Buhahahhahahahaa!

IT IS TODAY!!!! hahahhaha! Ok, I'm going for a looonnnng walk here, to clear my mind... I'll still leave the post I'd put up this a.m. (to show you WHY I need to go clear my head.) I shall repeat 100 times in my head ... IT IS the 28th it IS the 28th It is the 28th...


I messed up big-time everyone... haha, its ALL MY FAULT! Cicero, you needn't worry that your dear OLD Mither might not recall a happening from 50 years ago, for I'm so scatter-brained at my age (only 1/2 of hers!) that her memory seems BRILLIANT compared to mine these days. I'm talking about... being a certain little "bird" who hopped about letting folks know that its our dear friend Valinda's birthday ... TODAY.

Well, its actually TOMORROW. Ayeah.... (ducking at the shoes being thrown from South Africa and USA...) Well hay, folks, there's two GOOD things about this, perhaps three...

1. We did not forget Valinda's special day
2. We DEFINATELY surprised her
3. We can breath a sigh of satisfaction that its DONE!

You know what's funny? I chatted with my SIL Judy last night and we were TALKING about this and it did not "click" in my mind that the 28th was not TODAY till about 4 a.m. when I woke up with a big "OOPS" going on in my brain.

So... without further ado, I'm going to Join my dear friends to celebrate not only Valinda's birthday, but my daughter's and friend Bonnie's too! Happy Birthday TOMORROW to all of you!

credits:
All KimB Stuffs

Happy Birthday Dezrae!

It's your birthday, but we got the gift...
a gentle, sweet, beautiful daughter
who is always a pleasure to be with.
You glow with sensitivity and compassion
generated from the depths
of your warm heart and and kind soul.
A loving mom, a peacemaker,
a woman full of the joy of life,
that's you.
Anyone who spends time with you
is privileged to know
such an extraordinary person.
You are a great joy in our lives.
We love you and cherish you and treasure you
and wish that every one of your birthdays
will be the happiest yet.

By Joanna Fuchs

Dezrae, we wish you lived closer so we could celebrate with you, but you will be thought of. Hope you get royally spoiled (not Royale-ly cause if you read my last post you'll know what I mean) Have a fabulous day!

credits:
Kristin CB - flowers
sorry, can't remember the other kit?

Birthday Blessings

Instead of counting candles,
Or tallying the years,
Contemplate your blessings,
As your birthday nears. Consider special people
Who love you, and who care,
And others who’ve enriched your life
Just by being there. Think about the memories
Passing years can never mar,
Experiences great and small
That have made you who you are. Another year is a happy gift,
So cut your cake, and say,
"Instead of counting birthdays,
I count blessings every day!"

By Joanna Fuchs

Bonnie, this is a wonderful opportunity to tell you how dear you are to me. I hope this year is one of being creative and discovering new talents and realizing your hopes and dreams. I'm so glad we DO live close enough that I can actually give you a real Birthday Hug ... tomorrow!

credits:
KristinCB - Beauty kit
(may be a mix of your other kits too)

Bright Joy

On your birthday,
I’m thinking about how much light and sparkle
you freely dispense wherever you go,
how your sunny smile lights up any gathering.
Every birthday marks another year
of you radiating positive, happy energy,
contagious happiness
that infects all who come in contact with you.
May your next birthday find you the same--
glowing from within,
beaming bright joy on everyone you meet.
I feel blessed to know you.

By Joanna Fuchs

Valinda... YOU are the first person to visit and leave love at so many of our blogs. You ALWAYS have an encouraging word, you bring sunshine into all our lives. Its been a rare day when I would find myself AHEAD of you in a strip of comments on a blog. I count on you and have come to cherish and value each one! I'm looking forward to getting to know you more this year, to fellowship with you too.

I KNOW your family and Jim will spoil you, girl!

SOOOOOO.....

Even though I've been 'retired' from designing for a while now, I set aside a day to create a kit to give away to honour each of you. I hope you enjoy!

Personal Use Only

download

Cut the Thing!

It is our Pastor's Jim and Elaine's birthdays this month - so we 'baked' them a cake. Being as they are trying to watch their waists...

Yes, Royale as in Royal Toilet Tissue? *titter* Well see, we hosted a Birthday Breakfast beforehand, and who would want CAKE cake on top of all the pancakes and stuff, right?



And if that was not fun enough first thing on a Sunday morning, we all 'colored' during our morning service. We had all 64 crayons happening at once for a while there. A good time was had by all!

(click to view a bit larger)

credits:
KimB's Geometric1 Patterns

Happy Birthday Zach!

Wishing a wonderful day to my nephew, who's an avid guitar lover. I decided, since I actually now have a functioning printer, after being 1 yr without one, to do my first hybrid. I think it turned out pretty cool! The wire on the card was a string from Mr. Miles guitar - no, I didn't steal it, they needed to be changed anyways. The pick is real too. LOVE Kim's Geometric Patterns, they are ideal for these masculine/funky projects. The card is my own design (I mean the way its laid out)

Uncle Miles says he KNOWS what you will be doing today!

You'll have to slip over to Nina's (click HERE) to view the card she's made for her son, and to Judy's blog (click HERE) too, where she's got a birthday greeting too!

BIG CONGRATS are in order for my friend JanMary, from Ireland, who has just had a layout published in a real, live PAPER, sold magazine!!! I'm so proud of you, girl, I could just BUST. Way to go! Just click HERE to check it out and see what I'm talkin' about!

Prayer requests:

Please continue to pray for my friend Gina's family as her husband (thankfully) made it through very adverse flooding conditions to go for a job interview. Please pray that if this is the right job for him it will come to pass, if not for the right one, and when. Gina is a true inspiration to me as her faith only strengthens through these trying times. Click HERE to visit and leave some encouragement.

Please pray for my friend Valinda for an unnamed need within the family. I'm not at liberty to share yet as I've not the opportunity to ask if I may share. But there is a NEED and could you please prayer, and leaving an encouragement HERE would surely bring her comfort too.

Thanks for visiting today, and for all your comments, they mean A LOT!

credits:

Chance of Rain Blog Freebie by Linda Walton

(ribbon color altered)

Birthday wishes go out to my niece Patty today as she celebrates!

Happy Birthday - Melissa!

credits:
KimB CATW Kit - papers, elements
Barb Derksen - festive sequins

Isn't Kim's kit perfect for this layout of my niece Melissa's birthday layout? I know, I'm sort of stuck on the 'cut people out and stick them in a frame theme' right now, but they do say practice makes perfect.

Melissa, we hope you have a LOVELY birthday - I'm sure your family has a lineup of fun great activities coming up, and ohhhh your gift, I'm sure its amazing. Melissa belongs to my SIL Judy, so you may want to pop on over HERE to leave Melissa a birthday wish and see Judy's layout too in honor of this special day!

I'd love it if you have a moment out of your busy day to check out the gorgeous card my sister has created - I love the writing technique, its giving me ideas. Just click HERE to see what I mean.

It is also my niece Rachel's birthday tomorrow, but I don't have a recent photo ... but I'm making a little free giveaway to say Happy Birthday to these two lovely young ladies!

And speaking of birthdays has reminded me that our countdown to Christmas is really a countdown to the day we honour the birth of Christ - the REAL reason we should be focussed on. So, I'm leaving you with this poem I found.

Somewhere amidst confusion in
the frantic Christmas race--
the deadline shopping, start and stopping
at a frenzied pace.

The name of Christ has been removed,
left off the Christmas scene.
Without the name of Christ, what then
does Christmas really mean?

No longer do the schools release
for Christmas holiday;
it's incorrect politically,
but Winter Break's O.K.

Now scenes of the Nativity
are banned from public streets.
Too much religiosity's
considered indiscreet.

Does Christmas portend Santa Claus,
whose sleigh and reindeers fly,
as Rudolph with a shiny nose
guides them through starlit sky?

For presents stacked high by the tree
the children eagerly reach.
What message does this scene present?
What lesson does it teach?

Is Christmas spirit portrayed here?
What it is meant to be?
Is it to wonder of those gifts
How many are for me?

There's nothing wrong with Santa Claus,
let's keep him on the scene,
but let's replace Santa Claus, with the name of Christ
to teach what Christmas means.

Another lovely place to visit to get into the Christmas spirit is over at my friend JanMary's place. JanMary lives in Ireland, and she's been blogging DAILY since Dec. 1st - all the traditions etc. Very interesting reading and wonderful photography... and its her daughter's birthday too! Just click HERE to be transported.

And here's my giveaway for you today - its fine for all uses, though you must credit me in your TOU upon use. Please do not share this file with your friends, I'd ask you send them here to download it for themselves.

I'd love to see how you use my products. Just send me a jpg and description and I'll post it here too!

fine for Personal, Commercial and S4H
(must credit me in TOU)

download

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to my brother Barry!

layout credits:
Letters: LLW Holiday Spirit
Paper: LLW Holiday Spirit
Elements: LLW Holiday Spirit
Sequins and Snowflake: Me!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to my brother Bill!

layout credits:
Letters: LLW Holiday Spirit
Paper: LLW Holiday Spirit
Elements: LLW Holiday Spirit
Sequins and Snowflake: Me!

A Pal, a confidante, a friend,
There to shield, or to defend.
Braving life's ever changing weather
by standing steadfastly together.

With a brother you share a common history
of all that is , and what can be.
As childhood tears and innocent fears
melt into memory over the years.

Much to the human heart's delight,
Love does indeed make all things right.
Through every joy, and any strife,
A Brother is a friend for life!

You guessed it, Bill and Barry are TWINS, my brothers and this is their special day. Until last year I could feel a little smug because they were over 50 so seeming MUCH older than me, but now thats changed... we're all over the half-century mark. Where DID the time go, I ask?

One thing thats sad to me, is seems the more the years march by, the less we see of one another. I hope 2009 fixes that!

We love you both so very much, and know you'll be spoiled by your lovely families. You can stop on by my Sister-In-Law Judy's blog by clicking HERE to say Happy Bday to Barry, but Maggie and Bill don't have one ... yet. Who knows perhaps next year will see us all online!

To celebrate my brother's (es?) birthdays, I made a gift for YOU - which you can find at the bottom of this post. I made it FREE, for ALL uses (just credit me in your TOU's) because I was overwhelmed with a warm fuzzy today! I'd LOVE to see how you use these elements - please email me a jpg of your finished product so I can blog you!

*****

Yes, and besides making these goodies and cards...

I was making pretty in my house, for we invited 5 guests to dine in last night. I did not put up a tree, and I did not spend ANY money in the process. None. I browsed through magazines and library books gleaning ideas and threw together what I had to create all THIS:

This is our table. We got it from our friend June, who moved away a few years ago. It is wood and has a glass center and a drawer inside. In the summer and spring I put leaves and little collections of things inside, this year it was a perfect place to display our Christmas Cards as they arrive. At least this way they don't fall down all the time.

The candle was a present - I think from my SIL Judy, the ring around it was a $2 thrift item. I could not decide to use that as a door deco or this. I'm glad I chose this.

I had the first opportunity to fully use the set of Christmas China my Mother In Law gave me in the fall. And her silver, too. I was so proud to put it all out. Um... not the scissors though, I did not notice them till after I'd processed the pics.



I gathered pine and plants from all around the neighborhood and made up this quick centerpiece. I know its not professional, but it did the trick. A bit of ribbon, greenery, (reddery, haha), and something shiney in a nice container (thrift store $1) and you can't go wrong.

The tablecloth was a gift from our friend Melanie, who made the candles I blogged yesterday. I treasure it - it was made by her mother and its called huck-weaving. She was supposed to give it to her boss last year, but she wanted to give it to us, instead. I was so moved. Too bad bossie-wossie. She does not have the same boss now ;P


A bit blurry, but you can pick out some of the different plants I used. You might notice Ponderosa, cedar and spruce boughs. Sumac and CatoneaAster (sp?) for the reds, and Oregon Grape leaves for a finishing touch.


Candlesticks from Mother in Law, decorated with some fancy (yard sale) ribbon and (thrift store) bits of holly. Elegant square, dripless candles from a summer yard sale day in town.


Place settings made with plain ol' brown parcel paper, torn, and embellished with crayon and bits of old Christmas cards and tags. Nothing fancy!



The mantle, hosts a set of six wintery figures I bought for $1 each at a yard sale two summer ago - you'll see closer of these on next Friday's Show and Tell if you come back. The ornament in the center is amazing. I'm not big on Santa, but this ornament is incredible - a gift from my Mother in Law.

And in between, fresh cedar boughs and pine cones and red berries.


Mr. Snowman gets a place of honor atop the fireplace cover - a gift from my one and only sister Nina (you can visit her blog HERE)

Inside the fireplace, no fire, just a trio of rich red candles. Looks so pretty at night. I get warm INSIDE from looking at it.

This is what I see from my couch. It is very cosy and festive.

*****

The dinner was nice. A quiet evening, good company. Good food.

I served:

Baked Ham
Braised Red Cabbage and Carrots
Peas with Savory Herbs
Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes
Brown Rice with Seasonings
Artisan Bread Flax Buns

Fresh, hot Pink Lady Apple Pie, with Ice Cream
Cherry Coconut Custard Pie (my own recipe)

When the guests left, I sent Elaine home with this door decoration I had created. Why don't you make one too? Just gather what greenery you can find about your own neighborhood and tie it with a gingham and red ribbon bow? I used dental floss to hang it, for its strong and sturdy and secured it to a paperclip which I then taped to the TOP of the door.

*****

And with no further ado, here is your prezzie for me, in honour of my brothers Bill and Barry's special day!

fine for personal, commercial and scrap for hire
(credit me in your TOU's)

download

Thanks for stopping by to see my show and tell items today. If you're visiting for the first time today and would like to find out more about the show and tell, or even sign up to join in the fun, just click HERE to be taken to Kelli's blog where you can find out all the details or add your name to the links list. At least I'm HOPING there's a Show and Tell today, for there's not much happening at Kelli's at the moment, but do check, it might go ahead.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my neighbors to the south!

Well, I have plenty of little treasures around our home which I intend to 'show and tell' but being as I generally visit the thrift store on Thursdays I seem to always have something new to show off. Today is no exception. I found these two wonderful treasures from yesterday's trip.





This festive little dish will certainly serve up some of those ribbony christmas candies to our guests. I wonder if any of you out there will have seen any of these pieces or know if they are collectible or not? I'd love to know.





I was tickled to find this container to hold all my cooking implements. For the longest time I've had them in a mug till now, and while my sister gave me the mug, and it was cute, it was not suitable as it had a very small base and it fell over all the time. And I'd grumble. Not at my sister, for she's wonderful - but its no fun picking stuff up all the time.

Seeing as I have a vintage sort of theme going on in my kitchen, and a fruit thing too, this is the perfect touch!

*****

Of course I baked this week. I think I drive everyone crazy with my constant baking. This is definitely not a good place to visit if you are dieting.

The following photos are of the treats I made for a tea I hosted for two dear friends. One friend is Alison who is less than 1/2 the age of Eileen who's turning 89 - an unlikely pair to celebrate together, and therefore it made this all the more fun. Alison came to pick me up and we drove to Eileen's for the party.

I brought everything I could think of because I was pretty sure Eileen might not have a setting of 12 of everything to serve a full English Tea. I filled a cooler with the Christmas Tea china set my mother in law gave me this summer and I also put in teabags, napkins, cream, sugar.

I baked four different types of scones and whipped up a container of fresh whip cream so we could slather the scones with great 'lashings' of it and also my homemade cherry preserves and apple butter. Mmmm.

I was not the only one to bring food. Leila made a 'stove-top' cooked warm, dark and delicious pudding. She says she ran across a young friend who had no idea pudding could be cooked - the friend thought there was only instant! Rose made puckery lemon bars and Jim and Elaine brought some rich pound-cake.

Leila's husband Nathan brought his guitar and we had a resounding rendition of Happy Birthday to our two special ladies!

I put together this little slideshow so you can feel like you were part of our party too. Notice the little 'birthday princess' balloon floating above Eileen, doesn't that make you giggle?

Alison is in the green party hat, Eileen is wearing purple. And me, I'm the one laughing face to face with Eileen. She's a hoot! I loved blessing my two friends with this fun party.

*****

OOOOHHHH - parcel. *squee*

My mailbox held this yesterday. I was not expecting this. Its from my friend Cicero Sings. I don't know whats in the package. Yet.

I am the WORST for waiting to open things so when I got this I was all charged up to do my usual and open it immediately but I think there is a conspiracy going on... I think my sister must have cautioned everyone haha. Not really. But I did open the card and it says "DO NOT" open at least Dec 10th. (stop snickering, Nina!)

The parcel sits on a table and I know its going to glare at me till the 10th while my mitts itch to open it. Meany Cis. Kidding... but oh, what could it be? LOL.

Thank you so very much, whatever you did you shouldn't have but I'm happy and delighted you did.

*****

We are getting close to the end of this never-ending post. Honest. Can you imagine when I thougth about posting yesterday I could not think of what I could write to even fill a paragraph? Ha!

I've recieved an award!

This award comes to me from Louise (LouCee). Aw Gee you sweet thang! I'm supposed to award this to 5 desrving others... and I will try to do this, just not today as I've got a backlog of 'stuffs' piled up. I wanted to be sure to say thank you and give you a big {virtual} hug! And I'll add you in my list of permanent links, methinks.

In case you don't know Louise, she is a very talented and generous designer. I'd HIGHLY recommend you stop on over at her place today - she's got some fabulous freebies happening and amazing projects to follow and the files to go along with them. She's in cohoots with KimB - and between Louise's gift of bringing it all together in a hybrid card and Kim's sweet elements, you can make some adorable cards! Just click HERE to visit Louise's blog.

And won't you take a tiny moment to drop into my sister's blog - she's just started her own blog and I'm sure would love you to check out her card making! (puffing up with pride!) Just click HERE to say hello. I'm also in awe of my sister in law, Judy's card making. I can't believe the amazing cards she made from the elements I designed. You ladies are incredible! Just click HERE to see Judy's cards too.

And of course, visit Kimmy too, she's like a celebration every day of the year at her place for there's always something nice to download! Just click HERE and I'll ferry you over.

*****

And of course I could not finish my post without leaving a little gift for you too! This element measures about 3" and is in png format with a transparent background. A perfect touch to your festive projects.

Fine for Commercial, Personal and Scrap-For-Hire
download

~My Sister Gets A Blog ~

Ah, I'm all warm and fuzzy today. I get to brag on my talented Sister and Sister-in-laws! I'll begin with my sister, Nina. Nina just had her birthday recently and I finally convinced her to consider starting her own blog. She's been hand-crafting beautiful scrapbook-type cards for quite a while now and this will be a showcase for her lovely work. I helped her get set up a few weeks ago, but she's just now ready to 'make her entrance' - I hope you'll give her a warm welcome.

I'm so proud I could just bust at the seams.

click HERE to visit my sister's blog!

This is the type of amazing carding she does - I feel a little intimidated by her talent! Welcome to bloggie world, Nina.

PS: don't b'lieve all that mush she says about me... *blushing!*

my birthday card, created by Nina, my Sister!

_________________________________________________________________

~My Sister-in-Law Makes Christmas Craft~

And of course, I've shared a special blogging bond with my sister in law Judy, for quite some time now. Judy has been a crafter for YEARS and amazes me with her handiwork. I love that her blog is a showcase for her close-knit family. Thanks for blessing us, Judy.

hand-made Christmas Crackers
made by my sister in law Judy.

Judy has been gathering with a few of her close family to share some fun evenings of preparations for the festive season. It seems that the warmth and fellowship of family brings out the creative side. You can visit Judy at her blog by clicking HERE.

_________________________________________________________________

~My 'Nudder Sister-in-Law Sells Her Crafts~

And finally, my sister in law Neti has been taking part in a Christmas Fair held in Sparwood, BC, where she was selling her incredible crafts. Looking at these photos she's sent. I'm trying to figure out how many hours of hard work this represents!

Ohhh - lookit the SNOWMEN!

Crafts by Neti - my sister in law
Next craft sale - November 27th, 2008
at the Sparwood Mall

So, if you just happen to live in the area, please drop in to check out Neti's tables. G'wan, give her a hello from me too!

Neti, you're the next for a blog, right? Don't worry, us Sisters have got it down to a science.

_________________________________________________________________

I've had requests coming in to re-issue some of my older Christmas Kits - so here's the one I've been getting the most requests for (which delights me seeing our King and Savior being honoured!) I'd love to see how you use this kit, just send me a small jpg of your layout along with credit details and I'll make you the star of my blog. I think there is someone I'm forgetting who's already sent me a layout. If you're out there can you please let me know?

Worship The King Mini Kit
download

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINA!
(click to view larger)

Card Credits:
Paper - LLW - Fall Splendour
Elements - LLW - Fall Splendour and Chance of Rain

Card reads:

Even though you're 'getting on'
You're still pretty 'spunky'
And no matter how the years pass by,
You're still a 'little monkey'!

My sister shares a part of me,
That no one else shall ever see,
And when the days and miles divide us...
The bond we have will live inside us,
Together, sharing dreams, love and laughter...
My SISTER for always,
My FRIEND, forever!

YAY! It's my sister's birthday today. Nina is my only sister, and my 'little' sister. Its funny this phrase for she's not really 'smaller' than me, we are about the same build, but I suppose its because her years are smaller than mine. Thinking in this way, she is a lot 'littler' than me.

Sometimes when I look at this beautiful, self assured, witty, talented lady - my mind morphs back to a little girl with a smile from ear to ear and impossibly long blonde braids in a little brown polyester jumpsuit... you were always such a cute little imp, Sis!

Now, I think you've outgrown the word 'cute', but you are sweet and kind and downright FUNNY at the most unexpected times. You brighten up my days with our conversations and I'm constantly in wonder that my sister has become such a dear, dear friend to me over the years.

Mr. Miles and I are thinking of YOU today and hope you are being lavished, wherever you read this from! We love you!

*****

You may notice, I've added new permanent link to my blog for the website for Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day. Since I've become addicted to working (or shall I say BAKING) my way through this amazing book I thought it would be of value for you to be able to just click to find out about this book yourself. The Authors - Jeff and Zoe are very helpful and prompt should you have any questions about their recipes. Be sure to check back often, and send your friends as there are new ideas and recipes being 'cooked up' every so often.

*****

If you are sitting in the cold and wet today, like me, you might want to cuddle up with a big mug of hot coffee and take a 'virtual vacation' to Guatamala where my new blog friend Betty is Oh, so patiently answering my questions I keep peppering her with about the beautiful place she is living. She's gone and written a good, long, interesting article about the fruits native to the area she lives. A GOOD read! Just click HERE to visit.

I LOVE to ask, Betty, for you actually answer. Warning though, one answer is leading to more questions, we could be at this for quite a while LOL! Thank you for taking the time to do this!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - DEAR FRIEND!

I feel so unable to TRULY express my best wishes for Kim - we ALL know Kim - according to her blog counter, over two MILLION times have people come to say hi to this wonderful lady -and its not a far fetch of the imagination to guess why.

Yes, Kim does give, give, GIVE 'stuffies' away, almost on a daily basis, but she gives of so much more. There's not many places I visit where Kim has not been there before me when there's a need in the digi-scrapping community and beyond. Whether its a bit of encouragement, a kind word, a fund-raiser or the need of a good belly laugh, Kims almost always there before me!

My being a Christian should be expected to be so many of the qualities that come natural to Kim. Sometimes I take a page out of someone elses book - and Kim is one of these people who inspires me to be better!

Thank you Kim for being your very special self - you truly are a light in the community. I hope you have a super wonderful celebration today!

My SMALL gesture (besides what we discussed, girl) is this template. I struggle to design at the moment but this is what whipped up in my mind to give away in honour of you today!

Please, no need to comment here, just visit KIM and leave good wishes at her blog by clicking HERE.

CUPCAKE FOR KIM
TEMPLATE
(BIG - hand is aprox 8 inches long!)


download

If you would like to join in the fun of Show and Tell Fridays, just click HERE sign up at Kelli's blog!

An ORIGINAL!

I snuck my little trip in to the thrift store yesterday - between picking up a few last minute items for Mr. Miles birthday. While I was there I checked a rack I normally overlook. Most of the clothes are simply 'dated' and far too big. But yesterday, this dress caught my eye.

I looked the tag up on the internet - only found one other Dress Town dress - I think it was on ebay - a german sales add for a pretty, soft mint green shorter dress. Asking $100 US. From the small amount of information I could glean, this was a company from Manitoba, Canada.

It came with this broach affixed - a perfect match to the pretty pearl accents sewn onto the neclkine and wrists.



I'm not sure if you would call this an 'empire' waist?

The belt ties at the back into a bow.

click to view larger

Hangs to floor length. This dress is 100 polyester - the kind they used to make ladies stretch slacks out of, heavywieght. I'm grateful for this because I get cold easily. I will appreciate this in the winter.

While my hair still had a bit of curl from dressing up for Mr. Miles' birthday celebration last night, I had him snap a photo before leaving for a workout at the gym.

This cost me an entire $2...

Canadian. With our dollar the way it is, this is REALLY inexpensive.

Thank you for all your comments and well wishes for Mr. Miles birthday yesterday. We had a wonderful day, and we have more quiet plans this weekend. So, I will be visiting everyone for Show and Tell - early next week!

Thanks for visiting today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. MILES!
(actual childhood photo - googly eyes added)

credits:
googly eyes - scrappin cop
frame and ribbon - LLW (Linda) Fall Splendor
screw - barb derksen - heart music

October 30th is my sweetie's birthday. Yes, Mr. Miles ages another year. He gets great glee out of the fact that for a few short months of each year he's only 1 point something years younger than me, and then when his birthday arrives he's 2. Such a baby!

Not bad for an 'old-timer' - KIDDING!

credits:

barb derksen - heart music kit
(created with a TON of KimB's CU products)

Yes, the years have certainly been good to my man. And why is this - men age and get more 'character' while it seems to 'suck' the color right outta my skin, my hair, why everywhere! Ah, but age has not made my honey to lose his 'spark' He sparkles mighty fine!

Take a picture - it lasts longer!

credits:
Barb Derksen - Heart Music

Miles I love you now more than ever. The years seem to blend one into another, so fast. If you were a cheese, you'd be a good one. Sharp, rich (not in money perhaps, but in charm, talent etc) I could list a MILLION things I love about you, but I'll whittle the list down to 48 - your age.

1. You are one of the exceptional examples of chivalry in this age – you're not a chauvenist. You take the lead in our marriage, but you also do it in a serving way.

2. You open doors.

3. You pull out chairs.

4. When we ran road races you always stayed back with me – never mind the timing!

5. You always give me the 'best' of a meal, insisting I take that little bit of tenderloin.

6. You took me faithfully to see my Grandma before she passed away.

7. You encourage me to visit with family.

8. You buy me cream puffs from the place I like them – the one with the 'real' whip cream

9. You make emergency Cheezie runs on a Friday night before a movie.

10. You'll cave to a chick-flick instead of the sci-fi you've been wanting to see.

11. You take out the trash.

12. You take care of Sabastian (our van) – keeping her fueled and ready and clean should I need a thrift store run.

13. You make sure I have cash for the thrift store.

14. You go to the thrift store with me.

15. You go yard saling with me on the weekend, even if you have a busy schedule.

16. You go for a walk with me daily, even if you've been to the gym in the morning and are dog-tired.

17. You let me chatter on and on and ...

18. You honour our parents.

19. You enable me to shop at Claire's – my little addiction.

20. You teach me computer skills – even after a 12 hour day teaching students.

21. You use photos of me in your Photography classes.

22. You bring me up in conversation if an attractive female seems over-friendly at school or elsewhere.

23. You TELL me if an attractive female finds seems over-friendly.

24. You invite me to spend time at the school.

25. You phone and check with me even when there's a meeting you 'have' to attend.

26. You've never spent a night away from me – NOT ONE.

27. You bring me coffee in bed – every day.

28. You shave for ME every day. You ask me if I'd like you to!

29. You take out the compost regularly.

30. You cook for me.

31. You bring me flowers.

32. You don't swear – you find creative ways to express your frustration.

33. You're faithful, obedient and encourage me in our Faith.

34. You take time out of each day to connect with me.

35. You like me to read to you.

36. You buy me all the latest 'toys' – when I would go with something simple.

37. You teach me how to use these toys.

38. You encourage me in my art.

39. You warm the van for me on cold days.

40. You rub my feet when they are cold.

41. You do 90% of the grocery shopping for me.

42. You paint my toenails.

43. You always unlock my door of the van and adjust the cover.

44. You encourage me to sing – even though I don't have a very great voice.

45. You believed in my artistic talent and skills before I did.

46. You phone me on EVERY school break – just to say “I love you”

47. You let me use your good razor blades for my legs, even though it kills your face if you don't have a new one left.

48. You drive everywhere for us, unless I want to. Even on holidays when we go thousands of miles.

*****

Want to know how amazing my man is? Its like this.

I get up this morning, all bedraggled and dreading the thought of canning the 55 lb of tomatoes waiting for me in the kitchen. Mr. Miles comes bouncing in to my bedroom, with a fresh, hot, steaming cup of coffee, all shiny clean and dressed ready for school and he asks me if I 'have two minutes' I snuggle up in his arms and he says - "I just want you to know that I went down this morning to get a jar of peaches from the pantry, and when I looked at all the jars of fruit and produce you've put up I was proud. I just want you to know, you're the BEST wife."

*lump in my throat*

Canning was not a problem.

That's my man.

Miles, I love you more than words can say! I thank God that you are the ONE He chose for me!

*****

And so, to celebrate my beloved's special day, I made you a kit! He has the birthday, YOU get a present! I hope you like it. I called it heart music because my baby is a VERY talented musician.

Barb Derksen's HEART MUSIC - a Happy Birthday kit for Mr. Miles!

download

(a LOT of this kit was made using KimB's CU products -
which are on SALE BIG TIME, right now - go get!)