Life is not always Fairytales

I have suffered from depression and anxiety for years, and unless you really know me you would have no idea.  People who have depression are so good at hiding it....acting as if everything is all right all the time.  Even in FAIRYTALES life is not all right all the time (I don't know why we put these crazy  rules and regulations on ourselves.
I am very fortunate that I have a really good support system in my family that can recognize the symptoms and jump in to help... which can also be frustrating because it leaves us feeling like we are a falling short on our responsibilities.  It has taken me YEARS to be able to accept help from others when I am down.  But now that I can I am so thankful they care enough to want to help.  (I have turned down help before out of sheer pride. ) 
My card today is simply a salute to my support team and anyone else out there who has the heart and compassion to help someone else when they are not at their best.  Sometimes a simple phone call to let them know you are thinking about them, or offer to run an errand (because sometimes leaving the house is a chore in itself).    YOU NEVER KNOW.

Take a moment to love on those around you even if no one in your circle suffers from depression and anxiety.  Say a prayer for those of us who do.  Until next time....Stephanie

Card Details:
Stamp: The greeting Farm shopping Anya
Paper All Stampin Up
Sentiment : Stampendous
Embellishment: Stamping Bella 

I Love Lucy and Ethel

Who doesn't love the old fashioned friendship that stood the test of time like Lucy and Ethel.  What I used to love when watching them (besides the shenanigans they would find themselves in) was the fashion choices in.  Not only the clothing but the headgear.....LOVED it all...

My card today is drawn from this inspiration.  The stamp is another one that I inherited from my sister before she passed away.  She had a flair for great stamps... and I haven't put a sentiment with this because  I haven't decided what I am going to use it for and I also can't figure out what she is going to be saying.....maybe you can be help with that.  Leave a comment if you want to help me come up with a possible sentiment for this card.  Again you can see that I went with one of my favorite color combos....orange, aqua and brown....not sure why I am drawn to this but it just jumps out at me!!!

Isn't she adorable....Really reminds me of Lucy and Ethel....She is either going to be giving someone the what for or she is going to getting in some trouble of her own  LOL.
And just for good measure because you just can't have enough....Here is one more..... LOVE THEM

If you love Lucy and Ethel shout it out, if they aren't your cup of tea, Hey it's ok....I am sure you have your fave.... share what you love with the world because it makes us all better.  Until next time..... Stephanie

Celebrating the small stuff

Have you ever heard heard the term "Don't sweat the small stuff?"  Well I am certainly one of those people I can handle most of the "boulders" that life throws at me however the "pebbles" seem to trip me up.  So in light of that I tend to allow myself a few allowances... I allow myself to celebrate the small stuff.  I will get that candy bar at the grocery store I really wanted because I survived the tantrum my daughter threw yesterday.  I will go get some craft glue this month (even though its on the budget for next month) because I have survived 5 migraines this month and made 9 projects.   So yeah I celebrate the little victories that I never tell anyone about and if you saw me out you would never suspect I was celebrating in my head and heart. 
Those little victories are are what inspired today's card because sometimes in life's craziness we all have to seize

the moment  and celebrate.  I would absolutely love to think that I looked this cute in the 80's wardrobe but I can assure you I don't look this cute in leg warmers.  LOL I hope you enjoy.

Card Base: Stampin Up Crushed Curry
I Created my own Backgrond paper using this bubble stencil from Fun Stampers Journey and these inks from Stampin Up to create this Fun Background

Using these I created the back drop for this precious card 

The rest of the Card is as follows:

Sentiment Celebrate Yourself

Alternate Paper: Stampin Up Coastal Cabana

Bling: Hobby Lobby Brand

Orange Ribbon: Hobby Lobby Brand

Rock Star Potential......

Meet Sarah, My spunky 18 year old who thinks she is sooooooooo an adult.  She has some issues that make adulting difficult for her sometimes.  But she makes life fun and interesting to say the least.  She is usually smiling this big and really, really loud LOL.  She has inspired todays card because she usually sees the situations as fun......even though she is riddled with anxiety.  She is the ROCK STAR of our family and would so definitely rock these outfits.  I admire her courage to be who she is and NOT care what anyone else says or thinks of her in that situations .... she has rock star confidence..... and that smile though.....it is infectious!!!!!!  I hope you enjoy these little cards.  I used the same base colors and just changed up the background colors slightly to relfect more the colors of what they were wearing. My goal today is to be a CONFIDENCE ROCK STAR!!!! Have a great one!!!! ----- Stephanie

Base Card: Stampin Up Black

Back ground paper : Stampin Up Pumpkin Pie and Crushed Curry

Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black

Stamp: The Greeting Farm Rock Star Anya

Sentiment Stamp: Stampendous 

Bling: Hobby Lobby Special

Punches:  Hobby Lobby 2 and 3 " scallop punches

Life Throws Us Curve Balls

Sometimes let's face it..... life is not just fun straight lines and easy road ahead.  Life can be bumpy and curvy especially when you have kiddos involved.  This is my daughter Angel.  Isn't she beautiful?  She is 17 years old.  She suffers from disorders that cause her to have some significant behavioral issues.  So sometimes life with her can  be really curvy.  I don't tell you these things so you can go.....Oh POOr Stephanie....no I am learning as we all do what to do when life throws us curves.... WE LEAN INTO THE CURVE!!!! 

I used to be angry at GOD for her behavior and what it was doing to our family and then I realized that HE was using her behavior to bend ME NOT HER.  Ha did you see what He did there? He changed me..... (I can totally confess He is NOT through with me yet).  I was inspired by that very thought to create this curvy card today to remind me to lean into it and keep going it will straighten out eventually.
I hope that you enjoy the rest of your day!

Base card Stampin Up Rasberry Ripple
Clear Gems Hobby Lobby Brand
Stamp The Greeting Farm Postal Anya
Colored with Copic Markers
 Printed Paper ? (sorry remember I am destashing)
Punches 2 inch circle punch
              2.5 inch scallop punch

Title Change...... Did you catch it????

Have you ever wondered what it is in people that make them want to do good.... to be good..... When I watch my son Joshua interact with people especially perfectly good strangers I am totally amazed.  They respond to him as if they had known him their whole life.  Now I am partial but he is adorable.... but he is a life changer... a world changer.... and he's NOT afraid to change.... 

This is Joshua With my dad. Aren't they precious!!!When I saw this quote it reminded me so of Josh because is the first one to jump in on a new adventure (as long as he deems it safe).  I aspire to have the courage to see the world each day through his eyes and have the wonder of a child to see the world the way GOD intended it to be seen.  I thank GOD everyday for this child through the good and BAD..... Hope you enjoy the cards.. I have used the same card base and just alternated the secondary colors...

Base Card Paper :

Stamping Up pumpkin pie

stamping up pear pizazz

stampin up daffodil delight

quote unsure: possibly UNity stamps?

bling: Bellas baubles Stampin Bella