Soccer/Coach Card created by Me and My Sister, Nina
credits: Image and card design by Mrs. Miles,
Digital paper background by Louise (LouCee Creations)
You can find LouCee's kit at her blog by clicking HERE.
Burgundy and sage from Nature Preserve Recycled cardstock,
DCWV- Clear Glitter paper.

Isn't this just the NEATEST?

My sister asked me to help her design a card for my nephew's soccer coach who has a dog like this who amuses everyone with his ball playing antics. I love how she 'kicked it up a notch' by cutting out the soccer ball elements and then pasting them ABOVE the layout to give it a 3d look. Why not visit Nina today and check out her latest AMAZING creation. Just click HERE!

Umm... did someone say CHOCOLATE?

Well if that caught your attention you must head over to my dear friend Gina's blog, for she's got a link to a contest that could net you some HAND MADE ALMOND (or any nut) ROCA... plus, you'll want to check out some of Gina's handmade ETSY creations - there's still time to order for Christmas I'm betting! Just click HERE to be transported.

As I sit here blogging, we are getting a BIG snowfall. As I've been writing the world outside is quietly turning white with giant fluffy flakes. How appropriate for today.

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.

I'm showing off a special book I found two years ago at the local thrift store. Its so beautifully written and illustrated. I believe if you click on each image you can see them a BIT bigger than what you see here.








It has been such a busy week - its all a happy blur. I have been putting a bit of time aside each morning to pray and ask for my days to be ordered the way they are supposed to go, and though I've not marked all that I have on my own list, I've accomplished not only some of the bigger items, I've also been blessed to be able to do extra for others. I've found that when I 'make time' for a need that crops up unexpectedly, then somehow I wind up doing MORE than what I thought I had time for.

I want to thank each of you who come to visit me and leave comments. Especially now at this oh so busy time I know how it can be - and it touches me that you would choose to hover at my blog for a few minutes. You all make my blog something more than just a journal.

I created and sent a snowflake element set to some of my digi/blogger/friends and family this morning. Its not a set you will ever see here or for sale, its for each of the friends that I have who design. I have so many more who I could have made for, who do not design, but I just did not have time to do everyone. I'll find some way to thank anyone who's not a designer sometime in the new year.

The following is MADE from the snowflakes I sent to my friends, its an overlay and a few coordinating papers as well. I hope you enjoy! (so I guess I DID find a way to bless you all too *wink*)

Like snowflakes
floating gently,
unexpectedly
to earth,
small kindnesses
touch our lives.
First one, and then another
and another,
until at last the world is
bright and shining
with goodwill.
And once again...
its Christmas

~ author unknown

Barb's Flake Flake Friends Add-on
personal use only

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

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!)