Let’s Get Hoppin’

Welcome to the Pals Holiday Hop! If you’ve arrived from Kalshelia Lloyd’s Stampin‘ Fabulousity, I am Stop Number 2 on the hop! Hop along with me and my fellow Pal Hoppers, and we will direct you through the entire hop of wonderful creations! Should you become lost along the way, you may access the entire Hop Line-Up at the end of today’s post. The goal of today’s hop is to showcase several of the stamp sets available to you during this year’s Sale-a-bration. I will be introducing you to Spring Song and D is for Dog. Since there are several more stops to make, let’s get started with what I have created for you!

Spring Song

Pastel colors from the Soft Subtle family form the palette for this delightfully feminine card. It’s quick and easy, and truly is a breath of spring during this snowy Febrbuary.

The Stampin’ Schach Tips:

  • Texture, texture everywhere! Textured Mellow Moss forms the card base, while Pretty in Pink is zipped throught the Big Shot with the new Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder. What an easy way to add interest!
  • I needed a hug this week, so I used Stampin’ Up!s adorable “Hugs”Sending Love Notes. These Whisper White cards sport a dainty scallop, which I paper pierced. A blush of Regal Rose accents the edges.
  • Tired of ho-hum hummingbirds? Blender Pens and a variety of inks bring this little aviator to life. I used Taken with Teal, Regal Rose, Going Gray and Old Olive for his plumage, while the flower was tinted with Regal Rose, Always Artichoke, Pretty in Pink and So Saffron.
D is for Dog

I love dogs, so when Stampin’ Up! came out with the D is for Dog set this fall, it was one of the first sets that I purchased. In tribute to Missy the Boxer, I created one final card for her. We actually welcomed Missy in to our home on Valentine’s Day, so it seemed fitting to make a Valentine to place into her Memorial Box, along with her favorite toys, collar, leash, and chewie. The sentiment “You Stole My Heart” is from the Love Bandit set, while the “Dotted Heart” is from I {Heart} Hearts. She truly did leave a pawprint on my heart.
The Stampin’ Schach Tips:
  • Want to mix and match patterns? Remove the guess work by using perfectly coordinated Designer Series Paper. Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper shines with glittery designs.
  • Glitz and Glam! Notice the red rhinestone accenting the paw print? It was removed from a Circle Fire Brad by simply lifting up the prongs on the back. How easy is that?
The great thing about both of these sets is their versatility! Here are two more cards previously featured on The Stampin’ Schach which showcase these sets:

I hope that you enjoyed today’s cards. Your comments are important to me, so please leave a comment before you “hop” away. And remember, if you have any questions about today’s cards, don’t hesitate to email me.
The Pals Blog Hop continues with your next stop at Margaret Moody’s. Hop over and see what exciting creations Margaret has in store for you! Until next time…
Blog Hop Line-Up

1. Kalshelia Lloyd — Stampin‘ Fabulousity
2. Ann Schach — The Stampin‘ Schach
3. Margaret Moody — Margaret Moody
4. Debbie Pierce — Stampin‘ Sunshine
5. Carla Bazhenow — Carla’s Scraps
6. Mary Fish — Stampin‘ Pretty
7. Kim Lampone — Stamp, scrap, get kreative
8. Gina Shaw — Cards by Gina
9. Regina Mangum — The Stampin‘ Bean
10. Lourdes Torres — Cozy Crafty Corner
11. Kris Kilcoyne — Kween Bee Kreations
12. Liz Hughes — DIY Paper Creations
13. Melanie Collins — Oops a Daisy
14. Mike Funke — Stampin-Style
15. Anne Beale Yancey — Mukibug
16. Martha Stewart —Seasons of Stamping
17. Jason Casper — Stampin‘ Dad
18. Barbara Furlong — The Love of Stamping
19. Tricia Gillam — Soul Stamper

Please Click Here to Order Stampin’ Up! 24/7

Mark Your Calendar for the February Blog Hop


Are you ready for another Pals Blog Hop? Well, you don’t have long to wait! The Pals, a group of talented Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators, are ready to show off their paper crafting skills with inspirational ideas showcasing Sale-A-Bration products from Stampin’ Up!’s most popular promotion of the year! So be sure to join us on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 5:00 AM CST for another Pals Hop as we show you all that Stampin’ Up! has to offer – from rubber stamps to designer paper to embellishments, and much more! Mark your calendar now! You don’t want to miss out!

Here is a sneak peek of the Pals line-up!

1. Kalshelia Lloyd — Stampin‘ Fabulousity
2. Ann Schach — The Stampin‘ Schach
3. Margaret Moody — Margaret Moody
4. Debbie Pierce — Stampin‘ Sunshine
5. Carla Bazhenow — Carla’s Scraps
6. Mary Fish — Stampin‘ Pretty
7. Kim Lampone — Stamp, scrap, get kreative
8. Gina Shaw — Cards by Gina
9. Regina Mangum — The Stampin‘ Bean
10. Lourdes Torres — Cozy Crafty Corner
11. Kris Kilcoyne — Kween Bee Kreations
12. Liz Hughes — DIY Paper Creations
13. Melanie Collins — Oops a Daisy
14. Mike Funke — Stampin-Style
15. Anne Beale Yancey — Mukibug
16. Martha Stewart —Seasons of Stamping
17. Jason Casper — Stampin‘ Dad
18. Barbara Furlong — The Love of Stamping
19. Tricia Gillam — Soul Stamper

A Special Note
I would like to thank everyone for keeping my family in their thoughts and prayers as we adjust to life without our beloved Missy. I have found it particularly hard, as she was my constant companion. Wherever I went, with the exception of work, she was by my side. I find myself reaching down for her, only to find she is not there. I have found solace in the advice that many have given. I keep in my heart my most precious memories of her, and I truly hope that she is with me in spirit for the rest of my days on earth. I am at peace that she will be there to greet me beyond the Rainbow Bridge. But it is still so lonely without her. Blessings to you all…

In Memory of Missy the Boxer

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing today’s post. Missy the Boxer passed away today. We knew that this would happen, but one always thinks later than sooner. I knew something was wrong when I walked in the door after work, and there was no wiggling Boxer butt to greet me. I called her name, but still no Missy. I found her in a weakened condition lying next to her favorite chair. Although she could not get up, she still wagged her tail in greeting. I frantically called my husband, and then I sobbingly called our vet. As I waited for my husband, I curled up by her side for one final time. I told her she was a pretty girl, and a smart girl, and a good girl. She understood. I told her that we had lived a wonderful life together, and that she had fought a hard fight. And I told her that it was OK to go. I think she understood.

My husband carried her to the car, and we took the short ride the vet’s. Dr. Rita listened to Missy’s heart, and stated that she thought that Missy had suffered a major heart attack. Her breathing was labored, and she was in distress. Dr. Rita said that it was time to let her go.

It’s hard saying good-bye. Even though I knew she was suffering, it was so hard. Kim (my husband) and I scratched and petted her in her favorite places. We hugged her, and told her that we would never, ever forget her. That we would always remember her. That we loved her. She passed away with both of us holding her. And at the moment she passed, the lights flickered in the vet’s office. I like to think that this was Missy’s way of telling me that she was in a better place, that she was OK and that it was OK to let her go.

Things just aren’t the same this evening at the Schach house. There is no Missy laying at my feet as I write this post. Her chewies lay untouched, and her toys are still where she left them. There is no Missy talking to me with those inimitable Boxer growls, cajoling me to give her a treat. Her food and water bowls sit untouched. She has left a void that will forever be difficult to fill. Yet, I would never trade one minute of these past eleven years that she spent as a member of our family.

LAST NIGHT

I stood by your bed last night; I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today; your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today; you tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you; I smiled and said, “It’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over… I smile and watch you yawning
and say “Good-night, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out…then come home to me.
– Author Unknown

Farewell, Missy Schach…