Just a Quick Note

Hellooooo out there!!!

I am typing on my daughter's computer, because mine is unable to get on-line at the moment. UGH! I will hopefully be back soon with some pics from the Stampin' Up! Party I had on Friday night. I want to show you the wonderful stuff we made--it was SO much fun! But, I can't upload pics until we get our internet fixed. Bummer!

So stay tuned...hopefully I'll be able to post again soon!

*smiles*
Debbi

Things I won in February

I really get excited when I win something! It is such a blessing!

My first winnings this month came from the One World One Heart blog carnival. You can read all about what I won here.

I also won my first blog candy! Here it is:

 

This candy is from Little Smiles from White Ribbons, and it is coming all the way from the UK! 

On Feb 21 (actually very early on Feb 22!), I discovered that we had won this:

It is from Our Imperfect Life, a blog I really enjoy! I am so excited to receive some wonderful things all the way from Japan! Read about this giveaway here.

I can't wait to have a special "Celebrate Japan" time at school with my kids. I am planning to eat some fun Japanese foods and use the fun things above, all while learning about Japan and the Japanese culture. What a great way to make learning fun and memorable, and I am so thankful to Our Imperfect Life for providing the wherewithal!

On the 24th, I was really excited to learn that I had won this from Stamp and Create:

It is over 100 pieces of charms, chain, and jump rings. Stamp and Create has the cutest samples that show these charms on cards. I can't wait to try it!

 The month ended with a BANG! I won TWO things on the last day of February!! WOW!

The first was this:

The Mini Shopper Notepad from Get Sassed! I chose this one:

I heard about this giveaway from the World According to Cass. You can read my  blog about the giveaway here.

Then, just before I went to bed, I found out that I had won these:

 

and

I won these from the wonderful blog Bits and Pieces. Jessica is celebrating their exciting news--they're expecting another baby! Congrats to them!

BTW, you should check out Jessica's cards--they are SO pretty!

And that's the end of February winnings--quite amazing, really, that I won so many things. I usually never win anything!!

Thank You Thursday

 I just love Thank You Thursday! This is my first time entering in (I couldn't wait for Thursday to come this week, since I only just heard about this last week--after Thursday!)

In case you're wondering what on earth I'm talking about, see Our Imperfect Life.

So, here goes...

Thank You to my wonderful neighbor who came over and shoveled for us on Monday, since he knew my husband is away!

Thank You to my many blog friends who left me encouraging notes after reading my post "Blogging Past Midnight."

Thank You to the super people who made my husband a birthday cupcake and sang to him while he is far away on his 40th birthday. That was an answer to my prayers! I didn't know how to let anyone there know that it was his birthday, so I was so pleased to know that somehow they found out. Thank you, God!

Thank You to the dork who left a random inquiry at the end of my post about my dear Mom-in-law, who passed away one year ago this week. Heartless! (I deleted it.)

Thank You to The Bookworm for the wonderful blog candy that she is sending my way. The kids and I can't wait, and it certainly was a bright spot to our week!

Thank You to my dear friend who is coming over tomorrow night to keep me company while my dh is away. I'm looking forward to all those "chick flicks" and a fun night!

Thank You to my wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ, for dying on the cross for my sins. Thank you for forgiving me just because You want to, not because I deserve it or have earned it in any way! You are amazing!!

Thank You also, God, for stopping our van just in time today when the roads were slippery. I was so sure we were going to hit that other van, but you kept us safe. Praise Your Name!!

Thank You for my blogging friends. They are a bright spot in my days!

Thank You to my wonderful dh, for all of the little things you do that I too often take for granted. You are so amazing, and I love you!!

Thank You to the birds we heard singing one morning recently. Surely that means that Spring is coming!

Thank You to The Bookworm for starting this awesome blog hop. It is SOO good to be thankful!!

Our Special Day of Remembering Nanna

Yesterday was our "Nanna Day"--Our day to remember my dear "Mom-in-Love" and the best Nanna ever.

 

This picture was taken soon after Nanna was diagnosed with Multiple Melanoma--cancer of the blood plasma.  It was the Fall of 2006.

I wish I could explain to you how special Mom was. She was just a really wonderful person. So many people complain about their mothers in law, but I never did. From the very beginning, I have felt so blessed to be a part of her family. God is so good.

My children and I spent the day remembering Nanna yesterday. Not that we don't remember her every day, but we spent yesterday doing special things and eating special foods (foods that she used to make or buy for us on our visits).

We began our day with, what else? Poptarts!

Nanna always had Poptarts there for their breakfast!

We had a quiet morning--just like when we're at Nanna and Pop Pop's house. We watched TV, read books, and did some stuff on the computer.

For lunch, we had another "Nanna staple"--Emilie's favorite Italian bread and WHITE American cheese. Yes, we live in the cheese capital of the world, but we can't get good WHITE American cheese!! So, Mom always had some waiting for us. She was always so thoughtful that way.

We made grilled cheese, (using the closest thing we could get to good white american!), which wasn't as good as Nanna's but still good.

 

For supper the kids requested Chicken Pot Pie. :-) Pop Pop would get a kick out of that! I couldn't get the kind they get, but we found some good little pies that we enjoyed.

For dessert--THREE choices! :-) It couldn't be a Nanna Day without SALTED PEANUT CHEWS. And the kids wanted Italian Water Ice and these icecream things:

I wasn't sure if Nanna always had these Ice Cream cones, or if the kids just wanted them, lol. :-)

My favorite part of the day was after supper.  We spent the evening watching Anastasia, which Nanna played the lead roll in during her college days (in her college play).

Then came the best part of all...

Reading the Nanna's Day Cards! Every month, from the time our kids were six months old until she got sick (our oldest was eight!), Mom would send the kids a card on their special day (the day that corresponded to the date of their birthdays). She did this every month for each of her ten grandchildren...for over 15 years!!

What an amazing woman.

We began reading through her cards and letters, and before we knew it it was 1 am! We shed some tears, laughed a lot, and just had a very special time remembering how special Mom/Nanna was.

Some special memories:

This is one of my favorite pictures! Mom used to read this book to Nathan over and over. In the back of the book, there was a song that she would sing to Nathan. He would hum along. It was so special. Last night I came across one of the Nanna's Day cards that had the words to their song (sung to the tune of Where is Thumbkin):

God, I love You,

God, I love You,

You're my Friend,

You're my Friend,

Please be with my always,

Please be with my always,

A-men.

A-men.

Here's another favorite:

Our kids wearing the sweaters that Nanna knit for them.

 

And this one. She and DH had such a special relationship. 

This was our last Christmas with Mom. Here she is with all of her Granddaughters.

I could go on and on...

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of Mom's passing. She worked hard to fight her cancer, but even with her inner strength, the many prayers she received daily, and her determination to be there for us, she lived only about 2 years after her diagnosis. She died on February 22, 2009.

Mom was such a godly woman, someone I looked up to and love very much. One of the things I miss most about Mom is her prayers for us. She prayed for us every day. And she lived what she believed.

We miss Mom/Nanna so much, but we know that we will see her again. I know that she is with her Savior. The bible promises us that we "do not sorrow as those who have no hope." I know that "we will be with them for longer than we are without."

I can't wait.

Get Sassed Giveaway

I just love these!

 

Aren't they so cute?? The World According to Cass is hosting a giveaway for Get Sassed. 

Get Sassed is giving away one of their mini shopper clutches:

This would be so handy to have in my purse! I would actually be able to find it, lol! :-)

Check it out! Maybe you'll win...

Blogging Past Midnight

I began this post with a rather whining tone, but decided after rereading it that I would just erase it and start over! 

I have so much to be thankful for! I have no right to whine, really.

It is almost 1:00 a.m.  I'm never up this late! Okay, almost never...

The only time I ever stay up this late is when my wonderful husband is away (hence the whining...). Yes, he's away...for a whole week...and I cannot sleep when he's away. (Okay, I'm whining again, sorry.)

But I have so much to be thankful for!

1. I'm thankful that I have a husband that I can miss when he's away. He is a wonderful husband and father, the best really, and so many women today (married or unmarried) are lonely. I am only lonely when he's away (which, thankfully, doesn't happen often.)

2. I'm thankful that this doesn't happen often! Yes, he'll be gone for three weeks this Spring, but that should be all for a long time (right, honey??!!).

3. I'm so thankful that he's where he is when he is. He gets to be with his dear Dad on the one-year anniversary of his dear Mom's death. And that is SO awesome for Dad and Sis, I know. I'm just so thankful to God for working out this trip! 

4. I'm thankful that I have a husband to snuggle with, one that I miss when he's gone (which is why I don't sleep...bed's just too empty...even when one of the kids sleeps on his side.) He warms me up (even my cold feet, lol).

5. I'm thankful that it's only a week! We have so much planned to keep us busy that this week is going to fly by (right?).

6. I'm thankful for a God Who cares about the little details of our lives. I was so sad today, and God allowed me to win some blog candy to cheer me up! Isn't He AWESOME??!!

7. I'm thankful for my children. They keep me busy and keep me company. And we have lots of fun together, always mindful of keeping each others' spirits up while Daddy is away. They are so special.

Okay, this is SOOO much better than the post I began with.  Here's a parting shot to make me (and hopefully you) smile. 

 

I have so much to be thankful for.

Maria's Blog Candy Ends Feb 26

FYI...in case you're interested... Maria over at Maria's Studio is offering some great Blog Candy:

Check it out here! 

One World One Heart -- We won!

I am finally getting around to posting about what Emilie and I won during the One World One Heart (see our earlier post to find out about this wonderful event).

First, I must tell you about what a wonderful experience it was! We both enjoyed blog-hopping through so many different kinds of blogs from so many different people (over 1,000!), We enjoyed seeing the diversity of what each person made or was giving as a prize, and we were amazed at how many different countries were involved! It really was a wonderful experience!

Emilie said she enjoyed the comments on our blog more than anything else. It is always fun to have someone say something nice about you, isn't it? :-)

So, what did we win? First, Emilie won a beautiful beaded key chain from Mana Moon Studios:

 She also won a journal from Nicole. She was SO excited!

I was pleased to hear that I won a print of an artist's painting from Miri's husband (I chose this one:)

I also won a brooch made to my specifications from Marie, who is becoming a dear friend! She has just lost her dear Mother in Law (so sad), but she is so sweet to want to keep on with making her prize for me! She does amazing things with Polymer clay!  You have to check out her beautiful work here.

The kids and I were VERY excited to learn that I won the children's book that my children MOST wanted to win! How fun! Check out the book here. We received the book today, and all of my children just LOVED it!

I am really glad that we took part in this wonderful event, and hope that we are able to join in next year again. Now that we know it exists, we will have more time to prepare for it! I'm already thinking about what to give away next year...

Stuff from Japan! (Update 2/21--We Won!)

I just love homeschooling my kids! We learn so much and in so many different ways!

One of my favorite things about homeschooling is the diversity of learning. I love that we can really enjoy learning about new things, that we can take time (and we have time!) to read stories, try cultural foods, do crafts, etc. pertaining to whatever subject that we are currently covering.

I came across a blog today that fits perfectly with what we have been learning lately...Japan! And...would you believe it...they even have a giveaway!!! NO WAY!

Yes, The Bookworm over at Our Imperfect Life is giving away a pile of Japanese stuff. Looky here:

How fun! My kids would love this stuff! It would be so fun to actually use some things from Japan, to be able to experience a little of the culture of a country we have been studying.

What a fun giveaway! I can't wait to find out if I win! This ends February 22, so check back then and I'll let you know! :-)

Envelope Template Giveaway Ends Feb 24

I think I'm getting hooked on giveaways, lol! I always have been a succor for something free, I guess. Well, during my "down" time this afternoon, I came across the most unusual giveaway--for a free Antique Style wooden envelope template!

Since I love papercrafting (and since I love giveaways), I entered to win this:

 

Isn't it cool?

I found the information about this giveaway here at Sweet Tidings. They are hosting a giveaway for a company called Yozocraft.

I checked out Yozocraft's website, which sells some really cute stuff! I especially love their polka dot masking tape:

 

Isn't it just adorable??

I just might need to get me some of that! Wouldn't those dots and stripes look so cute on a card?? The possibilities are endless! 

Anyhoo, this giveaway goes until Feb 24, and Yozocraft is giving away 5 templates! Hurry on over here.

Gaddy Nipper Crayons Giveaway Ends Mar 9

Oh my goodness! These are the cutest crayons!

 

Aren't they fun!!??

I found this giveaway here.  It is for the lego crayons above. Aren't they cute?? 

I went to Gaddy Nipper Crayons Etsy shop, and they have crayons that spell names!! They sell them in packages by the name, which seems to me to be the perfect gift for any child! I am always looking for something fun that still requires brain waves (makes the child think!), and these fit the bill! How fun!

They also have these crayons called "Lollies" that would be PERFECT for a child's birthday party favor! I looked at the ones for the 5th birthday, and they come in a set of 6 for $6.95. What a great favor idea. They also have them for baby showers/favors. Cute!

I just love this Etsy shop--can you tell? (I would heart them if I could figure out how to! lol) You have to check it out!!

I heard about this on the World According to Cass blog, which I am now following. She lists several great giveaways, some of which I am participating in! How fun! I love giveaways (or, more accurately, I love WINNING giveaways, lol!).

OOOH, I hope I win this one! The lego crayons they're giving away would be perfect for my DS!

One World One Heart By Emilie's Place

*Scroll down for updates as of 2/3/10*
 NOW CLOSED!
 And the winners are....  Kansas Amy(The Cards) and Denise(The Origami)!!! 
Hi! My name is Emilie! I am a 11 year old girl and this is my first time doing the OWOH thingy!(I am LOVING it already) I am addicted to origami and when I need a break from that I recycle paper!This is my Mom's blog, and I just want to let you know that she gave me permission to do this and to send out the prize from our home address.

This is what I am giving away for the OWOH event this year (Winner will be picked randomly Feb 15):
Prize(This is all combined into 1 prize):
Origami(It will not be the same print on either of them but it will be close):

Recycled/Homemade Paper:

To enter please post a comment with some way of contacting you in it by February 15 12:00am Central Time!
*Updated 2/3/10:  We've added a second prize!  My mom has agreed to fly on the magic carpet with me, and she added these handmade (by her) Thank You cards. There are 4 cards and envelopes, and they will be given to a second winner! Yes, we will draw two names now!

PS. I might be adding more prizes!

Comments from my old blog:

Patsy: 
Hi Emilie! I would be thrilled to win your origami project! Hello from the Philippines!
patsy.paterno (at) gmail.com
http://patsypat.blogspot.com 

Athena:
Great giveaway! Thanks so much for having this- please toss my name into the hat. And if you haven't already, make sure you pop over to my blog for chances to win, too! #318 on the magic carpet... 

Stephanie Corder:
I love your selection and your blog, they are both very beautiful! Please take a moment to "ride the carpet with me" ticket number 194- Dragonfly Design Studios.
Thanks,
Stephanie
stephaniemcorder@yahoo.com 

Sue:
Beautiful work - I'm amazed at the wonderful items on all the sites. This is my first time I've taken part and am having a blast.

Please include me in your contest

Sue
#834 & #835 

Lynn Stevens: 
I think kits wonderful your starting at such a young age, Thank you and I'd love to be entered I'm #86 come on by! 

Kelly:
Great giveaway! Please enter my name! Pop over to my blog (#92 on the magic carpet) for a chance to win, too!


Sadie:
I LOVE ORIGAMI!

Great blog, awesome giveaway! I'm #252 on OWOH, I'm giving away home made soaps and a custom tutu. Please check mine out when you get the chance! Thanks. http://nelliebugs-swaps.blogspot.com


Danit:
Hello Emilie.
Your recycle paper looks great, very nice work. It is very nice how you turned this medium into a sort of open diary. Have fun in school, and thank you for the giveaway.

Joanne:
I love origami, and would love to win. I am so glad you are enjoying OWOH, I am going to participate next year. I am glad you like to make things and I hope you enjoy it for a long time.

Chris:
Great giveaway. I'd love to win. Stop my my little corner of the OWOH giveaway if you might like winning some garden stuff for yourself or to give to someone. OWOH #74. Isn't OWOH fun!

RobbinB:



I love Origami. I do some myself from time to time. Please enter me in your fabulous give away! And stop by #657 and say hello.

Robbin
Rmb21@cox.net 

JenniferB:
very cool, love the homemade paper!

ejxd95@gmail.com 

Dorcas Midkiff:

Lovely,lovely! I would love to be entered to win your wonderful gift!

http://wondrousstrangedesigns.blogspot.com/

Please stop by and enter my give away as well! I'm number 290

Sharon A. Kyser:
Welcome to blogland!!! I am so glad that the Magic Carpet Ride has taken me to your home! I am having so much fun, aren't you? Please enter my name in your drawing and stop by to enter my beaded bracelet giveaway. Enjoy your ride,
Sharon
saf47@yahoo.com
http://shardonexclusives.blogpot.com 

Regina Moore:
Swooping in from Alabama on my magic carpet ride. Isn't this just the most wonderful adventure that Lisa has sent us on? So many new friends to meet...so many talented artist works to see and oh yes...all the kindred spirits finding their way.

Any gift made from one person's heart to give to another is so special...please enter me in your giveaway.

When you take flight again, please come on down and stop by my place, Southern Ooaks (#760) There will be a fresh glass of Sweet Iced tea waiting on you....a fun and whimsical world inside and a chance to win some of my treasures from the heart.

Hugs,
Regi 

Kelly Jackson:

Lyndy Ward says...
Greetings & Salutations,
Enchanting Origami & Recycled Paper OWOH Giveaways!
Really Beautiful...
Fly by my blog when you get a chance...
Forbidden Planet Giveaway #242 On The List @:
http://todaysgold.com

P.S. Wonderful Blog...

Cosmic Blessings, Lyndy Ward

Bettina Groh:

Emilie... your giveaways are great and I'd love to win them...and you are something else to want to be part of this! As I would say to my grand daughter "Good job"! Come and see my blog and giveaways at #3

Rochambea: 
Cool!! Love it Emilie!
Please through my name into your hat~~~
Constance 

GraceBeading:
Hi there... welcome to the land of blogs. Looks like you have a good start on yours and your paper creations are beautiful. I'd be thrilled to win one.

Thanks so much for the chance,
Grace
#268 

Sandy:
Fantastic giveaway! I love it.
Your work is brilliant.

Please enter my name! Pop over to my blog (#59 on the magic carpet) for a chance to win, too!

KnutzEl:
Thanks for visiting my blog. It is nice to meet so many people from everywhere.

Inner Earth Soaps Giveaway Ends Feb 20

In my journeys around the OWOH blog carnival, I came across this great website:  The World According to Cass.
 
Every weekend, Cass has a giveaway! Today's giveaway is really a great one--handmade soaps from Inner Earth Soap.

I love handmade soap! My friend makes soap, and I have purchased some from her. I also recently have been given a bar of handmade soap from another friend. Heavenly!

Unless I use handmade soap, my skin gets SO dry and scaly in the winter. So handmade soap has become a staple at our house. I would love to try some different scents, so I'm hoping I'll win! lol

Patina Soul's ENORMOUS giveaway!!

You have to check out Patina's Soul's week-long giveaway!! I said giveaway (not giveawayS) because all of the prizes are going to go to ONE lucky person! WOW!

Here is a pic of one of the prizes:

 

Check out all of the other AMAZING prizes here. 

Floral Fantasies Challenge

  

Sir Stampalot is sponsoring a Blog Hop and Challenge over at Floral Fantasies. The theme is MOVING, and it has been going on for two weeks now. You'll never guess what the First Prize is!!! It is .....THIS!!!

 There will be other prizes as well, including lots of stamps from some awesome companies! Be sure to check it out here.

So here's the card I did:

I made it so the truck moves!

Watch out! I'm a crazy driver! :-)

Kellie Winnell's Blog Candy Ends Feb 18

Today I found this amazing candy!

 

Kellie is giving away "9 Sugarplum kids, 2 accessory stamps, and one set of Spring Sentiments"! So generous!!

Stop over here to check it out and enter for yourself!

More cards...just for fun!

Yeah! Woo-Hoo! Yippee!! It's Friday!

Fridays are always a shorter day at our little homeschool (yep, I planned them that way), which sometimes gives me a little more time to devote to card-making. Sometimes, but not always.

I have been pretty consumed with the OWOH blog event lately, so I haven't made any new cards for several days (gasp!). I think I'm in withdrawal. lol

Anyhoo, to hold me over until I can get to creating, I've decide to post some of my "oldies but goodies"...cards I made in the past but have never posted. I hope you enjoy them!

 Ok, I feel better now! LOL

Hopefully, I get to make some new cards this afternoon....