Tranquil Moments

simple things: week 4

I found this angel mama holding her baby and just had to get it. Not only are they both dressed up in Valentine attire but the day itself has such special meaning to me. These 2 sit on the edge of the sink in our guest bathroom {which is all decked out in Valentines decor :) }  I smile every time I see them sitting there..reminds me of my sweet baby Valentine girl who I miss dearly. ♥ 

 *This post is part of a weekly challenge to capture "The Simple Things" in life hosted by Rebecca Cooper. Click on the button below to see more wonderful entries.*

simple things: week 3

After a long rehearsal morning....and even in the winter when it's freezing outside I still want my favorite treat, PINKBERRY!! It's so delicious! And yes, I will sit there and shiver through every.scrumptious.bite!! Hee hee :)

{blood orange/original swirl w/cheescake bites, raspberries, white chocolate shavings & wafer cookie}

 *This post is part of a weekly challenge to capture "The Simple Things" in life hosted by Rebecca Cooper. Click on the button below to see more wonderful entries.*

simple things: week 2

Spent the day at my sister's house on Saturday! We had a great time with friends and family {and, of course, holding the baby! ;) } And.....eating all this food! OMGOSH it was so good! Strawberries in December you ask? YEP! Only in California. haha

*This year Im joining Rebecca in the weekly Simple Things photo post.*

simple things: week 1

Sleeping baby boo. ♥ 

Sometimes nothing is sweeter than watching my nephew sleep. Christmas Day was spent with the whole Carter gang together at my sister's house. There was a lot of baby snuggling with this little guy. He is so content in Grandi's arms. :)

Christmas is now over and it's time to pack it all up for the year. I still need to take some photos of the tree and ornaments. I can hardly believe 2011 is already gone but it's time for a new year and a new start. 2012 is here!!!

*This year Im joining Rebecca in the weekly Simple Things photo post. Im looking forward to capturing the simple things in my life in photos.*

 

Half Marathon!

On Sunday, March 13th I ran my first half marathon! What a rush! I've been training for months, and even tho I wasn't fully ready (due to travel) I still made it to the finish. I love this photo with the CALIFORNIA CAPITOL in the background!

My official time was 2:31 (11:35 PR) A little slow for me but not too shabby! I had my Nike+ on tracking my every move. The first 8 miles I was running a very strong 10:30 PR. Then I hit the "slow" wall and really started dragging. Wish I had been better but there's always next time.

 

This race was to raise money for Baylee's Scholarship Fund at Project Ride. The fund pays for special needs children to ride horses theraputically whose families cannot afford the sessions. My goal was to raise $500. My sister-in-law Kim, her neighbor Karen, and 2 coworkers Sonya and Cindy also ran the race. We all had a goal of $500. Duane didn't run however he sure helped us gather sponsors. The total amount we raised was over $5200.00 Well beyond our individual goals!!! :) What a blessing!!

Here's a pic of the 5 of us at the start line.......
 

It's not too late to sponsor us!! Just click here to donate via paypal on the Project Ride website. Type in Baylee Rose Tadlock Scholarship Fund and include your amount in the boxes. Or you can send a check to:
Project Ride
8840 Southside Ave.
Elk Grove, CA 95624
(write Baylee Rose Tadlock Scholarship Fund on the memo line)
Your donation is 100% tax deductible.

Thank you all so much!

Valentine Gifts

I wish I would have taken photos of the others but at least there is this to share. I made a cover for a large chocolate bar using some items from my stash, from the dollar spot at Target (my favorite store) and from my January CC2G Kit. I think my favorite is the heart pick...it's all fuzzy and looks like a real lollipop. :) I tied it all up with a notebook. Thanks for taking a look!

 
 

Under construction

It's a new year and my blog is going thru a total makeover. It's about time too as this is so old. ugh. I've been thru too much to even think about what i want it to include but have so much to share. So....I will be back soon...........

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2011

CupCards {to go} November Blog Hop

Yiiippppeeeeeeeeeee! It's finally that time of year .... time for the Christmas Blog Hop!! This kit is getting me all ready for the creating season!! I can't wait to dig in even more and get some gifts created. If you hopped over here from Roree's Blog then you're in the right place. So hippity hop along and leave some comments of luv along the way! How cute are these itty-bitty red stockings?

 

Now hop on over to the talented Wendi and see what she has to show you!

 

world card making day 2010

Happy World Card Making Day! Today is the one special day of the year JUST for card makers. Right up my alley right? Oh i love it! I've got a super busy day planned....I'll be teaching a card class this morning using some product from the October CupCards {to go} kit. I'm taking my business on the road and bringing some fun to a lot of ladies! Can't wait! So I thought I'd share the 3 cards we will be making in the class..

 

What are you doing for WCMD 2010? How about stopping at a few of these places on the web and joining in the fun!

Elle's Studio Blog
Paper Posies Community
Paper Crafts Blog
Scrapbook Cards & Today Blog

or Take the PaperCrafts Blog Tour to see a whole bunch of inspiration! ENJOY!

Hope you create a lot of cards today! :)

 

 
 
 

CupCards {to go} October Blog Hop

Yippy! Another designer blog hop! So excited to show you a peek and see what all the designers have to show you! If you hopped over here from Kay's blog then you're in the right place. No worries if you didnt...just jump over to the home page and start from there so you dont miss anything. I just love this time of year, Fall is the best!

Now hop on over to the fabulous DANNI and see what she has for you! ENJOY THE HOP!

Went Red!

Today I decided to go red, which is CRAAAAAAAAAZY!! And of course, blog worthy!! Much RED'er than I thought it would be but hey, it's a good change, right??! Now I need some pics so I can scrap a few pages. LOL

CupCards {to go} September Blog Hop

Good Morning! If you've made it here from Hilary's blog you're in the right place. If not, start over on the home page and hop from there so you don't miss any of the peeks. Here's my peek to share with all of you. The pretty purple flower is made out of organza ribbon...so pretty!! And don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a prize!  Now hop on over to the fabulous Melanie to see what she has to show you!

A reminder for you.....September Kits go on sale THIS Friday, August 27th at 6pm PT/9pm ET. Have a great day!

Prayer Journal Winner!

Hi Everyone! Thanks for all your sweet comments!! The random winner of the journal is:

Sonda... These are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!

Thank you so much for the chance to win one!
-Tara

WOOOHOOO Tara!! You were the lucky girl! Please email me your mailing address and I will get it out to you asap!

I have another one in the works that is green!! I'll put it up next week so stay tuned!

Prayer Journal Giveaway #2

Hi everyone! I have another prayer journal to giveaway. I've had a lot of feedback on these pretty little things so I am offering another one here on my blog! Leave a comment below (make sure to include your name) and I will draw a name next Wednesday, 8/11.  This one is made with MM white paint, paper by October Afternoon, and lots of embellishments from the July Paper Posies Kit. Some of the inside papers are lightly stamped with some of my favority nature stamps (birds, branches, trees, flowers, etc)
The journal is approximately 3.5x5  Perfect size!
Hope you like it! :)

Thanks and have a great weekend!

CC2G August Blog Hop

Hi everyone! If you made it here from Danni's blog then you're in the right place! For the month of August, we are sending you all to the BEACH for a little relaxation and some creative card making! And who doesn't love the beach, right?I love it so much and could spend all my waking hours just watching the waves roll in, inhaling the salty sea air and burying my toes in the sand. Here's a little sneakie peek for you. The stamp SET this month is from LawnFawn, a brand new stamp company that you are all going to LOVE! How fun is that?!

Now hop on over to Chrys' blog and see what she has planned to show you! Leave some comments along the way so you'll be entered to win one of the prizes!! And get ready to grab your kit on Monday, August 2nd at noon PT (a new time!!) over on the CC2G home page!
 

July CupCards {to go}

Wow Wee! What fun to work with a card kit again!! The July CupCards {to go} kit is now on sale here! We've got alot to show you! Take a look at what the designers created in the gallery. They knock my socks off every month! Amazing amazing designs! There are even samples of what you can create with your leftover kit supplies (should you have any)...from gift bags to notecard sets...lots to choose from.

Here are a few cards I made with the kit. (the stamp is not included but it's still cute. ;) )
 

This card is for the sketch here. I love this cherry stamp! Definitely will be using it a lot more!

These precious little daisies are included in the kit! 

And last is a special card made with our Topping of the Month. Cherry Bling!! LOVE IT!

 

So what do u think? Aren't the little doilies adorable? Those are included too!! This kit is packed and full of all kinds of embellishments! I hope you go over and scoop yours up today! Thanks so much for stopping by! xoxo 

CupCards {to go} July Kit Blog Hop

Wooohooo! It's time for another blog hop from all the creative designers! If you have arrived here from Hilary's Blog then you are in the right place. If you missed it then start over on the Home Page so you dont miss any good sneaks. ;)

Leave a comment along the way on all the blogs for a chance to win a mini summer stamp set. It's so cute and perfect for summer cards.

Now continue to hop on over to our FABULOUS Guest Designer, Sarah Martina, to see what she has to show you. Kits go on sale next Thursday, July  1st at 6pm PT. Get Ready!

Thanks for stopping by! xoxo

CupCards {to go} Blog Hop#2

Hello Everyone! If you made it here from Michele's Blog then you are in the right place! Otherwise start at the beginning here so you dont miss any sneak peeks.  They are fabulous! I am so glad I can participate in the blog hop this week. Sometimes it's hard for the owner to find some spare time to create but I was so excited to play with some paper and cards again! I hope you enjoy all the peeks you are seeing. There's a mini stamp set to giveaway so make sure you leave comments along the way and one random person will be the lucky chosen one!  Now head on over to the CC2G Facebook page where you will end the hop...become a fan and leave a comment. Kits go on sale next Tuesday, June 1st at 6pm PT over on the home page! Set ur alarms! :)

Thanks for stopping by! xoxo

a quick update

I'm just going to post here what is over on Baylee's webpage. I'll post an update as soon as I am able.

 

Hello,

 

We want to make sure all of our friends know the latest update with Baylee.  Friday, July 10, 2009, Baylee had an MRI that revealed she has a very aggressive Tumor that is dominating the left side of her brain and extends down into her spinal cord.  Baylee has been given anywhere from a few weeks to three months to live.  Hospice care was started on, July 13, 2009.  Any treatment would be horrific and futile.

 

With this type of tumor the patient usually just falls to sleep.  There are rare occasions that severe headaches are involved.  Our prayer request is that Baylee goes in her sleep very soon and there are no headaches.  We want Baylee to go to sleep while she is still smiling, giving hugs, kisses and before she suffers or realizes what is going on.

 

Our family and church family have scheduled meals to be delivered to us each day.  They are also running any errands that we may have.

 

Please pass this information on to whom ever you wish to.

Thank you for your support and prayers.

irons in the fire

I'm not really sure where this post is going today.  I've had so much on my mind lately about everything....life, the biz, family, the house, friends, Bay, school, not enough sleep, you name it!!  Too many irons in the fire for sure.  I'd like to think it keeps me young, keeps me going, keeps me moving.  Yesterday, I was struggling with a very tough decision, one I admittedly was trying to make on my own.  Not on my own as in by myself without Duane, but as in not seeking God's help.  I took Bay for a walk (we go for an hour) and decided it was the perfect time to ask the Lord to help us.  To lead us in the right direction.  I feel like we've been on this path for so long going absolutely no where.  Lost.  Wandering.  We came to a fork in the road, turned left instead of right, and are trying to get back where we belong.  siiiiiiiigh.  It's been a long road to say the least. 

Today I received this wonderful quote from a dear friend of mine.  Maybe you know her...Angela, the owner of Unity Stamp Co.  Anyways, here's the quote:

"Often we allow ourselves to be upset by small things we should despise and forget. We lose many irreplaceable hours brooding over grievances that, in a year's time, will be forgotten by us and by everybody.

No, let us devote our life to worthwhile actions and feelings, to great thoughts, real affections and enduring undertakings." -Andre Maurois

 

Thank You, Angela, for emailing that one out today!  What an eye opener.  It made me remember Matthew 6:34 which reads: "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."  I'm printing both of these out and placing them on my wall so I can read them everyday. 

 

As for the tough decision, well, I'll be back with more details about that another day.  Please pray for our family.  We really need it right now. 

 

Until then, enjoy your day.  :)

Happy 4th Anniversary, Paper Posies!!

Wow, it's hard to believe it's been 4 years already!  PAPER POSIES is still going strong!! 

For the month of May, we are celebrating all month long!  Head on over to the message board to join in the fun!  And just for kicks, we had a new blinkie created just for the party!  So grab it now and place it on your blog and siggy.  There's going to be a prize for someone who has it posted!

And, what would be better than a NEW BLOG?  NOTHING!  So guess what, Paper Posies has one!  Go check out their NEW BLOG!  It's going to be a great resource for all kinds of fun happenings with Paper Posies.

Now onto the May Kit!  Have you seen it?  OMGOSH it is so gorgeous!  I cannot put it away!  It's still spread out all over my table just waiting for me to use it up!  So happy it's NSD weekend!  WOOOHOO!
 

Here are just a couple of things I did with the kit.  I will post the others after the NL is sent out on the 10th.  I can't give away all my design secrets now can I?  haha 

 
There's green tea glimmer mist all around the edges...I know, it's really hard to see.  Kim's gonna be surprised when she sees this one.  We had so much fun together at CHA!  Can't wait till Jan2010 girlie!  :)

 

More to come later in the month.  Ciao for now!

yoga today

I just had to post this even though I dont have a photo.  (I'll take one next week)  Bay has yoga every Wednesday.  It's in her goals to help her with strength.  She's not ready for any downward facing dog or anything but she is gaining strength.  Anyways, today was the first time she was able to hold her legs herself when we were doing single and double knee to chest.  I was getting teary eyed and told the instructor, "Hey, it's the little things that amuze me."  We had a good laugh and she told Bay she was doing a good job.  Her finger tips were turning white just a little bit, that's how I knew she was doing the work  herself.  WOOOHOO!  Now if I can just get her into child's pose by herself.  We'll keep working on it.

new quilt

I ♥ quilts!!

I'm not really a comforter person.  You know what i mean...those bulky blankets for the top of the bed.  Imagine my surprise when I saw THIS!  Some very good friends of ours gave this to us last week.  So nice of them!  My favorite part....it has GREEN on it.  WOOHOOO!!  The little flowers remind me of cherries even tho they are teeny roses.  :)  I spent the majority of yesterday cleaning the room and bedding and then remaking the bed.  It's so nice to have something fresh to look at.  :)

Happy Easter!

I ♥ spring!  And Easter means spring is here.  The weather is just lovely.  Baylee and I walked down to the church this morning for the egg hunt.  Tons of kids everywhere!!  2 girls gave Bay an egg since she really couldn't participate.  SO CUTE!  (The inside was filled with chocolates and toys.)  Hubs tooks some pics...oh and here's my new haircut that some of you have been asking to see.  Short, short, SHORT!  Perfect for summertime!
 

Friday I decided to dive into my craft table and not leave until I had some things created.  This first card took a while since I had to let parts of it dry.  I used the April Paper Posies Kit, Unity distressed dots stamp and cheerful tulips stamp, cotton candy stickles, easter stickers from the Target dollar spot (which really should be called the Target spend-a-bunch-of-money spot.  LOL!), color pencils, MM mini alphas, MR jewel pin, AC spring ribbon, EK Success swiss cheese punch, Cuttlebug swiss dot embossing folder, and a bunch of other fun things I've had forever (mesh, flowers, buttons, floss, jewel.)  Sure hope you can see the shimmer in the closeups.
 
 
 

This one's for my Mom, who turns 60 tomorrow... ON EASTER DAY!!!  Hard to believe!  Happy Birthday, Mom!  I got this clever idea from my friend, Beth, who did a challenge to use some acrylic in a different way.  Her layouts are gorgeous!  I didn't have any acrylic that would work so I used some acetate and embossed it...then painted the back and stitched it on the green paper (I love how the dots still show thru.)  I used the April Paper Posies Kit, MM velvet scallop ribbon, HS sentiment stamp and a purple jewel.
 
 

Happy Easter everyone!

She's sleeping. Awwww

I ♥ watching Baylee sleep! 

Just captured this photo of Bay Sunday morning.  I couldn't help it.  She looks so sweet when she's sleeping.  She's just getting over a really bad cold too.  :(  I listened to her little snoring noises for a bit and then grabbed the camera.  This was without flash...not bad eh?  She sleeps all curled up with that hand under her face.  I was afraid my little giggles would wake her up, that and the camera noise.  But it didn't bother her one bit.  She's hard to wake up on the weekends...probably b/c we let her stay up a little later at night. :)  We're on spring break now and hoping to do some fun things outdoors.