Blog Change - please update blog roll

Hey y'all! I mentioned the other day I purchased my own domain to host my blog, well it was just pointed out to me (thanks, Melanie) that if you have my blog roll on your blog and someone clicks on it, the link is broken. But, if you were to type my blog in via blogspot.com, it would automatically point to the new domain.

Please change my blog on your blog roll to reflect http://www.serenityinstamping.com and list as Serenity in Stamping. I also changed my email to match - it is listed on the right of my blog by my profile picture.

Thanks!

Update on Derek 02/18, addr to send cards & blog candy!!

Here is the original post from last week - With a Heavy Heart where I shared a dear family friend's 2 yr-old grandson was burned badly in an accident at home. I have an update today; a few of you have already contacted me privately to send him a card and I thank you for it! I gave Kay's address out to them & now I request for more of my readers to bless him/their family if you'd like to send a card, please email me for the address texanwife at yahoo dot com (also under my profile on the right).

UPDATE from Kay 2/18: "She (Shawna) just called. He took his sweet time waking up after surgery and is now playing in a chocolate milk shake. The grafts have taken. The bleeding has stopped. The new antibiotic is working as it should. The medication for nerve damage (I forgot the name) is controlling the involuntary shaking in his legs. He may only be in the hospital a couple more days to begin physical therapy to learn to straighten his legs again so he can walk upright and to make sure Shawna and Eddie know how to change the dressings each day.

Tell everyone thank you—prayer is a powerful tool. The family truly appreciates all the love and concern that has been shown for Derek. Kay"

This brought happy, grateful tears to my eyes!! Our prayers are heard! I am planning to go visit him to take my card & gift this evening after work. My request to have get well cards and/or little toy (Kay said he is into cars & trucks!) is still open and I will keep this open until the end of February so he gets more stuff sent to him at his home! I will keep track of those who participate & place your names in a drawing for some blog candy the first weekend in March to give the mail time to get to him.

**Blog Candy is shaping up but there is more to come from me! I guarantee it will be GOOD. Once you send him something, please comment on this post and/or email me to let me know so I can keep track of participants.

**Edited to Add**List of Blog Candy items**
1. Your choice of any Gina K. Designs stamp set valued at $19.95 or less!! (donated by Gina K)
2. Your choice of any unmounted Starving Artistamps or Doodlefactory set $24.95 or less!! (Donated by Tracey Berkey)
3. Papertrey Ink 1st Year Anniversary set (never used, donated by me)
4. Stamp a Sweet Impression set by Taylored Expressions (Donated by Taylor VanBruggen)

Awesome blog giveaway!!

Erika, one of my fellow Gina K design team members had a birthday on Monday & is having a Groovy Giveaway on her blog a Journaling 101 Online Scrapbook course. Be sure to stop by to see her non-traditional birthday cake, a cool present from her friend & check out her great scrapbook pages where she shares her innermost thoughts & feelings, part of her scrapbook course she is giving away.  

Merry Christmas

This image takes my breath away; it brings tears to my eyes and makes my heart warm & fuzzy. With all the hustle & bustle of the season, whatever your beliefs may be, take a moment to pause & reflect on the true meaning of the season - it's not about the tangible gifts you will give or get because those are not lasting gifts. But think about your loved ones; whether you will spend time with them or not, appreciate them, give them a hug & let them know you love them. Read about the birth of Jesus and know that this love in its purest form. I appreciate & love all of y'all that take the time to read about what I create & share in my little corner of the world.

An award, tag & long overdue raks to share...

I received this great award from Sankari - Sankari's Sunshine Corner She is so sweet, a great stamper & one of the design team members of Papercraft Planet!

and I was tagged by my stamping buddy Barb-Explore, Dream, Discover to share 7 weird or random facts about myself.

1. I love to read-currently Jodi Picoult novels.  

2. I smashed my big toe in March under my chair wheel when I was stamping.  It hurt real bad, turned black & grew out pretty fast.  It'w now completely grown out & I'm back to normal!

3. I used to love to go to the opera, theater & travelled to The Annual Shakespeare Festival in Ashland Oregon 2 times (once in high school with my drama class and once with 5 other girlfriends when I was in my early 20's)

4. I hate having a dirty stove, refrigerator, toilet & tub.  

5. I am peeved by slamming cabinet & refrigerator doors.  

6. I am looking forward to having my dream home 

7. I would love to spend Christmas with my family in CA 

This beauty is from Jessie Rone she is just the sweetest, I believe she sends out raks on a daily basis and I am honored to have several in my happy mail arsenal! Recently one of Jessie's dreams came true - she became one of the SCS Dirty Dozen Designers!  Thank you, Jessie you are so sweet!!

Jane - Whoopsie Daisy! sent me this sweet RAK to my sister's house for Halloween when I was on vacation, she just lives 45 mins away from her.  It was so fun to get Happy Mail when I was on vacation! I totally LOVE the spider lollipop, it is so cute & original!  

Look at this beautiful bracelet Carolina surprised me with when she & her nephew Gaven came to visit me on vacation - I sure wish we had had more time together!  We chatted, made mini pizzas & watched all the kids play & of course, Gabby & Gaven love on each other! The bracelet is just gorgeous and had a little piece of paper with the Serenity Prayer on it in English & Hawaiian, which is where Carolina said the bracelet was made.  It's just perfect since I wear a lot of brown clothing.  Thank you agan, my sweet friend!!

This picture of us is so cute - Gabby didn't know Carolina very long, but look how she took to her, leaning in to her for the picture (Gaven didn't want to be in it).  For weeks Gabby talked about Gaven & his 'mom' (ha ha) - I wonder if I can convince Carolina to go back for a play date even if I'm not there??  *wink*  

Prayer Request for Marcus

Melanie discovered this young man's struggle with brain cancer late one night when Nancy(his aunt) posted on her blog - this is Marcus who is facing such a tremendous hardship with this disease.  Melanie is asking everyone to reach out to Marcus by saying a prayer, sending a RAK and/or sharing Marcus' picture across the blogosphere.  Read Melanie's post for more details.  I pray that they all find comfort in God's omnipotence, grace & peace as He guides them through this terrible trial.  

I Made it Through Another Day

Address for RAKs
Karen Russell or Marcus Russell

100 W. 500 S
Providence, UT 84332

FCC Inspiration for a great cause

Here is a card I made with inspiration from baby Courtney's sweet sundress on her mommy Libby's blog. Each week she has a fun challenge using clothes From Courtney's Closet {#17}

I used Carolyn King's set Framed Flowers by Gina K Designs to create a frame of flowers courtesy of my rectangle nestabilities. I used liquid pearls for the centers of the flowers.

Carolyn is honoring the memory of her grandmother who died from complications of Alzheimer's Disease in June; 100% of Carolyn's profits from the sale of her newest set 'Whimsical Autumn' by Gina K Designs will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association, isn't that great? I made this card to participate in the wonderful blog giveaway she is having, which ends this Friday, September 26 8:00 pm CST. She had an idea in which to enter the giveaway you make a card to send to a caregiver of Alzheimer's patients, since last Sunday was World Alzheimer's Day. The giveaway is HUGE-over $1,000 worth of stamps & product {donated by Gina K Designs, My Favorite Things, Starving Artistamps, JustRite Stampers to name a few} to the blog candy in addition to handmade cards by some fabulous stampers!

How you can enter the BIG giveaway - send a card to a caregiver (details on Carolyn's blog post above), mention the giveaway on your blog, post a link in her comments with a link to your card,and list 3 companies & 2 individuals that donated to the blog candy. Also include your email to contact you if you win!

Brillante Award

Gabby at Confessions of a Stamper awarded me this on her blog the other day, Thank You - I am so honored! Go check out her blog - it's great!

NEW DOODLEFACTORY HALLOWEEN

On Hallowe'en the thing you must do

Is pretend that nothing can frighten you

And if somethin' scares you and you want to run

Just let on like it's Hallowe'en fun.~Author Unknown

I am SO excited - seems Irene & Tracey have been busy brewing up some toil & trouble! Check them out here and if you don't want to pay full price you don't have to! Use code savetendb when you place your order in the coupon code box & hit re-calculate, that's all there is to it for

10% off your Starving Artistamps & Doodlefactory images! woohoo

Links to the sets for shopping!!!
Clouds
DoodleFactory Halloween II
Halloween Sentiments
Witch Trio

Want to Win Some Blog Candy? Tracy is giving some away but you don't have to wait to get these sets, you can order them now and if you win the blog candy you can choose something of equal value instead? Cool, huh? To enter for the blog candy you have to do two things. First, you need to spread the word about the new candy (please say where you spread the word!) and second, you need to leave a comment on the Starving Artistamps blog! (not here). Make sure you leave a way to contact you in your post!

A HUGE Paper Pretties Sale

Just have to tell you shopping ladies - Paper Pretties is having a week long Labor Day Sale 45% off EVERYTHING in the store sale!!! All you have to do when you check out is enter the coupon code Labor Day (case sensitive).

Something to think about: Many of the things in the sale category are already marked down so you'll be getting 50, 60, all the way up to 80% off of some of those items.

So what are you waiting for - go shopping to satisfy that addiction!! Just make sure there's $ left to feed your family.

I Love Your Blog

Last week 2 lovely ladies gave me the fun award 'I Love Your Blog' and here I am so late in acknowledging it - sorry, ladies! First was Carolina Buchting [Craftycaro] on August 18: it's no secret this gal oozes creativity and is so thoughtful & sweet! Guess what? I'm going to meet her in about 9 weeks because I am visiting my family in CA and she lives a few cities away! Mark your calendar Carolina for Oct 30-Nov 3!! Then Julia Aston [Create with Me] on August 21 who is a great stamper & so kind! Thank you both so much for thinking of me & for such a sweet compliment! First and foremost I must say I LOVE YOUR BLOGS TOO!

One thing I love about these awards is to share other's blogs that you may not know about; spreading the blog love if you will. I recently either added these ladies to my Google Reader so I don't miss out on their inspirational posts, have not tagged them or wanted to let them know 'I LOVE YOUR BLOG'. I hope each of these ladies can do the same on their blogs:

The award rules:
1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 blogs
4. Put links of the those blogs on yours
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you've mentioned.

Cat's Creations - Cat has insane talent with the right tools and is funny!!

Sankari's Sunshine Corner - Sankari's great sense of humor shines through her cards which caught my eye

Mel Stampz - Awesome techniques / links to share

Schwooo! Angie, she cracks me up

Paper Possibilities - Paula, she has mad coloring skills!

Bevithia - Love all her stuff - she made the infamous 6-pack card!

D World of Marlene - Marlene is a sweet soul, sharing her faith on her blog to reach others, has only been stamping since this year & is a super star already!!

Stamps, Paper, Scissors & Donkey Smiles - Michelle makes the cutest cards and you've got to take a look at why her blog is named the way it is - she raises donkeys-they are sweet!!!

WSC54: A True Friend

Yea! Beate is back with her Weekend Sketch Challenges - this one (WSC54) comes courtesy of Jenn and it's a fun one! She made it a square card, so I made it 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 which still fits in a standard-size envelope. It allows me to let elements of my card hang off the edge & still fit (the flower here). How precious is that image? It's Sarah Kay's Precious Moments you can get at Sweet & Sassy stamps (I got a few images from a blog friend to try them out). I just knew they would be fun to color and I had fun matching her outfit to my Basic Grey Sultry paper. The sentiment is from Cornish Heritage Farms, Friend Centers - isn't it sweet with this image?

a RAK and some AWARDS

Check out this cute CC Designs Summer Monkey card Christina (Flowers & Ink) Fischer sent me this week! It's so bright & fun and helped renew a fondness for buttons, so I've been trying to use them more! Thank you, Christina - this brightened my day!!

I got this cool award or shall I say Gold Card from 2 great ladies! Mada Ro (Me & My Cards)-I discovered her blog when I was blog hopping one Sat. afternoon and she made a card with Nolan's first monster. She is super sweet.

Then I got it from Monika (M.A.D. Stamper) - she has been my blogging buddy for over a year now and I sure enjoy all her stuff -and the personal emails we have occasionally*wink*

The rules of this award are:
1. Only 5 people allowed.
2. 4 have to be dedicated followers of your blog
3. One has to be someone new or recently new to your blog and live in another part of the world.
4. You must link back to whoever gave you the award.

It is a way of saying thank you to those who take time out for wonderful comments to boost your day. I am going to pass this award on to:

1. Lee Murphy {My Reality....It's All Good} I love this woman! We are actually chatting on yahoo messenger as I type this post. She is so sweet, an super encourager, thoughtful, I could go on! Oh and she loves Pink & Brown like I do...and BLING!

2. Alexandra {California Stampin'} need I say more? Remember I was born in CA? Alexandra is so sweet, loves to scrapbook, is retired from serving 23 yrs in the Navy and is just a nice lady!

3. Cathy Tidwell {Cat's Creations} Cat is so sweet!! She sprinkles sunshine in all her posts & comments! She is also a fabulous stamper - I am so happy she is Melanie's Guest Designer this month for her most recent release!!

4. Barb Schram {Explore. Dream. Discover} This woman is so sweet, a wonderful stamper a great mom (I'm sure) and so thoughtful. She always spreads sunshine through her comments!

5. New to my blog and lives in Hawaii - Maureen {My C.A.S.E. Studies} this woman's stuff ROCKS! Go check her out, she loves to paper tole, paper-piece, color with Copics and likes Doodlefactory Images like me!

I got this new award from Monika as well - see how sweet she is??

The rules are:

1. You can give it to one or one hundred or any number in between - it's up to you. Make sure you link to their site in your post.

2. Link back to this blogsite (http://www.tammyvitale.com) so Tammy can go visit all these wonderful women. And remember the purpose of the award: to send love and acknowledgement to women who brighten your day, teach you new things and live their lives fully with generosity and joy.

This award goes to my local friend Melanie Muenchinger {Hands, Head & Heart} Who is a beautiful, energetic, sweet, thoughtful woman who is also blessed with talent as a stamper & stamp illustrator. I am so proud of the success she's had since this year designing stamps for Gina K Designs - you've GOT to check out her newly released set Little Tees - it is SO original! I'm looking forward to getting it!

Stay Tuned...

It's been quite a week already & it's not even over!!! I have nothing to post this morning except some highlights from the week:

I am 331 posts behind in my Google Reader (so if I haven't commented much on your blog, I will catch up soon!)

John and I renewed a special friendship with some great friends that was a long time coming
{Hi Steph & Thumper!}

My BFF signed a lease on a bigger & better store for her cake business {Hi Lori}

I've had a couple great mail days including a RAK from Christina Fischer a few days ago

There are sneak peeks of Melanie's cute Little Tees set today on a few blogs! It is AWESOME!

Gina K has a release party tonight {I'll be there, but perhaps not for the whole time since I have a ton of stuff to do}

I finally started {and plan to finish} my nephew's birth announcements as he is already 2 months old!

and finally I will have a SPECIAL announcement either tonight or tomorrow right here on my blog (I usually don't like to tease but for this one I need a little more prep time you'll see why) so come back later!

The most special birthday cake EVER!

Take a look at my birthday cake my BFF Lori made (that's her in the picture with me). Don't look at how tired we look - it was 9:00 p.m. and it was a long day - I looked pretty earlier that day - my DH told me so at dinner. He took me to Chuy's Tex-Mex - yummy. Then we went to Costco and I bought an iPOD (8 GB - Hot Pink) with my birthday $$. Meanwhile, Lori was resting from a busy day (and not feeling well) and still had to decorate my cake. She finished it right until she left & headed over with it - all this was a surprise. She told me months ago how excited she was about the cake she was planning to make me and I found out the other night her planning started the day after my birthday last year! Her daughter is the one who made a picture of a scrapbook & turned it into a cake! Lori revised it a little & just used my pictures instead but still managed to make it look like a scrapbook with the pages around the border. Lori sure knows how to keep a surprise! I can't! Well, I have a few times in my life.


When I saw this cake - I cried. It was magnificent; perfect for me, since she used pictures from our trip (got from DH the night before since my birthday snuck up on her!) And y'all who read my blog know how much I adore my niece & new nephew! I also cried because of all the time & love that went into making this for me. She is so generous, loving, caring and most of all TALENTED! She is also a stamper - used to be a demo in my downline but her true gifting & heart are into cake making! I am so proud of Lori - we've been friends for 8 years and have lots of precious memories together! The reason we met is because we (her DH and us) were motorcycle riders (bet ya didn't know that, huh?) Well, us girls rode on the back of the bikes but Lori was brave enough to get her own bike & started riding solo. This was a LONG time ago. Maybe warrants a post with pics for another time.

Lori was working full-time & cake baking on the weekends for YEARS. She was getting burnt out - because she started to participate in local bridal fairs & cake competitions (which I am proud to say she is a multiple award winner in) and get more business. She took the leap of faith mid-March and quit her job. Now it's all about the cakes! Btw - her cakes are the MOST delicious ever & her buttercream frosting is divine! If you are in the Austin/Central TX area...please check out her website in case you would like her to make a special cake for any occasion you may need! I guarantee you will NOT be disappointed! Oh, don't forget to tell her I sent you! Check out her website Classic Cakes by Lori (a work in progress)

When Lori left - I immediately called my sister to brag about my special cake (not sure if she's seen it yet, but I emailed her pictures).

I'm excited for today - Melanie is taking me to lunch for my birthday! It will be nice to spend more than 10 mins with her, it's been a long while.

RAKS & More - HB to ME - Happy Anniversary to LEE

look at this cute Dress Up Lily card I got from Nicole - The Stampin' Librarian! I love Lily's bling on her ears & belt and the exclamation point! I totally loved it when she posted it (and secretly hoped she was sending it to me and she did! - LOL) She said I tipped her over the edge to get the Dress Up Lily stamps & it seems like she is having fun with them, huh? Thanks, Nicole - you totally made my day when I got back from vacation since it was waiting for me to open!

I also has this RAK from Tammy at Stamp with Tammy waiting for me when I came back. Isn't it beautiful? I regret not ever taking advantage of the wide satin ribbon SU! had in a mini last winter. It is so pretty. I love the colors (I think it was a color challenge a few weeks ago?) Thanks, Tammy!!

God has blessed me with another year of life - Today is my 37th birthday.

I am not ashamed of my age and don't think I ever will be because I feel like I don't look my age (IMHO), I have accomplished a lot but have more to do and I am allowing my grey hair to come in, with pride. I always liked it (on others and me). Most people say they don't see it, but I do and it's o.k. Sometimes I find myself looking for more and smile when I see it. My mom used to dye her hair but I always wanted her to let her grey hair grow out. It's o.k. that some people do, I am not judging the decision. My mom never looked her age either. Everyone used to comment on how young she always looked. I look just like her so I embrace it when people say I look like her. May 22 would have been her 73rd birthday but she died when she was 61. My nephew, Joseph - missed being born on her birthday by one day but that's o.k. That was pretty darn close. I miss her, I miss my dad who died in 1981. I miss my sisters, my brother-in-laws and rest of the family & friends who live in CA. It's on days like these that I miss them the most. But today is a celebration nonetheless!! A celebration of the day they welcomed their 3rd and final baby girl into the world. In 2 days I will think of my mom & dad again because it would have been their 53rd Wedding Anniversary. I know they would still be married and would be the best grandparents ever and would be proud of each of us and the women we have become.

On to my day:

I woke (reluctantly because my body thinks it's still on vacation) to e-greetings from my Sister Deana & BIL Frankie, BFF Lori and gifts & cards at work! woohoo! Everything has been so thoughtful. I will share the others soon, still playing catch-up from vacation.

My DMIL is going to take me to lunch today & celebrations will continue for weeks like they usually do (and I like it). On Saturday my DFIL & DSMIL (dear step-mother-in-law) took us to dinner at Patsy's Cowgirl Cafe - it was a very nice evening with them; we played catch up, sharing pics from her vacation to Ireland & ours to CA. Melanie is going to take me to lunch one day this week - looking forward to that because it's been about 2 months since we've just hung out more than 45 mins. She brought me my Jumping for Joy set yesterday and the Ostrich card (I've been showing it off) - thanks, Melanie! I appreciate you!

I made a card last night for the first time in 2 weeks, MOJO took a vacation too. I had an idea for my new set that was not working for me so I ended up making a congratulations card to send to a friend but didn't have time to upload it.

I also got a few private messages on SCS from:

MichelleGoodrich
"A birthday is a special day that comes but once each year.I'm sure you can’t believe it but that day’s already here!I hope your day is awesome and your projects all are fine;your gifts just what you wanted and you’re taken out to dine.But most of all, I wish for you a day that’s fully blessedWith family, friends and memories that truly are the best!Hope you have a terrific day!By His grace, Michelle"

Another from a fellow June 3rd birthday gal - tamijo:
"Just wanted to say happy birthday to all my fellow June 3 birthday girls! Hope your day is GREAT!"

And from lacyquilter:
"Just wishing you a blessed happy birthday. Here's a great big smile :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: to help you celebrate a fun and fabulous day."

Thanks for staying with me for the long post - hope you have a wonderful day like I am!

I want to give a shout out to my blogging buddy Lee and her DH - It is their 18th (or 19th) Wedding Anniversary today! Hope you remember the love that brought y'all together & celebrate your lives today & every day you are blessed with, my friend!

Blog Honors to Share

I'm honored to have my artwork featured recently on the following companies blogs/galleries.

Sheetload Showcase -May 2008

Starving Artist Stamps (Urban collection by Doodlefactory)

Pink Cat Studio - Dress Up Lily Stamps

You Voted for your favorite Hip Hop Creation(s) and I won!!

edited to add:

Bee with her Baby Giraffe Card and I BOTH won Melanie's contest last night because we tied with 32 votes each! How funny (and ironic is that?) We both get her free set (take a look, it is SO cute) and the only bummer is that we're leaving for CA today so I won't get to play with it until the end of next week (boo hoo) but that's o.k. I will be so excited to be spending time with my family that I may forget about stamping all together (nah, just kidding)

Thanks to everyone who voted (I know it was REAL hard, in fact I had a hard time voting for myself but Melanie said it was o.k. now that vote counted after all)! It's like an early birthday present for me!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have entered a contest again on Melanie's blog - the Princess Hairbow Tin I made for Gabby
uses her new Hip Hop Accessories set. If you would like to VOTE for me (click on the vote to be taken directly to Melanie's blog) - I'd be so appreciative; her new set is at stake to get for FREE (and from what I've seen so far, it is SO cute!). I'm afraid I don't have any extra $ (shameless sympathy) to buy it with vacation this week! Although my birthday is just 2 weeks away, so if I don't win and you want to buy it for me - that would be so sweet! just kidding, really!

There are some awesome projects on there so if you decide not to vote for me it's o.k.! Just thought I'd try & get the WORD out!

Sweet RAKS & an even Sweeter Award

I got this card with the great blog candy I won from Carolina at Carolina's Creative Pad Isn't it sweet? What's even more special is the back is stamped with her name & a cute cupcake & coffee mug. Her blog title also says, 'fueled by coffee & cupcakes' how cute is that? I am so glad we started becoming blog buddies; just realized she lives just 45 mins from where I lived for 26 years and we are the same age - she's only 2 1/2 months older. I love the liquid applique whipping cream on the sundae and I thought I had attention to detail - that girl cut out the itzy bitzy cherry on top!! wowza. Thanks again, Carolina - you are as sweet as (if not more) this sundae! Look at the precious Easter card I got from Monika Davis at M.A.D. Stamper. Monika is so sweet, ever since I sent her a birthday RAK last year she has sent me like 3 or 4 cards (and I have lagged because I forgot to send her one for her birthday this year). I have sent her a few too, it's not just one-sided. She is an excellent stamper and I love her ***Treasures of the Day*** where she shares her favorites from blogs she reads and I am proud to say she has featured a few of mine. Thank you, Monika - I love your card and you made my day! I hope we can meet someday in real life too *wink*

I woke up this morning to an email from Adela Creations by AR that she found my blog via the Hanna Stamps yahoo group and nominated me for an Excellent Blogger award. How sweet is she? Funny thing, I just had discovered her blog while I was blurfing the other day & she has a cool tutorial Crack that Egg I want to share with y'all. Makes me wish I had gotten this set, but since today is Easter it's a little too late. Anyway, check out her blog when you get a chance - I have to say she's an Excellent blogger herself! Thanks, Adela!

Double Award Day

Pamela Smerker at Paper Askew awarded me with the You Make My Day Award because my blog inspires her! Isn't that sweet? Little does she know but her blog inspires me! Did you see the tote she made that Melanie did a tutorial for the other day? It is too cute! I will do one as soon as I have some free time (maybe this weekend). Thanks, Pamela!

Edited to Add:

Mary just awarded me with this award too! Check out her blog Maisymary's Findings. She has some great scrapbook layouts & cute cards!! Thank you, Mary - you're so sweet!