At The Corner of Grumpy and REALLY, AGAIN?

  Ya know how Walgreens advertises at the corner of happy and healthy?  Well it's the opposite at CVS for me....................

  Today I knew I had to go to two pharmacies to get prescriptions filled.  If you've read this blog for any amount of time you might have read about my battle with CVS to get one prescription of 45 pills.  I retired in September 2013 and still today, January 31, 2014 I got the wrong amount.....................Now usually I  complain and get upset.  Today knowing what I had to do, I prayed that God would help me deal with what would happen.  I'm not surprised anymore when I have to take 2 trips to the pharmacy to get the correct number of pills.  I expect something will go wrong...............I'm hoping soon they will surprise me!

So today when I got home and found 15 pills not 45 I prayed again before I called CVS.  I had to listen to the music they play while on hold.  It's ONE song that plays over and over.  I listened to the song 4 times before being disconnected...............yup, did I complain?  Nope, I sighed and redialed.  Again I got the music and listened 2 more times to that song and finally someone answered.  The tech that answered couldn't help me so she put me on hold again until the pharmacist could speak to me.  2 more songs later I was speaking to him.  He told me I could return the 15 pills and he'd give me the 45.  So I took the bottle of pills to CVS and went in.  I knew it was going to take a while.  I explained what happened to the tech and she said she didn't know what to do so she left the bottle on the counter for the pharmacist when he came out of the back room.  He told the tech to use the register to return the pills then he could give me the 45.  The tech asked me if I brought the paperwork for the pills with me.  I told her no.  She said, "Next time this happens it's easier if you bring the paperwork back too."
   Now I'm praying once again because I want to be nice.  She's right on one thing, there probably will be a NEXT time; this time in February.  There shouldn't be, but since September I meet and greet with these people at least twice over my prescription.
   I sat for 20 minutes while they worked on my prescription and again prayed that I'd be calm and not get upset.  So I started to download Pintrest so I could look at some cards.  Right in the middle of that they called me for my order.  Now, I got a bit frustrated since I'd finally found something to do that served me!  However, I didn't complain, I got my meds and happily left that place.

   I know that some of this is due to the fact that it always seems that they are short-handed at the pharmacy, which leads to mistakes. So I prayed lots this morning due to CVS.

Now I also had to drop a prescription off at Walgreens for Tim.  I dropped it off at the drive thru and was told 20 minutes if I wanted to wait.  I said I'd be back in an hour knowing I was heading to CVS.    I returned an hour later at the drive-thru and picked up the prescription and didn't have to deal with a clipboard out the window to sign.  They have auto-pay so you don't even have to fumble for a credit card or their store card.  I was in and out of that drive-thru in less than 2 minutes!  I always smile when I go to Walgreens pharmacy!

Today I made some cards.  See what you think.  This card was for today's Ways To Use It Challenge at SCS.  You had to use the word Love on your card.

 This second card was for Queen For The Day honoring Robin.  Her card is the one with the butterflies and netting. I like this new Saleabration Stamp Set from Stampin' Up.

I saw this on FB today and had to post it.  It really touched me.

Today Sweet Sarah got her wish to go to Panera.  Her Dad doesn't like to see her pout when she asks to go to Panera on Friday for dinner.  So she smiled bright and wide as I drove us to Panera for dinner.  That's what Friday nights are for.  Love making these memories.  Although I'll probably cry going into Panera when Sarah moves to California for school. :(

Take a listen to this song by Plumb called, Don't Deserve You.  It is such a comfort to know we are so important to God that he'd be there for our smallest concern. He's our Dad and loves us unconditionally. I get that as a parent.  No matter what my kids do, I still love them, want to help them, comfort them.  

This line really stood out to me.  With all we do to hurt God, he's there no matter what.

 "I don't deserve your love,  you give it to me anyway."

Blessing of the Day:Making Memories with Tim and Sarah at Panera.

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

I Shopped Like A Man!

Have you ever been awakened by a really bad headache?  That's how I began my day today.  I was supposed to volunteer today but couldn't get out of bed.  I went back to sleep and things were a bit better, but not gone.

I did something I rarely do, I shopped like a man!  You know how they shop.  They go to the store they need to go to, then to the aisle they need to go to.  Lastly they get in line, pay for the items and go to the car.  I couldn't believe that's what I did today at Pat Catans!  I know, can you believe that at a craft store, I shopped like a man?  That just proves I had a headache.  I needed to get two things, and didn't have the mindset to absorb anything more than that.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it! LOL

I walked out of the store mumbling, I can't believe I just shopped like a man!  If I would have felt better, I would have gone back in and tried again to shop! LOL

This was a card for today's Ways To Use It challenge.  You had to use a horse.  I don't have any horses so I had to go online and get a digital image to print and color.  I colored in Copic Markers and added the cute hearts and purple jewels.

 This card was for the sketch challenge from Wednesday.  I had used another of the lighthouse stamps in another challenge earlier in the week and had to use this before I put the set away.  This is one of my all time favorite sets from Stampin' Up.  I stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink then colored with Copic Markers.  I added the ribbon and the black paper buttons.

This is something that encouraged me while reading Facebook.  Thanks Val.

This is a cute video of a 4 year old calling 911 for help.  Listen to what he needs help with.  

Check this 911 call out.  It is so cute!

Blessing of the Day:My headache finally went away and I got to see Val, a dear, dear, friend.
Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,

Lighthouse, God, Michael

Lighthouse, God, Michael is the order of the items I am posting today.

Here is the card I made for the color challenge and the Teapotter's challenge.  The color challenge was to use saffron, tangerine and coastal cabana.  The teapotter's challenge was to add a lighthouse to your card.  This Stampin' Up set, Coast to Coast is one of my all time favorites.  It's one that will be in my collection forever.  

This was sponged with daubers and a scallop oval and a ripped piece of cardstock for the waves and sand.  I left it blank so anything can be added when the time comes.  This week for Teapotter's we will exchange lighthouses with each other.  It's a little reward we get for sending cards to others the first three weeks of the month.  

I saw this and loved it.  Sometimes we need to be reminded of this.  God sees all of us, not just the outside like so many others do.  He sees us as he made us, in his image and perfect.  You are the only one like you. God only made one of you. Even with an identical twin, there are minor differences.  So enjoy being you and  being a reflection of the one who made you.

Here is Michael W. Smith's latest song, You Won't Let Go.  The lyrics are below so check them out.  I love the line, "You are the anchor for my soul, You won't let go."
See what you think.
Lyrics:

No shadow comes without the light making a way
No raging storm can ever defy one word of faith
My heart remains sure in the wind, sure in the waves

You are the anchor for my soul
You won't let go
You won't let go
No matter what may come I know
You won't let go
You won't let go

No valley low, changes the truth
So I'm not afraid
You hold me close
You lead me through and light up the way

Neither life, neither death,
The highest high, the deepest depth
Nothing can
Nothing can separate
Neither tears, neither trial
Certain as the sun will rise
Nothing can
Nothing can separate

My heart remains sure in the wind, sure in the waves, always


Publishing: (C) 2013 This Is Your Time Music (ASCAP) (Admin. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com / 21 Songs / Centricity Music Publishing (SESAC) / Sony ATV/Timber Music Publishing / Upside Down Under (ASCAP)

Writer(s): Michael W. Smith, Seth Mosley, and Mia Fields
Blessing of the Day: Bible Study with Chuck and Maryanne.
Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,

Snow and Freezing Below Zero Weather

What a day we had here today.  We had a lot of snow, so much that we had to clear the driveway again.  Tim called plowz, and someone came and within 5 minutes it was done! :)
School was called off today for many school districts.  Here in North Royalton, however, they had to go to school.  The temps were in the minus column so I'm not sure why kids went to school.

In Parma, they are off tomorrow.  That is their 5th snow Day.  The governor of Ohio is trying to get a few more days for schools since this winter has been so cold and snowy.  These days are called calamity days.  Typically 5 days is plenty.  This year has been awful so hopefully the governor will get his way and a few days will be added for just this year.  If that doesn't happen, districts that are over 5 days will add days in June.  Who wants to add days in June?  In our district there is no air conditioning in most of the schools.

Sarah and I had to cancel dr. appts. today.  The roads were horrible and we couldn't get out of the driveway until it was plowed anyway.
Today I made a couple of cards for challenges.  Take a look.  The top card was made for the technique lovers challenge where you had to make your own stamp.  I ran fun foam through the cuttlebug with this framelits die and got textured foam hearts that I stamped on an oval.  Then I added a larger oval and put this on the ornate heart embossed white cardstock.

This card was for today's Clean And Simple challenge which was a color challenge.  A color pallet of pinks and browns were given so I used the same stamps that I made for this card.  I stamped on white cardstock then cut the hearts out and added them with dimensionals to this card. 

Tonight Tim and Sarah went to a 3D movie called Nuts, or something like that.  They were the only ones in the theatre!  Tim said it wasn't a very good movie.  Then they went to Quaker Steak and Lube for dinner.  He said it wasn't the healthiest of meals, but he did okay.

Here's a song I heard on the radio today called, You're Not Alone by Marie Miller.  Give it a listen.

Blessing of the Day:I got some birthday cards made and sent.  Tim and Sarah had a great time with Brianna.

Tomorrow is my brother, John's birthday.

Thanks for stopping,

Blessings,

Snowblower Has Died..........What To Do? What To Do?

Snowblower issues are not good when you live in Cleveland, Ohio.  Today Tim is trying to get the snowblower to stay running.  We've had it for about 10 years and were hoping to get through one more winter with it. Sigh, Shoveling isn't an option.  A new one would be around $900.  I say, "Pay the man." instead of buying a new one. I think it will be cheaper in the long run.  We won't have repairs, gas or storage issues to deal with.  We'll see what we end up doing.

This morning at church a guy told us about an app that might be what we need to do.  It's called, plowz.  It is an app that you fill out the info they ask for about your driveway, and your phone gives them the location, and they find a driver near you who will plow your driveway.  They let you know how long it will be before someone comes by.  You pay the company and they pay the driver.  This is perfect!  We don't have to have a contract with someone and only are plowed when we need it!  This may be in our immediate future!  :)

This morning it was awful driving to church.  It was snowing non-stop and blowing the snow around.  We had below 0 temps with the wind chill.  I was surprised that the church was open today.  I was surprised to hear Tim's dad got out to the grocery store.  The city finally plowed his driveway.  Maybe we'll have to get him someone to plow his driveway too.

This is a song that was brought to my attention by a friend.  Thanks so much Val.  Take a listen.

This was a funny sign I saw on FB today.   I had to laugh.

This is a card for the Queen For The Day challenge.

This was for today's featured stamper challenge on SCS.

I hope this is your view of our Heavenly Father.

Time for sleep.  An early dr. appt. tomorrow.

Blessing of the Day:Met a person who will be in our small group Bible Study.

Snow stopped, we got to church and back safely.

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

Been Without My Laptop Since Thursday

What do you do when you can't use your laptop?  You take up crocheting! LOL    I saw we were going to have lots of cold and snow so I went to get my scarf and hat.  They have disappeared.  So, I got out my crochet hook with my warm, variegated yarn and began to make myself a scarf.  I'm just about done.  I actually made one that was wider, but didn't have enough yarn to make it as long as I needed it, so I pulled it apart and began a narrower scarf.  It was easy to do while watching Anne of Green Gables, the beginning, with Sarah last night.  We will finish the first disc tonight.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

FOR TODAY January 25,2014

Outside My Window...It is snowing like crazy!  Tim's already plowed 6" from the driveway this morning.  There's lots more coming down.

I am thinking...snow is prettier when you don't have to drive in it.

I am thankful for...a safe trip out and back.  I'm also thankful that Tim was able to fix my laptop.  It needed a new hard drive.

From the kitchen...all is quiet except the Kurig making another cup of hot water for tea.

I am wearing...a sweatshirt, jeans and shoes.

I am creating...cards with sponging scenes.

I am going...to get dinner started soon if Tim doesn't wake from his nap.

I am reading...A Cousin's Promise by Wanda Brewster.

I am hoping...that we can go to church tomorrow with all this snow.

I am hearing...Christian music playing from Air1 on my laptop.

Around the house...all is quiet as Tim's napping and Sarah's in her room.

One of my favorite things...is watching a show or movie with Sarah.  I love to watch her reactions to me or the movie.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:continue to make birthday cards to be sent out for February for Splitcoaststampers who are on the Birthday Random Act of Kindness List.

Here are some pictures I thought were worth sharing...

  Check out the height of the snow here!  This was 35 years ago in Cleveland! Yikes, I hope that's not where we're heading again!

This is the snow Ben and Rachel got in Texas.  I asked if schools were closed because of this! LOL

Blessing of the Day:Able to work on my laptop!  Woot-Woot!!  Thanks Tim.
Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,

Stacy's Got An Amazing Contest!

Hey everyone, here's a cool challenge from Stacy!
Check out this link to see what she's offering and what you have to do.

I'm adding it here just in case the link doesn't work.
Thursday, January 23, 2014

Bunny Special news and challenge
Good morning! Did you see the newest CardMaker magazine? I have two very cute bunny creations in the Spring 2014 issue you see below. To celebrate my bunny excitement I thought I would have a give away! Below is the items one winner will receive which includes the new issue of CardMaker Spring 2014, Spellbinders Die Build a Wreath, 12 colored ribbons in 3 yards each, Three new House Mouse Stamps called The Thinker, Good Clean Fun and My Cup Of Tea, some want 2 scrap flourished jewels, felt buttons, pearls and purple gems.

I am going to make this a fun little challenge for those that want to enter!

To enter the challenge: Simply create a Spring Time creation or a Bunny creation, post it to your gallery or blog "along with the details of this challenge". Then leave me a comment on this post with a link to find your creation. Challenge will run through until January 29th at 5 pm EST. The winner will be announced on January 30th. I can't wait to see what you create. Have fun!

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Here's the card I made for Stacy's challenge.

Good Luck making your own card for this!
Blessing of the Day:Entering Stacy's Challenge
Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,

Cards, Cake, Christ

Today was a fun day.  Patti, my former assistant got to stamp from 10-3!  She broke a bone in her foot and can't go back to work for 4 weeks or so.  She said she'd go back and work on the first floor only but not do steps since she didn't feel safe.  The principal said, "No." So Patti is using sick leave.  It's about time!  She's so faithful to her job she has over 1,800 sick days.  She'll only get a small amount as severance pay.  I told her she could stay home sick for 10 more years! LOL

Patti even made a great salad and brought home made pound cake.  Yum!  I didn't wait for coffee though.  It looked so good when Sarah tried it after dinner!  Tim had his with coffee and loved it!  Seems to me he got two pieces too.

I made a few cards with flowers and here they are:  I used an Amuse stamp set that's called,Sweet Celebrations for the words.  The first two cards say, Sweet Day, inside.  I used new SU paper called Retro Fresh and the colors I used are on that paper.

 This card has SWEET, inside.

Next I tried something very much out of my comfort zone.  This was made with a Sale-a-bration set called, Banner Blast.  These banners are very tiny so I started with 4 on this card using red baker's twine.  I needed something else to add to the card so I added a strip of red which was embossed to match one of the banners.  I also made it into a banner to match the rest of the card.  I think this took 45 minutes to make......

Here is another card I made using sponging and masking techniques.  I'm learning how to combine colors and make clouds and water using scallop punches, or ripped paper.  This could be a great masculine card, however I don't think I'd want to waste it on a guy who wouldn't really appreciate all that went into it.  I'd send it to Tim, he'd appreciate it.  He's seen me work on these types of cards.

This card was for yesterdays color challenge on SCS.  The colors were blushing bride, primrose petals and wasabi.  I was determined NOT to make a card with flowers since these would be a perfect combination.  So I used my heart framelits and cut out hearts, covered them with ribbon and cut the hearts out again.  I punched a hole in the front of the cardstock and placed the hearts inside the cut out areas.

I came across this tonight on pintrest and had to post it.  There truly is no greater joy than knowing your children will be with you in eternity.

 I saw this and thought it is something to aspire to.  I've said, on my tombstone I want to have, She was used up from helping others.

This made me laugh because I know some people that would probably do this if they had a batch of kittens!  I want to know how they got the kittens to stay long enough to get the photo!

Listen to this song and make it yours....................

Blessing of the day:Stamping with Patti.

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

Thank You To My Dear, Sweet Husband

My dear sweet husband got my laptop virus free and ready to go in a day.  Thank you Tim.  I don't know what I'd do without you.  Tim told me that while he was working on my laptop today, he clicked on  a link to download some software, and immediately the virus software told him there was a virus that it had stopped.  He said, he can't blame me for doing it and not knowing it.  He KNOWS what to look for and he was fooled too.

Tim and I had a date for lunch today.  We went to Cafe a Roma, in Berea.  Love their sandwiches there.  We haven't had a lunch date since before the holidays.  Tim says he can't wait until March 1st when The Igloo, the frozen yogurt place, will open up again.  He wants to be there on opening day!  He's so funny!

Everything is in a different place on my laptop, so it will be a while until I am able to figure out where things are.

Here is the card that I did for today's Clean and Simple card challenge.  Clean and simple is so difficult for me, but I keep trying.  :)    Stamped in Momento black ink colored with Copic markers and added Stickles to the edges of the wings. Then I layered with the scalloped rectangles added the basket weave embossing for the background. This is A simple card for me.

I am so excited.  This card was one chosen today on the Splitcoaststampers Facebook page!

Here's a song by Peter Furler called, Reach.  It's not new but timely for me.  Hope you enjoy it.

Blessing of the Day:Tim got my laptop up and running in a day.  Sarah and I watched Anne of Green Gales continues.

 Thank you for stopping by,

Blessings,

Sunday, Sunday

Today was an interesting day.  We went to Cuyahoga Valley Church this morning and it was bitter cold with the wind.  I have to say, walking to the card was awful!  The wind and cold gave me pain on my face.  I didn't realize it was so bad or I would have worn a scarf.

I've been having issues with my laptop slowing down and taking forever to do things.  We did a few things over time but nothing really seemed to work well.  This morning I tried to use my laptop and it was infected.  UGH!!!!  The only good thing is I'm married to a computer tech who knows how to deal with this stuff.  Thanks Tim for all of the hours you put into this.  He still has to take it to work tomorrow but hopefully I'll have my laptop back tomorrow.  Thanks sweetie!

So if this page today looks weird, it's because I'm on another computer in the house.  Thanks Sarah.
Speaking of Sarah, we watched another part of Anne of Green Gables.  Such fun to watch together.  I love watching Sarah's expressions and reactions to events in the movie.  I'm storing up all these memories so I'll have them when she goes away.

I have been sponging scenes on cards today which has been so much fun.
Here is the card that was my inspiration. http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...&ppuser=116414

I changed the colors, added waves with sponging and used a different stamp set. This card was made using Theresa's tutorial found here:http://craftingtheweb.blogspot.com/2...-tutorial.html Theresa is an amazing artist. She draws the stamps then uses them with sponging and Copic markers

I chose this card of Jean's as my inspiration. She mentioned Theresa Momber, whom I hadn't heard of, so I googled her and used her tutorial to create my card. It is found here. http://craftingtheweb.blogspot.com/2...g-absence.html

I followed the tutorial using Stampin' Up colors and this is what I came up with. I know it needs work, but this is the first time I've used Copic Markers with sponging

First I stamped in versamark, then embossed with white embossing powder. I used White ink and colored with a paintbrush. Then using my aqua painter I colored in pretty in pink first and then mambo. Then I added the pearls.  This card was done for a Splitcoaststampers challenge and was told that it would be the featured card on Facebook tomorrow!  Wowzers, that's pretty cool, huh?

I took a nap today.  I don't usually do that but it just seemed like the best thing to do on a cloudy, crummy day. 

Holding Nothing Back touched me today and I just had to share with you.  Gotta go since this page is giving me such a hard time.
Blessing of the Day: Tim working on my laptop and watching movie with Sarah.
Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
bensarmom

A Whirlwind of Activity To Keep Me Busy

Today I've been working on cards that were started but not finished.  I've also been making cards for challenges on Splitcoast.  This card was for the Color challenge.  The colors were cantaloupe, turquoise, and coastal cabana.  I sponged those colors onto white cardstock then put the frame over it.  I cut out birds from designer paper to add to the sky.  I shadow stamped the greeting.  This will go to Operation Write Home.

 This cutie pie is an image I stamped at Jan's house over the weekend so I used him for the sketch challenge on SCS.  I colored him using Copic Markers then put washi tape on bashful blue cardstock and embossed it with the snowflake embossing folder.  I added a banner and some hearts.  This too will be going to Operation Write Home.

This card was for today's challenge.  We went to Design Seeds to get our inspiration.  Just love this site.  It has some of the prettiest color combinations.

Yesterday I was the Arbitrator for a local Spelling Bee.  It was very interesting to see eighth graders. I haven't seen 8th graders in a long time so it was interesting to see them.  I tried to put them at ease each time they came up to spell a word, by smiling.  They were pretty good spellers too.  It took quite a while to get to a winner.

I just sent 38 cards to Cards for a cause and 145 cards for Operation Write Home.  I just love being able to help others with my cards.  It keeps me busy making cards and it serves a purpose as well.
What's interesting is that they have to have cards 3 months before the holiday.  So Valentine's Day cards were due by December 31st.

Here's a beautiful song by Phil Wickham called, This is Amazing Grace.

Blessing of the Day:Time with Sarah.  We're watching Anne of Green Gables continued where she is a school teacher.

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

Got Lots Done = Feeling Great!

Here is the One Sheet Wonder I made using the Retro Fresh design paper.  These cards will go to     where women and children that have cancer.  It is this month's Cards for a Cause on Splitcoaststampers.

 This is the card I made for today's technique challenge.  You had to use sewing on your card.  Many used their sewing machine but I had stitched mine.

 This card is for today's CAS-clean and simple challenge.  The layout was the challenge.  This is the front....

 ...and this is the inside.  It will go to Operaion Write Home as a miss you or love you card.

 Stampin' Up just had their Leadership conference and revealed that they will have Blendabilities which are alcohol based markers that will be sold in packs of three for $11.95.  The pack will have a light, medium and dark marker.  Stampin' Up will also have some new personalized stamps.  These will be available before the end of the first quarter.  YEA!

Here's a new band to me called OBB-Oswald Brothers Band.  Their song is called, All I Need Is You.  Give it a listen.

Feeling pretty good tonight.  Tim got me a wireless mouse so I have less on my desk.  I got lots done today.  Today I made meatloaf and baked potatoes for dinner.  I love making and eating this meal.  It's so quick and easy to put together, then bake.  It is one of  Sarah and Tim's favorites.

Blessing of the Day: Had time to read and we had fun dinner time conversation with Sarah.

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,