Radical...Irrational...Too Complex to be real! Liane's Blog.

Everyday Life & Summer Stamp Sets for Sale

2010-01-07T12:10:00.001-08:00

CTMH Summer & Everyday Life Stamp Sets for Sale,

deep discounts. USA Only.

Shipping $2 for first set, $1

for each added set. Free Ship

with $50. Paypal ONLY.

Will ship on Mondays. Thanks!

(see next post for spring stamp sets)

Click on Photo to see details and pricing!

Stamps For Sale

2010-01-06T10:59:00.001-08:00

CTMH Spring Stamp Sets for Sale,

deep discounts. USA Only.

Shipping $2 for first set, $1

for each added set. Free Ship

with $50. Paypal ONLY.

Will ship on Mondays. Thanks!

Click on Photo to see details and pricing!

2009-10-27T17:26:00.000-07:00

Stamp lovers rejoice! Whether you're a long- time fan of stamps or are just venturing into this fun hobby, now is the perfect time to grab some My Acrylix decorative stamp sets. From November 3-30, 2009, when you make a purchase of any two stamps sets (sizes a, b, c, d or E) at full retail price, you will receive a third stamp set of your choice for FREE!(equal or lesser value- a savings up to $22.95). Choose from any stamp set offered in any of the 2009 Idea Books or current product review!

Take advantage of this month's great offer and add to your assortment of these innovate stamps!

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

Well, not a fourth card, but my wish is still there for you! =-) More random cards, Janelle and I both made this one....... liquid glass on the flower =-)

Sending Warm Wishes

2009-07-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

Do you detect a trend with me? Just using up stuff.... most of it is stuff that I am given! So, here is another random stuff card! (With a cute CTMH sentiment on it!)

Chatty friends

2009-07-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

I can't decide if I like this image yet, but it was a fun and easy card to make anyway, more random stuff here.

Sicky Bella

2009-06-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

Janelle and I made some cards a couple of weeks ago..... this was one of them. Sent to a friend that NEEDS to get well.....

PIma Air & SPace Muesum

2009-06-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

Casey and I at the Air and Space Museum in Tucson last fall..... he would have stayed forever! Not journaled yet....

Occasionally I scrapbook

2009-06-28T18:47:00.001-07:00

Casey and I at the Desert Museum in Tucson last September.....

Bottom's Up!

2009-06-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

Fun card, Bella Image from an image swap.... too bad I miss you isn't straight.... oops. I decided to leave it, imperfection is my gift! =-)

Father's Day Card

2009-06-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

Another Father's Day Card! This one is for my DH from our boys. I got this image in a swap and the paper isn't so great for the copics, so it ran too much! Oh well, it is still pretty! I love the Emporium Paper on this one! Wonderful!

SB Page

2009-06-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

I seem to forget to photo and post my SB pages... somehow I remembered on this one. I used CTMH Wishes to pick a layout. This is a December Birthday's Party that Danielle threw in 2007 for my DH, her DH and our friend Patrick.

Beary Best

2009-06-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

I made this for a Internet Card "Tag You're It" swap earlier this month. You take inspiration from the person before you and then you go for it! It was fun, and I used my copics to color.... best investment ever for coloring!

Wall hanging

2009-06-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

I got this kit a couple of years ago and just got around to putting it together. At least now I will have some family pictures on the first floor! LOL

Anniversary Card

2009-06-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

Father's Day Card

2009-06-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

Graduation Card

2009-06-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

I tend to not like the typical graduation cards. I got this image from a friend (source?) and decided it would be fun to give to a new high school graduate, with money inside! Hope she likes it!

August Stamp of the Month

2009-06-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sue Waters for the inspiration on this one!

RIley

2009-06-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

Card for a Friend

2009-06-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

I love this sentiment from Inkadinkadoo. But, I do not love how they stamp, nothing like CTMH! Still a great sentiment!

July Stamp Of the Month

2009-06-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Shari Froemig and Karen Pederson for their inspiration!

So Sweet

2009-06-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

Horse

2009-06-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

I got this image in a swap awhile back. I don't know where it came from, but I added some color to the horses and I like the way the card turned out.

Friends

2009-06-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like an afternoon with a good friend. Again, tough to see the sparkles, but they are there! I love making pink cards. I guess that is what happens when you scrapbook your boys all of the time....

Colored with copics

2009-06-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

Father's Day Card

2009-06-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

For Mike's Dad & Stepdad.....

Bella with Buttons

2009-06-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

I tend to have trouble using buttons on projects. Often I just forget. But I got out a bunch of pink buttons and waxy flax. I really like the way this turned out.

Bathing Beauty

2009-06-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

I sure do wish I looked this good in the tub! Lots of stickles on the bubbles both on the floor and around her. I love the nailheads from CTMH that are no longer available too.

Birthday Bella!

2009-06-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

I colored her hair and the cake with spica glitter pens, it looks cool!

Bella to share...

2009-06-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

I have definitely been taking some time off from blogging. Most of what I am thinking is internal right now. Not sure what is up, just feeling within myself. So much has happened in the past few years. I am appreciating myself and my family more, and worrying out outside forces less.

So, that said, I do have a few cards to share over the next few days, hope you enjoy.

I believe..... beautiful thoughts

2009-05-05T13:50:00.001-07:00

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born.

A Death Certificate shows that we died.
Pictures show that we lived.
Have a seat . . . Relax . . . And read this
slowly.

I Believe...
That just because two people argue, It doesn't mean
they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue,
It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.

I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going
to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for
that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over
the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time
To become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
Loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you
can't.

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what
We do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it
controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be
done when it needs to
be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...
That my best friend and I, can do anything, or
nothing and have the best time.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you
when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to
be angry, But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do with what types of
experiences you've had
And what you've learned from them and less to do
with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.

Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the
world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances may have
influenced who we are,
But, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of
Hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, when
A friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a
decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are
taken from you too soon.

I Believe...
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the
best of everything;
They just make the most of everything the do have.

This is a good one to 'save', 'print' and read 'daily'......

Sympathy

2009-02-26T12:35:00.000-08:00

My least favorite cards to make. Yet, probably the most appreciated. I do try to keep these simple.

Feel Better Soon

2009-02-25T12:32:00.000-08:00

Is it just me, or is this unforgettable paper just well... unforgettable? Love it!

Patriotic Thank You

2009-02-24T12:27:00.000-08:00

Help! This image is correct on my computer, but turns when I upload to blogger. Do you know how to fix it?

Valentine

2009-02-23T12:25:00.001-08:00

This is the card, and candy, I gave Mike for Valentine's Day. I just love that I will get thispretty card back NEXT year! LOL

Happy Valentine's Day, and a little love!

2009-02-14T11:23:00.000-08:00

I won this on Lea's blog and thought it sounded like fun. To show the love this week and celebrate Valentine's Day, here is what you do...The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year, a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise!

If I don't have your snail mail address already please e-mail it to me at scrapnmomofboys@aol.com.

Remember, only the first 3 comments will receive a gift from me, so be quick!

Crabby Card

2009-02-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

This is the last of these images that I have.... but I still love them! I made this for my MIL for her birthday. Hopefully it arrived safely. I sent a bunch of Valentines that came back because there was no postage on them.... grrrr, there was postage when they left my house......

365

2009-02-12T20:14:00.001-08:00

You are looking at weeks 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2 of Project 365. So far I am really enjoying the project,although I don't think I am thinking enough outside of the box on photos. But I will get better as the year moves ahead! Sorry the photos aren't great. You can click on them to make them bigger.

Pet Sympathy

2009-01-31T09:10:00.000-08:00

Recently I found a nice set of pet sympathy sentiments. Sadly my friend Tammee lost one of her doggies. This is the card I made for her family.

February Stamp of the Month

2009-01-30T09:06:00.000-08:00

Well, it is Easter Eggs, but Mary Gunn inspired me with her blood shot eyes, so I had to go there! How funny is this? Love it!

Congrats Card

2009-01-29T13:15:00.000-08:00

Hopefully this card has arrived to the new mom and dad. I absolutely love these new MS sets from CTMH.... better than bella, I hate to admit, but it is true! They have arms after all! Enjoy.

Ms on the Go

2009-01-28T15:03:00.000-08:00

My card from Susan's swap...

Me, LA, and J

2009-01-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

Valentine Artwork

2009-01-27T21:07:00.000-08:00

Took me all day..... @@.... and I have NEVER used the SD slot on my computer before... but thanks to Janelle I did this time! LOL Easy easy easy! So, here is some artwork!

Chip & Dip

2009-01-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

I made this chip and dip bowl in my pottery class. I really like the way it turned out. I got 6 good pieces. Not too bad for a woman who never used a pottery wheel! It was one of those things I always wanted to do.... actually it was HARD! But fun....

365 week 1 and first half of week 2

2009-01-10T18:18:00.000-08:00

Love the 365 idea! I am so happy that I decided to do it with CTMH products.... notice on day 5 I even used two pictures! Some days I might use an interactive flip style... we'll see.

Some more holiday cards!

2009-01-06T13:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Nicole! Nice! Thanks to Leigh Anne! Lovely...

Thanks Heather! Handsome...

Thanks to Jill! Just a Jem! (ok I know it is spelled wrong)

Project 365

2009-01-05T18:06:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love this project idea. It is so inspiring to me! I am using the CTMH pocket pages so that I can make this my project. I will probably select a different paper pack each week. The first one is the first 3 days of 2009. (seriously, can you belive it is 2009?) This paper pack is "Aspen."

Along the bottom is journaling. I cut two 4x6 pieces of paper and then two 3 3/4 by 2 3/4 colonial white sheets that I corner round. I pasted two on each 4x6 piece after I wrote the date and did some distressing with ink. On the left page (top) I made my own snowflake out of liquid applique.

Journaling is absent on the 4th as I decided to use a different picture. Our 3 year old lab got a gash along her side and had to be stitched.... so I have a pic of her with her stitches and cone head..... LOL Oh and today I had to get the boys at different times for their back to school after THREE weeks off photo! Hope you are inspired! I know I am.

I love dogs!

2009-01-01T23:39:00.001-08:00

I hadn't realized what an important picture I took here until I saw it later! My dear friend Danielle made this counted cross stitch for me in 2008. It is amazing, as is the fact that we own 3 of these doggies! Hehehehehe. Also in the picture is a sleigh that my grandpa Cunningham made before I was born.... he died in 1972 and was a sheet metal working for the railroads. I have two of these and I just LOVE them! In the middle is a card box that i made to keep our Christmas cards in.... I don't think Mike looked at a single card this year. Poor guy, too much on his mind I guess! Also in this photo is a china santa on sleigh that was made in occupied Japan.... so circa de late 1940's..... they are all meaningful objects for me! =-)

NEW YEAR'S EVE

2008-12-31T12:24:00.000-08:00

Debbie sent me this one! Yes, it is hard to belive that 2008 is almost over. Here is to an awesome 2009!

Up for a challenge?

2008-12-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

Some of my CTMH friends and I are going to do Project 365 for 2009. The idea is inspired by Becky Higgins and Creating Keepsakes Magazine. The idea is to take/share one picture every day of the year. The picture will go in an album with limited journalling. The idea is that you make 2009 scrapbooking easier, and simpler. Or as Close To My Heart would say; faster, simpler, easier! I will be using the Close To My Heart photo pages (number 4113) to use as well as a woderful leather album! Here is a link to Beckys Blog where she explains the concept a bit more. They have a generic kit, but I prefer the idea of using the goodies I already have and love! Are you up for a challenge?

Skating through life

2008-12-30T12:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks Jen, this bella is so cute. I am anxious try this design too!

Dry Embossed.

2008-12-29T12:21:00.001-08:00

I am so glad that dry embossing is back in! Thanks Brandi for this cute card!

Bella Christmas!

2008-12-28T12:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks Mel, love it!

Oh Christmas Tree!

2008-12-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

Compliments of my friend Anne. She has always loved embossing, so I was thrilled to get this which speaks to her personality so..... I miss living nearby and getting to scrapbook with her!

Bella Holiday

2008-12-26T12:07:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Bella compliments of Leah. Great card, thanks Leah!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T12:05:00.000-08:00

Thanks Susan for this awesome card! Merry Christmas to all and to all, a good night.....

Happy Birthday Hubby!

2008-12-24T11:58:00.000-08:00

This would have been better on the 26th I guess, as that is Sue's birthday.... but this is my awesome fun and funky tree card from Sue!

Cards From Friends

2008-12-23T12:54:00.000-08:00

Over the next few days I am going to share some of the homemade cards that I received this year. They are all just YUMMY! This one is from Close To My Heart. One of my favorite things is that they send a homemade card and gift to all of the directors. It is completely worth it! I have seen pictures but I have yet to open my gift. I wanted to open it on Christmas!

Relax Quigley!

2008-12-22T18:42:00.000-08:00

Yes this bird is laying upside down on his daddys tummy while daddy is on the Internet. Relax boys! LOL It was a hard day of snow shoveling for you!

Let it Snow!

2008-12-22T18:14:00.001-08:00

Hard to believe we are in the middle of the worst snow in the Portland Metro area in more than 40 years. But, whether or not we get out of the house yesterday, today, or tomorrow to finish up the last minute preparations, Christmas will surely arrive, as scheduled, on Thursday. In our family that is only trumped by Mike's birthday on Christmas Eve. He'll be 44 this year, not that he is counting. LOL

This might just be MY last Christmas card to share......

Santa is coming SOON

2008-12-21T12:18:00.000-08:00

He is going to have to get skinny to come down my little fireplace though! HoHoHo. Is your shopping done yet? It is getting close.....

Snowman....

2008-12-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

Love this little dood! Liquid glass, stickles, and my cuttlebug all played an imortant part in the creation of this darling card!

Another one scraplifted!

2008-12-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

I like this one better than yesterday! Another one scraplifted successfully! Cute and easy, huh? Hard to believe it is almost winter and almost Christmas vacation..... I hope it is two good weeks with everyone home!

Scraplifted!

2008-12-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

I prefer the original to my own,but this was a cute idea! Somehow my ornament holders are weird though! Oh well! It is still pretty cute!

Brrrrr

2008-12-17T12:02:00.000-08:00

It isn't actually winter yet, can you believe that? Is it cold there? It isn't cold here.... not really cold, not like Chicago.... brrrrr....but it would be neat to have snowmen!

Snow Friends

2008-12-16T12:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you Jane

2008-12-15T12:47:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Jane for this fantastic idea. This was so easy and I LOVE the way it looks! What a fun idea for a simple card. I probably should add some more shading, but that isn't happening on this small set (I think I did four).... I do love how this turned out!

O Christmas Tree

2008-12-14T12:43:00.000-08:00

I think what I like the best about this card is how simple it is! The red, although tough to see here, has sparkles throught which makes it warm and fun. The patterned paper is an old sheet that was yelling to me, 'use me' from its spot in the drawer! I am going to do a better job at using things up in 2009. THAT is my resolution

Snowman Cards Galore!

2008-12-13T12:31:00.000-08:00

I am way into this snowman set this year! It is so darn cute! This is a fairly simple, but moving card! Love it!

If I had only one friend left, I'd want it to be you...

2008-12-12T07:25:00.000-08:00

Mom died 21 years ago today. I remember that day like it was 21 days ago. I was so young, and now alone (as my dad died 2 years earlier). Sometimes being an only child is a hard thing. Yet, this is one of the events of my life that has made me who I am today. I look in the mirror and I am so much like my mother. I look like her more and more all of the time.

Mom would be proud of the woman, wife, and mother that I have become over the years. At her funeral I played the One Friend song, and I still feel this way today..... If I had only one friend left, I'd want it to be you..... here is to you mom, you are with me every minute of everyday of my life! I miss you.

More snow friends...

2008-12-11T19:23:00.000-08:00

Snow friends come and go with seasons, but real friends last forever!

Tough times

2008-12-10T19:20:00.000-08:00

Tough times right now in our home.... Alec with the Asperger's. Something going on with Mike, but the doc is awesome and I do believe things will improve! Wahoo. Cards make me very happy. This is the November SoM.... sooo cute! Enjoy.

More Christmas Cards

2008-12-09T19:14:00.000-08:00

The only thing I don't LOVE about my Elph camera is trying to take close ups of cards. They just get too much light. ANyone know how to correct this?

I love these simple cards. Trying to use some older papers in my stash. I will say that I do that and then miss my greens matching (like CTMH always matches.) And, this is the first time that I have used my new nestie pinking round shape (that was a mouth full!) I used my copics to color in the images, but I didn't really try too hard to make them shaded and such. The globs on the bottom are not stickles again..... but they look better in person than in the photo! Don't y ou just love Santa and little elfs? Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas!

Snow Friends

2008-12-08T19:12:00.000-08:00

I must suggest that if you think of getting sparkle glue other than stickles, forget it! This is a snow friends card I made, finally working on some Christmas Cards.... but the belly button is a big glop... boohoo.... Glad to be back on the crafting program! I missed it!

Oops! Pearl Harbor Anniversary....

2008-12-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I almost forgot to post today. I can not believe it is the anniversary of Pearl Harbor today. Wow, it has been so many years now..... We did talk about this with our kids, we do every year. It is an amazing thing to think of that one day that changed so many lives. I think I said it before in this cartoon, but I will say it again..... here is to all of the men and women who have made our country a better place. Thank you.

The Old Bird

2008-12-07T19:06:00.000-08:00

Seems as if every time I go out of town Mike buys something.... this time he bought a new bird (left). This is BJ, he is actually an old bird. Mike felt that he just had to bring him to live out his days at our house. There is Quigley (right) the big bully. Now we have 3 birds, 3 dogs, and 3 hissing cockroaches (ewwww, gross). I guess we should have had 3 kids,but honestly, 2 boys is enough!!! Hey, I know, maybe Mike counts as #3!

Here is Mike showing us Aspen's big SCARY teeth!

Advent Calendar

2008-12-06T18:57:00.000-08:00

After a rough day on Tuesday I spent Wednesday creating an Advent Calendar for myself and my family! HMPH! Usually I create for business or to send for a purpose, well this purpose was me! I picked up a 12x12 piece of metal for $3 at craft wearhouse. I put paper on it and then created a checkerboard to add numbers into for the 25 days in December, before Christmas. I then made 25 little magnets. I used CTMH stamps and the circle accents (the medium ones). I also used a few bottle caps, just put paper on and then liquid glass. I also used a few buttons with bling. I really like the way it turned out, although I still haven't decided where to hang it. I put all of the magnents off on the side and add them daily.... on Christmas day it will look like this again! HOpe you like my project. I loved making it!

CKC Seattle

2008-12-05T18:53:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun at CKC Seattle last month! I absolutely love being a vendor and getting to chat with everyone. I taught the class that made these little boxes plus little cards and envies! How cute are these? No stamping even, just some distressing here and there.

Welcome Back

2008-12-04T18:44:00.001-08:00

I think I may just have my mojo back.... WAHOO! It has been awhile. I scraplifted this idea from the CTMH BB. But, I couldn't find it again, so I have no idea who made it first, but they did NOT have my darling Aspen on the aspen paper! Isn't she a beautiful German Shepherd? She knows!

Random Things

2008-12-03T21:15:00.000-08:00

100 THINGS
Saw this on Chris' blog, and thought it would be fun to see everyones answers! Everything in BOLD is something I have done!

1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Fostered a rescue animal

Thank you.

2008-11-11T10:04:00.000-08:00

Day 6, Lunch in Sorrento, afternoon in Capri

2008-10-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

This might be one of the best lunches I ever had! Yum! Lunch in Sorrento was, well in a word, amazing. I love that there is wine on the table, wine and water. I even liked the white wine. Mike picked up a suitcase, yes seriously, for his office manager here. We carried it all around for the rest of the day, so funny! We didn't have too much time in Sorrento, then we took the hydrofoil (ferry boat) to Capri. I sat and enjoyed the view for about an hour. It was just beautiful. The boys did a bit of window shopping. This is the place for the limoncello (a liquor). It is the best! This was a great day. I decided I may need to see Italy again after today! LOL

Morning in Pompeii, Italy

2008-10-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

Day 6 Naples, Italy... Pompeii in the morning

2008-10-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

This day turned out to include one of my favorite parts of this vacation, Pompeii. In 96AD when Mt Vesuvius erupted it buried this whole city, buried many alive. Much of it has now been uncovered, but they are saving more for future generations. It appears to be 4 square miles, it is HUGE! I had no conception that they lived so much like us in so many ways. It was amazing to see the buildings and the huge homes. Our tour guide today was fantastic. It felt like we went back in time to this once thriving metropolis. I will treasure this as one of my favorite memories of Italy, it was truly unbelievable. It was so much more than I could have imagined.

Are you liberal or conservative?

2008-10-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

I would love to know your score after you take this quiz. I got a 24. Guess that makes me fairly middle of the road on the conservative side! (40 points is conservative, 0 is liberal)

http://www.franz.org/quiz.htm

Day 5 Valletta, Malta

2008-10-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the island country of Malta is the connection between Europe and Africa? Its location has made it a strategic point for wars from WWII back to the crusades. You can see that in the architecture. The main city of Valletta is essentially a huge fortress, it is really neat. Also, the entire island is made of limestone, the only natural resource of Malta. It is soooo beautiful looking! We went on an interesting tour, the only non Close To My Heart tour of the week, where we saw the presidential gardens, a lovely church, and a winery. I guess we figured we better see one winery in Europe! The first two pictures are of the city of Valletta as we cruised in... it was beautiful! The next one is of the boys and I at the winery where we tasted one white and two red wines. We also got some goat cheese and crackers. Yum, the first white wine I ever liked! LOL (and that continued throughout the trip). Casey liked the wine too. The last photo is of me and Jen. We had dinner with Jen and her hubby after our day in Valletta. Jen is my first downline to earn a cruise. I am sooo proud of Jen! We also went to the artisans village where we saw lots of glass blowing. I bought a wine stopper there. Oh yes, and did you know that they are famous for the filigree jewelry? I got an awesome 8 point cross (for the 8 be attitudes) that was made by local artists. It is just lovely. So that is a bit about our 5th day, in Malta! Did you know that Popeye the movie was filmed there?

OK, I admit it, I am a Republican

2008-10-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

But, it wasn't always that way. I remember when I turned 18 and registered to vote. Yes, that was a big deal to me, and I always vote. My father teased me for weeks, maybe longer. He could not believe that I registered as a Democrat. Those were the days! I really belived that social programs made a difference. Now I really only want kids programs, I want to decide how to spend my money... so I am Republican hear me roar! I love this cartoon, it really does speak to my political beliefs!

Friends

2008-10-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

I had lunch with my friend Leigh Anne right before we left for the cruise. Aren't we cute? Too bad she is a Democrat.... =-(

Blogger has been a royal pain yesterday and today, I will do more trip blogging tomorrow. Nite nite!

Day 4, our one day at sea

2008-10-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to be on the ship! Europe, wow. I knew two years ago when Close To My Heart sent me the brochure that I would be earning this trip, and we would go! Mike saved all of his personal days, and has never taken a sick day. It was really going to happen, the trip of a lifetime. When I had enough points to earn the trip and the airfare I almost started to cry. This wasn't my first CTMH trip, and won't be my last, but it will be hard to top for me! The first one is the hardest to earn, you have to want it. Break it down into months and make it happen. You can be successful in Multi Level Marketing, but you have to do some work, you can't just wait for your phone to ring! I guess that is really true with every job.

Monday started, early, with a walk around the ship. This walk was for Operation Smile. I walked quite far, but the cool morning air on the Mediterranean Sea was unbelievably perfect. If you don't know about Operation Smile, google it! Proceeds from every stamp set sold go to Operation Smile. It is a good thing.

Later my family had lunch at Le Bistro. YUMMY! It was fantastic. We then simply found some time to explore the ship and get to know where everything was located. This ship, the Norwegian Gem, is laid out a LOT like the Norwegian Jewel that I was on with the Alaska cruise last year. But I took a friend, so my family wasn't familiar with the ship.

At 3pm we me the CTMH group for our 'business meeting.' LOL Yea lots of business! A few presentations from corporate and then we were on to a game show. This year it was 'family feud.' It is always fun/funny as the significant others participate too! Mike and I ended up on the winning team. I think it was the question, 'how do you know when your wife has been scrapbooking?" that got us the big win.... he answered... No Dinner. LOL Yep, true, and funny too.... actually the whole show was a blast. I even earned some FREE products for being on the winning team. It was me, Sue Nielson, and Lynn Como with our husbands. Kristine picked us out of a hat, lucky us! Hehehehe. Funny that I don't even mind being on stage in front of all of those people. =-)

I honestly don't know what we even ate for dinner that night. We had dinner and went to the show, which was fun. And then off to bed for our trip to Malta in the morning. Casey even got some homework done on the balcony that day. ( Can you believe the company buys us a room with a balcony? Awesome huh!) Our adventure had only begun.... more to come tomorrow!

Woohoo! The cruise is HERE!

I love being in the front row! LOL

Although some say it stands for can't tell my husband...

Algebra 1 by the sea

Day 3 Barcelona & Embakration

2008-10-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

Day 3 started, in the same clothes, with a buffet breakfast at our hotel and a tour of Barcelona. The hi-lights of our day included the amazing park and the La Famila Church. This church has been under construction for over 100 years! Yikes, that is a project. We even saw a naked guy (well with a messenger bag) walking around the city. Hehehehehehe. After our 3 hour tour (I know, I kept singing Gilligan's theme song too) we got on our ship, again in our clothes from FRIDAY (not that I am counting). Our mini-suite was lovely. I can't believe that Close To My Heart gets us all balcony rooms! WOW. I did upgrade to a mini-suite for a bit more room for the four of us. It was lovely, yet small. We got on the ship, got some food and started to explore. The first night is the CTMH cocktail party, with finger foods and cocktails for all! Yum. The kids even enjoyed it. And, it is nice to see Jeanette Lynton and her hubby David and say thanks for the opportunity to take this great vacation. It is also great to see all of this years cruisers. Sailing out of Barcelona into the Mediterranean Sea was the experience of a lifetime, lovely. I couldn't believe all I had already seen, I was so excited about our week ahead. More to come tomorrow....

Day 2 Barcelona, Spain

2008-10-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

When we got to Barcelona, without our luggage, we picked up the Close To My Heart transfer to our hotel. They weren't ready for us to check in right away, but it only took about 3o minutes for us to get our room. It was neat. We walked up the street to the museum. They have several original Picaso's there. The museum itself was beautiful, and interesting. The kids did not like the Picaso's at all! They thought it looked like a second grader did the work! Hehehehehe.... Personally I was just about seeing them, and I do love the colorful ones! We walked the museum and then sat outside and drank a coke overlooking the city! YUM made with real sugar. Then we went to eat at a restaurant recommended by our hotel. Seafood, yum. It did all come with heads, so that was interesting, but it really was fantastic! The kids were troopers and didn't whine, simply cut the heads off and ate away! LOL We, of course, drank Spanish wine with dinner too! Then we went back toward the museum and saw the fountains. At night they do a big light show with music and water dancing. Lots and lots of people, but very relaxing.... I loved it.... Oh, and we are getting pretty tired now.... off to sleep, the most rock hard sleep in a long time for all of us, just exhausted! WHEW.
Tomorrow I will write about our brief tour of Barcelona and getting on the ship!

Our European Adventure, day 1

2008-10-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

On our way to Barcelona. The trip from Portland to Atlandta was about 6 hours, and the trip from Atlanta to Barcelona almost 10 hours. Unfortunately none of us were able to sleep on the plane! what a bummer, buh? But, we did get a yummy meal, and then breakfast right before we landed.... wine came with the meal, yum!

When we arrived in Barcelona it was 11 am local time (and no one has slept yet). Unfortunately our luggage did NOT arrive with us. BOOOO. So we were told about four thousand different things. But, ultimately we decided to get over it.... well I decided that anyway, and see Barcelona anyway!

More to come...

St Peter's Basilica, Rome

2008-10-14T05:33:00.000-07:00

What an amazing trip! Our trip to Europe was unbelievable. It was the best, and least restful vacation I have ever taken. CTMH treated us right! I can't belive I could earn a cruise for two, with a balcony room, with this company! Fantastic. We decided to take the boys. It was for sure the trip of a lifetime. Here we are in Rome. I soooo could live in Europe. I loved the wine, all of it, red and white! (Usually I am not a white drinker) Loved the food..... fresh is the word that comes to mind..... more pics to come later

I Believe...

2008-09-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Janelle for sharing the blog with these thoughts......

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born.
A Death Certificate shows that we died.
And, pictures show that we lived!

Now, relax.... and read this slowly.

I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't meanthey don't love each other. And if they don't argue, itdoesn't mean they do.

I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understandthat friends change.

I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going tohurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over thelongest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will giveyou heartache for life.

I believe - That it's taking me a long time to become the person Iwant to be.

I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with lovingwords. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter howwe feel.

I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controlsyou.

I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be donewhen it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe - That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you whenyou're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less todo with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and seesomething totally different.

I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe - . That even when you think you have no more to give,when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

author unknown

Have you ever?

2008-09-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

Have You Ever…
1. gone on a blind date? Yes, a few
2. skipped school? Yep, in high school & college
3. been on the opposite side of your country? Born there!
4. swam in the ocean? Many times
5. had your booze taken away by the cops? No, which surprises me!
6. lettered in a high school sport? No… quit before I was an upperclassman
7. cried yourself to sleep? Yes, a few times
8. played a musical instrument? Guitar
9. sung karaoke? Many many many times!
10. cheated on an exam? nope
11. played spin-the-bottle? Yep
12. laughed until some sort of beverage came out of your nose? No, lol
13. watched the sun rise with someone you care about? Yes
14. ever been arrested? no.
15. gone ice skating? yes, my dad took me often as a child
16. been skinny dipping? Yes a few times
17. been on television? Yes, but in a group
18. thrown up in front of a date? no

Your turn. Blog it and tell me where in the comments section! Happy Monday to you all!

352nd Fighter Group, Second to None!

2008-09-22T21:51:00.001-07:00

Casey and I have been in Tucson since last week attending a reunion of the 352nd fighter group. It was an amazing reunion. These men, who were part of the 352nd in WWII are all at least 87 years old. Wow! This is the bathroom we have in our house that is a tribute. I think my dad would get a kick out of this! I am looking forward to working on some of my WWII stuff this winter. I have to say, having met a few of these men, they really are SECOND TO NONE.

60 things...

2008-09-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

01. WHAT TIME DID YOU GET UP THIS MORNING? 7:00
02. DIAMONDS or PEARLS? diamonds AND pearls
03. WHAT IS THE LAST FILM THAT YOU SAW AT THE THEATER? Lady in the Water
04. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW? Right now Army Wives, but really Boston Legal
05. WHAT DO YOU USUALLY HAVE FOR BREAKFAST? Cereal
06. FAVORITE FOOD? Beef Boulgogi (Korean)
07. WHAT FOOD DO YOU DISLIKE? Wild game
08. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CD? Tobi Keith or Brad Paisley
09. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE? Chrysler Pacifica
10. FAVORITE SANDWICH ? Club
11. WHAT CHARACTERISTIC DO YOU DESPISE? people who think they know everything
12. FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING? jammies or my plaid shorts!
13. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD ON VACATION, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Of course, I can go anywhere, England, Scotland, Ireland next!
14. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHROOM? a mushroom color, brownish taupe
15. WHAT IS YOUR MAIDEN NAME? Cunningham (my dad was born in Scotland)
16. ARE YOU ATHLETIC? Not really, I was more in my youth
17. SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU? I am a Pekingese freak! Oh interesting...hmmm, I love teenagers
18. INDOORS OR OUTDOORS? indoors
19. HAVE YOU TRAVELLED OUT OF THE COUNTRY? yes,
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? “I heard that song before” by Mary Higgins Clark Love mysteries
21. WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST IN FRIENDS? Fun, honesty, integrity
22. FAVORITE SAYING? “nobody likes you”
23. WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY? April 3
24. ARE YOU A MORNING OR NIGHT PERSON? Morning this decade25. WHAT IS YOUR SHOE SIZE? 10
26. PETS? 3 dogs (large, medium, and small), two birds, and 3 hissing cockroaches (gross!)
27. ANY NEW AND EXCITING NEWS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US? I am excited to go to Tucson for the 352nd fighter group reunion this week!
28. WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE? A teacher
29. HOW OLD ARE YOU TODAY? 43
30. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CANDY? Dove milk chocolate
31. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER? Hmmmm any in a big colorful bunch!
32. WHAT IS A DAY ON THE CALENDAR YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO? Oct 5th, we will be in Barcelona and getting on a ship after a city tour
33. WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME? Liane Cunningham Donovan
34. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? the tv and the next door neighbors dog whining to get inside....
35. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Haggen Daas sorbet, lemon
37. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Lipstick red!
38. HOW IS THE WEATHER RIGHT NOW? Coolish and perfect!
39. FAVORITE SOFT DRINK? Coke
40. FAVORITE RESTAURANT? Korean
41. SIBLINGS? Not a one!
42. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR? It is between the first day of summer vacation and the first day of back to school!
43. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD? Stuffed animals
44. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer at the Oregon coast46. COFFEE OR TEA? coffee
47. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA? chocolate
48. HAVE YOU EVER SHOT A GUN? Yes, many times
49. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last week
50. WHAT IS UNDER YOUR BED? Just the carpet! I even ran my roomba under there today, so hopefully no dog hair!
51. WHAT FRIEND HAVE YOU HAD THE LONGEST? Carleen, we took swimming lessons in preschool. OMG over 40 years, holy schmoley!
52. WHAT DID YOU DO LAST NIGHT? Went to bed early after we ate make your own pizzas on the BBQ, fun and MESSY!
53. FAVORITE SMELLS? vanilla
54. WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? Nothing, and everything
55. HOW MANY KEYS ON YOUR RING? 6 I think...
56. HOW MANY YEARS AT YOUR CURRENT JOB? 8, wow!
57. FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK? Tuesday
58. HOW MANY STATES HAVE YOU LIVED IN? New York, AZ, CA and Oregon….. four
59. DO YOU MAKE FRIENDS EASILY? sometimes
60. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO? Dance like no one is watching

Quigley 101

2008-09-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

In general this bird does not like me. He is a Quaker Parrot. He likes Mike, period. The only time he let me touch him was last week. Even though he has wings he can't fly, and he flopped to the floor. Both of the big dogs went right over. They both understand that he is family, but that must be a bit scary for a little bird. Anyway, Mike wasn't home, so I had to step up, and sure enough Quigley stepped up on my finger and let me put him back on the cage. He likes to hang out there (in front of our wedding photo, circa 1989).

So, fast forward to last night. I had a great weekend so far! Friday night I played Bunco, and yesterday I went to an all day crop at a fellow CTMHers home not too far from here. She was very kind to let me be there, as to some I would be viewed as the enemy! I worked ALL day on the second half of my cruise swap. I am so glad to report that I got it done!!! Wahoo.

We had food from "Maggie's Buns" in Forest Grove for lunch. This is my second experience with them, and it is a wonderful place! I understand that mostly it does catering. OMG YUMMY. We had quiche, a yummy salad, bread and dessert creations. Did I mention yum? Wow, it was good!

Oh yea, the bird. So Mike was tired too last night. His stereo died on Thursday so he HAD to get a new one in Gracie (um yea, that is the name of the ford mustang convertible). So he played with that all day yesterday. He wanted to learn how to use all of the new features! So we go to bed fairly early, about 9:15 pm.

Alec comes to say goodnight, and heads back to his room...."um dad, Quigley is at the top of the stairs." WHAT? Yep, the bird has jumped off of his cage, walked down the hall, walked up the stairs, and headed down the hall to our bedroom... what a funny bird!!! So, I guess parrots are quite smart... sounds like Quigley will do that again! Oh my. I love our birds. Birds and dogs, a crazy combo that works for us. =-)

Hope you have a great day!

TGIF

2008-09-12T23:15:00.000-07:00

My bella card for the 'boozers' swap.... it is WAY better in person. And, I see I have used too much light here! This is currently my favorite bella! I just love her.

Ahhh, a weekend that is mostly about ME, fun! Tonight I got to play Bunco with a wonderful group of ladies. I love it when I get to sub for one of them because they are all so fun! I did miss seeing my friend Diane though...

Tomorrow I am signed up for an all day crop. I had hoped to do some fun scrapbooking. But it looks like it will be all about working on swap pages for the cruise.

On a wonderful note, we got all of our cruise documents today. Wow, we are REALLY going to the Mediterranean! I can't believe it is almost here. The flight to Barcelona (through Atlanta) will be long, but the trip will be wonderful, I can hardly wait. There is just soooo much to do between now and then....Overwhelmed is one word! LOL

Here is to a good weekend for all of us!