Where have you been?

In response to the numerous email of my recent disappearnce, I've been home. Sort of. We celebrated Paige's 15th Birthday with her friends and our family. It's so cool having her birthday the same day as Canada Day cause she always gets fireworks. Every year we have everyone over for a pot luck meal, a day of activities in the park (fireman relay races, dunk tank, road hockey tournaments, snow cones...), fireworks and a bonfire followed with a whole buncha tents in the yard for overnight guests. One of our bunch of kids once again won the fireman relay race. They came in first place out of 8 teams for the second year in a row. Way to go guys!! Oh yeah we have a rule for birthday cake... no utensils kids, so this usually gets messy-but lets the kids let loose from their everyday posh-selves!! This year the camping at Da' Moores began early on Friday and ran until Tuesday evening. Monday morning some of the youth came out for brunch and some volleyball. I was certainly ready for some 'ME' time when everyone finally cleared out. So my next few posts will show you what I have been up to during my chillin' out. But until then here's some pics of the party animals...

Special thanks to Robbie for making this such a special weekend for Paige!

Desk Top Accessories Class

July 28th is officially booked for our desk top accessories class. In this class we'll be alterating a Journal book, a clipboard, a pencil holder, a beaded pen and an accessory box (I put my sharpies in mine). For the insanely low prepaid price of $30 we'll be starting at 1 p.m. and spending a day altering these items while our spouces and children spend the afternoon swimming and playing outside (volleyball, lawnbowling, badminton, soccer, tetherball...). Then we're having a pot blessing meal and finish the evening off with a bonfire. If you're interested in joining us please email me with which package of new double sided decorative papers (found on pages 170-173 in our beautiful new book)you'd like to use for your set and prepay by the 23rd to ensure your spot.

Space is limited so it will be on a first paid basis.

here's a sneak peek of some of my samples
using the 'Petals & Paisleys' set.

Dad's Lil' Tin Book

I received a few emails asking about my dad's little tin so here's some info: The tin is 2.75"x3.5" I took pictures of the many pages so you'd get a better look. I missed one page so I'll have to go snap that tomorrow. Each page had a lil' tag in it with the information about the picture (who, occassion, date). I wanted to make sure I had a picture of each grandchild which made the book a lil overstuffed but hey we have a big family! Dad loved it!!
Kaisha snapped a couple pictures of him looking through it and showing Terry.

Going, Going, GONE?!?!

Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, cords, beads, Pearl EX, embossing powders, Brass templates, 12x12 Cardstock, punches, Simply Scrappin' kits, Designer papers, ink cartridges and more... GONE?! Stampin' Up has just posted the retiring accessories list. Have they lost their minds? I doubt it!! If nothing else with all this leaving I can't wait to see what's coming!!
These items are now in limited quantities. As you read the list you will see that some items are highlighted in:
green- still lots available
yellow- clearing out quickly
red- gone, no longer available.
http://www.stampinup.com/ca/documents/US_CA_retiredaccessories.pdf

To keep updated with the list I will post a link as necessary. Unfortunately something could show up as being available but if it's in high demand it could be sold out before an order goes in, so the early bird gets the worm. I will be putting in an order tonight if there is anything you want please email me ASAP so I can tack it onto the order. Other than that I will order later if there is a request.

Father's Day

Tomorrow is the day we celebrate our fathers. My dad has had a special spot in my heart and in my life. Although growing up we were like vinegar and water as time passed we grew closer and continue to do. There's one thing that's really hard to handle as a daughter and that is to see the man that you hold as a strong, powerful break down in tears. I have seen this a few times in my life but although some of these memories are painful they just showed me more of my dad. The first time I saw my dad cry was the night that my ex-fiance and I called it quits. It pained my dad to see me hurting. But this was one of the best decissions I have ever made in my life. For if it wasn't for that broken engagement I would never have met the love of my life nor have the three precious children I have today. Those were a few more times of tears, but tears of joy. The last time my dad cried was when we found out about mom's Leukemia. Although it wasn't face to face I am honoured that my dad turned to me for support. Through the years my dad has been there to hold me, encourage me and help me when I needed him. Now although we don't live as close as we used to in distance we live closer in heart. And this is how I will remember my dad, as a strong & loving man.
So in honour of Father's Day I have turned back to my youth and this year it won't be a purchased item but something from my heart. Thanks to Kimmy for use of her stamps they were perfect for this!
Here's a sneak peek at the outside (it's hard to read in the photo but the tag says "OPA"). The inside I will have to post later just in case he happens to check out my blog before I get a chance to give this to him tomorrow.

Happy Father's Day!!