World Card Making Day - October 3rd!

This Saturday, October, 3rd is World Card Making Day and we are celebrating over at Sew Many Cards by participating in the Paper Craft Planet blog hop!!!! Lots of prizes and challenges throughout the day. I have lots going on that day so I'll not be home much. Picking up inlaws on Friday at the airport and then hubby gets back on Saturday and we all start island hopping on Sunday! But....I will be checking in as I can and I am going to give you a heads up on what the Sew Many Cards challenge is going to be.....are you ready.....the challenge is to make a holiday card using a Sew Many Cards digi image, something with glitter (this can be shimmerz, glitter, stickles, glitter mists....), any kind of ribbon and 2 patterned papers. I'm giving you a heads up as.....each group's stop is only for an hour and Sew Many Cards' time is from 8pm to 8:59pm. Here is a link to our group over at Paper Craft Planet: http://www.papercraftplanet.com/group/sewmanycards Your projects are due by 10/4/09 at 12pm EST. Angela even has some freebies over at Sew Many Cards so be sure to go and check those out!

Mission Tripossible

I can say that i finished my one week holiday with style. After got sick in the beginning of holiday, i went to Mojokerto for Ministry Trip with my super cool cell group. Ce Deb, Valen, Kevin, Titi Star, David, Felix n me went on saturday and pass our night in Adiwidjaja family house. They are so nice and welcome us with warm greeting. In there, we did the ministry in Ce Deb's family church, Eben Haizer (i forget the GB or GK something). We would service in the Youth, Teen and Children service. Nah, before we did our ministry, we had little time to have fun by playing capsa and by taking millions of pictures with Valen's digiCam. In the last day, Ce Deb treated us for her birthday (the food were delicious, especially my *nasi goreng spesial*) So, here some of the photos i edited, enjoy =)

credits:
Almighty God Jesus Christ
Eben Haizer Church
Amazing Adiwidjaja Family
Beautiful Mojokerto Town (not city, lol)

our sponsors:
Toyota Kijang Inova
Depot Mitra
Sony Digicam
Kacang Disco A Fung
Indo Maret
ect.

It Always Starts out Small

Today has been a bad day for me and my kids. They've been misbehaving, and I've yelled at them a lot.

Yes, sweet little me yells at my children. Often.

I know, I know. It's absolutely wrong. If you had somehow shown me a video a few years ago of present-day me yelling at my children, I would have been shocked. I couldn't have imagined being angry or annoyed enough to raise my voice to my children! My dear, innocent, precious children!

Ah, but it starts out so slowly. First you barely raise your voice. "I said to get down, Caleb." Then a few months later, it's "I said get down, Caleb." Before you know it, it's "GET DOWN! NOW!"

It's just like any other sin. It starts out small enough. No one will notice if I don't go to church today.... It was just one little lie.... Who cares if I watch that raunchy TV show?

Before you know it, you never go to church, or lies have become your truth, or your mind if full of so much junk you are desensitized from it all.

It always starts out small. Let's pray that we can stop these sins before they grow. Because as we all know, it's much harder to stop something once it's big and hairy.

Craft Fair

I'm VERY excited! I'm going to be in a craft fair in December. My first one ever! Hopefully it's not a complete flop, but if it is, I'll just continue making crafts for myself and pretend I'm actually good at it...but if it isn't a flop, woohoo..the money from selling could bring us closer to our dream house!

What am I selling you ask? Ah, a very good question. I'll be making ribbon holders, t-shirt dresses, fairy-princess wands, instant soup mix, onesies and tees with cute sayings, photo albums and some eco-friendly book bags. (I threw that eco-friendly in simply for the 'buzz' word.)

The best part is, not only do I get to shop in a craft store for hours at time, but I also get to play with my glue gun. Life is good people.

My Favorite Stamp

Here's a card for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge to make a thinking of you/praying for you card for a friend.

I used my favorite stamp {again} to make a Thinking of You card for a friend that recently had surgery. As I've mentioned before, I love this stamp because the sentiment fits so many circumstances. A friend at work requests cards with it as sympathy cards. It also works for Get Well, Going-thru-a-rough-time cards, or just an everyday Thinking of You.


Supplies: Patterned paper: BG, Cardstock: SU, Stamp: Stampendous, Punch: Fiskars, Ribbon: JoAnn's, Stickles, Ink: Stampabilities

write it in your heart

Image from (http://shoptalkbuzz.blogspot.com)

Daybook

FOR TODAY
September 29, 2009

Outside my window... the wind is blowing for all it's worth, the trees are shaking and leaves are falling...gorgeous
I am thinking... that winter is not too far off..am I prepared?
I am thankful for... an amazing daughter that makes me laugh all the time....oh, and warm muffins
From the kitchen... blueberry raspberry muffins...sigh...
I am wearing... a pink long sleeve tee and jeans...oh and socks now too!
I am creating... a big huge mess in my new craft room/office
I am going... to get to bed early tonight..I swear it!
I am reading... I just finished three books over the weekend...the Horse Dreams series books one and two and Halos...all three are excellent Christian fiction and Halos even has a Peretti-esque quality
I am hoping... that I get everything I need to get done before Reagan wakes up and that I can spend some quality time with her and enjoy it.
I am hearing... the dishwasher, the dryer (the electric company is making a fortune off of me today) and the clicking of the keyboard
Around the house... everything smells nice because of the wonderful fall breeze and my pumpkin candles.
One of my favorite things... is pumpkin ice cream...fall fair is this weekend..I am so getting some!
A few plans for the rest of the week: relaxing, craft shows, cooking

For more great daybook entries, please visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Sew Many Cards - Stairstep Challenge

WOW was this fun to make! I've not really stepped out of the "normal" style card before and I loved making this stairstep card. It was really easy - just some measuring and scoring. You can find a tutorial here. I used the new Morty the Moose from Angela's Sewn Together Stamps. I just don't think he could be any cuter! The trees and gift package were cut using my cricut and my son, Ryan, designed the greeting for me on the computer. Didn't he do a good job? Please stop by his blog (link on my sidebar) and leave him some love. He recently broke his arm and had to have surgery and he is feeling a little blue. He is the one that helped get my blog up and running! He has opened this whole new world for me.

Unseen Rajasthan-Music Of Rajasthan

Today i am sharing some Musical Instruments of Rajasthan.

Pungi (Deer Thorns )

This is made up of Deer Thorn.Curly and Curve.The Narrow End is used to Play It.It Was used in old times to Kill Deer's in Forest as it makes sound like Deer.The one i am having is of Female.

Sarangi

It is like Indian Guitar.It has got 5 Strings and was used to play with traditional songs.

Tabla

Both are drums are used to play the beautiful music.

Ghungroo

They are kept in hand and are shacked and they give beautiful sound.

Manjira

Both the ends are of the thread are Tied up and then it is played.

Thali

This is a Brass plater and the stick.The stick is blown on it and it makes amazing sound.This is used especially when a baby is born.

Dholak

Both the poles are flat and are fingers are used to play it.

Chang.

Mostly used on "HOLY" the Color Festival Of India.

Tambura

Generally used by the Saints to play mythological songs.

Damru.

Used by the Aghori's generally.

Bansuri(Flute)

Flute is one of the famous music instrument of India.Lord Krishna used to play this.

Tanpura

It has around 7 strings and the stick that is used to play is made of wood and Filly tail Hair.

These can easily be seen In Rajasthan.You might find some one near forts,Palaces and lakes playing them.

Freaky Friday Challenge 9-25

I'm participating in the Freaky Friday Challenge over at AC Bailey. For this challenge we were to use 3 patterned papers & some bling. Oh, & how could I forget, the theme of the layout had to have something to do with food.

These pics are from Ian & Amy's wedding. The hidden journaling tag says: Amy wanted the groom's cake made of ice cream because she knows that's what Ian prefers. She also wanted it to have a fish theme. Only one place had a fish cake of any kind & it was a Finding Nemo cake. What she didn't realize is Ian really likes that movie. The inscription is a quote from her favorite movie and one that she tells him quite frequently. She loves Willow Tree figurines and had bought this topper to use at her wedding long before she even met Ian. {Click on the pic for a larger view}


Supplies: Paper - BG, CS - DCWV, Bling - KaiserCraft & BG, Letters - AC Thickers, Embellishments -Robin's Nest Dew Drops, Ribbon - JoAnn's, Colorbox Fluid Chalk, Zig Ball Writer, Punches: Fiskar's, Paper Studio & CM

Come on over to AC Bailey and join the fun!!

DEATH

What is death?

Someone said, “death is the end”

The other said, “death is the beginning”

The end of what?

The beginning of what?

Should be I afraid in front of death?

“If death is the end, you should be afraid”

“If it is the beginning, you shouldn’t be afraid”

Then I answered,”Come on, don’t bluffing with me, people!”

How can you tell me about death if you have never dead?

All you can do are only imagine and predict the definition of death

Then you are convincing other people to support your belief

About death,

You know nothing…

I know nothing…

But I know one person who knows about death

He knows it because he has already beaten the death

He was dead but He restored to live three days after

Am I afraid in front of death?

My body and soul scream, “yes I do!”

But my spirit is always in peace

Because the day when I will face the death,

I will not be alone

Jesus will be in my right side and hold my hand

How Did He Fall Down Again?

Hello, friends. I've missed you. I know I haven't posted much. It's not for lack of material, just lack of time. Here's a little Isaac story to keep you going until I can post more. ;)

Today before nap time, Isaac sat on the potty. He went--yea! Then I helped him flush, and I put him up on the stool by the sink so he could wash his hands. I looked down while I was drying his hands and saw a puddle on the stool.

"Is that water or pee, Isaac?"

"Water!" he replied. Little stinker.

While I stooped to clean up the mess, Isaac darted away from me, still naked from the waist down, giggling all the way. I called after him, holding his diaper. By the time I'd caught up with him, I saw him staring at a big puddle of pee on the kitchen floor. (More? You still have more??) He looked back at me, saw me approaching, and decided to run away from me again, laughing all the way.

Well, I saw what was going to happen, and you probably do too. I yelled, "ISAAC!" but to no avail. He slipped in his big puddle of pee and fell, face-planting on the tile floor. Isaac wailed, and I scooped him up in my arms. (Yes, he was covered in pee. But that's just what moms do.) Scott ran down the stairs, asking "What happened??"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you, honey."

Mustard

Here's the faux mustard label I designed for the 'Mustard Museum Movie' that was shot a week ago. It's stars Colin Cameron (that's his face on the label). He played the mad professor in my Mad City Chickens film.

Trash Pick-up Walk

For the last week or so Alexa has been asking to pick up all the trash in our

neighborhood. She has developed a big concern for all the animals and dogs

in our neighborhood choking on all the trash that has been blowing around.

So, this morning Adam bundled them up and gave Alexa a bag and what do you know, she filled it with trash. We are so proud of her and she was pretty proud herself. What a good

lesson for her. She is very relieved that Chip won't be chewing on anything he shouldn't be

when he is out on a walk or playing in the yard.

WAY TO GO ALEXA!

Lillian was very happy to take Chip for a walk and 'hold the leash'.

She is very good to her puppy.

Kindergarten Screening

Alexa had another HUGE event occur in her life last week. Kindergarten screening! Last Wednesday I took her to Meadow View Elementary in Farmington at 10:45 for her screening. It was kinda one of those deals where Adam set up the appointment, we filled out all the paperwork needed, I faxed the immunization info to her physician and then we didn't talk about it after that. It was a combination of us being a little bit in denial that Alexa was already to this phase in her life, preparing to go to kindergarten and us not wanting to make it a big deal in front of Alexa. We didn't want to jinx anything, ya know. We didn't want to coach her or scare her in any way. We wanted it all to be 'her'. I, of course, warned her of this day, saying she'd have to get her hearing and vision checked and then a teacher was going to ask her some questions, no big deal. She walked around for the next week or so holding one hand over her eye, telling me she could see with the eye that wasn't covered. She 'knew' she was going to pass the vision exam.
I have to admit I was a bit anxious myself, driving her to the school. Not knowing what to expect. Was Alexa going to be in one of she 'shy' moods and just bomb the whole thing? Would she forget her letters and numbers? Would she cry? What were they going to ask?

Lucky for me, I drove right up to the school and when we walked in, hand in hand, there was a lady sitting at a table with a big sign that said "KINDERGARTEN SCREENING". A mom with her daughter sat there going over their paperwork, while other parents and their kids sat waiting, reading books. Ok, (deep breath) Alexa, let's sit here and wait our turn. We read through a few books before it was our turn to get signed in. When we were called we went and sat at the table with a nice lady, who right away told Alexa she looked so pretty and loved her pig tails. That kinda broke the ice and made Alexa smile. We went through paperwork and put things in folders and got Alexa a pink name tag with a list of different stations like, hearing, vision, height and weight, developmental..ect. Each station she would receive a sticker, once completed.

When we were all set we were sent to height and weight. That station was open right away so we got right in. Again, the nurse complimented Alexa on how pretty she was that day and loved her pretty skin. Alexa smiled and said, thank you. Whoo Hoo..Good manners. She was measured for height first and is 42" tall. Then, she was weighed at 35.5 lbs. 50th percentile for height and 25th for weight. A tiny peanut. The nurse complimented her beautiful skin again before we left and Alexa proudly told her that she was half white and half brown. We laughed and then I had Alexa explain to her why she was half brown and she said, "because I'm Mexican". Alexa got her sticker and we were off to the next station.

The next station was hearing. Luckily that was open right away too, so we could walk right in without a wait. I sat on a chair by the door while Alexa walked over to the nurse all confident and proud. She put big headphones over her ears and explained to Alexa that she was going to hear little birdies chirp and when she did, she had to raise her hand. Alexa passed with flying colors. No concerns about her hearing. She also took a picture inside of Alexa's ear and apparently that looked perfect, too. Alexa picked another sticker and off to vision.

We had a long wait for vision. We sat in the hall with some other parents and kids, reading books while we waited. Alexa was able to call Adam to tell him how things were going. He was so excited and proud to hear that she was doing fantastic, so far. I even took a picture of her with her name tag on, waiting in the hall, so he could see her smile.

Finally it was Alexa's turn for the vision exam. The nurse gave her a card with 4 big letters on it, V, T, O and H. She asked Alexa if she could tell her the letters and sure enough, she could. I sat watching, very proud. She asked Alexa to look at the chart on the wall and when she pointed to a letter, Alexa had to match it up and point to it on her card. Well, since Alexa knew the letters enough to say them, she didn't really need the card. So, the nurse pointed to a few letters on the wall and Alexa said them perfectly with both eyes. Then, she had to put on a pair of glasses with one of the eyes covered, so she could see if she could see them with each eye individually. Again, she passed with flying colors. She was quite proud of herself, since she 'knew' she could see. *lol
The next station was developmental. Another long wait for this one. We just sat in the hall this time, admiring the art work in the hallway. We called Adam again and she was proud to tell him that she could 'see' perfectly. She was getting lots of stickers and that, of course, was the best part.

When it was our turn, a nice gal named Nancy took us to a conference room where they had a small table set up with some fun things and games for Alexa. I sat back behind Alexa so she couldn't see me and Nancy sat with her at the little table. She was so enthusiastic and fun. Alexa really took to her. Right away they started playing with some blocks. Nancy made a tower out of them and then had Alexa copy her and make the same tower. They did that a few times, and then did some counting games and problem solving. Alexa was spot on, on everything. No hesitation, she knew it all. Nancy had Alexa hop on one foot, balance on each leg, ect. and Alexa did excellent. I was sitting there cheering loudly (in my head). That's my girl! They did flash cards and writing games and rhyming and patterns and repeating games. Nancy was even challenging Alexa with some questions from the first grade level and Alexa was able to answer them as well. WHOO HOO!! Alexa smiled the whole way through and had such a good time. I pretty much held my breath through the whole exam. As a parent, you want your kids to do well and know all the answers. I knew Alexa was smart, but she even surprised me. It's the way that they test, it's so different from the way we think about teaching our kids. They try to trick them and Alexa was able to fly right through it with no problem. No concerns at all.

After we were done with the developmental test, Nancy took Alexa to another room for some group time, while I visited with the school nurse. We reviewed all of her immunization records and she asked me questions about Alexa's health. I had no concerns, I've been fortunate enough to have very healthy kids with no known allergies or crazy illnesses. She asked me a few questions about Lillian, too, and our family and had that all on record so when it was Lillian's turn for screening, they would have that all ready.

After I was finished speaking with the nurse, I went and picked up Alexa from group time and we were good to go. She was coloring a picture of a frog for Lillian, so she had to finish that first. Funny thing, too, was that the instructor of the group time was her Sunday school teacher at St. Michael's in Farmington. They both recognized each other, even though Alexa had only been there once.

We left, walking hand in hand, with me gushing over her, telling her how proud I was of her. I couldn't wait to get to the car to call Adam and tell him all about it. Alexa was dynamite! Definitely ready for kindergarten next fall. Adam was thrilled and couldn't wait to see Alexa and give her the biggest hug ever.

I rushed Alexa to school to get there in time to eat lunch with her classmates, but we just missed it, there were a few kids still finishing up, so she sat with them and ate. She was very excited to tell Ms. Tracy all about her screening.

Ms. Tracy ended up calling me at work to review her screening and was so proud to hear that Alexa passed everything with flying colors. Ms. Tracy said she knew Alexa would have no problem, as she is such a good student in preschool.

When Adam got home that night we let Alexa stay up after Lillian went to bed, so she could show him all her stickers and tell him all about her day. We sat at the kitchen counter eating cheese and crackers while she explained to him everything she had to do. We were all so happy and proud!

I put her to bed that night not able to stop telling her how much I love her and how very proud I am of her. She fell asleep with a huge smile on her face.

Sew Many Cards Monday New Releases!

Every week I think Angela's new images just couldn't get any better than the previous week and she has done it again! These new images are ADORABLE!!! You've got to go check out her blog and see them all - this is just one of the new releases for this week. I had fun using liquid applique and lots of glitter, although my picture isn't showing it very well. IRL it is quite "blingy"!

Practical Scrappers Diecut Challenge

Practical Scrappers is having a diecut challenge this week and this is my LO using diecuts. It didn't turn out exactly as I had hoped but I love that fancy title from Christmas Noel. I still need to add my journaling but it is almost bedtime so I'll get to that tomorrow (sound familiar?). If you haven't already been over at Practical Scrappers or Sew Many Cards, you should join in as there is a really fabulous challenge blog hop going on this week and there are many wonderful prizes along the way!

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Just get this newest promotional poster this morning. Why is this movie so special? The answer is because this movie is the last movie from a great actor, Heath Ledger. His legacy to this movie fan around the world. But when u see the trailer, u will be more exited to see this movie (especially if u love art). From the trailer, Doctor Parnassus offers beautiful images beyond your imagination. And dont forget for the all-star casting too. Beside Ledger, you will find Johnny Depp, Collin Ferrell, and Jude Law here.
The Plot
In the present day, immortal 1,000-year-old Doctor Parnassus (a human alter ego of God) leads a traveling theater troupe—including a sleight of hand expert, Anton, and a dwarf, Percy —that offers audience members a chance to go beyond reality through a magical mirror in his possession. Parnassus had been able to guide the imagination of others through a deal with the Devil, who now comes to collect on the arrangement, targeting the doctor's daughter. The troupe, which is joined by a mysterious outsider named Tony (portrayed by Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell), embark through parallel worlds to rescue the girl.

This movie will be released on October 16th 2009 in UK. I'm wondering when it will be released in Indonesia?
*watch the trailer here

Menu Plan Monday

For more great menu ideas, check out orgjunkie.com!

Monday: Chicken-Vegetable-Rice soup
Tuesday: Baked Spaghetti, green beans
Wednesday: Chicken or Fish with Honey Roasted Red Potatoes
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Homemade pizza-sausage, olives, cheese
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Chicken parmesan with pasta and broccoli

Breakfasts: yogurt, cheesey eggs, fruit, cereal
Lunches: leftovers, food from the freezer (leftovers from various other meals!)
Snacks: Raspberry-Blueberry Muffins, cheese and crackers, honeycrisp apples (these are the absolute best apples money can buy....if they are near you, GET THEM!!!!)
Desserts: Pumpkin Pie, apple crisp

Angel friends

Just a quick post before i go collect my little prince comes home and i go over to mums then to hospital to visit my dad.Busy busy busy hopefuly he should be out tomorrow it will be lovely to she him home again.

heres a quick card i made this morning while trying to relax a while.

Bye bye for now

Angel wishes tracey xxxxx

The Fog is Lifting on Life Today

The Fog is Lifting on Life Today

The fog is lifting on life today

The Light is burning through

Life takes form within the mist

The ground is filled with dew

I stand in awe and look at life

Its beauty all around

The fog once hid the Masterpiece

Yet hearing every sound

The birds they sang such Joyful songs

While hidden in the trees

Fragrances so soft and sweet

Refreshed me  with each breeze

The fog is lifting on Life today

My spirit feels the stir

Vision's clearing with the Light

I'm sure you will concur

There're lessons to be learned I say

With how the fog does lift

From ground to trees to sky above

Learning is such a gift

Such magic held within the ground

Where water it does seep

Seeds once sown now grow strong

Faithful roots are running deep

Little sprouts start showing green

They grow up from the ground

Healthy trees grow strong and tall

Natures beauty all around

This is where some time is spent

Living with the land

A Spirit grows inside the Soul

Fed from Nature's hand

To reach up to the sky with Love

Branches stretch and grow

We're changing with each season

Our leaves they come and go

But at the core are faithful roots

That guide us from within

To grow and reach beyond ourselves

We truly can begin

Reach up towards the sky above

Towards infinity

For there  you'll find enlightenment

 With new clarity

The sky and sun are beaconing

For us to come and play

Hide and Seek among the clouds

With Angels every day

A wonderland awaits  for us

Past the clouds and sun

Stars encourage prayerful thoughts

New Life's Just begun

The fog is lifting on Life today

 Light Shines Bright as gold

All this I get from foggy mist

A story to unfold

Written 9/23/2009

with Love and Light,

by Nina P.