Thanks Everyone for your well wishes!!

I am home, and in a bit of pain, but slowly getting back to normal. I'm sorry I haven't been to visit anyone's blogs, I can't wait 'til I can sit a bit longer and have a great look around!

I have some fantastic pics to share too, my bunny swap partner, the amazing Shelley, absolutely spoiled me rotten, and I have gotten the most lovely goodies to show!! Shelley, if you're reading this, THANK YOU!!! I will send you a proper email soon, WOW, I LOVE everything!!!!

I feel like I've been on another planet for the last week, and it will be so nice to join the world again, I think it might just take a couple more days. Thanks everyone, lots of hugs and kisses to all, and I'll visit you soon :D :D

OK Swap Pictures!

These aren't the best photos, but they were quick, and I really want to get them in the post tomorrow. I love swaps, they are better than Christmas, because suprises are so much fun. Thank you so much, Holly Doodle for hosting the Tiara Swap!! I made this for Michelle, and I hope she likes it.

Also, thanks so much to Debra from HipHopJingleBoo for hosting such a fun swap, I had a blast making the bunny for my sweet partner Shelley (Shelley Sweet & Shabby under Awesome blogs over there) Shelley has a very cute blog, and she owns a store with her daughter!! How cool is that!

Working today :)

Putting the finishing touches on my Bunny swap, and Tiara so I can get them in the mail tomorrow, lots of sparkles and paint equals the kind of day I love!! I'm having surgery on Thursday (nothing life threatening)and I will be there until Saturday. I'm sorry I haven't been to any blogs in a couple of days, I'm trying to get the house ready for the hubby while he's in charge (LOL!) Funny, he's cancelled the cable, and hid the Playstation for the Summer, wonder if both will magically reappear while he's home with all four kiddos (LOL!)

Please pray for this Family

I have seen Iva and Brianna mentioned on many blogs. I do not know them, but have been following their story, and I thought I'd do a post, because it never hurts to add more prayers. Please pray for this family. As a mother, I can only imagine what they are going through, and it's gotta be hell.

http://iva-and-family.blogspot.com/

Last day of School...frantically making gifts!

This is for my son Liam's teacher. She is one of those teachers that you get once or twice in all of your school years. I cannot say enough good things about her. She goes above and beyond in everything, is so great with her students, and is a mother of five!

I was going to make her an angel, and my brother's girlfriend asked me how many subjects she teaches. When I told her about all that this wonderful lady does, she came up with the many hats idea, and I thought it was just perfect.





Now I just have to finish up my swaps! I'm good under pressure ;-)

My partner for the bunny swap is Shelley, who has a lovely blog...check her out!http://journals.aol.com/shelleymb47/shelleysweetshabby/

Got the most WONDERFUL gift today!

My swap partner, Mica of Garboodles Soup, is such a gifted, talented, amazing woman!! I was so excited to see a package on my doorstep. Annalise (DD) asked if it was for her, and I had to tell her that this one was all mine ;)

I literally gasped when I saw the magnificent little cupcake person! The detail is exquisite, and it is just so completely perfect. The little face is out of this world. I cannot say enough about it. Even my sons, who are usually not interested, were amazed! Thank you so much Mica, I feel like I completely lucked out. I don't think mine is going to be a match for yours, but I hope that you like it. You are fabulous!

Also, the cutest cupcake candle, I honestly have been looking for one of these, and have a look, its just so cute!




Thanks, Mica!!

I am so behind!

I want to thank everyone who joined the cupcake swap!!! I had a marvy time making goodies to share, and there are already some pictures on the flickr site, which are aweome!!!! If you have not yet mailed your swap out, please let me know. I promise I won't bite you LOL I just don't want anyone to get left out, and I know things come up, so please let me know :D :D :D

Also, I need to thank SHANNON!!! from Paint Mine Pink. Shannon is my long lost Australian sister (only she's much prettier) I read her blog, and look at her photos, and I swear she is my soulmate! She sent me these absolutely adorable candies, which look just as cute as they can be!! My daughter was also excited by the goodies, and was a bit sad to learn that they weren't real LOL

Thank you so much Shannon, you totally made our day!!!!!!! Lots of speedy healing wishes to Sam! It sounds like you two are going to have a great time together in the meantime :)

So Jazzed about swappin'!

I am having a blast with this! Cupcakes are so fun, and lovely :) At the end of the day, there's nothing like sitting down with a little peace and quiet and some art supplies. i get carried away most times though when I work at night. There are no interruptions, and sometimes I'll look at the clock and find its 2 in the morning *eek* I love mornings, but am so not a morning person. I could stay up all night though :)

I meant to say before, if anyone is having trouble with the new shipping increase, or has not yet heard from their partner, please let me know, and I'll do whatever I can to fix it, or assist in any way.

Off to visit some blogs!


PS Here is the flickr page where you can share your swap photos :D :D
http://www.flickr.com/groups/348353@N24/

New kid in Town

My cousin Liz has just joined up and got herself a blog! She makes the most beautiful purses, diaperbags, and clothes. Her skirts are out of this world! She's over there under AWESOME BLOGS, Elizabeth Gwen Originals. She'd love it if some of you popped in to say hi!




She is so talented, and she is far away in Maryland, and I miss her so!!!
Welcome to Blogland, Liz!

I can't believe this!

WOW. I just got back from the Post Office, and the "small price increase" nearly knocked me over!! I had a small international package to send, (that 1/2 dozen cupcakes in a box down below) and the cheapest rate was $50.00! The next highest was $75.00.

I have a feeling this is going to hurt a lot of people who sell on eBay and Etsy :( First gas prices, then the Electric Company raised their fees, and now this. Where do they think people are suddenly going to come up with all of this money to spare? Especially with all of these increases right on the tails of one another.

It seems like before long, there will no longer be a middle class. I hate to see what's happening to the regular working stiff. I know I'm soundind very dreary, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.

My husband is a Carpenter, and fortunatley he's never been laid off in the 17 years that he's been working. We know plenty of guys though that go through it every season, and it always happens in the winter when the work runs out. I don't know how people manage.

I have been lucky to be a stay at home mom for most of my children's lives, and it's been great. I think now its time for me to get a job. My youngest will be in Kindergarten this fall.

Hubby and I have gone over our finances, and between gas for the cars, electricity, and gas for the house, our cost of living has gone up almost 40%.

I know we're very fortunate. I don't know how others are managing, especially single moms, or anyone that is injured or ill. It's very scary.