I tried and I tried and . . .

. . . before I cried, I quit! {insert chuckle} The results of this evening's stamping endeavors are lining the bottom of the wastebasket in my corner. Some days I have it. Other days I kinda have. And, some days it ain't there at all. This, my friends, is one of those days.

Perhaps, I was trying too hard. I should probably do my own thing before checking to see what other people are up to. Here's an amazing example of what I'm talking about on Laurel's blog. Will you look at that amazing set of cards? Not only did she make the sweetest box to put them in, but they're scented, too!

As for my friend, Jeanne, she hasn't been stamping, but rather, to the delight of her little girls, working on some wonderful knit and crochet projects - everything from ponchos and neckwarmers to the cutest little crocheted creatures I've ever seen. Take a look at the cute marshmallow snowman and cake pops, too. I teased her that I'm going to start calling her "Super Mom." I also told her I know from experience that those little projects will create memories that Amy and Jessica will have forever. Isn't that what it's all about? I'm appreciating the ideas, too. The snowman is one I might try with my little elves. As for those cake pops, I can envision their delight in tearing up a cake. I can also see how things could get out of hand . . . Boys will be boys, you know. That's experience talking, too.

It's so much fun to see what other people are doing. So often, I find myself amazed by the creativity and awed by the love that I know goes into these projects. I reiterate, that's what it's all about.

Besides checking out the blogosphere, the highlight of my day was opening a couple of big boxes the UPS man delivered on behalf of Santa Claus today. Grandpa Claus, much to my dismay, grabbed the invoice out of my hand before I got at the goodies and actually yelled at me before checking out the contents. So out of it he is, he didn't even know what Planet Heroes were! Sheesh! Then came the line, "I thought we agreed that we weren't going to buy anything that uses batteries." That conversation must have taken place in his dreams. After all, I work in a place where I can buy batteries for 10 percent over cost, as in 20 AA Energizers for $6. We don't care about batteries, I told him. And, as usual, once he'd checked out "the goods," he thought it was all rather cool. Impressed I am that even though I live in the sticks, ground service delivers packages from Fisher Price in only one day. I love Christmas, and I love Grandpa Claus with his big bark (that kind of keeps life interesting)and absolutely no bite.

OK, with no artwork to show you, you've probably had enough of me for one night. I hope yours was a good day and that tomorrow is, too. Maybe there's enough time before bed for me to sneak over to my corner and give it one more try so I have something to show you tomorrow . . . 'Til then, take care!