over to this blog. I'll keep working on it. (Help Robin or Heather!!)

Well life is busy and I am learning daily how things happen even if we don't want them to. I am learning that we have to do the best we can, and then let God pick up the rest and bring us through.

One other GREAT thing. Yesterday was voice festival and my daughter's first time singing at it. Melanie has been fighting a cold, and so her voice wasn't in it's best form, but there wasn't anything she could do about it, so off we went. She sang her "least favorite" song first, and the judge was thrilled, then she went on to the next one. The judge was really impressed and gave her a "ticket" as one of the 6 best of the day from her, and told her they would be picking the best 2 from those six to come back that evening for a concert. Melanie had to work that night, so we told her teacher that even if she was picked she wouldn't be able to come. She was really honored that she would be given a slip. She left for work around 4:30 and her teacher called around 6 to let us know that she had been picked for the concert, but of course, she couldn't go. We were thrilled and she was so excited to be picked. By the way, she had gotten a superior. She had her recital on Thursday and did awesome at that also.

Well I have to get to bed, since work will come early tomorrow. I am going to the health fair blood draw before work so morning will come early. Have a great day.

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

Well, here we go. I am thankful to be starting a new year. My daughter said tonight, 2008 was the worst year of my life, I hope this year is better, and I can only echo those sentiments and say AMEN. I know there were some good things during 2008, but I can think of too many sad or bad things, so I'm ready to move on to better things!!

I am excited about my upcoming technique club projects. We are doing watercoloring in January and then we will be doing punches and embellishments in the next few months, and I'm not sure what else. It is so fun to go "browsing" stamp websites to find neat things to do. I am learning right along with my club members.

Of course, this month, Stampin' Up! is coming out with their new catalog. I'm not sure I like having 2 catalogs each year. It is taking some getting used to, and I sure have a harder time keeping up with everything. I kind of like just one catalog and several minis, but this seems to be how SU is thinking things are going in the industry.

I am happy to report that I was able to get the Christmas decorations put away, well almost all of them, I keep finding things here and there, but they are mostly taken care of. I even managed to get the computer desk, cleared and cleaned this week. Now I can start on something else. Today I worked on a couple of "coaster albums" for friends. I am still a little behind on finishing my Christmas presents. But I guess "better late than never" right? I think they are turning out really cute.

My daughter and I are going to try and tone and lose weight over the next several weeks - or months. We started by exercising today. Boy, do I feel it tonight!!! I hope we can stay motivated and on track. The next part is to get a menu set up that is healthy and can help us on our goals. She doesn't need to lose, just tone, but I need to lose. We are going to do a Biggest Loser program in our office starting next week, and I am hoping to actually lose about 30 pounds and get rid of my extra "rolls" around the middle. I know I'll look better and I know I'll feel better. And of course, then I'll have to get NEW CLOTHES!!!

Things are going well at our house. We have settled down into a nice routine, having our son here with us, and I am praying things will go well. I uphold the laws of the land, but sometimes they don't really seem to do what they are meant to do, and it's hard to not be angry.

Happy New Year!!

MY what a month!

2008-12-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
Well it has been quite a couple of weeks. I won't go into details, but we've had a very stressful situation. One of my children has been in jail and unfortunately had to spend Christmas there. We were able to bail him out the day after and he is now staying with us for a while. It is a long story and I'm sure will be a very long haul, but we are taking it one day at a time. We appreciate all the prayers and such that have been offered in our behalf.
Onto Christmas. I love it when we have snow, and we sure did this year, but we also had some wind and that makes it difficult to get places. We ended up kind of rushing the family Christmas Eve party so everyone would make it home afterwards. We didn't even go to Mom's for Christmas dinner the next day, as her driveway was totally buried. We just stayed at home and relaxed. It was kind of nice.
I think everyone was happy with the gifts they received and gave. It's always so fun to see what is given and satisfying to see the happy faces and excitement of the recipients. We actually got our cards out about 3 days before the holiday. Sad, considering they have been done for almost a month. Things just kind of fell apart that last week. But we hope everyone will enjoy them even if they were late.
My work was closed on the day after Christmas and that was nice, so I had 2 days afterwards to get things sort of back in order and take down decorations, etc. I still feel like things are in a disarray, but maybe on New Year's and then the Saturday afterwards I can finish putting the house back in order.
I am looking forward to some crafting time in the next few days. I need to get things ready for my technique club in january - we're doing water coloring projects. I wish I could figure out how to make better use of this blog to advertise and show my stamping stuff, but I'm not too fast at learning and I need to have more time to read all the "tips" out there to help dummies like me get it right.
Hope you are all having a wonderful holiday and that 2009 will be everything you could hope for. God Bless!!

December Already

2008-12-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, how time flies. It has been a very busy week, and the first 5 days of December are gone. I have great plans for all these cool hand-made items for gifts, but I'm not sure it's going to happen. Good thing I made my cards last month and they are ready to be sent out. I sent the first one today, and plan to address a bunch more tomorrow.
I am helping at the Burley Festival of trees tomorrow. Then I will be spending some time at my craft table trying to finish up more projects. I am trying to have a box of gifts made that can be grabbed and given at a moment's notice to people. I am excited about them. There are a few picture holders (sheet metal standing in a wooden stand) some cute little coaster calendars, some ornaments with rub-ons on them, and maybe some cinnamon stick santas.
Tonight was our church Christmas party. We had a nice dinner and a short program. Very nice and not too long. It is too cold and I wish it would snow so it would warm up a bit. Besides it's much easier to get in the Christmas spirit when there is snow outside.
Our puppy is NOT getting the idea of where to go "potty" and it is getting very discouraging. Too bad the people that had her, didn't let us have her a month sooner, so we could have worked on this when she was younger. I am not sure we are ever going to get her trained. It's sort of sad because when she wets or messes on the floor, and we scold her, she runs and jumps into her time-out box. But she still doesn't understand she should go outside to do her jobs.
I have to get busy filling up my Christmas Count-down book that Lois (my wonderful creative sister) made for me -upon condition that I would do SOMETHING with it!!! If I want other cool stuff I have to follow through on this.
I have finally decided I have to start my Christmas shopping, so I ordered something today for one of my daughters. The time is going fast, so I better keep working on this.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

Well, Thanksgiving is usually one of my favorite holidays, but today has been a rough day. I guess I have too many irons in the fire and I just hit melt down today. I've cried off and on all day, and I'm worn out. But...it didn't start out so bad. My brother's family is the major organizers for the Mini-Cassia Turkey Trot, (a 3-mile run in Paul on Thanksgiving morning every year (this is the third year)). I helped this morning with registration and then the after-race refreshment table. They had an awesome turnout and it was a good start to the day. I should be so diligent as to get in shape so I could run (or walk) next year. Not likely though.
All three of my sons were with us for part of today, and that is always nice. We don't see them nearly often enough and it's nice to catch up a little. The bad part is it means Christmas is right around the corner, and so we have to get going on the shopping. I'm not much of a shopper, so that's the part of Christmas I don't like. I do like making gifts and EATING the yummy things we all make for the holidays, but I DON'T like getting fatter as the days go by. Hum?, wonder where my will-power is?
I did finish my present today, and got a good start on another one, but can't post since they are for the girls I work with, and they may check out this blog?!!!! Maybe I'll get pix and post them right after I give them.
Our puppy is a slow learner and we can't seem to get her trained to go OUTSIDE to do her "jobs." It is a never-ending chore to try and catch her before the pees or poops on the floors throughout the house. I'm not sure I have what it's going to take to get her trained. She is so darn cute, it's hard to get mad at her, but I am discouraged. Anyone with some great ideas?
Hope you all have had a great day, and are looking forward to a great relaxing weekend.

WOW!!

2008-11-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

Well Friday came and Melanie finally got her new puppy - that she didn't know she was getting. Calissa has kept this secret so well - way to go!! The puppy is cute as can be, and she named her Bella - wonder where that came from (Twilight?!!) See cute pix with this post.

I figured that to be fair I should post a pix of the 2 kittens we have living at our house right now also. One is Jenna's and one is Ryan's. These are brother and sister and all three pets are learning to get along and even eat at the same bowl. Pretty amazing.

Today is Jacob's birthday - wow big 23! We had a nice lasagne lunch and most of the family and a few friends came. Sean wasn't able to make it and we missed he and Heatherly. Maybe they can come next time.

I wish I had a pix of Jenna last night at the game. Minico's football team is in the playoffs and so last night the HS and both Jr High's cheerleaders did a great show at half time. Jenna is a flyer and so she was right up on top of the formations during the stunting. She was awesome. Unfortunately, being the "not bright techie" that I am, I didn't check the camera before I went and the memory card wasn't in it, and the small memory that is built in was full, so NO PIX. I better do better next time. The stunts were really good though and we were proud of her. The only down side is that she fell before the game when they were practicing and her neck is pretty sore today. She's spent quite a bit of time with the bed-buddy on her neck. But she'll be fine and keep cheering, because she loves it.

Day After Elections - BLAH

2008-11-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

OK, so I so disappointed in the election results. I have kids that are on both sides of the fence, and I'm wondering how that happened. But I just hope they stay interested in politics and study the issues and now what they are voting for and that they do VOTE. I think we are going to see some amazing things happen over the next several years and I hope our country comes through with flying colors - RED< WHITE & BLUE!!

We had fun at Young Women's tonight covering clipboards for the girls. I think most of them had fun and they made some really darling clipboards. Too bad I didn't remember my camera so I could show you how creative these girls are. WOW!!

Time to go to bed, this is way too late for my Old Body to be up!!

One More Thing

2008-11-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

Here is one more card and tag that I really love. The stamp set is called Winter Post and is from the Holiday Mini catalog from Stampinp Up! It is sort of old-fashioned and I love the feelings it evokes of simpler times. I wish I would be able to live then even though the work was much more physically demanding. They had more grace and in a way, more refinement than we do now. Oh well, such is life.

Halloween Pix and last Craft night pix

2008-11-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well finally I managed to get the pix of the girls dressed in their Halloween finery uploaded. Melanie was Aerwen, the elf princess from Lord of the Rings. Jenna was a princess also. Of course they were both beautiful and they truly are my princesses. I just love them both.

BUT, I'm glad Halloween is over and we can move on to Thanksgiving and then Christmas. I am excited for both of those holidays this year. I usually dread the decorating and the shopping and the eating, but I am kind of anxious to start this year for some reason. It certainly isn't because we have any money to go shopping with, but that's OK. It will work out anyway.

I also finished my last project from the family craft night and took a pix. I really like the way it turned out. I will still have to put a dowell across the top so we can hang it up. I am excited about it and the other projects and say thanks again to everyone that came and brought such fun stuff to do.

Now, we're into November, so it's time to start working on "the gifts" for the people at the office. We came upon a great idea on Heather's (YEAH Heather) website for Super Saturday, so we are shamelessly taking it and doing it! I can't tell you what it is yet, but I'll show you when one is finished. There are 17 people in our office and believe me it is hard to come up with something wonderful and unique each year and within the budget. Last year, the 3 secretaries made coaster calendars for everyone's desks. They were adorable (of course) and some of them have been used and some have been on January all year, unless we change them ourselves. So this year, we were wondering what we could do. I promise to share very soon!!

I hate the time changes back and forth between DST and regular time. It just doesn't really make sense to me. We have so many hours of daylight and so much darkness. I don't think it really matters whether we "save" any or not, so why not leave the clocks along - and my poor old body clock and just go with it!!

Tomorrow is election day!! I hope everyone votes and I pray that whoever wins will truly love America and put the country's best interests ahead of anything else!! It is a scary time!!

Pix from Craft Night and Christmas Card & Tag Exchange

2008-10-30T21:59:00.000-06:00

I finally managed to get some pix taken tonight of the cards/tags I did for the card exchange last month, and of the projects we did at the family craft night last week. There was one more project, but I'm not quite finished with it. I'll post it later.
Most of the last few nights have been spent trying to make sure the girls had halloween costumes that would work for tomorrow. I never did like Halloween, so it hasn't been too fun. Thank goodness for Aunt Margene - the wonder seamstress. She can make about anything if you just show her a picture, so thus we have Aerwen - the Elf princess from Lord of the Rings. I hope to have a pix tomorrow, when Melanie actually gets totally ready. Jenna is going as a princess also, in a dress that Aunt Margene - once again to the rescue - made for a dance night last year for Melanie. In the morning when they get ready, we'll take some pix and I'll post them over the weekend.

So work has been really slow lately, and it is driving me nuts to be there, when I could be home crafting - or maybe cleaning house. I guess tomorrow night between Trick-or-Treaters, I'll have to get the cleaning done, so it isn't too scary for our Stamp-A-Stack attendees on Saturday. I am excited for that and the cute cards we are doing.

I am thrilled that the price of gas is crawling slowly but steadily down. I just hope it doesn't shoot back up after the election next week. It is nice to not have to spend a fortune to fill up these days. I drive the old rattle-trap Honda in the family, but it gets the best gas mileage. I keep trying to encourage Melanie to give my car back and for her to drive the Honda, but no go. She hates the rattles, and the standard transmission. oh well, she will have to drive it at some point.

Family Craft Night

2008-10-26T21:25:00.000-06:00

Well on Friday night our family had a craft night. We had 5 projects and they were all very cute, fun and not too hard. I have most of mine done, and will try to post pix later this week. Of course, what would a get together be without FOOD!! Everyone brought fun things to eat and we enjoyed that immensely.
On Saturday I puttered around trying to get the house cleaned up and then do laundry. We made a trip to Walmart and got a new chair for the computer. Now we all have to sit up straight at the computer - not sure that was a smart move.
Today was church and it is always nice to relax and renew there. Of course, there's many things to do also and so it's a busy day.
Now the day is over and it's time to hit the sack and get some rest for the upcoming week.

Christmas Stamp-A-Stack

2008-10-20T20:59:00.000-06:00

Well I'm so excited about the Stamp-A-Stack I am doing with 2 other demos on Nov 1. It will be so fun, and the cards are just too cute.
I am also excited about technique club this week. We are going to use the Big Shot on each of our projects. I think they are fun and I LOVE the Big Shot!! It is so easy to use and Stampin' Up! has such cute dies.
So how are you feeling about the upcoming election? I am still not too thrilled about our choices and am not sure what to do. I feel strongly that we should all vote, but how to decide? Is it going to make a big different? Where are we headed as a country? It is sort of scary to think about it, and I am prone to feel like I am not ready for what may be coming. I was not too thrilled with my 401K statement last week - let's see if we can work for about a million more years, we may be able to retire!! Not a pretty picture. I hope the market comes back or my girls won't have any college funds at all.
Now to the good stuff!! I love chocolate and I like that our boss brings candy during October - which we are suppoed to give out to any kids that come in, but which we manage to eat!! I hate that we are supposed to dress up, but it might be worth it for the chocolate. I'll decide later!!
I am taking a community class on Photoshop Elements - and I feel totally stupid. We have had 2 classes and have 2 more, and I better kick into high gear, because I sure am not feeling very smart, but I love the things the teacher can do with the program. It was my birthday present and my girls can do all kinds of things with it, but I am lucky to resize my scans, and pull up a pix from the camera and look at it. I am crossing my fingers that I can get way better in the next 2 weeks. If I do, then I'll post my cool pix I have "fixed."

Another Week gone

2008-10-19T00:26:00.000-06:00

Where does the time go? It seems like school just started and it is already the middle of October or a little past. Fall is upon us and winter is fast approaching. But I still need to a/c sometimes. I was able to spend some time crafting this week, and especially today. It was fun, and I managed to get my exchanges almost completed and the card samples for our Stamp-A-Stack done and posted to my SU website. If you are interested in coming, go there and check it out and call me to sign up. You won't be sorry. (http://janahernstamps.stampinup.net/)

I don't know why I'm still up, except the laundry is just finishing and so then I can hit the hay. Church is early tomorrow - at 9AM, but it's nice to be done by noon. I plan to relax in the afternoon, visit Lois and take a nap and read or something. We'll make a fun treat, and watch a movie.

I did a couple of 6X6 scrapbook pages today of the girls and they are just too cute. The girls and the pages!!!

Oh My

2008-10-16T18:32:00.000-06:00

Well my admiration for bloggers is growing by leaps and bounds as I try to figure this out. I guess it is probably easier than figuring out who to vote for in a few weeks though. I got a cute email the other day that poked fun at all candidates and how they are smooth and charismatic during the campaign but change after the election. I liked it alot, but it doesn't help me make a good informed decision.

I am wondering this week, if I will ever have a slow relaxing week again - maybe when I'm old and sit around in a rocking chair all day?!! It seems as though time just continually speeds up and I have a harder time keeping up with all I should be doing. A friend of mine from church is going to Hawaii for the next 10 days, and I would love to join her - doesn't that sound nice? Especially after the 15" of snow we got last Saturday. I can just picture white sand beaches and waves, palm trees, and sunsets...ah...that sounds so lovely.

Well since I can't go to Hawaii, I guess I'll go downstairs to my craft room and work on some Christmas Cards for a Stamp-A-Stack I'm doing November 1. If you want more info about that go to my Stampin' Up! website at this link: http://janahernstamps.stampinup.net

Have a great day!!

SNOW

2008-10-13T07:04:00.000-06:00

Well, what a weekend! We got about 14 inches of snow on Saturday. It was beautiful, but so surprising for this early in the year. It was starting to melt a lot by yesterday. I am glad the roads are clearing off. Well it will be a busy week, and I wish all of you the best.

2008-10-12T18:42:00.000-06:00

Well here is the beginning of my blog. I have resisted doing this because I have so little time, but my daughters thought it would be fun, so we'll try it.

We will all learn together, how to do this.

*~Just Janell~*

Catching Up

July Almost Gone

Oh My, How Time Flies

End of April Special

April is Here

Almost here

It really is Marry March

MARRY MARCH

February Exchange cards

Puppies are Growing

More Valentine type samples

Eight is Enough?

A couple more Filled with Love cards

Filled with Love Cards

Christmas 2010

How Patriotic Are You?

November Thankfulness

Well, I think I've lost about a month

Wow, September is almost here

More Accomplished today

Working on some fun items

July Exchanges and Music Camp

July is HERE!!

New Creative Projects

Well I think Summer finally arrived!!

May almost over, card exchange

4 Girls & A Dream Fall Retreat has openings

Tagged

May Already

Completed Retreat Items

Retreat was a success!!

March Card exchange

Some fun stampin' Samples

December Exchanges, 2010 Card Exchange Themes, Retreats

Opps!!

A White Christmas?

Wow, it's a sale at Stampin' Up!

No.2 in November

Already November

Stampin' Up! - Deals of the Week #4

Stampin' Up! - Deals of the Week #3

Stampin' Up! - Deals of the Week

Card Exchanges for September

October brings Fall Weather

WOW, how the time flies

August Card Exchange Posted

Lots Done

How does time go so fast?

A Few Wedding Pix

AHHHH...we survived

One Day to Wedding

Decorating the Bedroom

Creative Projects Detail

Creative Projects Detail

Creative Projects Detail

Here We Go

More Crafty Things

Summer has finally come

Wednesday - Hump Day

Jacob Called

I DID IT

June is Here

WOW It's March already...

Happy New Year 2009

MY what a month!

December Already

Thanksgiving

WOW!!

Day After Elections - BLAH

One More Thing

Halloween Pix and last Craft night pix

Pix from Craft Night and Christmas Card & Tag Exchange

Family Craft Night

Christmas Stamp-A-Stack

Another Week gone

Oh My

SNOW

~Just Janell~