Personal Post Monday - Gramma Day with Zamarah

So here's my other sweetie that I got to have a Gramma Day with while we were visiting Prescott in May - it's Miss Zamarah.  This amazing 5 year old keeps me on my toes!!  We started our day at Golden Corral also - and she has a sweet tooth.  She did eat - some shrimp, some potatoes - and then DESSERT!!!  This was her first cotton candy - which she ate all by herself.

Then she hit the dessert buffet again - and came back with another cotton candy that she shared with me.  And a bunch of other goodies.

 

When she was done she was all smiles as she posed with Gramma - that was as much sugar as I get in a month I think.

Then it was off to the park for an hour or so of playtime - swings and slides - and more swings and slides

We ended the day with a trip to the store and a Littlest PetShop gift set.  Such a nice time with a little one with unlimited spunk.  It was a day FULL of Joy!! Thanks for the fun Zamarah - love you so!! ~Gramma

From Here to There.....

or in our case - where it continues.  This week you get a couple personal posts.  That's correct - as you read this Paul and I will be moving to our new home and starting a new adventure in our lives as retired folks - lol!!  We're moving from this beautiful home in Southern California......

...to this amazing home in Prescott, Arizona.  We are sad that we are leaving our many friends, kids and grandkids in Cali - but ready for this new adventure together.  And trust me - we'll be back to visit as often as possible - and everyone here had better come visit us!!  We'll have a couple guest rooms - and of course a wonderful STAMPING parlor!

So - the old house is packed up and empty - everything is in the U-haul and the truck and away we go!! Watch for updates as we move and make this new house or new HOME! ~Maureen

Sharing some more beautiful farewell cards today - they just really make me smile - thank you ladies for making my day!!  ~Maureen

Lois's card

Paula's card

Sarah's card

Meg's card

Virginia's card

Tata for now

Last Friday several ladies in my downline (and formerly in my downline) threw a little farewell get-together for me.  Kathy B. opened her home and everyone brought amazing food.  The wine and laughs flowed freely.  There are pictures coming in the future - but for now I wanted to share some of the great cards I received.

Diane's Card

Kandi's Card

Karen O's Card

Kathy B's card

Kathy W's card - I know it's Christmas - lol.  But she said she can't make a Christmas card without thinking of me.  For the last several years I have done a monthly Christmas card class and she has made it to many of them.

 It was such fun time with an amazing group of women.  Stop back soon to see more of the wonderful cards!  See you soon!  ~Maureen

Blast from the PAST!!

So one thing that is happening with all of our packing up - is that I am finding a lot of memories!  I came across a very old box of papers and inside some of the very first cards I ever made after signing up with Stampin' Up!  Thought I'd share - my style has changed a little - so please don't judge - lol!  Actually it was really fun seeing these!  Enjoy!  ~Maureen

This was the cover of a program for Women's Ministries at our church - we made about 110 of these!!

 

 

 

 

Personal Post Monday - Gramma Day with Prince

So last month while we were in Prescott I was able to get in a couple Gramma days!!!  Getting these in during the year is going to be a bit more complicated - but I know I can do it :)  So the first was with the great kid - my grandson, Prince.

First stop was Chili's for lunch.  The restaurant there was really big and nice and the food terrific.  Just look at all that food - he was a happy kid.  I had their pulled pork tacos - sounds weird -but they were amazing!!

Next stop was the movies - he and I went to see the new Avengers movie while Papa visited some home improvement stores.  I was not sure I would like the movie - but I actually LOVED it.  Now I want to see them all.

Then Papa picked us up and we headed to the store for a few things...

A quick stop for ice cream...

and of course - a Lego toy.  This kid LOVES his legos.  We had such a nice day - and he is really such an amazing kid.  I have been richly blessed by God with these grandkids of mine.  Can't wait till our next day together.  Love you Prince, Gramma

Two Missing Weeks and there may be more!

Sorry all - I really can't believe that it has been two full weeks since I posted here.  I LOVE blogging - but packing to move to a different state next week - after living in a home nearly 17 years seems to have gotten the best of me  - lol.  I am so happy I retired early enough for Paul and I to have time to get this home packed up.  Just look at these rooms - all the pictures, nic-nacs, etc. - gone - the rooms echo! 

 

Actually having everything packed up makes it a little easier to leave - doesn't feel as much like home.  But we have a family day tomorrow for Father's day and grandkids staying all this week - so I know I will be extremely sad to leave family!! But also ready for this adventure.  Paul and I celebrated our 39th anniversary yesterday and I feel a little like I did when we were first starting out 39 years ago - this is our time!  But still soooooo much to do.  Especially moving my Stampin' Up! stuff - I truly am moving a small business - yikes!!!!  I put my craft room off till last so I had all my stuff for classes and my open house - but now I have to tackle it and this room is killing me - it seems endless.

I've been freaking out all day.  We are moving ourselves with a large U-Haul and I keep thinking there is no way everything will fit - but Hubby (who is great with spacial things) assures me it will be fine.  Here's the stuff in the garage that is ready to go.

I'm gonna try and blog a bit ahead - but please stick with me.  It's gonna take me a bit after the move to get back in the swing of things - in fact we won't even have internet hooked up for about a week :( So if I'm gone a bit - know I'll be back!  ~Maureen

A few of my favorite sets....

So with all of the packing going on  -  I finally placed my first personal order (besides my preorder of course).  It was tough - I'm trying to pace myself - anything I purchase here I have to pack and move - but there are a few things I just could not resist.  So here goes - my top five favorite new sets in the brand new Stampin' Up! catalog.

#1 - Sprinkles of Life - the new Ronald McDonald Charities set - proceeds from this set go to support Ronald McDonald Charities.  What makes it really fun is that we have a matching Tree Builder punch - that will punch out most of the pieces of this set - makes it so versatile, and I can't wait to play with it.

#2 - Over the Rainbow - I love love all of the new watercolor look stamps.  But I am especially fond of Rainbows - they bring me joy, make me smile and remind me of God's promises. This set is great and I love the sentiments.

#3 - Wild About Flowers - and I guess I am.  I need another flower set like I need a hole in my head - but could not resist this one.  It combines the silhouette look that is amazing with some fun flowers you can add with pops of color and some nice sentiments also - soooo I had to have it :)

#4 - You've Got This - This set is amazing to me.  The first time I saw it in the catalog it caught my eye and every time since I am just drawn to it.  I got it on my pre-order, and have used it a couple times already - and am anxious to see what else I can make with it. And....its a flower :)  LOL

#5 - Tin of Cards Stamp Set - Now I have to be honest - this would not normally be on my favorites list -but it coordinates with an amazing Tin of Cards project kits shown below the set.  To me it is all a MUST HAVE and will be the first class I offer after moving to Arizona - so ladies in Prescott - be ready for me :)

So that's it - my five favorite sets.  Stop by soon to see my five favorite new accessories.  And this is only the beginning - there is so much more I want.  If you want any of these products let me know and I'll get them ordered - or you can shop directly through my website - www.stampingwithmaureen.stampinup.net - and orders will be shipped directly to you!  ~Maureen

Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop

Hey all - check it out - it's time for an amazing blog hop for all you stamping fans and coffee lovers - you can see all the posts by going here- http://coffeelovingcardmakers.com/

Isn't this adorable.  I absolutely LOVE this set from Stampin' Up! and so sad it is now retired - but I will keep forever!!!  So here's the package clipped with a cute little coffee cup clip made with a clothespin - great way to close your packages.  

Here's card one of the gift -

And all four cards.  These pictures were taken awhile back - but I have made many of this same kit and given out since.  It is always a hit!!

Hope you liked it and have fun hopping!!! ~Maureen

OPEN HOUSE - don't miss it!!!

Hello All my Fellow Stampers!
It’s the most wonderful time of the Stampin’ year! The NEW Idea Book and Catalog is here! And it is amazing - if I do say so myself!!  

On June 2 (that's today) ONLY you can order from all three of the catalogs (last year's, this year's new one, and the Occasions catalog) - beginning June 3 it is only the new catalog.  So be sure to go to my website and SHOP - www.stampingwithmaureen.stampinup.net  Order online from now till Friday, June 5 and be sure to enter this Hostess Code - 9F7RUKRJ right before check out - to be entered for my great prize giveaway - you'll get an entry for every $25 in mdse. you order (pre s&h and tax).  Your order will be shipped directly to your home. 

Want more entries - attend my New Catalog event (details below).  All prizes will be drawn for at this event and winners announced Monday the 15th.  I'll have at least 15 prizes including one of SU's Score Boards!

​ So mark your calendars now for my FREE NEW CATALOG kick-off Open House

SUNDAY, June 14th 1PM - 4PM!!!!

654 Cinnabar Place in Simi Valley

(this will be my LAST stamping event at my home here)
All attendees will receive a copy of the catalog (if you have not already received one from me already), make some new-catalog projects, and be entered in my doorprize drawing mentioned above.  There will also be some retired items discounted and for sale - some yummy refreshments and FUN!!  PLEASE BRING A FRIEND to get an extra entry!!!  

All attendees must RSVP.
Can't make it??  just Email me and request a FREE catalog - you can pick it up if you are local or I will mail it to you and you just pay shipping!!!   You are going to LOVE the new catalog and products!

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SAVE THE DATE!
As you know my  summer is BUSY with moving to Prescott, AZ.  But please save the date for a special charity event I will be hosting here in So.Cal.

~*~*~*~*~

STAMPING FOR A CAUSE!!

Saturday, July 11, 2015 - afternoon!!!
Proceeds will benefit a local Veteran's organization.

Full details coming soon - but mark you calendars now!!

(These charity events will be held quarterly in So. Cal. throughout the coming year.)
Also, with my move I'll be offering some new specials to keep my local customers in So. Cal. engaged - so watch for more on that :)

  Stampingly, Maureen

 

Personal Post Monday - Paisley turns "12"

I really cannot believe it!  The day Paisley was born is still such a vivid memory for me - the day I became "Gramma" - my life has never been the same.  Here she is just minutes after she was born - such a cutie - she stole my heart immediately.

For the past several years my husband has had to work at his job during Paisley's birthday celebration.  But since we both recently retired - he promised we'd celebrate with her this year - so off to Arizona we went.   She wanted Red Robin for her birthday dinner - so that is what she got!   Here she is being a goofball -

 

 and here is Prince photo-bombing us -

Delivery of her birthday dessert -

 And being so cute (and a little shy) during the birthday singing -

We all had a great time - family, food, fun - celebrating her 12th birthday - now if I could just slow down this growing up thing a bit.  Not sure I'm ready for her to enter the teen years next year.  Paisley - we love you so much - thank you for being such a special and wonderful grand-daughter!!!  ~Gramma