Happy Anniversary!

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, and always with the same person." -Mignon McLaughlin

I love my man! And I can't imagine my life without him. Twenty-two years ago today we said our vows and started our life together. They say time flies when you're having fun! Does it ever!

Happy Anniversary, Sunshine!
~Angel
Your Butterfly

Anniversary Card

I used Julee's FUN Mojo Monday sketch for my anniversary card to my hubby.
Recipe:
Stamps~ None
Ink~ None
Paper~ Certainly Celery, Black, White, Floral DP and Sticker by Autumn Leaves (Black bird Mod @ Target)
Accessories~ PUNCHES
Have a great New Year's Eve!
~Angel

Christmas Cards Received

I love cards! So receiving all of the beautiful cards in my mailbox each day was a little bit of heaven for me. I have to admit that picture cards are my personal favorite. And it seems that each year we get more and more photo cards. (Keep 'em coming I say!)

A favorite photo card was from my son and his new bride. They were richly blessed to have the best wedding photos I have ever seen and the rights to use them however they desired. (Photographers who are close relatives are indeed a blessing!) Megan created her photo cards on Snapfish and I LOVE the color scheme. I believe they would match SU's Wintergreen paper to a tee!

Of course, I have to show you my beautiful Godchildren. Best friend, Peggy had her cards made with her Christmas pics from JC Penneys! Aren't they the cutest kids?

Our family received 12 picture cards in total, 25 regular cards and 8 stamped. I've shown you 3 of those, so here are the other 5.

This first card came from Rachel and featured my favorite color- Soft Sky! I love the simplicity, but depth she included with the embossed snowflakes where paper and textured cardstock meet. Very pretty, Rachel! Thank you for thinking of me!

Next comes this fabulous creation from my super star blog friend Maria Bell. She also sent a little magical cocoa packet. And I thought it was SO cool. I think I pulled the cocoa up by the satiny ribbon a dozen times or more. Quite spectacular, Maria! Thank you, friend!

My close and personal friend Chrystal sent this simple vanilla and red card. I enjoyed it so much since we are so blessed to watch the beautiful cardinals in our back yard each day. The card was perfect for us.

Rita sent a sparkly "Sprinkles" card which I adore! Isn't it cute? Thank YOU, Rita!

And last, but certainly NOT least is this spectacular masterpiece by the one and only Rose Ann. She used a CHF Thomas Kinkade stamp in Close to Cocoa. I am in awe, Rose Ann! Your cards are SO amazingly cool in real life! Thank you!

I love cards!! I hope a few more trickle in. That will be fine by me. I love them all!
Have a great weekend and hug someone you love today!
~Angel

The Week in Review!

Hello Friends! I'm back! I can't believe how quickly the last week went. The kids have came and went. We had a great time and truly enjoyed having our little family together again. I'll try to recap the week for you.

Our oldest son Jake and his new bride Megan along with our younger son Brian flew into Atlanta where I picked them up from the airport last Thursday. We played games and ate Taco Soup and talked and enjoyed each other's company. Jacob managed to get us hooked on a new TV show. He brought season one of "Jericho" with him. It's a great show and we got started watching it right away.

Friday and Saturday had us doing some last minute Christmas shopping. We also did some eating, watched Jericho and played games. Sunday we all went to church and then came home, watched Jericho and played some more games. (I wrapped ALL of my presents between Sunday and Monday. I will never leave it all for the last couple of days again!) I was wrapping away and came into the living room to find EVERYONE in the house was asleep! Here is a pic of the girls.

Monday we made cookies and candy, watched football and played games.
On Christmas eve, we donned our new Christmas jammies and then opened our presents from Grandma and Grandpa Johnson as it is our tradition. Here is Megan with hers!

Tuesday was Christmas and we all got up early and opened presents while the cinnamon rolls were baking. The kids spent most of the rest of that day downloading to their new MP3 players. But we found time for... you guessed it... Jericho AND games! Our Christmas dinner was fabulous. Kevin smoked a big juicy beef brisket on the grill. Thank God for good ol' Georgia warm weather! I made baked potatoes, corn and beer bread to go with it. It was so, so good. I am glad that we decided to get away from the traditional ham or turkey.
Kevin had to go back to work on Wednesday. So the kids and I got up early to make our returns and check out the after Christmas sales. Of course Wednesday had us up early to drive back to Atlanta. I never know if it will take 1 and 1/2 or up to 3 hours to get to the airport. This day was the quicker drive. It was very sad leaving the kids there. They are back in Kansas now though. I'll see them again this summer most likely.
Some of my favorite presents:
1. FAMILY! My kids were here and that was really ALL that mattered!

2. Good News! I got an email from my nephew whom I haven't seen in in over 10 years. We learned that he has a baby of his own. My brother is a Grandpa!! WOW!!

3. A photo calendar. Handmade by Megan on Snapfish, it features all of their beautiful wedding pics. It's fabulous!

4. MCC Mom t-shirt. I have 3 kids at this college and I AM a Manhattan mom for sure! I'll wear this shirt proudly!
5. A Laptop! Totally unexpected, but an amazing present I will get much use out of!

6. Adobe Photo Shop Elements AND Hallmark Scrapbook Studio. And I can't wait to play with them!

Well, I have some housework to do and Katie needs help getting ready for her FIRST DATE!!!! Lord help me!
Have a great day, friends!
~Angel

Here the boys are horsing around.

The girls and I the morning of departure.

It's Christmas Time!

I am SO excited that I can hardly stand it. In just a little over 24 hours my kids will be on an airplane headed from Missouri to Georgia! Today will surely fly by. I have a habit of leaving lots to do the day before something big like this. That way the time goes by SO much faster. So I have a ton to do today including wrapping and baking and cleaning. I will stay very busy.
But first I thought I'd share. I went to lunch with my sweet dear friend Shelley yesterday. She brought me a Christmas present that I have to show you!

Isn't it cute? But, do you know what it is? I thought about turning this into a guessing game, but I just don't have the time. So I will tell you. This cute little high heel which measures only 5 1/4" x 2" is a functional HAMMER! Yep, this is my new eyelet setter. Isn't it cool? I LOVE IT! At my last job, some of the ladies actually used their shoes to pound in nails to hang things when there was no hammer around. I love my little shoe hammer. Thank you, Shelley!
I've also been blessed to have gotten many pretty Christmas cards in the mail. I LOVE cards so I love this time of year when nearly every day a card arrives in my mail box. I love them all! From postcards to store bought in a box or individually, handmade, stamped or photo cards, I just love cards. I have to admit, photo cards are a favorite. After Christmas, I usually cut out the photo and put it on my frig.
Of course, handmade cards are quite special to me as I know the love and thought that went in to them. So far this year, I've gotten a few handmade cards. Should I share? Well, yeah....

This first one is from my friend Tracy in New York. (Wow.... Trace, I've never had a friend in New York before. That sounds funny.) Tracy used a classic- Frosty. May he live forever.

This next one is a beauty from my Kansas friend, Kristina. She does very VERY good, huh? This is my favorite SU color too... Soft Sky!

I was so surprised AND excited to receive this GORGEOUS card from Monika. My hubby loves this card. So do I! I keep studying that bottom white edge that looks so much like a snow drift. How did she do that?

Raissa sent me this very pretty blue creation along with my prize from her card contest. I just love it!

I'm off to start my chores. I hope you all have a great day that's full of the CHRISTmas spirit!
~Angel

Swirly Ornaments

I found "Figgy Pudding" at Hobby Lobby! AND it was half-price! I had to get it. I used some strips of it on this card which I made about 20 of. Katie colored in all of the ornaments. She did a great job.

Card Recipe:
Stamps~ Stampendous "Classic Ornaments" and SU Small Script
Ink~ Basic Grey, Artichoke, Cranberry, Soft Sky
Paper~ Basic Gray, Artichoke, Cranberry, Shimmery White and Basic Grey "Figgy Pudding" DP
Accessories~ Blender Pen, Sakura "Stardust" pen, Silver cord and gingham fabric torn strips

If this layout looks familiar it's because it was one of the "31 Days of Angelosity" sketches- one of my favorites. And this Christmas card is definitely a favorite. I love this swirly ornament stamp.

Hopefully I can be productive today. My plans? Wrap presents and go grocery shopping with joy in my heart and a smile in my spirit. :-)
Merry CHRISTmas!
~Angel

I've Been Tagged..

I've been tagged by Blogging Buddy, Adelina at one of my favorite blogs, Well Said Cards.

And here we are my seven random facts about me:
1. I drink water and that's about it. I don't drink pop, coffee or much of anything else. Occasionally I will have tea in the form of chai or unsweetened Iced Tea. But, 99% of the time I drink water.
2. About 2 years ago I lost 75+ pounds by using Leslie Sansone's "Walk Away the Pounds" and making some dietary changes. I have recently put back on some of the weight, but am ready to lose it again!
3. I just finished making and sending my Christmas cards.... almost 100 of them. Whew!
4. I L-O-V-E peanut butter. I didn't used to, but recently, I can't seem to get enough of it. (This may have had an impact on that recent weight gain.)

5. I am a mother to 2 boys and a girl and a godmother to 2 boys and a girl, all of whom I am crazy about! (AND I have a fabulous daughter-in-law that I am equally as crazy about.)
6. My hubby calls me "Butterfly". He started calling me that shortly after I got my butterfly tattoo many moons ago. (He calls me Caterpillar when he wants to get my goat. )

7. I have 2 Webkinz! A monkey named "Peach" and a hippo named "Harpo". I play with them whenever I have time to waste. :-) Don't laugh! I know many adults who have them.



Now to tag 7 buddies whom I don't think I have tagged before.

1. Michelle of "Come Stamp With Me".

2. Monica at "Monica's Crafts".

3. Patti at "Pure Inkspiration".

4. Cheryl at "Engineered Expressions." (Congrats, Cheryl on your recent winning streak!)

5. Liz at "All Th!ngs {PR!SS}y"

6. Shannon at "Stamp Til You Cramp."

7. Andrea at "Andrea's World"


Here are the rules:
Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, we all want to know them.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Have a great day!
~Angel

More Cards from Christmas Past

I am still busy working on this year's cards. Is anyone else bothered by seeing the reminders that there are only 11 more days til Christmas? I am seriously feeling a bit panicked! I have got to get my hubby to bring my wrapping paper down from the attic! My poor Christmas tree looks so empty and bare with nothing underneath!
























This first card I am showing you was one I made for a friend who commissioned me to make her cards a couple of years ago. Crayon resist makes the pine cone from Close to Nature pop on glossy cardstock. And I will forever own the classic Fantastic Foliage!

This next card was super easy and the punched holes show the bottom layer of Real Red as red berries. Except for cutting out all of the popped up poinsettias by hand this was very easy.

The last card I have is from one of my very favorite Christmas sets- "Reindeer Print". I admit I CASEd this card. It is so classy. AND another easy design to replicate. Artichoke, Real Red and Kraft cardstock are the colors used. I love this one.

I am off to work out and then get started on my To-Do list. Thank heaven for lists!
Have a great day!
~Angel

Cards from Christmas Past

I've been so busy stamping my Christmas cards and writing them out. Next year, I think I will join the smart ones who starting stamping their Christmas cards in the summer. I'd love to just have to write them out and send them. Then I would have time for pretty packages and the adorable ornaments and other ideas I see floating around.
Most of my this years cards I have already shown you. But, how about showing you cards from Christmases past?

This first card is a classic. I've used the design more than once. It's simple yet so soft and pretty and very easy to replicate! I am sure I have CASEd most of these cards, but have no idea who to give credit.

Here is another easy peasy design. The white craft ink on top of the bottom snowflake really makes it pop. Only one layer makes it cheap and with the tons of ribbons now available, I may have to revamp this one and bring it back!

Last one for now. I love using a wheel for a background. And I LOVE tearing so this card was a fun card for me 2 Christmases ago. The Cropadile sure would have been nice to have when I was making these. I found these swirl clips at Target cheap. I think they still carry them.

What about you? Do you have any cards or pics of cards from Christmas past? I'd love to see them.

Have you heard the news? Addicted to Rubber Stamps is offering shipping for a quarter! I saw that in my email today and immediately forwarded it to my husband. One stop shopping there!

Back to the card making!
Have a great day, friends!
~Angel

Sketches

I feel like I have too much on my plate right now.... me and the rest of the world I know. I have decided to put my weekly sketches on the back burner until after the new year. This decision was based on the fact that I didn't even complete my own sketch this week! Oh dear. I did have 2 stampers complete the sketch and I went to Random.org to flip the coin there. The winner is Tracy who stamped 2 lovely cards using the sketch!

In the mean time, there are tons and tons of sketches out there to do and I would be happy to point you to a few. But Allison has the scoop on all of the great sketches, tutorials AND blog candy out there in Blogland. So if you're looking for something, there's where to check first! She works SO hard so if you have an extra Christmas card, SHE deserves it!

I'll be back later in the week to share more Christmas cards. They should all be in the mail by Friday!

Many Blessings~
Angel

Blog Candy Alert

Here is a link to some candy you can win from Deanna!
Notice the small writing? It's because I really want that sweet pea stamp!
But, I guess you can try too.
LOL!

Christmas Cards

The first 2 Christmas cards of the season arrived at our house yesterday. I love getting Christmas cards in the mail.... stamped or not. But, it sure makes me smile to receive someone else's labor of love! I was working on my own cards when the mail arrived. I need to get a move on it though. I only have 22 cards finished.

I debated on whether to post my own cards. I finally decided to show you this one. I incorporated my favorite color (of the moment) into this card.... Soft Sky! Hubby said it shocked him a bit to see the non-traditional colors, so at first he was a bit skeptical. I think I can win him over.

Card Recipe~
Stamps: Seasons Greeting Stamp Strip (Danielle Johnson) @ Mike's

Ink: Ruby Red

Paper: Soft Sky, Ruby Red, Pumpkin, Pixie Pink, Green is American Crafts "Play", DP is The Paper Studio "Retro Ornaments"

Accessories: Square and Circle punches, Gemstones (the Paper Studio), Pop Dots, Stampamajig

I like to keep my Christmas cards simple, mainly because I wait so long to make them and have to!
I am feeling much better. Thank you so much for your well wishes. I hope to get at least a dozen more Christmas cards made today and then finish them over the weekend. Thankfully I have my assistant, Katie. She's an amazing help and has helped me more than you can imagine over the years. What a doll!
Have a great day, friends!
~Angel

P.S. I haven't forgotten my sketch. I hope you haven't either. I'll be back later today with a pic of the prize.

Another Pretty Bird

It's a busy day today, but thought I could quickly share a card I came up with the other day. I wanted something fun to go in with my kids' care packages for finals. This owl from my CHF "Pretty Birds" set came to mind as the goodies I sent included lots of Tootsie Rolls and even a few Tootsie Roll Pops! Doesn't this owl remind you of the Tootsie Roll owl? The sentiment is corny and computer generated. But, my kids will get a kick out of it I think.




















Card Recipe:
Stamps~ CHF "Pretty Birds", CTMH Leaf Background
Ink~ Basic Brown; Cocoa, Caramel, Mustard, Rust, and Celery for watercoloring
Paper~ Bashful Blue, Purely Pomegranate, Cert Celery, Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, DP- unknown- (was in a Blog Candy Jackpot from Sarah)
Accessories~ Blender Pen, distresser, SU caramel eyelets, MM Brads, Ticket Corner Punch, FX narrow stitched ribbon and dimensionals pop up the owl image

I am starting to catch this cold thing that's going around. I have a bit of a sinus headache and a sore throat today. Yuck. So, the question is... should I take a nap and rest or try to stamp a card with my weekly sketch? That nap is sounding pretty sweet!
Have a great afternoon!
~Angel

Monday Sketch #3

I have had one of those days! I so wanted to have time to stamp, but time just did not allow it. I don't think I will have time tomorrow either, but maybe I can squeeze it in between the silent auction and the Christmas party I have on my schedule!
I do have my Monday Sketch Challenge for you. It's week #3 and I know it's Christmas and you're busy. And THAT is why I've come up with this sketch!

The challenge is that your card needs to be a Christmas recycled card. See the circle? Here is your challenge: I want you to punch or cut out something recycled to put here... out of Christmas cards, wrapping paper, etc! This circle can be ANY size. If you participate, be sure to come back here and comment so I can see your creation. I only had one taker last week so Jacqueline wins a little something from me. Hopefully I will have a card to upload tomorrow along with a pic of this weeks RAK.
What has kept me busy today? I have spent most of the entire day looking at my son's wedding pictures. I want to put a picture inside all of my Christmas cards and decided I better get those ordered. It is so difficult to decide which ones I wanted. I finally decided and got them uploaded and ordered. Thank heaven for high speed internet! I've been fighting to keep it. Hubby thinks it is a waste of money. He is right, but man, if the computer were slow, I would never get anything done! It sure made uploading those 195 pictures quick and easy.
On another note, my hubby's grandmother passed away this morning. She was a strong, sweet and wonderful woman and we will miss her dearly. This makes 2 losses for his family in a short time (his great nephew passed away 6 weeks ago). I would love to have your prayers for them- his mom especially.
Our weight loss buddy program got off to a great start with 6 pairs of buddies! If you are interested, I'll be having sign-ups again for January. You can sign up anytime between now and January 1. From now on, I will be posting all of those updates on my weight loss blog. So, be sure to bookmark that link if you're interested.
Have a great week, friends!!
~Angel