Never Say Never

You've all heard the saying.  I've even used the phrase.  When I use the phrase these days it takes on more meaning then it use to two years ago.  The fact that we have this guy is proof.

One should really think twice before using such a very definitive word like never.   Just like I was never going to have my babies close together, and subsequently had two babies no more than fifteen months apart.  I was also never going to be a dog owner.  I didn't want the hassle of puppy training, chewed up shoes and furniture, needing a dog sitter anytime we wanted to get away, having to worry about getting home to let him out after a few hours, and on, and on.  I've learned  that hard won opinions can really change when there are children in the mix.  Wilson came into our family after my girls spent a couple of night with their Aunt who's Poodle had just had puppies.  The kids loved snuggling those little guys so much.  A few weeks later they were there again.  This time the puppies were walking and playing around, so even more adorable and fun.  When we arrived to pick the girls up, they couldn't wait to show us all the real live toys they'd been enjoying over the past couple of days.  They introduced them by name, one by one, and explained their personalities.  When we met Wilson, he was lovingly being cradled in the nook of Eden's arm.  It was the first time I could remember seeing my third born behave so tenderly toward anything.  Even with baby dolls she had never displayed such a softness.  Something in my heart broke at that moment.  It filled me with pleasure to see her behave in such a way.  Add to that the fact that this puppy was not like all the rest, who were nipping, and jumping, and really active.  Wilson (originally named Yorkton by my nieces and nephews), was so laid back and content just to hang out and be carried around.  Needless to say I was done for.  It didn't take much convincing for me to agree to the responsibility of a new baby in the house.  He was such a good puppy though, that the transition went quite smoothly.  He trained within about two weeks, has learned a fair number of tricks, and has never chewed on shoes, or furniture.  He has mangled a toy or two, and a DS game (that was a hard lesson for our oldest to learn), but that's it.  Even though I say I wouldn't mind if he went to live with someone else, I can't help but wonder if I'm really fooling myself by thinking such a thing as I notice how many layouts I've completed where he is the subject.

Never say never?  You bet, not unless you're prepared to consider the alternative *smile*.

And now for the winner of the giveaway. 

Congratulations AubreyLaine.  Check your email for a snail mail request from me.

For the rest of you, do not despair.  I'll be posting another give away later this week, so check back often.

Happy Monday all, I hope the week is looking good for you.  Thanks, as always for stopping by today.

♥ S.
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Great News!

I got a job.  Not that I was looking for one, but the opportunity presented itself and I leaped at it.  My dear friend Sharon whom I've spoken of before is opening her second Scrapbook Store; in Winnipeg.  When I heard the news I was super excited for her.  She's such a sweet, sweet woman who loves Jesus and enjoys using her gifts to help others discover the world of scrapping, and documenting their own stories in a fun and creative way.  Her first shop, located in Steinbach, Manitoba (about a 45 minute drive for me) recently moved to a larger, brighter location just up the street from the previous one, and is doing really well.  God's timing is funny sometimes, and by funny, I mean frustrating, bewildering, exciting, and curious all at once.  At the same time as she was getting ready to pack up and move her first store, the opportunity presented itself to open a shop in the city, where so many of customers reside.  Of course she jumped at it, as did I, jump at the opportunity to work for her.  I am so thrilled that I get to be a part of this great big dream of hers.  She had very kind things to say about my working for her, that warmed my heart, and reinforced my desire to share this love of mine with others.  It's a perfect job, perfect location, and from what I can gather, will be a really great team to work with.  I'll only be part time, almost casual for now.  I think 2 days a week is the best of both worlds.  I'm not having to sacrifice my role and responsibilities as a mother, and still able to play with new product, meet other people with the same paper crafting passion as I do, and leave a little bit more of a fingerprint in the world.

The shop is scheduled to open late next week.  It's still just four walls, with some paint and shelving thus far.  There's still a lot of work yet to be done, but just you wait until the weekend : ) 

Here's the sign you'll see if you're local and drive down Meadowood Drive in St. Vital this weekend.

Just had to share my good news with all of you. You still have a few hours to get in on my giveaway.  I'll draw a winner tomorrow.

Happy Sunday friends,

♥ S. Pin It

November kit

Welcome to the weekend friends,

Week one of NaBoPo month is in the books.  Only four more to go.  I hope you've enjoyed your week with me.  Special thanks to those of you who have been taking the time to pop by daily.  Thanks so much for your support. 

Photos of the upcoming November kit from My Scrapbook Nook were recently posted.  Everything you need for winter themed cards, layouts and other paper crafting projects can be found right here.  Did you know that if you sign up for 12 months your 13th month is FREE?  That's a great deal.  If you're Canadian, it's a great time as the dollar has been doing so well, the exchange is hardly noticeable on your credit card bill.

"Snuggle in for a late autumn carriage ride and give yourself to reflection. Explore the best times and seasons of your life, and give thanks for them all with this beautiful November kit! This kit is sprinkled with delightful trims, striking alphabets and all the best tiny details to help you capture the details about you!"


Included in the kit:
Echo Park Times and Seasons 12 sheets
Echo Park 12 x 12 Element Sticker Sheet, and Alpha Sheet
MME Ribbon Package and Pearl Bling
Maya Road Ledgers, Doilies, Flower Ribbon
American Crafts Glitter Alpha

Looks like another luscious kit.  Leah sure knows how to put 'em together.

And don't forget you still have a couple more days to get in on my giveaway.  I can't wait to show you what's up for grabs.

Thanks for popping by, have a great day.

♥ S. Pin It

Handmade Holidays Day 3

Even though I had originally signed up for this class to challenge myself, I had to do a gut check when Day 3 was revealed.  The project for that day was a homemade monogrammed wreath.  Eeek, was all I could think.  This is my problem.  Although I may seem creative, I'm really not all that much.  I recognize beauty when I see it, and can tweak it to personalize it to my own individual style, but coming up with something from nothing is almost always a challenge for me.  Also, working with paper, and working with flowers, are two completely different things to me.  However, as I said, I signed up for this class because I was looking to expand my creativity and push myself to work outside of the proverbial box.  Off to Michaels I ventured, coupons in hand.  Two hours later I had a bunch of supplies, a clean table and was ready to work.  Still nervous about the project, I put it all away, and worked on something else.  Typical me: a little denial, before complete and head on tackling.  On Sunday I pulled it all out again, and within an hour, what I consider to be a very pretty fall decor wreath was hanging on my front door.  I am so sad I didn't think to photograph the process, it would have been fun to share it with you.  I learned, in the end, that putting together a wreath is really very easy.  It took me longer to choose the flowers, berries, and foliage, than it actually did to put the whole thing together (well almost).

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Feeling Christmasy?

I was in the mall on Tuesday and had to stop when I heard a Christmas carol playing in the store I was in.  The Halloween decor isn't even packed up, and retailers are rushing us on to the next holiday.  It's hard to believe that September and October are both behind us already.  Why does it seem that the older I get the faster time seems to pass?  Have you noticed the same thing?

I read a great devotional this morning that talked about 'home', and how it's a state of peace rather than a four walled structure.  We want to go 'home for the holidays', 'home because we're sick', 'get home before dark'.  I couldn't help but think how true those words really are.  Growing up, I can't say I felt that way, about my own four walled structure.  Home was not a place of peace, but of turmoil, and hurtful words for me.  Here, in my own home, however I can say the statement is true.  This, truly is the place that my heart, my body, and my soul find peace.  I love pulling into my driveway, grateful for a beautiful house to call my home.  I love when my family, and my dog come to greet me (not that the kids and hubby always do, but the dog...ALWAYS...I think he may be in love with me).  Home is where I connect with my maker on a deeper level. Home is where my creative juices have room to move and breath.  Home is where I am reminded every single day of how incredibly blessed I am.  Home is where I am loved even in the midst  of all my shortcomings.  Home is my "shelter from the wind, and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land".  I hope, and pray that your four walls are the same for you.  If, however you feel as I did growing up, that home is not a refuge, my prayer is that you will have the strength and the courage to surround yourself with people who are able to help you create that sense of safety and belonging you desire.   There's no place like home, and no time like Christmas to be reminded of it.

Using up some of last year's xmas papers by Echo Park.

Thanks for stopping by friends.  See you tomorrow.

Give away still open here.

♥ S. Pin It

It's a Blog Hop

 Come and join us over here won't you?

This is such a fun place to be I guarantee you'll find a lot of inspiration, and make a friend, or two, or ten along the way.

Hope to see you along the way,

♥ S.

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Welcome to NaBoPo month

I discovered last year that November, is not only known for men giving up the razor for the month, and growing out long scraggly looking facial hair.  November, in the blogging world, is known as National Blog Posting Month, where bloggers attempt to post a blog entry every day during the month.   As, this is my first November managing a blog, this will be my first ever NaBoPo.    It may be a crazy time to start with two birthdays happening this month, and Christmas right around the corner, but I'm up for the challenge.  I hope to even put together a giveaway or two during the month so keep your eyes peeled for that.

Let's kick things off with a few cards that I made for the Homemade Holidays Class - Day 5.  Here are the sketches we were given, and the cards I made with them.

I made these with Pink Paislee papers.  They came in a door prize I won at a fundraiser crop I attended on the weekend.  Leigh is a sweet woman with a heart for the Congolese people.  She'll be going on a short term missions there, with a group from her church in the very near future.  She put on a fabulous crop, huge tables, great food, free card classes, and a bunch of door prizes with fresh, fun new-release scrappy goodies.  The prize I won came in really handy for these cards.

Thanks for stopping by today!

See you tomorrow,

♥ S. Pin It