One More Time Before Years End!

I often wonder how others feel about this night of nights. Are you out having a great time or home packing away Christmas decorations? I myself am working. Yes, I have many ideas for the New Year and if I don't jump on them now they will fly out of my head. Plus I have been adding products to my new site http://www.lollishops.com/brambleberrylane The entire power outage and Christmas really set me behind in everything, especially my new site. But no matter, I am rolling now. But back to my question at hand, do you love the moment the ball drops or sleep right to the a.m. without a care in the world? The latter is me. Sure, if there wasn't a sick 4 year old upstairs and three other little people around here I may think of being out jumping up and down. You know like those days gone by where I actually did things like that. But now knowing that all my chicks are tucked in tight will do just fine.

Plus mom and dad are on my mind while they vacation. Did I mention that if my parents are even gone for a day it makes me crazy. No, not because I am a mama's girl but because we are all so tight. There is a line from the movie "The Family Stone"...what makes you all so special? We're not special, we're just all we've got! I love that movie. And it is true...around here family is TOTALLY NUMBER ONE! And not just the 6 of us, the outside arms of the family tree as well. I grew up with these funny kind of odd couple parents. Mom, VERY STRONG, yet reserved. Dad, well I don't think I have enough pages to write about all of the colorful things that he taught Wendy and I. But for sure we where taught that your have to rely on your family or you will stand alone. Friends are VERY important, but that backbone, when you are lucky enough to have it, is what you fall back on. This must be why there are so many kids running around here. We've got TONS of backbone.

Anyways, I really just jumped on to say so long to a wonderful year for us in our little house in the big woods. We are totally blessed with each other and everyone that surrounds us. I am so proud to be a part of this family and all of our extended families. So on that note Happy New Year to all...GOOD NIGHT IRENE!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY(NEXT YEAR)!!!!!!!!

I'm Back!

Yes, that is ice! I can not believe when I am in full Christmas swing around here we get the worst Ice Storm that NY has seen in Decades. We had no power for just over 5 LONG days. And no cable or phone for a week. Which meant no COMPUTER. You really get the entire how hard it is to live with out the incredible things like power or cable services. These things pretty much run our family and my little Brambleberry Lane. Yup, it shut me right down but hey, what are you going to do. These things happen. I am sure it could have been worse. We where lucky that we did not have damage to our cars or home when many others did.

Alrighty then, I better get back to sending out some orders and doing all of those last minute holiday things.

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

Here Comes Some Snow!

Well it looks like we are getting some winter weather here in the North East. What better time to make lots of yummy food and dec, dec, decorate your family home. That is what the 6 of us will be doing this evening. It was supposed to be Morgans Christmas concert, but the weather and date have changed in that department. So I figured if no one has a reason to go out this evening why not crank up the tunes.

After I dropped off Logan at Pre-school I created this fun ATC. It is todays artist trading card for my 25 days of Christmas. I used one of my chipboard base cards and went from there. I was adding a few layers to this so that is usually when I start off with a chipboard card. I then layered on some great Basic Grey paper and cut a star out of white chipboard. I added the glass glitter to the white star and I love the way it looks like it is floating in the frame. The Christmas tree(also from Brambleberry Lane embellishments) was to big to fit on the 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" card. I cut a section out of the bottom of the tree and added a band of card stock to make it all fit. I love the idea of things sticking out here and there on the ATC's. They are going to be on a rounder or you can punch a hole and add a ring to make into a little book. So keep tuning in and see what is next. But how simple it is to make a great little keepsake of the holiday season!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

IN MY DAUGHTERS EYES

Today is December 8th. Most people celebrate Birthday's and Anniversaries. I celebrate the day I was RIGHT! As many of you know my oldest has Type 1 Diabetes. For months I took,at the time, a 6 year old little girl back and forth to a doctor that told me she was just fine and nothing was wrong. The entire time looking at me like I was a over worried mother. Not so. I knew that there was something wrong with a child that went from the corner cupboard to the bread drawer, and finished off at the fridge and never gained weight. She complained of her stomach hurting and headaches. I would tell the doctor and he would send me on my way. This began in September of 99' and went on this way until the morning of December 8th when I looked in the bedroom door and I could see all of her bones down her back as she was dressing for school. Not to mention the fact that she could barely stand there and get herself dressed.

Next mama bear kicked in. I grabbed her and baby Josh. Dropped Josh off at my moms and walked into the Peds office one more time. In my arms was a little girl that could hardly function and had no fat on her bones. She was 10 pounds less then just weeks before. I, in a very not nice voice said, somebody better tell me what is wrong with this child and stop blowing me off! They quickly got me out of the waiting room and in the back. Then it happened. With in all of 5 minutes, mine and Morgans life changed forever. The Doc looked at me and said I think you should sit down. I still to this day can't believe they actually say that in real life. Morgan was on the table and I in a chair when he said...Your daughters sugar reading is 576. We believe she has Diabetes and we need to decide if we should get her to Albany Med in a ambulance RIGHT NOW. I am not sure what my face looked like, but what ever it was Morgan could tell something was really wrong because she began to cry. I felt a tear roll down my face and in that moment I became the most strong, driven and in charge person ever. I told him he had done enough screwing up and to call Albany Med and tell them I was coming. I grabbed her up and it seemed like I flew there. In case you didn't know I LOVE to drive. I want to go to one of those race car schools for my 40th birthday. Not because I am into NASCAR or anything. Just because I grew up on motorcycles and speed and I love it. Haven't grown up yet in that department. Any who, we got to Albany Med and I left 7 hours later with all of these needles, insulin and a new life for me and Mo.

Here is the big BUT. But I can take care of my kid. I can test her sugar. Make sure her pump is functioning properly and that she is eating. I AM THE LUCKIEST MOM IN THE WORLD BECAUSE I CAN HELP MY GIRL. So many parents have other health issues with their children that they can't help with or fix. So if something had to be wrong then I am blessed. I will take the DIABETES DRAGON and I will slay it everyday. And as much as Morgan( now almost 15) fights me back, I will be here to kick her into gear and hold her up when it just becomes to hard some days. I can't imagine what it is like to be her but I can only hope that this makes her stronger. And that she realizes how incredible and important that she is to me and our family. She is my only girl and I wouldn't have it any other way. She is so lovely and giving and the best friend that a mom could ever have. So here is to our anniversary Morgan. The day I was right I hope you will always know was the day your mom and you took each others hand and went into the future together as one. You will never stand alone!

Create Something Fabulous Today!

Traditions

Traditions are wonderful things. They're something you look forward to year after year. A few years ago, Amy and I started a Gingerbread House building contest that was held on Thanksgiving. Our combined 7 children were able to kick off the Christmas Season & have a little traditional family competition at the same time. Gram and Gramp are always the building judges. They coincidentally always score the two structures in a tie, (which drive the kids crazy)!!!


Another tradition we love is from our childhood. In our Home you could not play Christmas music before 3:00pm on Thanksgiving Day. Our Dad always wanted to have one holiday at a time. We would beg him to let us play Christmas music before Turkey Day, but he would never give in. As children, we would wait anxiously primed with a Christmas Album on the record player for the 3:00 bell. "BING BING BING" went the clock. "ZEET SCRATCH" went the record player arm. Then, we would listen. Elvis would sing "Blue Christmas" ahhh... Christmas had begun.

This year, after not having a record player for some time, our mother surprised us with a player they had bought on-line. We've always played 3pm Christmas CD's for our children and they love the tradition. But this year the record player made it feel like Amy and I were kids again. Not to mention our children were amazed by this old fashion contraption called a record player. Start some traditions with your family, you'll never regret it. ~Wendy

Have You Checked Out Lollishops Yet?

So I am proud to be part of the new Sensation sweeping the Internet called Lollishops! It is kind of like the idea of Etsy but WAY BETTER. You can not believe the amount of incredible creative minds that where hand chosen to join this community of artists. I feel that I am in very good company. I am truly thrilled to be a part of a group where people are really in it to better themselves and others. So many times in the past, you will come across people that are thrilled you are a artist but when they find out that you have kids they think of this as just a hobby for her. Not at Lollishops. I have not met one negative nelly. People are just trying to get their work out there no matter what their background or their "other job". People help each other with tech issues if they see someone stuck rather then sitting waiting for a IT guy to fix your problems. People come together like a community should, wow I am impressed.

If you get a second, take a look at the Lollishops and let me now what you think. I am sure you will enjoy every minute of your time spent there. So many things to look at and enjoy. A real feel of times past or childhood memories. It is hard to explain, but you will all see when you get there. So please stop by my shop and visit some of the other great people at Lollishops.

http://www.lollishops.com/brambleberrylane

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

Do You Like to Stamp?

You have got to add these darn cute little stamps to your collection of Christmas Stuff. I just got some new ones in, but they are great to have on hand. If you are in your local office supply store, grab a package of the blank shipping tags( go on to my site and order some from me with your next package of yummy stickers). Then with these little stamps you can make a quick tag to run out the door with or sit with a hot cup of coffee and make a bunch up. If you want to save money these days, avoiding the card isle at your local store is a easy way. There are a bunch of different themes. Just so to the right side of your screen on my site and you will see a section called "STAMPS AND TINS" All of these fun stamps can be found there.

What's up next? I have started some new Atc's that are base cards for you to add your own creations to. From teapots to crowns there will be something for everyone. Plus, I will be having a ATC PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAY starting in just over a week. Details will follow but if you have ever thought of starting with this fun little art form now would be the time to leave a comment to be entered in to the drawing. So watch for the post titled ATC PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAY then leave your comment!

Gift Giving Ideas With A Theme!

Hello to all and a big Thank you to my sister Amy for inviting me to guest blog. This is beyond exciting for me to share some of my favorite ideas. I hope they inspire you to do something creative today! I am a huge magazine junkie. Better Homes and Garden, Good Housekeeping, This Old House, Yankee Magazine, Southern Living......the list goes on. I read periodicals from front to back and back to front. I cut out pictures of projects I'd like to do(or have my husband do) and I love creative entertaining ideas and simple recipes to WOW guest. The November & December issues are my prized publications(& yes I do believe I still have a few dated 1980 something). Every year I look forward to the Holiday Gift Guide $5-$50. I can't wait to find out what unusual gift they have found from far and wide. I was thinking of a few different and unique gifts that I have either given or received. I realized they all had a theme. A themed gift bag or basket just seems to be so creative. This year's theme for me is "book". Any item that has the word book in the title. I started with the above pocketbook that serves as both present and wrapping. Then I enlisted help from my favorite on-line store, BrambleberryLane.com. I included an antique styled bookmark, personalized bookplates, adorable matchbook-notebook and a fabulous stickerbook. You could run with this idea. Add a Book store GC, wine, teabags, cookies etc... Here are a few other themed baskets that I Love. They're great to give to a whole family, the couple who has everything or the kid in everyone. Enjoy and have wonderful Holiday Season! I'd love to hear from you. Wendy

Banana Split Basket

Toppings: hot fudge, sprinkles, nuts/Ice cream scoop with a jazzy handle/fun colorful bowls/Gift Card to the corner ice cream store for that favorite gallon.

Date Night

Sparkly clutch purse/vibrant necktie/Gift Card to favorite restaurant/movie theater tickets/glittery lip gloss.

Movie Night In

Gift card for movie rentals/popcorn/flavored butter shakers/Jones Soda(I like the cool bottles)/Jr. Mints & M&M's/giant bowl to hold all the goodies.

The Tree Lot is Open!

Have you seen it popping up everywhere. You know, tree lots. Maybe a firehouse, or a church parking lot or even a regular nursery is changing over to a Christmas Tree Retailer. Isn't it incredible how quick they can get a bunch of trees up and ready to go, when just Tuesday they where all empty parking lots. So here is my contribution. I have been making a bunch of trees in many different greens and shipping them all over the world for people to create their own tree lot at home. How much fun!

So, like the tree lot with many different shapes and sizes, I have many ideas I would like to do with my blog. I am a big HOUSE freak. I love homes and decorating like many of you. Plus I love the little things that make our lives a little easier, a little better and hopefully cheaper. So I am bringing in a guest blogger once a week. Her name is Wendy and she is my big sis. She, like I, thrive on creating and making things pretty. From her FABULOUS parties and events to just living a creative everyday life, I am sure you all will love her as much as I do and find inspiration from her every week that she stops by to chat with us. You will all meet her this weekend when she posts her first blog entry about some GREAT gift giving ideas for this holiday season that aren't going to break you. So please welcome her and give some great comments to make her feel at home!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

DO YOU KNOW A SINGLE MOM THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

Picture from American Girl Catalog
As you all read my blog you see a mom of four married and happy. But at one point in my life, which seems like a lifetime ago, I was going from day to day in the middle of a divorce. My oldest was just diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. We had to leave our home because with the loss of my husbands wedding ring he also forgot how to pay the bills. So I, on top of it all, was having surgery on my back. Yup, when it rains it pours. I had to figure out how to feed us, buy insulin and make sure a lawyer could get something done so maybe we could start over. Not the best Christmas on record. Well that is until the knock on the door Christmas Eve night. You see we where truly living hand to mouth. I could fix pasta in some of the most incredible ways. There where days I would show up at dinner time at other peoples houses because I knew they would invite us to stay. It was so hard but I knew if I got better and we got up on our feet we could do this.
Back to the Christmas Eve part. You want to give your kids the moon and do anything you can for them. Like I said there was little to no money coming in and both of the kids knew this. We spent Christmas eve with my parents like we always did. Went to church and I took my kids back to out little flat and put them to bed. What happened next was amazing. Both kids where sound asleep when I heard someone knock on my front door. It was my parents. Or should I say Mr and Mrs. Clause. They had so many gifts in their arms. Everything from the doll pictured above from American Girl to Tony Hawk Remote control Skate Guy. There where garbage bags full of presents. They where all wrapped in the most beautiful paper. On top of it all they brought me my dog. I had the most beautiful and smart boxer there ever was. When I had to leave the cabin I had to give her to my parents because I couldn't have her in the flat. That broke my heart. But there she was.
The next morning they woke up to a pile of presents that only Santa could have dropped off. It was incredible. Plus, Santa picked up our beloved dog and dropped her off as well. I am crying right now writing this because it was the most incredible thing you had ever seen. They BELIEVED. After all the three of us had been through they had something to believe in and that was worth more then all of those presents.
The point of this? Well that is simple. We all know someone that is having a hard time. I was lucky, I have wonderful parents that gave me strength and never let me fall. Not everyone has that. And from this gesture that they did I learned how important FAITH is. How being able to believe can get you a little farther to making a better life for yourself and your family. I also learned first hand how hard it is to be a single mom. There is no one to fall back on to take that burden no matter how hard others try. The other half of your marriage is gone and you are the only one that can teach those kids to be strong and keep moving on. That is a lot to deal with on your own. Not to mention the addition of the Diabetes. So my challenge to you all is to take that ornament off the giving tree and purchase that toy. Maybe invite another family over for a big home cooked meal. But what ever you do, share your blessings. You have so many that you may not even see them all, but they are there. Just don't forget that giving the gift of Faith to someone who has lost theirs can turn a life around. And someday I would like to be remembered, not by a bunch of people, but by just one person, that I helped them Believe again!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!
~PS...THANKS MR & MRS CLAUS!

While You Where Sleeping!

I have four kids as you may all know. They are four fabulously different kids. They are alike in some things but different in most. Except this. When they sleep they each become my babies again. That peace is there from the first days of bringing a baby home from the hospital. No, not when they are screaming the hungry cry or the wet cry. I mean that moment when the house is totally peaceful and you are holding this brand new perfect little baby and you can't think of any moment in your life being better then this one. You realize you have it. You have the dream of total unconditional love that goes both ways. Well then they get bigger and those moments are very hard to find. So I say look for it. I love going into see them at night after they have fallen asleep. It makes you realize why you do all you do for them. Why you are so lucky to have these little pieces of heaven. The other night, my piece of Heaven was found on the couch. One minute they where looking at the book and the next this is the scene. Right after the photo Noah had to be removed before he kicked Logan in the head, but the faces to me are priceless. The faces of Peace, Love and Pure Joy that I feel every time I look at one of my 4 little friends. And isn't that what the upcoming season is all about!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY....EVEN A MEMORY!

MATCHBOOK FEVER

I have been having so much fun making these. I have a great collection of paper that is dying to be made into something and these guys are the perfect fit. I have only been using card stock so far but I may add some of the really pretty lighter weight papers as well. What to do, what to do? I just can't stop making new ones!New paper has arrived as well. Some of the Basic Grey Wassail has arrived in our neck of the woods. Plus more trees and snowmen to add to our collection of stickers, trees, and stars. Have you all thought about what projects you are working on this holiday season? Have you ever done a 25 days of Christmas project. If in book form or like me, I am doing the 25 days in ATC form, you will really feel like you accomplished something with your scrapbooking. And isn't that every scrapers biggest complaint...not getting it done. I started by sketching some of the days out already. If I get a day with a little more time I may get a couple done at once so I finish before Christmas!

Many of you have asked if I am going to offer Gift Certificates. I am going to add some to my site. If there is a certain amount that you would like and don't see please just convo me so we can get you what you are lo0king for. Even if it is only 5.00 I am more then happy to do this for you. Plus If you would like me to send to the person you are buying it for I will do that or send in a email. In both cases I would just need yours and their info!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

THEY ARE FREE!

Yes I know that I have 4 kids, a husband and a Lab but here are my latest addition. Guinea Hens. My oldest son Josh had gotten Lyme Disease this summer from a tick. And it is rising across the state. We live near the water so there is nothing we can put down to kill them and we are really trying to go green and be better to our earth so we got these 10 new friends. They love to eat ticks. They eat and eat and then my family stays health...we hope.

When Josh got sick it seemed to go on and on. first we couldn't figure out what was wrong with him and then once we did he still was not right for a while. How can a little bug make such a healthy kid sick? It makes no sense to me but we are trying to help this with our little friends. When you first get them you leave them in their house so they figure out that is their home. Then you let them out and they should come back tonight to roost...we hope. We have three acres so I am wondering if they can tell the difference in a boundary marker and not bother our neighbors. They really like to wonder and I hope they wonder their way to the hen house tonight.

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

What Does The Word "VINTAGE" Mean to You?

Yes I know that VINTAGE is used when talking about the new wave of old things or "used" coming back in style. But there are so many other ways it is used as well. So what is the true meaning. Heck I looked it up in the dictionary and then on an on-line dictionary and I was even more confused because now it is used a bit different then before. Am I making any sense? The reason I ask is because vintage to me is more a look or a feeling rather then a used dress. This child and snowman is fabulous and gives me that Vintage feeling. OK, if I am wrong and have not used this properly I am truly sorry...but I think Vintage is great!

So are we all out there scrapbooking? I know, I know, we are all very busy. But let me tell you I am finding a bit of relief in sitting and creating. I love to create and I know that you all do to. Have you thought of asking those little people running around your house to sit down and work with you? You can give them some of your old stuff to work with. They will love it and you will have spent time together that was not in the car, or them on the field and you freezing on the sidelines. I hear so many grown women say..."oh I'm not creative" or "my mom never did that kind of thing with me". Pull up a chair kids lets make something together. You will feel so good about the time spent, besides, isn't it that time of year to start a new tradition!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

I Love These Matchbooks!

I know, I know, we are in the Christmas mood. But I just got finished making this order of these for this lovely customer and I thought I would share my great fun with you all. I really love to put together these matchbooks. But even more then that I love to find great papers to make them with. Yes, I am enjoying myself. I am adding the Christmas versions to all of my gifts this year. My daughter loves to have little things and this will be perfect in some great colors to add to her gifts.

So today we all went shop, shop, shopping. We took my mom and as always she spoiled us rotten. I love spending time with my kids and my mom together. It is great when we all get to interact and laugh together. I think it is so important to have a great relationship with as many of the family members as you can introduce to your kids. This is how they learn their history and where they came from. I just heard news that my sister and I can join the DAR because our family has proven the history and ties to the American Revolution. I think that is just fabulous. I love family history. So that is where scrapbooking falls into my life I guess. Aren't I lucky!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

So Many New Things!

I am in love with these new papers. A bunch just arrived and are ready for everyone to create with. They are so great with rich colors and the gold foil on some of them. Plus they are double sided for double the fun. You will love this set. Next we are swimming in new ATC products. I have added great color combo pack of Christmas ATC's. They are proving to be just as popular. And a new shipment of Basic Grey products are on the way to add to all of our creative fun.

Over on the side look whats new, the bird tags that you may not have seen yet. They are fun and classic looks like they where taken from an old bird book. They are simple yet functional for so many gift giving events. You can add a beautiful plaid ribbon for a holiday tag or a pink ribbon for Easter. That is what I call multi tasking.

So lots of updates with Lollishops. It looks like we will be opening up in the next couple of weeks. They are going to start the Beta on the 15th and the rest of us will jump on shortly there after. When it first open there will be a limited amount of great sellers but once those flood gates open you will see all of the incredible sellers that Sadie Lou has hand picked to make a incredible shopping experience for all. I know I can't wait!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

New ATC's Are Here

Boy do these ever make me happy. I wish you all could see the list of things that I WANT to make. Sometimes, the products roll right off the old AmyLynn production line. Other times they take a back seat to what ever the hot things is. These are one of those things that I have been wanting to make. Plus there is a Wonderland set on the side bar for your curious eyes to see. I am just taken with this entire ATC concept because you can create these little works of art in no time. My rounder still isn't here. I can't wait for it to arrive. Plus I ordered the rounders and the punches to sell in the store. So much fun so little time. And I am making my list get finished, well and added more to everyday. I keep pushing for that giant studio. I will keep pushing and pushing until that happens. And while we wait, sit back and enjoy these!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

Have You Ever Been Without Your Computer?

So, the cable company had some issues which caused me to have a big issue. How do you ship to people if you can't see their address or order...ahhhhhhh! I was a little crazy there for two days. I went to my mom and dads and snapped a bunch off to get done. Thank the Lord for Ed and Linda! But I am finally back on line and happy happy happy! I am on my way to get my hair done. Even being born and living most of my life as a Blondie. It hasn't stayed that way lets say. So I am going to go pay another person to make me feel all warm and fuzzy and look pretty to. The top pic is of this past weekend at the apple orchard with the boys. We all had a ball.

Have you all checked into see the new items that are being rolled out? I got a little behind with adding them in with the computer outage but we are back on schedule now. Some new papers should be coming tonight. And how about those Matchbook notebooks? Are these fun or what? You can add a touch of pretty paper to every ones stocking without breaking the bank. Plus this weeks new ATC will be coming too. So much fun!

Alright, keep your fingers crossed that the guy in the bucket truck knows what he is doing and we have a great connection now.

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

ATC's Take One!

Well, here we go into this great big world of little artist creations. First of all, always add the ink! When you ink the edges of the paper boy does it make a difference. The cut marks and the white core of the paper just fades. You need to get your self a great light brown and dark brown ink pad. These can be used with so many colors. Black can be handy too but the brown is softer and gives a great look. Adding little things like the keys are really fun. And don't even get me started about the layered flowers or incredible Cosmo Cricket paper that is two sided so you can't mess up with complimentary papers. This will be perfect to add a little weekend picture to. But remember in this Journey into ATC's we are also going to have ones that layer in that are without pictures. So many ideas in just a little time. And wait till we start hanging on the rounders!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

What Is The Date?

Can you tell how much I like this new product? I have been working on some new calendar spots and this is a GREAT set I think. They are so cute with the combo of word and picture for the time of the year. I hope you all like them as much as I do. Plus there is a bunch of new stickers that I have added and papers. So come on over to the Lane and see whats new. I will be posting the first in my series of ATC cards on Tuesday. I hope you enjoy the ideas. What a fun way to make a little piece of artwork.

So save the date on these new tags and show up Tuesday for some more fun!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

Just A Moment of Time

Yes, If you are wondering Noah did have a great birthday party today. Our families where here to join in the fun of all things boy and all things wheels. I worked on Patrick for a while trying to sway him to my thinking of the purchase of this new little toy. Now I know what you are thinking, give a 4 wheeler to a 3 year old? Well it only goes 2 miles per hour and Pat and I pretty much hover over the kids. There will not be a moment that he is not watch but boy is he happy. I loves this thing. Once Logan got on and showed him what he needed to do he took off like a rocket and loved it. Tonight, their big brother Josh showed them how to clean it. I looked over and they all had the baby wipes out and where cleaning her up. I love things like that, when they work together. And even more then that I love giving gifts the make the receivers mouth drop and heart skip a beat. We made that happen today!

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY NOAH!

My little Red Headed Chicken Plucker. I can't believe you are 3 today. We call him that because at the fair just before his first birthday the lady from 4-H bent over to show Noah the 3day old baby chick. Noah sat in the stroller very angelic petting the chick with one fingure. Then out of no where he reached over and pulled out every feather from the back of this chick. The 4-H lady was furious. My husband, Parents and I almost fell over. I had never seen a little hand move that fast before.
Now in this picture this is what he does when you say to him, "show me your smile". He is nothing but a ham. He loves to play pretend and when ever he sees someone he says "hi, I'm Noah" . I love all 4 of these kids with every inch of me. But the red head has a special place in my big old mommy heart. Maybe because he is the baby of the family. Or maybe just because he is Noah. So today I send out a GIANT HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY to my special boy and all the love I can give him!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

The Stars Are Out Tonight

I am a big fan of stars. There is so much that you can do with them. Here are my new chipboard stars that I can't wait to share with all of you! I am working on using these for my hall tree this year. I almost think I will leave them plan because I love the "kraft" color of the chipboard. Maybe I will glitter them and paint them white while I am at it. But what is great is that a couple sets of these strung on a small tree will look awesome. So I am off to play with them now that I have a bunch of sets made. Oh I know, I think I will do a upcoming ATC with them as well. Oh yes I can do a package tag with them. OK, I must go and get out my Archival inks so I can stamp "to" and "from" on them. Sorry kids, Mommy isn't making dinner tonight, she has to create.

Have a great night everyone and remember to list your 20 Favorite Little things about fall!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

20 Little Things

Above image from Country Living Mag

There is something great going on over at The Inspired Room. Make a list of your 20 Favorite Autumn Little Things. Take a look at my list and then go check out The Inspired Room for more great Little Things!

1 Warm Cider Donuts

2 A big wool sweater

3 A roaring Fire

4 Apple Picking

5 Bitter Sweat

6 Pumpkins( that you grew yourself)

7 My moms pumpkin pie

8 Carmel over, on or in anything

9 A great craft show

10 Decorating anything that will stand still

11 FOOTBALL

12 A great new wreath

13 Trick or Treating

14 Lots of blankets piled on top of us

15 Changing the curtains to dark warm colors

16 A leaf falling beside me

17 All of my summer allergies go away...yah!

18 The crunch of frost on the lawn under your feet

19 Noahs, Moms and Dads Birthday

20 The Autumn is when I married my Patrick(saved the best for last)

Now lets see your favs!

http://theinspiredroom.net/2008/09/18/20-little-things-to-treasure-in-autumn-2/

What do you Mean, You've Never ATC'ed

Artist Trading Cards (ATC'S)are all the rage! They are little works of art. They are pocket sized collages that are just waiting for your creative side to come out. Many moons ago when I started teaching scrapbooking classes I thought that these larger 12 x 12 pages where too much for some people to fill. Your just starting out and you have to come up with a idea that fills that entire page. That is a lot. ATC's are a great alternative to getting your art on! Say you have a idea and you really just want to make something. These 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 little guys are the perfect fit.

So I have started creating blanks for people to just jump in and go to work on. I think you will love the feeling of getting something done quick and easy. Please ask if you have nay questions about these. I am going to start posting a weekly ATC that I have created so check back @ the end of each week for your weekly dose of mini creations!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!!!

Then End of Summer is Here!

As many of you know, I live by a large pond. It is lovely to look at and see all of the incredible wildlife that reside there. I work by large glass doors on my computer and this is one of the sunflowers that my Logan planted. I see it out my window and I am amazed that the tiny seed that was planted in the spring by a then 3 year old made such beauty and colors. But these beautiful colors come with a price. The end of summer. We live in a great area here in the North East if for nothing else the wonderful and brilliant change of seasons. I love harvesting the garden and decorating with pumpkins and bitter sweet. Next weekend we are going apple picking and to the hay maze. All of these things I love so much, but as a summer born gal I will miss the season of growing and warmth. So I can't decide if I am happy or sad that the seasons are changing? Wait a minute, This means new clothes and turtleneck sweaters. Plus a new handbag and shoes. Oh darn, here comes my husband and he can't see this shopping list of happiness. I must go, he can't stand it when I even think about spending money unless I am looking at chainsaws!

~ps...Have you seen all of those great things over at Brambleberry Lane?

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!!!!

LOLLISHOP IS COMING

View my page on LolliShops Guild

We are all so excited that the Lolloshops will be opening for the upcoming Holiday Season. At the top of my blog you will see the link to the Lollishop Guild. The preparations are underway for this great new website full of very talented juried artists. I have been talking with some of the other vendors that will be on this site and let me tell you they are a incredible group of creative minds just waiting to share their wares with you. I highly recommend you bookmark this for future ref and make sure you check back to see the progress and the dates of opening. I will be making a weekly posting about the progress. So get excited and get ready to get shopping!!!!!!!!!!!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

So Many NEW PRODUCTS...

Hello All! I have been a very busy girl making and posting new products. Plus finding new places to display them like Lollishops. I can't wait for that to open. Well the world of ATC'S and other fun products has been buzz buzz buzzing around here. The new stickers that I have out are going like hotcakes so jump in and enjoy some for yourself.

For everyone following the family, Logan is thriving in Pre-K. I can't explain how happy this little boy is. Mo and Jo are doing very well too. Morgan started High School. I can feel the grey hairs popping as we speak. Josh is in middle and his first modified football game is tonight. I love to watch him play football. You can really see the thrill he gets from playing it. Not to mention the emotional mother on the side lines trying not to run on the field and tackle everyone of those boys that knock into my beautiful baby. And as for number 4, Noah. He is very lonely all by himself. You can tell how much he misses Logan. But like his dad, he has the gift of TALK. He is not able to keep that cute little mouth shut for even two seconds. It is like having my own play by play of what is going on around me at all times. So I have had to switch to packing all of your items at night because the day time is getting a little busy with Noah amusement. But I wouldn't change a thing!

Alright, time to get back to a little creativity!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

JUST A MINUTE OF YOUR TIME

Sorry you have not heard from me in a few days. We just finished the entire back to school ritual. So we have all been a little crazy. I will do a big update on Friday.

But today is September 11th in my America. In the place I call home. In the place I am free to come and go as I please and raise my children with so many chances to be what ever they would like to be. But today is the day someone tried to change that. BUT THEY DIDN'T. We are still here and still strong. We are one nation under God and that will not change. So for all of those family that lost people I will pray for today and I hope everyone else will too!
GOD BLESS~

HARVEST DAY IS UPON US!

Well today we started harvesting the garden. I should say the very large garden. I have never ever grown potato's in my life until this season and it was like opening a present because you never know what you are going to find until you dig deeper. Some where small, some where large but everyone was full of new and happy feelings of "look what we did this year". There is still so much more to do and so much more that is growing but this was a very fruitful(or should I say vegetable) day.

There is more paper on the way and I am finally catching up with all of the sticker orders that where behind because of no sticky stuff to make them with. Oh and keep a eye out for my new shop this fall on Lollishops. What a great group of artist and creative minds that will have everything from purses to oh yes, scrapbooking products!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY! (or at least grow it)

Happy People Everywhere!

Well the fair started and the kids had a blast. We will be back over there today for the beginning of the Tractor Pulls. Yes I said Tractor Pulls. I love America. I talk to people all over the world and many places have not heard of this ritual of ours. I think it is amazing that while I eat a big piece of fried dough I can attempt to cover all of the kids ears every time another one goes by. So, that is why God gave me boobs. It was to bury small heads in my chest so they don't have hearing problems the rest of their lives. So that is what I will be doing with all my little friends today.
Then it will happen...I get to work at the Fried Dough or Milk Shake booth at the fair for the Booster Club. I am so excited. I always wanted to do this. I know this doesn't make sense to many of you but I love the little things in life. They make me really happy. I love doing something new. So hopefully I won't burn myself or forget to shut off the milkshake maker, otherwise they will never let me help again!

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW FOR FREE STUFF. CHECK OUT THE 8/23 POST!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

Fair Time is Upon Us!

Well we live in the area of the Fair Grounds and are we ever excited. It is so much fun getting ready with all of the kids entries to be judged. This year is Logans(4) first year to enter something. And what can a 4 year old do totally on his own? Plant Sunflowers. They are over 10ft tall outside the back deck and they are a incredible learning tool for a small child. They take this small seed and put it in the ground and from it comes this Giant of a flower. Sure you could do this with any plant, but a sunflower is so big that they really get a sense of what is possible. Last year was the first time he planted them and then the birds came and ate the seeds all fall. He then learned that from his actions he was able to feed someone else. He was so amazed and could not wait until this past spring to plant again. So we dropped off his 3 Stems, 3 Flowers, 3 Leaves. This is what they describe in the book for the rules of what you bring. I gave him one of my old blue mason jars and he carried them in with pride. He watched the woman put them up on the shelf to be judge. And now he waits. Will he get a ribbon? I don't even think it matters. The look on his face as he watched that jar of flowers go up onto the shelf was totally worth it.

On the side of the biz look for some new flash cards as well as different Christmas combos. Can you smell Autumn in the air? We sure can and boy am I having fun with some great new products on the way. I am still in a holding pattern for back orders from some of the paper companies, but there are a couple that will be worth the wait.

Don't forget to leave a comment on the 8/23 posting for a chance at all that great free stuff!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

WHO LOVES FREE STUFF??????

Everyone that leaves a comment on this post will be entered to win this really great prize pack. To have a chance at winning, you just need to click the link to...

http://www.brambleberrylane.etsy.com/

Then, leave a comment on which item is your favorite. One week from tonight I will announce the winner of this great prize pack.

So leave me a comment and I may be sending you these fun items!

...It's Whats In The Middle That Counts...

One of the lines from "Hope Floats" I love that movie. I love any movie that stirs emotion in me. That makes me feel something on a Sunday afternoon all curled up on the couch that I didn't expect until I was flip flopping threw stations and land on a chick flick! My point is I think this is true, you know about the middle being what counts. I remember the moment I laid eyes on all four of my kids for the first time. I remember being out to dinner with my girlfriend Brenda when I first saw my husband walk in that door after not seeing him in 15 years. They where all incredible moments. But it is what is happening know that counts the most I think. I realized last night as I was sitting in a parent meeting that my little chubby checked girl was starting high school and this little family will some day not all be under the same roof. Child number 3 (Mr. Logan) will be starting pre k and it will just be me and Noah. Everyone keeps telling me how much I will be able to get done during the day with one less person to take care of. I am not sure that is a good thing. Now don't get me wrong. When my nest is empty I am not going to put on a ugly bathrobe and curl up in a corner. I love adventure and I love life so I shall turn that page and try all of those things that need my attention that are on my list. But that won't mean that I will miss any less the daily..."mom where's my"...or..." mom she took my". I actually love those things. I heard a mom last night complaining that she had to do something for her kids. I totally see where she is coming from because we are all stretched so far now, but they don't need to know that. They don't need to take on our trouble with theirs. So lets all give these little people a great middle. Lets give them what childhood should be. Fun, relaxing and a adventure. They have enough to handle between divorce, self-image and friends. And lets realize that they are still kids at 10, 14, 17 and stop treating them like adults.

Well now that I have been on my parenting soap box it is time to get on with the day and new ventures. I am in the middle of seeing how thin I can spread my self while still keeping a smile on my face. How about you? Do you know what those handmade Christmas tags are going to look like? How about those Christmas cards you always swear you are going to make. Here is a thought for you. Instead of trying to make 30 or 50 handmade cards why not make 10 for those people really close to you. The ones that it does matter what they think like a dear friend or your parents. Don't try to take on a war just win a small battle and you will feel great about it!

As Dad Would Say.....

So, every year without fail my dad reminds me of what I am truly working on. Even with the date on Tuesday which leads me to know that it was my 38th birthday, he lets me know I am working on my 39th year. Well then let the work begin. I spent all day being with my family on Tuesday and that is just the way I like it. Right down to Noah's melt down at Home Depot when I was buying shrubs for out front. I have been really going head over heals with this house lately. Rooms are being sorted and closets organized. Logan with start Pre-K this fall so that will be me going back and forth getting the transportation thing down to a science. Mo will start High School and Josh moves over to the high school to start 7th grade. Oh how the days go by. But I wouldn't trade this for the world. These guys are taking me for a ride and I love it.

Oh and Miss Morgan made the JV Volleyball Team. She is so happy.

Anyways back to ME! I was given some beautiful gifts for my birthday from my family and my Husband. My mom and dad helped me to be a FABULOS timely cook and Yes, my husband heard me. I know that it is hard to believe but it is true. He heard me and got what I asked for in passing. I told him that I really wanted a Antique Milk Can for the side porch. I didn't care what it looked like as long as it could hold a mumm in the fall and holly and pine in the winter. The rest of the year it can just sit there and look pretty. He got a hold of this Antiques guy we know and he did it. He even had to meet the guy at 5:30 in the morning just to pick it up. If you know anything about my partner is he is not a Morning person. I was never so proud of him. And for that I am grateful.

Well it is time to get back to work. The holidays stuff can't get away from me so I need to make more. Plus I need to order more papers for you all to create with. Some companies have me on back order which does not make me a happy lady but we will have to sit still and wait a little longer for some of those great products I have coming for you all to go along with my original creations. So in closing...WELCOME YEAR 39, BRING IT ON, I AM READY FOR YOU!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!!!

My Last Day @ 37!

So many people I know are either ashamed of their age or are sad that they are "OLD" at my age. I love it. Every new age is a adventure. Heck, in my 37th year I created Brambleberry Lane so I know there is more good things in store. So what is the adventure for the 38th year of my life? Well I am not good with the New Years Eve resolution thing so I like to do them on my birthday. Maybe because I am a summer baby I am more of a free spirit then some but I do like to live by the rule of happiness and just let it go. Yet, I am a mama bear and you don't want to mess with my cubs. That is when you see miss laid back become a monster. But this year I am changing the big thing in my life. I am going to get ride of 20 pounds. Yup, I just said it out loud. And isn't there some rule that once you blog about it you must do it. Know I am not sure that this is the amount I should or need to get ride of, but I know this will help. I want to take a Christmas picture with my kids this year and leave one of those chins at home. I know that I can do this. My biz is going really well and I think if I feel better it will help get more creative juices flowing. So that is what is going to happen on Tuesday the 19th, I am starting over. Now I am not going on some big crash diet but I am going to add a heavy dose of exercise into my life. I know I can do it, so I shall!

Have you seen more new things over at Brambleberry Lane? Well you better take a peek because I am on fire adding things left and right. So check out these new things and I will let you all know how the Big 38 has turned out.

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

COME FLY WITH ME!

Here are some of the new products that I am working on for you guys. My mind lately seems to be run, run, running! Did you see those snowflakes falling down the side of the page? yup they are going on everyone of my holiday packages. Not to mention the scrapbooking that they will be used as everything from photo corners to page accents. I just can't stop the fun with paper thing we got going on here at Brambleberry Lane!

STUCK ON YOU STRIKES AGAIN!

From the looks of the response, you guys love stickers as much as I love making them. Plus the Journal Spots have been flowing from my mind big time. If anyone has any thoughts or ideas of things you would like to or need to see just drop me a line or leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you. I have been making a bunch of stickers/seals for weddings. I love being a part of peoples wedding. I love to help in anyway I can and weddings just make you feel good. So take a look at what I have added and get inspired to Create!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

I LOVE AUTUMN

I am a fall girl. I love the colors, the pumpkins and of course all the smells of apple cider and pie. Everything has a warmth and family togetherness written all over it. OH, wait for this....FOOTBALL! I love to watch my Josh play football. I may be the only mother that behind a set of dark glasses on the side line that tears up because of how proud of him I am.

So as a creative person in the retail world I am adding the fun of Autumn to my products. Have you seen the Halloween Journal Spots? Or the stickers that have the great pumpkins in them? Well if you haven't take a peek here and jump right over to Brambleberry Lane and check out everything. Now you can click on "Holiday Shop" under sections and you will see some of it there. Or get some coffee and pull up a chair and take your time with all the pages and find what is right for you.

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

Another Day With Rain in The Northeast!

Hi there everyone! I just ran into this one from when we went to Vermont in the beginning of July. You should have seen me when I found something that had 4 spots for heads since I have 4 heads that follow me everywhere.

Anyway, I am back to work after being down for the count last week. When mom gets sick the world stops I am finding. But I must say that my dear hubby was Fab-u-lous and really tried hard to help out. He did everything from take care of the kids to making sure the biggest order ever was sent out. Thanks babe for standing in for me when I was flat on my back and at a different zip code!

So we have more Autumn and Holiday things that are making there way to the site of Brambleberry Lane. The Santa seals are one of my favorites and I love the flash card sets that are being added as well. I have so many things that I have created and I would love to get them all out at once but I am pacing myself so they can all be seen.

OH, did you see the http://www.JenniBowlin.com Kit this month has my product in it. This is so mind blowing to me. I have followed her for a few years now. I love the vintage and warm look that her products make me feel. I am so proud that she added me in so hop over there and take a look.

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

SO MANY NEW PRODUCTS....

Hey everyone....What is up in your neck of the world? We are working like elves on many new products. Have you checked out the site lately http://www.brambleberrylane.etsy.com/ Well you better because I am adding things left and right. I have some great new stickers that I can't bare to part with but for you I will. Oh and did you see the days of the week and the months of the year in the Flash Card section. They will really come in handy for your next project. Plus there are some darn cute HALLOWEEN PRODUCTS that will sure to be the perfect addition to a scary page or two.

So what are you waiting for? Get on the site and reserve some of these great new items for yourself today!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!!!