Hello - Yes, I'm Still Her

I have been gone quite some time.  I've had some health issues, but I also was without a computer for quite some time.  My sweet son Cole gave me his old Mac when he got his new one so now I'm back in business.  I hope to get some cards photographed and posted soon.  Please look for them in the next few days.

New Cards

Here is a card I made at my day away.  Love this lamb. So cute.  Went to a crop at Daisy Lane Scrapbooking store in Mattoon.  It was fabulous.  We were there from 9-7.  There were snacks throughout the day and they served lunch.  We had a great day.  Looking forward to it again.

Hi Everyone

Have some new cards to post.  I went to a day away a few weeks ago and got about 17 cards done.  Will be posting a couple a day after my camera charges.  Keep checking back.

Have you been Poshed lately?

Perfectly Posh is all about pampering yourself.  All products are $25.00 or less and they are heavenly.  I love the producs so much that I decided to become an independent consultant.  What I like about their products is that they are all natural.  Since I had a cancerous tumor removed from the roof of my mouth I am more conscious of what I put on and in my body. 

Their skin cleansing products are amazing.  Since using Posh my skin feels so much more supple.  I also love their bath bars and body butters.  My favorite is Brazilian Bombshell.  It is a light and nourishing cocoa butter and brasil nut oil hydrate, while babassu oil soothes and protects skin, with the sweet smell of jungle fruits and sugar cane with a nutty twist.  LOVE IT!

If you want to be pampered and want to earn free product, send me an email at cricketscreations@hotmail.com or visit my website at www.perfectlyposh.com/crystalthomas.  If you book a book party and get $200 or more you will get a basket of product worth $50 or more. 

Christmas Card

Wow, what a challenge using a new computer with a new operating system.  But, I finally figured it out.  I cased this card, but changed it somewhat to make it my own.  I used a different embossing folder and added flocking to the mustache and eyebrows.  Hope you all like it.

 

I Finally Have My Computer Fixed

The last time I posted I thought I would be posting some pictures of my cards; however, my computer started acting up.  Unfortunately, it is a brand new Lenovo computer so I had no idea how to get it working.  I think the grandkids downloaded a virus.  My daughter-in-law, Nikki reset it back to factory settings and it appears to be working well.  I am working on my Christmas card.  As soon as I have one done I will be posting a picture.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  Mine was quite busy.  I had 23 people, but I am thankful for each and everyone one that was there.  It was a blessed day.

Hello All

I've been gone for quite awhile so I just wanted to let everyone know what is going on with me.  I am going to Chicago to see a specialist to get a new prosthesis (mouth piece).  The one I had made and which cost $2,200 does not fit correctly.  For those that may not know I had a cancerous tumor removed from the roof of my mouth and I now need the mouth piece to talk and eat, so it is pretty important to make sure it fits correctly.

The second thing going on in my life is that my son Josh and his fiancée Nikki and their 5 kids have moved in with us temporarily.  They bought a house here in Colfax that needs some renovation.  They wanted the kids enrolled in school here so we decided the best bet was to have them move in with us temporarily.  Oh yes, and let us not forget their 3 dogs, one of which is a Rottweiler.  So my house is kind of crazy right now.  I don't always have time to sit and craft. 

I do have some cards that I need to get photographed and posted.  Hopefully, I will get that done here soon and get back in the swing of things. 

Happy Easter

I cased these Easter baskets from another blogger - Dawn from Dawn's Stamping Thoughts. Thanks Dawn.  I changed mine up a bit.  I used a different basket and used a scalloped heart.  I think they turned out pretty cute.

So Excited

I got home from work yesterday and my light box and accessories were delivered.  It is great.  It has a storage bag which includes the light box, two lights and four backgrounds.  I can't wait to play and see if it makes a difference in the quality of my photographs.  

Hello Everyone

I am going to get creative this weekend. I have done nothing since my surgery and recovery.  I thought when I went back to work it would get better.  No, I am just tuckered out.  However,  I have committed to do a craft show in March with a friend so I need to get busy.  I also have an order from a friend who wants 30 card kits.  I have a lot of work to do but we are supposed to get 6-8 inches of snow this weekend so what better to do than work on cards.  And, if we get what they are calling for early next week I may be snowed in.

I will be posting pictures.  I am excited.  I ordered a light box, lights and background for better pictures.  I am waiting for it to be delivered.  Happy crafting!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

May all your resolutions happen.  My only resolution for 2014 is to be healthier.  With all the health scares I have had in 2013 I hope 2014 is better in that respect.  I plan to make better choices and try to work in exercise on my elliptical until I can get out and walk.

Make 2014 a great year!

One More Week of Half Days

Glad my doctor had the forethought to tell me I would be working half days for a month.  It was great to get back and see everyone.  I had so many people stop by and tell me they missed me and are glad I'm back.  I work with great people.  I am working 7 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  The first week I was ready for a nap when I got home.  I am still tired but it is not as bad as it was in the beginning.  So, back to full-time on 1/6/14.  We will see how it goes.  Hopefully I will be able to do some cards now that Christmas is over.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  Happy New Year to all.

It's Back to Work for Me

I have been released to return to work Monday, 12/9 for half days thru 1/6/14.  I still tire easily so the doctor wants to make sure I don't over do it.  I work 7-11 so I can get home and nap if I need to. 

I am feeling much better and want to get stuff done (why is it we always feel better and want to get things done when it is time to go back to work?)  I am trying to get Christmas cards done.  I ordered the Heartfelt Creations Christmas card kit.  It is awesome.  It gives you card fronts, sayings, etc.  You just add your embellishments.  Love it!

I will post pictures if I ever get them done. 

5 Weeks Post Surgery

I am finally starting to feel well enough to go out, other than to the doctor.  Last week I met a friend for dinner.  We spent about 2 1/2 hours together, but I have to tell you it wore me out. This week we are getting together for lunch and then going back to her house to work on cards and our coloring.  We are going to try Prisma colored pencils and of course, we will use our Copics.

Then I am going to have lunch with another friend that I have not seen for several weeks.  I am still sleeping a lot (10-12 hours) but I anticipate that will get better each day as well.

Hopefully I will have some cards to add to my blog after my outing. 

Things are Progessing Well

I went back to the doctor last week and the retainer which was wired into my mouth was removed.  Yeah!  That felt good.  I now have one that can be taken in and out to brush my teeth better and freshen up.  That feels wonderful.  I cannot, however, leave the retainer out.  I have to put it back in immediately after brushing my teeth because as the tumor site heals it shrinks.  So in about 2 months I will get yet another retainer which will be smaller.  I can then leave it out for awhile if I want.

I also find out next week whether or not I need radiation.  I guess the cancer got into the bone but when the surgeon removed the tumor he actually got all of it so the margins are zero.  There is a tumor board of about 20 doctors that meet and they were split 50/50 on whether I need the radiation so now I have to meet with a doctor next week to see what my options are.

Please send positive thoughts and prayers. 

Thank you, Chris

Back at Home, but not Back in the Saddle

Part of my surgery went well and some not so well.  After 8 days in the hospital I am home mending.  I had a tumor removed from the roof of my mouth.  Therefore, as you can imagine, it is very hard to eat.  I am basically on a liquid diet.  I have some prosthetic wired into my mouth,  That comes out on 10/14.  Thank goodness.

I cannot use my left arm.  I have to keep it in a splint. I also have a skin graft on my left side that has to heal.  It is pretty slow going.  I'm just taking it a day at a time.  Prayers are always coveted.

Going to be AWOL for Awhile

I am having some surgery done tomorrow so will be out of commission for awhile.  I will be in the hospital for 7-10 days.  Once I get home it will be a long recovery so not sure if I will be able to make cards.  But rest assured, as soon as I can I will be back on here posting.

Guy Cards

More Washi Tape

I've Been Playing Again

with my washi tape. These cards are perfect when you need something quick.  They are easy to make and look cute.

I have 3 strips of coordinating washi tape and just added punched flowers and leaves and a sentiment.

This is 4 strips of washi and a sentiment.