Friday, September 28, 2012

SURPRISE!!!! I'M BACK!!!!

Hey All!

I have so missed you all, my blogging, and my craft so much these last few months!  You have all been so wonderful with checking in on me and leaving comments, sending emails and cards etc.  I just love you guys so much!

 The move was hard on us, but we made it. . .The new house is now starting to feel like home.  "The boys" had absolutely no problems adjusting to their new surroundings.  They LOVE the pool and have spent many, many hours in swimming bliss.  Gunther has become quite the diver too.  Here are some swimming pics:
GUNTHER CHILLIN AT THE POOL
"POOL BOYS"
SWIMMING WITH DAD
POOL FOOTBALL
CHAMPION DIVER
MAKING A BIG SPLASH
STANDING ON THE BOTTOM
DAD WITH FURRY DOLPHINS
The back yard pool area is lush and parklike.  It is a wonderful place to sit and have coffee or a "beverage" and just relax.  Lots of little creatures too. . .
CHECKING THE TIME
HUNGRY HUMMING BIRD
STOPPING FOR A DRINK
We moved in on the first day of Summer and I simply can't believe that we are now a few days into Fall.  It is all a blur.  I've been working hard on getting the inside of the house the way I want it.  So far, I have painted the kitchen, dining room, breakfast room and entry hall.  There is a lot more work that needed to be done than I had previously thought.  The owners were not completely upfront with some things and that was disappointing.   Hopefully the next post will contain the interior pics.  I'm hosting an open house on October 13th for all of our old neighbors  so they can see the new place.

 My craft room is up and running and I've made my first Halloween cards of the year.  Take a look:
I sponged the background masking a moon then stickled it.  All the rest are dies.  The tree, ghosts, and graveyard are all Memory Box.
 All of the images on this one are from the $1 bin at Michael's.  I mounted the image squares onto sparkly black cardstock for extra glitz.
 You all know how I love to make card sets.  This is one for Halloween. . .the box I made is from  a Gina K. Designs free template and is one I use often for card sets.  Here are the cards inside:


 These are also all $1 bin stamps from Michael's.

This one again uses a die.  This one is from Impression Obsession.  To make the scene stand out a bit, I put a dimensional right under the hill under the house to give it more of a 3-D look.

 So, there you have it.  I'm back and I love being back.  Now I've got tons of catching up to do on all of your blogs!  I truly can't wait to see what you have been up to.  You'll be seeing me soon!

 PICK OF THE WEEK:
Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you are all doing well and everything is wonderful in all of your little corners of the world.

 Hugs,

 Curt
"God, please help me be the person my dogs think I am."
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57 comments:

  1. downrightcraftySeptember 28, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    Hiya oh so pleased to see you back always love reading your posts, wow my baby would love your pool, she fell in love with swimming at an early age when she dislocated her hip and had to go for therapy, unfortunately our garden and weather would not suit a pool which I would gladly build just for her, pleased your now settled. Love your photo's but sounds like you have been so busy. Loving your Halloween creations, especially the silhouette ones
    take care
    Hugs Kate xx

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  2. Dee in N.H.September 28, 2012 at 2:51 PM

    Well, hello again!!! Glad to see you back around again. Love all your pictures of the boys having fun and all your cute cards too! Glad you guys are getting settled in your new house. Take care!

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  3. mudmavenSeptember 28, 2012 at 3:02 PM

    Welcome back friend!!! So good to see you and see your lovely creations. You sure have been busy! The boys look ecstatic to be swimming and sunning by the pool and I hope you had some relaxing moments too. I have missed you!!! ~chris

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  4. ursula UphofSeptember 28, 2012 at 3:27 PM

    So good to hear from you and that it has been the decorating that has been keeo\ping you busy. Your boys sure seem to have had loads of fun, hope you enjoyed the time with them and some more. Love your cards, and was just thinking about your haloween creations. Take care and look forward to some more frequent news from you. Ursula

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  5. DawnllSeptember 28, 2012 at 3:55 PM

    Oh my goodness I am so glad to see you back sweetie. Glad you are all happy in the new home,excited to see what it looks like.
    The boys look fabulous in the pool..lol
    LOVE the Halloween cards,I knew you would be back to share...lol
    Hugs my friend

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  6. Gail LSeptember 28, 2012 at 4:52 PM

    I've missed you!!!!!
    Love the pictures, thanks for sharing!
    The cards...OMG, could this move not have set you back????
    They're wonderful as usual!
    Hope everything's going swimmingly!
    hahahahaha!
    Good for you having an open house....How far are you from the "OLD" neighborhood?

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  7. lisa808September 28, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    Welcome back!!! I have missed you. Your pool and backyard look so inviting. I look forward to seeing what you have done with the inside. Fab Halloween card. Glad the craft room is up and running!

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  8. LeeSeptember 28, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    Hi Curt,I have missed you so much and have wondered daily how you all are.Didn't know if you had internet etc.

    I am soooo happy to see you and your creations are as always FANTASTIC.The pics of you and the boys are wonderful,so good to see you relaxing a bit after all that hard work.Do hope Jay is ok too.Can you email me your new address PLEASE.Huge Hugs to all xx

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  9. MyrnaSeptember 28, 2012 at 6:12 PM

    Curt
    It is so good to have you back.
    Great pics of the pool and boys. Love your wildlife garden pics.
    Wow you have been busy and even had time to make some great cards.
    So looking forward to more from you.
    Myrna

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  10. JackieSeptember 28, 2012 at 6:54 PM

    It's good to see you again, I am so happy!! I have missed you lots and lots. Your new back yard looks wonderful and the pool...ahhhh. I can't wait to see the inside, I know it is gorgeous. I'm glad you are back in time for Halloween cards, too - I love them all so far. I have the Memory Box and Impression Obsession dies, too, and need to get busy with 'em soon.

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  11. Bonnie WeissSeptember 28, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    OMG ... Halloween already!!!!!! And to think that I actually missed you! OK, so nice cards (that pains me to say that , given what the theme is!).

    The boys look absolutely adorable ans of course they adjusted to the move ... Who wouldn't with a beautiful pool like that.

    And you know what .... gay man or not, you would still be a hot pool boy!

    Hugs. ~B~

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  12. RitaSeptember 28, 2012 at 9:13 PM

    Beautiful home, pool & awesome cards! I've missed you, glad to know all is going well. Hugs Rita

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  13. LeighSeptember 28, 2012 at 9:56 PM

    Curt, It's wonderful to have you back after these last months. I love the photos, the boys certainly look like they are having a ball and the wildlife photos are gorgeous.
    I hope you can get the new house looking the way you want it to soon. Good luck with your open house for the neighbours. Hope you have a wonderful time.

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  14. Sharli SchaitbergerSeptember 28, 2012 at 10:39 PM

    Hi Curt! I was thrilled to see you've posted - your photos of the boys are adorable and you have some awesome shots of the wildlife around there!! I'm glad the craft room is open - that means you really are getting settled. Good for you! I, like many others, have been thinking of you as I pull out Halloween stamps and colors. GREAT cards!!!!

    Hugs!!!!

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  15. magic boxesSeptember 29, 2012 at 3:42 AM

    So glad you're back!

    Your new place looks fabulous and it's wonderful to see you and 'The Boys' enjoying your pool. They look like they're natural water babies!!!

    Beautiful creations - as always. I think my favourite has to be the last one, though it would be hard to choose.

    Must check out those dies!

    Big Hugs to you all,

    Elaine xoxoxox

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  16. tillySeptember 29, 2012 at 7:10 AM

    So pleased to see you back Curt..... you were missed, love the great pool, the boys certainly enjoy it lol.....what a lot of work you have been doing, but it will be worthwhile, glad you have your craft room back for halloween, great cards, hope Jay is feeling settled as well
    Hugs Tilly

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  17. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2012 at 7:11 AM

    so nice to hear your cheery voice in this post Kurt. It has been a long time and I missed hearing about what was going on. THe boys looked great at their olympic trials! gLAD TO HEAR YOU ARE GETTING SETTLED IN. eNJOY THE FALL! ~Donna from ButternutSageDesigns

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  18. Marianne HSeptember 29, 2012 at 8:11 AM

    Welcome back, Curt! I have missed your blog so much!!!

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  19. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2012 at 8:14 AM

    my friend and I were just talking about you yesterday, wondering how both of you were doing. So happy you are back. cards are great, pictures of the boys are so cute. Thanks for sharing with us. Can't wait to see the inside of the house. MaryAnn

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  20. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2012 at 8:43 AM

    I'M SO GLAD YOU ARE BACK POSTING. ALL YOUR PICTURES WERE WONDERFUL. THEY REALLY SHOW HOW MUCH MY GRAND DOGS LOVE THEIR POOL, AND YOU TOO. THE OTHER PICS. WERE BEAUTIFUL.. LOVE YOU, MOM

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  21. Beth NormanSeptember 29, 2012 at 8:45 AM

    Welcome back Curt. So good to hear you are doing well. Your pictures of your babies are delightful. I never heard of a dog diving before; pretty cool. Love your cards. See that you got your groove back on.

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  22. UnknownSeptember 29, 2012 at 8:48 AM

    OH How HAPPY I am today... Yippee you are back
    I am so sorry the house is taking more time, energy and work that you thought.... but hey, it will be yours just as you want it...

    I love the fisrt and last card...NO ONE does spooky cards like you I do not have either of those dies... hmmm

    Welcome back mt special friend, I am glad to see you did enjoy some of the summer, along with the boys...I am excited to see the inside hope you do before and after I know I saw before pics, but my mini brain has slept since then : )

    Take Care, Happy creating...
    Sonja

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  23. Heartwarmers from VickiSeptember 29, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    Love the Halloween cards. You got some great $1 stamps at Michael's.

    Sorry you ran into unexpected problems with your new home.

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  24. Mary MarshSeptember 29, 2012 at 10:16 AM

    glad to hear that you are settled in the new home and the craft room is up and running-looking forward to seeing your creations once again

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  25. LindaSeptember 29, 2012 at 10:59 AM

    I missed you so glad you are back! The pool pictures are wonderful!
    Love all of the cards.
    Looking forward to more.
    Hugs,
    Linda

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  26. MarySeptember 29, 2012 at 11:20 AM

    Welcome back, it's good to see your face again, lol! Glad to hear that all is well and going well. Love your Halloween cards, just too cute!!

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  27. SueSeptember 29, 2012 at 11:46 AM

    So glad you are settled and crafting again, especially since I know you love Halloween. What great cards you created for that spooky holiday, and love your dollar finds!!!

    Our puppy is 20 weeks old today. Time flies. She is getting so furry and big already. She had some puppy issued, chewing and those baby teeth were so sharp when we first got her, but she has slept through the night since the first night and no long has accidents in the house. Digs in the yard though and has really chewed up some of my plants, hoping they will come back next year. The pool scenes with the boys are wonderful, she would be right in there with them, she is a water baby, we had to fence in our small pond for now.
    So glad your back and shared pictures!!!

    Big Hug
    Sue

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  28. UnknownSeptember 29, 2012 at 12:14 PM

    Thank goodness everything is OK. Was a bit worried there Curt, especially now that Hallowe'en is approaching. I know fall is your favourite time of year. And you make some of the best spooky cards in Blogland....lol
    And you haven't let us down, these cards are all spooktacular...
    The boys look so happy in THEIR new pool, and you do too.
    Looking forward to the pics of your new home.
    Take care my friend, regards to Jay... Hugs xx

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  29. CelesteSeptember 29, 2012 at 12:23 PM

    I am so glad you are back! I really missed you! It seems you have been very busy getting the house in order. Love the fact that you took time out to swim with the boys and take some nature pictures. Your cards are stunning, as usual! Can't wait for the Wednesday Evening Posts to start again. {{{{HUGS}}}} to all of you!

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  30. Queen MarySeptember 29, 2012 at 1:38 PM

    Curt, I was worried, I have to confess. I didn't try to contact you because I feared a the worst -- I am a worry wart! I am so happy to see you back, the pool looks lovely, wish I lived closer than 3,000 miles so I could come visit for the Open House! I'm looking forward to your inside pics and many blessings for you and Jay.

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  31. Ellen TaylorSeptember 29, 2012 at 1:40 PM

    So glad to see you back! Look forward to wednesday's posts! Fab pixs and cards!

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  32. Elaine MSeptember 29, 2012 at 2:19 PM

    Oh Oh OH Welcome back!! You have been missed sooooooo much. Glad you're settling into your new home - love the yard pics and looking forward to seeing some inside shots. Hugs to Jay and the boys!!

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  33. ChristineSeptember 29, 2012 at 2:29 PM

    Hi Curt so pleased to see you back blogging, your garden & pond pics look great, great to see the boys are enjoying the new play pond..lol
    love the wild life how exciting to see a humming bird in the garden..
    sounds like you have been plenty busy with your decorating & making the house into your home..I remember how you love Halloween time..you havnt lost your creative touch, fab spooky creations..see you soon.

    smiles Christine x

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  34. MissyTerrySeptember 29, 2012 at 3:21 PM

    Yaaaay.
    So glad you're back.
    Glad to hear all is well.

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  35. markSeptember 29, 2012 at 4:15 PM

    Glad you're back! I guess if I had a pool, I wouldn't find much time to blog either! Or anything else, for that matter!

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  36. BeateSeptember 30, 2012 at 12:05 AM

    Yeah! Curt is back. :)
    Thanks for sharing the fun pool pictures and your darling cards.
    Have a great weekend!
    Hugs and smiles

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  37. Sue from OregonSeptember 30, 2012 at 1:43 AM

    So happy to have you back-you have so been missed Mister!!! Can you send me your new address?

    Loved the swimming pics too...very fun to see the doggies swimming! Oh so fun.

    Glad to see you have been stamping up a storm as well! I was going through Curt's Halloween card withdrawal. I do have your card on my desk right now!

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  38. AnonymousSeptember 30, 2012 at 6:16 AM

    SOOOOOO glad to see you back Curt! Oh how we have missed you guys! Your backyard looks awesome, can't wait to see what you've done inside! Love your cards, you just picked right up where you left off. Mister man those babies can swim.......i have two dogs that are both scared to death of water. GO figure! Hugs to all four of you my friend

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  39. Ann SchachSeptember 30, 2012 at 11:31 AM

    Oh, Curt! It is great to have you back! I loved the pictures of the boys! It is great to see them having fun in the pool! And I can't wait to see the interior pictures! As always, your cards are fabulous! You truly possess a gift!

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  40. Carmen O.September 30, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    Curt! I'm so thrilled to see that you're back. Kinda funny how I'd check on your blog every now and again to see if you were back. Happy to read that you're nearly settled with how you want to decorate your new abode.

    Your cards are great! I like making Halloween cards too. For some reason, this year I'm having a harder time. Maybe it's because I'm entering craft shows and NEED to come up with more inventory! I wish I would've picked up those monster stamps. I looked but didn't see them this year, maybe I didn't look hard enough. I noticed Wal-Mart has Studio G stamps too I didn't see any monsters but did pick up a tree one and an owl. Ok, guess I'm rambling now. Really happy to see you back! hugs

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  41. chrissie b ukSeptember 30, 2012 at 6:11 PM

    I found your blog just as you were starting the "move" so glad it went ok and so happy to see you are all settling in, love the piccies and cards and so glad I kept checking in on your blog
    chrissie b

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  42. EricaSeptember 30, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    So good to know all is good. I'll bet those pups' adjustment was made easier with that pool. All your cards are great. Looks like you're on the road to craftdom big time.
    Sending U a cyber hug
    Erica

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  43. EricaSeptember 30, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    So good to know all is good. I'll bet those pups' adjustment was made easier with that pool. All your cards are great. Looks like you're on the road to craftdom big time.
    Sending U a cyber hug
    Erica

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  44. TedSeptember 30, 2012 at 11:07 PM

    Was so wonderful to see your blog entry in my reader, dear friend! :) Glad to hear all of you are adjusting. I cannot wait to see the interior pictures...I bet you did your amazing work as always! :) Praying the four of you guys have a blessed autumn!

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  45. 6 wacky womenOctober 1, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    Welcome back, Curt!!!
    I was starting to worry about you...glad to see that everything is ok!! Love your new creations...and your wonderful pics!

    Karen x

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  46. The Rubber MaidOctober 1, 2012 at 11:13 AM

    Were you missed? Silly question now isn't it. So glad to see you back in action. Hope all is now well and good for you and the boys. Pat

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  47. MargaretOctober 1, 2012 at 2:59 PM

    It's great to see that you are back Curt!

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  48. Sue AnnOctober 2, 2012 at 6:49 AM

    YAY you are back and with uber fun Halloween eye candy ~ I knew you would make it back for this time of year since you kind of like it!!! The pups look happy and I love all the photos of your garden!!! Glad to see you back, Curt!!! xoxoxo

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  49. Sue GOctober 2, 2012 at 8:04 AM

    I AM SO HAPPY THAT YOU ARE BACK!! Did you hear me shout that? Sorry that you had extra work to do to get the house ready, but the boys seem to think it was worth it! And now it is time for Halloween! Perfect for you! Welcome back - and don't ever make us worry like that again about you and your family, do you understand? Hugs from Sue in KS

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  50. DianeOctober 2, 2012 at 8:48 AM

    Yeah, you are back...love the pics of the pool, and bet that yard is gorgeous and those "boys" love it!!! I can't wait to see pics of the inside of the house....fun to see your creativeness again...loving the Halloween cards...haven't been to "Mike's", so now you have enabled me to go...lol...take care my friend and have a happy fall!!

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  51. KrissyOctober 2, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    So glad to see you back to crafting and blogging! I wish you nothing but happiness in your new home!
    ~Krissy

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  52. Jocelyn aka JoBear2October 4, 2012 at 7:39 AM

    SO HAPPY to see you back Curt! Glad to hear you have settled in. Love your photos - and I was so happy to see your Halloween cards - they are so FAB (esp. the last one!).

    Sending {{hugs}} to you, Jay and the boys!

    Jocelyn
    Instead of Ironing Blogspot

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  53. Gina WronaOctober 4, 2012 at 9:24 AM

    YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I'M SO GLAD TO SEE YOU BACK UP & RUNNING! YOU ARE SO AWESOME WITH ALL YOUR PROJECTS, I JUST LOVE 'EM!

    AND, OF COURSE THE DOG PICS ARE THE BEST EVER!

    HUGS,
    GINA
    XOXOXOXOXOX

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  54. Stacie (craft-princess)October 4, 2012 at 9:34 PM

    So glad your back!! I knew you would roll around once Halloween started to approach...hehe! Love the creations! Great pics of you and the pups playing in the pool!

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  55. Lorraine AOctober 7, 2012 at 5:23 AM

    sorry I missed this post !
    the photo's of you and the boys enjoying the pool are FAB :-) My Jessie hates the pool and we have to pick her up and carry her in and her eyes are like saucers ,,, she really hates it but it can be so hot that we have to dunk her in to cool her down :-)
    Gorgeous cards,, love the ghost one especially ,,, very cute :-)

    luv
    Lols x x x

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  56. AmericaOctober 7, 2012 at 11:16 AM

    CURT!! So relieved and glad you are OK. Was totally shocked to hear about the scary HEART ATTACK. TAKE IT EASY MY FRIEND!!! :) Rest and relax and be healthier for YOU going forward! We all need you around. I love your new home and that fab pool. Dad looks to be having tons of FUN too. Your cards inspired me to get going on my Halloween cards. Saw those cute stamps at Michael's too and didn't grab them. Might have to go back for them. heheh. Now that you are back to crafting, keep it up and be well my friend. Love your work. Missing you at House-Mouse too. You should totally come back.

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  57. ClareOctober 7, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    Wow look at you gorgeous guys in that pool!!!. Looks like bliss where you are living. Ummmm reading this after your newest post it is not surprising that you had a heart attack with all of that moving in stress. That on top of decorating etc. It certainly is a wake up call hun and you need to look after yourself so you can continue making those gorgeous cards!!!. I love them all. Really getting into the Halloween spirit this year. Do hope that you get to have your open house Curt and will love to see piccie's. Big hugs Clare xxx

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