Friday, July 31, 2009

Saying "Thank You" is an Understatement...

My gosh friends, today is already Friday and another week has already passed through my grubby little hands and right under my nose. How did that happen? Let's see...

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It's been a week since I participated in the "Where Bloggers Create" party hosted by Karen and I have to tell you that I am STILL not finished party hopping! If you participated and I haven't stopped by your blog yet...I will and I'll be coming soon! And for those who have stopped by and visited me and Sophie, I'm sending many thanks to you!!!! Your wonderful comments made me smile! I really enjoyed reading each and every one of them. I love the personal and "in detail" comments. That is the kind of comment I love to leave on blogs that I visit. After all, when I am visiting you, I do love the "one on one" devotion time you give me!!! ;) Through this party, I have met some wonderful new friends that I've added to my blog family circle. Ya'll are some wonderful people I tell ya!!!!

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And of course, Debbie hosted a baby shower for her little granddaughter Bella Marie. I couldn't help myself sticking my nose in that one too because little Bella has become such a big part of our blog world! They say everything is BIG in Texas and that is true. Bella's blessings were huge as she is preparing to come home soon and be with her family that has been anxiously awaiting her. That's the best news ever! She is a miracle indeed!

I had a wonderful visit from a blog friend Sarah of The Gypsy Mermaid. She spent the day with me and I took her to the 5 & 10 store. After depleting our funds, we came back home and played in the studio...it was so much fun!

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And my most favorite part of my week since last Friday was that my little niece Payton came to play with me!!! She stayed two nights and one full day. I haven't seen two o'clock in the morning since I was a new mother 21 years ago. But I have to tell you, I saw the clock strike two in the morning TWO nights in a row and this old body has never caught up since! Having her here and staying up all night was funner (no, that's not a word but I'm using it anyway!) than my first date or any slumber party I've ever attended! We played in my studio day in and day out, coming up for air only twice. Once was the smell of hubs barbque and the other was I had to leave and go to softball practice. (Yes, I am on a softball team and that's a whole other post!) I can't show you any photos of our creations as we made "stuff" for my precious little niece, Ella Jane's first birthday party. We want to leave it as a surprise because sometimes Ella Jane's mom reads my blog. Payton (16) is Ella Jane's godmother and is hosting her 1st birthday party over in Texas. So I helped her out as much as I could and I have no doubt everything she'll put together between now and then will be perfect! After the party, I'll post about what we created!!! The party is August 15th so hang in there, I think you're going to love it!

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I signed up for three swaps for Silver Bella. Deadlines are coming up soon and I cringed when I realized it was already the end of July. August is just around the corner and again, another month has flown by! I finished one of the swaps this week and what you are seeing in the photos is a sneak peek of the items I gathered to create it. It's the Holiday Fat Book hosted by Michelle Geller. She's so incredibly talented, I am honored to be in her swap.  I felt joy and a sense of fulfillment as I packaged the box tightly with my Fat Book pages and walked into the post office. One down, two to go. Oh wait, I am not almost done with my swaps...I still have Sarah's Spooky Vintage Halloween Swap and Sandy's charm bracelet swap! So let's rephrase this...One down and four more to go! whew!

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So for those of you wondering what I've been up to...this is it. I apologize if I haven't visited lately and I do promise to catch up with you soon. Mostly though, I just wanted to thank each and every one of you who stop here and leave a sweet comment. It's because of you that I keep on blogging. I should mail out each and every one of you a check. Why you ask? Because blogging is like therapy to me and I think it would be better to pay ya'll instead of a therapist! What do you think???? ;)

Thank you for sharing my little (sometimes busy) world. I'm so happy that you always come and visit. You make my life much sweeter and my days much brighter.

Speaking of sweet...Payton called me last night. I asked her if she was still creating Ella Jane's "stuff" for her party and she answered back..."Yes Aunt Jodie I am, but it's not fun without you."

(smile)

Well my friends and my sweet little Payton, that's exactly how I feel about YOU!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

 

26 comments:

Debra@CommonGround said...

Goodness, you HAVE been busy,"swapping" and being Auntie! I know I feel the same as you, blogging buddies are just the Best!
Debra

blushing rose said...

Ahhhh, melt the heart the wee ones do. Have a beautiful weekend, glad you are back ..... TTFN ~Marydon

Lori said...

Jodie, what a sweet post:) i feel the same way about blogging...it is a kind of therapy for me too...and i love to visit and see what everyone is up to...it sounds like you are a busy bee over there...having a lot of fun while you are at it...your pictures today are SO beautiful...i really want to see what you are making over there...the peeks are just lovely!!!

Anonymous said...

Like you i'm not through visiting either. Who knew there were so many blogs out there wow I love it. I love your blog for all the many wonderful links you post thanks so much it's a joy to click on over & check out several blogs at once. Today is a very lazy day for me as it has been pouring rain all morning. I am not a person who sleeps in but this morning I have had one of those dull headaches that goes across the forehead ugh. I took 2 ibuprophen's & I slept till almost 10:00 a.m. whew where has my morning gone!? Well let me skidaddle on out of here as I have much more parting to do...lols!

Have a blessed weekend,

~Linda~

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

You are so dang cute, I just want to come over there and eat some cajun food with you and play in your studio. I love that you spend time with your nieces. I love your posts, I love that you love detailed comments.

I am trying to get some things together, I want to see if I can sale some of my home made items, just to keep me busy.I'll be posting them soon.

I'm with you, I love to blog!


cindy-stitch-n-stuff.blogspot.com

Jessica Rodarte said...

Oh Jodie,
You have been so busy! I agree about blogging. I found another reason: it's like therapy! :) I can't wait to see the darling project in its entirety.
I am still catching up on all of those delicious studios, too! There's so much inspiration to take in. I hope you enjoy your weekend, friend.
xoxo.

June said...

Hi Jodie,
I am so impressed by the kind of aunt you are to your nieces, and by the wonderful comment your son left for you the other day, you were an incredible mother. I so admire that in a person. You gave your niece a gift that will be with her her whole life. I bet you two created magic in that beautiful studio of yours. Are you totally exhausted yet? You have been a busy girl. Blogging is the best therepy I know of too.
Hugs,
June

Sonia said...

Oh, my!! You are one busy bee. I wanted to invite you to the first swap I ever hosted on my blog. You can check it out if you want but I understand you are busy...
Everything you showed looks lovely. Cant wait to see what you have been working on.
Hugs!!
Sonia

Little Lovables said...

It sounds like you have been a super busy blogging bee!!

The Texas Woman said...

DITTO. I LOVE THE BLOGWORLD!

A Joyful Chaos said...

Everything looks very lovely! thanks for sharing.

Sandy said...

How fun! There is nothing like a little girly time with friends and family. I be Sophie was green with envy,poor dear.

The swaps sound like so much fun. It has been a while since I participated in one, I may have to sign up for one soon.

Have fun making your bella goodies!

Mindy said...

How much fun was that? I love that you got to play with your niece! ~Mindy

Karen said...

Hey there! I am going through blogging withdrawl not having computer access for the past 4 days. So this is quick just to say hi. We are in Douglas WY, will be at our destination in So Dakota tomorrow. We will have wifi there so can post what we've been doing then.
We have not had ONE DROP of rain. I'm sad, cause I love a good storm!!!
Girl, your photography is outstanding. I need to take a class . . .
HUGS! Karen

Jane said...

I really enjoy reading your posts. I know what you mean about blogging. I have only had my blog for less than two weeks and I find myself checking (probably a little bit too often) to see if anyone new has visited and what comments were left. Today I am on my sister's computer in Dallas checking in to see what's new.....I guess I have a new addiction!

The Victorian Parlor said...

My goodness you are busy! Sounds like you and your niece had a great time:). I am actually exhausted just reading about all that you have accomplished! Of course, I now realize how much I have yet to get accomplished and that makes me even more exhausted-heehee!

Have fun with all of your projects! Kramer says 'meow, meow, meeeooow' (translation-'hi auntie Jodie').

Blessings,

Kim

Connie said...

Waaaaaaaaait, I have visited here, sugar. I thought it was a "J" and haven't gotten there yet, but you're an "E"!! ;-)
xoxo,
Connie

Geralyn Gray said...

I gave up trying to figure out where I left off at the party....I loved it though---I love to see where everyone creates.....yours was the most original!!

trash talk said...

I wasn't here, you never heard from me and you will remember nothing I write here...meeting people like you is reason enough for blogging!
Debbie

Sandi said...

Wow, you have been busy and will be for a while to come.

I am very tempted to see what is up with the bits and pieces in the photos you shared. Can't wait to see.

I have been busy too. Thursday and Friday I spent the day at hubby's school helping with registration. With over 2300 students to register, I was a tired motoscooter when I reached Friday night. Throw in therapy too and I went straight to bed when I got home.

Hope you get lots of rest this weekend. I am going to try too.

Sandi
Impatient Cajun

Debby said...

WOW!! You are a busy girl. Loved your post and if you have to be this busy, I can't think of anything better than everything you have listed to keep you that way. All sounds wonderful.
Debby

Draffin Bears said...

wow! Jodie, you have been a busy little bee.
Must have been hard work with being up in the night, when you are not used to that.
I agree about blogging, it is such a lovely place to come and share friendship and fun.
Thanks Jodie, for always entertaining and showing us what you have been up to.

I hope that your weekend is great.
Hugs
Carolyn

zandra said...

Wow! My head is spinning just reading all the things you do! lol Sounds like a lot of fun. You go girl~"You are living the life you imagine"~Hugz, Z

Payton said...

Awwwwww. Aunt Jodie I just couldn't stop smiling at the post. :) I feel so special. It was so sweet!! I can't thank you enough for having me over that weekend. I really had so much fun!! You are such a wonderful aunt(...especially staying up late with me.hehe.)I love you. :)
-Payton.

Stephenie said...

You have been busy..I'm getting tired keeping up with you(hehe)... I can't believe how fast time is flying by... Summer is almost over..
I'm still blog hoping Where Bloggers Create.. I gotta tell ya, I need to borrow your organizational skills...You have such a pretty studio and it's so organized...
Hope all is well Jodie!!!
Stephenie

Anonymous said...

Jodie~~
Yes! Blogging is YOU! It brings out your best gifts and talents! It touches all of us who see the beauty of your soul expressed in your photos, writing, and creations!!!
I love you and I am ever so proud of to call you 'sister', 'little one', and MY little sister!!! ;)
Hugs, Kisses, Love,
Karen