An UPDATE on our Hog Shed.......

Many of you have asked how our rebuilding process is coming, after our fire.  Well.....the hog shed it started.  It is all framed up now & they should be starting to put the tin on the outside of it tomorrow.  

Here are some photos of it from different angles. 

This photo is from the east end (back side) of the hog shed, by the shop.  This end here is a big open ended room for the pigs to sleep in & it will be full of bedding for them.  We hope to have this end done within the next week, so we can put about 400 head of 60 pound piggies in here with some portable feeders. 

You can see where the bale shed use to be we put rock down & now have a driveway through there.  We will not be rebuilding a bale shed back in the same spot.

There isn't enough insurance money to rebuild the whole bale shed......so we aren't sure yet what we are going to do for the replacement of that.  Once we get the hog shed all done we'll worry about the bale shed I guess.  We know forsure we aren't going to rebuild the bale shed close to a hog building this time. 

This photo is from the front side of the hog shed.  The end on the left is where the feeders will go again.  It is pretty much exactly like it was before.  It wasn't an enclosed building before & it won't be again.  It is all an open front, with 3 different stalls. Each stall will be full of bedding for the pigs to sleep in.  You can see out on the end of each stall there are the waters for them. 

This photo is from the west end of the hog shed.  This is the end where the grain bin will be put back at & this is also the end where the feeders will go. There is now a little roof over the waters (where there wasn't before).  We are hoping that this will help with not having mounds of ice forming here in the winter time. 

I'll try to get some more photos next week to share again of our progress. 

Thanks so much for your concerns, prayers & thoughts as we've dealt with the fire & rebuilding of things this past month here on our farm.

Blessings-
SUSIE & DEKE

'Watercolor Words' is a great new set!

Here is a cute card that I did for a monthly swap that I'm in with a few demonstrator friends.  I was to use all New Catalog products- so that is what I did!  I loved the way it turned out!  Isn't it pretty!  I would call this a clean & simple card.

stamp set:  'Watercolor Words'
card stock:  Calypso Coral, Mint Macron, Very Vanilla
designer paper:   Pretty Petals Paper Stack
ink:  Mint Macaron & Calypso Coral
other:  Banner Triple Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Paper Snips, Basic Pearls, Dimensionals

There is no framelits or any punches that work with this flower stamp, so I fussy cut it with the Paper Snips.  The font in this stamp set is just super cute!  I see lots of ideas when I look at this new stamp set & can't wait to find time to play some more with it.

This new Designer Paper Stack (Pretty Petals) is really very pretty too.  I love the color combinations in it & the flowery prints.  

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Nathan won his heat last night & he also won the King of the Hill Race of Champs (which is awesome!).  He started 8th in main & got 4th in it.  Brayden came back home with us to spend the night & will be here with us all day today.

Tonight the guys are headed to Donnellson to a special race.  I'll be staying home trying to catch up on things here. 

I hope you have a great Thursday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

Here is a beautiful flower card!!

Here is a pretty card that I did at my classes this month.  My dear Stampin' Sister friend- Brenda Keenan shared this technique with vellum on a card she did & I knew right away that I'd have to do it.  

Years ago when I started stamping, light boxes were the 'in thing' & we used a stylus to trace & draw in images.  This technique is different from that, but sure reminded me of the 'old days'.

How did I do it?

• I stamped the top of the flower image onto a 2 3/4' strip of Vellum card stock using a Black Stazon pad.  
• I turned the flower image over & using a paper piercing mat & the fat end of a stylus, I rubbed onto the vellum.  When you rub onto the vellum it turns it white & a little raised!  Now how cool is that!  
• Then you have to use your paper snips & cut out the flower.
• I attached it to the card using a dimensional in the middle of the vellum.

TIP:  If you have problems with your stylus not gliding well on your vellum, you can put a piece of waxed paper between your vellum & your stylus to help it rub smoothly.

I just love this stamp set!  And YES- the awesome background image is part of this flower stamp set too!  I just think this card is so pretty & was definitely a favorite of many that stamped with me this month.

stamp set:  'You've Got This'
card stock:  Mint Macaron, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Vellum
ink:  Black Stazon, Mint Macaron
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Oval Collection Framelits, Dimensionals, Glue Dot, Stampin' Piercing Mat, Simply Scored Stylus, Mint Macaron 1" Dotted Lace Ribbon

I did a fun fold layout with this card.  Check out how it opens up! 

Would you like to have the dimensions to this card?

• Mint Macaron- 5 1/4 x 8- fold in half & cut oval out of the center of the front;  4 x 3/4 
• Basic Black- 5 1/2 x 4 1/4; 4 x 1
• Very Vanilla- 5 x 7 1/2- fold in half
• Vellum- 2 3/4" strip
• ribbon- 4"

TIP:  Be sure that you have your Very Vanilla card piece opening the 'wrong' way as shown above. 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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Yesterday was my dad's birthday & today is the anniversary of his passing 9 years ago.  Our hearts are still broken & we miss him tons.  There isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of him.  I sure wish he was here to spend time with his family!  We saw him multiple times a week & he ate supper with us often.  He was just always around!  He was an awesome guy that knew everyone, could fix anything, worked hard & loved his family.  He'd sure enjoy & have fun with all of our little boys around here.  Even though they never met their Papa John- believe me- they know all about him- his favorite foods, his favorite color, favorite sayings, etc. 

Tonight we'll all be going racing.  This is the one race each year that Nathan wants to win really bad because of  my dad (& I think he has won this race 6 or 7 times out of the last 8 years).....and then Nathan takes the trophy to the cemetery.  When Nathan won this race 9 years ago- that was the last race that my dad was ever at.  Nathan won & my dad proudly stood in victory lane & got his picture taken with Nathan that night.  My dad rarely missed a race- EVER.  And he was Nathan's biggest fan!  I sure miss him sitting by me each night at the races.  So- we've all got our fingers crossed that Nathan has a good night of racing & a win would be sweet!  Maybe a very special guardian angel will be watching over Nathan while racing tonight. 

I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

This weeks "WEEKLY DEALS"- June 16-22, 2015!

Buy Your Own Present= BYOP!

Here is a card that everyone made at my Spring Fling event the end of April.  I totally forgot to share it here on my blog.  I made it in our local school colors & thought it would make a great graduation card/gift.  I think it turned out pretty cute!

Check out the pocket I made on the inside for a gift card OR you could put cash in it too.

I colored inside the BYOP letters with a Daffodil Delight marker to help give depth & color to the card front.

stamp set:  BYOP
card stock:  Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Whisper White
ink:  Black Memento
marker:  Daffodil Delight
other:  Banner Punch, dimensionals, 1 3/4" Circle Punch (for inside pocket)

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Brayden was here last night, as Nathan & Sarah had their last birthing class- so we had fun making supper, reading books & playing.  Papa was even in from choring at a decent time to get to spend some time with us too.

Today all 4 boys will be here together to spend the day.  I think it is going to be dry out- so we can go out to play.  They are suppose to start putting the sheet metal on the outside of the new hog shed- so we can go on a walk up there to check out the building crew. 

When the boys leave tonight I'll be burning the midnight oil stamping- as I have a monthly swap that I have to have in the mail.

I hope you have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!

Happy Stamping!

Hugs-

SUSIE

Woo Hoo!!! You can get 2 stamp sets for FREE!!!!!

Have you seen the new catalog?  There is alot in it to love!!!  AND I'm sure there is so much that you want too!  If you have a nice long wish list why not get some of it for FREE? If you're already ordering more than $50 you can just bump it up a bit and get lots more for less! Now is a fabulous time to join Stampin' Up! and my IOWA INKERS TEAM!! Read on.....

What $99 Gets You:

• $125 in merchandise of your choice- yes anything you want!
• PLUS in June, you get TWO FREE stamp sets of your choice too!  (no dollar limit so that could easily be another $80 value)
• FREE shipping (only local sales tax will apply)
• There is ZERO obligation to do a class, workshop or club- you can just by for yourself!
• You get an ongoing 20% discount off all of your orders.
• You get an additional 10% discount for a minimum order of $150 during the first 45 days.
• You get VIP access to new product releases and pre-order before they are made public.
• You can pre-order from the Holiday catalog in August!!!  
• You can earn free stamps with various promotions.
• You get a Stampin' Success color magazine mailed on a bi-monthly basis
• You can qualify for cash bonuses, product rewards, incentive trips and more.
• I offer additional benefits for being a member of my Iowa Inkers Team!
• Private Team Facebook Group
• Team recognition and incentives throughout the year
• Free products of your choice based on your sales
• Free Team meetings & swaps! 
• Discounts on my events.

So what are you waiting for. . . there's nothing to lose and everything to gain!!!  
CLICK HERE TO JOIN!
 

A great guy card!

Here is another card that everyone made at my classes this month!  Isn't it a great guy card.  It would be perfect for Father's Day!

stamp set:  'Friendly Wishes'
card stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Island Indigo, Tip Top Taupe
ink:  Tip Top Taupe
other:  Big Shot, Banner Framelits, Large Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (small star), Banner Triple Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Dimensionals & Glue Dots

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We had a great day of stamping yesterday!!  I was beat when I got home last night.  

Running late today....

I hope you have a MARVELOUS Monday!
Happy Stamping!
hugs!
SUSIE

A birthday cake!

Here is one of the cards I created for my June classes!  I used the Cherry On Top Designer Paper Stack again.....and am just lovin' the colors & the images in this package of new Designer Paper!

It is a Z fold style card & I thought it turned out super cute!  Isn't this new cake stamp set just adorable!

stamp set:  'Build A Birthday'
card stock:  Bermuda Bay, Pool Party, Crushed Curry, Whisper White
designer paper:  Cherry On Top
ink:  Pool Party, Black Memento
other:  Bermuda Bay Thick Baker's Twine, Dimensionals, Glue Dot

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Yesterday was a long day!!  It was late when we got home & Deke still had to chore & I still had card stock to cut!  

Jenny & Clint had a beautiful wedding!  Despite the sprinkles- it was a perfect day for an outside wedding.  The ceremony itself was a dry & so very nice out on the golf course.  We are so glad that we got to share in their special day with them.  Brody & Drake did great at the ring bearers!  They definitely got the thumbs up from G'ma & Papa!  And their dad even got an adorable photo of them giving thumbs up during the ceremony that is precious!  Trey was a trooper too!  We all hung out for the before wedding pictures, exchange of vows, reception & dance.  Manda was Jenny's personal attendant & Steve was the wedding photographer. 

I went to bed late & I was up bright & early this morning.....as I'm headed out the door here soon.  Today is my New Catalog Open House events in Hiawatha.  I'm having one this morning & one this afternoon.  We have a big group attending & I'm looking forward to seeing everyone & sharing my creations that they get to make using New Catalog products!!  Woo hoo!!

Gotta run.......I hope you have a SUPER Sunday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

It is the Tree Builder punch again....

Here is another cute card using the Tree Builder Punch.  Check out these cute cherries I made with it!  They coordinate with this designer paper great don't they!

stamp set:  'Tin of Cards'
card stock:  NEW THICK Whisper White, Cucumber Crush, Whisper White, Watermelon Wonder
designer paper: Cherry on Top Paper Stack
ink:  Black Memento
other:  Big Shot, Elegant Dots Embossing Folder, 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Banner Triple Punch, Tree Builder Punch, Cucumber Crush 1" Lace Ribbon, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

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Our day is jam packed again.  I'm off to pick up the boys.  We have Jenny & Clint's wedding today!! 

I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Saturday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Trey is one today!!

Here is a cute card that I made with the 'Sprinkles of Life' (Ronald McDonald) stamp set & coordinating punch (Tree Builder).  This is to celebrate Trey's 1st Birthday today!  

stamp set:  'Sprinkles of Life'
card stock:  Bermuda Bay, Whisper White, Pool Party
designer paper:  Cherry on Top
ink:  Pool Party, Bermuda Bay

other:  Brights Buttons, Bermuda Bay Thick Baker's Twine, Banner Triple Punch, Tree Builder Punch, Paper Snips, dimensionals 

I hope you have a FABULOUS Friday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

"Happy 1st Birthday" to Trey!

 
I can't believe that Trey is now a 1 year old!
He isn't a baby any more. 
The past year just flew by.

Here are some sweet pictures taken this week.
The one below is of Steve with all 3 of their boys.
They all love to read books. 

(Drake, Steve, Trey & Brody)

A Happy Hello!!

Wow....this years new Ronald McDonald set- 'Sprinkles of Life' is just so adorable!!  It is such a versatile set & has endless possibilities.  And I love that is has a coordinating punch to go with it. 

Here I've used the coordinating punch- (Tree Builder) to make a cloud.  And I used the Flower Flair framelits to make the sun peeking out behind it.  I saw a card on pinterest using these two images that inspired me when I was making this card.  
 
And check out this new embossing folder too!  It is called- Elegant Dots & has little circle images on it, made with dots.  

stamp set:  'Tin of Cards'
card stock:  Bermuda Bay, THICK Whisper White, Crushed Curry
designer paper: Cherry on Top Paper Stack
ink:  Black Memento
other:  Big Shot, Elegant Dots Embossing Folder, Flower Flair Framelits (for the sun), 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Banner Triple Punch, Tree Builder Punch, Bermuda Bay Thick Baker's Twine, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

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I literally sat & worked on farm books all day yesterday.  My back was killing me last night, but I worked on stamp stuff that I need to get done.

We are up early this morning to get ready for baby piggies again.  All of the boys will be here.  I'm off here soon to pick them up for the day.  It will be fun & busy day!!

If it doesn't rain too much, tonight Nathan races in Osky.  It is a special race with other car classes & it is expensive- so we are all staying home- except for Nathan, Sarah & Deke.  I'll just have to wait for a text message to find out how he is doing.  I'll spend my night stampin'.

I hope you have a very special Thursday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

A birthday invite!

Can you believe that our baby Trey is going to ONE already on Friday!!  Oh my gosh....where did the year go?  It just flew by!!  What a sweet little guy he is & how blessed we are.  He is just such a joy!

This is his birthday invite that Manda & I made.  We used some just recently retired products on it...but I still wanted to share it with you.  Isn't it cute!!  Manda got the idea off of Pinterest & of course we changed it some. 

The twins first birthday party theme with Dr. Seuss.....they were "Thing 1" & "Thing 2".  So of course Trey has to be "Thing 3" for his first birthday party too!  

Here are the supplies that we used-
stamp set:  'Positively Chevron' (background stamp), 'Big News' (candle on inside), Rough Edges Alphabet set
card stock:  Real Red, Whisper White
ink:  Black Memento, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red
other:  Cherry Cobbler Bakers' Twine, 1 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Petite Pennants Builder Punch, Dimensionals

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We had a full day in the heat on the farm yesterday.  The baby piggies sure are cute!!  Last night we went to Brayden's last ballgame.  He had a really good hit!

Deke if off to meetings all day today!  I'll be wearing another hat & working in the office all day on farm bookwork- trying to get caught up with all of it.  I think we'll finally be home tonight for a change.  Deke will work late on the farm & I'll be spending my night cutting card stock & getting ready for my New Catalog Open Houses that I have coming up again this weekend. 

I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!  
Happy Stamping!  
Hugs-
SUSIE

This weeks- "WEEKLY DEALS"- June 9-15, 2015!

Just for you!

Here is another one of the cute cards that I created for my New Catalog Open Houses.  I just love these bright colors together!  What a perfect card for almost any occasion!  These balloons are just adorable aren't they. 

stamp set: 'You're So Sweet'
card stock:  Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Cucumber Crush, Whisper White
designer paper:  Cherry On Top
ink:  Cucumber Crush
other:  Banner Triple Punch, Regals Candy Dots (Crushed Curry), Dimensionals, Mini Treat Bag Thinlits, Big Shot, Magnetic Platform

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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Today I'm a farmer all day!  Awhh.....we get baby piggies in this morning.  It will be a full day outside helping Deke.  

I hope you have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE