Birthday Club gift

OK, the flowers are not part of the gift, but they sure do look pretty on my back deck!

**

Today's project actually started yesterday Once again (as requested by the soon to be recipient) I have altered a tag book as well as a gift card holder for her July birthday gift.

**

I am really enjoying this year's birthday club. I am enjoying my creative endeavors that the club provides as well as picking out things for the recipients I think they will enjoy.

**

It is very hot here in Maryland and I am looking forward to some more stamping time later today once I finish with the laundry. I am *almost* finished with it. I feel the need for a certain teenager to sort and fold the socks and underwear.

***

I have a violin lesson on Tuesday, I am so looking forward to, I have my follow up Psychiatrist appointment on Monday morning and my group counseling session on Thursday night.

***

Genesis 43:23 "And He (God) said, "Peace be with you, fear not, your God and the God of your fathers has given you treasure in your sacks". This scripture is actually for Simon who was struggling with the financials of his day. Yes, even those in scripture had financial struggles, loneliness issues and issues with self esteem (If you ever doubt that, read the story of David some time, just remarkable what God can truly do). As a follow of Christ, I know that my treasure sack is filled to over-flowing.

***

Giving me the desires of my heart, my earthly representation of God (My husband, Michael) makes sure that the little things are not lacking in my life. He doesn't hesitate to help with meals, help with dishes or for that matter make sure that the boys are also disciplined, cared for and loved much.

**

Today's short little heart prayer is as follows: "Thank you Lord for my Michael. In many ways I feel he was the angel sent in flesh into the lives of me and my children. If it where not for his gentle leading, faith in you and kind patient nature there is no doubt my life would have taken a much different direction. Please watch over him and our family as we continue down this road of life, hoping to serve and love you and be an example to others of your holy love. In Jesus name...

***

Have a great weekend, please stay safe and Stamp Happy!

Tag book -- lot's of fun pictures!

Genesis 15:1

"Fear not, Loretta, for I am your shield and your exceedingly great reward", this is actually spoken to Abraham in the first part of the book. Scripture is for me, in the here and now, so if God has spoken to anyone in the Bible, insert your name in place, as I have above and watch the Lord work great things in your life.

**

For those who have asked in many emails, I'll explain the kit of the month once again.

1. Send me an email (new email is: Ms.Rhetta@gmail.com) with your name and address.

2. I will send you a kit including some embellishments and stamped images so you can make the project.

3. There is NO CHARGE for the kit of the month, you just have to sign up.

**

This month's project will be a tag book. I will cut out various papers in your choice of colors, and will include different stamped images that you can color and assemble in the book how you like. I will even throw in some ribbon and other fun embellishments.

**

Every month's project will be different. Please if you feel so led, you may contribute financially for the cost of materials. However, there is no obligation to do so.

**

For those of you who are asking for more information on my health both mental and physical, I have a follow up appointment on Monday with the Psychiatrist. Now that we have done the initial testing, we will talk about medications, diet and exercise. My idea of exercise is walking to the front porch to let our dogs out.

***

My physical health continues to be about the same. The blood pressure medication I take has now been tripled. Yes you read that correctly. The first medication we tried had an annoying side effect and I'd cough most of the night through. This is much better since the change and over all I am feeling better.

***

The girl I made the pretty pink journal for in my group counseling session, loved the book, she even sent me a text message to my cell phone telling me how excited she was to have received it. As I get to know these (all ladies) I will be making more projects tailored to each individual. Something to let them know I am thinking of them and that yes they are special.

***

Have a great night, don't forget about blog candy, a picture of this month's goodies are on the side bar, please remember a $25.00 gift cert to Michael's or AC Moore (your choice) is also up for grabs. Please spread the word on your personal blogs, face book, etc.

***

Stamp Happy and know that you are truly loved!

Start of blog candy -- Altered Dry Erase board project

As we look forward to the anniversary of the founding of our great nation, it is important to once again remember we where founded so we would have freedom of religion. One nation under GOD.

**

The altered dry erase board project took me about 6 total hours to complete with three hours or so added onto the process for drying times.

I basically deconstructed a dry erase board I received many years ago while working at a Physician's office.

It was magnetic and had the pharmacy drug name on the board. I basically tore it apart and reinforced the original board with heavy weight chip board and started adding layers of paper to construct the frame. I have a roll of dry erase material that I used for the base.

**

This beautiful project would look great with a personal picture on the outside door cover and inside of the door. The door is held closed with a Velcro dot.

***

First blog candy, an altered note pad and a $25.00 gift certificate to your place of choice, Michael's, AC Moore or Wal-mart. Please leave a comment any where on my blog. Candy will run until July 16 with more goodies being added every week. ** First Kit of the month is a surprise, if you want a fun 3-D project and would like to become part of my kit of them month please send me an email to ms.rhetta@verizon.net with your name and address. There is NO COST for being part of my project club. If you feel led, I appreciate any Pay pal donations you would like to gift.

**

Have a great day and Stamp Happy!

Altered Dry erase board -- lots of pictures!

Before showing you the pictures of the project I finished today, I would like to share this video with you;

The Second Verse

Please take a couple of minutes to click here.

I know that some of you who are regular readers of my blog may be offended by the words to the second verse of the Star Spangled Banner, or say, Loretta is just trying to help this person with their campaign.

No, the second verse is about the men and women you see above. Who are they? Well, to tell you the truth, I know many of the individuals in these photos on the bottom photo on the right, in the cute Hawaiian shirt is my hero, Michael.

These men and women have at one time or another for varied amounts of time served our country on active duty in one of the many branches of Military service. They are the defenders of our freedom. Many of them even though they have retired and have moved onto jobs in the corporate community are still in one way or another serve our nation.

I have goose bumps just thinking about the many sacrifices that have been made, the freedom that we all have in great part is a gift from men and women just like those who you see in the photos above.

Onto another subject; Tami, your blog candy went postal on Friday. Once again, time and circumstance have delayed the progress of getting it postal for you. Thank you for your patience. Please email me when you receive the package.

I will begin some more "Crafty" stuff on the blog, sorry I don't have a store set up as of yet, my go-daddy payment got kicked out by pay pal and I had to start all over again. It was such a pain to sit on the phone with Pay pal for so long, but I was pleased with the customer service and the outcome was positive.

Blog candy will begin on 6/23/2010. Be watching for pictures and details. Have a great week. Tomorrow's post will be about my doctor's appointment. I will meet with a Psychiatrist (a doctor whose specialty is mental health, remember God created your brain and your heart he wants you to be a whole person -- the more well you are the better you can glorify him).

As a follower of Christ Jesus, I am a living - breathing testimony to his greatness, I am looking forward to being totally free of any depression issues and continuing to serve my God in both the community and in my own home. Love to all of you, have a great day and GO STAMP! It diffidently makes me happy!

What a cute card! Wow two posts in one day!

How fun is this? The stamp is called "Dewight", the image is from High Hopes rubber stamps, I purchased him and some others from 7kids college fund. I am so thankful to all of you for your continued support and love. The image is colored with copic markers and accented with glitter and crystal lacquer.

I am staying busy today, it is the first day of summer vacation, and what happens? It has been storming here most of the day, which means that the pool is closed. Chad is keeping occupied by playing video games. I am going to encourage him to read and do school type book reports during the summer so that his brain doesn't turn to mush.

I am pretty excited, I am stalking my mail lady for Chad's report card. If he holds true to form, he will have made the honor roll for the entire school year. Now that is worth celebrating.

Have a blessed day. A special thanks to Barb and Kris who are always there for me, they keep me encouraged, listen when I cry and so much more.

Stamp Happy,

Today's struggles will be tomorrow's victory

No kidding friends, I have the very best husband ever!

***

As I have been blogging about my current depression issues, he has been non-stop supportive of me and of my willingness to not only share my feelings but to have the ultimate goal of being the person God truly can use as he continues to mold me into his image.

**

Yesterday I barely got out of bed. Yes the depression was that bad. Today is much better, once again in great part to that husband of mine. He had an early morning dental appointment, and came back home just to give me a hug and re-assure me. He also reminded me when I have a funk like yesterday, I should reach out and talk to him. I am actually looking forward to the 22, and beginning to see a Psychiatrist. It is my goal to also seek individual counseling.

***

Just because we (you and me) suffer from depression there is not a stigma attached to that. I would rather be honest about my struggles than to "put on" a happy face and lie. When you are open and honest about your feelings and share them with others, not only will you feel better you will be better.

***

Tami, once again I am so sorry I haven't made the post office, I should throw in a couple extra goodies since I am so darn tardy with the blog candy.

***

Have a great day, be blessed, hang onto hope and know that you are very much loved.

It's about the Journey.

Hello Friends; First of all, I would like to thank the dozens of people who have either left comments or sent emails regarding my last post. I hope that my honesty and openness regarding my own personal depression struggle will not only help many but offer you hope. ** As I have shared with you previously, I go to a group counseling service weekly. One of the ladies is really struggling right now with many issues. Of course confidentiality rules and I can not share any details here on the blog regarding specifics. *** I have decided to try and encourage her by offering her this journal. It measures 5 1/4" X 11" and was cut using my Cricut machine. Each and very detail is put together in a way I hope will help her to document (it is a journal) her feelings, hopes and dreams in a pretty and sophisticated way. I will let you all know later in the week what her reaction to this gift is. *** Tami, I have not forgotten about you, due to circumstances beyond my control (OK not really but kinda sorta) your box will most likely go postal Monday with the blog candy inside. I put my 1997 Honda Accord in the shop on Friday. I had gotten side-swiped by someone in the parking lot at a local mall causing the metal on the passenger rear door to ripple. I love my "mom-mobile" and plan to keep it a few more years. It is already 13 years old but only has 80,400 miles on it. It runs like a charm and I enjoy it very much. *** Have a great Sunday. Be encouraged, claim hope and enjoy some peace and love. As always, Stamp Happy my friends! **

Extra-Extra Read all about it! BIG CHANGES COMING YOUR WAY!

This picture was taken last year at Chad's 8th grade graduation ceremony. Since I needed a picture for today's blog post, I chose this one. He is even taller now. I really need to copy off some of our Arizona trip pictures for you guys to see. ** Here is the big news, I've bought a domain name. Very soon, you will be able not only to see items I am making but to purchase them at reasonable prices, individually or in larger quanities at great prices with low shipping costs. ** There will be more prizes, a chance to join the "Loretta stamping club" where for one flat rate per year I send you a "kit" for every month's main project. There is going to be more video's, more give aways, more blog candy and of course fun things to do. ** To squash any rumors, yes I have decided (and started) with group counseling we meet on Tuesday's and discuss everything from depression issues to substance abuse. I'm really enjoying and gaining both greater self-esteem and learning more about myself. ** I have requested from my Primary Doctor a referall for a Psychatrist. My current anti-depressent is working, but not as well as I feel it should. I am looking forward to the meeting and want to share with you my feelings. ** God cares just as much about your brain as your heart. I you suffer from a chemical imbalance just like one would suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure, it's time to take care of those issues. The God of the universe does not find joy in the suffering of his people. ** I have had much love, encouragement and success in this persuit. I am feeling much better and with a great family unit and friends who love me, I know that no matter what events life throws at me I am able to adapt and overcome any adversity. ** Take time this summer to care for yourself. Take time to stamp, volunteer, play with the kids at the pool and do things that bring both you and those around you joy. Have a wonderful day, and STAMP HAPPY!

Tami is the winner!! BLog candy announcement!

Hi Stampers! Happy Wednesday

We had some fraud on our checking account and it is driving me nuts! We closed the account and reopened a new one, of course there are a few things that still need to clear the old account and I am still dealing with those. Not to mention I do many of our bill payments online and it is time consuming to take the time to go in and change all of those varing accounts to the new informaton!

I hope you are all doing well, I am feeling much better, however I have developed yet another annoying cough. I keep taking OTC medication, and all that is doing is making me sleepy. So that means that my loving family is a big help when it comes to taking care of the housework and other "domestic" issues. It is finally starting to rain here, for which I for one am very thankful.

Sorry for no pictures today, I just finished up yet another cute tag book, this time in shades of red. I love the way it came together. It is part of a gift for a birthday club I am a member of,and I am enjoying the club so much this year. All of the gals are so great and wonderfully chatty.

Now for what you've been waiting for, blog candy is going to: Tami!

Here is her post.

Sorry that blogger would not allow me to post her comment alone, but I hope you all understand.

Tami, email me at ms.rhetta@verizon.net to claim your goodies include your snail mail information and what color you would like your "Jumbo paperclip" Name plate. There are going to be a few surprises int he package other than the stamps I had previously shown in the posts.

I am looking foward to spending time with my best friend Barb on Friday. We always have such a good time together. Have a great day and Stamp happy!