Getting Organized!!!!

Whew....what a week. I was supposed to start the semester on Tuesday, but due to a huge (20 inches) snow storm, I started on Wednesday, and then due to another snow storm (10 more inches) the kids and I had another snow day on Friday. Nothing like starting the Spring semester off missing 2 days in the first week, and I hate to say, but they are predicting the biggest snowstorm of the year for Tuesday. As much as I like the snow days, we really can't afford to miss anymore school. Not only will my professors insist on cramming in the work we missed, but my kids will be in school till July the way things are going. Seriously!

So, during my break, not only did I make some cards, but I organized my craft room a bit. I recently took a trip to Ikea and came across these rods that held bins.....and it was my hubby who said "these would be great for your markers".....alright I said, works for me. We purchased them and put them up. You know what, they work and look pretty good. They also free up some more space on my table:)

As many of you know, I am a complete DP junkie. I have had paper piling up for 10 years. So, I decided to go though all my 12x12 paper and cut it down into 6x6 sheets, and the sheets I didn't think I would ever use again, got donated to my friend Pia. I decided that, since I mostly make cards, it was time to get rid of all the papers I would no longer use. I sorted my papers out by theme and placed them into a photo box. I must admit, this is working out pretty good.

On my next break, I am hoping to get through my stamps,and get them organized, and get rid off whatever I no longer use. So, that is all I have for you today. I hope you have a fabulous weekend, and I will be back on Tuesday with Going Grey with Scrap-Creations challenge. Happy Saturday!

Design Team call for Going Grey with Scrap-Creations

Design team Call!

I am sad to say, that Crystal Irwin has decided to leave us. She is in the mist of big adventures in her stamping career and we wish her the best. Crystal, you have been a fabulous DT member and we will miss you!

With that being said, I am looking to fill her spot plus add another DT member. Here are the requirements!

* Need to be able to work with and promote various Company (sponsor) images or product.
* You must be able to post your card to the team yahoo group before 6pm every Monday night.
* you must have a active blog (meaning, you must post at least 1-2x's a week).
* you will need to post your challenge card to your blog every Tuesday!

What you get as a DT member

* We have 2 sponsors, sometimes 3 a month. Almost always we get FREE images or product to use!

* Being on the team will allow you more blog traffic

* Fun, Fun, Fun....We have a great team,

If this is something you are interested in, Please e-mail at K.catalano@comcast.net with the following info:

Your name, and your blog URL

I will close the DT Call on September 1st, and contact the new members on the 2nd. Thank you

I'm Behind you 100%

Heheheheeee.....This stamps just makes me chuckle. I hope you're having a fabulous day today. I am happy to report that the hot weather here in New Hampshire has broke a tad. It has been completely terrible. It has been between 96 and 100+ degrees here with thick humidity. You know, I could actually take the hot weather, but it's the humidity that I can't deal with. Yesterday I was trying to make some cards and it was hot and my kids were fighting, and that just lead me to zero patience.......but today, I feel better.


So, onto my card....Last month I attended a Stamp show in Springfield, MA and while walking around with all my ooohs, and awes, a sample card caught my eye. Yup, as you can see, that stamp made it home to my house. I needed it....well, ok, I wanted it.....heheheee. It is a very different kind of stamp for me, but I love it!

I followed this sketch from Nikki Fairburn, and went with it. I used my new Basic Grey Oliver paper pack. Man, I love the new BG paper packs. Well, I am off to another day with my cherubs. I hope you have a fantastic day and thank you for stopping by. Have a great day and happy creating.

My card qualifies for the following:

One Stop Craft Challenge 87-Distressing is their fun challenge this week!
Crafty Catz Challenge #39-Their challenge is to use distressing on your card.

Big Blog Candy For a Good Cause

This will stay at the top of my blog until end of blog candy!

Blog Candy consist of: 1 pack of Basic Grey Green at Heart 6x6 paper

1 pack of Pink Paislee Queen Bee 6x6 paper

1 Penny Johnson's Stampavie Champagne Bears

1 Dee Dee from the Greeting Farm

1 Stamping Ayna from the Greeting Farm

1 Penny Johnson Stampavie bear with flowers

4 packs of Rhinestones: pink, purple, turquoise, green

So, what do you have to do to win this blog candy? it's simple, share Ethan & Bella's story on your blog. You have my complete permission to copy and paste their photos and stories. Once you have posted your blog post come back to my blog and leave me a comment that you have shared their story. This is just so important to me, I am praying for a big turn out for them.

Let me tell you about two amazing kids. Ethan & Bella

Ethan is my cousin's son. He is 8 years old .Ethan was diagnosed with Neuroblasto​ma Stage 4 on March 5th, 2005. This devastating news came just days after his 3rd Birthday. The doctors told us that Ethan’s overall chance of survival was only 25%. Who would have ever thought that his leg pain and unexplained fever was cancer.

The worst of the worst…a deadly form of cancer where there is no specific treatment meant just for Neuroblasto​ma. Instead, trial studies and experimental​l therapies were in our future.

Etha​n underwent 6 rounds of extremely high dose chemotherap​y, surgery to remove the tumor in his abdomen, a stem cell transplant and 12 rounds of radiation to the tumor site. This trial study was followed up by an experimental​l therapy at Sloan Kettering in New York called 3F8 Antibody Treatment. Ethan received 5 rounds of this treatments before becoming “Hama” positive, which means his immune system is trained to fight neuroblasto​ma cells.

Today​, Ethan is cancer free and is back to enjoying all the childhood fun and games that was taken from him for over a year and a half. Doctors have also increased his overall chance of survival to 50% (considering​ the high rate of relapse).

UP​DATE:

In November 2007, a lump was found on Ethan's left shoulder blade...lat​er to be diagnosed as osteochondr​oma, a benign tumor growth in the bone. This is in part, a side effect of having Total Body Irritation for his Stem Cell Transplant.​
Around June of 2008, several benign tumors were discovered on Ethan's liver.

On Nov. 21, 2008, we found out that Ethan's cancer had returned, Recurrent Neuroblasto​ma. MIBG uptakes were discovered in one shoulder, his leg, his spine and chest...alo​ng with in his bone marrow. There were a total of 12 spots at re-diagnosi​s

Ethan underwent 2 rounds of high dose chemo followed by a set of scans. The scans showed that the chemo was not acting effectively.​
Ethan then underwent o​ne round of maintenance chemo before becoming the first patient in a New England hospital to receive MIBG therapy (aka liquid radiation).​ The first round was scheduled the week of Ethan's 7th Birthday (feb 17th). Follow up scans show a HUGE improvement​, leaving residual uptake on MIBG scan and small traces in the bone marrow. Then Ethan underwent a 2nd round at the beginning of May 2009, scan results show "stable with limited improvement".​

At this time, Ethan only had two more spots to take care of. So he underwent more chemotherapy​y, using irinotecan, carboplatin and temodar...followed up by a much needed stem cell rescue. Results "stable with no improvement".​ At that point, we decided to allow Ethan's body to rest and put him on a treatment known for stability called ABT-751 at the beginning of Sept. 2009. However, in November 2009, Ethan's cancer showed 2 new spots of progression and we had to discontinue the use of the ABT-751.

Fro​m there, Ethan began a treatment using Temodar and Thalidomide​, which consists of taking pills at home...ever​yday. Also, at this point, I added Harmazone, a form of"Essiac" to Ethan's daily routine. La​ter, I added the use of a DHA supplement.​ Thus far, the DHA has proven to rid Ethan of his mood swings and temper tantrums.

Af​ter 4 rounds of Thalidomide​/Temodar treatment, On March 18, 2010 scan results showed massive "widespread" progression throughout Ethan's entire skeletal system, from his shoulders down his arms, down his spine and chest cavity, to his pelvis, and down his legs, right down to his ankles.

We then decided to try out a new phase 1 protocol using both IV and oral cyclophosph​omide, with Avastin and Zometa. This treatment is primarily used for bone metastesis.​ Unfortunate​ly Ethan's LFT's remained too elevated to remain on protocol.

Sc​ans were conducted in Vermont, as preparation for a new study. Results show even more progression to several area's in skull and soft tissue mass on spine. Radiation was conducted to the orbital area and spine, along with etoposide and velcade treatments.​ Biopsies were perfomed for DNA and RHA testing for Personalize​d Medicine Study in Vermont.

Well, today we received devastating news. The Brain tumor has more than doubled in size and is now causing focal seizures. They will do radiation for comfort only at this point. Things are not looking good for Ethan and he is in need of prayers and whatever happiness we could give him. Ethan & his sister sierra love to receive cards. If you could find the time to mail them a card, I am sure it would bring a smile to their face. Particularly Ethan, as he is in Boston Children's Hospital continuing with radiation. If you would like to mail them a card you may do so to:

Ethan Smith and Sierra Smith

27 Donna Street
Nashua, NH 03060

If you would like more info and would like to stay up to date with Ethan you can visit is journal here:http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ethansmith

Meet Bella Tucker
Bella Tucker is an 8-year-old girl who attends South School Elementary in Londonderry, New Hampshire and is a member of the Phantom Gymnastics team. Bella came down with a near fatal infection on Easter Sunday. Doctors gave little hope for this third graders’ survival, but after five days in a coma she miraculously survived Streptococcus Pneumonia Sepsis with DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation).

Unfortunately, her survival from this infection was not without significant cost. The infection caused extensive tissue damage, and on April 27, 2010, Bella underwent quadruple amputation surgery and is currently facing an extremely long and hard recovery at Children’s Hospital in Boston with extensive rehabilitation to follow, as she learns to live life without her limbs.

Fortunately, Bella has the love and support of her three older brothers and younger sister during these trying times. The family is suddenly faced with significant challenges, many of which can be eased with financial help. For example, their home in Londonderry, New Hampshire will need extensive modifications to accommodate a wheelchair. Bella's mother, who is also her primary insurance holder, must be by her side during the extensive rehabilitation process and therefore she will be unable to work, causing the family to lose significant income. Since her mother will be with her during this process, the family needs funds for daycare of their other children. Lastly, she will be faced with medical challenges for the rest of her life.
Bella loves receiving cards and they would be sure to make her smile. I am currently awaiting her address, but you may mail her cards to my address until further notice.

Kristen Catalano

c/o Bella tucker

5 Baymeadow Dr

Nashua, NH 03063

You may visit Bella's webpage at :http://www.bellatucker.org/

I know we all have some cards sitting around, it would mean so much if you could get one out to Ethan and Bella. They need all the smiles they can get right now!

Thanks so much

Going Grey challenge #12 Sketch challenge

Happy Tuesday!!!! You know what Tuesdays mean.....Going Grey with Scrap-Creations challenge. What a challenge we have for you this week! But before we get to that, we need to pick a winner from last weeks GlitterBabe Greetings giveaway. So without further a do, the winner is

Congrats!!!!
Here are your random numbers:

1
Timestamp: 2010-05-25 02:19:17 UTC

The winner is Jeanette.....Please contact me..

So, did you get a peek at my card today. YIKES!!!! Way out of my comfort zone, but a lot of fun playing something new, and I used some BG DP which I didn't think I would ever use. Man, what you can do when you try new things....So, I am thrilled to share with you that this weeks challenge is so generously sponsored by Stampotique Originals. They have some amazing rubber stamps, and really great sayings. For my card today I used Gibbi, one of the many unique stamps carried by Stampotique Originals. I do believe that underneath my "normal" appearance, lies a goth rocker somewhere. I probably should have had more trouble creating this card than I did. It was so much fun for me. So, wanna know what the prize that Stampotique is offering??????

A $15.00 Gift certificate to Stampotique Originals.....What a FAB Prize...

So, what is this weeks challenge you ask????? It's a sketch challenge (my favorite).

We are lucky enough to have some cards designed by the stampotique DT as well as the Going Grey team.... Wait till you see these great cards. Pure inspirations!

Peggy Regan

Kim Howard
Mary castonquay
Crystal IrwinSTAMPOTIQUE DT CARDS.......Thank you for playing with us!

Valerie Wilson

Willy Anderson
Jo Capper-Sandon
Kaz Boughton
Weren't those fabulous? Don't be afraid to head to their blogs and leave them a little love. You will have until next Monday @ 6pm to get your card in for the challenge. Also, we have new Blog Badges, please feel free to take one and post on your blog. I will be picking the top 3 next week, and I will award 3 people with the new top 3 badge! When posting to a gallery's, please use the key words GGSC12. PLEASE BE SURE TO USE BASIC GREY PAPER.......Have a great day and happy

I'm Back!!!!

Happy Monday. I am home from Vacation and I have developed a Sinus Infection and I am having trouble with my asthma. I can't seem to get into the swing of thing. After a 10 hour drive home on Sat, I layed on the couch all day yesterday. Hopefully I can get things together soon. I have a ton of laundry to do and the kids and I go back to school next week. I can't believe it. I am not ready for summer to be over.........

Anyways, we did have a FABULOUS vacation at Ocean City Maryland, and loved everything about it (except the drive). Since I have no cards to share today, I thought I would share some pics. I hope you all have a fabulous day and happy Creating!

A little Friday FUN

Happy Friday......With my hubby being down with a broken ankle, I have not had much time for cards, but I did manage to make a card for Michelle at The Paper Tree. She gave me some Bella's and Whipper Snappers to work with. Now, I am not a huge Bella fan, but I did really like this mismatched Ketto. I am definately into the "rocker" look with my stamps. Since I am typically a jean, t-shirt and flip flops kind of girl, I like to show my inner wild side on some of my cards (hehehe).





Short post today, but I will have a bunch of things going on here, on Monday. Watch for new releases, blog hopes, and PRIZES!!!!!

Have a great weekend!

Pure craziness!!!!

Well, no projects for me today. Life has been "PURE CRAZINESS" lately. Tomorrow is my last day of classes and I have to have all things tied up this evening. SO, I have been sitting doing homework off and on for days. I am off to a girls weekend of stamping in Vermont, and hoping to get lots of fun things made and maybe even a little studying. I have 3 finals next week and then FREEDOM!!!! so, stay tuned for more post shortly. I hope you all are having fun creating! Have a wonderful week.

Exciting News & A Sweet Share!

I have some exciteingg news to share, I have just been offered a position with the Digi Shack Design team. How cool is that? Digital images are new to me, but I am so excited to play with them. I wanted to make a card with my announcement, but with Easter being tomorrow, I didn't have time, but I couldn't wait to share my news.

You should definitely check them out. They have really cute images, and guess what, you can use your copics to color. All you need is your printer and cardstock, and you can print them when you want them. No need to have to pay for s&h, just order and their they are. So, be on the look out for Digi Shack samples. I can;t wait to play!

I have a co-worker, who has become a very good friend, and she knows how crazy I can be about my card making hobby. Well, Thursday was my b-day, and when I went into work on Friday night, there on the desk was a card that she had made for me herself (she is not a cardmaker). She did a amazing job, and even researched how we include the recipe for the card. I had to scan it and share it with you. How sweet!!!! If you read this Heather, Thank you for taking the time to make me a card. I Loved it!!!!

Happy Birthday Kerry!!!!!

Happy Birthday to you....Happy Birthday to you....Happy Birthday dear Kerry.....Happy Birthday to you..................!!!!

I hope you have an amazing day. Sending you a BIG cyber hug my friend!!!!

Inky Impressions 1st Design Team Call

Inky Impressions is having a DT call, and I have decided to apply, and I would encourage all of you that are interested to do the same. They are a new company starting out and there preview stamps are so cute. Give it a shot, you never know! Have a great night!

You Make Smile!

Happy Tuesday! It is 30 degree's here today and gorgeous! Due to the snow storm yesterday, the trees are covered and look beautiful. It sure doesn't look like spring. Is is spring where you are?

Today's card is one I did for a mystery image swap for one of my Yahoo groups. As you can probably guess, it is completely not a "me" image, but that is why we call it a challenge. I don't love how it turned out, but I didn't know what else to do with it. I am leaving it as is and it is going postal!

I am off to catch up on school work while my kids are at school. I hope you all are having a TERRIFIC Tuesday.

My "clean" happy place, and some new toys.

Here is my "creative space". It is located in my basement. A couple months ago I took some pictures of my disaster space. Same space only a TERRIBLE mess. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a seriously messy crafter. I start off great, but in due time my stuff starts to spread across the room, and then,in my mess, I loss whatever it is I am working on. It's like the black hole.

Well, yesterday I decided I really needed to clean. I was having trouble finding my unmounted stamps and I couldn't find any of the NEW paper I purchased. So, after a hour or two of sorting, labeling, and organizing, I had a clean space. Now, the hard part: keeping it clean!



Now, for MORE "stuff". The other day I was at Michael's and I noticed these new EK SUCCESS edge punches. I bought one and tried it out. I have to say it punches really nice. Yep, you guessed it, I went back again today and bought two more. They have a bunch of different patterns as well as different shaped punches. I told myself I didn't need anything else, but then they went on sale, and I am a sucker for a sale. So, if you're live near a Micheal's, definitely check these out. So far I really like them.

Hope your having a terrific Tuesday, and if you get a chance, check back tomorrow for a SU INK & MORE challenge!