A FAMILY FRIEND COULD REALLY USE SOME PRAYERS!!!

Hello, family!!!  I'm well!!!  Went for to Radiology for my CT today and I'll be patiently awaiting excellent results!!!

No project today but, possibly, I'll have one ready tomorrow; I'll let you know.  What I'm dropping in for today is my sweet family friend, Stacy of Love That Bug Blogspot is asking for our prayers!  Due to complications, her daughter has prematurely delivered her precious baby at 26 weeks.  If you can find a moment, please visit Stacy by clicking on her blog site above, it's a direct link to her blog; let her know we support her in that her daughter and grandchild stay well, and grow stronger.

I feel there's no better situation than this to present my blog award to someone who may need and can use it.  Therefore, I'm presenting Stacy and her family the "You Truly Bless Me" Award because that's what I'd like us all to do -- pray and ask for all the blessings we can so that they WILL CONTINUE to be truly blessed!

Stacy, we all hope this award brings you and your family some comfort and reassurance!

As for me, I don't think I could ever thank Bobby enough for making this award for me!  Thanks again, Bobby, and I hope you like how I'm using it!!!  It surely feels right to me... lol!!!

Well, since I'm only just a wee bit tired, I'm off to do some crafting -- I CAN'T WAIT!!!  No doctors appointments, no errands and no "auntie to-do's" ... lol!!!  Gotta get in my fun when I can!!!  LOL!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!!  I always love when my family finds it's way home to me!!!

Hugs to you all, and...

I'll be seeing you!!!

I JUST HAVE TO SAY...

Hello, everyone!!!

Wow, I've been getting around looking at all the fabulous projects you have been working on, and I'm more than impressed.  You're all so busy creating -- I love that!!!

I'm well but still trying to get through some things that must be done, so I'm still running -- "no rest for the weary".  Early this afternoon I went to have some dental work done -- they called it scaling/root planing, but I'm calling it scraping because that's what it felt more like they did -- in my opinion.  The gums are still a bit sensitive (the doctor was really aggressive) but the pain I expected never came after the numbness wore off, so I'm grateful I was spared that...  lol!  What I'm not grateful for is having to rinse with this god-awful rinse they gave me because I have a tooth that rated #5 which my dentist says is a beginning stage for periodontal disease.  And, yet tomorrow I have another doctor's appointment and several days next week I have to get my aunt to appointments, so I'm getting my exercise in! Anyway, that's my itinerary for appointments.  I'll just have to sneak in project when I can because there're still the inbetween things I have to get to.

Howevr, what I really wanted was to just drop in to say "hi" and to let you know what's still going on and that you're in my thoughts!

I do have some DT and hop projects I'm working on, and I'll let you know when I'll have those ready to present.  In the meantime, I'm off to bed now; gotta be up at 5:00 in the morning, and I really need the rest -- soooo tired.  My test is scheduled for 7:15 a.m. 

Hugs and love you all!!!

YOU'VE GOT TO SEE THIS TO BELIEVE IT!!!

Hello, everyone!  I just had to pop in to tell you about a giveaway going on at Bobby and Jill's blog!!!

YOU CAN WIN THIS

In honor of surpassing 500 followers, the Cricut Couple will have a daily giveaway until November 17 for all their followers.  Today is the first day of their BIG celebration and the grand prize for today is a Cricut Cake Mini!!!  To be eligible for today's or any of the daily prizes, please head on over --right now!!! -- to check out the details.  You can get there by clicking on this this direct link:  http://cricutcouple.blogspot.com.

Hurry!!!  This is one celebration you won't want to miss this!!!

Congratulations again, Bobby and Jill!!!

"JUST BECAUSE..." A CARD TO SHARE!

Hello, everyone!  I hope all's well!  To all new followers, hello my new family-friends and welcome!

So.., I wonder what's going on with Blogger now -- what new updates or issues are causing these recent interruptions.  I haven't had my reading list since yesterday evening, and I wasn't able to post earlier; Blogger kept timing me out.  I seldom get frustrated but it just wasn't fun!!!  It was annoying!  Bloggers tells me to check my browser but I know that's not the problem because I clear my browser every several days automatically.  Is anyone else having these issues?

Anyway, I haven't had much time with you lately, and I did want to visit more but it's difficult with having to deal with the constant issues, my missing reading list, and to top it off -- it's SLOW!!!  I'm not one for complaining but geez!  However, on the cheery side, I am happy to have a card to share with you (hopefully Blogger cooperates...lol!).  I know I keep telling you I'm not a cardmaker and I'm convinced of that but I'm working on it.  Although I did make a mistake on this one, I think I'm getting better; I like my attempt at this one eventhough it's still "rough around the edges"...(literally!  I have to get new paper trimmers; they're all well-used and over used...lol):

Oh well, I have an appointment and an errand to get ready for this afternoon, so I'll try to check in with you later.

Have a great day!!!  Thanks for dropping by, hugs, and...

I'll be seeing you!

HELLO!!!

Hello, family-friends!!!  I wanted to drop in to say to "hi" to everyone!!!

I've been visiting with many of you and seeing all the wonderful projects you've made; I'm so disappointed that I've missed so much of all that's been going on.  To those of you that I haven't made it around to dropping in on yet, I'm working on getting to you as soon as I can -- wouldn't want to miss anymore than I already have.  Unfortunately, after a couple hours of sitting, I get really uncomfortable and it begins to put a bit of stress of this poor "ole" back of mine... lol; I'm sorry but I'll have to take a break and get to the rest of you later.  I also apologizie if I couldn't spend as much time as I would have liked with some of you I visited but I guess, with trying to reach out and touch so many, there just isn't enough time with my being so far behind and ALL the many wonderful projects you've completed.  I do hope to catch up eventually on "almost" everything you've done... lol!!!
I'm been so busy lately, my work isn't done yet.  I mentioned on somebody's blog that it seems like whenever I think I can sit down to relax something or someone pulls the cushion from under my tail...lol!!!  I love being busy but I wish I were busy doing more of what I enjoy; however, I'm feeling well, and although a little tired I'm happy, so I don't have a thing to complain about!!!  Things do seem to be winding down for the moment, but...  lol!!! 

Now that I have a few minutes , I think to squeeze in between other things,  I do want to get started working on a project -- I've really missed getting into my craft room over the past several days and I'm so looking forward to it!  Again, when I can get myself where I can to sit comfortably for a "spell" again, I'll be back to visiting.  And, God willing, I hope to have something to share with you when I return.
In the meantime , didn't want you to think I'd forgotten any of you; I've really-really missed you.

Thanks for stopping by, thanks for being here!!!
Hugs, big love, and...

I'll be seeing you!

PRIZE WINNER OF THE "DECORATE TO CELEBRATE" BIRTHDAY HOP!!!

Hello, all!  And welcome to some wonderful new followers!!!  Thank you so much for joining me and my blog family!!!  I'm so glad to see you and look forward to a wonderful relationship!!!  I'll be around to see you as soon as I can... if I can.
Those of you who may have looked for my DT project today over at Sheila's... I've been so busy, I absolutely forgot!!!  I did explain to Sheila, and soon I'll have another little something to share with you over at her place...  I'll let you know the details soon!!!

I do apologize for being away and having to just as quickly rush back out.  As most of you know, I am "attend" to and assist in the care of my aunt and although she's a sweetheart she's also very demanding.   With assisting her and having other immediate home responsibilities, I've been extremely busy the last several days and I'm trying to get through what needs to be done without taxing myself.  I am fine but just not finding crafting/visiting time right now; normally after busy days, I stay up late nights to visit; however, the last few nights I've just been too exhausted to keep my eyes open long enough to probably even get my blog open!  I hope you don't ever think you're forgotten or ignored, believe me I'd much rather be here having a great time with you than what I have to do/am doing!!!

I did return to the dentist yesterday, and with the swelling down, they were finally able to complete a full x-ray, so I wanted to update you and let you know it appears there was no damage from the fall!!!  Didn't I tell you it would all be okay?!!!

A big surprise though was my dentist told me I had freckles... lol!!!  She said I'd probably had them since birth!!!  I never knew I had freckles... and I still don't being I can't see them!!!  I've had everyone who came within a close mile of me -- lol -- examining my face for the freckles and only one relative thought they might have seen them!!!  Go figure, huh?  (She also told me I had a few moles on my cheeks-- thank GOD I can't see those... lol!!!)

Anyway, I have a winner for the DTC Birthday Blog Hop for Brenda and Amy's birthdays.  The number selected by Random.Org is #28.  The 28th commentor is Susan of CricutandGrasshopper.Blogspot.com!!!  Congratulations, Susan!!!  You are the winner of the pad of Pop-Up Cards!!!!

Susan, please contact me at audreyfrel@sbcglobal.net with info on where I can send your RAK.

As I still have something I must get back to this evening, and most-of-the-day errands to run tomorrow, I can't promise I'll have a project for the next day or so to post; however, I will be back as soon as I can.  Hopefully, although I probably won't have a project before Saturday, I will try to get around to doing some visiting (or "lurking") when I can squeeze some moments in in-between.  But I should definitely be done with errands and chores by Saturday!

Love you all, miss you much, and I'll be back with you as soon as I can -- I promise!!!

Hugs, and I'll be seeing you!

DECORATE TO CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY HOP AND CHALLENGE!

Hello, everyone, and welcome to the birthday blog hop for  Rhonda and Amy!   Thank you for joining me and my wonderful friends who are ready to thrill you with their handmade creations in celebration of the birthday girls!!!

The birthday girls, Rhonda and Amy, are super-talented and gifted friends who met on-line and "clicked".  The lovely Rhonda had this incredible idea for a new twist on a challenge blog, so she contacted dear Amy and asked her to share in her idea.  For months now, they have enjoyed being able to Celebrate and share by involving others to participate together by presenting an on-going showcase of handmade goodies to use to Decorate for parties, special occassions, and all fun times!  Their union is how the Decorate to Celebrate Challenge Blog (aka DTC) all began!

To begin the party, we have a great group of crafty designers waiting to inspire you with the projects they've made in honor of Rhonda and Amy's birthday.  By clicking on their blog links you will be directed to their specific blog site.  To start from the beginning, you'll start with the first participant on the list who just happens to be one of our very own birthday girls, Rhonda:

Rhonda http://scraphappenswithrhonda.blogspot.com/ (Our November Birthday Girl!!)

Audrey http://cuteandsome.blogspot.com/
Kacee http://youhadmeatscrap.blogspot.com/
Norma http://pinkblingcrafter.blogspot.com/
Jean http://jeanscraftycorner.blogspot.com/
Liz http://www.mywhichcraft.blogspot.com/
Sherrie http://sherriescraps.blogspot.com/
Cally Ann http://callyanncraftycreations.blogspot.com/
Tracie http://trace-elementz.blogspot.com/
Brenda http://createbyburffrau.blogspot.com/
Amy http://amyscraftingspace.blogspot.com/
Lisa http://indymermaid.blogspot.com/
Sheena http://lilflowerslynne1.blogspot.com/
Peggy Sue http://icrea8cards.blogspot.com/
Carri http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/
Amy http://www.lovetocrop.com (Our December Birthday Girl!!)
Decorate To Celebrate http://decoratetocelebrate.blogspot.com/

Immediately following the hop, you're invited to link your own "Birthday Party" themed project over at the DTC blog site.  Your project can be anything you choose/desire that's birthday related.  DTC will be awarding birthday prizes all month long and there will be a grand prize!  To be eligible to win you must enter at DTC.  Click on the DTC link at the bottom of the participant list get there for details and to enter your project(s)!!!  There may be additional "goodies" along the hop trail; if so, details will be available on each participant's blog.

The project I'll be sharing for this birthday celebration I'm calling "Friendship Is A Key That Opens A Heart To Sweet Things".   I think this is what Rhonda and Amy have did for each other!  The featured project is the plastic heart box filled with bath salts, which I'll have an easy recipe for you at the end of this post.  The holder box for the heart box is shown as an accessory and to bring to life the name I've given this project because that's where the "key" is:

Here are close-ups of the top of both boxes:

To do this project, I started with pieces clay to form the flowers and leaves:

This is what I ended up with:

Next I took the plastic heart box and covered the lid with glass glitter:

I finished it all off by painting the flowers and attaching them to the boxes; for the key on the container box, I simply took an old key and added glass glitter.  Finally, filled the container with bath powder, and I think it came out pretty good!!!  Here is the recipe:

• Sculpey Oven Bake Clay
• Glass Glitter by Marisa Frances
• Martha Steward Decoupage Glue and Sealer
• Mica Pigment Water Color Paint
• Plastic Heart Container (wedding section at a craft or Dollar store)
• Seam Binding
• White Colorbloc Cardstock (for box)

Now, my first giveaway (I have another one -- yeaaa!) is the easy bath powder recipe:

• 1 cup - equal amounts of Epsom Salt and Sea Salt (both can be found at your local grocery)
• 20 drops - Essential or fragrance oil (or favorite perfume to sense/taste)
• 1 to 2 drops - Food coloring (not too much -- a drop or so goes a long way)
• 1/2 tsp. - glycerin (found at your local drugstore)

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until you have a fine powder; let dry for 24 hours.  Now it's ready to add to a decorative container!  Easy!

My second giveaway is a pack of ten (10) all occasion pop-up cards by Paper Flair.  The lucky winner does not have to be a follower.  The requirement is that you leave me a wonderful comment.  Unfortunately, if you win and reside outside the U.S., you will have to be responsible for any additional shipping charges:

Now Kacee's waiting on you with another terrific project!  Hurry along and hop on over!

I hope you enjoyed my project; I certainly enjoyed sharing it with you!  And, I hope you're all having fun celebrating with Rhonda and Amy!!!

Oh, and don't forget to enter and link your own projects for the challenge!

Thanks for stopping by and I love you all!!!  And, of course, I'll be seeing you!