My new Stampin Up catalog arrived today! It is well ahead of schedule and a welcome treat after a rough day for me (that doesn't seem to be over yet). Tonight, I plan to curl up and make a wish list. Check back tomorrow for highlights!
AND... Biggest Loser finale tonight!!! Go, Black Team! Hopefully a girl will win this time--there's a 3 out of 4 chance!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Saturday, December 8, 2007
McDaid Family Letter 2007
Mark
Mark has been very busy this year! He was promoted to Programmer at A+ Federal Credit Union. He traveled to San Diego for training this spring, then went to Charlotte this summer for another training. In May, his good friend Cameron, got a job at Austin Regional Clinic. He passed job opportunities along to Mark, and in September, Mark interviewed and was offered a job at ARC. It was a great opportunity, so he started working there in October. For his new job, he attended two trainings in November. He is reading and studying a lot to learn the programming languages that ARC uses.
Mark also has been busy around the house this year. He built a backyard playscape this summer for the boys. This fall, he installed laminate wood floors in our house. It was a lot of hard work but well worth it.
Shelley
This has been quite a year for me! In an effort to eliminate our debt, I took a night job at the IRS in January (along with doing full time and afterschool childcare). I hung in there until I got furloughed in June, although I did end up working part time. I got to work with 2 good friends and my youngest brother. It was a fun experience, got us out of debt and helped us pay cash for a newer vehicle. After that job ended, I got to go with Mark to Charlotte. It was like a mini vacation for us. We had a lot of fun visiting Nascar’s team racing shops and seeing the sights. This fall, I started a part time job at First Baptist Church in Kyle teaching 4 year olds on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I also keep 3 kids afterschool. I am still selling Stampin’ Up and am also the Craft Coordinator for our local Mothers of Preschoolers group. I stay busy but really enjoy all I am doing.
Riley
Riley has had a big year this year! I put him in preschool when I went to work at the IRS. He had fun, and it helped prepare him for kindergarten. Riley turned 5 this summer and started kindergarten this fall. He is at Kyle Elementary. He loves school and is learning a lot very quickly. We have been very impressed with the progress he’s made. He’s learned a lot from singing songs in class. Riley and I repainted his room this year too. He’s into racing and cars, so it is a racing themed room, with Petty blue walls and lots of racing toys and memorabilia.
Tyler
Tyler has grown a lot this year, too. He is very outgoing and talkative. He has something to say about everything. You also have to watch what you say around him, because he WILL repeat it! He turned 2 in May. He is in preschool Tuesdays and Thursdays when I am working. He is a teacher’s sidekick and likes to tell everyone else what to do. At home, he is definitely in the throws of the “terrible twos”, with lots of fit throwing, arguing and indecisiveness. He loves all lawn equipment and is obsessed with mowers, edgers and blowers. We hope this passion will develop into a future money making business for him.
Our Family
This has been a big year for our family. Early this year, we started searching for a new church home. We visited several wonderful churches and met some great people. In November, we finally picked a permanent place—Hays Hills Baptist Church. This is where my MOPS group meets, and we have some friends who attend there. We are very happy to have a church home, but we are also thankful for the journey.
This summer, we took some time for a family vacation. We didn’t travel far—we went to Sea World in San Antonio for 2 days and went and visited my grandma. Then, we traveled north of Austin to ride the Bertram Flyer train. It was a day trip, but it was a lot of fun. Both boys really enjoyed it!
One of our favorite things to do as a family this year was to go watch the races at Thunder Hill Raceway, a local racetrack here in Kyle. This year, we decided Tyler was old enough to go with us, so we were all there. Mark’s good friend Cameron races a truck in the Texas Truck Series. We got to see many of his races this season, including 2 races that he won! That was very exciting.
I want to pose a challenge to all of you who read this letter. In 2008, I want you to give. Not just to give, but to give cheerfully and in excess! This is a lesson that Mark and I have been learning over the last few years. Three years ago, we were challenged to tithe monthly. When we started, even though we were hesitant, we were blessed immediately. But times were still tight. Two years ago, we were challenged to make a budget and live on it. We were also challenged to make a plan to pay off all of our debt as quickly as possible. As we began that process, God poured out more blessing in the way of a great job for Mark and enough income to live on.
This year, we resolved to get out of debt and worked hard to get it done. As we were searching for a permanent church home, we could have stopped giving faithfully, but we didn’t. Again, God provided with great part time work for me and a new job for Mark. As we end 2007, we are debt free with a plan to build a large savings account. We are also able to give more than we ever have before!
I think Matthew 6:33 sums it all up so well: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
When you put God first in your life, He will give you what you need. He will give you more than you need! I challenge you this year to try it!
May God richly bless you in 2008!
Mark has been very busy this year! He was promoted to Programmer at A+ Federal Credit Union. He traveled to San Diego for training this spring, then went to Charlotte this summer for another training. In May, his good friend Cameron, got a job at Austin Regional Clinic. He passed job opportunities along to Mark, and in September, Mark interviewed and was offered a job at ARC. It was a great opportunity, so he started working there in October. For his new job, he attended two trainings in November. He is reading and studying a lot to learn the programming languages that ARC uses.
Mark also has been busy around the house this year. He built a backyard playscape this summer for the boys. This fall, he installed laminate wood floors in our house. It was a lot of hard work but well worth it.
Shelley
This has been quite a year for me! In an effort to eliminate our debt, I took a night job at the IRS in January (along with doing full time and afterschool childcare). I hung in there until I got furloughed in June, although I did end up working part time. I got to work with 2 good friends and my youngest brother. It was a fun experience, got us out of debt and helped us pay cash for a newer vehicle. After that job ended, I got to go with Mark to Charlotte. It was like a mini vacation for us. We had a lot of fun visiting Nascar’s team racing shops and seeing the sights. This fall, I started a part time job at First Baptist Church in Kyle teaching 4 year olds on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I also keep 3 kids afterschool. I am still selling Stampin’ Up and am also the Craft Coordinator for our local Mothers of Preschoolers group. I stay busy but really enjoy all I am doing.
Riley
Riley has had a big year this year! I put him in preschool when I went to work at the IRS. He had fun, and it helped prepare him for kindergarten. Riley turned 5 this summer and started kindergarten this fall. He is at Kyle Elementary. He loves school and is learning a lot very quickly. We have been very impressed with the progress he’s made. He’s learned a lot from singing songs in class. Riley and I repainted his room this year too. He’s into racing and cars, so it is a racing themed room, with Petty blue walls and lots of racing toys and memorabilia.
Tyler
Tyler has grown a lot this year, too. He is very outgoing and talkative. He has something to say about everything. You also have to watch what you say around him, because he WILL repeat it! He turned 2 in May. He is in preschool Tuesdays and Thursdays when I am working. He is a teacher’s sidekick and likes to tell everyone else what to do. At home, he is definitely in the throws of the “terrible twos”, with lots of fit throwing, arguing and indecisiveness. He loves all lawn equipment and is obsessed with mowers, edgers and blowers. We hope this passion will develop into a future money making business for him.
Our Family
This has been a big year for our family. Early this year, we started searching for a new church home. We visited several wonderful churches and met some great people. In November, we finally picked a permanent place—Hays Hills Baptist Church. This is where my MOPS group meets, and we have some friends who attend there. We are very happy to have a church home, but we are also thankful for the journey.
This summer, we took some time for a family vacation. We didn’t travel far—we went to Sea World in San Antonio for 2 days and went and visited my grandma. Then, we traveled north of Austin to ride the Bertram Flyer train. It was a day trip, but it was a lot of fun. Both boys really enjoyed it!
One of our favorite things to do as a family this year was to go watch the races at Thunder Hill Raceway, a local racetrack here in Kyle. This year, we decided Tyler was old enough to go with us, so we were all there. Mark’s good friend Cameron races a truck in the Texas Truck Series. We got to see many of his races this season, including 2 races that he won! That was very exciting.
I want to pose a challenge to all of you who read this letter. In 2008, I want you to give. Not just to give, but to give cheerfully and in excess! This is a lesson that Mark and I have been learning over the last few years. Three years ago, we were challenged to tithe monthly. When we started, even though we were hesitant, we were blessed immediately. But times were still tight. Two years ago, we were challenged to make a budget and live on it. We were also challenged to make a plan to pay off all of our debt as quickly as possible. As we began that process, God poured out more blessing in the way of a great job for Mark and enough income to live on.
This year, we resolved to get out of debt and worked hard to get it done. As we were searching for a permanent church home, we could have stopped giving faithfully, but we didn’t. Again, God provided with great part time work for me and a new job for Mark. As we end 2007, we are debt free with a plan to build a large savings account. We are also able to give more than we ever have before!
I think Matthew 6:33 sums it all up so well: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
When you put God first in your life, He will give you what you need. He will give you more than you need! I challenge you this year to try it!
May God richly bless you in 2008!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
New Header!
Do you like it? I made it myself! I used a kit called "Express Yourself."
Now I'm going to attempt making my own watermark! See you!
Now I'm going to attempt making my own watermark! See you!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Home Improvement!
I haven't posted in a while and this is why---
We have been doing some major home improvement in our house. We ripped out the carpet and installed new laminate wood flooring in our living, dining, office and hallways. It was super hard work, but it looks so good! This weekend, we are beginning to decorate for Christmas. This is a fun time of year for our family! Hope it is for all of yours, too! :)
We have been doing some major home improvement in our house. We ripped out the carpet and installed new laminate wood flooring in our living, dining, office and hallways. It was super hard work, but it looks so good! This weekend, we are beginning to decorate for Christmas. This is a fun time of year for our family! Hope it is for all of yours, too! :)Here's a little Stampin' Up teaser--there will be rub-ons in the new catalog! :) It's going to be so great! We (demos) also got a free new stamp set that is a Level 3 Hostess Set in the new catalog. It's called "Time Well Spent" and is a great stamp set! I will get some cards made and posted here soon. :)
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
More Swap Pics
I will post the rest later. Blogger is having issues right now. :)
Have a beautiful day!
Have a beautiful day!
Lots Going On!
We have been very busy the last couple of weeks. I also was sick with a sinus infection, which slowed me way down. Today I am going to post a bunch of pictures and get caught up here.
First, we finished painting Riley's race car themed room. The paint is Petty (or Dinoco) blue, and it looks really great! We dressed it up with Cars stick-ups, posters and a checkered flag valance in the window. I got him lots of bins for his toys, so he has no more excuses to shove his toys under the bed when he cleans.
Second, we had our second shoebox swap this past weekend. It was a Christmas theme and we had lots of fun and made lots of great cards. Lunch from the Pie Company was oh, so yummy and easy to order! I'll definitely order from them again.
Third, we had a fun Halloween. Riley was Thomas and Tyler was a frog.
Here are the pictures:
First, we finished painting Riley's race car themed room. The paint is Petty (or Dinoco) blue, and it looks really great! We dressed it up with Cars stick-ups, posters and a checkered flag valance in the window. I got him lots of bins for his toys, so he has no more excuses to shove his toys under the bed when he cleans.
Second, we had our second shoebox swap this past weekend. It was a Christmas theme and we had lots of fun and made lots of great cards. Lunch from the Pie Company was oh, so yummy and easy to order! I'll definitely order from them again.
Third, we had a fun Halloween. Riley was Thomas and Tyler was a frog.
Here are the pictures:
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Last Call!
This is your last chance to get a True Friend kit! In the kit, you will get all of the supplies to make the projects shown--2 cards, a covered notepad and a chipboard photo clip. These projects make great gifts for a teacher or friend. The cost is only $15--I need to know by Tuesday if you'd like a kit. I will have the kits ready to go after the class on Friday. You will be able to borrow my stamp set and inks that you'll need to complete the projects.
I am also busy with some holiday home decor projects--a wreath made out of chipboard circles and designer paper, holiday blocks and a Christmas countdown calendar. I will post pictures as I finish them!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Creativity at work
My five year old son has become quite creative lately. I feel like he is following in my footsteps. So Saturday afternoon he gets up from rest time in his room and tells me that I don't need to buy him any racetracks because he drew one on his carpet in his room. Drew one? With what, I ask. Crayon, he answers! Are you serious? So I go into his room and sure enough, there is a very large oval drawn in 3 different colors in the middle of his floor! So he got the reprimand about what crayons are to be used for. I did leave it there because I want to take pictures of it before I clean it up. I think it's pretty creative, and I am a little proud of his creativity!
I am busily working on the Stampin' Up! Color swatches. I am making a few extra, so let me know if you want one.
I also am getting ready for our Christmas card shoebox swap. There are a few spots left, but if you want to do it, you'll have to order soon! So let me know!
Have a great week!
I am busily working on the Stampin' Up! Color swatches. I am making a few extra, so let me know if you want one.
I also am getting ready for our Christmas card shoebox swap. There are a few spots left, but if you want to do it, you'll have to order soon! So let me know!
Have a great week!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Recalled!
So, the toy recalls have been making lots of news lately, right? My son, Riley, loves Thomas the Tank Engine and has many of the wooden trains. A few of his pieces were recalled early in the summer, so we diligently packed them up and shipped them off to be replaced. The company sent us a little thank you and we're sorry gift in the form of a little wooden train, Toad. Well, I got an email the other day saying our "gift" had been recalled as well! My goodness, what next????
Well, Toad's been missing, but we cleaned today and found him. He'll be in the mail tomorrow. They are supposed to replace him and send another free gift. I'm not sure we'll even open the packages...
They don't make things like they used to, do they? It's kind of sad that we have to be concerned about the toys that we buy. Hopefully, all of Riley's new Cars die casts are safe!
Well, Toad's been missing, but we cleaned today and found him. He'll be in the mail tomorrow. They are supposed to replace him and send another free gift. I'm not sure we'll even open the packages...
They don't make things like they used to, do they? It's kind of sad that we have to be concerned about the toys that we buy. Hopefully, all of Riley's new Cars die casts are safe!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Goal!
Yesterday, I reached my goal weight at Weight Watchers. I am so excited! I start maintenance today, which means I get to eat a little more, which is weird for me. I've been trying to lose for so long! But, for me, it's good that it's taken so long, because I have really made permanent changes in my eating habits. I am confident that I will be able to keep the weight off.
I am selling cardstock swatches featuring the 48 Stampin' Up! colors, neutrals and In Colors. They are $7 each. Please e-mail me if you'd like one.
Monday, October 1, 2007
True Friend Stamp Camp
I am doing a Stamp Camp featuring the True Friend set from the holiday mini catalog. There will be four projects. These are 3 of the 4 projects. Please e-mail me for class details.
Here I Go!
It's my first post!
I resolved to begin blogging when my oldest began kindergarten. He's been in school a month now, so I figured I've put it off long enough! I love reading blogs--there are many that I frequent. It's a little slice of someone's life, and it helps me feel connected to other moms, scrappers and stampers like me.
So who I am I? That's a great question! I ask myself that a lot. At the top of my list, I am a wife and a mom. I have a wonderful husband and two great boys that keep me busy. Next, I am a stamper and a scrapper. I have been a Stampin' Up Demonstrator for 4 years now. I have a great group of friends and customers. I also have recently jumped into the digital scrapping world. I love it because it is mess free and everything is re-sizeable! There are a lot of great tools on the internet, too--many for free!
I also teach 4 year olds at a local program 2 days a week and am the craft coordinator of my local MOPS group. I stay very busy.
My plan for this blog is to share a little bit of my day to day life and also to share some stamping a scrapping projects I am working on. If you want to know about my Stampin Up business, please view my business website at http://www.shelleymcdaid.stampinup.net/. I have a lot of great events coming up and there are some great specials!
I resolved to begin blogging when my oldest began kindergarten. He's been in school a month now, so I figured I've put it off long enough! I love reading blogs--there are many that I frequent. It's a little slice of someone's life, and it helps me feel connected to other moms, scrappers and stampers like me.
So who I am I? That's a great question! I ask myself that a lot. At the top of my list, I am a wife and a mom. I have a wonderful husband and two great boys that keep me busy. Next, I am a stamper and a scrapper. I have been a Stampin' Up Demonstrator for 4 years now. I have a great group of friends and customers. I also have recently jumped into the digital scrapping world. I love it because it is mess free and everything is re-sizeable! There are a lot of great tools on the internet, too--many for free!
I also teach 4 year olds at a local program 2 days a week and am the craft coordinator of my local MOPS group. I stay very busy.
My plan for this blog is to share a little bit of my day to day life and also to share some stamping a scrapping projects I am working on. If you want to know about my Stampin Up business, please view my business website at http://www.shelleymcdaid.stampinup.net/. I have a lot of great events coming up and there are some great specials!
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