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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Lori Anderson

The wonderful Lori Anderson is hosting a fantastic giveaway. She is offering five fun prizes. I entered for a mystery soup. Do hope I win I just adore her style. I have been lucky to do a trade with her. She sent me the most delightful beads and allot of vintage one also. So follow the link below Bd enter for your chance to win!!

http://prettythingsblog.com

Giveaways!

I have only heard from two of my winners.. As soon as I hear from the other two I will divide the winnings up and mail them out.  Until then make sure you check out this giveaway. It's really awesome.  Have a wonderful Monday!!  

Preciosa-Ornela Czech Bead Giveaway

~Easter Weekend and Layers Adorned Giveaway~

We went to my Great-Aunts house for a Easter Egg hunt and Mason "found" 20 eggs with Grandma and Daddies help. He is here holding his Easter present with Grandma and being pinched by Daddy. He had a good time visiting Family and playing with the kids.

Now on to the giveaway.. I had three entires and believe all of you should be winners this go around!! I have checked my stash and do have enough of the items in the giveaway to send out to you. So.  Tracey, Caras Designs and Mellisa please send me your addresses and I will have the prize packs sent out to you. Hope you all had a wonderful Easter!! Any questions please email me. (stepha78 @ gmail.com)



Layers Adorned Giveaway

I thought it would be fun to start off my new blog with a giveaway. In this giveaway you will recieve 10 items from this limited collection. Item numbers are: 65156-28, 65156-17, 65156-18, 65156-23, 65156-04, 65156-10, 65156-07, 65156-21, 65156-38 and 65156-40.


Rules of entry are as followed. Follow my blog either here or at Rainy Days Designs I will use the Randomizer to choose the lucky winner. No more than one entry per site please. Leave your email address when you enter. I will pick the winner the on the last Tuesday in the month, which will be  April 26. at 12:00 noon eastern time. :) Good luck to all those who enter!!

EDIT: I extended the giveaway date, due to lack of entries..