Fun Stuff!

We've had a fun holiday season! Besides all the usual Christmas get togethers and such, we had some other fun.

My little nephew, Nathan Lee Beaman was born. He was Toshia and Greg's biggest baby, weighing 7 pounds, 12 ounces and 21 inches. He was born December 30th at 3:10am.

Riley finally mastered a two wheeler! He's been riding around without pedals to practice balancing, and it finally paid off! He proudly rode all over our cul-de-sac.

Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2009!

McDaid Holiday Letter 2008

Hey, friends! Thanks for stopping by! Here is our family letter and some pictures.

McDaid Family 2008 Recap

Mark
Mark is still gainfully employed as a Programmer in the IT Department at Austin Regional Clinic. With a full year under his belt, he feels pretty comfortable at his job. Recently, he has been working with the doctors and nurses in the clinics getting a paperless prescription system going. At home, he always has some project to do. This summer, he replaced the timing belt on our car and is always doing some kind of house maintenance job, like fixing the washing machine or garbage disposal. This year, he has diligently worked out at the YMCA and is in great shape! He also is helping Riley complete a marathon (in segments)!
Shelley
I am always busy doing something, and this year was no exception! I am still teaching preschool at First Baptist. This school year, we’ve had lots of challenges, but we’re doing okay. I am also taking care of 2 brothers after school this year who play really well with my boys. I too enjoy working out at the Y, but I don’t get to go as often as I’d like. I am the Finance and Membership Coordinator for MOPS this year. We are excitedly anticipating a new MOPS group starting in 2009! I am still passionate about crafting and enjoy stamping and digital scrapbooking. I get to go on my first scrapping retreat in January!
Riley
Riley graduated from kindergarten this spring, and started first grade this fall. First grade presented a new challenge: being separated from your best friends from your kindergarten class. It’s taken some adjustment, but he is making new friends. He is reading, doing math and learning how to be a good citizen, thanks to his wonderful teacher! Riley is also active at church and participated in his first Pinewood Derby race this fall. In his free time, he likes to play on the computer, play outside or play with his race cars.
Tyler
Tyler is a very active 3 year old. He is very compassionate and loving. He has a whole bed full of stuffed animals that he has adopted or acquired. They are his babies, and he takes good care of them. He is also devoted to his mommy, but does well when he is at school or at church. He potty trained very quickly and easily over the summer while mom and dad were on vacation. His favorite things are candy, Curious George and trains. Oh, and he was an adorable Wall-E for Halloween!
Family
We’ve had fun this year as a family. It is nice that both boys are old enough to go and do meaningful things. We’ve gotten to go to a few races this year, although not as many, since Cameron didn’t race much. We did get to go to our first Monster Truck show, which was fun. We also enjoyed going to several Round Rock Express baseball games. We learned that berm seating is actually better than seats in the stands! We are still enjoying our church. We have gotten connected in an adult Sunday School class, and Mark and I enjoy doing Wednesday evening Bible study. We also co-led 2 rounds of Financial Peace University this year.
The absolute highlight of this year, though, had to be Mark’s and my 10 year anniversary trip! We got to be away for 10 days, driving to Florida to go to a NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway and then going on a 4 night Bahama cruise. It was awesome! We went to Nassau, CocoCay and Key West. The weather was wonderful, and we enjoyed lounging, swimming in the ocean and sightseeing. While we were gone, the boys stayed with Grandpa and Grandma and went to VBS at their church.

It has been a fun year, full of memories and milestones. We are still plugging away at building our savings. It was so exciting to pay cash for our anniversary trip, and to know we wouldn’t have to worry about bills when it was over.
God has continued to bless us. I am excited and hopeful as my children are beginning to know and understand God as they grow. They ask many questions, and we try to answer them all! I am looking forward to sharing the Christmas story with them this season. I think it really may take shape for them this year!
I pray that each one of you, family and friends, would enjoy the wonder and true meaning of the Christmas season. May you be blessed in 2009!

Love, the McDaids

Holiday Extravaganza Sale!!

Don't miss Stampin' Up's Holiday Extravaganza sale! There are so many great deals, you are bound to find one that you need (or need to give as a gift)! My personal favorite is the Curly Label bundle on sale for only $23.77!! That is a super deal. I paid full price for mine, and I use it all the time. The punch is a "go to" tool for me! Hurry, quantities are limited and the sale ends Monday! Visit my website to shop (On the site, the prices do not reflect the discount--when you add to cart, it will show the sale price. Sale prices are shown on the flyer.)

Shoebox Swap Cards!

Creators in order: Shelley, Rose, Lisa, Heather, Eileen (Rose), Shelley, Cindy, Dahlia, Cindy, Brenna, Brenna

Aren't they all great and so creative?? I am thankful for my stampin' friends!

Well, Shame on Me!

I have gone another whole month without posting! No big excuse, just busy!!

I have an exciting stamping class to share this week, as well as pictures of the Shoebox Swap cards. I love seeing what everyone creates! Not one is alike, and they are all wonderful!

First off, I am hosting one last pre-Christmas class. It is a great gift idea I'd had in my head for awhile. I finally sat down to create it today, and I love it! It will be a gift for all the women in my family. Here is a picture of the final product:

Aren't they gorgeous?? I used the small "Welcome" Decor Element on the glass on the front of a 5x7 frame. Then I made the inserts to go in it. I will add a ribbon at the top to hang it. I think mine will hang on the front door or in the entryway.

If you'd like to do the class, here are the details:

Monday, December 15th 10:00am or 7:00pm (or request a "to go" kit)

Cost $15, which must be prepaid by December 5th. Additional sets can be made for $12 and also must be prepaid. Contact me to RSVP.

I will be posting shoebox pics later!

Hey, check out my Stampin' Up website for a great holiday sale!!!

Christmas Card Shoebox Swap

One of my favorite pre-holiday events is the Christmas Card Shoebox Swap. Each person designs a card, then brings the supplies for 16 people to make their card. Everyone leaves the swap with 16 different cards! It's a great way to get the holiday inspiration going and have some cards to send. We already have several spots filled, so contact me today if you want to come!
Here's the info:
When: November 22nd, 10-2 (Boxed lunch and snacks included.)
Order Deadline: November 7th
Where: Cindy's house, 110 Hogan in Plum Creek 268-3900
How much: $12
How many: We have 16 total spots available--and they're going fast!

What to do:
Design a Christmas card using all SU! stamps and paper (stamps can be retired).
Cards should the standard 4-1/4" by 5-1/2" finished size.
Cards should have at least one layer.
Pre-cut the pieces to make 16 of your card. (You don't have to pre-stamp.) Bag these individually in an envelope or baggie.
Place all the items needed including stamps and ink to make your card in a shoebox or plastic tub along with your sample.
You'll get to rotate around the rooms and make one of everyone else's card!
Be sure to invite a friend and sign up ASAP before space runs out!

Where to get help and ideas:
Shelley and I are happy to help you. You can also look up ideas on www.splitcoaststampers.com.

There will be a prep/cutting party at Shelleyʼs Tuesday, November 18th at 7:00. Bring your sample and supplies, and we can cut and prep together!

Big News--Order Stampin' Up Online!

You can now place online orders for all your Stampin' Up! needs. Visit my website and click on "Shop Now". You can order anytime, 24/7, and have your products shipped to your door! Plus, you get all promos and hostess benefits offered on qualifying orders.
My Stampin' Up! website

Happy Shopping! Shelley

It was supposed to be an easy week...

I was supposed to start teaching Preschool this week, but as we were setting up our rooms Monday, there were more and more of those disgusting little roaches appearing everywhere! We tried to contain them and kill them, but nothing was working. Our director and the pastor made the executive decision to postpone school until next week. So I thought, "Ahhh! A week off! I can relax a bit and have more time to get ready for MOPS on Friday."

Well, not so much! Riley got sick on Tuesday, a combination of a cold and a tummy bug. Yuck! He stayed home Tuesday and Wednesday. The boys also went to the doctor on Wednesday. Riley had to get a shot and screamed bloody murder when he got it (NOT becoming for a six year old!).

Anyway, time flew this week, and I am fairly sure we will start school Tuesday. Oh well!

I made Riley's birthday cake for his NASCAR birthday party. I am so happy with how it turned out! Only 2 of his friends came, but they played and had a blast!

The cake after...

I've been stamping too! I will post those projects soon.

If you are interested in the Monogram Card class, it is Saturday the 13th at 10am or Monday the 15th at 10am.

Elegant Monogram Card Set Class

Isn't this a beautiful set? Want to learn how to make it? I am offering this class Saturday, September 13th from 10-12. The cost is $20.
You will make 5 standard size monogram cards and 5 3x3 cards. You will also make the folder to hold the cards and a matching pen. Envelopes are included. You will supply your own adhesive. All instructions will be provided so you can duplicate these on your own. These sets make great gifts! (Stay tuned, I am also planning to add a weekday morning class time.)
Please RSVP by Monday, September 8th.

Teacher Gift

So tonight is Back to School night for Riley. He is going to First Grade! I am so excited for him! Having been a first grade teacher, I know he will learn so much this year. We are so blessed to have an awesome teacher, Mrs. Aylor. I made her a little gift--a set of monogram cards in a little coordinating purse. I got the purse idea from Andrea's blog. I used Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red and Bella Rose DSP. The stamps are Baroque Motifs and Lovely Letters.

I posted so well last week! I really want to post regularly, so I will keep trying at it! :)

Stamp Club Projects

Last night I went to Brenna's first Stamp Club meeting. We made 2 cards. I love them both; they are both very creative! I also got to use 2 sets I don't have--Sock Monkey and Dreams Du Jour. Here are the cards:

Don't you love them? If you are missing Club too much or would like to try it for the first time, let me know. Brenna would start another group if there is enough interest. Those not in club this time are really missing out--this is the best catalog yet! :)

Monogram Bookmark

I saw a great tutorial on Angie's blog, so I thought I'd make one of my own. I made this one for my friend--I know she will love it! I am going to put magnets in the inside of it.

I used Bali Breeze DSP, Old Olive, Taken with Teal and Certainly Celery. The letter is from Lovely Letters.

Color Challenge!

I've had a creative block for quite some time. I have not been able to sit down and stamp a single card just for fun in a long time. I've created, but it's been for a class or a club or something I *have* to do.
I saw this challenge on Melanie's blog and decided I wanted to give it a try. Here's my card. I used Pretty in Pink, Wild Wasabi (bye-bye, old friend), Pink Passion and Certainly Celery. The colors are beautiful together! I used the Garden Whimsy stamp set and the new Scallop Edge punch.
I am very excited about the new stamps I've ordered and am having a hard time using what I have! But this was very fun, and I plan to do some more stamping for fun this week as I await my package! Thanks for the challenge, Melanie! Sorry I was late getting it done!

Stampin Up's Hot New Product...

The exclusive Big Shot made especially for Stampin' Up!

Partnering with Sizzix, Stampin' Up! is offering this exclusive machine available only through Stampin' Up! demonstrators. In addition to the die-cut machine, Stampin' Up! will offer 29 Sizzix dies and 7 exclusive dies. The exclusive dies are only available through Stampin' Up!
The Big Shot is the only die cutting machine that will work with 'all' of any other companies dies & embossing folders. It is light-weight & constructed in one piece for extra heavy duty work.
One other hot News item - Shelli Gardener, the co-founder of Stampin' UP! is announcing her own product line. It is called 'So Shelli' & will feature items that she particularly loves. This includes stamps, Sizzix dies & other accessories coming soon in the Holiday Mini Catalog in October.
We can begin ordering from the SU Big Shot & Sizzix line on September 2nd.

New Catalog Ribbon and Accessory Samplers!

There are so many new ribbons and accessories in the FW2008 Collection! I am offering an inexpensive way to get your hands on all of the new ribbon and several of the new accessories!


Bling Sampler $25
You’ll get:
*26 Felt flowers from Flower Fusion Too p. 182
*2 of each clip (6 total) from Clips Assortment p. 184
*2 of each new Designer Brads (8 total) p. 184
*20 Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads p. 185
*20 Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads p. 185
*20 Square Fire Rhinestone Brads p. 185
*20 Square Ice Rhinestone Brads p. 185
*7 Designer Buttons p. 185

Specialty Ribbon Sampler $32
You’ll get:
*2 yards each of 1” Double Stitched Grosgrain in Rose Red, Baja Breeze, Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip
*3 yards each of 5/8” Striped Grosgrain Ribbon in Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss and Tangerine Tango
*2 yards of 1 ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon in Pink Pirouette
*2 yards of 7/8” Poly Twill Ribbon in So Saffron
*2 yards of Satin Ribbon in Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla

That is 32 total yards of ribbon in beautiful new colors and styles! Ribbons are pictured on pages 186-187.


Please order your samplers by Friday, September 5th. Please make checks payable to Shelley McDaid.

Look What's New!

I haven't posted in a long time, but I have a very good reason for posting today!

Today is the first day of the 2008 Fall/Winter Idea Book and Catalog sales period! And as if that isn't enough, Stampin' Up has unveiled lots of great new goodies and promos in honor of their 20th Anniversary! It is all very exciting. Bear with me, and I will get it all posted here today...
You can click on both images for a link to the readable promotions on my website.
Look at these awesome choices! And, in addition to the product you receive in your starter kit, you also get to choose a free stamp set from the catalog!
When the links to the new catalog and brochures are available, I will post them. There are so many new, exciting things being offered, including new Decor Elements and a die cut machine with exclusive dies! Contact me or visit my website for more information on the new catalog!

One Month Till Cruise!

I am so excited! It is very close now!

Interviewing Myself

In this layout, I wrote interview questions that I would like to ask a deceased relative. Then, I answered them myself! The idea behind it was to tell some about me for the future generations to know about me.

Click the LO for credits.

Another Challenge LO

This is a fun layout I did using Shabby Princess' Promise kit. This is a free kit and it is so beautiful! Anyway, the challenge was to use wings on our layout and what came to my mind was this butterfly. So I scrapped Tyler practicing hiding Easter eggs in our backyard.
I used a template by Racketty Scrappety.

More scrapping!

Seems like that's all I'm getting done these days, but I guess that's not a bad thing! Here's some more of my work:

This was an ADSR challenge to scrap altered art. This was my first time doing a layout like this. It's probably too simple and not collagey enough, but it's my best attempt!

Above is my layout for Mrs. Wresh's challenge this week to finish a sentence beginning with "I wish".

Below is my layout for her challenge last week to scrap about a regret we have.

This is another ADSR challenge, scrapping about a memorable vacation using black and white photos and the lyrics of a song.

Click on any layout for credits.

What I've Been Up To

I've been scrapping away! I have lots of challenges to complete over the next few weeks. Although I am enjoying the challenges, I am looking forward to getting back to my personal scrapping soon.

This was a challenge where I had to take one of Steph's layouts, rotate it and scrap the opposite topic. She had a very cute layout of Chase sleeping in his carseat, and this is how I "spun" it. Click the LO for credits.

This was for Mrs. Wresh's challenge. We had to scrap about something that we liked about ourselves that was unique to us. I have a very negative body image, so I forced myself to scrap about a part of my body that I like. Click LO for credits.

And, finally, this is my LO for Challenge #7 of ADSR. I had to scrap using many different elements, with no more than 2 from 1 designer. This was very hard for me! I like my LOs to coordinate, so I tend to stick with one kit. I also don't like to put lots of elements on my pages. I am always afraid it will take away from the pictures and the story I am trying to tell. All that to say I am very happy with the final product!