Hey there, Chickadee

hey there, chickadee! Isn't this little birdie sweet? This rubberstamped outline and sentiment is from Papertrey Ink. I am slowly making my way thru this set and using all the images. I wish I had more time because I just love it!

Today, my DF and I have an appointment at the florist to pick out the flowers for our wedding. Since it is a Fall wedding, the colors will be magnificent. My daughter is wearing a salmon colored dress and the guys are wearing black tuxes. The colors will certainly pop! We also are going to pick up his wedding ring! I'm so excited - I'm ready to pop!! :)

Later this evening, we are going to my sister's home to celebrate my brother and SIL's 25th wedding anniversary. It is a surprise and the entire family will be there to celebrate. As I have said in the past....when we all get together it is always a good time. I'm sure it will be a late one!
Well, off to get ready - have a wonderful weekend! Cathy xxx :)

Every day is a gift

Every day is a gift.........when you have your health, your family and your friends. Life is a gift to be treasured. I recently found out that I am going to be a "Grandma". Although, my young son and his girlfriend could have made another choice - they chose to have their baby. I know that things are not going to be easy for them, but with some of the things that my son has had to go thru in the past - this will be much easier. I am happy for them! His girlfriend is not only beautiful but soft-spoken and loving. She will make a wonderful mother as my son will be a wonderful father - he is loving and hardworking and knows what he has to do and is already planning for his new family. I can't wait for January - to hold my little Grandchild for the first time!

This card was made with Basic Grey paper and embellishment and the rubberstamped sentiment is Papertrey Ink. A perfect card for a hot summery day like it is here today. Have a wonderful Sunday - Cathy xx :)

You're so Sweet

The wedding plans are full speed ahead! Today, my DF and I went to a cake tasting and chose our wedding cake. White chocolate and raspberry - ooooh yummy! Yesterday, my wonderful friend Katelyn met me at the bridal shop and saw me in my dress - she gave me the thumbs up and the dress was purchased. Very little alterations are going to be needed which is great. So to date we have, the chapel, restaurant, invitations, cake, dress, harpist and other small misc. We have a meeting in a couple of weeks with the florist and now I'm in search for a photographer that isn't going to cost us an arm and a leg!

This card was made with Katelyn in mind - she was so sweet to meet me yesterday and give me her opinion on my dress. She is such a great friend! Papers are by Basic Grey, ribbon - Offray, scalloped chipboard by Pebbles & Co., rubberstamped sentiment and image by Papertrey Ink.

Have a wonderful week - Cathy xx :)

Embrace Happiness

Happy Sunday! What a beautiful day it is here today! We're all getting ready for a short road trip today to my sister's home in Wisconsin. Today is my nephew's birthday and the entire family will be there to celebrate. I know that I have said in past entries how much I love being with my family - they are so much fun to be with. When we are all together it is non-stop kidding around and laughing. So today, I will definetly "embrace happiness".

This card was made with papers from Jenni Bowlin, a resin embellishment from Mellisa Frances that I inked and added a little glitter from Martha Stewart, rubberstamped sentiment and ribbon from Papertrey Ink, misc. buttons, crocheted trim and a vintage inspired image.

Time to run - leaving in a short time. I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday! :)

All Things Grow with Love

All things do grow with love - this I know. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't let my kids and my DF know how much I love them, appreciate them and value them. Telling someone you love them is easy, but showing them everyday is more important. My DF smiles when he finds a little note in is drawer that reads "folded with love - xoxo", or his favorite meal prepared for him, or a softball game that I attend when he is playing. I know that when times are rough and others might think of leaving - I can forgive because of the deep love that I have for him. I have never felt so loved, protected and appreciated in my entire life because of him. He is my love, soulmate and best friend. Can you tell the wedding is getting closer? :)

As for my kid's......they know without a doubt how much I love them! I still smile to myself when I think of the times I would drive my son to HS and he would say "wait a minute mom" and walk around to my side of the car to lean in and give me a kiss and a "love you, mom". He will be 20 soon and still gives me a kiss goodnight. I know that my daughter (22) who is quiet and more reserved than her brother - decides to pour her heart out about my mother who passed away 6 years ago is reaching out to me because she loves me and wishes for me to console her. Kid's have a funny way of doing things that will burn every fiber on your body and know that no matter what you will always love them.

I am so lucky to have so many wonderful people around me - who love me for me and have always been there for me in good times and bad. It's their love that has made me the woman that I am today. Strong, confident, honest, and loving! Have a wonderful weekend! Cathy xx:)

Birthday Wishes

Happy sunny Sunday! After my posting yesterday, it managed to clear up and it turned out to be a beautiful day so my DF and I went for a bike ride.

We haven't been able to do as much bike riding this summer as we did last due to the weather so the legs were definitely feeling it. We rode over to the park which isn't far from our house and it was filled with people. Girls fastpitch softball tournament, mens soccer, kids in the park, basketball, people riding/jogging/walking the path - it's amazing what affect the weather has on people!

So with all of that said, this card was inspired with my day in the park in mind. I used papers from Moxxie (Life's a Garden) and Scenic Route. Endless possibilities with this paper - you will probably see some more cards using it. I also handstitched the felt butterfly and added a button and rubberstamp sentiment by Papertrey Ink. As for the ribbon, I gathered and machine stitched it. So bright and summery! :)

I hope you all have a wonderful day! Cathy :) xx

Sweet Bliss

The weekend has finally arrived and once again dark, gloomy and RAINY! I remember summer days as a child......they were always hot, steamy and loads of fun. Dripping ice cream cones, swimming at the pool, sleep overs in the tent, bike rides, days at the beach, and the sound of crickets at night. This summer has been one of the coolest and rainy summers on record. Oh, how I miss those days!

This card was inspired by those sweet summer memories of days gone by. I used papers from K&Co., tag from Tim Holtz, rubberstamped image from Papertrey Ink, vintage-inspired image, decorative button, ribbon and rhinestones.

I hope all of your summer days have been fun and filled with memories. Have a great weekend! Cathy xx :)