Big Sister Julie!

I would like to introduce everyone to my Big Sister, Julie (a.k.a. jeweleintn - SCS) who has been treating me to her wonderful cards over the past few months. Today, I received a big box full of treats and the big reveal! I had NO idea that she was my Big Sister this whole time! What a sneaky sister!

Along with a sample stack of fun glitter and some felt flowers to play with, I received:


To show you a sample of Julie's talent:


The tall tin was full of yummy chocolates. Yes... was... I ate most of it during the time it took for me to take the pictures and upload them on my computer. :)

Julie was also sweet to remember my boys:


From the bottom of my heart... THANK YOU, Julie!

But wait... that's not all!

One of the cards that Julie shared with me was published in CARDS Magazine this month!
CONGRATULATIONS, JULIE!
Read more about it on her beautiful blog: Rubber Room Ramblings

Rainbow Bridge for Poppi

My mother called me at 7:30p to let me know that our cat of 20 years had just passed away quietly. Poppi was the runt of a huge litter at the SF SPCA when I had turned 16. My parents decided to take care of her when I moved to Los Angeles. They pampered and spoiled her so I know Poppi lived a very happy and content life with them. I am grateful for that. I wish she lived long enough for our trip up to the city tomorrow. We knew that she was not going to be around for much longer. I guess I was hoping for one last chance to hold her in my arms.



Rainbow Bridge Poem
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…
– Author Unknown

What "Jane" means...

What Jane Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Happy Stampin' Day!

It's Hostess Club Workshop day, today and tomorrow!

Here's what I have in store for everyone!

Happy Heart M & Ms!


* Happy Heart Day stamp set #111089
* Classic Ink pads: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Real Red, Basic Black
* Aqua Painter
* Large Tag punch #105934 and Small tag punch #108264
* Red gingham ribbon #104827
* Textured Real Red card stock - 2" x 3-3/8"
* Whisper White card stock - 2" x 3-1/4"
* Small cellophane bags
* Valentine M&M's
* Stapler

Happy Heart Day!


* Happy Heart Day stamp set #111089
* Classic ink pads: Basic Gray, Bordering Blue, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery
* Berry Bliss Designer Series #110749 - 2" x 2-5/8" (need 2 of each design)
* Whisper White card stock #100730 - 2-3/4" x 3"
* Pretty in Pink card stock #100459 - 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" and 2-7/8" x 3-1/8"
* Close to Cocoa card stock #101341 - 3" x 3-1/4"
* 5/8" grosgrain ribbon Chocolate Chip #109051 and Regal Rose #109056

Rock-A-Bye Baby


One of a Kind


Ginger Blossom Time

Getting creative!

My box of new catty goodies came this week!
I finally got them trimmed and have been able to stamp a bit.

Here's a kick stand Easter frame card.


I used pink polka dot patterned paper from Berry Bliss Designer Series Paper and stamped the egg on it. Then I stamped flowers in Close to Cocoa all over the egg. On a floral patterned paper from the same Berry Bliss DSP, I stamped the zigzag in Chocolate Chip, trimmed it out, and glued it on the egg, leaving the left end of the zigzag unglued.



The egg was then trimmed out roughly and glued onto Whisper White cardstock for thickness. I carefully cut around the egg. On a scrap of Whisper White, I stamped the egg in Close to Cocoa. The chick was colored with Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker and Apricot Appeal Stampin' Write marker and stamped into the middle of the egg. The egg was trimmed out and attached to the other egg with a small scrap of Whisper White cardstock. On the inside of the egg, I stamped "You crack me up."


Here's another quick card I put together.


I used mostly scraps for this card. I am low on different pink cardstock, so I stamped the flowers in different shades of pink. I used Boho Blossoms punch for the flowers and the scallop punch for the medallion up on top. The little flower in the middle of the medallion was cut out by hand.

Happy Stampin'!

I've been tagged!

1. My 2 favorite scrapbook topics are: My children and my life.
2. The 2 best places I’ve been to are: Hawaii and Disney World. New York and Japan too.
3. 2 things I do everyday are: Play with my children and surf the net.
4. The 2 things everyone knows about me are: I demo for Stampin' Up! and I teach preschool.
5. The 2 places I wish to visit are: Canada and Europe (Ireland, Austria, Italy, France).
6. 2 things you may not know about me are: I lived in Hollywood for 2 years around the corner from the Mann's Chinese Theater. I used to be a Japanese speaking travel agent for Japanese travel agencies and also worked for American Express SBT.
7. My two favorite foods are: Asian cuisine and Japanese sweets
8. My two favorite musical artists are: Celine Dion and whoever suites the mood I'm in
9. My two favorite characters are: Calvin & Hobbes (I couldn't decide who I liked better) and Pochacco (I LOVE Sanrio).

I am going to tag Carolina and Jan. Please answer the above questions and add one at the end, then tag 2 more people!!

Days gone by

I started custom scrapbooking for others last year and just finished up my 9th album right before Christmas. Strangely enough, all of the albums I have done are for people who have recently lost a loved one. It gives me a sense of purpose and satisfaction in working with these layouts, knowing how much these albums will be treasured by their new owners.

Here are a few pages from my latest album. I received the pictures and the supplies a couple of weeks before the deadline, but the boys and I were sick for about a good week before I could get started. I had about 5 days to complete this album before having to hand it over. It was a challenge because I had to scrap using specific K & CO paper that was out of stock and no longer being carried at local scrapbook stores or Michael's. My client also wanted elegant and "wallpaper" style layouts... something I am not used to. It was quite an interesting week to say the least. I am pleased with the way the album came together. The finished pages can be viewed on the slideshow that is at the bottom of this blog. I hope you enjoy the layouts! Let me know what you think.












Cheers,
Jane

Rain, rain, go away...

We had a storm forecasted for today and the next three days, but I was not expecting the downpour and fierce winds. We heard a huge "boom" and this is what we saw when we looked outside the boys' bedroom window:



The fence that separates our yard and our neighbor's yard fell down. I haven't been able to go outside yet to see if the rest of the fence along the side of the house went with it.

At least those pesky squirrels that were making all kinds of noise on our roof are gone. (I hope they were squirrels and not rats. I don't care if it's the year of the Rat. They are not welcome in or on my home!)

Time to snuggle with my boys under the blankets and watch a good movie. Ratatouille, anyone?
:) Jane

Scrumptious!

Carolina (craftycaro) made this gorgeous calendar for me.



It's absolutely perfect for me. I love it! Thank you, Caro!
Can you see what it says on the side?

Live with intention.
Walk to the edge.
Listen hard.
Practice Wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Appreciate your friends.
Continue to learn.
Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is.
~ Mary Anne Radmacher



And look what Stephanie (Stinkerbell) dropped off on my doorstep yesterday!



Is this not the most yummiest eye candy? The photo doesn't do it justice. Thank you, Steph!

What a way to kick off the new year!

***************************************************************************

We have a special birthday to celebrate today!
HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY, GABRIELLA!

Here's a card I made for Gabriella last night, inspired by Carolina's Bloomin' Birthday card.



Happy 2nd Birthday, Gabriella!


Ken pouring tea at Gabriella's tea birthday party:


Happy 3rd Birthday, Gabriella!


Lots of My Little Ponies to play with:


Happy 5th Birthday, Gabriella! We had such a great time today!


This cake was SCRUMPTIOUS!


Love your smile!


Look! Over 42" tall!


Cheers!
Jane

Happy New Year!

Shinen akemashite omedeto gozaimasu!
Happy New Year!



“The way to find out about happiness is to keep your mind on those moments when you feel most happy, when you are really happy — not excited, not just thrilled, but deeply happy. This requires a little bit of self-analysis. What is it that makes you happy? Stay with it, no matter what people tell you. This is what is called following your bliss.”
~ Joseph Campbell

Happy New Year, everyone! May it be full of love, light, grace, and joy... filled with bliss!