As nervous as I am to say it

My Etsy shop is open! AGHHHH! Click here to see Bethink. I have so many more ideas, and more products to come, but here are my first designs up for sale. I think I like this so much more than Ebay. Etsy is so friendly, and beautiful, and a wonderful innovative creative eye candy shoppe! Here are a few sneak peaks.

To Sherwood Forest she goes!

Not really, just couldn't resist another post with a scrapbook kit name! LOL! But, Ella does look truly happy being somewhere, or just playing, doesn't she? Pure Bliss. That's for sure.

TOMORROW is the DAY that I will FINALLY open my ETSY shop (Bethink)!!! It will probably be later in the day, as I want to take natural light pics for the items. I worked on 5 items to list tomorrow- altered vintage jewelry pieces (meaning, vintage jewelry I altered to create pieces that are wearable. I've had this plan for MONTHS. MONTHS. MONTHS. I've collected quite a supply, too! Also, there will be my embellished fabric bracelets (eventually). I do have a journal and one photograph to be listed tomorrow. YEAH! I am thankful for everyone (who did) that prayed for this. It is just not an easy thing for me. Whether it be dealing with depression and fibromyalgia, or whatever. I cannot make things that are from my scrapbook supplies, generally. I can't part with that stuff! I told my sister in law, creating other works of art is so much simpler. I don't like even parting with a scrap. Nope. Nada. Need to keep it for the family record keeping here at the Russell household!

Well, off to get something to stop this nagging cough, and help my little guy get to bed. He inherited the nightowlness from the Russell side, you know. Plus, this was his first day back to his normal getting into and chattering storytelling self. That's my boy! Then, I need to make sure Rich plays his banjo.

That's a joke. He always is playing that..and that is why he is SOOOO DARN GOOD at it!!!! :-)

A young Maid Marian perhaps?

I love rediscovering photos..this one is from last year, in the summer. Sometimes, I get inspired differently, as far as post processing. Anyways, Philip is better. His fever broke. As far as a creativity spark, I seem to have lost it a bit these past few days, with Philip being sick, but hope to complete some goals of mine. I sometimes feel like a failure because I can't live up to my own expectations. I have to realize that the day is what we're given and there are things that are given to me to do that are actually, or can be, more important- my children, husband, and friends. I need to trust that God will allow whatever else in the plans in His timing, and His timing alone. That is my prayer. And for patience.

Lighthouse Everything Skit

This is not for the faint at heart. It's raw. It is very heart-striking. Moved me to tears. Reminded me of what Jesus did for me.

Whilst she was sleeping

Ella dreamed that her cousin Abigail "sleeped over." And, in that dream, as well, Ella had a piano that glowed in her room.

Then, she had a camera that glowed.

And finally, a "scrapbook book" that glowed.

Teehee. That is so cute. Mommy has a piano in her room (though, I don't think it glows), a camera, and a "scrapbook book." I love how sweetly she told me her dream, and how sweetly she reminds me, well...of me.

On a different note, Philip is sick, with high fever, runny nose, and chills. I feel so bad. It was a rough night for him. The poor buddy. He needs some thoughts and prayers.

from Blessthischick.com

one from me to a friend (s) LOL! Thought they'd get a kick out of it! and then one made by Ella

Savings today...

Well, I went to Pat Catan's to pick up some goodies that my SIL Lisa wanted. Then, I found just a few things, including these handmade paper journals that are ready to embellish (they are plain)...my total there $13, total saved......$56!!!



Unbelievable.



Then, off to Giant Eagle, where I spent $28, and saved $36. I am so excited. All the hard work of couponing is paying off. I even got milk, chicken packs, eggs, boxes of tea, lots of snacks, big things of fruit, blueberries (they aren't cheap, either), and more!!!!! I am at a good stockpiling time, I think. Just need some more frozen veggies and pasta. And, can't wait until more cereal at rock bottom prices come up.

Some more layouts! from this week....

Embellishment kits to snatch up

Snatch away here at my sister in law, Lisa's, Etsy shoppe!!! She has beautiful things there! GO LOOK NOW!

I think this is my new favorite scrapbooker!

A Bit East.... Her style is similar to some things I do, and I think that is really inspiring to me.

What happens in the morning

Early morning, when you forget that your husband still STILL puts up the little gate for the kids (who are almost 3 and 5?!?!?).....you fall. On your face. Totally flat. And then deal with stomach muscles that hurt, the next few days. I tell you, that happened so fast and it wasn't really nice. I think I am throwing that gate away!!!!!

On to other things..much more pleasant. My Ella girl has such a joy-ful nature. This morning she woke up with such a sweet and uplifting spirit. God knows that I need to see that personality, and in her!

Last night, we all ate my first time ever Chicken Dumpling soup, that I made from scratch, and no receipe. I tell no lie....everyone ate it and everyone liked it, or LOVED it. That makes Momma so very very happy!!!! Hope to share with others someday!

If I had traveling time and money!

I'd go right here! These items, the button collections, and vintage collections, well..just about everything, I love. I have two of the owner's books. LOVE THEM. So inspiring. My favorites are the Notion Kits. And, then the decorating boxes. And, then...you get the picture!!! French General has beautiful finds. My favorite new limited edition kit is the Frosted Camelia- absolutely gorgeous!

"I'm Invisible" from some anonymous email out there...

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the wayone of the kids will walk into the room while I’m on the phone and ask to betaken to the store. Inside I’m thinking, ‘Can’t you see I’m on the phone?’Obviously not; no one can see if I’m on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping thefloor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me atall. I’m invisible. The invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more:Can you fix this? Can youtie this? Can you open this?Some days I’m not a pair of hands; I’m not even a human being. I’m a clock to ask, ‘What time is it?’ I’m a satellite guide to answer, ‘What number is the Disney Channel?’ I’m a car to order, ‘Right around5:30, please.’I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude – but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She’s going,she’s going, she’s gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and shewas going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, lookingaround at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare andfeel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the onlything I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clipand I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package,and said, ‘I brought you this.’ It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe.

I wasn’t exactly sure why she’d given it to me until I read her inscription:‘To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are buildingwhen no one sees.’In the days ahead I would read – no, devour – the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals – we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a workthey would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came tovisit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving atiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, ‘Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered bythe roof? No one will ever see it.’And the workman replied, ‘Because Godsees.’I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, ‘I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you’vedone, no sequin you’ve sewn on, no cupcake you’ve baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can’t see right now what it will become.’

At times, my invisibility feels like anaffliction . But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong,stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a greatbuilder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never seefinished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime, because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don’t want my son to tell the friend he’sbringing home from college for Thanksgiving, ‘My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes home made pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours andpresses all the linens for the table.’ That would mean I’d built a shrine or a monument to myself.I just want him to want to come home.

And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, ‘You’re gonna love itthere.’As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we’re doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women."

The New Week

I confess: I am tired. I am tired a lot. So, hopefully I can plan an earlier bed time now, for myself, and that will help. Today, I played for a dear lady's funeral service. Now that we are all home, I am glad to be home, and will probably bail out of going to a girl's night out though I hate to miss it, really. I just am so tired. Sunday, I had a lot of anxiety- got to church, then turned around and left almost as soon as I got in the door. I don't know why, it just happened. Rich and the kids had driven separate for their day long after church visit with his grandparents. They really enjoyed themselves. I got some dedecorating done, and laundry, and grocery shopping! The pull ups and free wipes that came with them rocked this week, as did free deodorant! yipee!

I hope to get some layouts posted soon, but it takes so long from my camera to get loaded on to the computer, I am trying to do even MORE pages so it's worth my time. i have 6 done that have not been shown. Now, I am trying to figure out if there's a few I can submit somewhere, and if so, do they want ones unseen? Hmmm... I am planning on submitting some more photos somewhere, so I have journaling worked on for those, and I need to finalize that. Anyways, some projects for me. I am having fun with those projects, though.

A friend gave me tea today. That was so sweet...blueberry and pomegranant triangle tea bags from Lipton, and they come in this great looking box that will work great for embellishing with scrapbooking materials so I can reuse the box for something else!

Nature

Circus

Awhile back (like a year!) we were blessed with a chance to go see the circus for free. It was fantastic. The kids loved it!

Today is a busy day. Laundry, friend visit (with one that is moving really soon...I am so sad), and more scrapbooking....hey...I have an idea. I think I'll skip the laundry and do some important documentation using photographs and pretty supplies. Yes..sounds good to me!

I made a turkey last night. It's huge. Huge. Don't know what I am going to do with it all! Luckily, the freezer has been slowly emptying out of my stockpile. Time to stockpile again...I love doing that so no problem there!

The past few day I have had this headache problem. I know it's the weather change..also, pain has been quite present. My body is a great weather channel, I tell you. I hope it just starts snowing. JUST START SNOWING so I can feel better again! LOL!

Last night I had a girls night out with my friend Jennifer. Olive Garden twice in like a week! WOW! We had a nice time!

This weekend is a busy one. My neice's bday party is tomorrow morning, then Rich and I have to go finish the cd recording for our praise band FINALLY. There were some songs that I guess everyone wanted to redo, so hopefully this one session will finish. But, you never know. I can't wait for the final product. We've been waiting for a long time!

BTW, the project that my dad and I are working on is coming along. It's a secret. So, I can't tell, but I personally have completed 1/5 of my share. And, that's a good share, as far as this project goes. We are so excited!

No more retail~

this is a post to remind myself that I am no longer going retail CLOTHES shopping for the kids this year. That is my ONLY resolution! LOL! I am a Gymboree fanatic, and it started (If I remember correctly) with purchasing this particular shirt several years ago!). This layout is older but like I said...it's here to remind myself of my goal!

Rudolph

in a snowstorm. Gotta love what your preschooler brings home from school!

Remembering Summer Days

This summer day I will always remember. I have yet more to scrapbook with it, but here's a start..the dress was given to Ella by my dear friend, Jennifer, and I will never give it away. I love the print on it. I took lots of pics of Ella in it. Doesn't fit her anymore, so I'm glad of these treasured moments. They sure do grow up fast!

Yes, this birdie paper I could not cut! It's too perfect! This photo I used is from Ella this past summer. We went to a train station and that's on one of the steps to the side of a building nearby. I love the summery look. Flip flops, sleeveless shirt, stringy hair.

So the biggest news in scrapbooking is this

tool that stretches all the way into the middle of a 12 inch page! Pretty neat. Here's a photo of it... I am not much into tools lately, but maybe another day. I keep just wanting to collect as much paper as possible! For me, paper is so inspiring!

Our family got lots of sleep last night..and all of us were in the same bed this morning. LOL! Go figure!

Well , expect more pages today to be up on this site. I have been so encouraged by the gals of Studio Calico. I have never seen such a more encouraging group of scrapbookers! The past two days, I have done 4 pages. And, have discovered if I don't scrapbook I really feel badly. I started scrapbooking right after I had Ella. I had a mini book that I kept up with. Then, I began to scrapbook wedding photos. Then...well....scrapbooking came a big hobby. As it turned out, I think I mentioned this way long ago, I sold CTMH stuff for awhile and sold some kits elsewhere of my own. Not my cup of tea...to be a business person. I love to just create. So, that's where I am at. Just enjoying this art. Very much enjoying this art.

Pardon all the changes

I think I ALMOST done. I need more space. The other new look was too crowded! Hopefully, now, this will be more pleasurable.

Scrapbooking..and more photos!

Finally another layout..one that honestly didn't take too much time and then some photos from this morning in the woods...um..hardly looks like Ella, but I think they're beautiful!

Photograph to treasure

I feel very blessed today. I found this photo. Didn't know I had it. Makes Philip look so little!

Took the kids for a walk in the woods nearby....with this jacket-free weather, who could resist? Then, photographed some old scrapbooking layouts and one NEW one..hope to have them up here and there soon!

Just ONE more Christmas photo

Well, two. Forgot that I wanted to show on the blog, the little wagon I had gotten. perfect for a bday party in May for Philip when we do a western cowboy theme!

I don't know why

but right now I feel happy, joyful, and giddy.

Don't faint everybody!

I feel encouraged about making things first, for myself as far as jewelry and scrapbooking. Secondly, as far as Etsy, in my Bethink shop (there's nothing there, so don't look). I know in the back of my mind I am a VERY eclectic artist, mixed media, who loves looking probably more than doing. Isn't that funny?

Anywho....off to take headache medicine, a nap, and maybe some tea.

Phlipster is still sleeping, even after going to print off coupons at mom's and coming back home..in and out of the car both times. WOW!

Extremely Fatigued

Today, I am really tired. Just exhausted. I hope some energy turns up around here, otherwise it'll be a dreary day b/c of being tired. Ella goes to school really soon, and then Philip and I have an errand to run that hopefully won't take too long b/c I want to come back home and take naps. NAPS!

I started some scrapbooking layouts (finally) with some new things I have, and I hope to accomplish at least one later tonight.

A Lovely Anniversary

Rich and I celebrated our 6th anniversary yesterday, January 5th. WOW! I was thinking (and not thinking negatively at all) that we actually were close as 4 months to having Ella at that time during our FIRST anniversary. WOW! I don't wish that we had more time together, as just us....God's timing is perfect!

Anyways, speaking of children, Ella is coughing a lot, and I want to go shopping! Isn't that how it works? I don't want to take her out b/c I don't want it to get worse. All of a sudden, when she got home from church, she started having these coughing fits. I hope the cold doesn't turn. Philip's pinkeye is all better. I had the flu, but it is no longer here, thank goodness. Church was wonderful..I've missed the past two Sundays. Today, Rich missed b/c he is working.

About the shopping..it's grocery shopping I want to do. I bought an absurd number of papers today (well not really) - a total of 6 Post Gazettes, b/c there were FIVE coupon inserts in EACH PAPER. Already, I have the following to get today (hopefully if possible please please please) FOR FREE: 6 tubes of toothpaste, 6 toothbrushes, and 6 jars of peanut butter. I have TONS of other coupons we will use, plus the amount that's right for stockpiling. I am PUMPED about couponing today. It's been TWO weeks of NOT buying papers due to the holidays. So I figured I am saving at least $30 after I bought my papers, since I have all this free stuff. That works out quite nicely this time around. (shhh...I am tempted to get another one!) The problem is that I have to go to 4 different stores. BUT, the good thing is they are all within like, hmm...a half mile of each other? If I can just HOLD ON til Rich comes home, I'll be okay. I am just too anxious.

I love my SECRET SISTER at church!! She left me a wonderful anniversary present..ironically, an Olive Garden gift card. LOL...We used the one Rich gave me at Christmas time for me and my girlfriends whenever we get together, for OUR anniversary. I had been slightly sick, and that is what sounded good to me for our date, so we used it. Now I have it back !LOL! We also saw National Treasure 2. In our opinion, this was better than the first, and we both had like the first. It was SOOO very nice to go see a movie!

I have more updating, but I need to attend to my daughter, and make sure my son is behaving himself. :-)

oh forgot to add that a very nice person at church was at a concert and picked up this wonderful music book by the artist that performed...piano music, moderate- difficult...yep, some is difficult , but only for me b/c of my small hands. I always have struggled reaching an octavein my right hand. It stinks. And then those runs, woaahhh....kind of tough with my pain and small fingers/hands, but somehow I get through. So, what a wonderful day at church..besides lifting my spirits. I was honestly very depressed for a few days past, and thankfully, that has cleared.

I wish I had this in my backyard

Only a bit bigger!

Don't Make Me

An outake during Christmas photo-taking. If THIS doesn't put a grin on your face, what will?

Beloved

Photobucket Album

My Special-est Cake Ever, (in the whole wide world!)

..as Ella would say!

What the kids made, along with Gram and Pa, for me, a few days after my bday this past month. Moved me to tears. I am getting choked up about it even now. They sang and made it such a surprise, even though I knew! LOL!

My dear man

Got a book tonight that he is already reading. Good for him. He used to read a lot, but since we met, not so much. Cold Mountain...5,99 at B&N, hardback even!

Also, I forgot to mention that he did a good thing when he went to get eyedrops for Buddy's red eyes. He used a walgreen's super saver coupon, although I can't remember exactly for what item it was for. All on his own accord. I was extremely impressed!!!!!! Still am!!!!!

Here's a collage (quickly done, and I mean quickly) just to get an idea of some pics and things we did...Ella's school program, visiting Bill and Lisa's (some of their house pics here), two vintage angels I had set out as decoration, among other old treasures, a self portrait (LOL) of me in a Christmas bulb, Philip in practically nothing as he opened Christmas gifts, some great smiles of the kids...my handsome husband, and more! Enjoy!