tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-136805312024-03-07T13:23:45.056-05:00Just Another Mom's Eye ViewMusings, ponderables and assorted ramblings of a wife, mom, teacher, scrapper and stamper.StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-146190647433880002009-03-08T13:46:00.000-05:002009-03-08T13:47:02.331-05:00Merged BlogsFor some reason, my Shelly Knits blog has always worked better.<br /><br />I will be updating there instead of here.<br /><br />Join me at www.shellyknits.blogspot.com<br /><br />Thanks!StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-91384464294582260792009-03-07T12:26:00.002-05:002009-03-07T12:43:52.757-05:00All Right Already! I stink at blogging!I have no excuse except that things got a little bit crazy at the beginning of the year. Here's the Reader's Digest Condensed Version:<br /><br />*Started school at SCC (local community college)to pursue degree in nursing<br />*Loved school, doing great, very busy!<br />*Found out I was a high school drop out (shorter version-California and SCC can't seem to get along)<br />*Got kicked out of SCC<br />*Hate SCC and their lack of Customer Relations and stupid non-logical bureaucracy<br />*Took FL GED<br />*Still hate SCC, etc...<br />*Will be waiting on GED results for 8-12 weeks so I can be a high school graduate once again.<br />*After I get the results back, I'll have to decide just how bad I hate SCC and if I want to go back or go elsewhere that is way more expensive.<br /><br />I sound bitter, don't I? I'm getting over it a little.<br /><br /><br />On the knitting front, I've got lots of projects going! I have finally fallen into the black hole that is Ravelry. I could look at patterns for months there. Could be the reason for my serious case of startitis. Currently on the needles and being worked on (the ignore pile is way to big to list) are 2 baby blankets (charity for hospital)and feather and fan shawl made from Euroflax and a Branching Out lace scarf made from Kidlin.<br /><br />For some reason, blogger won't let me post a pic. What's up with that?<br />Better a post with no pic than no post at all I suppose...StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-60623578245464901562008-12-27T21:01:00.013-05:002008-12-27T21:31:41.039-05:00Reason for the long stretch between posts...Or also titled "I've been knitting constantly since November!"<br /><br />*Warning-this will be a picture heavy post!*<br /><br />I knitted a lot of Christmas gifts this year. These were all knitted from stash so no immediate cash outlay. You might call it a stash busting Christmas. Yippee!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07os3hQOLhY6wLdsfdiGWwtAsfCZB9iR4GUV9zEdintrPvoxO31JxnWO00g6mTMtyWjaPSYo0UBQgGt0T9x-vCzm7u1UeXxVxHR_hRQP17PWKnFDBMTvW4sR-z-YqkpJI8c6rJQ/s1600-h/100_0431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07os3hQOLhY6wLdsfdiGWwtAsfCZB9iR4GUV9zEdintrPvoxO31JxnWO00g6mTMtyWjaPSYo0UBQgGt0T9x-vCzm7u1UeXxVxHR_hRQP17PWKnFDBMTvW4sR-z-YqkpJI8c6rJQ/s320/100_0431.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284656094276560514" /></a><br />These are slippers for my grandma in her favorite color, purple. This is a pattern that she knitted for us for years. I found it on the internet, ironically called "Grandmother's Slippers". Go figure.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4R0Lt5pCkKbjCV3VsOrODIBQd81q0CeBEZ_JvDbgIyuZrJ-dfV3fjUwBvbGQZMXGQUc0M9tB8-9yJ1oxRK8CmtMEBtkpSrUYP98ZEC5uKuOzInWf_6P5gMK-SvKe57K_t5TedBg/s1600-h/100_0433.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4R0Lt5pCkKbjCV3VsOrODIBQd81q0CeBEZ_JvDbgIyuZrJ-dfV3fjUwBvbGQZMXGQUc0M9tB8-9yJ1oxRK8CmtMEBtkpSrUYP98ZEC5uKuOzInWf_6P5gMK-SvKe57K_t5TedBg/s320/100_0433.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284657091350064210" /></a><br />This is a camo cap for Parker. Generic hat pattern. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mM2MHUBvmahyphenhyphen3xI1zHgH6ElBIXGEscAb6GwJXofn1YfRmtUkK7votPU6S_BQM-RMPFi4zPXy3eTo5SSgkvlP3Z-j381UVsdiQVkn75bUtvBggYSEJ1lS9pI_CrG36ZEcHzr_xg/s1600-h/100_0434.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mM2MHUBvmahyphenhyphen3xI1zHgH6ElBIXGEscAb6GwJXofn1YfRmtUkK7votPU6S_BQM-RMPFi4zPXy3eTo5SSgkvlP3Z-j381UVsdiQVkn75bUtvBggYSEJ1lS9pI_CrG36ZEcHzr_xg/s320/100_0434.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284657523747510610" /></a><br />Brown wool hat for Pete, again generic hat pattern. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26iFbkxLWojD4DzjPBQ3ZyBKQTJgakwi-s-cI9pi9ZDbMaAh4-YJTGFt1MACrCF_4MzZCEVFe0j2oPhyTHei_RVzFn6-7uytZFJjVaT159H9J1Yt5oPcHgZeHpz7gusPdvnXIbQ/s1600-h/100_0435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26iFbkxLWojD4DzjPBQ3ZyBKQTJgakwi-s-cI9pi9ZDbMaAh4-YJTGFt1MACrCF_4MzZCEVFe0j2oPhyTHei_RVzFn6-7uytZFJjVaT159H9J1Yt5oPcHgZeHpz7gusPdvnXIbQ/s320/100_0435.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284658160213591874" /></a><br />Feather and Fan scarf and generic hat pattern for Lilli.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpLPGpx2uGfdR2GfNG3gvh2kKGgkukXLcox6lJ3EfxN11BKAFUqLN2W6Ldx67QiB2L2DnKeL2yBKU3hSlV3nmQSVVVAX5DaXCjjVO2P3yQGtIhduen__R9vSdqGGKuRf6QkVKXg/s1600-h/100_0436.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpLPGpx2uGfdR2GfNG3gvh2kKGgkukXLcox6lJ3EfxN11BKAFUqLN2W6Ldx67QiB2L2DnKeL2yBKU3hSlV3nmQSVVVAX5DaXCjjVO2P3yQGtIhduen__R9vSdqGGKuRf6QkVKXg/s320/100_0436.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284658572971386610" /></a><br />Feather and Fan scarf and generic hat for Katelyn.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWY-l3-7KkdGg7lIfnF3BKNGIDvrwmQ8Vqc3D8DZKoy8cgm-IH2lWXuiEJ_KA3qvvI7lhkOxnfOZvK6CWN77dmHcppHOrieFp_O8UWBdyGMUiW2Ix-sB_fOd-O06JU1UHgM-44xw/s1600-h/100_0437.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWY-l3-7KkdGg7lIfnF3BKNGIDvrwmQ8Vqc3D8DZKoy8cgm-IH2lWXuiEJ_KA3qvvI7lhkOxnfOZvK6CWN77dmHcppHOrieFp_O8UWBdyGMUiW2Ix-sB_fOd-O06JU1UHgM-44xw/s320/100_0437.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284658987795193474" /></a><br />Green and Purple nubby scarf with fringe for my neice Sara.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkjj9am7T20xeWWhq1RK5iSgsV8qjthS83hXkHKFCNo6OPPHK7NDzphCHDZUV7waWEfGcF9MlHH8nNJex7FMNGuBGev1KoHNd-SDsu2fuswGpSBojaXBWYb6_pqvA0rdGk6E6VA/s1600-h/100_0438.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkjj9am7T20xeWWhq1RK5iSgsV8qjthS83hXkHKFCNo6OPPHK7NDzphCHDZUV7waWEfGcF9MlHH8nNJex7FMNGuBGev1KoHNd-SDsu2fuswGpSBojaXBWYb6_pqvA0rdGk6E6VA/s320/100_0438.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284659413384157842" /></a><br />Dishtowel for my sister.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v7w5GNhRLzWCx-peyNPbliCfO33hbUfrJIxYwB06dXZGTUZuk1dhSyDBF5S22P74tEEBzJb6O9OsdzkogbsMi83J3QKDPKfdpCuXJkneJI123qcOsGWatCn_yDQ9PsoLB86VBg/s1600-h/100_0439.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v7w5GNhRLzWCx-peyNPbliCfO33hbUfrJIxYwB06dXZGTUZuk1dhSyDBF5S22P74tEEBzJb6O9OsdzkogbsMi83J3QKDPKfdpCuXJkneJI123qcOsGWatCn_yDQ9PsoLB86VBg/s320/100_0439.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284659963570777042" /></a><br />Brown and cream garter stitch scarf and generic brown hat for my nephew Jordan.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZG9D_tqGYWsLMl5Em6lvjf8IC8yBHP58ocwprsY4vM6HhZV362zoPBiXkdDr81oE0LTtNawcr7ZdLljGcC5G_tWcxkCRbaeq3ZXYDomXyMs1Mjt6PrIjkqQ0Mxy470JHlvu4xDQ/s1600-h/100_0440.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZG9D_tqGYWsLMl5Em6lvjf8IC8yBHP58ocwprsY4vM6HhZV362zoPBiXkdDr81oE0LTtNawcr7ZdLljGcC5G_tWcxkCRbaeq3ZXYDomXyMs1Mjt6PrIjkqQ0Mxy470JHlvu4xDQ/s320/100_0440.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284660669912826434" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpn7EhwirzvvNEmSmDwTWMLZgC08e1Yt1mBcc8Ijyg7bfGoCT_huoS_8ba9k00jJiWjyd2WQ56PxZdpOaZO3ckeYRlXv88haY4L1oflRIAQr0lNoaHqq_wId9wUMXtaNRVY9alCw/s1600-h/100_0432.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpn7EhwirzvvNEmSmDwTWMLZgC08e1Yt1mBcc8Ijyg7bfGoCT_huoS_8ba9k00jJiWjyd2WQ56PxZdpOaZO3ckeYRlXv88haY4L1oflRIAQr0lNoaHqq_wId9wUMXtaNRVY9alCw/s320/100_0432.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284660659106564258" /></a><br />Pink seed stitch scarf and hat and 5 baby doll hats for my neice Kendall.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdqmdthKe1C5FpHw4xSyCVymZkH2wfj32FiDzAlH2s5xTp3cxy4KQaVJDhmNC5UHfDbGTlynabpaX2d1ETDH3mAO9VOkwPT8qw1L3ixeiUKU9Zvf-pTQOLDDB58N3x1ajfOOl2A/s1600-h/DSC_5283.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdqmdthKe1C5FpHw4xSyCVymZkH2wfj32FiDzAlH2s5xTp3cxy4KQaVJDhmNC5UHfDbGTlynabpaX2d1ETDH3mAO9VOkwPT8qw1L3ixeiUKU9Zvf-pTQOLDDB58N3x1ajfOOl2A/s320/DSC_5283.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284661867146044290" /></a><br />Kendall and Jordan (neice and nephew) graciously modeling said handknits (and making their aunt ever so happy and proud!)<br /><br />So now I'm past all my deadline and stealth knitting. What's on the needles now? A feather and fan scarf in raspberry Euroflax for me. Also starting 3 matching hat and scarf sets (mother and daughters) for a friend of my sisters in a pumpkin color. Always glad to have a project on the needles.StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-2041365955251565062008-12-27T20:36:00.003-05:002008-12-27T20:59:42.040-05:00Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm5C-Xh6dymehg023zoT84OYAbdHSBM6SL4C4P5HW4Yx3Ksx9aLUeTEWwfjyh5-rmlCa34LWZcG-H6V6h4hUz-3uLsqU85qkp5Fsy6-zdrT-lixUV0VYbq6Hke1828XJurYgi9A/s1600-h/100_0460.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm5C-Xh6dymehg023zoT84OYAbdHSBM6SL4C4P5HW4Yx3Ksx9aLUeTEWwfjyh5-rmlCa34LWZcG-H6V6h4hUz-3uLsqU85qkp5Fsy6-zdrT-lixUV0VYbq6Hke1828XJurYgi9A/s320/100_0460.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284649745588169426" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-qqd5iRL8LKSkVpDsh4Q0ifFHyr85pfCAXL-3K2lBc6xqpiNS5-0upDAhkUYRtQ7fopOQMkS7YTRIr4KGazqVhxs5S_98VfLetdWvIjhFxJ7mvtclWkLFnCiJhUeJjywaAlPeg/s1600-h/100_0459.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-qqd5iRL8LKSkVpDsh4Q0ifFHyr85pfCAXL-3K2lBc6xqpiNS5-0upDAhkUYRtQ7fopOQMkS7YTRIr4KGazqVhxs5S_98VfLetdWvIjhFxJ7mvtclWkLFnCiJhUeJjywaAlPeg/s320/100_0459.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284649737431117938" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohqnsQ0DMkucB2RL45mHqg9zDCewfD8tuarhADL5CUaTm6lf21aXZV5UNX6REfdPFIgrnKaEcdKAr72sRhNyTOVZRkfv7KuyHODgX3-cVtgTrHWgcvKAJuRYjvJJMvYQLuishsg/s1600-h/100_0458.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohqnsQ0DMkucB2RL45mHqg9zDCewfD8tuarhADL5CUaTm6lf21aXZV5UNX6REfdPFIgrnKaEcdKAr72sRhNyTOVZRkfv7KuyHODgX3-cVtgTrHWgcvKAJuRYjvJJMvYQLuishsg/s320/100_0458.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284649720970060610" /></a><br />We are very blessed. These are my children holding their favorite presents. And this is before we went to Gramsy's house and does not include cash. (which is ALWAYS a favorite gift, especially to teens).<br /><br />We spent Christmas Eve day together. We had Lasagna and Broccoli for dinner. Went to CCC's Christmas Eve service and then spent time afterward with friends at a bonfire out our house complete with s'mores. Despite the drizzle, a good time was had by all. Traditionally the kids open one present on Christmas Eve which is always pajamas. This year was no exception. Lilli woke us up promptly at 8 am (as promised, even though she says she woke up at 6:58). The gifts were attacked and enjoyed. A new tradition this year was for everyone to write a letter to each member of the family and place it in their stocking. I loved this and will likely continue this tradition. Then we had orange rolls, fruit salad and real thick cut bacon (we usually eat turkey bacon only). We relaxed and enjoyed gifts until we went to my sister's house. We ate, opened more gifts, ate some more, played guitar hero and ate some more. A great time was had by all.<br /><br />I will conclude this post with quite possibly my favorite gift ever. A scrapbook made by Katelyn. Love this.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO6uotgRuK6cI7UWFkwjiqpJLPM4mnHTUynNpgA34g5a7Z0ekq505UqRjb-B-BtoIHMj_KeQwJ7NKSSYwy48EnHe2w6Z40HpyIofoiiGxpvCz2b9npHB49oVjmmnu8qA4Wfd3Xw/s1600-h/100_0457.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO6uotgRuK6cI7UWFkwjiqpJLPM4mnHTUynNpgA34g5a7Z0ekq505UqRjb-B-BtoIHMj_KeQwJ7NKSSYwy48EnHe2w6Z40HpyIofoiiGxpvCz2b9npHB49oVjmmnu8qA4Wfd3Xw/s320/100_0457.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284654095284900354" /></a>StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-2505733412686375852008-12-01T22:11:00.003-05:002008-12-01T22:15:44.922-05:00Subway Gift Card Giveaway<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80OXJJCQKo2JAOE3gyMJtmI0R5Q_MnYm6JTL45oSeztH9ZRsEIXdHf_Waxgg-6zuBmfw3qNpf2YoOxBpyawg-PA0S9pfvhWZP5E-aaxuhRHPvsnw6UIxR2zDeNIFi6BZaZS6eWw/s1600-h/Subway_Logo_Large.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 93px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80OXJJCQKo2JAOE3gyMJtmI0R5Q_MnYm6JTL45oSeztH9ZRsEIXdHf_Waxgg-6zuBmfw3qNpf2YoOxBpyawg-PA0S9pfvhWZP5E-aaxuhRHPvsnw6UIxR2zDeNIFi6BZaZS6eWw/s320/Subway_Logo_Large.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275025280466940242" /></a><br />I'm a regular reader over at The "Centsable" Sawyer. Lots of great tips/ideas there. <br />Anyway, she's giving away a $15 Subway gift card. Go now and check it out!<br />http://thecentsiblesawyer.blogspot.com/2008/12/subway-give-away.htmlStampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-995425952871204412008-11-30T17:40:00.003-05:002008-11-30T17:49:58.017-05:00November Stamping<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_euSE-BqyIdHAuG7v7GbvMV9nOw6nax9MKuTsk-0YjnIdcqkexPiBlvRfNoPEpQnkxryu3P2G8TAwJSZB3abzXmMiyYzPwSMOO_pwGESg5yh7LwTrDWFtO5D_bvXZFtyb9L2pg/s1600-h/100_0420.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_euSE-BqyIdHAuG7v7GbvMV9nOw6nax9MKuTsk-0YjnIdcqkexPiBlvRfNoPEpQnkxryu3P2G8TAwJSZB3abzXmMiyYzPwSMOO_pwGESg5yh7LwTrDWFtO5D_bvXZFtyb9L2pg/s320/100_0420.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274585631246270562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsRt0tHWoWwKL76sBv5Xk5YQnvmYNBhzL38lJJ8298amD6QSP4385a0s5MawJ3M0rmbya50dtNbxDJeo7JPvNikFnui4A8BvZAjcR2ZbuRs46AnVbmXT39_gln8KtJcAtbAAzdg/s1600-h/100_0421.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsRt0tHWoWwKL76sBv5Xk5YQnvmYNBhzL38lJJ8298amD6QSP4385a0s5MawJ3M0rmbya50dtNbxDJeo7JPvNikFnui4A8BvZAjcR2ZbuRs46AnVbmXT39_gln8KtJcAtbAAzdg/s320/100_0421.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274585621122768802" /></a><br />Okay, I slacked off on the blogging quite a bit last week, but I was busy!<br /><br />Pete sent out about 60 business Thanksgiving cards and I'm pleased to say I made each one of them. I will confess however that I totally copied cards from Linda Heller's Stamping School. If you are not a member you should be! Great video tutorials added every week. Love it. So much easier than losing hours at a time at splitcoast. (nothing against splitcoast, it's just a time black hole for me)<br /><br />Also I made up a batch of gift card holders for Lake Mary Jazzercise. The pattern/directions for these are also at Stamping School (www.stampingschool.com) and they are easy peasy!<br /><br />Next post will be a knitting update. Yes, I've been in a knitting frenzy and will need to keep it up to accomplish all my Christmas gift knitting.StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-82986533581204406922008-11-26T07:33:00.003-05:002008-11-26T07:43:33.560-05:00A List...I saw this list on someone else's blog and decided it would be fun to steal it for my blog! (Thanks Dawn!) You are supposed to bold the things you have done. Going along with my blessing theme, look at all these blessings! Wow!<br /><br /><strong>1. Started your own blog <br />2. Slept under the stars<br />3. Played in a band ....at school </strong><br />4. Visited Hawaii<br /><strong>5. Watched a meteor shower<br />6. Given more than you can afford to charity<br />7. Been to Disneyland /world<br />8. Climbed a mountain<br />9. Held a praying mantis </strong><br /><strong>10. Sang a solo</strong><br />11. Bungee jumped <br /><br /><strong>12. Visited Paris</strong><br />13. Watched a lightning storm at sea<br /><strong>14. Taught yourself an art from scratch</strong><br />15. Adopted a child<br /><strong>16. Had food poisoning</strong> <br />17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty <br /><strong>18. Grown your own vegetables </strong><br /><strong>19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France</strong><br />20. Slept on an overnight train<br /><strong>21. Had a pillow fight</strong><br />22. Hitch hiked<br /><strong>23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill</strong><br /><strong>24. Built a snow fort<br />25. Held a lamb</strong><br />26. Gone skinny dipping<br />27. Run a Marathon<br />28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice<br /><strong>29. Seen a total eclipse<br />30. Watched a sunrise or sunset</strong><br />31. Hit a home run<br /><strong>32. Been on a cruise</strong><br />33. Seen Niagara Falls in person<br /><strong>34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors<br />35. Seen an Amish community</strong><br />36. Taught yourself a new language<br /><strong>37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied</strong><br />38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person<br />39. Gone rock climbing <br /><strong>40. Seen Michelangelos David</strong><br /><strong>41. Sung karaoke<br />42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt</strong><br />43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant<br />44. Visited Africa<br /><strong>45. Walked on a beach by moonlight<br />46. Been transported in an ambulance</strong><br />47. Had your portrait painted <br />48. Gone deep sea fishing<br />49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person<br /><strong>50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris<br />51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling</strong><br /><strong>52. Kissed in the rain<br />53. Played in the mud<br />54. Gone to a drive-in theater </strong><br />55. Been in a movie<br />56. Visited the Great Wall of China<br /><strong>57. Started a business</strong><br /><strong>58. Taken a martial arts class</strong><br />59. Visited Russia<br /><strong>60. Served at a soup kitchen<br />61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies</strong><br />62. Gone whale watching<br /><strong>63. Got flowers for no reason<br />64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma</strong><br />65. Gone sky diving<br /><br />66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp<br /><strong>67. Bounced a check</strong><br />68. Flown in a helicopter<br /><strong>69. Saved a favorite childhood toy<br />70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial<br />71. Eaten Caviar</strong><br />72. Pieced a quilt<br /><br /><strong>73. Stood in Times Square </strong><br /><br /><br />74. Toured the Everglades<br />75. Been fired from a job<br />76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London<br /><strong>77. Broken a bone</strong><br />78. Been on a speeding motorcycle<br /><strong>79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person</strong><br />80. Published a book<br />81. Visited the Vatican<br /><strong>82. Bought a brand new car</strong><br />83. Walked in Jerusalem<br /><strong>84. Had your picture in the newspaper<br />85. Read the entire Bible<br />86. Visited the White House</strong><br />87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating<br /><strong>88. Had chickenpox<br />89. Saved someone's life<br />90. Sat on a jury<br />91. Met someone famous</strong><br /><strong>92. Joined a book club<br />93. Lost a loved one<br />94. Had a baby</strong><br />95. Seen the Alamo in person<br /><strong>96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake<br />97. Been involved in a law suit<br />98. Owned a cell phone<br />99. Been stung by a bee<br />100. Read an entire book in one day </strong>StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-45717374691930847222008-11-25T13:16:00.001-05:002008-11-25T13:16:43.813-05:00Way too much fun!<div style='background-color:#e9e9e9; width: 425px;'><object id='A897342' quality='high' data='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=IObDuxZX5w76fS3o&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='transparent' height='319' width='425'><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><param name='movie' value='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=IObDuxZX5w76fS3o&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='scaleMode' value='showAll'></param><param name='quality' value='high'></param><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='FlashVars' value='external_make_id=IObDuxZX5w76fS3o&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param></object><div style='text-align:center; width:435px; margin-top:6px;'>Send your own <a href='http://www.elfyourself.com'>ElfYourself</a> <a href='http://sendables.jibjab.com/sendables'>eCards</a></div></div><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTIyNzYzNjg5MzQ2OCZwdD*xMjI3NjM3MDM1NTAwJnA9NDE4ODEzJmQ9MjAyNjc1Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTImdD*mbz*5NWJhNGI*NDM4NzE*YmMwYWZlZGE4MDQ1Njc1ZjU*ZQ==.gif" />StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-62968360868290586092008-11-25T09:07:00.001-05:002008-11-25T09:08:46.085-05:00Today's Blessing Count Remains High...The freezer (although it's insulted with only bread and a few assorted odd ball things to keep cold) is still chugging away at 20 degrees.<br /><br />Water Heater is still working hard, but hanging in there!<br /><br />The surviving turkey (survived the freezer incident of 08) who was left alone in the dark all nite to defrost did not fit in my crockpot! Horrors. What? That doesn't sound like a blessing? Well my oven (that has been dead except for the stove top) suddenly decided to rise (in temperature) to the occasion! Said surviving turkey is enjoying warmer climates (shh.... don't speak of his fate!).<br /><br />Lastly, yesterday ended so productively, that this morning there is clear white space on my desk top (signifying lack of paperwork, bills, etc). Sweet!<br /><br />All these blessings and it is only 9am.StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-50263989374687284582008-11-24T17:30:00.001-05:002008-11-24T17:33:46.565-05:00Developing an Attitude of GratitudeOur sermon yesterday was about having an attitude of gratitude. I'll admit straight up that I'm not very good at that. It is a habit that I really need to develop.<br /><br />So this weekend was looking like a complete and total disaster. I had a lot of work to do for the business, had a whooping sinus headache, our freezer alarm starts going off (with a freezer FULL of meat I just picked up from Angelfood ministries) and the water heater appears to be on the fritz. I'm thinking about our Pastor's words and really trying to adjust my grumbling attitude. At best I can say that I didn't complain out loud. I went to bed with a very heavy heart last night, but prayed myself to sleep. Do you think God minds when you fall asleep in the middle of a convo? I hope not.<br /><br />I get up this morning and my sinuses are worse. The freezer alarm is going off and I have a desk full of bills to sort to even see the top of my desk. It could be worse I tell myself. I have a desk. I have a computer. Heck, I've got Facebook even. Pete takes Lilli to school for me. Blessing! He makes me cheese toast=yum! Blessing (so not So. Beach friendly, oh well)! I sort some more. I make a dent. I call the Sears repairman for the freezer. He can come today. Blessing! I make more headway on the paperwork. Blessing!<br /><br />Then the repairman comes... (cue the music from Jaws). In my freezer (which was alarming at 20 degrees, everything is frozen, but not optimally) I have 3 eleven pound turkeys (2 really cheap from Aldi's, one free from Angelfood), steaks, 10 pounds of chicken breasts, ribs, pork chops, 2 roasts, and much more. I'm not counting the bread, veggies, popsicles, etc. So the repairman comes in, takes a look, mutters, looks in his computer, mutters some more and then proceeds to tell me stuff that sounds like the adults on Charlie Brown cartoons (wah wah wah wah wah). Basically the freezer is shot to heck. It's 7 years old (don't appliances live longer than 5 years anymore?) and will cost more to fix ($1000) than to buy a new freezer. All I can think about is, "What am I going to do with all this food?" We can't eat it all, can't afford to replace it. The food is okay at the moment, but the repairman is shocked that anything is frozen at all. The freezer could breathe its last any second. He's punching part numbers into the computer as fast as his fingers can type and then says, "hmmm.... You still have 4 months left on your service contract". "WHAT??? Huh??? So I don't have to pay the $70 service call fee?" "Um, no... you don't have to pay for the whole repair either, plus you get $250 towards food replacement cost" I think I swooned! <br /><br />BLESSING!<br /><br />The repairman (who is now my favorite person in the whole world) tells me I'd better get the expensive stuff into the refrig freezer fast. I'm thinking about those 3 dang turkeys that take up way too much room. So I do what any deperate woman would do. I hand one to the repairman. He was tickled. Hadn't bought a Thanksgiving turkey yet and thought his 9 year old son would be excited to see what he was bringing home. Blessing! Our neighbors next door are in a situation much like us. The dad is self employed in the construction industry and work has been slow for him. The mom just got her hours cut back. Like us (like most of us) it's not the easiest of times. So I pack up a turkey and other random frozen stuff (about 4 bags full). They are excited. Blessing!<br /><br />Katelyn and I get all the important stuff transferred to the little freezer. It fits too. Blessing!<br /><br />I am a very rich woman indeed. Thank you God for the real and practical application of yesterday's sermon. I needed that.StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-85242505241201739262008-11-23T22:10:00.002-05:002008-11-23T22:19:16.589-05:00What a Week...I've been away from the blog for a bit. It was a crazy week. One of those weeks that was busy, but I can't really tell you with what. If you're a mom, you know exactly what I mean. Maybe those of you who aren't moms know what I mean, I just can't remember not being a mom.<br /><br />I've managed to get 3 knitted scarves done and made a batch of cards for Pete's business. I'll post those when it's not dark so I can get a decent picture. This week should be a little slower and I'm looking forward to staying a home a little bit. Maybe I'll get something done. If I'm really lucky, I'll manage to see the top of my desk. Do miracles still happen? Not usually when it concerns my desk.<br /><br />Saw a production of the Canterbury Tales at the kids school. It was very entertaining. Will post pics of that too. I just remembered my camera batteries are dead. I have spares somewhere... Probably on my desk.<br /><br />Loving the cooler weather. It feels like fall. This is a novelty as it is often in the 80's or better on Thanksgiving in Florida. The Thanksgiving bonfire will be fun this year! I hate sweating while I'm roasting my marshmellows!<br /><br />I'm off to try to find camera batteries!StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-1334522738128559722008-11-16T16:45:00.002-05:002008-11-16T17:08:20.907-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNhqVmTXbPWzkjhgsu-6f2_S3s2xI7dlmmgO4p0X1lGc-_ENHomFY2eob57nKhGLe17Whz5tqC3ibE4hTRerRs3yADoz457tpC5_qj-YeHhrHtJyv961Hs6DlCQaKj3Oma0CkGw/s1600-h/usb-cross.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNhqVmTXbPWzkjhgsu-6f2_S3s2xI7dlmmgO4p0X1lGc-_ENHomFY2eob57nKhGLe17Whz5tqC3ibE4hTRerRs3yADoz457tpC5_qj-YeHhrHtJyv961Hs6DlCQaKj3Oma0CkGw/s320/usb-cross.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269374889748693026" /></a><br /><br /><br />I've seen it all possibly. This is a cross usb stick from geekalerts.com. One question... why?<br /><br />We sang a praise song today in church that has left me pondering all day. It's called Knowing You by Graham Kendrick. Here's the verse that I just can't get out of my head today:<br /><br />Now my heart's desire is to know You more,<br />To be found in You and known as Yours,<br />To Possess by faith what I could not earn,<br />All surpassing gift of righteousness<br /><br />This is my prayer for the week. I want to be known as His. We get caught up in debates and differences in theology. But really, the bottom line is it's a giant leap of faith at it's very core. You believe by faith (and really faith alone) that you possess something that you could never, ever earn (an everlasting relationship with God). There it is. Simple really. Yet we all too often junk it up. I hate that.<br /><br />It's not what we do, how we act, what we own (including a cross usb memory stick) or even a fish on our car. It's a leap of faith that many years ago, changed the world. And it should change me too.<br /><br />After that leap, it's really not a hard journey. Although the day to day stuff can get rough and messy for us all-it's part of the human experience. It can really be summed up quite easily. Love God, love others.<br /><br />It's what the sermon was today. In the book of John, Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me? Feed my sheep."<br /><br />Because I've made that leap of faith, I do love Him. And now I walk out what it looks like daily to love others. Lord, help me to keep that focus this week.<br /><br />Thank you Pastor Jeff for that reminder. I needed it.<br /><br />(I usually try to stay away from religion on this blog, but this blog is me and this is who I am. I don't mind discussion, but will immediately shut down anything that gets nasty. Thanks!)StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-38036909892103977632008-11-10T16:40:00.003-05:002008-11-10T16:52:53.533-05:00Sometimes I'm tossed about...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30DQyp1DhtOhop129n1vBPGkqzc9YdXo14_E-11leM44iRrdwasDt9V1guSLpk0qsei5hi6xuUXLNlDRXNgGsocrRnzmTGjfqJvtkqHhdypstDImiGhPZrP0uUvzsZDeoHY2sHQ/s1600-h/n563178012_1600425_6733.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30DQyp1DhtOhop129n1vBPGkqzc9YdXo14_E-11leM44iRrdwasDt9V1guSLpk0qsei5hi6xuUXLNlDRXNgGsocrRnzmTGjfqJvtkqHhdypstDImiGhPZrP0uUvzsZDeoHY2sHQ/s400/n563178012_1600425_6733.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267147527691894386" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'll fess up right now. Sometimes I waver in my faith. I get so caught up in unimportant details (well, they seem so important at the time). It's kind of like heading out into the ocean and picking up your feet. You become subject to the whims of the waves. Tossed to and fro. It's kind of scary being subject to such a powerful force.<br /><br />But here's the thing. At any point (assuming you haven't wandered too far out)you can just put your feet down. Sure, you get pushed around a bit, but you are back in business heading the direction you want to go.<br /><br />And so it goes with me spiritually. I wander a bit (but really never too far out). I analyze each and every wave and the potential it has to hurt me. So much so that I often miss the bigger picture, like a gorgeous sunset, perfect weather, beautiful shells and sea life. I need to put my spiritual feet down and stand in what I know. That even in the midst of uncertainly, He has always been faithful indeed. And when I stop looking at every little thing and look at the big picture from His perspective, it's all good. I am loved and safe and well.<br /><br />This gorgeous picture was taken by my favorite 15 year old.StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-20712172535129366862008-11-09T20:30:00.004-05:002008-11-09T20:40:46.350-05:00Oh yea, we live in FL<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcPFP0i9DZXunzri08Q7vNm88dYMOCfsXMdJW0tkhAfB000Nd37KxN4Szalla6rREDDyulzhjiOHRshO9UR21gj2EVPkylJ1vw6p7Li8Ftj1btKOAPeIlURCpigtJ29J93Hly6Q/s1600-h/DSC_4864.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcPFP0i9DZXunzri08Q7vNm88dYMOCfsXMdJW0tkhAfB000Nd37KxN4Szalla6rREDDyulzhjiOHRshO9UR21gj2EVPkylJ1vw6p7Li8Ftj1btKOAPeIlURCpigtJ29J93Hly6Q/s320/DSC_4864.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266835988598638562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3x7sVn65y4MHWQWqNNt4JItKVbj6ww5cChN0FVQMNC7SR0opYLOwd3pLen-If3Dd0-_thBJ6Tt2gAr5aShDzIP9nZ8TdAIFy91A2e183IMErx5oU_xwLXzXXlDL7Tw8nZJdYlA/s1600-h/DSC_4856.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3x7sVn65y4MHWQWqNNt4JItKVbj6ww5cChN0FVQMNC7SR0opYLOwd3pLen-If3Dd0-_thBJ6Tt2gAr5aShDzIP9nZ8TdAIFy91A2e183IMErx5oU_xwLXzXXlDL7Tw8nZJdYlA/s320/DSC_4856.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266835699137116722" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9G5RiKYvDKLC9dC0pJLxv2bAIN-CrdjCClvXHoVZbduQBKFBW836TjGAjxy9IDe2_qkP1NYd83LY_WYs9-K8a00AIvzv9e8PIJyoNmDYa-6TNt1pnGFBjRThnJ2pIK_qZOqWBA/s1600-h/100_0413.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9G5RiKYvDKLC9dC0pJLxv2bAIN-CrdjCClvXHoVZbduQBKFBW836TjGAjxy9IDe2_qkP1NYd83LY_WYs9-K8a00AIvzv9e8PIJyoNmDYa-6TNt1pnGFBjRThnJ2pIK_qZOqWBA/s320/100_0413.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266835685752881346" /></a><br /><br />Every Floridian at some point in August, after preparing for a few hurricanes (or actually toughing one or two out), when the temperature is about 98 degrees with 250% humidity, we ask ourselves, "Why do we live here?"<br /><br />Along about October or November when we see national news with forecasts of snow, we say, "Oh yea, this is why I live in Florida!". Truly this is my favorite time of year. The evenings and mornings are crisp (that means the 60s to us) and the days are sunny and in the 75-80 degree range. Surely this is the weather in Heaven.<br /><br />Oma and Opa are in town and so we spent the day at their place with my sister, her husband and the cousins. We ate, we talked, we laughed. Some of us took a sunset walk on the beach.<br /><br />We are more blessed than we deserve.StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-69425351477940021372008-11-09T20:26:00.003-05:002008-11-09T20:30:04.271-05:00Sweet Saturday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYP5x9UGQWjf8Y77bS_7mb_U2SVyXGpApb5NDXdBZ-icF88ccVMfoV29qmgvQTUgXNj5meiOnBIap_JwPLcRpEeDyWe7fdg_63lrPz4SWzgw2-YCs3PAGt8ZsugB7jIHv3_DQag/s1600-h/100_0411.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYP5x9UGQWjf8Y77bS_7mb_U2SVyXGpApb5NDXdBZ-icF88ccVMfoV29qmgvQTUgXNj5meiOnBIap_JwPLcRpEeDyWe7fdg_63lrPz4SWzgw2-YCs3PAGt8ZsugB7jIHv3_DQag/s320/100_0411.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266834272540555938" /></a><br /><br />It's been a long time since Lilli's BFF Patrick lived across the street. We still miss them. About a month ago a new family moved in right next door to us with a girl Lilli's age.<br /><br />This is how they spent much of Saturday. From 10am until 6pm when I called her in, Lilli had the time of her life with sidewalk chalk, moonboots, basketball, jumprope, sidewalk chalk, popsicles and a picnic lunch.<br /><br />These are the things childhood are made of.StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-85337141251035581282008-11-06T19:53:00.002-05:002008-11-06T19:59:31.790-05:00Quick! Go here now!Okay, I'm a first born and prone to fits of bossiness!<br /><br />I have been a follower of the blog Thepioneerwoman.com for quite some time now. I enjoy her blog more than words can say. She lives about as opposite a life from me, but yet manages to make me feel like us women folk have a kinship.<br /><br />Anyway, there is a group of bloggers on a Compassion International trip in the Dominican Republic. The Pioneer Woman's husband (marlboro man) and 2 daughters are on this trip. The posts have moved me to tears more than once.<br /><br />Please go read the reports and be encouraged by the difference that one ministry is making, one person at a time in a real and tangible way.<br /><br />When you're done, click on over to www.compassioninternational.com and pray about what you can do.StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-77734950351243568362008-11-04T16:35:00.001-05:002008-11-04T16:38:32.283-05:00For your enjoyment...I don't care who you like for prez, this is cute! I think she nailed it!<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1HGp8vqX0rw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1HGp8vqX0rw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-13430158485402321772008-11-04T16:27:00.001-05:002008-11-04T16:27:42.896-05:00Kingdom Coming Download<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" width="150" height="271" id="spo_nwCNcXLUDXM6MePP" data="http://farm.sproutbuilder.com/load/nwCNcXLUDXM6MePP.swf"><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="align" value="middle" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="movie" value="http://farm.sproutbuilder.com/load/nwCNcXLUDXM6MePP.swf" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" name="spe_nwCNcXLUDXM6MePP" src="http://farm.sproutbuilder.com/load/nwCNcXLUDXM6MePP.swf" width="150" height="271" wmode="transparent" align="middle" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" quality="best"></embed></object><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.10NXC/bHQ9MTIyNTgzNDAzOTA3OCZwdD*xMjI1ODM*MDYyMDAwJnA9MTIwNzQxJmQ9bndDTmNYTFVEWE*2TWVQUCZuPWJsb2dnZXImZz*xJnQ9Jm89OTViYTRiNDQzODcxNGJjMGFmZWRhODA*NTY3NWY1NGU=.gif" />StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-64834579120220095672008-11-03T16:41:00.002-05:002008-11-03T16:56:17.503-05:00Some thoughts on Election EveFor me the election is over, meaning that a week ago I cast my ballot.<br /><br />But on this evening before election day, I am feeling very uneasy. It's always the unknown that is the most unsettling. <br /><br />If you have read even a small bit of my blog, you could probably correctly figure out how I voted. But that's not what I want to talk about.<br /><br />These are interesting times we are living in. Right now. The future seems so uncertain. Optimism is low. The economy seems so bleak. There's a dark cloud hanging over this country. It's really easy to buy into the media's spin. They have an agenda. There is no unbiased media in this whole country. On either side. I think they work the people into a frenzy that wouldn't have happened in the days when there were no 24/7 news outlets.<br /><br />I do believe we are in a time that our grandchildren will ask us about. The first black presidential candidate and a woman VP candidate. Historical. I feel like this nation is on the very edge of something. Depending on your politics we're on the edge of a great change or a very bad change.<br /><br />We've had dark days and worry in this country before. What makes us great is that we eventually come around and get it at least mostly right. That's what I'm holding out for - the mostly right (not right wing/conservative right).<br /><br />With all our problems and division, slanted media and dirty laundry this is still my country and a great one at that.<br /><br />No matter the outcome tomorrow, God Bless America!StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-89231767555318720622008-11-01T18:14:00.003-05:002008-11-01T18:20:58.391-05:00The End of an Era<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkY08K_zqiOJ_X1-Z7hRtwpbQYW8L3Og_F5-E46o2b67pC43xS6cETcHI4THui-7472K2ubVG4pOEEvt2m4ymgs4az1WZ5F8zDg8_XdPbrieu0qlR1XfMs2ur3kMxpiRrGRB2yQg/s1600-h/100_0382.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkY08K_zqiOJ_X1-Z7hRtwpbQYW8L3Og_F5-E46o2b67pC43xS6cETcHI4THui-7472K2ubVG4pOEEvt2m4ymgs4az1WZ5F8zDg8_XdPbrieu0qlR1XfMs2ur3kMxpiRrGRB2yQg/s320/100_0382.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263832786134756946" /></a><br />The economy sucks. Yea, you heard me.<br /><br />One of the casualties of this sucking economy is the taekwondo school my son has attended for 7 years. This place changed his life in a real and tangible way. It was necessary physical therapy for him. He worked hard and earned his black belt.<br /><br />But it is no more. I guess people consider this type of thing a luxury when they are tightening their belts. I understand that really.<br /><br />It still hurts me. Makes me sad. Makes me mad.<br /><br />We are thankful for your time, love, patience and skills, SSMA.<br /><br />We will miss you.StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-67737260225402080512008-10-11T15:09:00.004-05:002008-10-11T15:38:28.120-05:00This is NOT a Flashback...It's a production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. No, really. It is. Yup, they used the original language but it was set in Atica, NY in the 80's. I really wanted to not like it. I didn't like the idea of tampering with a classic. But when your eldest child is performing in it, you go and try to keep an open mind. <br /><br />Truth be told, I really liked it! And not just because my kid was in it. It was fun. It's a comedy anyway so why not shake things up a bit. Mine is the one with the big hair in the purple. What? Oh yea, they all have big hair don't they? Didn't we all have big hair in the 80's... <br /><br />So thankful that as a homeschooler she has really great opportunities to do fun things and work with such giving and talented adults.<br /><br /><OBJECT class=BLOG_video_class id=BLOG_video-15255ac232866eae height=266 width=320 contentId="15255ac232866eae"></OBJECT>StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-57682198582060889562008-10-08T20:04:00.002-05:002008-10-08T20:09:19.566-05:00A Grand Success!I've been away. Really away. So. Cal. to be exact. I had a great time at my High School reunion. I reconnected with a lot of roots. Where I hung out and lived as a teenager (hmmm... fun to look at it from the other side), and with some family that I haven't seen in years. Really. Over 20 years.<br /><br />Anyway, I love my new Flip video camera and I've been playing with Windows Movie Maker. It's fun and pretty easy to figure out.<br /><br />So here's a long (the full version is 45 minutes) snippet of my weekend. Hope you enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mydeo.com/videorequest.asp?XID=18534&CID=224750"><img src="http://www.mydeo.com/videothumbnails/224750.jpg" alt="DHS only" width="80" height="60" border="0"></a> <a href="http://www.mydeo.com/videorequest.asp?XID=18534&CID=224750">DHS only</a>StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-2319303881320393072008-09-25T07:18:00.003-05:002008-09-25T07:32:04.278-05:00One Week From Today...I'll be leaving on a jet plane. I DO know when I'll be back again.<br /><br />I'm going to my high school reunion. Desert High School class of 1980. There I said it out loud for the mighty Internet to hear. Home of the fighting Scorpions.<br /><br />Issues...? I have a few. I have a recurring nightmare that nothing/no one will ring a bell. Nothing but crickets chirping in my brain. That I will remember absolutely nothing. If that's the case, it's going to be a very long weekend. Then there are the usual chick issues (which, btw, my husband has dealt with very well). You know, things like, "Will I have a bad hair day/week?", "Am I wearing the right outfit?", "Can I really stand to wear these shoes all day?", "How am I going to fit in a mani/pedi before we go?". Shallow, huh?<br /><br />Then there's the whole take care of everything before I leave thing. Things like write a book explaining to my mom where the kids have to be and what they need to do every minute of the time I'll be gone. Medical power of attorney, insurance cards, maps to birthday parties and other kid events. Then there's packing for 5 people and the dog (he's going to a friend's house). Jeez, I'm getting tense all over again.<br /><br />Could any trip possibly be worth all this? I'm not setting the bar (of expectations) too high. It is what it is. If the reunion is a bomb (for me anyway)we aren't far from Los Angeles at all. I'll be alone with my husband for 5 days straight (2 of those days will be in an airport!). I'm going to see some family I haven't seen in oh... about 25 years. Those are all great things that make this trip very worthwhile.<br /><br />Maybe I'll re-read this post next Tuesday or Wednesday when I'm having a screaming hissy in my attempt to get everything taken care of.....StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-12299348345323834282008-09-24T16:56:00.003-05:002008-09-24T17:13:40.334-05:00The Amazing Amazon Kindle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgkSXLLMW2cErG4R8VOQA2-S5BVPl38SApDE1aGA34KB70zGfNjF1XJBFkyrnEA6wy73l7Y13hfN4E4X_pOTSBUPbm81GAptgsmu5CX4Xh_4Sno7iDfCsB-UqNDWl5TndVK-E2A/s1600-h/100_0259.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgkSXLLMW2cErG4R8VOQA2-S5BVPl38SApDE1aGA34KB70zGfNjF1XJBFkyrnEA6wy73l7Y13hfN4E4X_pOTSBUPbm81GAptgsmu5CX4Xh_4Sno7iDfCsB-UqNDWl5TndVK-E2A/s320/100_0259.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249710642511419602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYSH_VGQdWqFE_vcAuLKL-TEU8mZVT6fNvQKueKzziJylTOktPyn_Salhvt2HzZzZBU-EGENoGqorvpxQCT9WVC4W7p-M_wR3sjXNmBqZKYhIicuoV5_T-7mPLOxm2a-qc5IpYw/s1600-h/100_0258.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYSH_VGQdWqFE_vcAuLKL-TEU8mZVT6fNvQKueKzziJylTOktPyn_Salhvt2HzZzZBU-EGENoGqorvpxQCT9WVC4W7p-M_wR3sjXNmBqZKYhIicuoV5_T-7mPLOxm2a-qc5IpYw/s320/100_0258.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249710645843243074" /></a><br /><br />So maybe this blog is becoming one big advertisement. If so, I'm a terrible business person-no compensation for me!<br /><br />If you haven't heard of the Amazon Kindle ebook, go straight to amazon.com and watch the video! If you are a reader, prepare to be in serious want.<br /><br />Oh precious Kindle, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...<br /><br />1. Space. You can store 200 books on this thing and that doesn't even count adding in an SD card.<br /><br />2. Newspapers and Magazines. For a monthly fee, you can subscribe to many newspapers (our Orlando Slantinel, oops, excuse me) is available for only $5.99/month. Much less than the home delivery price. I haven't subscribed as of yet, see above comment. I have subscribed to Readers Digest. That makes me sound old, huh? My Grandma got me hooked on those!<br /><br />3. Samples. Any book you are interested in, you can download a sample (usually a couple of chapters) for free.<br /><br />4. Speaking of free, how about free internet? This baby uses Sprint wireless to get you to your email, blogs, etc. Now it's only black and white and you need to use the mobile version of your email, but did you hear me say free????<br /><br />5. Makes my waiting time oh so much more bearable. Let me say simply this about that. Study hall monitor. Four periods. Enough said?<br /><br />Downsides? I really haven't found any yet. Maybe the price. Maybe I'm spending more on books (the most expensive book I've purchased was NY Times best seller Audition by Barbara Walters and it was only $9.99). There is plenty of free content out there. I recently uploaded about 25 classics (based on a Harvard reading list) all for free. Sweet.<br /><br />Bottom line? File this under better than an Iphone. Really.<br /><br />(btw, the cover doesn't come that way, I decorated it myself! Yup, I'm crafty that way...)StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680531.post-9242716419950919322008-09-17T19:37:00.001-05:002008-09-17T19:38:49.634-05:00Wacky Wednesday<div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkz8Y9ZQOzH7mkdO1Rt1ZSS7nw3eUZvaa_ueCYTogDKFm84yiXr8G2rZB3mOJ4FGd_LqKCsVcv4ecMYnFmPt3tmao6ONmVxfNtAUCLyL8fdwV5in5B_OO37OCUp_lBFxxntgUeVg/s1600-h/100_0264.jpg'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkz8Y9ZQOzH7mkdO1Rt1ZSS7nw3eUZvaa_ueCYTogDKFm84yiXr8G2rZB3mOJ4FGd_LqKCsVcv4ecMYnFmPt3tmao6ONmVxfNtAUCLyL8fdwV5in5B_OO37OCUp_lBFxxntgUeVg/s320/100_0264.jpg' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><br /><br /><br />So maybe it is because I was a theater kid. I don't know. I still have this side of me that's wacky, funky and a little too young for my age.<br /><br />I had to order Katelyn some fingerless gloves for a play she's doing. In case you're wondering, it's an 80's style Midsummer Night's Dream. (Yup, can't wait to see that one.) Anyway, I saw these while I was ordering and they jumped in my cart. Since I'm being youngish anyway, I heart them! <3 <3 <3 (For you ancients, those are not less than symbols and 3's, those are hearts!)<br /><br />I think the closer my high school reunion gets, the more I'm regressing. I'm totally feeling some valley girl coming on. If you don't know what that is, your mom is probably calling you to dinner right now...<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>StampinShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00849366484963265659noreply@blogger.com0