Well I'm sure we've all heard the phrase "the cheque is in the mail" but this time it's a copy of Rootsmagic. I'm actually looking forward to seeing the program especially as it is supposed to solve my pet peeve, real MS Word footnotes in reports.

Anyway, I'll let you know what I think once I get it installed. I have high hopes as TMG is so clunky and unintuitive and there's no word from Geoff about a Legacy 7. I find it strange that there are still software programs out there that are so awful to use in practice. During all my years as a Business Systems Analyst working in the software industry and defining user requirements, the number one request was always "ease of use". TMG really missed the boat on this one! When are people going to learn to get the user's input on these things.... (ok, rant is over)

J's 1st birthday fell on a Thursday this year so he got two celebrations. The first on Monday (Thanksgiving Day) when Grandma and Poppa stopped by to visit. J got to open some presents and get a bit spoiled.

Then on Thursday after work/daycare, we had a party for J with chocolate cake. He was quite scared of the cake and candles (whereas K wanted to blow them out for him). They both had a good time as I don't think K can really remember her last birthday (her 2nd).

The funniest part of the evening was when J opened his gift from Grandad and there was a toy dog inside. The dog sings and moves around. K and J were absolutely fascinated by this and couldn't get enough of it!

Check out the photos here

I rarely get to spend any time with K alone. Last Sunday while J was sleeping, I took K to the playground in the schoolyard. Here are some pictures from that outing.

Normally Craig doesn't ask me for birthday cards (not sure why) he just buys them. But this time he asked me to make a card for his father (perhaps he's figured out that with all the stuff I own I can just make them?) Anyway this is what I rustled up for his dad this weekend. I CASED the design from the 2006-7 IB&C (level 3 Hostess set) but substituted a few things.

Recipe: Look Like Spring, It's Your Birthday stamp sets; Brocade Blue, Always Artichoke Inks; Brocade Blue, Always Artichoke, Naturals Ivory CS; Old Olive Button.

While I can spend all day on the Splitcoaststampers website I don't often participate in challenges. However, the brown snowflakes challenge intrigued me and once I saw some sample brown snowflake cards I had to try too! I really love the brown snowflake look, I think it's pretty classy.

Recipe: Sweet & Simple, Many Merry Messages stamp sets; creamy caramel, close to cocoa, naturals ivory CS; close to cocoa inks; chocolate grosgrain ribbon.

I made this card for a swap I'm in. It was the first time I've used my new Roses In Winter set. I have to say I am pleased with how it turned out (although you really can't go wrong with RIW).

Recipe: Roses In Winter, It's Your Birthday stamp sets; Mellow Moss, Regal Rose, Whisper White CS; Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss inks; Hodgepodge Hardware; Celery Grosgrain Ribbon.

Well it might be the beginning of Fall, but the cards I've been making are very Summery. This Stampin' Up! set is called In Full Bloom and is a great set if you like to watercolor images. I made these card fronts for a swap that I'm in with other SU! demonstrators in Kelowna later this month. I hope they like them as much as I do!

Recipe: In Full Bloom and It's Your Birthday Stamps Sets; Always Artichoke, So Saffron, Regal Rose CS; Watercolor Paper; Regal Rose, So Saffron, Always Artichoke inks.



Recipe: In Full Bloom and It's Your Birthday Stamp Sets; Always Artichoke, So Safrron CS; Watercolor Paper; So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke inks.


This is my favorite of the four cards, I just love the color of this flower!

Recipe: In Full Bloom and Curvy Verses Stamp sets; Always Artichoke, Regal Rose CS; Watercolor Paper; Ruby Red, Always Artichoke inks; Celery Grosgrain Ribbon.


Recipe: In Full Bloom and It's Your Birthday Stamp sets; Regal Rose, So Saffron CS; Watercolor Paper; Regal Rose, So Saffron, Always Artichoke, Versamark inks.