Wow, I must be busy or something....

I haven't posted anything for a while and I apologize!  It's been crazy busy and my work has taken me away from home for longer periods of time.  Thank you for your patience and understanding during this Christmas season.

I've been trying to do too many things at once and sometimes it builds.  On top of that, my 19 1/2 year old kitty is dying.  She's such a sweet old gal and I love her.  I'll miss her when she's gone.

Here she is just a year or so ago.  She's looking a bit older here, but you can see in her prime she was a beautiful old kitty.

Thank you for hanging in there with me! 

Merry Christmas everyone!  Blessings and love,

Colleen

Votives Holders with Apple/Peach Votives Yum!

There is nothing like the scent of a wonderful candle. Especially those that evoke wonderful memories of days gone by. I decorated these little votive holders and added the yummy scented apple peach votives to them for my Etsy Shop. I popped them up this evening and they are adorable.

I think they make perfect gifts for neighbors, bus drivers, postmen and women, anyone who enjoys a smile and a friendly reminder that they are special, needed, and appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by! Praying all is well with you and yours! Merry Christmas!

Colleen

Winter is Upon Us

Burrrrrr!  It's getting cold outside.  When we moved to Georgia from Washington State we couldn't believe how much sunshine there was.  Everyday, we would wake up to warm, bright sunshine.  For those of you who are used to this...congratulations, for us who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, it was a phenomenon.

Then winter came...let me tell you the first Canadian front met us with quite a surprise.  We had been out the weekend before planting, yes planting...sleeveless shirts, shorts, laughter...then SHOCK!  It blew in out of nowhere...colder than I've ever felt it...wind whipping, frost biting, unbelievable...we laughed and laughed...couldn't believe our new home could be so cold!

This is the back patio during one of our first snows!  Beautiful, fun to watch and oh so cold!

The layout was done with My Memories Suite v3.  All the pieces were freebies just like the ones I'm sharing with you today.

You don't have to own the software to use the digi-scraps.  Any editing software will do.  If you do choose to get the My Memories Software; please remember to use my code and take advantage of the additional $10.00 off!  Use STMMMS62443 for $10 off your purchase.  You won't be disappointed!

Okay, here are your freebies! 

Freebie 1 Page:
http://www.mymemories.com/store/share_the_memories_kit_1

Freebie 2 Page:
http://www.mymemories.com/store/share_the_memories_kit_2

Freebie 3 Page:
http://www.mymemories.com/store/share_the_memories_kit_3


Thanks again for stopping by!  Blessings and joy,
Colleen

Time is Just Slipping By

It's hard to believe, but we are already at the 4th of December!  Is that incredible or what?  It's a crazy time and often we forget the real meaning of Christmas and the blessings it holds for us.  I'm proud to say that I'm a Christian and this time of year brings to rememberance the gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I remember Him all year long, because He is with me everyday, every step of my journey here, but Christmas expounds on His coming and the gift He brings.

May we always remember the Christmas Blessing and all there is in it! 

Blessings and Joy everyone!

Embellished with My Memories Suite v3

Use STMMMS62443 for $10 off your purchase

So many Free items!

Mom and My Memories

My Mom spent Thanksgiving at the ocean with my brother and my cousins from New York.  Here she is with my cousin Mike.  I loved the picture of them...it's so like my Mom to be loving, happy, and free with her heart.  I need a hug.

The layout was created with the My Memories Suite and FREE items from the site.  I won the My Memories Suite in a give-a-way, and to be honest, I didn't realize what I had won!  I do now.  This is an amazing tool and so fun to use.  It's a bit addicting :)

You can read more about the My Memories software here and if you would like to try this amazing application use this code at checkout STMMMS62443 for a discount on your purchase!

Thanks for stopping by!!  Blessings and love,

Colleen

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving!  As I've grown a little older I've come to really appreciate Thanksgiving and all that it brings to the table. ;)  Figuratively, and relatively...I love sitting around the table enjoying a meal with family.  I love the laughter that fills the room and the clinking of silverware against the plates as the finish the dessert. 

I love hearing everyone cheer on their team and grumble when things don't turn out quite right.  It's my precursor to Christmas with the people I love and cherish.  It's my time to remember all the Lord has given to me including and most importantly His Son Jesus, who died for my sins, and according to scripture, the sins of all who would love Him (John 3:16) and believe in Him.

I have much to be thankful for and on a day like to today I want to take this time to say how thankful I am to have you in my life.  I'm thankful for you and for your encouragement.  I'm thankful for your kind comments and love.

God bless you and keep you with joy, peace, and love.  May you have the best Thanksgiving ever!

Blessings and love,
Colleen

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Nehemiah 9:6 You Made the Heavens

Good day everyone,
I'm getting ready to post another creation in my Sweet Home Designs Etsy Shop.  I put together this print, in a shadow box format, and shared a wonderful verse within it.

I hope you like what you see and will stop by the shop.   We'll call it "Spread Your Wings".  The shadow box is purchased at a local craft store and I embellished it a bit to tie it into the photo.

 The verse within the photo is Nehemiah 9:6

"You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth

and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything,

and the multitudes of heaven worship you." (Nehemiah 9:6)

The picture was one I had from days gone by and thought to cute to get rid of.  The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts along with a kit from Scrap That!

As always thank you for stopping by and taking some time with me.  Blessing to you!

~ Colleen ~

Added to My Sweet Home Designs Etsy Shop

Hello everyone!
I added some items to my Etsy Shop today. The holiday's are upon us and I thought I would add two shadow boxes to the mix. One you've already seen. Remember, when I asked for advice on whether or not to add "Blessed" to the box?

Well, "Blessed" won out and here it is.

I've also added another sweet fairy shadow box in white. It came together pretty well.
Here it is:

Thank you so much for taking the time with me today! God bless you always! I better get back to it :)

Blessings and warmth ~ Colleen

Pinks and Creams Treasury

Aren't these Etsy items just beautiful? They are an assortment of crafts and designs from some of the finests artists. Each item is available from Etsy, take a moment and stop by their shops. You might even find something you like for the upcoming holidays!



Blessings to all! Have a wonderful day!

3rd Birthday for My Oldest Grand Child

It's hard to believe that 3 years have gone by since Kiani came into the world.  It seems like only yesterday that we were anxiously awaiting her arrival.  Wondering what she would look like, if she'd be healthy.

I was taking my daughter for a routine check up.  We expected to be home that afternoon, having tea, laughing, and waiting.  At the appointment, everything rapidly changed.  Shann's blood pressure had shot up and they decided they'd take the baby early; as in that day!  We headed to the hospital, calling Daddy on the way.  Kiani was going to be 5 weeks early and Gramm was a bit concerned.

But as you can see everything worked out just fine:

She was always smiling for us

Being a Kitty for the Camera

When I think of my grand children I can't help but thank God from whom all blessings have come.  They are truly my heart and joy.  I love them unconditionally.

Thank you for stopping by today!

Happy November 1st! Wow...Unbelievable!

May you be blessed with the happiest of days and may your preparations for Christmas and all the other wonderful events in your life be filled with carefree joy!

I'm so excited...in one week my daughter and grand daughters are coming for a visit!  One full week!  We have a few things planned...one of which will be pictures of all 3 grand daughters!  What fun!

We'll also be doing a little shopping, sharing a birthday for my oldest Kiani (3 years on the 15th), and just plain girl talk and love with my daughter.  I have missed those chats, giggles, songs, and just plain silliness.  I don't know what I would do without her!

Pure Love and Joy (Shannon & Kiani)

Look Gramm...I did it all by myself (Kiani)

Gramm...I'm stuck!  (Malia)

Thanks again for stopping by...Remember, You are wonderfull created and beautifully made and your Father in heaven loves you more than words can say!

God bless!

Made Me Smile...Okay...Laugh

My Memories "No Faces Allowed" Challenge

I thought I would have a little fun before work this morning and put together a layout for the My Memories Challenge "No Faces Allowed".  This has always been one of my favorite pictures.  My daughter and her first child laying on the floor together watching a children's show.  It didn't last long as Kiani was very little, but it was a joy to see them, like this, together.

I know they will always be there for each other.  As she will for all the children she is blessed with.  My son as well...I am blessed.

Thank you for stopping by!

Blessings and love, Colleen

It's Really October 22nd! Where Did This Month Go?

I can hardly believe that the month has flown by so quickly.  I know this is as it should be, but it still shocks me when I turn around and it's 3/4's of the way through the month!  I've found as I've gotten older the time really moves away from me!

With that said...Fall is upon us and we are beginning to look at a new season of sweet smells, warm fires, soups, and cuddling with our Honey's!  What fun...and the trees are really turning into colorful arrays of artistic wonder.  I love this time of year.

I've decided to decorate some votive holders and add my gourmet, soy votives to them.  I'll list them in my Etsy shop for around 4.00 or so.  They'll make wonderful gifts for teachers and friends during the holiday season.

Have a wonderful day and thank you for commenting!  You always make my day!  Blessings and {{{hugs}}}.

My Kiani and her New Scarf

This is Kiani...My oldest granddaughter.  She will be 3 this November.  It's hard to believe that almost 3 years ago I became a Gramm for the first time.  My life has never been the same and I couldn't possibly feel more love than I do for my 3 granddaughters.  They are the joy of my heart.

Kiani is wearing a new scarf her Momma made for her.  She's striking a pose so everyone can see how lovely it is.  I'm so very proud of my Daughter for trying new things and creating.  She's amazing and I'm once again blessed.

Oh and her Sissy, Malia, got one too!  Am I blessed or what??  Just want to hug them and hug them!

Thank you for taking the time with me today!  Blessings and love Colleen!

Collage

I created a collage to highlight my latest project.  My husband has built an oak frame for her and I think we may white wash it lightly.  We haven't decided yet.
I need your help.  Can you tell me whether you prefer the word "Blessed" to the left of the picture over the lace; as shown in the upper middle photo?  I can't decide.  My husband says no and I say "hmmm".

Thanks for your comments and help with this one.

I used My Memories software to embellish the collage.  The flourish and my signature will not be present of course...and the border is just for highlighting.

Blessings Dear Ones!

Colleen

Do You Ever Lose Followers?

I do.  At first, because of who I am, I thought "What did I do?"  It's funny when you think about it.  Most of us don't "do" anything when we lose a "Follower".  It just time for them to move on.  Through attrition we will see "Followers" come and go.  It's perfectly normal and we shouldn't let it depress, upset, or otherwise change our day.

Would I love to have more "Followers"?  Of course!  We all would.  That's why we post, create, write, and blog.  We want to make friends, network, laugh, and support those that blog with us.

I found an excellent article regarding "losing Followers".  Please feel free to visit Single Dad Laughing and read his article You will lose blog followers, no biggie. This is a very insightful blog on growing your following.

Thanks for stopping by! An remember, you're never alone.

Blessings and love, Colleen

Excited about the New October Scrap That Kit!

Have you ever tried Scrap That?  The kits from this company are, without a doubt, some of the most beautifully put together kits I have ever seen.  The coordination of colors, embellishments, and add on's are incredible.  The quality is truly top notch and the price is phenomenal

The October Kit is no exception!  There is going to be a blog hop to help the launch the next kit.  I hope you'll join us!

I hope you'll take a moment to stop by Scrap That and enjoy the beautiful kits and layouts that are available!

Blessings and warmth,

Colleen

I Won Something in a Give-Away!

I entered a Give-away at Elizabeth Worthington's blog, Silver Scrappers.  I received from her a download for My Memories Digital Software.  What fun!

I don't do alot of digital scrapping, but this is a great opportunity to learn and have some fun!  Thank you Elizabeth!

I'm just getting started and, of course, my grandbabies are the target.  All under the age of 3, these cousins will be fast friends for sure!  Thank you Father for my beautiful babies!

So much to learn, but what fun!

Thanks for taking the time with me today!

Blessings,
Colleen

Shadow Box Creation

I've made a shadow box.  Well, the shadow box was purchased and I added to it.  I used my Lili of the Valley stamp, colored in shades of purple.  The papers are from my Scrap That kit, which includes some of the flowers. 

I didn't like the stark white of the shadow box so I added some coordinating paper to the frame.  I think it turned out pretty well.

My husband said we should hang it, but I'm thinking I'll add it to my Etsy shop.  Still thinking about the price.  

I'm also trying to decide on a charity.  I would like a portion of my proceeds to go toward a worthy cause.  I may not make much, but what I do make should do some good somewhere.  Right?

Thanks for taking the time with me today!



Equal Time for Seneca Jo

Well, as promised (to Seneca Jo)...Here is her "equal" time.  I received Seneca as a birthday gift from my daughter.  She was so tiny and packed full of energy and love.  When we brought her home she would fall asleep on my husbands shoulder. 

She's always been a little front end heavy....I can remember setting her food down for her and her back end would raise off the floor (literally) as she ate.  She did grow out of that, but food is, and always will be her FAVORITE thing in life. 

She is every bit a toddler...she wakes us up as the sun rises.  She's sure if we don't get up she'll starve to death.  She's always getting into things; hiding behind her food in the pantry so we'll close her in.  Anything for an extra nibble. LOL!!

We love her and Blue dearly.  They are so different and so special!  Thank you for letting us share them with you!  :)

Blessings,  Colleen

This is Blue...

Blue is one of our Min-Pin's.  He was a rescue pup that I found online.  I fell in love right away.  They brought him out to the house and his teeth were bad, he had scars from being beat up in a tussle with other foster pups, and he was scared.  Blue was so scared that when we went to bed; he started wheezing...I thought he was sick, but as I look back I think it was an anxiety attack.

Blue, along with Seneca (our other Pin)...are two of my best friends.  I don't know what life would be like without them.  Yes, they can be wearing at times, but most of the time they are just sweet.

Blue is my constant companion.  Here he is sleeping in the chair next to me while I work on the computer.  This is his usual place when I'm in the office/craft room.

The blanket is one I had when my son was a baby...32 years ago.  Blue is taking full advantage of it now.  He is without a doubt the sweetest pup.
Thanks for stopping by everyone...have a wonderful day in the Lord!

Blessings,
Colleen

Some Etsy Favorites

I discovered the Treasury List function on Etsy and created a couple of lists.  Here is a picture of some of my "favorite" treasures.  They are all from different shops; don't they make a beautiful collage.  If you see something you like just click the photo to access the links to the site.

I've made two lists so far...I hope you'll stop by and take a look.  What fun!  Thanks for taking the time with me today!

Blessings,

Colleen



Need I Say More?

How precious is this?
Just had to share it with you :)

Blessings,
Colleen

Miss Mousy Sends Her Love

That's the name of my latest creation.  My little mouse is carrying an armful of hearts to share with someone she loves.  She's surrounded by flowers, lace, and filled with love.

I've left the card blank so that you can fill it with your own sentiments, or if you like I'll provide the appropriate verse for you.  Just let me know ;)

Blessings and love,

Colleen