Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Proud to Be An American

     This week at school was Patriotic Week at Fairview.  During the month of May, students brought in loose change, which we presented to the Glendale Heights VFW Post 2377.  They will use the money to purchase phone cards for the brave men and women serving overseas.  The students all wore red, white and blue and serenaded the VFW members and three active soldiers with the patriotic songs they have been practicing in music class all month.  I have to say that hearing 600 students sing


And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.


gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes.  I made this card to thank Judy, who planned Patriotic Week, and for our music teacher.  More importantly, I would like to thank all of troops and veterans for keeping us safe!  Happy Memorial Day!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Spring Vally Nature Center & Heritage Farm




     We have our own little treasure just a few blocks from our house.  The Schaumburg Park District has a beautiful Nature Center where we have taken many nature walks.  Today we came across these baby Robins.  (Notice how great my photo turned out, thanks to the Groupon photography class I took just yesterday...Thanks Mom and Dad for the clever Christmas gift!)  If you look closely you can see the proud Mama higher up in the tree.  Attached to our Nature Center is the Heritage Farm.  We spend hours upon hours there as Sydney loves to visit with all of her animal friends.  In the summer she takes Farmers Boot Camp where she gets to feed and clean up after the animals, milk the cows, collect the chicken eggs, and brush the horses.  Considering she is such a girly girl, I was shocked to see how much she enjoys farm chores!  Last night, she, Mark and I participated in a Sundown Supper on the Farm.  We got to do all of the farm chores, and then cooked and ate a traditional pioneer dinner, of ham, potatoes, bread, and cookies.  We fed all of our left overs to the pigs.  At first they wouldn't touch "Uncle Joe" but then decided to polish him off!  Thanks Farmer Dick and Miss Monique for such a fun and memorable evening! 

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Many Thanks!


     I am very involved in the PTA at Sydney's school.  As the year winds down, I wanted to thank a few moms who devote a great deal of time and energy to making Fairview the best school ever for our kids.  I used a new color combination for me, SU's Elegant Eggplant and Melon Mambo.  I used SU's Fresh Vintage set.  I  normally would not have purchased this set, but got it for free from hosting my last SU party.  After using it, I decided I like it much more than I expected!  I "rock n rolled" my stamp to get the two-toned effect.  If you look closely, you can see some rhinestones and Stickles added for some extra bling!
     By the way, Hurricane Sydney invaded my scrap room last weekend to create cards for upcoming birthday parties.  Look at the disastrous results!  You'll have to check out her blog to see her creations at http://www.sydneysspectacularblog.blogspot.com/  She'll be posting her cards over the next few days!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Happy Mother's Day

     I want to wish all of the special women in my life a Happy Mother's Day!  I am blessed to have each and every one of you!

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Teacher Appreciation Week


     Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all of the hardworking teachers and school staff out there in blog land.  I made these cute apple cards for the dedicated teachers that are part of Sydney's life this year.  The white craft ink on the black card stock makes me think of a chalkboard.  We got little gifts also.  I think the favorite part of their gifts, however, will be the letters of recommendation I wrote for their credential files.  You don't need to spend a lot of money to show your appreciation for teachers.  A sincere letter of recommendation for their portfolio is invaluable to any educator. 

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Wedding Wishes

     There is a teacher's aide that was in Sydney's kindergarten and first grade class.  Mrs. H will always hold a special place in Sydney's heart.  Her daughter is getting married soon.  Since Mrs. H has done so many kind things for my daughter, I decided to do something kind for hers.  I made this wedding shower card to match her wedding colors.  I think the pearls and rhinestones on the shimmery white card stock make the card very elegant.  I used one of my favorite SU sets ever, Blissful Bride.   

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Thinking of You

A dear friend of mine is having a major surgery tomorrow.  We are sending prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery her way.  She, my mom, and I took a class at Archiver's years ago.  We made cards similar to this using Glimmer Mist sprays.  None of us were big fans of the clumpy splotches on our cards!  For this card, I instead opted to sponge the color on after embossing the images.  I think it turned out much better than the Glimmer Mist debacle!  I used Yoyo Yellow and Pixie Pink SU stamp pads for my sponging.  I love the orange that appeared where the two colors met.  The rhinestones add some cheerful bling.  In her care package, I also included an iTunes card and a face mask - definite necessities while she rests and recovers.  Best Wishes!