Goodbye 2012!!

2012 has been a bittersweet year for myself and my family. We started the year off  with the birth of our son Timothy. He weighed in at 8 pounds and 2 ounces.

Timothy Brayden 1/6/2012

I  cannot believe that in a few days My little baby will be 1. We are planning a small party with family and close friends. If it is not to cold we will have it at a local park. Below is a photo of Mason kissing Baby Timothy.

This past year we also lost two of our beloved pets. I miss them so much, I am holding back the tears as I plow through the photos of these fur babies. First is our cat, Angel. My daughter received this cat when a girl knocked on our door and said her parents told her to get rid of the kitten, or they will kill her. I took the kitten. Mya named her Angel for her white fur reminded her a Angel wings. Mya was 5 at the time.

Angel laying in a box.

She was chased away by my in-laws dog. We could not find her in the woods, So I know she hid well and is smart enough to survive outside on her own. But we do miss her dearly.  Next my dog Bandit, he was  a horrible babysitter, but a wonderful friend. He was a loyal little guy.

Bandit, doing his best to beg for something.

Bandit would take any type of food you offered him, If he did not like it, he would hide it under his bed, or in the laundry basket. He loved Mason so much. Sadly Bandit was killed my the same dog that chased Angel away.

We are saving up to get Bandits son from my mom, He is a shaggy little guy that looks just like my Bandit. But it may be a while until we can pay for his shots and pet deposits.

I have been lucky enough to befriended many people this past year. Two that hold a special place in my heart is Lori Anderson and Patti Vanderbloemen. These two ladies have helped me out in many ways. I love them dearly. I was scared to death to ask Lori to do a bead swap with me. I see these women as Celebrities. She agrees and sent me some beautiful beads, I admit mine were not quite up to par. Patti has sent me beads, and books, and tools.

I actually have had many women gift me parts of their bead stash. I  threw out most of my old beads and cleaned out my plastic bead trays to hold these beautiful gifts. I still have a few empty trays. :)

I was also lucky enough to join the BSBP in 2012. Among other smaller and just as exciting bead swaps. I also signed for a  few "Pay It Forwards" I have about six more months to send mine out. :)
Below is what I received from those that I signed up for.

Another beautiful soul I have met this year is Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp. She has battled a  personal illness. And is in recovery. I love Marie to pieces. She is a kind soul that will do all she can to make everyone else smile. Lorelei Eutro is another splendid soul. She is an amazing designer and full of life. Unfortunately I have not met any of these women in person. But maybe I can in the future. 

I have also been lucky in contests this year. The first one I won was from Feng Beads, A beautiful string of handmade fraggle and spacer beads. From Marla James and Melinda Orr, I won a bracelet, I won a pair of books from Katie Hacker, The E-book from Lori Anderson, entitled "Follow the Path". 


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In The Pink!

{Pay It Forward : Handmade}

I  met Lori when I started to follow her blog. I never thought we would have so much in comon. Over the yeari chatted and shared personal aspects of my world with her. I am  greatful to have such a good friend.



copyright - Lori Anderson
 

 Lori held the 5th BSBP and I did not get pinked, in the previous one I was a day or two late signing up.  I was lucky enough to get invited to her Facebook group. She then agreed to do a personal swap with me. I was stunned with the lovely assorment of beads that I revieved. Vintage Lucite and pearls. Lori has always been kind to me and helped me with problems.

I can see her driving around in this car.

Lori has been a flurish of non stop entertainment, she pushes herself beyond normal to provide for her followers. Even with her personal trials she gived 110% to her group and blog. I am so happy that I was able to join this years BSBP. I have made some amazing friends trough Lori and hope that our friendship lasts a long time.

She is always around play.

I was suppose to dye my hair pink to match the other ladies honoring Lori today, But I was unable to make it to the store. I still do plan to dye it pink, But I hope that this little blog will put a smile on her face. I think highly of her and wish her all the best in her journey as a author and a beautiful jewelry designer. I have learned many lessons and treasure her.

So get a glass of bubbly and celebrate Lori today!! I am curious to try pink champagne!! Once the celebrations are over, Lori you need to get some much needed rest!!

Have a wonderful day!! Love you Lori!!