Stampin' Up North With MaGoo

I'm back!

2011-12-20T05:08:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all!

Yes I am still alive, just very busy with life! Lots going on and I am just trying to deal with it. I will share with you all at a later time, as I'm still processing it myself. I am hoping to get back into sharing cards & projects soon!

I just had to get on here today and spread the word about an AWESOME give away!!! I know that most - wait ALL of you would LOVE to be the winner of this one! Just go to - http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-annual-end-of-year-christmas.html all the details are there and you could be the WINNER!!!

I also have another chance to win a GREAT prize that I decided I needed to jump back on here & let you know about- http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/ Jen has a SUPER - DUPER package of FUN creating stuff to give a WINNER!! She also has six chances for you to win! WOW - that's all I can say!!

One of the chances was to say - "MERRY-JOLLY-HO-HO-CHRISTMAS JOY!"
I figured that it went perfectly with my post for today!

I wish you all a wonderful & blessed Christmas. ENJOY the time with your family and friends!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

It's rainy up north - AGAIN!

2011-09-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I really do believe that we are going to sail right through our fall without seeing any of that Indian Summer - not really happy about that one! Oh well what can I do?! Not a thing!

We headed to the lake again for the weekend last Friday! It was very chilly - in fact we had to use the heater in the camper! Thank goodness it worked! We were talking about when was the last time we used it???? Hmmm DH figures probably about 7 or 8 years ago. OMW!! We did start a fire out side - had lots of scrap wood from clearing to burn off and then I of course needed that fire for roasting SMORES! I did do LOTS of reading all bundled up with my blanket and Muffy on my lap too. We stayed nice & warm as DH walked the property to see if he could find all the property markers - YEP he did - YEAH!!!! Now we will be able to really start the process of building the pole barn up there & after that, we will save - save - save our $$$$ & some day build our little house in the woods!!! LOL Until then, we will live in the pole barn!!

Oh I did do some stampin toooooo!!! I'm even getting some of the others up there thinking about joining in on this FUN art!!!

So we stamped up treat bags for the local VFW kids party - a donation from a few of us to the kidos! Plus I needed to get something Spooky in my booth at Sweet Peas!!!

Then I also needed to work on a couple of Sympathy cards, as we received sad news before we left. I really need to learn to have them ready, as they are not fun to make!!

I hope you are ENJOYING some sunshine where you are!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Thursday!

2011-09-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

WOW - have I surprised you all??? Two post soooooo close together!!

When I was purging things from my stampin room, I found a box that had a TON of ooooooold Stampin' Success Magazines. Of course I could never get rid of them! I might NEED one of them!! LOL I did learn that what I need to do, is tear out the info I am interested in & PITCH the remainder of the magazine! So as I was sitting on the floor, going through the TON of them (Hey I've been a Demo for 12 years - YIKES!!) I started saying not interested in this - tear it out - pitch in the TOSS pile & before I knew it, I had a pile of TOSS!! YIPPEE!! Yes that is very good, but I then realized - - - Hmmmmmm I have hung onto this crap for how long & not interested in it - WHAT????? So I started a new pile, which I would like to say is much smaller & will be punched with the three ring punch & placed into a 3 ring binder of "IDEAS I LIKE"! WOW will DH ever be SURPRISED!!! Every now & then he states - - - "thinking of trying out for that Hoarder show?" Mr. Smart A$$!!!!! Yet if I went & visited his MAN CAVE I would probably be able to say the same thing!! LOL Hard to change old habits!! I am trying & I personally feel that is what matters most!

Now that I've got off the whole subject of my POST - - - I found this idea in an old Stampin ' Success mag!! ENJOY!!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Monday!

2011-09-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

It's another nice & warm Monday at that! I am so ready for fall!!! Not just the pretty changing colors of the leaves, but the falling temps!! I know I really should not complain, as there are many that have had it much worse then me! BUT - - - - I am so tired of having the windows closed up & the AC on! Oh not to mention how I cry when that electric bill comes!! YIKES!!!

DH says that as of today it should be the last of the summer heat!!!! He is crying, as he enjoys that. Yep don't ask me how, but he would much rather it be 99+ on a day in the sunshine, then a cool - breezy - crisp fall day! I personally think he's crazy for that, but I am just READY for fall!! I don't just enjoy the cooler temps, but along with it the pretty leaves on the trees as I take my walks in the woods!

Here is a card I CASED from my Dear Sweet friend Mishie!! http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SkVUwqZJeB0/TkRKfglh_wI/AAAAAAAAPLE/PuTx0WtVarE/s1600/IMG_2197.jpg
I had to use what I had, cause you know that has been my MOTTO!! So I used the Sunflower stamp set from SU. It's very - very old. I think it's one of the first stamps that I purchased. I just had to have it & every time I go through my bazzillion stamp sets to purge them (LOL) I can't part with this one!!! I think this was exactly why I never had!!! I really - really like how it turned out!!

Hope you are having a GREAT start to your week!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

It's a rainy Saturday again!

2011-09-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

How does this happen??? I say I'm gonna stay on top of this & before I know it time just seems to get away! YIKES this time it really got away!! I have been getting to play with my stamps a little, but also been going & going constantly! Seems like someone needs me some place but HOME!!! We were going to head to the lake for the long weekend, but seeing as we have been doing so much running, we decided to stay PUT! This is fine, as we have sooo much to get done around here!

Seeing as I haven't shared anything in like FOREVER - LOL I will share a couple different projects today!

Birthday card for a dear friend - Happy Birthday Bob!!!

Sorry about the glare from the light! Should have taken the pic before I put it in the envelope!! ERRRR!!!! This one I made for a dear friend whose son & DIL are having a little boy!!! I used my NEW SU Pennant Parade stamp set & the punch to go with it! I LOVE that SU is making sure they have punches that go along with their stamp sets!

I have really fell in LOVE with this SU stampset!! Aviary has a TON of possibilities!!! Watch & see what I come up with!!

Then I have been working on a little project that I am actually getting paid for!!! YES - can you believe that??? A customer/friend has a DD getting married this early fall & she was looking for something different - unique & not too fancy. That would be Kayla!! LOL Really! She is a FUN - unique & not fancy type of person! LOTS of FUN to camp with!!!

I am having LOTS of FUN making these up for wedding favors!! You can't tell, but there is a fun size bag of M&M inside this gift wrap!!! I got this idea from Angie Kennedy Juda's blog: http://chicnscratch.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341d73f053ef015390c4a097970b-popup

PLEASE stop & visit Angie's blog!!! She is one talented lady & you will need more then a minute to spend there! Just letting you know!!

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!

Inky Hugs

MaGoooooo/maria

Another Saturday!

2011-08-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

Yep it's another Saturday, but this one is SUNNY!!! It's just GORGEOUS out there! Was about 70 and sunny with a little breeze. In my words that is just PERFECT!!

I made sure to spend some of the day outside ENJOYING it! Took a nice Muffy walk & then pulled weeds, oh wait I don't have weeds in my gardens - LOL That is like the one thing that I do not enjoy about the gardening life! Oh well I guess they need some place to grow.

So here is a quick card I did up this past week. I saw the technique on someone's blog, but I'm sorry I cannot remember who's it was. I just thought it was very cleaver, seeing as we are all going to the NEW clear blocks!

You use the clear mounting block to make the blob image in a light ink, then you stamp over that in either black or a darker shade of the color ink you used. I used Certainly Celery for my blob & then black for the flower, which is a NEW SU stamp - "Flower Fest".

Hope you ENJOY it!!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

A rainy Saturday!

2011-08-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

Yep it is a rainy Saturday - which means one thing - I GET TO STAY INSIDE & STAMP!!!! LOL

Good thing the weather wasn't like this while we were up at the lake. It woulda been the pits!!!

Also a good thing we didn't have much on our plate for today either. Now tomorrow that's another story! We will see. There is a big Kayak Fest going on - on the BIG lake (Superior). It actually started today, poor people out there trying to compete in this weather. We didn't plan on going there today though, tomorrow we will go and watch the little ones having FUN playing around & goofing off!

So that brings me to my share for today. I worked on these little note holders when I was up at the lake. I LOVE this Penny Black stamp, it's gotta be one of my FAV!!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Yep I'm back again - LOL

2011-08-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

We ran away & ENJOY it!! No computer - No internet - just txting, as service is kinda sketchy @ the lake - just PEACE & QUITE!!

Well that was after the MAN work was over!! LOL We went to the lake to start on a bit more of the work that needed to be done there.

This is what it started off looking like in the very beginning - years ago

Then we made a little dent a while back - so that we had a place to put the CAMPER - OFF the road! Yes when we first started camping at the lake, we parked on the road - OMW!! Thank goodness for being waaaaay outta the way & that no one really cared about us parking it on the road. - "MINNESOTA NICE!!!"

It was just fine though, as it was a get away & PEACE & QUITE - Shhhhhh! You know it's heaven when your kids always look forward to going to the lake & they are really only going camping. LOL

So as you can see there is no more cramming things in on a tiny piece of the property - there's ROOM for lots & lots of FUN times like - - - -

The girls & the tents!

goofing off on the RZR & bringing back the found firewood - LOL

Even the little ones ENJOY being "UP NORTH" - treats help ya know

The two Military guys home! Dan (one in the red) was home on leave from the Navy. He will be deploying again in the end of November for 12 months. So his only request was to go to the lake & RELAX! That is exactly what we made sure he got! Tyler (the other one) is in the MN Army Reserves and has been told for the fifth time he will be deploying in October. We will see and as far as this Mom is concerned, if he doesn't deploy again - that's just fine with me! I so worry about these two, though I am very PROUD of them both!

I just received this Tim Holtz stamp right before we left & I knew it had to come along with me! This is one of my FAV stamps right now!! Works GREAT for all card themes!

I have a couple of baby showers to attend in a few weeks and so I also worked on cards for those too.

This is a card that I CASED from http://sharonstampsalot2.blogspot.com Sharon is one very talented Stamper!!

I'm back home for a bit & hope to be able to share LOTS!!
Have a wonderful Evening!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

But it was cozy & it worked well for a get way!! Everyone & anyone who came to visit always said "PEACE & QUITE!" Pure ENJOYMENT!!

Tuesday - Tuesday

2011-07-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

The week is off to a running start up north! At least we are able to enjoy a bit cooler temps them they are down in the cities. I chatted with my little Sis & she said that if you walk out the door, the sweat just starts running off of ya. Glad I'm not down there!! I'd be inside and not going any where!! LOL

Here is a project that I came up with for a couple of friends kids who have teens and like to journal. I just LOVE those big old Comp notebooks! I stocked up on them a while ago and every time I use a few I don't even seem to place a dent in my stash. Good thing I've dug them out again!!

I love this saying by Oscar Wilde! I think it's perfect for a teenager - they just that reminder every now and then ya know.

Stay cool & ENJOY your Tuesday!
Hugs
MaGOOOOOO/maria

Sunny & Warm Sunday

2011-07-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

Hello!
I hope you are all enjoying your weekend! It was Herritage Days up north here in Two Harbors, MN. We had friends and family who came to visit and take in some of the festivities. Lots of laughs & storying telling, that was for sure! Now I'm looking forward to a relaxing week ahead! Also hoping the temps cool down a bit, as the heat waves we have been dealing with are ENOUGH for me!

So my surprise that I didn't get posted on Friday was - - - -

If you take all these ingredients, mix them together add a pie shell - homemade of course - LOL you end up with the a SURPRISE of which you have one HAPPY HUBBY!! Yep Butterfinger & him are good friends. I must say it was yummmy!!

I also worked on some card projects as July seems to be a busy - busy month for us with BIRTHDAY wishes to be sent off.

I had FUN working on my July Birthday cards, as I decided to put to use some of my Sixxiz Dies - oh & buttons!!

Have a GREAT evening!

Hugs

MaGoooooo/maria

Thrilling Thursday!

2011-07-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

Yep it is that up north! A very muggy one, but it has been thrilling! I just closed up the windows & turned on that knob! I'm stayin put & enjoying the coolness of the indoors today! That is after I finished up with my grocery shopping (hadn't gone for a while, so that was a FUN adventure!) I am loving that all the FRESH produce is coming into the stores now!! We had taken some fresh corn on the cob with us last weekend and I don't think there is like anything better then fresh roasted/grilled corn over a fire and TONS of dripping butter. Yep said in my bestest "Paula Deen" voice. LOVE that woman!! So back to my share for the day -

Do you ever have one of those stamp sets that has been retired for like EVER - but you just know that you could never part with it???? Baby's First is one of those for me! To be honest with you - I did cave and get rid of it, when I would listen to what others would give in advice. I am so thankful that I found one & was able to get my hands on it again! I LOVE - LOVE this set! Did I tell you I LOVE this set??? LOL It is like the perfect set to use for any type of "BABY" theme! I have been making these little journal books for "Baby's First" and the stamp set goes along perfectly. So I of course have come to a point in my life now again where I am in need of baby gifts. Yep you guessed it, my kids friends are at the age where they are having their babies & I can never let a chance to go by to WISH well wishes for a NEW LITTLE ONE!! I use some of my stash of glassine bags, which I purchased eons ago. I am so bad about making sure that I waaaaay over purchase and then am afraid to use them. I might not have ENOUGH! Yeah right! This is changing in my stampin' room!! I used them in this mini album and adhered them to the cardstock page. Inside the little bag I placed a piece of cardstock, which they could place a picture on, or do some journaling. That's what an album is all about - right?!

I suppose I should head onto my next adventure of my THRILLING Thursday! I will return tomorrow and share! I'm makin someone very - very HAPPY! Doin a Happy Dance I'm sure!

Hugs

MaGoooooo/maria

I'm BACK!

2011-07-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

I have been MIA for a bit, as that NASTY MS acted up and got to me again! Dog-gone it! Hoping we have things calmed down & that life will calm down in it's self! I now have use of both my hands again, which is very good! Had a wonderful visit with Dan the Airman while he was home on leave for 7 days. Now we've delivered him back to his base in California safe & sound and he's already preparing for his next deployment. Thank goodness for all our Guys & Gals who are staying strong and keeping us & OUR COUNTRY SAFE!!

I did get a few new treats from SU and have been playing with them! That brings me to my share for today. I used the Hello Blossoms stamp set from the SU summer mini and had lots of FUN with it!! I am glad I had the time to just sit and ponder on how to use this one stamp. I hope you ENJOY your "Hello" from me!

It is hard to tell from the picture, but I used my markers and colored the stamp and the "HUFFING" technique to color. I then took and stamped the flowers with the letters in brown and punched the letters out to use as the centers. I popped them up with some foam mounting tape and so the "HELLO" really does POP!

Return and see what I have to share tomorrow.

Hugs

MaGoooooo/maria

How can it be Monday already????

2011-06-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

That is how I feel! LOL I just do not understand where all my time goes! We had a busy week last week, just planning things for Dan coming home on leave & heading to the lake. That was his only request - what a kid! So I of course have been busying baking & freezing. Don't want to have to do it all at once and go into over load! Making the menu plan is always the hardest when you have a large group & know that more will show up. That is what makes going to the lake so much FUN though! I of course am trying to figure out what to pack in my tub. Yep that's all I get to bring with me is 1 tub. Can you believe they would be that MEAN to me?? LOL Just means I need to get to figuring out exactly what project(s) I wanna bring with me. Dan will be flying into Minneapolis airport late on Wed (6/15) evening and we will be there to give him a GIANT HUG!! I can hardly wait to see him!!!!!! Then we will head right up to the lake and just hang out there, till he has to be returned to the airport & fly back to California, to base. I am so excited to hear all the stories that he will have to tell & the many experiences he has had also. Just so happy & thankful that he has been SAFE!

Now onto my share for today - - - -

I'm still addicted to the Subway ART!! I just love how all the words you want to use to describe someone or something is used! Then I found these little do dads (the metal cog) and knew that I had to get those when I found them! So I did and none too soon! I think it fits perfectly with this card! Hope you enjoy it & remember Father's Day is just a couple weeks away! YIKES!!

Off to plan some more things for when my Airman returns home! Hope you ENJOY your Monday!
Hugs -
MaGoooooo/maria

Wild Wednesday!

2011-06-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

It is a wild one! But you won't find me complaining bout it!!!! The sun is shinning & there's a nice breeze coming through the windows that get to be open!! Just doing that HAPPY DANCE that we don't live down in the big city!! Yesterday the temps in Minneapolis were 103 - They set records & the weather man said it hasn't been that warm (at this time of the year) for 23 years. Thankfully things have changed in time & we now have AC in our home! It doesn't seem to be used much living up north though! LOL We hit a whopping 68 yesterday, which was just fine with me!

We had a wonderful time at the lake and I have not loaded pics yet. I will share those in a bit. But I am sharing a pic of a few cards I worked on there. LOVE being able to stamp & have the peace & tranquility all around. Something about feeling like you are in the BIG WOODS! I am using a stamp that I took as a SAB - remember a few months ago when SU was holding their Sell-a-bration special? I took the single stamp "on the green", figured that I would put it to good use at some point. I know just a few Golfers!

I think it makes a pretty nice b-day or Father's Day card!

ENJOY your day!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Heading to the lake

2011-06-03T04:20:00.000-07:00

I don't have much time, but I wanted to make sure and share with you some FUN news go to Our Craft Lounge and check out their blog hop going on this weekend!!!! http://www.blog2.ourcraftlounge.com FUN - AWESOME samples! Great bunch of gals & AWESOME designs!!

Have a GREAT weekend! Hubbys yelling that he's pulling out with or without me. Gotta go!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

I'm BACK!

2011-06-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been MIA for a while. Life just seems to consume a lot of our time and stress along with it.

I figured the best way to get outta this slump & bring some happiness into life is to pull out the stamps and PLAY!! Along about this time the sun shine has decided it's time to peak out once again too. It is amazing to me how just a little of that bright color up there in the sky can make a GIANT difference on our out look! It is so nice out there today that I just returned from a nice long "Muffy" walk and it's warm enough I can actually leave the windows open and bring in some of that wonderful clean air smell!!!!

I hope that you all ENJOYED your Memorial Day weekend. I hope that you were able to take a moment to remember all of our guys & gals in the Military. Past & Present! One of mine will be state side soon - YIPPEEE!! My Sailor Airman Dan!! He will be returning from his first deployment on June 15th to San Diego. So we will not be able to run and greet him, but he will be getting on a plane and flying back home & spending his 7 days of leave with us!!!! All he asked for was time at the lake, with his immediate family! I can hardly wait to see him, give him a tight hug & kiss!!! Then I'm gonna stuff him full of the foods that he has missed & just let him drink the beer he wants and BS with us!! Even Tyler is coming home from Colorado to be with us all. What a GREAT group of kids I have!!

So today I am sharing one of the graduation cards that I made for one of the many open houses we have to attend this spring. I'm so happy every time I make a Grad card for a special friend! I smile the whole time I'm working on it, thinking of what that special kid went through to get to this place in their life. Wishing them well as they take the next step in their life journey. Okay I'm done with all my sloppy - soupy story. LOL Now I don't know if you have noticed that over the past year it seems that the Subway Art is taking over!! I, personally LOVE it!!! Any how Janet over at http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com had a contest back in March & I WON!!! She created the COOOOOOOLEST family subway art work!! It is hanging very proudly I would like to say right smack dab next to our front door. Go check out her blog, I know you will also fall in love with it!! She has sooooo many AWESOME ideas there and she is so very gracious with her sharing! So that takes me to my share for today. I hope you enjoy it and will also check out Janet's blog. Just make sure it's when you have time!!!

I will be trying to stay on top of things better now! Though remember I'm heading to the lake and we have to internet there. That's fine, I can just play!!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Happy May Day!

2011-05-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

Yep it is May 1st & that means one thing - it's May Day and time to run around and place baskets of flowers on your neighbors & friend door. Remember doing that when you were little??? I remember making baskets out of paper plates and filling them with construction paper flowers. Running through the back yard to Grandma & Grandpa's house, putting them on the door knob, ringing the door bell and running back home as fast as I could. Don't think I was playing ding - dong ditch today! I just delivered a couple of baskets of flowers, with a kind little note. Hoping it brought some cheer to those that received them!

So my share for today is a card I made with a stamp from Stampendous. I bought the stamp when my FAVORITE local stamping store was going out of business. Yep I know I'm still crying about that too!! I knew I had to have it cause I would find the perfect time to use it! It has actually turned out to be one of my FAV stamps for a quick & easy card, which is what I needed today. A birthday card that is.

I'm still waiting for the sun to show up north, but it could be worse, we could have snow - YIKES!! Actually we did receive snow a week ago. DH had to go out & plow that heavy - slushy stuff in April!!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

It's already April 11th!

2011-04-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Where is April going??? YIKES!! Before we know it Easter will be here and gone! Then Summer will be here and we will be wondering how that could have happened so fast!!

I've been busy spending time with friends, which I find one of the most IMPORTANT things that we can do! I have also been working on some projects too. I always try to come up with a FUN Easter project to give to my nieces & nephews on Easter Sunday, as we usually all spend that day together and have LOTS of FUN!! Which is leading me to my share for you today!!

I cased the bunny from Monkia Davis. http://monikastamp.wordpress.com/2011/04/08/the-easter-bunny-is-on-his-way/ I LOVE her blog!! She is a very talented and creative person! She also is so generous and shares her talents with us!! THANK YOU Monika! Monkia used the petal cone die from SU for the Big Shot, which I do not have. So I put my thinking cap on and used her ADORABLE Bunny idea to cheer up my "RE-USE" container idea!! I've filled this container with jelly beans. The PERFECT treat for Easter - don't ya think??? I hope you have a WONDERFUL & SUNNY day!

Hugs,

MaGoooooo/maria

How did April get here????

2011-04-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

Time just seems to get away way too fast! Here it is the beginning of April already.

I woke up to what I thought must be Mother Nature playing her April Fools Day joke on me!

SNOW - yes can you believe that?! You can tell that I am really ready for spring, can't you! I just want to be able to open the windows - wide open and let the fresh air blow through! Look you can see that poor morning dove that is even fighting to stay warm & dry! Hiding under the eve of the feeder.

Here is a FUN project that I worked on for my little spot up at Sweet Peas -

You can tell that EASTER is on it's way!! Yes of course I have been going up & down the candy isles of the stores looking for cute & FUN candies that will work in my projects! I just LOVE when it's a special time & they have FUN candies to choose from! Of course I had to put some FUN Jelly Belly Beans in with this Bunny!!

Lastly I will share one of the many Wedding cards that I have been working on. Seems that when you have children that grow up, you go through their friends; birthday parties, First Communion, Confirmation, Graduation and what seems to come next???? WEDDING! I do have to say it is always one of the cards I really enjoy working on, is Wedding cards! Happy - Happy time!!

I hope you have a FUN & dry day!! May the sun be shinning where you are.

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Thinking they might be right Tuesday!

2011-03-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

LOL!! Yep they are predicting that we are in a "BLIZZARD" warning! So far every time they have posted this warning, it's failed to even make it this far north in Minnesota! This time though I am thinking they might be more on the correct side. The winds have been blowing like crazy for the last few days, which I am thinking is bringing those blizzard warnings. It has not started to snow, that really, really, really fine stuff. Which as my Grandpa always said meant LOTS of snow. DH said they are loading plows and sanders on the trucks and preparing for the "BLIZZARD"! I guess we have been fortunate UP NORTH this year, as most every storm misses us and stays south!! One last try before I KNOW SPRING will be HERE!!

That brings me to my post for today - - - -

I am so HAPPY with how my SPRING GARDEN BUCKETS have turned out! What a way to help you WELCOME SPRING IN! They were FUN - FUN - FUN to make!! I found these CUTE buckets and placed a pair of garden gloves in there, along with some seed packets, bulbs & some markers that I stamped! I hope it brings you some SPRING thoughts too!

I think I'm back and will be posting again more often. I am still playing catch up after having a GREAT time this past weekend! I was able to join in helping a GREAT CAUSE! I was part of the fund raiser for the Honor Flight! http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/news/local/Honor-Flight-Northern-Raises-Enough-Money-to-Fly-Veterans-Free-118307379.html It was so worth every minute of working on this project!! Here is another link that will tell you a bit more about Honor Flight and how it originated. http://www.honorflight.org/about/index.cfm

I guess what will always amaze me is how AMAZING these men & women are! Every time I would thank one of them (we were so lucky to be able to have 22 WWII Veterans at the fundraiser!), they would look at me, right into my eyes and say, "No, thank you." To be able to listen to them tell me their stories on last Saturday evening, was something that I will treasure forever! It will be amazing to hear their stories after they are able to visit their Memorial, when they return HOME!

I hope you all stay warm & safe this Tuesday!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Thinking Thursday!

2011-03-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

Hello!
I guess you could say I've been having a "Thinking" last few weeks, oh maybe months. They all seem to go into one another! I have just been so saddened by everything that is going on over in Japan! Thanking the good Lord that Dan DID NOT get stationed there! I remember how bummed he was when they told him they were changing his orders. He was to say the least, more then bummed. But as I always try to look at things - - - Things happen for a reason! Yep now instead he's on a ship sailing around in the ocean protecting all of us!

I have been doing some stamping though! I have a bunch to share with you over the next few days.

I am sending this one off to my sister, as I owe her a BIG THANK YOU for things she has done for me! I tried to make it look springy. I think the big - bright - yellow bow should help with that! Oh & that bright orange button in the middle! hehehe, but I also had to stay with my "WARM" colors!

Hope you are enjoying your Thursday!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Manic Monday!

2011-03-07T08:08:00.000-08:00

That is how I feel! Mondays always seem to put me in a rush to get things going & accomplish something! Can you believe that I'm here TWO DAYS in a row with a posting??? LOL

I worked on a few cards over the past couple of weeks and I'm sharing this one with you today. I'm really liking the Square Lattice embossing folder LOTS! You will see more to come. LOL

I am always in need of "Thinking of You" cards, so this was one that I worked on for my stash!!

ENJOY your Mondays!!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

WOW it's Sunday!

2011-03-06T05:33:00.000-08:00

Where has the time gone again?! I feel like I say that a lot, guess it just gets away from me too fast!!

I have been busy though helping a friend whose son is a Recruiter for the Army. She came up with the most AWESOME idea!! - - - - - - She was remembering back to the day when Eric went into the Army and how she as a parent - MOM felt. IDEA - - - - if the Recruiters would send out a card of APPRECIATION to the family whose love one had joined the Army to help keep us SAFE! So with the smart thinking of Marianne, we sat down and made a bunch of cards. Wish I could say I did something, but she showed up with everything ready to go and we had soooo much FUN assembling them! I forgot to get a picture, sorry! Just was a wonderful project to help with!!

I did work on a few other projects over the last few weeks. Plus I ran down to the cities to help my Momma, visit with my Dad & see Patrick too. Was a busy - busy time! Now I'm back and of course guess what - it's snowing up north once again!

I hope you ENJOY this little Easter bucket as much as I did putting it together! I just LOVE when the Chocolate Easter Eggs come to the store!

ENJOY your day!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Thrilling Thursday!

2011-02-17T11:44:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that it's already Thursday! Where or where has the week gone???

The weather has been WONDERFUL up north! Today it's 41 and the snow is melting away!!! Just keeping my mind on that it's only the middle of February and I live up north in Minnesota. We have had snow in May ya know. I just know that will not happen this year!! Muffy has been enjoying the warmth also! She loves those walks & just being able to lay on the side walk in the sunshine. Yep spring will come!

Today I'm sharing a card I cased from Laurie -http://stampingnut.blogspot.com
I did not have all the items that Laurie used, but I guess that is why we say that we cased it!! But you know I'm trying to stay on track with my friend and USE WHAT I HAVE!! Well I guess I have to confess to someone, I did go to http://www.starlitstudio.net and place a nice order of some items that I just NEEDED! Now you noticed that I said I needed and not wanted! LOL Any how I hope you enjoy my card share for today!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Magical Monday!

2011-02-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day my friends!

I'm back to start off my week with a share of one of the cards I cased from - http://stampinfunwithselene.blogspot.com/2011/02/saturday-sketch-challenge-190-shadowed.html I really LOVE her ideas! CUTE - CUTE cards!! Selene is very talented!!

As you can see I cased it, but did not have exactly what Selene had to make her perfect card, but I think I made it work. I was once again in need of a couple of sympathy cards. They are always so hard for me and then I was thinking, hmmmm maybe this one is too bright for a sympathy card, but then I changed my mind as the Pastor at our church has always told us - a Funeral Service is actually a happy time. Happy time to me is BRIGHT! I guess it's all in how one looks at things.

We did not hit the 40's this past weekend, but we did get in the low 30's and for up north I'm taking that! It's still nice out there today, just a little windy. Muffy & I were able to head out for one of our nice walks and it was GREAT to be back walking!

I hope you get a little sunshine to start your week off where ever you are!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

It's a Thrilling Thursday!

2011-02-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

Yes it is! We are above zero & the sun is shinning!!! I'm hoping that weatherman is correct for the weekend forecast, as he is predicting that we might hit 40 degrees!!! YIPPEE!!! I'm really keeping my fingers crossed, as I am very ready to get out and start walking again! I do miss it! But trying to go out with such a below zero windshield just DID NOT work! BRRRRRRRR! DH said it was -23 when he got up this morning at 5 am. Tooooo cold for me!

Here is little Miss Erica's Valentine Treats that I'm sending off to her today. She will be so surprised when she gets a package in the mail! I know it will bring a BIG smile to her and she will be EXCITED to see what she got!!

Can you tell I have been digging through my stash again? Yep this is one of those tins that I had picked up at the Target Dollar Spot oh I don't even remember when! LOL I filled it with all kinds of VALENTINE TREATS! Just a little sugar high for Mom & Dad. LOL

I have a dear friend who has me going on using what I have! She is such a DEAR!! DH is so HAPPY with her getting me inspired to USE what I HAVE here already. Imagine that! Using up what's already in my stampin' room!!

Stay WARM!!

Hugs,

MaGoooooo/maria

Monday - Monday

2011-02-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

It is Monday and guess what?! It's snowing once again!! Guess I should be happy that we had a GORGEOUS weekend up north and it didn't snow then! It's also very windy so not sure that I will take a Muffy walk today or not. hmmmmm Kinda funny, well maybe not funny, sad - the little birdies are having a hard time flying it's so windy out there. I guess if I go out for a walk I best make sure that I bundle up like a snowman. I always feel like the little guy from Christmas Story when I have to dress like that. Just hope I don't fall down - cause I know I won't be able to get up.

Today's share is two of the cards that I will be using in my 2011 SAB workshops. I have learned through the years that I DO NOT have to come up with new ideas for every workshop. Why did I ever think that? If customers come to more then one workshop, they usually don't mind making the same card. One to keep for a pattern and one to share. Always nice to have a card on hand.

Okay I'm done yammering I will share - - - -

Have a WONDERFUL MONDAY - MONDAY where ever you may be!!

Hugs

MaGoooooo/maria

Paper Trey

2011-02-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

Not sure how I goofed this one up, but I guess it's just me & computers lately! LOL

Here is my FAVORITE pick of my 2010 Paper Trey projects that I did!

They are having an AWESOME contest again on Nichole's blog with Paper Trey's new release!!

Go over and check it out - here's the link: http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/

ENJOY & good luck, even though I'm hoping it's ME that gets picked. LOL

Hugs

MaGoooooo/maria

Snowy Saturday!

2011-01-29T14:42:00.000-08:00

Yep it's still coming down! As of now we have about 13 inches out in our driveway. DH just came in with that report. He was surprised that I hadn't gone out to measure and see how much we'd had. WHAT? I think NOT! All I know is that it's still coming down and I am really ready to find some place warm to head to! Have a friend in Florida whose been asking for visitors, might have to take her up on that.

I did have FUN though this morning putzing on some more projects for Sweet Peas. I CASED a project idea from http://addinkandstamp.blogspot.com Lisa Young's blog: Add ink and Stamp! I am a stocker of her blog and her talents are AWESOME! Lots of ideas for inspiration!!! So I didn't have one of those little clear buckets and I thought, hmmm not running down to Duluth in this crappy weather, lets see what I have have horded in my stampin room! Yep a clear pillow box will work! In there is a package of hot chocolate, mini marshmallows, some Kisses and stirring stick. THANK YOU Lisa for sharing your AWESOME Talents!!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Finally Friday!!

2011-01-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

That's how I'm feeling!! It has been a loooong week! Then today I woke up and surprise! It's snowing and we are expected to get 12" of snow! WHAT???? I guess it will be a day to be snowed in and sitting by the fire again. I will just get things ready that I need.

Today's share is one that I finally used a stamp I bought like forever ago and never used! I thought I would use it lots, but just never figured out exactly what! I think it makes a perfect Valentine's Day card, that I will give to my DH after I figure out exactly what things I LOVE about him most!

Hope your Friday is full of FUN & warmth!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

It's been a wild Wednesday for SURE!

2011-01-26T12:31:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I guess that is why we always called Wednesdays that when my kids were growing up. They just seem to be the busiest day of the week constantly! Not always a bad thing, but just that you really hope you can grab a minute to catch your breath. LOL

Mine was wild, just cause there was so much stuff I was trying to accomplish and it seems there is never enough time!

Any how my share today is one of many Valentines I have made for the upcoming HOLIDAY! I hope you like it! I know it's simple, but some times simple is the BEST way to go!

Have a WILD WEDNESDAY!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Sunday - Sunday!!

2011-01-23T09:38:00.000-08:00

Hello!

It's still cold up north! They are telling us that by Tuesday we should see 20+ - YAHOOO! We will feel like a BIG HEAT wave has come through!

My share for today is one of the many Valentine Mail boxes I covered the past few days! I really like all the BRIGHT - COLORS that come along with Valentines Day!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

FREEZING FRIDAY!

2011-01-21T06:45:00.000-08:00

I guess I shouldn't have complained yesterday, as today has taken it to the COLD! BRRRRR once again, but when I got up this AM it was stating - - - - off line on the thermometer, as it was too cold to register. The Weather Man stated that it only got to -23 below, not the -25 they had predicted. Whatever it's freezing COLD out there and I will be spending another day sitting by the fire and making sure to just stay WARM!

Onto HAPPIER subjects! -

Yep one of the Valentine cards for this year!!!!

I hope you all stay nice and toasty warm today!!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Freezing up north!

2011-01-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

BRRRRRR! That's how I have to start off my welcome today! It is FREEZING up north this morning. Sadly it is suppose to be this way for a bit. I guess I really can't expect warm weather in the middle of January when I live up north! LOL It just means that I will be staying inside and working on more projects right by the fire!!

I just LOVE the Holiday treats that are on the market! I always head for the candy isle at my Grocers or my Target - Wal-Mart. Then I feel good as I am re-using a tin that held probably tuna, chicken or olives. We will say it held something, cause you can really use any tin you have! Then I took and layered some cardstock around the tin, the Whisper White is stamped with one of the five stamps that come in the Whispy Patterns. A stamp set from OCL = Our Craft Lounge http://www.blog2.ourcraftlounge.com (or just hit their link on the right). Remember every now and then I remind you to go and check out their site?! They are always having FUN things going on there and lots of times you will find blog hops going on where you can leave a kind - sweet message and possibly WIN!!! This was one of my many LUCKY times!!! LOVE there stamps!! Now go and check it out!!

This is just show you a grouping of Valentine Treats! I made some of these for my booth at Sweet Peas and then I of course cannot forget my little nieces & nephews! GREAT ones now too. Hmmmm maybe I should include some of the adults, who doesn't like a treat? LOL I will work on that idea!

Have a wonderful day & STAY WARM!!
Hugs, MaGoooooo/maria

Just like I promised!

2011-01-18T10:50:00.000-08:00

Yep here are some of the projects I've been working on over the last couple of weeks, as I was able to sneak a few minutes in here and there.

This was a FUN idea that I CASED from another blog! I how smart that person was! I'm always looking for a calendar it seems when I'm writing down something on my note pad. Here we have them together! I had purchased a large pack of mini legal pads from Sam's Club. I then took them to my friendly local printing shop in town and they cut them in 1/2 for me with their GIANT paper cutter! LOL I like to make these projects for gifts!!

This is another card that I CASED, but I really like it lots! I always have a hard time coming up with a way to use this stamp from the "Inspired by Nature" stamp set. Give me the daisies and I don't have an issue, but for some reason these weeds - grass cause me a problem! THANK GOODNESS for CASING!!

I will be back tomorrow with more to share!! Right now I'm going to go back to watching the Wood Peckers, peck away at the suet feeder that's hanging out front for them. They really are amazing birds! I know some do not care for them, as they can do some major damage, but we have maintenance free siding and a metal roof, so they really can not do too much to our home. I do miss the big Pileated Woodpecker that we see during the summer. I'm going to check the bird book and see if they fly south in the winter too.

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

WOW!

2011-01-17T10:49:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that we are already 1/2 way through January!!! Where did all the time go??

I do not have anything to share with you today, but will have tomorrow. We sent Dan back to his home base in California on Friday eve. I think he ENJOYED (I know he did) his time with us during his leave . Now he is getting ready to be deployed to his ship. Not sure where he will be, but I do know that he is ready and that helps me! I know he's been trained well and is ready to do what the Navy needs him to do. We did lots of FUN things and had some wonderful discussions! It is amazing what a SUPER 21 YO, young man Dan has become! He has made his family very proud of him!

So I have taken bits of time to putz on things, just have to get them put together, as they seem to be sitting in piles, needing to be assembled. LOL Isn't that something that every stamper deals with?

We are dealing with more snow up north right now, but that is fine, as it means I just get to stay put, keep putting wood on the fire and stamping!

ENJOY your Monday!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

2011-01-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

HERE IS MY NEW YEAR STAMPING GOALS...

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Wow, I can't believe it is already 2011! I wish you all health, happiness, love, laughter and the time to enjoy it all in the New Year! And for many of you, a better and bigger year than ever before!

2011 STAMPING GOALS

Make at least 10 Christmas cards every month, this way I will have them done to go out by Christmas!
Send out cards ON TIME (this is a hard one for me!).
Scrapbook more often.
Make my class samples further in advance.
Design more online classes.
Learn to make videos for my blog.
Spend time stamping everyday.
Finish my Stampin' Studio.
Participate in some blog hops.
Spend more time relaxing with my husband and family.

I will be sharing lots more too! This week I may not get started, as Dan - Dan the airman will be home on a 10 day leave before he heads out to his ship. Which will take him away from us for longer amount of time. That will be hard to not get those silly little texts that he always sends my way, just to make me giggle. Or the phone calls to say "I love you so much for being my MOM!" I best go and dry my eyes. It all goes with being a Mom to a son whose out there helping protect OUR COUNTRY!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Wild Wednesday!

2010-12-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

Yep it's another one of those, as I've got all kinds of errands to get done and finish up my Christmas baking, as I want to get a box of goodies shipped off to Danny. He did find out his assignment after he is finished with his schooling. He will be leaving for Japan in July 2011. He is very excited about this and said he is ready for anything and everything that comes his way. Oh to be young again and invincible!

I survived my craft show weekend, which brought back all the memories of how FUN they are! But oh the work in getting things ready and then surviving a busy, hectic day with shoppers! The #1 seller was my decorated CANDY BARS!! I woulda never thought that, but was HAPPY!!!!

My share for today is another item that was a good seller!!! I am always so happy when I find the little things that I can afford to keep the price low on and find that my customers enjoy them too! They are those paper mache boxes that you see at every craft store and I just decorated them up, so that they were more Christmasie and they make the perfect gifting box! I painted them a Christmas green, I took some SU background paper and covered the top. Of course I had to place some ribbon on them too, cause nothing is finished until it has RIBBON on it!!

I hope your day is a calmer then mine!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Windy Wednesday!

2010-12-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

It is very windy out there, which equals BRRRR!!! We have some flurries going on, but nothing much is sticking around. It's just cold and gray out there. Even the deer are hiding!

I've still been putzing on items for the BIG weekend at Sweet Peas and the Craft show on this Saturday. This weekend at Sweet Peas they are having their annual "Holiday Open House". All in all, it just means that I've been BUSY!!!

Can you believe that it's already December? Seems like it was just August and I was wondering if fall was ever going to arrive! Guess I missed it, cause now there is snow on the ground and the temps have dropped!

Today's share is something that I worked very hard on! I received this idea many years ago from my friend Piney; http://www.pinefeather.typepad.com She loves to make journals and she shared her idea of the 12 days of Christmas, which she got from Ali Edwards; http://www.aliedwards.com. So yes it's a 12 days of CHRISTMAS journal. The purpose of this journal is to take a few minutes outta of your day to jot down something that you enjoyed about one of the 12 days. I have found it valuable, as it made me think about each of these days and remember the little things that are IMPORTANT to me. I have gone back through these journals and they bring fond memories and BIG smiles to my heart! I hope you will take time to make one of your own. Even a little note book would do the job!

Hope your day is filled with fond memories!
Hugs,

MaGoooooo/maria

Snowy Sunday up north!

2010-11-21T11:12:00.000-08:00

Yep, DH was called out to plow & sand at 5 AM this morning! Thank you Neil (his boss) for giving us the early morning call on the house phone and waking everyone else up, that could have used a few more winks! Such is life with a DH who works for Public works for the County! I know I should be quite and happy that he is one that is fortunate to have a job. I am happy and THANKFUL that he is employed!

Any how I was then blog surfing, like what else would I be doing early in the morning before I fall back to sleep??? LOL When I visited http://meandmybucket.blogspot.com/ One of my FAV blogs to visit!! and I noticed that she had posted a SUPER deal from Shutterfly!!!

Welcome blogger! Thank you for your interest in participating in our 2010 Holiday Card collection promotion. Shutterfly has compiled fresh and fabulous holiday cards we’re proud to showcase and we’re eager to hear which holiday designs are your favorite. If you would like to contribute a blog write up and receive 50 free holiday cards*

Go visit their site and find out the details!!!! http://www.shutterfly.com

I'm off to decide on which picture I will use for our Christmas cards this year!! I LOVE picture cards and seeing how the kids in our lives have grown & changed!

Hugs,

MaGoooooo/maria

Projects for Craft Fair

2010-11-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

Hi!

I've been working on projects for a Crafter's Fair I'm taking part in. Plus trying to keep up with things at Sweet Peas. I haven't took part in a Craft Fair like forever! I have missed it! I think keeping my little spot at Sweet Peas, has helped keep that part of my life satisfied!! So when a friend asked me to come take part in the Holiday Bazaar the Elementary School is having, how could I say no???

Seeing as it's Christmas, candy is always a BIGGIE and I'm of course prepping lots of the poop skinny bags. They are almost sold out from Sweet Peas!! YAHOOOOO!!! Then my friend Mishie always takes a good old regular chocolate bar and turns it into a special gift! That's what I did here! Hoping it will be a seller!!

I best get back to more crafting! Enjoy your Thursdays!!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Sloppy Snowy Sunday!

2010-11-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

Yep it's snowing, just lightly today. Yesterday Minnesota got hit pretty hard in the Cities and south of there. Up north, we didn't have anything but rain until about 3 PM, then that wet sloppy stuff hit! The trees look so pretty though, with all the white stuff on them! Good thing the temps are staying up there a little, as DD and her roomie made a trip to Southern Minnesota to visit family & friends (roomies). It snowed like crazy down there and they have over 8" where she is. Me I will stay put in my little stampin room and keep stoking the wood stove. Sooooo NICE to have that warmth!!

Here is one of the projects I worked on. I've been in the FRAMING moods. LOL

I hope you are staying warm & ENJOYING your Sunday where you are!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

FUN Friday!!

2010-11-12T09:36:00.000-08:00

It is going to be a FUN Friday!! We are expecting our first snow up north tonight! They are even saying "measurable"!! WOW!!! We will see how right they are!! I'm looking forward to watching Muffy running through the snow and also maybe making a Snow Angel of my own! FUN!!!!

Yep Good & Plenty work perfect for a bit of snowman poop!

Chocolate Covered Raisins will do for some Reindeer Poop!

Here is how I display them!

I hope you all have a FUN Friday!!! Stay warm & ENJOY your day!!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Monday what a FUN day!!

2010-11-08T16:01:00.000-08:00

Yep it was a FUN day!! I took a trip to Duluth and enjoyed seeing all the season changes they are putting up! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Duluth! The BIG Christmas tree frame is up and ready for the Bentleyville village. Now they will start to get it ready for the BIG lighting!! We hope to get some pictures of it this year and I will share with ya all, when we do! http://www.bentleyvilleusa.org This is a link to their on-line site. Take a peak, till I can get some pictures posted.

I told ya I have been putzing on Christmas Holiday items and I have been having FUN doing it!! I think CHRISTMAS is one of my most FAVORITE Holidays!!! Everyone sitting around the fire, sipping hot cocoa and singing Christmas Carols. Well maybe they are not the Christmas Carols that everyone is use to, but the ones that my silly kids have made up through the years!

Here is an easy peasey card I came up with using the SU stamp set "A Flower for All Seasons". It's a GREAT set, very season friendly!!

ENJOY your Monday!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

It's already November????

2010-11-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

I feel like I was just starting to work on Halloween projects and here it is the beginning of November already!

I had a busy - busy beginning, as I volunteered to be a Poll Challenger at my voting precinct and yes I VOTED too!

So it's back to working on different Christmas projects now! I picked these adorable little jars up - YES they are GLASS!!! Hard to find real glass now days ya know. I decorated them up and tada had to add some ribbon and now I'm putting them at Sweet Peas and will use some for gift giving too!

It's Sunday and ENJOY your day!!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Where did October go???

2010-10-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find yourself feeling like that? I do, but this month I really do! I cannot believe that it's almost time for all the Ghost & Gobblins to be out Trick N Treating! I do have to say, we had a very nice October until I think this past Monday night! OMW!! We actually didn't get it as bad as Duluth did, but we did get the cold and wind. Kept wondering if we were going to get blown away! Then we woke up on Tuesday morning and yep it was flurries. Those BIG - GIANT ones that look soooo pretty, but are very, very wet. Now DD called and said that they had about 6" of snow in Duluth, which is just 20 miles down the road. I am just happy that it didn't make it to Two Harbors. Other places on the shore got to enjoy that white stuff too, but I'm glad to say we still have a mix of green/brown grass and NO white stuff!

So I have been working - putzing on some things for Sweet Peas. Taking naps by the wood stove and staying WARM!!

Are these not just the CUTEST???? I found these adorable little pie candles at Michael's and bought up what they had. They smell soooooooo good! Yummy, just like an apple pie is baking in the oven. So I boxed them up in a cute little pie box, tied it with a ribbon and added a tag. They are a BIG seller!!

ENJOY your Wild Wednesdays!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

I'm hopping back in!

2010-10-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have just been enjoying the GORGEOUS fall weather up north! Taking walks in the woods with Muffy & watching the deer running. I have been enjoying it!

I decided it was time to work on some quick Halloween treats for my nieces & nephews. I will be seeing them on Oct 30th, as we have to go down to the cities for Miss Erica's 3rd birthday party!! Looking very much forward to this! I can not believe that she's already turning 3! I'm sure both her Mom & Dad feel the same way. Why do the little ones grow up so fast?

So these are really quick & easy to whip up! Plus what kids don't like pixie stick??? PURE SUGAR!

The measurements for these are 2" x 11" of the white cardstock, score @ 7". Fold at the score line and stitch the sides up on a machine. Slide a few pixie sticks in the pocket you created and finish off with some ribbon.

ENJOY!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

It's GORGEOUS!!

2010-10-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

It is, it is!! The sun is shinning and the temps are just a little nippy, which is fine when that wood stove is putting out the heat. I am one who enjoys open windows, but like the warmth too. I also have the bread rising, just waiting to be popped into the oven. Nothing better then fresh warm bread & butter!

I'm so happy with how these clipboards turned out!! I am in the clippy mode here again! I like altering clipboards to be gifted and you know it's already October (I hated to be the one to let you know that) and before we know Thanksgiving will be here and gone. We will be looking forward to the Holiday of Christmas, Family & Friends and all the FUN times! Only I am one who does not do well with STRESS! For me, I LOVE the spirit of Christmas, visiting with family & friends. Just leave out the STRESS!! So I like to start my putzing on projects that I can come up with and then use them for gifts during the wonderful SEASON of Christmas!

Both of these started out as a large clipboard 9" x 12.5", then I had DH cut one down to a pudgey size. Whatever will work. I just look at it and draw a little line and say cut it here. I'm not a measuring kinda gal!

I've also working on a few little projects using my birthday gift - - - -THE CRICUT!! Chirp - Chirp!!! The machine is soooooo FUN!!!! I will share those in future posts!

Hope you are having a GORGEOUS day where you are!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Wild Wednesday!

2010-10-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

It does seem like some days are much more wild at my home then usual. I'm still working on trying to figure this out! I always had this image (in my head of course. LOL) that after Abby left for college and it was just me and DH everything would just be so perfect! Where did my dreams take a wrong turn???? I am amazed at how little I seem to accomplish on these days of it only being two of us at home. I look back and wonder how I got everything done and accomplished back in the days of my kids being little and needing my constant attention? AMAZING what a Mom can do I guess!!

Now I will come back to real time, instead of Memory Lane! It is fun though to go back and visit when times were so much easier!

I came across this idea one day last week when I was sitting surfing the net waiting for the steroids to drip - drip into me. Had to do something to pass those long hours away! So I had the idea!!!!! Then to put it to work! I found these "BLACK" mugs at the $1.00 store and grabbed what they had left. They are actually really nice mugs! LOL So I took the "snowman soup" theme thing and used it for "Halloween". Now we have "Ghost Poop Soup" - Is that not just CUTE?????! Then I topped it off with little peep marshmallow GHOST!! Booooooooooooooo I also included a little soup poem in, the inside of the attached card.

I will be back with more pictures soon!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Fantastic Friday!

2010-10-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

Of course it's FANTASTIC - it's Friday!!!!

The best if that I'm FREE of my IV and will be able to truly just ENJOY some stampin - playin - CREATING time now!!! That is one thing that sitting in the Infusion Dept for four and half hours allows me to do! Keep the mind going and dreaming of the plans I want to work on!! So today will be a little more on the slower slide, as I've had those side effects of the steroids and not being able to sleep or get much of anything done. But now I will crash today, tonight or tomorrow and sleep peacefully. I will wake up restored and GO TO IT!!! Can you tell that the steroid high really goes to a person's brain??? LOL

I did work on a few things last night, but they did not get that "MaGoooooo" finishing touch on it yet!! I also have some orders that I will have to work on, so that I can get them shipped ASAP!

Halloween Pretzel Treat bags!!!!

Here is a project that I had worked on during my RETREATER get-a-way!! I LOVE doing these little pretzel bags up! They are so much FUN to make and I LOVE the big SMILE that I see on the receivers face when they get it. I have done them in many Holiday themes and just FUN ideas too.

I will be back to share though!!

I hope you all have a FANTASTIC Friday!!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Tuesday - Tuesday!

2010-09-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Hot - Dog Tuesday!

WOW it's been a week since I last posted! Just busy gettin things done before that snow starts coming. Even DH has been workin' long hours trying to finish up road projects for the County. That's gotta get done before the frost and snow moves in. I also was busy last week getting things organized for my scrapping weekend with the Girlies from the cities. It was such a success, well maybe for catching up and having fun. Some work done on projects and scrap pages. But hey it was really all about havin FUN!! Plus it was my b-day weekend and that made it all the more special too me! I got to spend it with some of my FAVORITE people!

They had a gas fire pit on the deck of the retreater home! The picture is from during the day, so that you could see what it looks like. Aren't those mums so pretty??? They were a gift from one of my Girlies for my b-day. Of course when it came night time, we sat out on the deck, roasted marshmallows and made SAMORES What a sin to have the fire pit and not make SAMORES!! hee - hee - hee We sat out there till we got too chilly and then had to go back in the house, have some hot chocolate, with maybe a dab of something and of course whip cream to warm us up. Then we would go and sit and stamp and laugh and giggle, till we couldn't keep our eyes open any longer!

This picture doesn't do it justice! The TREES were GORGEOUS!!

Here is one of my projects that I completed this past weekend, well actually I got five of them done in total. I think they will be big sellers, as I know I'm a bit bias, but I think they are so STINKIN CUTE!! But I'm in LOVE with snowmen! LOL

I had to also start this week off with a weekly visit to the Infusion Dept of the Hospital, as my MS has acted up nasty again - ERRRR! I just remind myself it could be much worse and I know my time to get back to havin FUN in my stamp room, will come back soon!! Just wish they could place that IV some place other then the back of one of my hands. It really doesn't matter weather I'm L or R handed, just the lost of one of those makes it hard to crafting!

So I hope you ENJOYED my share of pictures from my FUN weekend and a few other projects that I finished up at the event!

The trees were in their prime this past weekend and one of the roads we traveled down routinely on our trips to the Duluth stores had the GORGEOUS ones on it. LOL

Enjoy your week and I will be back soon!!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Thrilling Thursday!

2010-09-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

I'm hoping it will become a Thrilling one! Right now it's kinda gloomy and gray out there. Lots of rain last night and the temps are not looking very good either! It really is looking more and more like fall outside!

I am hoping that it will get a little nice, as I have a GIRLS weekend retreater for this coming weekend!! It's with some of my good ole Stampin' friends from down in the cities. I am VERY EXCITED, we haven't all been together at one time in I think like over 2 years - YIKES!! We usually got together every couple of months when I lived in the cities. Maybe I should take this as a compliment, as we are getting together "up north" at a retreater in Duluth. They planned it like that so they could ENJOY the north woods and ME!! LOL

I've got DH out in his shop cutting wood for more projects right now. That is what happens when he decides to take a day off with nothing planned! I should go and sneak a picture of him. He doesn't really like to get his picture taken when he's working. But he has to finish this project soon, as I'm in NEED of these little blocks he is cutting for me. One is a gift!!

So do you like what I've shared today???? I had so much FUN making a bunch of these cute little scrapbooks up! I think they will be a good seller at Sweet Peas!! I got these coasters from one of my BBFs, Cindy Lou; http://www.starlitstudio.net Check out her site, she's got some AWESOME things there!! So I dug into my stash and tadah! I came up with a Halloween Scrapbook!!! I really like how on the back page, I used the perfect paper!! The little eyes that are staring back at you are just tooooooo CUTE! Don't ya think!?

Have a wonderful day! I'm wishing you some dry and sunny skies!

Hugs,

MaGoooooo/maria

Wednesday!!

2010-09-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hello!
The sun is shinning again and the temps are still nice! What more could a up north girl ask for?!

Anyone looking for an eyeball or two??

I came across these ADORABLE gumballs in the Halloween candy isle! TOO CUTE!! Even though we don't really get Trick or Treaters at our home, I still have to make my trips down the candy isle. So I figured if I packaged these up, added a little bag topper - PERFECT item for Sweet Peas.

This sunflower is bigger then a dinner plate! It's HUGE!! I am so HAPPY that DD planted some, actually a bunch.

We have actually had people pull in the drive, come ring the bell and ask where we got the seed for them. Just at the local garden store in town! We did wonder for a bit if they were ever going to bloom! Seemed like it took forever. I kept saying "it must be cause we live up north" LOL.

I will be back with more post tomorrow. Muffy's barking for her walk and I wanna keep walking her before it's "up north" weather!!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Tuesday - Tuesday!

2010-09-21T04:54:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

The sun is going to pop out today and the winds have died down!! Looks like a good day to get a "Muffy" walk in!

I've got my dinner plans going and I'm using my crock pot! LOVE that thing!!! It's so nice to figure out dinner plans and then plop it in there and just set the heat setting!! Come time when Rod gets home, he does his computer stuff and then TADAH!!! Dinner is ready!! I've been LOVING this blog that I came across! http://mennonitegirlscancook.blogspot.com These girls have the most wonderful recipes posted!! Haven't made one yet, that hasn't been just YUMMY!! Can hardly wait to give today's recipe a try!!!

Now back to sharing some of my projects for Sweet Peas - - -

I have seen these ADORABLE little blocks around on many blogs! I just knew that I had to CASE these, as who doesn't want to know when they are going to get some CANDY?!! If you have little ones around, what better way to help them learn how to count?!!

Here is a "BOO"tiful card that I came up with, using what else??? My scraps of left over card stock! So happy that I went through and organized ALL of my scraps! I am actually using them up!! No more waste of precious card stock in this stampin' room!!

I'm getting ready to head out the door and enjoy some of this GORGEOUS day "up north"!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Monday

2010-09-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

Hello!
It was a good weekend and a sad weekend. We got to spend more time with Dan before he headed to California for his next training with the US Navy. He is so happy that he made the decision to serve our Country.

Let me share with you what happened to Dan as he was sitting waiting to board the plane in Minnesota (plenty early, cause you don't want to miss your plane). A gentleman walked up to him with his hand extended. Dan stood up and offered his in a hand shake. The man thanked Dan and told him how proud he was that there are fine young men & women like him in this wonderful Country of ours. He let Dan know that if it wasn't for people like him, he would not be able to live here and do what he wants to do. Dan smiled and told him that he LOVES being in the Navy and serving his Country. The man then asked Dan to please come to the counter with him. Dan walked with him to the Ticket Agent counter and the Ticket Agent then handed Dan a First Class ticket and said it was compliments of this gentleman. No name, he just wanted Dan to know how important it is for our Military to stay strong and know that they are appreciated much at home! WOW is all I could say when I talked with Dan.

Most of all I would just like to let others know out there, that those stories that are forwarded to us and make us feel good about kind gestures that are made towards our military are really true! We do live with some AWESOME people!!

It was a good way to let Dan leave!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Sunny Saturday!

2010-09-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Dance up north!

Yep it's turning out to be a GORGEOUS day! We are sending Dan back to the Navy and that will be hard saying bye for a while again, but maybe we will sneak in a short visit with him some time when the temps drop to BRRRR up north. He's on his way to Lemore, California.

The sun is shinning up north though and that always makes everything much nicer! Though I can also see where I need to work on some window cleaning. LOL

I just thought I would jump in and say "hi", as I haven't posted much lately, due to the fact that Dan was home!

I'm in the Halloween mode and really having FUN with it! That is what brought me to, today's share. I dug into my scrap pile again (LOVE TO DO THAT!!) and have so much FUN designing a one of a kind card from them. If you haven't done anything with your growing pile (yes, I know you have one. EVERY Papercrafter does!) DO IT! Just make sure to share what you create with them!!

ENJOY your day and hope it's Sunny!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Monday - Monday!

2010-09-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

I'm still in recovery mode, but wanted to share with you one of the frames that I worked on last week. A few years ago these frames were thee "ALL" - remember them??? Well I was shopping at Wal-Mart and came across them again and decided that I had a few peeps on my Christmas list. Yes I'm already working on that. So I picked them up, they are still only $3.00 - what a DEAL!! I think it's the only thing that hasn't gone up in price. Maybe Wal-Mart bought them all up and is now just trying to get rid of them, but they do make wonderful gifts!!!

So here you go - - - -

I may have added a few NEW die cuts and ribbon choice, but it's still the $3.00 frame!!

Have a GREAT start to your week!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Sunday evening!

2010-09-12T19:11:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I figure that I should jump on here and let you know that I have been battling some computer problems and I ended up having to dump the whole system. Not FUN!!! Why oh why do people with nothing to do (obviously) have to start these stupid viruses??? ERRRRR!! Even with the bestest computer virus protection, these things still seem to make it through! So not getting much time to stamp, I have been working on finding lost bookmarks.

I hope you had an enjoyable weekend and I will be back!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Winter?????

2010-09-07T06:41:00.002-07:00

I think I may be safe saying it feels like winter has arrived up north, but question where fall went! Yesterday started out GORGEOUS!! Ended with rain and I must say 1" of it - OMW!! It was very chilly, so chilly, that DH even start a fire to take the chill out of the air inside! It did feel nice and I even got out the marshmallows and graham crackers = SMORES!! YUMMMA!! It was really FUN to sit by the big old wood stove with the fire going, roasting the marshmallows and drinking some hot chocolate. We chatted about how we use to do this with the kids and all the wonderful memories we have with them. How happy we are that they have turned out to be such good, caring and loving young adults! I will continue to miss them, but when you have a 25 year old DS who still calls routinely to check in on his momma and see how things are going, what's up, just want to say HI. I kinda gotta say I think we did a good job!

Okay now that I'm done being sappy, LOL I did find some time to work on a few projects, as I had to do something that cheered me up! So we have a few friends whose kids, are now becoming parents and I am in need of some gifts. See I always like to include a small homemade gift from me with a store bought outfit for a "new baby"!! This is what I'm sharing today!! I LOVE these comp journal books!! They are so much FUN to make & give, also the ones that I have given have been well received!!!

Then I came up with this little wording that I print off on some white cardstock (run it through my printer) and attach it to the inside front cover.

I am always happy when a previous receiver comes up to me and lets me know how much they enjoyed/LOVED my gift! I for one know how good intentions don't always pan out. LOL

So I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday & are dry where you are!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Feeling blue Friday!

2010-09-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

Yep it is kinda a blue day. Not only is the weather changing (gray skies & drizzle, plus winds that feel like they are gonna blow away the whole house.) But because we dropped off our DD for her first year of college this morning. I promised I would not be one of those parents crying tears out in the parking lot, I didn't but I could easily have! I pulled up my "BIG GIRL" panties and put out the helping hands. She is going to have a AWESOME year and I hope she will soak up any and every thing! She was so excited, poor kid she didn't get much sleep last night. Couldn't fall asleep until 3 AM and then was up by 6 AM to make sure we were all ready to head down to move her in. We met her room mate and I believe they are going to hit it off very well! Then DH & I made a run to Target for those items that both of the girls had forgotten. Not much, but you know teenagers, they can't be without a thing. I am very excited to hear from her and see what she's feeling! You know it wasn't like she was my best friend, but a very close friend that I will miss while she's away. I know she will be home again. Just lots of changes at the Gilbertson's house hold in the last few months.

Here's Abby & her papa unloading the last few things. I was so busy making sure we had everything I forgot to get my camera out.

But to bring in some SUNSHINE I am sharing a blog that I came upon a few days ago. I just fell in LOVE with it, as I am a "Primitive Art" girl at heart! Any hoo check it out because Vicki is having a contest over there for one of her works of art!! Hurry, jump on over there fast and enter!!!! http://www.homespunhugsandcalicokisses.com/intro.html

Have a wonderful evening & a super weekend!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Wonderful Wednesday!

2010-09-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hello!

After such a busy - busy day yesterday, today I plan on just taking things as easy as I can, but still accomplish something.

After returning home I had to finish up a nice birthday dinner for my dh. I won't say how oooooold he's getting. LOL

I have to say that today did not start off how I'd like it. I woke up, got a cuppa joe sat on the front porch and enjoyed. Came in and signed into my email to find my monthly coupon for my FAV local scraping store - - YEAH!! NOT!!! I opened it and yes there is a coupon, but also a notice that they will be closing their doors come the end of September. I'm bummed, as it's just another sign of how tough things still are out there!! I understand that the over head to running a brick & mortar store is very hard. Include in there the cost of the supplies you need to have stocked. Just BUMMED!! Guess I will be shopping only on - line for items that I truly LOVE! Michael's just doesn't come close to having what you NEED!

I am sharing a project I worked on for prizes for a wedding shower I helped host, a few weeks ago. I was happy, as everyone was fighting over them! You know that dice game - Hahahaha

Have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Tyler Tuesday!

2010-08-31T16:10:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I just got back from running my #2 son down to the cities, so that his Grandpa can take him to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin for his mobilization. He just returned to us from there this past Saturday morning. He was there for his yearly 2 week drill (Tyler's an Army Reservist) and now he's going there for 2 months (mobilization training), then he will be activated to Afghanistan for 400 days. He is ready and willing to go. I know he's trained for this, but as a Mom I'm still scared for him! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Now onto some FUN stuff!!

In my cleaning I came across some quilt patterns I had picked up through the years, hoping to get to at some point. But I think we all know how that goes. So I was thinking and well hey I bet I could find some way to use them in my stamping - - -I DID!!!! So what do ya think?? This has been one of my FAV sayings to put inside sympathy cards. I think it soothes the soul.

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Sunny Sunday!

2010-08-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hello!

We are back from a road trip yesterday!!! We had a good dear friend whose daughter (who is the sweetest thing) got married yesterday in Stillwater, Minnesota! It was the FUNNEST wedding we have been to in a while! Saw some dear old friends and made some new ones. The happy couple was GORGEOUS and just wanted to make sure that all their guess were enjoying themselves. The icing on top of the cake for us was that two of our boys and ones girlfriend were able to join us! Dan of course is in Florida finishing up some training for the Navy and Abby could not get off work. Tyler was able to be with us and this was very nice, as we just received word from him that he will be shipping for mobilization on Wednesday and then Oct 2 ship out to Afghanistan. He's been trained well!

Are these baby cards just CUTE????? I had torn a page out of a Stampit magazine yeeeeears ago and came across it when I was cleaning. Yes I do, do that every now and then. LOL So I was in need of some baby cards for Sweet Peas and just made the decision this was it!!

ENJOY your Sunday and I hope the sun's shinning!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

SILHOUETTE MACHINE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-08-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

SILHOUETTE MACHINE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

This is an AWESOME MACHINE!!! Know what??? They are giving you a chance to WIN one for FREE!! All you have to do is follow the above link to GrosGrain Fabulous and follow her directions!! Hurry as your last chance is Aug 31st, 2010!!!

Good Luck!!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Thursday!

2010-08-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

Hello!

The weekend is almost here and we have a busy one planned. We have a wedding that we must go to. Of course we want to go to it! It's for a dear sweet friend! We have known her since she was about seven years old. She's now old enough to get married. We were very proud that she invited us to attend!

Isn't this card just perfect for a guy? I find it hard to stamp cards for the males in my life! I know none of them are into anything frilly or dazzling. I think that is why I have hung onto this stamp set from SU for so long! I seem to go back to it often when I am in need of a guy card and they are into the out door stuff!

The weather is still GORGEOUS up north! The temps are holding out during the day and cooling down in the early evening, then just perfect for the evening in time for sleeping with the windows open. We have an owl that sits in a tree outside our bedroom window and hooooos away. I know some people think we should be annoyed, but I actually enjoy it.

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Hot Dog Tuesday!

2010-08-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hello!

That's what my kids would call Tuesdays when they were growing up, as for some reason it seemed like we always had hot dogs on Tuesdays. I think it was always due to one of their activities and that was something quick and easy to get them fed and out the door.

Today's share is from a winter frolic swap that I took part in. I used the SU set Holiday Lineup (I LOVE those three stamps!!) and SU set Ting Tags, with the matching ting tag punch. This is another set I find myself going to a lot for that little extra.

The sun is shinning up north and it's 69 out there = GORGEOUS!!

I'm off to run down to Duluth with my DD to do (what I'm hoping is) our final college shopping. We move her into her dorm on Sept 3rd and to say the least she is beyond excited! I'm really excited for her too! I'm also glad she's not that far from home and promises to come and visit on weekends when she isn't busy with her college life.

Have a Hot Dog Tuesday!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Marvelous Monday!

2010-08-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

Yep it is!! The sun is up and shinning! I LOVED sitting on the front porch with my cuppa this morning and watch the sun rise! Soooo pretty! Always makes me realize why I'm happy to live up north! As you can tell, the rain has stopped & it hasn't gotten ungodly HOT out there again! In fact they are saying that we could have temps at night in the mid 30s. YIKES!!!

Today's share is for the OCL sketch challenge! I needed a baby card and LOVE to use their set: Tree-medous Love! This Giraffe from the set is like always PERFECT for a baby card! Seeing as that was what I needed, a dear friend had a little baby boy a few weeks back. I jumped on their sketch challenge!! Go check out some of the FUN ones they have on their blog: http://www.blog2.ourcraftlounge.com/?p=2875

I hope you have a MARVELOUS Monday too!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Soggy Saturday!

2010-08-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I am starting to wonder if we will ever see sunshine again. Maybe I best not complain too much! We could have that awful heat from the last few weeks back. They are predicting that it might come back. I just really am looking for those nice warmer temps and NO HUMIDITY!! Sunshine too!

We have gotten over 2 1/4 inches of rain in the last few days. I now understand why our ditch was full and flowing. I went and checked the creek and that is flowing like crazy also. That doesn't usually happen except after the snow melts in the spring.

Pat & Kristi are up for the weekend to visit and Rod's working OT. I think that Pat, Kristi & I will head out and go hunt for some agates soon. First I must make a drop of some of my items at Sweet Peas.

Here is a card that I CASED and I feel badly, as I do not remember the full crafter's name! All I have is Christy B.

I LOVE how simple this card was to put together, but turned out so CUTE! At least I think it did.

ENJOY your weekend!
hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Been a while again

2010-08-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry! I'm not sure where time goes some times! I have been busy and was down in the cities for a few bridal showers for friends kids that are getting married. Hard to believe that all these kids that were just so little a bit ago, are now all grown up and ready to be on their own and get married! OMW I feel a bit old I must say! LOL

So here is one thing that I have been busy with over the last few weeks. I did a class on these and had sooo much FUN!

These scrapbook-calendars have been all the hype over the last few years. I decided I needed to get the hype going on them again, as I have a few to spare. I just needed them ya know. Well anyone that knows me, will understand that!

This picture is just to share with you how I added my ribbon to this project! Yep gotta have ribbon, or it's not one of my projects!! I tried to place the ribbon on the rings that hold the pages onto the scrapbook-calendars dowel, but then I found out that it's hard to turn the pages as the month passes by. So I made the decision to place the ribbon on the dowel, but not around the rings.

I hope that you enjoy the work that I've shared with you today! I know it was a bit, but won't these make wonderful Christmas gifts?????? Ideas . . . . . .

**** it's never to early to start thinking about Christmas gifts - just saying!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Sunny Sunday

2010-08-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

It's a GORGEOUS day up north! Got up early, made a yummy breakfast for all. My little sis, her hubby & SWEET Erica were up visiting for the weekend. Made Oven Baked French Toast. If you haven't ever tried it, you gotta! It's like having French Toast with Carmel topping. YUMMMMA!

I know that I've been MIA for a bit, sorry! Just too hot to do much of anything! I did stamp some though. I had an order for birthday invites, which I'm sorry I forgot to take a picture of the final item! I did make some cards out of the extra images I had, so I will share one of those with you.

The invites turned out just adorable, even if I say so myself. My customer was so happy with them and her son LOVED them. Came and gave me a hug! I did a pocket card and this was how the front of the card looked. The invite was the pull out of the pocket card. The little guy is a big time skate boarder, so the skate boarding kid from Stampin' Up! was the perfect fit for his invite!

Then for my next share is another item that has kept me busy. I have been on a streak of making these little scrapbooks! LOVE THEM! Found them at the Dollar Spot at Michael's (they were crown chipboard scrapbooks, I just took them a notch up and made them what I WANTED! lol) They have also been a good selling item at Sweet Peas!! This is good, I'm trying to collect some extra $$$$ for a Christmas stash, I don't want to have to go in debt to make a nice Christmas for family & friends.

ENJOY your Sunday and I hope it's a SUNNY one!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Almost Friday

2010-07-22T12:39:00.001-07:00

That must mean that it's Thursday! LOL This week has really flew by!

Isn't it funny how some times time seems to stand still and hardly move through the week, then others just fly right by. I think it's just kinda funny!

Today I'm sharing the "BABY" Treasure box I came up with. Can you believe it's all MY idea!! NO CASING this round!! I know I really impressed myself too!

This is the top view -

Here's the view from the side.

Did you guess what I used to make this little treasure??? Yep it's one of those little school boxes. Like 1/2 the size of the school pencil boxes, that you can pick up from Michaels for like a quarter. I saw them at that price and grabbed a bunch! Telling you that, I should also let you in on the fact that they have been sitting in a storage box until I came across them and the light bulb went off and TADAH!! This made like the perfect quick baby gift for a friend's daughter.

It's a GORGEOUS day up north and I am heading out with my ice tea to sit and enjoy it on the porch.

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Sunny Sunday!

2010-07-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hello! Yep it is a wonderful sunny Saturday! I just got home from church and now I'm gonna have me a FUN time stampin! I'm sooo excited!! I got to play with my BFF Lore yesterday, well we shopped a bit and visited lots!

I'm using scraps again! I LOVE to dive into my scrap container and pull out a chunk of scrap and see what happens!

Now you see what happened this round of scraps!

Oh remember when I said we got a TON of rain the other day, we had over 2 1/2 inches!! OMW I am just happy to say I'm glad my little house is up above the lower parts of the yard!

Yep it was gushing through the culvert, but awful close to the top of it. Important note - my stampin' stuff stayed dry!

ENJOY your Sunday and I hope it's sunny and cool where you are!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

A Wild Wednesday!

2010-07-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Yep I should have known it would be when I was woken up by Muffy jumping up on the bed at 5:30 AM, yep! It was thundering and lightening like crazy! OMW I can not believe that we are still dealing with it as of right now! Needless to say I have had a puppy that is my shadow all day long! She even sat right outside the shower, when I took my shower this morning. Silly girl, she should know it's only noise!!

I will be sharing a couple of cards over the next few days, as I had two dear friends who have had birthdays today! The first card is one I am going to run and drop off to my BFF up north here. Well that is if it every decides to stop pouring out! I am excited to see what the rain gauge reads when the sun returns!

I had FUN making this card for Lore, hope she will enjoy it as much as I did making it just for her! I got together with another friend (Beth - hi!!!) to putz on projects we wanted to finish one day. She has the die Blossom Party which I used to punch out the flower from cork. Yep it runs right through the BIG SHOT like butter! I actually used it for the light blue felt flower too. I may have to put this die on my list of ones I NEED!! LOL

I would also like to give credit to Vicki Burdickhttp itsastampthing-vicki.blogspot.com/2010/07/occgetting-corky.html I cased her card. Check out her blog you will want LOTS OF TIME!

ENJOY your Wild Wednesdays!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Marvelous Monday!

2010-07-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

It is Marvelous!!!

We have a break from the heat wave and the windows are OPEN!!!! It's "UP NORTH" weather again! I was able to sit out on the front porch and ENJOY that cuppa. Of course Bambi & her twins came by to visit this morning while I was out there. Even Muffy is enjoying this weather again!

We had a busy - busy weekend. It was the "Heritage Days" in Two Harbors. This is celebrated with a street dance, parade, fair food and just lots of visiting!

I did work on a few projects over the weekend, which I will share with ya over the next few days. My first share is for a couple of friends who will be turning the BIG 40! Then I started thinking and realized I have a few friends that will be celebrating the BIG 50 also, so I added one of them to the package of finished projects.

I am hoping that my friends who receive these will get a giggle and enjoy them, as much as I did making them!

Hope your Monday is MARVELOUS too!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Wild Wednesday!

2010-07-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

Yep a day of running to play catch up. That always seems to happen after a holiday, does this happen to you too?

Today I will be digging up potatoes. Yep I will have a supply of potatoes for a time, but they are one of our FAV things to eat! I am loving this part of the season when we can reap the rewards of our gardening! YUMMMMA

I did make some time to play though!!! LOL

I am very happy with how my card for today came out! I copied the layout from Jill Hilliard; http://jill031070.blogspot.com I am staying with using up my old supplies! I am still trying to figure out what's up with me and my hording all the cardstock I purchased for many years??? Not sure, but I am glad that I have made the decision that it's time to USE it!! I also used a die from Paper Trey Ink; http://www.papertreyink.com, which I am in LOVE with their dies! OMW! They are just some of the most AWESOME dies out there!!

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Sunny Saturday!

2010-07-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

Let's hope this GORGEOUS weather holds out for the 4th!!!! It's another BEAUTIFUL day in the neighbor hood. Can you hear Mr. Rogers singing to you???? I remember watching that show with my kids when they were little. It is GORGEOUS - oh wait I already told you that. LOL

A few minutes while company went up to the falls to do some hiking. Me I'm ready to clean up from breakfast and then hit the lawn chair and R E L A X!!

I figure I would jump on here and say HAPPY 4th a day early, but other wise I might miss out on that.

Here is a frame I did for a friend who spent some time at the lake for their vacation.

ENJOY your day & Happy 4th!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Thrilling Thursday!

2010-07-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

It's a GORGEOUS day up north! The sun is shinning and the weather is just BEAUTIFUL! Had my cuppa out on the front porch with Muffy this morning. We saw the cutest thing and Muffy didn't even try to run! It was a pair of fawns without Momma. Not sure where she was, but early this morning when Abby left for work (5 AM) she sent me a txt that I should watch Muffy as she had just passed a group of coyotes just down on the corner from us. YIKES!! Though Rod told me not to worry, as usually during the day they run back into the woods. Now back to my post.

I am sharing what has got me so HAPPY up north!

Yep spring has finally sprung up north! My peonies are in bloom and they are soooo pretty! Just makes me HAPPY!

Of course then here's Muffy - - - -
Doing what she does best out there. She is so silly, she just lives for the sunshine!

I do have a share for you today too! LOL I wouldn't forget about that. For a busy 4th I thought to put some water bottles together and place them in a bucket.

No one will have to wonder what is in the bucket. I LOVE that they now have Kool-aid packets like the Crystal Lite packets!! The kids won't feel left out now!

ENJOY your 4th and I might check in - just depends on how busy life is with company!!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

There really isn't anything wrong with me!!!

2010-06-23T14:59:00.001-07:00

I just thought I would check in again! LOL We have another day of down pours and have had more then enough rain now. Though I hear tomorrow nice weather & then through the weekend - not so nice. ERRRR SHOW ME THE SUN!!!! My rain gauge say 1 3/4" of water - WHAT???

I am really hoping that Pat & his buddies are finding some nice weather some where. They took off with our camper for what was suppose to be a fun week of enjoying the outdoors. Guess at least they have cover and a place to stay warm & play games.

I needed to come up with a few "THANK YOU" cards for friends who had helped me out during Abby's open house. Whatcha think?

I used my cuddle bug embossing folder on the Almost Amethyst card stock, which by the way did you know is one of the colors that SU is discontinuing. ERRR I seem to use that color a lot, as it goes with lots of colors. Then I punched a tag from white card stock with one of my sizzix dies and then I used two of my $1.00 stamps from Michael's. I find that I may not use them all the time, but they do really come in handy when I'm in the mood I guess.

Back to trying to stay dry and enjoying some good old movies.

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Tuesday!

2010-06-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

I'm here again - that makes TWO DAYS IN A ROW! Can you believe that??

The day is GORGEOUS up north! Sun is shinning and the grass needs cutting, but the garden is taking off, after all the water it drank in the last week.

I spent most of my morning out side enjoying and soaking up the sun! I was able to hang out some wash and I do that, not to save money (well that's part of it), but cause I LOVE the way clothes, sheets & towels smell after they have been hanging out on the line.

Here is what I've been working on over the last few days, along with more cards of course. These are those FUN wooden paper clips that I got from Oriental Trading. They have all kinds of FUN things to create with!!

Hope you are enjoying some sun shine where ever you are!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

It's Monday!

2010-06-21T12:33:00.000-07:00

Yep that's about how I feel. I know that you all have had those kind of days! It started off looking like it was going to be a pretty nice day when I got up - Then about 2 it showed it's other side! LOL It's been pouring out for about a 1/2 hour now and even the temp has dropped. I'm hoping that doesn't mean that we will be seeing high muggy temps coming! The rain is welcomed! The gardens were really drinking up some sprinklers last week.

We are back home from watching Dan graduate from Navy Boot Camp at Great Lakes Navel Base. He was so excited to see us, but we were just as excited to see him! He is doing AWESOME!! Looking the best he has looked in a while and really has enjoyed Navy Boot Camp. Though he did say he will really enjoy it now that he has graduated from Boot Camp and will be able to move around a bit more freely before he leaves for Pensacola to receive his actual training for his job in the Navy. When he is finished there, he will be able to return back to MN for a week or so and then ship to where they will put him for the mission they want him on. He told us that he knows that this was the best decision that he has ever made. As a parent, especially a MOM, that was GREAT to hear!

I think he looks so handsome in his uniform! We took this picture along Lake Michigan. It was a gorgeous day and he had been granted a day pass, so made sure to use it! One of his request was to go out and EAT some real food. LOL He of course wanted ribs and was dressed in his white. He did do a good job! Not one spot of BBQ sauce on them whites.

Oh along with the ribs his request was for a "GOOD" cup of joe. Notice the fancy cup he got to drink from.

He was happy and that is all I really wanted for him! I think that's all we ever really want for our kids.

I am still going through stuff and purging! I keep wondering if I will ever finish this purging project! I know I will, just not as fast as I thought I would. Some days I feel like just taking and tossing boxes. I would miss that stuff though at some point!

I did find this stamp set when I was going through more boxes of packed away stamps. OMW I didn't think I really had spent all my $$$$ on that many stamps. Now to put them all to good use! I did make up a few of these little Kamping journals up though. Keeping my fingers crossed that they will be good sellers at my little spot at Sweet Peas.

I suppose I should go see if anything is floating away.

ENJOY your day!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Sunday

2010-06-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

Still no sun for us! Though it has stopped raining long enough for DH to get out and mow the jungle that has grown! OMW it amazes me how fast the grass will grow with just water and no sun shine! It's muggy & suppose to rain again later.

Yesterday I got to spend the day in Duluth with one of my BFFs! She is such a GREAT person & friend and we always have such a good time! Lore & me just chatted, shopped & of course we stopped by our favorite Mexican restaurant! YUMMMMMA!! Of course we made sure to stop by our FAV scrap store and do a little spending there. So now I will be putting those items to good use!!

I decided I really needed to work on getting my cards organized and that maybe that way I will get them out on time! Maybe I said - LOL

I have made this type of card organzier many times over, for the last 10 years. I shared it with a friend who then got it out there and I still keep seeing what people are doing with it! I enjoy seeing one of my project ideas still being used!! So that leads to my share for today and me digging out some of my horded items. Yep the coils, I seem to use a certain size of the coils and then I panic and think I won't have enough for future projects. WHY do I do that?!

So I'm off to work on making some cards to fill up my organizer with.

ENJOY your Sunday!!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Silly Saturday!

2010-06-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

That's how I feel - like just being silly today! Maybe I will go and run through some puddles!! Yep it's still raining up north and we haven't seen the sun in a while. But the puddle splashing might be FUN

So today I'm sharing a card I made for a friend who after 35 years of teaching is retiring and going to ENJOY her retirement!! She is an amazing person and friend! I think of all the lives that she has touched in those years and how much she helped them!

I'm off to go splash in the puddles. I hope you ENJOY your silly Saturday too!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Tuesday

2010-06-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

Yep I'm so happy to be back and having some FUN for ME!!! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy doing things very much for people, especially my children, but the work is getting to wear me thin. A BIG thank you goes out to all the family & friends who donated a helping hand to me over this past weekend to help out with Abby's Open House. It was wonderful seeing and visiting with everyone!

I am finished making her "Thank You" cards and she is busy working on getting them out. She knows how important that is! I some times feel like people think if they give a quick "thanks", that is all anyone should need. I for one am still one who appreciates that hand written note. There they can say "Thanks" and I would be as happy as a clam!

So now it's back to my "FUN" time!! I played with my Sizzix Big Shot again to make this card! I used lots of scraps and it was FUN - FUN - FUN!! Plus for any of you that don't know, pink is my all time FAVORITE color!

I will be back with more to share later this week!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Tuesday!

2010-06-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

I am sharing one of the cards that I worked on over this past week. I have been having fun using my sizzix machine! You know it's one of those things that you purchase, when you get it, you use it constantly and then it might sit there (NOT MINE) but that's cause I LOVE mine and use it almost everyday!

This one I used the daisy die and I am in LOVE with it!! I just got it!

I will be MIA for a few days, as Hubby, I & DD will be going to Parent/Student orientation at College of St. Scholastica for Abby for the next two days. I will fill you in on all the details when I return.

ENJOY your week!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Thursday!

2010-05-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

The weekend will be here any time now! Where did the week go????

I've been working on an order for some Baby Shower invites and that has consumed my time lately. Yep that's my share for today. I really am happy with how they turned out, but when I accepted the order, I never imagined that I would be doing 50 invites for a baby shower. Oh well I've had FUN and that is what's important!!

I used a stamp from a very old retired SU set. I don't even remember the name and this is the only stamp out of the set that I kept. YIKES! Can you believe that I took just one stamp out of a set and sold the rest???? Yes you can do that! This is a pocket card and the invite with the information slides into it. Pocket cards make GREAT invites!!!!

Now I must finish up this order and start getting ready for my baby to graduate from High School on Friday evening. I can't believe she's already graduating from HS!!

ENJOY your day!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Weekend!

2010-05-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

YEP it's Saturday!
NO sunshine, but the temps are still mild. My boys will be here in a bit. They are coming up north for the weekend to spend some time with Mom & Dad. We will enjoy a bonfire out back and cook our dinner over it tonight. Nothing taste better then brats - hotdogs or burgers over an open fire! Plus I so enjoy falling asleep with the window open and the fire dieing down. LOVE that smell!!

The Spanish Club was in need of some Thank you cards, so who do they give a call? ME!!! I really enjoy being able to help them out like this!

I know it's really a simple card, but some times simple is best. It gets the message across to the person/business receiving it.

ENJOY your Saturday!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Wednesday

2010-05-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how it can be the hump day already! Time just flies by waaaaaaay too fast!

The weather has been just GORGEOUS - PERFECT! Sun shine & 70's. What else could I ask for? More time to the day.

Aren't these pins the SWEETEST?!! My dear sweet friend Cindy taught us how to make these adorable pins! She is so patient and kind to do this with us. She shared all kinds of secrets with us while she was doing this at our retreat. All the products that she used were from Tim Holtz line of idea-ology signature products. You can find them at her store: http://www.starlitstudio.net
She LOVES all Tim Holtz's line of products.

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Magical Monday!

2010-05-17T12:13:00.001-07:00

It is a MAGICAL GORGEOUS day up north today!!!!

The temps have warmed up and the sun is shinning!! I'm hoping to get some of that gardening that I really don't care for. (the weeding part) It does have to be done, so I will put that smile on and head out there and just keep reminding myself of how pretty they will look when the flowers all pop up and bloom. Sometime!

I wanted you to be able to see her whole dress, as it was just so beautiful! Even if I am the one saying that. LOL Down below is a close up picture, so that you can see what an adorable couple they made!

Yep here is a picture of my sweet DD and her BF before attending Prom on Saturday. It was such a GORGEOUS day and I think according to them a wonderful Prom!

I will get back to posting more pictures of projects later in the week.

ENJOY your Monday!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Friday!

2010-05-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

Today the weather is much better then it has been! NO RAIN!! Still a bit cool temp wise, but the sun is out! I'm hoping that it will warm up just a bit for tomorrow, as it's Prom weekend and having a Sweet Daughter who is going, I only wish the best for them! She has her dress completely ready and has found the perfect shoes to go with it. This was a big problem, seeing as she is 5' 11", she didn't want to add too much height. LOL Went for her pedi this morning and oooooh about how great her footies feel. She is going to get her hair done tomorrow and then heading to her friends, so that all the girls can get ready together. We will meet up with them all a little before Grand March, so that we can get "parent" pictures of all of them.

Any how this little project is on that I worked on for her and a couple of friends to place those pictures of memories in. I was happy to see what I could do with one of those $1.00 frames from Michaels.

Hope the sun is shinning and you are enjoying your Friday! The weekend is starting!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Wednesday

2010-05-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

It's the middle of the week and the weather is still gloomy up north. They are even talkin snow again. WHAT!! I guess that is what happens when we choose to live up north. But I keep telling myself that when it's nice, it's reeeeeeeally nice! It helps me get through this stuff then!

I know that Father's Day isn't for about a month, but I do not like to be too far behind on my cards, so that is why I'm sharing with you today. I do have other Father's Day cards that I am working on and will share those with you in a few days.

I know that this card isn't the right Father's Day card for all Father's, but I am still so much in LOVE with these little monkeys!!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2010-05-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

That's my wish for all my friends and family that are MOMS!

Here is the card that is going to all the MOMS that are coming for dinner up north today!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Sunny Saturday!

2010-05-08T09:15:00.001-07:00

If you had seen what we woke up to yesterday morning, I don't think you would have thought that we would see the sun anytime soon. OMW we had a couple inches of snow and it stayed! This morning though even though it's a bit on the cool side, the sun is out and the snow is pretty much MELTED!!! I hope where ever you are, you did not end up with snow in May too!!

I am one that really enjoys sending out thank you cards still. Here is one that I made using a SU Hostess stamp set; "Its' a Loopy thing". It retired a few years ago. Then I also got out my cuddle bug embossing folders and played with them! Now in stead of doing the whole front of the card, I just did the edge. I am very happy with how it turned out!

Have a wonderful SUNNY Saturday!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Finally Friday!

2010-04-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

It has been a loooooong week!! I'm not sure why, just seemed to move very slowly I guess. But that means that the weekend starts tomorrow!!

It's another dreary day up north. No sunshine and cooler temps makes me wonder if we will ever get any warmth. The grass is getting very nice and green though!

I needed to come up with a card for my nephew's birthday and that is what I'm sharing with you today. He's big into skateboarding right now and when I saw these SU stamps I really knew I was going to be ordering them!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

It's Thursday!

2010-04-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I can't believe that it's already Thursday. I guess with dropping Dan off on Monday, the week has kinda just flew right by. He did call us on Tuesday evening letting us know that he made it to Boot Camp safe and sound. Oh also that he was shipping back a box of his items that would not be needed at Boot Camp. Ex: Clothes he wore, tennis shoes, his cell phone and oh the book he took with to pass time while he was waiting for flights. He said that the Officer congratulated him on being the one new guy who followed directions and was able to send things back in a small box. They told them that anything not on the list would be shipped back home and it was. Some of the items they couldn't have helped. Good to know that he is following directions to start with!

Today's share is a Journal that I came up with for my niece when she was getting married and things just seemed to get misplaced. She really liked it and asked me to make a few more for some of her friends, as she said it helped her stay much more on task. I guess my mission worked then! While I was making the couple she asked for, I decided that maybe someone else might enjoy the idea. So I made a couple for my booth at Sweet Peas and now I have had a number of request for them. This is GOOD!!

It's a deary day up north today and I soooo MISS the sunshine!! It's cool enough out and there is a strong wind blowing, that I decided we needed to start up the woodstove once again. Nothing wrong with that! It's more important to be warm!!

I hope you ENJOY your Thursday!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Tuesday - Tuesday!

2010-04-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

It's been a looooong weekend! The kids were all up and they partied pretty well, seeing as we were sending our youngest son off to start his Navy career. The good thing is that they all had FUN, were safe and were with us!

So today's picture is of Mom-Dad & "Dan the Man" saying good-bye, as he left for Boot Camp. We will see him in a couple of months when we go watch him graduate from Boot Camp.

I hope you are all enjoying your Tuesdays and that the sun is shinning! It is up north!

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Thursday!

2010-04-22T12:07:00.001-07:00

It is a wonderful Thursday at that! My kids are home, well all except the oldest and he will be here tomorrow evening!!!! We are celebrating this weekend, as Dan will be shipping to Boot Camp for the Navy on Monday. He is very excited to start this road of his journey and we are being supportive. Tyler is home and already has his old job back - - YAHOOOOO!! He said he didn't even get to cross the Minnesota border and he received a call from the company that he use to work for, before he left to move out to Colorado. I'm so happy!! My Dad will be coming up to join in the festivities also. Grandpa said he needs to make sure to bet his two cents of advice in to Dan. Though Grandpa was a Marine. I don't know that it really matters, they are all part of our Military that keep us SAFE!

I've been busy working on Graduation items, as it's that time of year once again. Lots of kids graduating this year. Last year I made these little Graduation journals and they were a big hit!! So I decided I would include them again this year. I have heard from numerous kids (the girls) that they have enjoyed going back through them and reading all the things that people that came to their Open House parties wrote to them. Some are really funny, others offered good advice.

I hope you are having a WONDERFUL Thursday!
Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

It's Wednesday!

2010-04-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

We are 1/2 way through the week and I'm not sure what I have done so far. Oh all that laundry that was left and house cleaning while I was in Colorado.

Here is an old idea for a card share today. I can not remember when I first made a card using the packaging tape method. All I can share is that when I first learned the technique, I fell in LOVE with it! I really am a GLITTER GIRL at heart and my friends will tell you I use glitter on a card when ever it is right!

I hope your 1/2 mark is going well and you are looking forward to the up coming weekend!!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Sunny Sunday

2010-04-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hello! I'm back in Minnesota! It was a wonderful trip, but it's soooooo GOOD to be home! You know how it is when you are use to just doing things the way you do and then someone else has ways of doing things too? Just a bit stressful, plus with Mom, she just doesn't realize that her children are really adults now also and have grown up and made their own lives. I know you all understand this!

Today's share isn't of any stamping projects, as I have not been stamping for over a week - - YIKES!!!! Yes I know it's hard to believe, but sad to say it's true. It tried on me even! I very much MISSED it, as it's my therapy. So today I'm sharing some of the pictures of the AWESOME places & things we saw while visiting in Colorado.

ENJOY!!!

Here was our greeting sign and Abby & Roni (my Mom) posed in the picture. We were just happy to have finally arrived in Colorado after being in the car for 12+ hours. Waaay too long for me. I'm getting old! But a welcome sign for sure!

Here one of the many mountain views we saw during our visit. It really is a GORGEOUS state! I have a son who is moving back to MN from there and has plans to return after he has served his time with the Army and go back to school out there. They have the Engineering program at UCCS that he says is one of the best. So at least we know we will get back to this GORGEOUS part of the country.

Here is Abby acting silly and keeping us all laughing.

Another one of her being silly. I'm not sure how many of these type of pictures I took, but that is Abby. The real wildlife out there is unbelievable! I will share more pictures tomorrow, as today I'm playing catch up on all those households things that I usually get done during the regular week. They still need to be done, as we left DH & DS at home.

Hugs,
MaGoooooo/maria

Fab Friday!

2010-04-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

How could it not be? It's Friday! Really the sun is shinning, yes it's a bit chilly out and the windshields had to be scrapped once again, but it's up north in April!

It will be a PERFECT day for a muffy walk and some last minute packing. I'm hoping to have access to internet, so we will see. If not I'm sure I will find a ton to keep me busy. I have Abby coming with me and believe you me, she will not have us sitting still for a minute. Though she does know that I move a bit slower then I use to and to be truthful, even slower then "Granny", my Mom. No one would ever know that my Mom turned 81 this year!! Though she has had a hard life, she has kept at it and keeps going! I will try to get a picture of the three of us on our trip!

So it's time for the next card reason of the year! Happy Mother's Day! You can never be too far ahead on your prep work! I DO NOT like being behind!

Hope your day is sunny and FAB!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria

Wonderful Wednesday!

2010-04-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

It's a GORGEOUS day up north again!!

Just returned from my Muffy walk and will tackle getting today's "to do" list DONE!

I'm getting ready to take a road trip with my Mom and Abby. We will be heading out to see Tyler, before he returns home to Minnesota for good. He decided after much soul searching that he really missed being in Minnesota where family and friends are. He was very fortunate, as he could get his old job back and has a place to live also. We are excited to see him, but it is really nice to know he will be back, closer to us! I MISS THAT KID!!

Today I'm sharing with you a project that I made using cardstock from a paper-pack that I bought at Michael's. It's from K&Company and I'm in LOVE with the selection that came in that little pack!! So I started off making the Inspiration Journal and that led to the Thinking of You card.

Have a wonderful Wednesday where you are!

Hugs
MaGoooooo/maria