My all day crafty pay-it-forward card

At the beginning of January, there was this post on Facebook about 'the first 5 people to comment on my status will get a pay-it-forward from me'. It's been on my mind since I posted, and I quickly got 5 people to respond. This will be my first gift.

This is a Kraftin Kimmie stamp called Angie. It was a KK challenge that got me wanting to use this stamp (and not just horde it in my stamp closet, but to actually USE it!) I spent the entire day working on this card, it had to look just the right way. I made the flowers with a spellbinders die, and misted them with coffee glimmer mist. Part of the KK challenge was to include either actual metal or the color - the brads in the four corners are metal, even though I broke the prongs off, and the highlights in her hair are platinum :)

I love when people decorate the inside of their cards too, so I incorporated a little pocket in the center to accommodate a Starbucks card. Once I add a little note, I am going to purchase a media mailer, as it has more space inside and won't crush the flowers, then send it on it's way. *submitted to trio of embellishments and krafty guest spot, both with Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps.

to be true

Saw this on facebook this evening, it's so pretty, and so true, had to share :)

Who fell off the turnip truck?

Apparently, I did, for months! Wow! School has taken over, especially with both Nicholas and Benjamin now going. I've been at school SO much this past semester, to make sure Benjamin is fitting in to the routine with his diabetes, and to meet the boys for lunch, and my new favorite: helping out in the library! Yes, I have to say, I'm feeling a little more bookish these days, usually helping out 2-3 times per week. We've made it through all the holidays, and are very quickly approaching to Benjamin's 6th birthday, then right after, Nicholas' 9th birthday. Ed has been away for work, this last trip was to Alaska! Today he leaves for Calgary, sad for me, but also makes me happy as he will be able to see Thomas. I haven't been nearly as crafty as I'd like but am happy to be near the end of my December project life album (that will make an entire COMPLETE year, woohoo!!) I have started on January too, and am trying to stay up to date. My January Button Farm kit came in and I can't wait to get to that, it included an entire Snap album, yaay!! So, now, it's January, I'll try to be more consistent. Oh, yes, New Year's resolutions. Gotta love and hate em. Our family's resolution was to curb our eating out. Yes, we spend way too much on restaurants and fast food, so unless it is a special occasion such as a birthday, Valentine's Day or anniversary, it's eating at home for us. I'm sure it will save us a lot of money! If I can just stop the scrappy online shopping. Shhhhh!

This is Nicholas with Oliver, on the day we brought him home as a foster. I adopted him (secretly) on October 1st, and the kids 'received him' as a Christmas gift.

First day of school, Nicholas bug, ready for Grade 3.

Nicholas with Valentino, Benjamin with Oliver, stopping for a mommy pic on a chilly, windy day.

My sweet Benjamin Aidan, with Oliver, both loving being outside :) Even if it is darn chilly! (for Texas that is.)