Verse of the Day


Saturday, December 31, 2011

Ringing in the New Year!

Little Abigail once again provided lots of inspiration for digi-scrapping. I've been way behind in CT commitments since I ended up taking a 6 month "sabatical" from scrapping (NOT planned!). I'm enjoying being back in the saddle once again and had TONS of fun scrapping today while dear hubby was shopping. Even managed a skype call with grandsons imbetween... YIPEE!!

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Princess Abby
credits: It's A Party kit by 3Li'l Monsters Designs 
fonts - SF Alexa and SU Carefree
 
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Abigail Brushes Teeth
 credits: All Done by 3Li'l Monsters Designs, fonts - SU Carefree
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Isaiah 40:31

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Isn't She a SWEETY?!!!


This 1st LO is using just the solid papers (cuz there was a slight delay in access to the patterned papers and my instant inspiration needed an outlet IMMEDIATELY!!)...
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...then, I added the patterned papers (clipping them to the solids) to add further texture and give the LO that little extra hmmmph :-)

 credits: Snuggle Bug by 3Li'l Monsters Designs, font - SU Heritage

available at STS January 1st (thru February 2012 only!)
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Isaiah 40:31

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry CHRISTmas!!

2011 was a pretty eventful year for us. We were able to visit the kids & grandkids in MI in early Spring and Summer. Then we had quite an adventure with Roger being emergently hospitalized for epiglotitis over the July 4th weekend. Throw in a week long vacation to the Black Hills, visits from family & friends AND a new puppy ... whew! ... it's no wonder the year just flew by lickity-split!! 
 ♥~♥*♥~~♥*♥~♥


Our newest member is Keiko Dakota (japanese for "blessing" & native american for "friend"). She's now almost 5 months old, weighs 7 lbs and is currently in basic training to be my service dog (I like to think of it as "boot camp", hehe). She's doing really well with basic commands (even "come", which is typically hard for Schipperke's!). So far, she alerts me to sounds AND their locations (which is "huge" for me cuz of my hearing loss)... already knows how to "FIND mommy's epi" & will bring it to me on command. Now just have to get her to understand it's for ME and not her, that it's not a toy!! Eventually, she'll be trained to recognize when I'm in early stage of a reaction and fetch my emergency meds on her own. I'm really excited about it. In addition to her "workload", she's a wonderful companion and is living up to her name :-)
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We hope & pray you'll have a Merry Christmas, as we celebrate the birthday of our Lord & Savior, Jesus, & a very Happy New Year!!
credits: Winter Traditions kit by MagsGraphics
fonts: SU Heritage, Yard Sale

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Isaiah 40:31

Thursday, December 22, 2011

local town ignores ADA!!

The ADA made recent revisions, some VERY specific regarding service animals. The town of Aurelia IA has attempted 'trumping' the ADA by using a breed ban ordinance to force Jim Sak, a disabled man, to remove his service dog from his home AND the town!! This is absolutely outrageous!! PLEASE voice your protest!

Here's a document from the ADA regarding Service Animals: http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

You can find contacts for the town of Aurelia IA here: http://www.aureliaia.com/City_Government-Services.htm

********** what i wrote to the town of Aurelia IA *********

ATTN: Mayor & City Council Members, Aurelia IA

I'm writing to you because of an outrage that has happened. Per this article, http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/9566024-418/retired-chicago-cops-service-dog-not-welcome-in-iowa-town.html, I learned that you have forced Jim Sak to remove his service dog from his home and out of your town.

This is against the ADA, Ameican Disability Act (Federal Law which overrides your 2008 city ordinance!). Strongly suggest you contact the Department of Justice, to get your facts straight. Because the LAW is firmly on Jim Sak's side.

one of the changes, made July 23, 2010 and effective March 15, 2011, says Service animals are exempt from breed bans as well as size & weight limitations.
http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleIII_2010/reg3_2010.html

"Conversely, if an individual uses a breed of dog that is perceived to be aggressive because of breed reputation, stereotype, or the history or experience the observer may have with other dogs, but the dog is under the control of the individual with a disability and does not exhibit aggressive behavior, the public accommodation cannot exclude the individual or the animal from the place of public accommodation. The animal can only be removed if it engages in the behaviors mentioned in § 36.302(c) (as revised in the final rule) or if the presence of the animal constitutes a fundamental alteration to the nature of the goods, services, facilities, and activities of the place of public accommodation."

"The Department does not believe that it is either appropriate or consistent with the ADA to defer to local laws that prohibit certain breeds of dogs based on local concerns that these breeds may have a history of unprovoked aggression or attacks. Such deference would have the effect of limiting the rights of persons with disabilities under the ADA who use certain service animals based on where they live rather than on whether the use of a particular animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others. Breed restrictions differ significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions have no breed restrictions. Others have restrictions that, while well-meaning, have the unintended effect of screening out the very breeds of dogs that have successfully served as service animals for decades without a history of the type of unprovoked aggression or attacks that would pose a direct threat, e.g., German Shepherds. Other jurisdictions prohibit animals over a certain weight, thereby restricting breeds without invoking an express breed ban. In addition, deference to breed restrictions contained in local laws would have the unacceptable consequence of restricting travel by an individual with a disability who uses a breed that is acceptable and poses no safety hazards in the individual´s home jurisdiction but is nonetheless banned by other jurisdictions. Public accommodations have the ability to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether a particular service animal can be excluded based on that particular animal´s actual behavior or history--not based on fears or generalizations about how an animal or breed might behave. This ability to exclude an animal whose behavior or history evidences a direct threat is sufficient to protect health and safety."

If Jim Sak is disabled and Snicker's is his service dog, the breed is irrelevant. The owner/handler has certain responsibilities (ie keeping service dog under control, on restraint in public, etc) and if those have been followed, you cannot legally stop him from entering any area/building that is normally open to the public. You certainly cannot order him to remove his service dog from his home OR the town!!

Very Sincerely,
janie

disabled
owner/handler of service dog "in training"

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Isaiah 40:31

Janie's Jewels & Jems
Art & Jewelry designed for the Jem in your life!
Retailer for Heel, Inc USA—healthcare designed by nature
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Minnesota USA

Saturday, December 17, 2011

A Day at the Park

A spring visit to Michigan and time to play with grandsons. Grampa & Uncle Pete enjoyed some "park play" with Ethan. There were SO many fun, Fun, FUN photos that I did my 1st-ever QUAD-layout. Then using a 12x12 fixed crop setting, separated them into individual LOs. It was TONS of fun!!!
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Ethan-PARK PLAY
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Then, some extra fun playing around and creating a WA to go along with Amy's kit. 
WordArt by janieinMN
credits: A Day At The Park & Monkeying Around by 3 Li’l Monsters Designs
font - Croobie, ErasLight ITC
fonts for janieinMN wordart - Scramble, NoodleScript, NoodleShade

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Isaiah 40:31

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Caught Napping!

Baby Face
 credits: Wee Dolly Molly by Milly Dee Designs
Photomask #28 by Carley's Digi Scraps
Word Art (swap 30) by Jennifer at Word Art World
font - Monotype Corsiva
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Love the awesome effect of this photomask by Carley's Digi Scraps that really makes this adorable photo of my great-nephew Ray just POP! Jennifer's Word Art was absolutely perfect AND Milly's baby kit was just right for scrapping this wee one caught napping :-)
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Isaiah 40:31

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Charming, Precious, Adorable ABIGAIL!

Here are some layouts I did back in June with one of my favorite subjects: Abigail~ she was a miracle baby (premie) of a young friend of ours. We got to meet her this summer and I hope to scrap our photos with her soon. They were staying at the Holland State Park and we met on the sandy beach... fun pics of her playing with the sand & us (different textures were part of her therapy so not only was it an adventure for her, it was also helping her development). Without further delay, here's...... charming, precious & adorable Abigail!
♥~♥*♥~~♥*♥~♥ 
CurlyLocks


 credits: Fish Are Friends by 3 Li’l Monsters Designs
font - Monotype Corsiva
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Abigail -bunnyfingers
 credits: My Boy by Milly Dee Designs
font - Monotype Corsiva
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Abigail -artistry




credits: Flutterflies by Binty Designs
font - Monotype Corsiva
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Isaiah 40:31

Monkey-ing Around!

Cade & Kitty
My nephew Cade & his kitty -- thanks Virginia for the adorable photos!!

credits: Monkeying Around June 2011 BLOG TRAIN... CT designers...
3 li'l Monsters Designs, Milly Dee Designs and MagsGraphics
font - CK Tomfoolery
Stitches Brushes 2 by Aida Scraps



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Great Nephews 1st Birthday
credits: Monkeying-Around kits by Deliscraps by Min, Eyeinspire & Wyld Web Designs
font - CK Yonkers
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Isaiah 40:31

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Where Did Time Go??

I didn't realize it's been SO long since posting. I have a few layouts from June/July to upload, but time just got away from us. It was a busy summer and now it's even busier!! 
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June -- job interview in IL, visited family in MI
July -- roger emergency hospitalization with epiglotitis (life-threatening emergency), recovery (MANY thanks to dear friend Melissa who immediately flew out to help me. major plumbing repair (ABS piping failed kitchen drain). started getting backyard fence estimates.
August -- 4-day weekend vacation to Ely MN. wall repair & painting from plumbing job.
September -- week vacation in the Black Hills of SD followed by pickup of NEW PUPPY!!
October -- birthday & anniversary, and busy, busy, BUSY potty-training puppy!! visit from Mom & Dad :-)
♥~♥*♥~~♥*♥~♥ 
KEIKO DAKOTA
 born 7/30/11, joined our family 9/25/11-- here she is at 11 1/2 weeks

her name's meaning:
KEIKO (japanese for "blessing")
DAKOTA (native american for "friend")
♥~♥*♥~~♥*♥~♥

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Isaiah 40:31

Friday, June 3, 2011

More Fun with Grandsons

Boys Toys
 credits: On the Move by Milly Dee Designs, font - CK Kolette

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Outdoor Discovery Center
 credits: Forest Frenzy & Zoo kits by MagsGraphics
fonts - CK Postman, CK TrueType
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Isaiah 40:31

I SPY!

Who doesn't remember the game played for hours at a time during road trips? "I SPY..." When we got back from a visit with our grandsons, these photos gave instant inspiration for a 'spy' page. Amy at 3 Li'l Monsters Designs had the PERFECT kit!!! My Dear Watson :-)
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I SPY
This LO won LOTD (layout of the day) at DSDI in April!!
credits: My Dear Watson by 3 Li'l Monsters Design, font - CK Kolette
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Isaiah 40:31

Minnesota Zoo!

We really had fun taking photos at our Zoo trip in April... especially with the monkeys!! The following LOs using Animal Magic by Alison at Milly Dee Designs speak louder than any words could :-)
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Cats 

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Camels & Bears

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Snow Monkeys
credits: Animal Magic by Milly Dee Designs, font - CK Kolette
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Isaiah 40:31

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Winter to Spring Transition

We attempted a trip to the zoo last month (got some FANTASTIC photos! will share digi LOs later). It wasn't easy trying to avoid the people with their stinky fragrances & chemicals (lotions, shampoos, deodorants, aftershaves, laundry detergents, fabric softener, ETC!). The hardest part was when parents grabbed their kids & pulled them away. I'M NOT CONTAGIOUS!! But, if the shoe were on the other foot, would I have done the same? I hope not, but what if I already did in past years and just don't remember?
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The isolation that comes with being disabled with SEVERE multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) and SEVERE natural rubber latex allergy (NRLA) is real. It's only the grace of God & the support from a loving husband (and our kids & parents) that keep me going. When I do leave the house, we have to take tons of "stuff" with us... emergency battery operated air purifier (full hooded respirator), emergency change of clothing & medical supplies, emergency medications (epi-pens, inhaler, antihistimines, homeopathics, etc), all my food & snacks AND water for the day/outing. I wear HEPA/carbon nasal filters, surgical face mask, hat, gloves, long sleeves and long pants (even in the heat of summer)... have to protect my airway and cover as much skin as possible.
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With MCS, you don't have to breathe it to be affected by it (chemicals). Same goes for latex proteins. There are 4 main routes of exposure that I have to guard against: inhalation (breathing), absorption (skin & membranes (like eyes)), ingestion (eating, drinking contaminated food/drink), and injection (insect stings (several stinging insects are latex-cross-reactives... their venom has similar proteins to latex... making them an EXTREME double-whammy!! another form is any type of syringe/shots... have to make sure the syringes are latex-free and that there hasn't been any latex contamination of the serum).
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Even with keeping my guard up, there are bound to be surprises in addition to the known exposures. So a simple outing to walk in the park has the potential of a bad exposure & reaction. We do our best and enjoy what time we can spend outdoors in the midst of God's AWESOME creation! We have some WONDERFUL state & regional parks in MN & WI... and our own Lock & Dam on the Mississippi River gives us some great exercise and fantastic photographic moments (lots of wildlife, birds and such).
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I had a pretty tough & dangerous winter with neighboring snowmobilers that were cutting across our property and then polluting our backyard with their petrol/exhaust. Finally, the last snowmelt occurred and aaahhh, relief! THEN, the farmer sprayed his field with amonia sulfate (AWFUL stuff for EVERYbody!!!) and my body has been feeling the affects from that ever since (and more so when he came by a couple days ago and made 2 complete passes to turn the soil under - THAT was a HORRIBLY painful day). Thankfully, our neighbors give us advance warning when they're going to mow & that helps me establish a defense zone (air purifiers on high, avoid opening windows/doors, keep exhaust fans off). It doesn't prevent chem exposures, because the petrol/exhaust and grass pollens (latex-cross-reactives!!) come in thru intake & exhaust vents... I just do what we can to "minimize" the effect. Since we got our Oreck Air Purifiers, life has been much better in the house. When it gets bad outside (from petrol/exhaust, neighborhood fabric softener, farm chems), I also turn on our Hunter HEPA air filters as backup to the Orecks. Sometimes though, the best thing to do is just crawl into bed for the duration & beyond.
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If you have any questions about MCS or NRLA, please feel free to write a comment to this post with your email addy & I'll pass on what I've learned. Here are a couple great websites to get some info. For MCS: www.mcs-america.org. For NRLA, go here: www.latexallergyresources.org.
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Well, that's all for now. I've got 6 LOs to share with you another day (zoo trip and visit with grandsons!). Meanwhile, PLEASE focus on PREVENTION so you don't end up with MCS or NRLA. Remember, ANYone can develop these health conditions at ANYtime. They get worse with EACH exposure! I'm now disabled because I didn't know hardly anything "about" them until it was too late. For starters, use safe unscented AND fragrance-free cleaners and personal care products. AVOID perfumes (200+ chemicals!!), AVOID fabric softeners (ALL types!!), AVOID latex gloves & latex balloons. AND do the research! learn as much as you can about the chemicals you have in your home and work hard & diligently to make your home safe for your loved ones & you!!
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For those of you that find yourself in my shoes with either MCS or NRLA (or both!), I hope the links I've included for some of the "stuff", that helps me participate in life, is of help to you.

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Isaiah 40:31

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

So VERY Scrabable!!

Of course we're going to scrap our precious grandsons. They are my most useful subjects, second only to OUR sons! Then there are special events, my hubby, and friends/relatives. and THEN, there are the photos that just BEG to be scrapped. The oh so darling & delightful Abigail, premie daughter of a young friend of ours... who is a camera HAM -- she absolutely LOVES to have her picture taken!! and really hams it up in front of the camera. Both her and our grandsons are featured in these four layouts.
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Critter Farm
credits: Farm Daze, Animal Crackers Base and Zoo kits by MagsGraphics, font - CK Kolette
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Grampa & Boys
credits: Treasured kit and PhotoMask#1 by Binty Designs, font - CK Kolette

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Cutie-Pie

Happy-Girl
credits: Easter Grab Bag by Binty Designs, font - CK Kolette
 
 
 
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Isaiah 40:31
"When you choose to use fragrances, chemicals, or pesticides,
You are not simply making a choice for yourself,
You are making a choice for everyone around you."
© MCS America


For More Information - NRLA & MCS

http://latexallergyresources.com/

http://mcs-america.org/

Support Groups

NRLA—Natural Rubber Latex Allergy
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LAForum/

MCS—Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MCSA-Public/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MCSphotography/

Digital Photography
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/funwithallcameras/