Hilary Kanwischer

No...I haven't neglected you.

I know it's been a while, and I haven't posted much for you to see, but I promise...I have really good reasons why.  :)  First of all, I wanted to leave the last post up for quite a while so whoever visits here will see Sonda's story.  Please continue all the prayers.  For a little update, the last email I received from Sonda she had mentioned that little Baylee is getting noticeably weaker.  She wants to thank everyone who has said a prayer, sent a card, sent a message, made dinner or donated time to run their errands...it has meant the world to them, so please continue in giving them the support they so desperately need right now.

Thankyou all very much.  

We also just got back from Sea World and Busch Gardens, this past Friday night and then it was right back to work after that.

I haven't been to Sea World since I was kid so it was almost like it was my first time.  Busch Gardens is a place that my husband and I used to go to every year but the last time we were there, Courtney was only 3 years old, so this trip was really filled with a bunch of "firsts".  The trip was amazing.  The weather was a little warm, 100's plus with very little rain.  There were times when I thought there wouldn't be enough water in the park to keep us hydrated, but the pool at night brought our core temps down nicely.  While we were there, we fed the Dolphins, fed the Stingrays, petted a Magellanic Penguin, touched a shark, was awed by Shamu and took a behind-the-scenes tour where we saw Harbor Seal pups, baby dolphins, hurt manatees and turtles that were being nursed back to health and saw a Polar Bear unnaturally up-close, all while hand feeding some of the most rarest birds in the world.  YES...it was ALL quite amazing and the kids had a wonderful time.  I posted a ton of photos on my Facebook page, but here are a few for you to enjoy. 

 

 

Mama dolphin in the nursery...(little fact here but did you know that dolphins sleep with one eye closed and only half their brain?  That is so the other half will remind them to breathe)...pretty cool huh?

 

Feeding the dolphins...they were splashing around quite a bit, so I didn't take pics during the actual feeding, this was after...I think they were hoping you still had another fish to give them.  And have you ever touched a dolphin?  They are the coolest things in the world, they feel like hard rubber and you have your hands right by their mouths and they are just so gentle.  LOVE them!!!

 

These next few pics are of the amazing "Shamu" show....the pictures don't even do it justice, I can't find the words to describe how AWESOME this was.  :)

 

 

 

 

Wouldn't it be so cool if you could do this?????

 

 

Another interesting little fact here...did you know that Sea World uses 14,000 lbs of fish every single day to feed all of their animals?  (Imagine that contract)!!  Ka-CHING!

 

 

Klondike, on our behind the scenes tour.

 

Harbor Seal pups, (these little cuties were born on June 19th and are still being bottle fed), they were rescued after their mama abandoned them after birth.

Petting Newman...

 

baby Magellanic Penguins, (7 months old)...

 

Beluga Whales...(can I just tell you that it was like 55 degrees in this room, and the water was just above freezing??)  What a tease!!!!!

 

A new tat for Connor...

 

Bird feeding at Busch Gardens...

 

 

 

Court was so surprised when this one just flew over and landed right on you...basically if you had a cup, you were targeted.  They would land on your hands, head, shoulders, arms they didn't care one bit.

 

I was told by the caretaker that this next little guy is one of the rarest birds in the world.  I asked her how much he would cost to buy and she said, "Oprah would take out a loan", (not seriously, but she did say these little cuties could easily cost thousands). 

 

 

Sleepy tiger...

 

Imagine finding this little 14 footer on your lawn?  No thankyou!!

 

 

 

A new Sea World hat for Connor, but he wouldn't wear it correctly to show you...(or is this the correct way?)  Don't you just love his cute, blue-popsicle lips too?

And I could go on and on, but I hope you enjoyed a few pics from our vacation!!

And please continue to keep Sonda, Duane and Baylee in your prayers for as long as it takes. 

 

Friendship kisses and a prayer...

This is something I thought and hoped I would never have to write in my blog.  I'd like to ask each and every one of you who visits me here to please say a prayer for my dear, sweet friend Sonda.  She and her husband are going through the most difficult of times, facing the very real possibilitly that their beloved daughter Baylee, may be taken from them and brought back to God in the very near future.  She is their only daughter, she is only 13.  So please, please with all your heart and soul keep them in your prayers, she needs that.  Her husband Duane needs it and most of all, their sweet precious Baylee needs it. 

Thankyou all so very, very much. 

I just got home from working at Pottery Barn today and luckily we still have enough daylight left for me to photograph a small project I was working on last night.  I got my Stampin Up! order yesterday and I have been dying to use my new Sissix dies, (the big circle, the scallop circle and the little gift bag), and I gotta tell you, you are going to be seeing alot of these little scalloped circle cards and gift bags for a long time, because these dies are AWESOME!!!  I LOVE them, of course I knew I would, they're so sweet.  Oh by the way, did you all know that I am a Stampin Up! demonstrator and you can buy these sweet dies directly from my website???  (wink, wink)...So last night, I made a friendship card and a little gift bag, (and don't you just LOVE the decorative edge on the gift bag?), then stuffed the bag full of Hershey's Kisses for an extra special treat.  I've been on a Cosmo Cricket kick since trying out for their design team, so I used some "Girl Friday" papers I had lying around and also some rub-ons from Melissa Frances, buttons from Papertrey Ink and a white chenille pipe cleaner was added to the bag as a handle.  I hope you enjoy.  

      

 

 

 

Thankyou all so very much for stopping by and please remember to keep Sonda, Duane and little Baylee in your prayers tonight, tomorrow and for as long as it takes.  They need it now more than ever before as they face the very toughest of days.  A million thankyou's over....

thankyou so very much for stopping by. 

  

Little bear hugs...

Ever had one of those kinds of hugs?  One of those hugs where you're grabbed and squeezed so hard you feel like all the air is gonna get sucked right out of you?  Well...I didn't get one of those today, in fact, I can't remember the last time I got one of those, so I think that after I'm finished with this post, I'm gonna go find my little ones and get one out of 'em.  :)  For now though, I had to scrap this photo of Connor giving one big hug to his new little bear.  This photo is a couple years old, but it is so sweet to me, it shows how much he loves and adores all things fuzzy and soft and I HAD to use these papers and embellishments from Cosmo Cricket.  This is from their, "Jack's World" collection and isn't that little bear paper just the sweetest ever???  Truth is, when Julie sent us our questionaire, she had asked us what collection we love the most and this is the one I truly adore.  Funny thing though, is that I've had this collection since it first came out...scooped it right up, and then it sat, I was too afraid to even cut into it.  Today I made myself do it.  Here's a little "Bear Hug" layout for you to enjoy...

And while I was having fun with these papers, I made a little card for the same collection...

 

 

I hope you enjoyed those and when your finished here, go chase down those little ones' of yours and grab a big "Bear Hug"...I know I will.  :)

Have a wonderful evening everyone!!  :)

Late nights, layouts and swim school...

 ****Oh I'm just updating this a little because I'm about to bust at the seams...I am sooooooo excited to have made the finalist list for Cosmo Cricket's, new Design Team...Seriously, it would be my dream to be on their team, but there is soooo much talent presented and for me to think that little ol me might make it to the finals is almost too much to even think about.  Just seeing that list makes me wish I could spend ALL night again in my craft room and dig out every inch of Cosmo I've got laying around and crank out project after project, sadly...I cannot.  I have to work in the morning, and that means getting up at 4:30am.  So Julie, Eric and Lindsay...I cannot even begin to thankyou enough for even the chance.  It's more than I could've imagined!!  :)  And to all the other girls on the list...Congratulations to each and every one of you.  You all have such amazing talent and I enjoyed each one of your blogs and I'm am humbled and honored to even be in your presence, (even if it may be short lived).  ;)  Hugs to each of you!!  :)

Is there something about a quiet night, when everyone is fast asleep, (including the dogs), that suddenly finds myself brewing a pot of coffee and retreating to my sanctuary?  Well it happened last night.  I was awake when everyone else was tucked away and I found myself sipping coffee from my favorite teal polka-dot coffee cup, and before I knew it...the sun was slowly breaking over the horizon.  Haven't done that in a long time and it felt really nice to have that time to myself.  To create...a layout???  Wow...haven't done one of those in a really long time, but I had this photo of my beautiful little girl just kinda laying there on top of some books and it was begging to be scrapped.  :) 

I used some "Vintage Moon" papers from  Pink Paislee, the chipboard frame is from Chatterbox and those fun swirly rub-on's are from Basic Grey.  Hope you enjoy...

    

here are some close ups..

 

(not sure why there is a little white streak going thru that little die cut, but it's really not there in real life)...camera's...geesh!

 

 

 

Then decided to make a quick little card using my scraps...

 

 

And finally, as the sun was peeking and the temperatures once again rising...I found myself at Swim School with Connor.  Can I just say first how PROUD I am of him?  Seriously folks, we've been trying to get him to put his face in the water for years now.  And I am not joking in any sense of the word.  It has been a HUGE struggle for him to just gain the confidence I always knew my little man had and I am just BURSTING with pride.  So...I have to show you some photos of him that I took just this morning. 

And I had a little fun with Photoshop today and decided to really play up these photos...hope you enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

he's soooo serious isn't he???  ;)

 

 

Way to go little buddy...I'm so PROUD of you!  Love, Momma!!  "_

Thankyou all so much for checking in today and I hope you all have a wonderful week...(PS..I'm going to take a little nap now).  :)

As sweet as Cherry Pie!

Happy, Happy 4th of July!!  I love this holiday.  It reminds me that Freedom doesn't come easy, it doesn't come without a pricetag.  Our home is complete with our American Flag flying proudly outside.  It's one thing we hold dear and I wish I would see American Flags on every home in America today.  But we'll celebrate it the way we like to, with a big barbecue, being around family, and my husbands unbelievable fireworks show tonight.  It's the one day that he really gets to call his own...it's HIS tradition, he takes the kids to the Fireworks store and cleans 'em out.  "Only the biggest and best" he says, and he loves getting the kids' to participate.  This year, he's been teaching Connor about Fireworks safety, hoping to instill that in him, so he can pass it on to his little ones, one day. 

The 4th of July...I'm so proud to live in a country that celebrates its Freedom!  But at the same recognizes the sacrifices it takes to have that Freedom, so as you enjoy today with family, barbecues and fireworks, say a quiet prayer to ones who had to pay the ultimate price, so that we could celebrate this very day. 

I made just one little card today, but I couldn't resist using these new papers from Webster's Pages, aptly titled, "Sweet as Cherry Pie", and also papers from Cosmo Cricket.  Enjoy...

 

 

And before I forget....Didn't I promise you all a CONTEST WINNER???  I believe I did...thankyou all so much for entering and I hope you had fun answering my "Summertime" question, and YES...I do have a winner for you...

 

And the WINNER of the "Scrapbook Trends Mini-Albums 2009" special issue is......

Jill Tracy

Yeah!!!  So Jill, if you'll just email me with your address, I'll get this copy out to you right away!!  Thank you so much to everyone for playing my game. 

And I hope you and your family have a very blessed 4th of July!  :)

 

 

I'm stuck on you...

Well, it was another rainy day here in South Florida, and while I do love it when it rains, I like to stay inside and luckily today, I got to play.  My son had 2 friends come over so they kept him occupied while my daughter and I retreated into my craft room.  I don't really know why I sat down to make this project, but I just wanted to.  I decided that since I'm on a "card" kick right now, (I really don't want to tell you all the last layout I did), I wanted to step it down and create some mini's for you.  I know Valentines Day is quite a few months away but one can never be ready enough huh?  (wink)...and hopefully this little guy may be picked up for a pub...we'll see.  I like how it turned out though, so either way I'm very pleased with it. 

I made a small card kit from papers from Cosmo Cricket, I used the "Hey Sugar" papers & stickers which I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!  The little carrying case holds 3, 3x3 embellished cards and 3 envelopes.  It stays closed with a little piece of velcro and they'll be perfect to give to my family on February 14th.  :)   The twill, which is a perfect match is from Martha Stewart, and the buttons are from Papertrey Ink.  I really enjoyed making this today and I hope you enjoy it as well. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

here's a pic of the matching envelopes...

 

thanks so very much for looking...

AND... we had a little visitor today...actually, this little guy has been around our home for the past couple of weeks and today while sitting here at the computer, my kids came running in saying that the bunny was right outside.  So this time I grabbed my camera and between the raindrops, finally took a few photos of the little rabbit that has stolen my children's hearts.  Seriously, they love this little guy so much and have sort of "adopted" him as their own.  He is really sweet and really small, could probably fit in your hands alone.  Anyway, thought you might like to see him. 

 

 He's really sweet isn't he?  :)  Hey...don't forget to leave me a comment on the post below, titled, "Sweet Treats", remember...I'm holding a contest right now and you could win a copy of "Scrapbook Trends Mini Albums 2009"!!  It's all listed on the post from last night!!  I'll be picking a winner tomorrow night.  Have a great weekend everyone and Happy 4th of July!!  :)

Sweet Treats....

Careful though...this kit might just give you a toothache!  It's here...it's live...and it's ready to go!  The new July kit from Cupcards {to go} is ready for your tasting!  Dubbed "Sweet Treats", and it really packs a punch.  It's loaded to the brim of the sweetest papers and embellishments and believe me, you'll use every last little square inch of this one to satisfy your sweet tooth.  The designs are up and ready, so grab some coffee, (or a tall glass of ice cold milk), and sit back and enjoy all the designs from the design team in the gallery, they are sure to make your mouth water.   Here are my designs and I hope you enjoy!  And be sure to pick your kit up fast...they won't last!!  (hey...that rhymes)!

   

 

 

This next card is my sketch, so click on the link if you'd like to take a peek of the sketch as well as all the other sketch cards.  :)

  

and would you like to make this next card?  Simply click here

 

And how about a sweet little project to make with your extra scraps.  This is actually a magnet, (or you can leave it as a hanger), but it's the perfect little gift to give to your friend who is celebrating something special.  All I did was cover a wooden tag with papers, ribbon, a rub-on and some scrappers floss and I used heavy gauge wire for the hanger part.  On the back is a simple little magnet that will allow it to stick to almost anything.  Have fun!!!

 

here is the magnet on the back...

 

I hope you all enjoyed my projects, this kit was just so much fun to work with...(if I can even call it "work").  :) 

And lastly....did I promise you all another little CONTEST???

Waaaaay back when, you might remember a little mini-album that I did for Lime Tart, and here it is:

and well, I'm tickled pink to have it published in Scrapbook Trends Mini-Albums 2009.  I'm soooo excited to receive this issue, because I just adore and LOVE mini-albums so much, so I thought...would YOU like a copy of this issue????  YOU will LOVE it!!  All you have to do is post a little comment here and tell me what you LOVE about Summertime!! 

That's it...and in a couple of days, I will randomly pick one winner and you will recieve this new Idea Book.  Have fun and good luck!!  :)

Buttons and Barn Stars...

Those very words put instant smiles on my face.  They make me happy in their own special way.  I just love buttons for their color, styles and unlimited possibilities.  And I love Barn Star Ornaments for the simple reason, they remind me of Christmas.  I found so many luscious new colors of buttons at Papertrey Ink and a little bamboo divider tray from Pottery Barn, and when I put the two together...it was instant yumminess.  LOVE it!    I also made a Christmas ornament from the 3-D star Sissix Die Cut from Stampin Up! and papers from My Mind's Eye  and I just love that 3-D look and sooooo easy to do.  This star is backed with painted and distressed chipboard too.  I have made so many ornaments over the last year for our tree and I just adore the each and every handmade one. 

Buttons and Stars....instant inspiration!  :)

  

 

 

 

Ooooh, and be sure to check back tonight...it's going to be reveal time for the new July kit at Cupcards {to go} and it's one of my all-time favs featuring "Girl Friday" papers from Cosmo Cricket 

AND...I may just be having another sweet little giveaway!!!  :)  So be sure to stop by tonight as I update my blog again!!  :)