Thoughts of a Grasshopper

I have two things to be done with by Thanksgiving: 1) my MIL's albums. There are 2, one of her childhood and one for her 1st marriage and kids; 2) 150+ Christmas cards. I'm putting in an order soon and I need to look through my cardstock and see what I may need, so I've started coming up with ideas and CASEing some I've liked. The above card I made 15 of last night. I received a card like it in July when I was in a Christmas cards swap. I love lighter blue and red together but I think it was the sparkle that really make me love it. I love fine glitter.

Frosty has been around in the Stampin' Up! catalog since 2001. There are only so many things you can do with it. Last year someone posted a card to a list I'm on and I loved the new look for Frosty. Last night I finally made the card. I like the card. My husband tells me, "the snowman looks kind of plain with all of the embossing and glitter." While I should listen to his opinion on it, I'm more impressed that he used proper terms regarding stamping with me.

Just yesterday afternoon I made a short wish list with links. This morning I came across a promotion code for 15% off the stamp set I wanted. I went to the site and it was gone. I was so bummed. I sent my husband the link for this set over a month ago, closer to two months, so he could get it for me. He never knows what to buy on those gift-giving occasions. He never bought it. I ended up on ebay this morning and bought it there.

My birthday isn't for a few months, however, I keep coming across things that I would like and I don't want to buy them right now due to all the clothes I have bought and need to buy for the kids, the sports gear they need for their fall sports, birthdays, travel and a wedding. It seems we are being hit non-stop. There is also the lovely expense of my dental work. By the time all is done, it will be time for Christmas. Here is my list: 1. Mario Batali 6 qt. Italian Enamel on Cast Iron Essentials Pot (color: Espresso) 2. The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy 3. Ancestry's Red Book 4. Crafty Secrets Kitchen Classics-Retro

So, I'm liking the revision and the rest of my clan favors the original card. A couple of more weeks and I will be able to order Bronc Buster. I love that set.

It has been another odd week. My schedule is so busy that I can't fit in any appointments. Sadly, Sunday I sent an e-mail asking to give up the cards I send for Cards of Aloha . I just can't keep up. I can do the minimum, but I'm used to doing more than that. Lately time hasn't permitted anything but the minimum and that doesn't seem fair to the kids. Today I sent them their last note. I'm sad. I've written 3 of the kids for 5 years and the other 3 I've had for 4 years. While writing I felt sad and yet relieved that I wouldn't have it hanging over me that I need to write and feeling guilty for not doing so.