Grieving my little brother

Just posting to let y'all know that I don't know when I'll be posting or stamping again. I found out yesterday that my 29 y.o. brother passed away over the weekend. It was very unexpected and they are saying it was natural causes. Explain that to me? How does a 29 y.o. die of "natural causes"?? I don't understand, it's just not right. I keep repeating that "it's just not right". I'm just so deeply saddened by it. He was in the Army, stationed at Ft. Drum. He was a medic and had served over in Afghanistan. He had a great sense of humor, killer blue eyes and knew how to push your buttons. I loved him and was very proud of him but I don't remember the last time I had told him so. We hadn't talked to each other very much over the past couple of years. The last time I'd seen him was in May when I went home because my stepdad had passed away. The last time I heard from him, which was through a myspace message, was in July. I can't stop crying about it. I don't know what to do, think or say. My poor mother ~ how do you bury your husband and only son within 8 months of each other? It's not right. He was due to get out for medical reason around the end of February. He had gotten approved for 100% disability. He was going to help my mom move her furniture and things. He had just sent her a check for his portion of the storage unit they shared. It's just not right. I finally move closer to home. He was going to be moving back home. We would've seen each other more. He would've been able to get to know his nephews finally. He talked about going back to school. It's just not right. I'll miss him with all of my heart and will always regret not talking to him more. Not for lack of trying, but there are no excuses. Lee, I love you and am proud of you and will miss you more than you'll ever know.

And the winner is....

#15!!! So Andrea, if you could please give me your info and I'll get your goodies out to you!! Thanks for all the input and I'll get to workin' on some challenges for y'all! And can I just say Go Giants!!!!!! I've got one happy dh right now!
Hope this is a great week for everyone!!!

Sunday's Featured Stamper Challenge

Here's my card for the FS challenge over at SCS. I kept it pretty true to the original card. I did stamp the sentiment too high, so I added the faux stitching and voila, problem fixed!! I colored in the Bud Basics flowers using SU's watercolor pencils (which I haven't touched in ages because I USED to have markers ~ I'll get over it someday, I promise...) and an aquapainter. I did this on watercolor paper which has the same texture to it that the designer paper I used does. I've made about 5 cards in the past couple of days and I think I like this one the best. The others were done for the VSN (Virtual Stamp Night) over at SCS (yes, I *love* that place!).
Big game on t.v. right now ~ my dh's Giants are playing the Packers. I really hope the Giants win just 'cuz I don't want an angry dh on my hands for the next few days!!

Heyyyyy!!! Don't forget, there's blog candy below! You only have a couple of hours left before I pick a number!!!
Thanks a ton for stopping by!

Sorry for this post ~~

I was trying to add a slideshow of my work to my blog and it showed up as a post but I got it figured out and it's on the right side where it belongs!! I should have an opportunity to stamp today and please keep those comments comin'!!!! Don't forget about the blog candy below!!!!!!

hugs ~

Please be kind and my first BLOG CANDY!!!

First, do you like my header??? Honestly, whatcha think? I did it myself and just wondering if it looks cheesy or not. Ok, now for the important schtuff ~~

Man, it has been a looooong time since I stamped! It took me 3 days to finish this card and I'm still not happy with it ~ something's just not *right*! Anyway, I combined this week's Color Challenge and Sketch Challenge. I colored the petals with my aquapainter and inks ---- let me interrupt this post with a small pity party ~~ the P.O. lost 2 boxes I'd mailed from HI that had my ENTIRE set of SU markers and Lord know how many stamp sets in them!!!! wwaaaahhhhhh!!! ---- back to the post ~~ I did the flower center using crystal effects and microbeads. It looks so cool IRL. Ok, so be honest, how bad does this stink?? Is there hope that I find my groove in the near future?? Enough whining...

Now for blog candy!!! Just a little thanks for checking in during my move and lack of posting! I hope to get in the groove again really soon since the house is *almost* all put together. I only ask that you comment on this post with what challenges you'd like to see from me. Color challenges? (but remember, I'm no Emily G!) Sketch challenges? (and nope, I'm no Rox, either!) I want to keep everyone interested and coming back, so any and all input is appreciated! OH, how 'bout a pic of the *candy*???

Some goodies from Michael's and Target, plus a few Heidi Swapp chipboard and ghost flowers. I'll use that random.org thingy people are using to pick a winner!! I'll close this Sunday evening at 9pm and post a winner at that time.

Hope y'all have a great weekend!!!

hugs ~ Angel

I'm alive!!!

Just a quick post to say thanks for checking in during our transition. Everything went as smoothly as it could go and the kids have been wonderful. We're down to just a few boxes left in the house and I SHOULD be stamping some time next week!!

I do hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that the New Year brings you everything you wanted and more!!!


hugs ~