HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY TO ME

Happy Birthday to me! I'm 50 and loving it. Thanks to all my wonderful friends who just made this the best birthday ever. Lots of Red Hat gifts all wrapped up in red and purple. Just wanted to share a few pictures with you today. I'm exhausted! Worked all day then came home and opened gifts took a few pics then it was off shopping and out to dinner with the kids. I need to take a shower and get to bed soon. Hmmmm guess my age is catching up with me. More to share tomorrow!

Stamping Trails
Karen 205.....and 50!

More Birthday Cards

Just wanted to share some more birthday cards with you. These are from Kat. She really showed me the love this year. Lots of wonderful cards from her. Big Hugs Kat!!!

The butterfly card is from a very old friend Marianne. We met years ago when Sarah wasn't even one year old. We were living in SC in a trailer park. Both our guys were stationed in Navy. It was very hard for me being away from home for the first time with a new baby. Marianne made the time fun and not so scary for me. Over the last few years we have lost touch and not spoken. I was very surprised and happy to receive this beautiful card made by her. I plan to write her a very long letter this weekend and see if we can get our friendship going again. During all these years I never stopped thinking about you Kym (Marianne's nickname). Hope we can talk soon.

Stamping Trails
Karen 205

PS......signing off for the last time in my 40's. In a few hours I'll be 50! Looking forward to opening up all these gifts from friends that are all over my living room floor.

Sharing More Pictures

So I didn't have 50 candles on the tie dyed cake Sarah got for me. I got sparklers! A number 5 and a star for the zero. Pretty cool. Loved the cake.
Two little girls are Lillian and Sarah. Both wanted bows on there heads. They are just too cute! Sarah got me the traditional Birthday Barbie. Tony always got me a Barbie for my birthday so Sarah has picked up that tradition since he has been gone. This is a designer Barbie by Kate Spade. And speaking of Barbie....it's her 50th birthday also. The guitar books are another gift from Cheryl and my nephews. These were books that me and Tony use to take to music lessons back in the day.

That's it for today. More tomorrow!

Stamping trails
Karen 205

Birthday Party!

I'll write more later as I'm still choked up. The family had a 50 birthday party for me today. Cheryl, Corbet and Neil gave me a very special gift. A guitar that belonged to my brother Tony. Tony had told Cheryl that he wanted me to have this guitar when I turned 50. Crying as I'm writing this. So I'll share more pictures and stories about today later.

Hot

It is so hot!!!! Been in the upper 80's for the past two days....I'm melting!!!!! I was hoping the weather would stay warm for my birthday party hubby is throwing for me this Sunday. According to the weather forecast at this point its suppose to be 67 on Sunday. That isn't to bad but 70's would be better.

I'm off to work. Running a bit late this morning. Hoping the day goes by fast. I'll be working on Saturday but only for 4 hours. Then I have to make bean bags for the corn hole game. They have one at the school that Skip is borrowing for the party but he can't find the bean bags so I'll be whipping some up after work.

Stamping Trails
Karen 205

Homemade Cinnamon Apple Sauce

I made applesauce for the first time. I love cinnamon and I love it even more with applesauce. This recipe is easy and is made in a crock pot. I got it all ready and made it while I was sleeping. The house smelled so good!!!! Was wonderful warm. Mixed some in my oatmeal. GOOD STUFF!!!! Here's how you can make your own batch:

6 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples. (I used homegrown red Ohio apples)
1/2 cup water
3 Teaspoons ground cinnamon

Mix together in crock pot, set on low for 8 hours. That's it! Easy as....should I dare say it? Yes I will.......Easy as PIE!!!!!

What Lies Beneath

So the roof is finished! Happy about that. They will be putting on the new siding next. Will take a week to get that job finished. On one of the pictures you'll see why I titled this blog entry "What Lies Beneath" It's because of the wasp nest that were under the eves of the house. YUCK!!!!!! I'll have to get Skip to get them down before the siding goes on. We are also going to have dome skylights in the upstairs bathroom and in the garage. I think this will be great! Skip has to do the inside work on the lights. The roofers just put the domes up.

Well off to another day of work. I'm still counting down the days. Seems like they are getting longer.

Stamping Trails
Karen 206

Canned Pumpkin

So glad that canned pure pumpkin is back on the shelves at the local grocery store. The crop was bad last season and there wasn't much to go around after the holidays. To celebrate it being back in stock I made pumpkin spice muffins.

1 box Spice cake mix
1 can pure pumpkin (not pie filling mix)
3 large egg whites.

Mix all together. I used a hand blender and mixed for about 2 mins on medium.

Preheat oven to 350

spray muffin pans with cooking spray. Fill each well 3/4 way full. Bake for 20 minutes. Makes 18 nice size muffins. YUM!!!!

Went to my first red hat meeting. They have some lively girls there. I did volunteer to make cards that can be sent to member that need some pick me ups. I was a little disappointed that the "Queen" didn't open the card I made for her. She was busy conducting the meeting and keeping some of the other lively ladies in check. Some of them are a bit on the noisy side. They were all very nice ladies and made me feel welcomed! I did sign up so I'm now a member of the Scarlet Orchids.

Sarah joined me in Strongsville today after the meeting we went to Pat Catan's, then she came home an visited with me for a bit. The roofers are up on the roof now hammering away. Hope they wrap up soon for the day. Had to park my car on the road. After they go I'll go and and take a few pics to share.

Stamping Trails
Karen 206

Hats Off!

I made this card for the Queen of the Scarlet Orchids. I'll be going to my first Red Hat meeting tomorrow. I got the 1/2 vacation day so I can attend. I wanted to make a thank you card to give the Queen! I'm happy she contacted me and this group sounds like a good fit for me. Colors River Rock, Mango, and Elegant Eggplant.

Well got some not so good news today at work but I guess that will depend on how I look at it. To be vested so I'll get some type of pension from the job I'll have to stay 5 years. Which will be this October 4th. Okay that I can do even though it will make me work the date of the big change, which is the whole reason I'm leaving anyway. I spoke to HR today. If I stay till the end of October which is our fiscal year I'll get my bonus for the end of the year that they pay out two weeks before Christmas. So I have some thinking to do. The bonus is a good incentive, but I still don't know if I can handle the stress. So I'm thinking I'll take one day at a time and see how it goes. I've really had my heart set on leaving at the end of the this month. To my friends and readers I'm going to need some big time encouragement to see me through to Oct 31.

Stamping Trails
Karen 206

VINTAGE!!!

I've been so busy this weekend that I didn't get any stamping time in. I just keep thinking I only have two more weeks then I'll have all the stamping time I want. Can't wait!!!! My friend Lisa sent me a "vintage" card that I made for her years ago. Stamp set Botanical Gardens by SU. It's so funny to me that even after all these years I still remember making this card, and I still like it!

This next card is # 1 in a set of 4 birthday cards that Kat has made me for my birthday. The girls are keeping a Red Hat theme going for me since I'll be 50 and joined the Red Hatters. And speaking of Red Hats.... I found a group to join, YAY! They meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month in Strongsville and the group name is The Scarlet Orchids. Can't wait for the first meeting. Since its this Tuesday at 1 pm I'm going to try to get a 1/2 vacation day. I'll ask tomorrow. I know it's late notice but I'm hoping I can work it out. If not I'll shoot for next month. I'm so excited!!!!

Thanks for the card Kat. I love it!!! I remember doing a hat card using this pattern for a Mother's day class I had several years ago. Glad you were able to use the pattern to make me this card!

Stamping Trails
Karen 206

Scraps

Well the scrap bag is over flowing with pieces and parts from other stamping projects. So I pulled out some stuff to make this jack-o-lantern card. Base card is 5 1/2 x 5 1/2. The top part of the card was cut off at 2 1/4 then the scallops were added. Other colors, Espresso, Daffodil, designer paper.

I'm pretty tired after working all week, and my work week isn't over yet. I'm working 8 hours tomorrow, and speaking of tomorrow I really should get to bed. At least I don't have to be there at 8 I start at 9.

Stamping trails
Karen 206

Just in time for Halloween.......

It's a real scary spider! I found this on the outside of the sliding glass door that leads out of our kitchen. Been living in OH for years and have never seen a spider like this. I'm totally creeped out and scared!!!! Don't like spiders AT ALL!!!!

I got my son John to come out and look at it. And of course he thought it was awesome. He touched it and got it to move so he could get a picture of its underside. YUCK!!!!



Click on the pictures if you DARE....to see a larger view of this creepy crawly.

So I didn't share with you that I took a fall off my bicycle Monday night. I wanted to ride the bike up to the school where hubby works and ride home with him since he had ridden his bike to work. He doesn't get off work till 11pm so it was dark out. I rode the same path I always ride, but I mis-judged the curb and the bike fell and I fell over the bike. I put my left arm out to break the fall. I think it scared me more than it hurt me, but I'm feeling it today. My shoulder, arm, and knee hurts. At least I didn't break anything.

Stamping Trails
Karen 206

Bag Lady Witch

I got this card from Connie a few days ago. Just have to laugh!!! The first time I saw this bag stamp I thought of the unknown comic that use to appear on the Chuck Barris Gong Show. Thanks for the smile Connie!

Well its getting closer to the end of the month with each passing day. Getting harder to go to work each day knowing I'll be leaving soon. To my friend Kat......I CAN DO IT!



Stamping Trails
Karen 206

Miss You

Here is another new stamp set from SU! Have a Seat. I like the simple design of the chairs. Looking at them just reminded me of my friends that aren't here to sit in my chairs at the table with me. When Lisa, Connie and I were stationed in Guam (that is where we met) we use to meet at my house and have craft days. Those were fun times that I truly miss. Anyway this is for you gals.....Miss you!!!!!

Colors Espresso, Tango, Marina Mist. The embossing folder is another one from Tim Holtz. Love the vintage look of this folder. Sprayed the card with gold glimmer.

Stamping trails
Karen 206

Corn Maze

Just sharing pictures with you today. Skip took me to a corn maze. Never been through one before. Perfect day for it...beautiful out. The pic with the flags shows the end of the maze. We got through it! It was long. One picture shows how the maze was laid out. Sometimes Skip lead the way and when he got to a dead end it was my turn to lead. If you haven't been through one I highly recommend going. Price was 6.00 each. So not bad for a few hours of fun and lots of turns. Enjoy!

Hippy Birthday

So me and Sarah made invitations to my birthday party. Date has been set for the 26th. Skip booked a pavilion at a local park. Sarah wanted a theme party so we are going with the 60's as that's when I was born. We are encouraging guest to dress in 60's clothes. Should be fun.

Well I have to go to bed putting in some overtime at work tomorrow. JOY

Stamping Trails
Karen 206

With Sympathy

Sad news to share today. My friend Karen's brother was killed late Wednesday night. Keith was a dairy farmer (54 yrs old). He was out around 11 pm to rescue one of his calf's from the road and was hit by a car. The car was driven by an 18 year old girl. She was treated and released from the hospital. Karen' mom also passed away 2 months ago. We are taking up a collection for her at work, and are having a bake sale Monday to help raise money for her. Along with this tragedy Keith was killed on Karen's daughter Sarah 11th birthday.

I made this card for co-workers to sign. Made using Rich Razzleberry, and Wild Wasabi.

Stamping trails
Karen 206

Honey Bun!

OMG this Honey Bun cake is so yummy! An added bonus....the cinnamon makes the house smell so good while it's baking. I came across this recipe from a gal on Weight Watchers. Its a little bit more work to make but so worth it. You want the recipe...don't you? This cake is better than Cinnabon. Really it is and with less fat. Okay I'll share the recipe now that I built it up:)

heat oven 350 spray 13x2x9 pan with cooking spray



1 box yellow cake mix
4 egg whites
2/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1 cup light sour cream

combine and mix till moist, then beat on medium speed with mixer for 2 minutes
Pour half the batter (about 2 cups) in pan

In another small bowl mix 1/2 cup brown sugar ( I use Splenda brown sugar)
and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this over the batter in the pan. Next and this is the tricky part pour remaining batter over the sugar/cinnamon layer. I say this is tricky because the batter is thick and if your not careful you'll pull up the sugar layer (this is so worth the extra work!!) Before you pop this in the oven take a knife an run through the cake in a swirl pattern. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove and let cool in the pan for a bit.

For the topping: Mix 2 tablespoons fat free milk with 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar. While cake is still warm drizzle glaze over cake. YUM!!!!!

You can eat this cold, but I like mine warm and heat up left overs in the micro wave. I made this for Labor Day and the family ate the entire cake. Well in all fairness there were 5 of us and Sarah did take some home with her...didn't want to you think were are a bug of piggies.

I received another Birthday card. Love this one also!!! Thanks Kat. Although upon reading the card I don't think this was meant for my birthday. I think this is a RAK that Kathy sent me. Either way it's great!!!!

I came home from work today and grabbed some dinner then took off on the bike for a ride. It was a prefect day to bike ride. Rode up to visit Skip at work at the school. He took a break and we chatted for bit. Doing wash right now. Need to finish up and get ready to hit the sack. Will this week ever end? Tired of working and really want the end of Sept to just be here already.

Stamping Trails
Karen 206

My First 50th Birthday Card!

I received my first birthday card yesterday. I just love it!!!! Really made my day after a long hard day at work. Thanks Lisa! Funny thing about the card. I made a card using the red hat lady seen here on this card well over a year ago. Lisa used her from the card I made to make me a new card. How cool!!! Turning 50 won't be so bad if I get cool cards like this one. Lisa did send me a big box of birthday gifts, but I didn't open them yet. Waiting for the end of the month to do that.

Well I'm running a bit late this morning so I'm off to get ready for work. I won't be saying that too much longer.....thank goodness!!!!!

Stamping Trails
Karen 206

Owl in a Tree

Skip and I went to the drive in tonight. Here it is 3 in the morning and I'm still up. Hmmm I'll need to get to bed soon as we have a family picnic tomorrow.

The card used the new SU owl punch. The tree background was made with Tim Holtz tree embossing folder. I started with white cardstock, ran it through the Big Shot, then used champagne shimmery paint just on the raised parts of the tree. It's easy to do this just by putting some of the paint on a stamping sponge. After that dried I inked up a clean sponge with Espresso ink and lightly went over the tree again. Designer paper by Basic Grey. Word stamp I picked up at Hollo's last weekend. Oh the witch hat on the owl was drawn free hand then cut out.

So now I really need to get to bed!!

Stamping Trails
Karen 206

These Boots...

Are made for being Witchy! I picked up this stamp set at Archiver's a few weeks ago. Just love the boots!!! Stamps by Stampendous! Stamped the boots on designer paper. I believe this paper came from SU! several years ago. Popped the boots on the stamped image. Also cut out the buckles from back. Ribbon I've had for a few years. Not sure I really like it with this card, but it's do-able.

I'm really tired so I'm turning in early tonight. Happy that its Friday and we have a 3 day weekend. YAY

Skip called me from work a few hours ago and asked me if I would like party for my birthday and I said yes. We are having it on the 25th. It's a few days before the 50th birthday but I'm good with it. Wish my gal pals from TX could be here!!!!

Stamping Trails
Karen 206

BOO

Okay this carton has lots going on. The ghost was made using the new owl punch in the SU catalog. Just cut the legs off turn upside down and you got a ghost! The eyes were also made with the same punch. Mouth and Boo was hand drawn. For the carton I started with lined black cardstock I got from Hollo's this weekend. After it was cut with the milk carton die I ran it through the web embossing folder by Cuttlebug. The sparkle was added with shimmery paint. Just a little will do ya with this paint.

Yesterday I felt like a contestant on the Biggest Loser. I went for a bike ride after work then I stopped on the way home and picked up Subway for dinner. I remember on Biggest Loser Bob took his group on a 5 mile hike and ended up having lunch at Subway then hiked back to the ranch. Looking forward to the next season.

Stamping Trails
Karen 206

Let's Take a Second Look

I was thinking about this carton last night as I was going to bed and I really didn't like the bare circle opening in it. So this morning I broke out my long forgotten scallop circle punches by Marvy and did some dress up work. First punched out a small circle from cream cardstock then took that piece of cardstock and punched again using the smallest scallop circle punch I had and I must say I'm much happier with how it looks now.

Can you believe it's September 1st? I know I can't! Only 29 more days till I'm 50...can't believe that one either!!!!! My goal for this month is just to lose enough weight to get under 200 by my birthday. I know I can make that.

Gotta run or I'll be late for work......and oh I did decide to leave my job on Oct 1....can't wait. I'll have so much more time to do the things I want to do and I won't be yelled at anymore by upset customers. YAY

Stamping Trails
Karen 206