Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Magnolia New Year 2012

Hello My Friends,
  Today I wish to share with you my first New Years Card.  I used Tilda with Big Ribbon because I haven't purchase any Magnolia's in a while due to being off of work with my Bipolar and my depression.  I just recently went back to work so my first thing I'm going to do is buy some Maggie's.
  I would like to enter her into the following challenges:
  I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and are going to have a fabulous New Years.  Well, I guess that is all for now.
Hugs,
Carolyn

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Candy Bar Wrapper

Hello,
  I wanted to show you guys what I've been working on.  It is a candy bar wrapper!  Neat huh?  I thought so when I saw Kathryn at the Scrap Beach demonstrate it on her Ustream channel.  I've made 5 of them for my kids.  The candy bar used is a Ghirardelli.
  They are fun and super easy to make!
  I am looking forward to Christmas morning.  I've only got two or three more gifts to get then I'm all done thank goodness.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

I'm Bummed!

Man oh man am I bummed!!!!
  I just had my husband look at all 10 of my Christmas cards that I've made for this year and he said that maybe someone would like to get them for Christmas but he'd rather send out store bought ones :(
  So, I am a little bit bummed.....This is actually depressing.  Is it just that he's a guy or what?  When I post my cards, I get such lovely comments.  Maybe I should just break down and let him buy some Thomas Kincade cards and send them out.
  Hope everyone else is having a better day than I'm having.
Hugs,
Carolyn

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Magnolia Christmas Card #5

Happy Saturday to ya!
  This is a card for the TOMIC Challenge!  I'm in at the last minute!  I can't believe how fast I put this card together.  Well, maybe you can tell lol.  I really liked the sketch that they used and couldn't resist making a card from it.
  I made my own background paper thanks to Jennifer McQuire with the Holiday Card Bootcamp.  I used watercolor paper and Tim Holtz Distress Inks then used my Snowflake embossing folder to press.
  Well, I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.  I need to get this posted lol.
Hugs,
Carolyn

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Magnolia Christmas Card #4

Hello Everyone!
  I couldn't resist making another one of Caludia Rosa's paper bag cards!  They are so addictive!!
  This one is made from the Little Yellow Bicycle papers and Prima flowers of course.  I'm pleased as puddin' how this one turned out.
  Hope everyone is having a wonderful crafting day!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Magnolia Christmas Card #3

Hello all my crafty friends!
  Today I finished a Magnolia Christmas Card out of a paper bag thanks to Claudia Rosa @ Pretty Pressings who had the instructions and to who I got the idea from, Cathy Lynn from her blog.  Both are beautiful ladies with lots of talent to say the least.  And last but not least, from Sandy Dehond who made the card for her friend Cathy Lynn.  Bless each one of you for inspiring me.
  My daughter saw this card and couldn't believe that it was made from a paper bag.  She asked me who was getting this card and I said that I didn't know.  It was going into the pile to send.  Well lo and behold she has claimed this one as her own lol.
  I made Christmas cards last year that never got sent out.  I was not too happy with them, I thought them plain.  So, I am re purposing some of them and throwing the others out.  I am sad to say that we went out and bought cards last year :(.
   So, this is the inside.  A tag pulls out with a saying and as a family we'll all sign the card.
  I added two tags in the back pocket for pictures I think.


  So, last week my husband asked me if we are buying cards this year and I told him no that I am making them and he just gives me "the look".  I had to chuckle though.  I love my husband.  He is so patient and kind.  Today he even bought me some glittered snowflakes for my cards that I was eye balling.  He asked me if I wanted them and I said "no", but they'd be really cute for my Christmas cards, so he made a grab for them and put them in the buggy.  He is really so sweet.  Plus, I am so ready for Christmas!
  I am feeling so much better these days.  I had my DR's appointment on Friday and he still hasn't cleared me for going back to work.  He says I'm still not ready.  So, I'm still on disability until he clears me.
  I can't wait til I get my Christmas bonus so I can Christmas shop for my kids!  I love the look on their faces when they open up their gifts!  My oldest daughter is a scrapbbooker like me and I know exactly what I'm going to get her and I just can't wait!  My youngest daughter still hasn't given me a wish list so I don't know what I'm going to do and I asked my 16 yr old son what he'd like from Santa and I got a list handed to me instantly!  Lol!  Oh, I do love my kids!
  Well, I better get off of here before I write a book!  I do love having a blog though, it lets me chronicle my thoughts sometimes and I love that.
  Hugs for now,
Carolyn

Monday, October 31, 2011

Magnolia Christmas Card #2

Hello All,
  Here is my 2nd Magnolia Christmas Card.  Edwin is so cute tangled in the Christmas lights.  He reminds me of my husband untangling lights but also because he used to be a IBEW Electrician.
  Now, if they would do a Tilda getting tangled in Christmas lights, I could say it would be my oldest daughter lol as she is following in her Dad's footsteps in becoming an IBEW electrician.  IBEW is International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union.  She is an apprentice electrician at the moment.
  I am sad to say that at the moment, I only have two magnolia Christmas stamps.  When I return to work and get caught up on my bills, I'm going to have to buy some of the new 2011 Christmas magnolia stamps lol.  I can't wait as I have a wish list of the new ones.  Plus, Christmas is only 54 days away.  Oh my, I still need to Christmas shop as I only have one gift at the moment!
  Well, that is all for right now.  I hope everyone has a wonderful scrappy day!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Magnolia Book Club Card

Hello All,
  Here is my card for the Bookendz challenge.  I can't believe that I finally got one put together.
  Things are finally going well for me health wise.  I am feeling much better.  As long as I remember to take my meds I guess I'll be doing well.
  I just got  back from a scrapbooking retreat in Logan County WV.  We were at the Chief Logan Lodge for two days.  It was pretty good.  I had a good time with my oldest daughter Danielle.  I didn't get much done, only 4 layouts but at least I got something done lol.
  Well, that is it for now.
Hugs,
Carolyn

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Looking forward to the weekend!

Hello Ladies!
  Here is my new card!  It is a "Get Well" card!


  Hope everyone is doing well.  I am feeling pretty well.  It seems my meds are working fine for the moment.
  We had a wonderful weekend.  We took our family to Kings Island in Cincinnati OH for the Fright Fest.  They had 16 haunted houses and the park was open til 1am.  I didn't last that long though, I took the bus the hotel provided and headed back to the hotel at 10pm and left my husband and our kids and significant others to enjoy the rest of the evening.
  I am looking forward to this weekend though.  My oldest daughter and I are going to a Scrapbooking Crop at Chief Logan Resort and Lodge in Logan WV with a bunch of friends.  Hopefully I don't forget to take my camera so I can get lots of pictures for a future scrapbook page!
  I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:
  Until we meet again,
Hugs,
Carolyn

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Magnolia Christmas Card

Hello All,
  I'm having a better day today than I've had in a while.  For those who don't know, I was diagnosed with Depression and Bipolar two years ago.  I've had my ups and downs but a few weeks ago I hit a big bottom and it wasn't pretty.  So, my DR upped my meds and has me off work for a few more weeks to let the meds even out.  Plus, my Thyroid is acting up again and that is not helping matters either.  But the good news is that the meds are working, they are just slow.  The other thing is my wallet is taking a big hit with being off which really sucks lol!  I am not able to afford my crafting supplies while I'm off.
  I made my first Christmas Card yesterday and thought I'd share.  I am also working on a tissue box cover for Christmas but I'm not done decorating it yet, or I'd share.  But here is the link for the directions if you guys would like to take a look.  It is super cute.  And I saw the idea first from Sharon Caudle's blog.  Sharon's tissue box cover is absolutely outstanding!
  I'd like to enter this card into the Just Magnolia Challenge for distressing.

  Well, here is the Canvas that I finished after taking a class with Jennifer McGuire.  This was the second class I've taken from her and it was great learning all the different techniques.  The word "create" is over too far.  I thought I could squeeze in one more butterfly.  We learned 22 different techniques and I could only get 18 of them on the 12 x 12 canvas.
  Well, I guess that is it for me today.  Hope all of you have a wonderful crafty day!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Vintage Magnolia

Hello All,
  Here is my current card.  I feel that she is missing something, but, then again I feel that way with all my cards lol.  I don't usually put a sentiment on my cards.  Don't ask my why.  I just don't.  I need to start adding one that is for sure.  I used a pink "spica" pen on the flower, but you can't tell.
  I am going to enter this card into the following challenges:  Just Magnolia and Anglar and the CMC Copic Challenge.
  Well that is it for now.
Hugs,
Carolyn

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Magnolia Halloween Tilda Card

Hello All,
  Been MIA for a few weeks.  Been feeling under the weather.  Hopefully though, I'm hoping to feel better soon.
  Been working on a canvas that Jennifer McGuire taught for Online Card Class.  It's been interesting learning all the things you can do with Distress Inks.  It may take a few weeks, but I'll have a picture posted of the canvas when I'm done.  I've completed 15 of the 23 techniques so far.
  Here is my latest Tilda card.  I'd like to enter her into the Magnolia Licious Challenge, the Magnolia Stamp Lovers Challenge, Simon Says Stamp Challenge and the Magnolia Down Under Challenge.
  Well, I guess that is all for now.
Hugs,
Carolyn

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Magnolia Book

Hello All,
  Hope everyone is doing fine.  Finally, I've been a little creative lol.  I've been wanting to make a book to put my Magnolia stamps in to see what I have, but I've been a little under the weather so I've not been very creative.
  It took me a while, but I finally got something put together.  Right now I am enjoying Sepia tones and thought I'd use them on my next project.  Plus, I thought a little "pop" of color wouldn't hurt either.
  I am going to enter her into the CMC Challenge and I guess I am going to be right under the deadline for that, plus, I'll enter her into the CMC Bookendz challenge, and,  I'm thinking that I'll enter it into the Outlawz Twisted Thursday for the Anything Goes Challenge.
  I'll be changing jobs here pretty soon at work.  I don't know what I think right now of the change except that I'll be a little stressed with trying to learn machines that are new to me.  I just hope that I'll do a good job and won't make many mistakes. 
  Well, that is all for now.  Happy crafting.
Carolyn
 
 

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Autumn Kisses

Hello All,
  I thought I'd make another card using this sweet stamp from Magnolia.  She is just so adorable.  Of course I colored her with my Copics.  The flowers are Prima, which I absolutely love and the CS is CTMH and I used X Press it blending paper.
  I love this card although I forgot to add cheesecloth when I specifically went out and got some for this card! lol.  I bought some burlap too thinking it would look good on it also...but, did I add it either? No. lol.  I swear, I am very forgetful.
  You can probably tell I made my own sentiment....I only have one sentiment from Magnolia but tons of others from CTMH that I could've used but until typing this realized I could've used one of my fall ones from there.  See what I mean?  Uhhhhh.  Maybe tomorrow I'll undo some things to this card... like a new sentiment or add some more flowers or something.
  Well, anyway, I am going to enter this card into the following challenges:
  Hope everyone has a wonderful day scrapping and crafting today.
Hugs,
Carolyn

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Magnolia Fall Card

Hello All,
  It looks like fall is in the air here.  It has gotten cooler these last couple of days.  Plus the rain  is supposed to last into the weekend.  I like the rain but I don't like driving in it.  I especially love a really good thunderstorm.  It just makes you want to cuddle up with a good book and read all day.
  Well, I created another Magnolia card.  The embellishments are not really what I wanted but it is what I had on hand.  I don't think you can really go wrong if Prima Flowers are involved.  I do love Prima and all the wonderful choices they have out there for flowers.  It doesn't really look like it in the photo, but the center and the edges of the flower are brown.  I didn't have fall flowers in my stash so I made do.  That seems to be my mantra for this card...make do with what I have.  I so wanted to use some burlap and some cheese cloth for this card, but maybe next time.  I have a couple of witch magnolia's on their way from Magnolia-Licious Store and from Simon Says Stamp.  
  I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:
  Well, I am currently reading "The Language of Flowers" by Vanessa Diffenbaugh for the Color Me Creative group called "Bookends".  I am having trouble getting into it though.  It may just be me because I have been reading comments from the other group members and they are loving it.  Maybe I just need to read some more.
  Well, I am also excited for the Online Card Class called Inspiration Showcase to start.  It begins on the 12th of Sept. and runs until the 23rd.  It is all about creativity and I can't wait.  I took part in their last Online Card Class and it was excellent.  I need to learn where to find inspiration and be more creative.  I guess from reading all the comments on the web page, a lot of us struggle with this  same thing.  
  Well, guess that is it for today.  I need to be making another card.  I guess I'll see what I've got on hand and see if I can be a little bit more creative before I have to head to work.  
Hugs,
Carolyn

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Magnolia Card

Hello All,
  Been working on a few things here lately.  One is the card above.  I wanted to create a card but really didn't have anything in mind.
  My kitty, "Bunny" kept batting her out of the way so she could lay in the box that I've been using to take photo's of my cards.  She, Bunny, likes to lay in there to take a nap.  Lately though, she is getting to big to lay in there.
  BG paper by Close To My Heart.  CS by CTMH
  Flowers are from Michael's and ribbon is seam binding from my stash.
  This is the other project I've been working on.  It is a photo album by Laura Denison.  I've not come up with a title for the album yet as you can see.  But, I need to contact Laura to see about teaching a class.  Flowers are by Prima.  Embellishments by Prima and leaves are a doohickey by Magnolia.
  I am entering these items to:
  Party Time Tuesdays:  Any thing goes.
  Simon Says Stamp:  Anything goes.
  Make it Mondays:  Anything goes. 


  Well, I guess that is it for now.
Hugs,
Carolyn

Sunday, August 21, 2011

What is on my workdesk?

Hello All,
  I'm trying to work in my studio on my current project and my kitty keeps climbing up on my desk and getting into my photo box!
  She, her name is Bunny, is forever into things!  She likes to knock over my alcohol inks, picks out my sewing needles out of the pin cushion and swat them around on the floor, chew my pencils and roll my copic markers around!
  Here Bunny is finally relaxing!  Maybe I can get some work done.  No pictures will be taken for awhile yet I guess lol.
  Have fun crafting and creating!
Carolyn

Monday, August 8, 2011

Marci Easel Card

Hello All,
  Here is my very first Easel Card!  I made her for the birthday challenge at La La Land Crafts.  Please head on over and if you are not entering, please vote for your favorite card.  The winner with the most likes wins a 36 count Copic Sketch Marker set!

  I entered this card to the following challenges:

  My daughters birthday is Wednesday and she'll be 22.  She is my middle daughter and just moved out and is in her own apartment.  So, I only have my 16yr old son left.  I am getting close to being an "Empty Nester".
  Well, that is all for now.  I hope all of you have a very crafty and creative day!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Friday, August 5, 2011

Butterfly Magnolia

Hello All,
  I made this card for three challenges.  She is the Magnolia Butterfly girl.
  I finished reading "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See and it was very very good.  I was reading it for the Color Me Creative Bookendz site.  It is about a friendship between two women who grow up in china.  That is all I'm going to say because I think you should read it.  It is also becoming a movie soon.
  Well, this next week our work is picking up.  It's the first time we'll be working overtime since the earthquake and Tsunami hit Japan a few months ago.  I'm kinda bummed because I was enjoying the 8hr days.  I was getting plenty of sleep and getting some crafting and coloring done.  I really enjoyed my 8hr days.  Boy am I going to miss them.  I really don't like working overtime "sigh".
  Well, I hope all is well with everyone and that your creative juices are flowing!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Monday, August 1, 2011

Nu Shu

Hello All,
  Here is another project for the Bookendz challenge.   I was hoping that the tag would've looked a little better.  To me it kinda looks "flat" if you know what I mean.
  The Chinese symbols mean "Nu Shu" which is an old script meaning "women's writing".  It was used exclusively by women in Southern China.
  The book we are reading is "SnowFlower and the Secret Fan".  It is a very good read and I highly recommend it.
  Have a great crafting day!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Snow Flower and the Forgotten Fan

Hello All,
  I am a member of Bookendz which is a part of the Color Me Creative Classroom.  We are doing a cyber book club and the kick off was on July 28th.  You still have time to join in on the fun!  We are reading "Snow Flower and the Forgotten Fan" by Lisa See.
  There are four challenges which include a coloring challenge with a theme from the book: Asian, oriental etc.
  I am putting this card in to 3 challenges:
Outlawz
Book Endz
Copic Creations


  Hope you all have a wonderful and creative day!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Monday, July 25, 2011

Fairy Dust is a Must

Hello All,
  Today's card is for the Outlawz "Things with Wings" and for the CMC Challenge Red, Cream and Turquoise.
  I found this stamp while on vacation in Virginia Beach VA.  I bought it at Beach Scrapbooks.  It is by OurCraftLounge.com.  
  We got our last day of class with Online Card Classes today :(  I am so bummed.  I learned so much from Kristina and Jennifer!  But, they are going to have an INSPIRATION SHOWCASE on Sept. 12-16th and a Holiday Card Boot Camp in November, the 7th thru the 21st.  I can't wait, especially for the holiday one!  I'd like some inspiration for Christmas Cards because I'm not all that inspired for Christmas yet, even though it is Christmas in July everywhere else!
  Well, that is all for now.  Happy crafting everyone!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Clean and Simple "Outlawz" Challenge

Hello All,
  This card is for the Sunday CAS for the Outlawz.
  Well, my Crop for yesterday didn't turn out very well.  I expected to have at the very least 30 people and with everyone's schedule I only got 7 total.  What a bummer!  I spent so much money on supplies and only had two people show up for one of my classes.  I guess I can get up and dust myself off and try again later in the fall when there is no summer vacations and the kids are in school.
  Happy creating everyone!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Online Card Class Week 4


Hello all,
  I guess I found the time and inspiration to make the week 4 card for the Summer Online Classes.
  Inks:  Close To My Heart: Pacifica, Lagoon, Pear and Sky
  Paper:  Close To My Heart
  Tim Holtz Alterations Texture Fades Regal Flourishes
  Magnolia Doohickeys: Dragonflies

  I really like the technique videos for this week.  I inked up one side of the Tim Holtz Alterations and embossed my card.  They said to ink up the "female" side:  the side where you have the indent.  The raised side they called the "male".  This technique they called "Letterpress" or "Faux Letterpress"
  After I die cut the Dragonflies, I inked them up using a sponge dauber by Tsukineko "Sue-Knee-Co".  At least this is how the Japanese at my plant told me how to pronounce it.
  I am so glad that I got to make a card this week!  I was on vacation last week so I didn't get to participate.  Boy was I bummed.  Well, this makes two posts in one day whew!  Well, I'm going to get started on cleaning up my studio!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Summer showers

Hello All,
  I finally got a card made today!  Don't know why it took so long!  What is too funny is I made this card for a certain challenge and can't remember for the life of me which one it was lol.
  So, I'm going to enter this card into a few challenges:  One is the Magnolia Stamp Lovers Challenge and the other is to the Outlawz "Paper Ala Mode" challenge.
  I had hoped to do some more card making with the Summer Online Card Classes since this is the last week.  I do feel inspired but there are so many cards already made and the gallery of them is wonderful!  I may try to make a card before Sunday.
  I have an all day crop this Saturday for the ladies at work and I've been really busy trying to put things together for them.  I've got two classes that I will be teaching and I've got Almost Heaven Scrapbooking Store coming to set up a small store for them also.  I'm just hoping to get a lot of interest from the ladies and hoping a lot show up lol!
  Well, it is time to get off my derriere and get some crafting done!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Back from Williamsburg VA

Hello All,
  We are back from our Williamsburg VA trip.  We had a wonderful time.  This is a picture in front of Busch Gardens.  All week we just walked on the rides.  It was incredible.  I think there was one day where we had to wait for 25 min. for one ride and that was it.
   This is my son Gabriel and his girlfriend "Frankie".  We took both of them with us.  We are at "The Cheesecake Factory" in VA Beach in this photo.  I made sure that I didn't eat all my dinner and got a to go box for it so I could make room for the dessert lol.
  Thanks to the ladies with Color Me Creative and Suzanne J Dean for suggesting "A Discovery of Witches" by Deborah Harkness.  I started reading this book on the way home and am liking it very well.
  I can't wait to start cardmaking and scrapbooking this week.  I've missed it so much.  I really enjoy coloring with my Copics and yesterday I stopped by AC Moore and bought a 48 count Prisma Color Pencil set.  I'm hoping to take a Prisma Pencil Coloring Class from Color Me Creative and get decent at coloring with the pencils.
Happy crafting and scraping!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Friday, July 8, 2011

Gone Fishin'

Hello all,
  We are leaving for our vacation in the morning.  We're headed to Williamsburg, VA and I'm a little excited.
  This card is for Friday's challenge on The Outlawz.  It is for Monochromatic in the Blue color family.  This is my first "Boy" card and I'm happy with how it turned out.  I would've liked to have added some kind of fish element but time got away from me and I didn't have time to run to the sporting goods store to look for something.  But, I'm sure this will do.  My son or my honey usually critiques my cards before I post them and tells me if they look "OK" or not and I asked my son before I told him it is supposed to be Monochromatic and he said, "It sure does look blue" Lol.  I wish I had some net because I bet that would've looked pretty good behind the picture!  Maybe I should've waited and gone to the store. darn it.
  Have a wonderful time crafting and being crafty!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Online Card Class Week 2

Here is another card I made for the Online Summer Card Class.  It's a very simple card.  I think I might add it to the Outlawz as a CAS card also.
  I need to make this short as I am getting everything ready to go on vacation and I'm helping my youngest daughter move today!
  Have fun creating and being creative!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

icopic challenge #37

Hello All,
  Here is my entry card for the Red, White and Blue Challenge #37  for icopic.  I am actually tired of the Red, White and Blue color scheme right now.  It seems that everyone was doing that for their challenges this past month!
  Well, we'll be leaving for vacation on Saturday morning!  We will be headed for Williamsburg VA.  Looks like we're headed for Busch Gardens, Water Country USA and Colonial Williamsburg.  We've done this vacation before but it's been some years.  We are taking our son and his girlfriend with us.  Our two oldest daughters are on their own so they are not going.  Our oldest is married now and our middle daughter is getting her very first apartment on Thursday and so has to move and still has to work or she'd be going.  So, I am sure this is going to be an interesting trip to say the least.
  I'd like to do one more card for the Summer Card Challenge before we leave.  I really like the colors that were chosen.
One of the ladies that is hosting this Online Card Class said that these colors reminded her of warm tortilla chips, watermelon and a margarita!  I couldn't agree with her more!
  Have fun crafting and creating today!
Hugs,
Carolyn

Monday, July 4, 2011

Online Card Class Week 2

Well, we are on week #2 for the Online Summer Card Camp!  I am super excited and couldn't wait to see what colors we were going to be working on for this week!  So, I jumped in and got started as soon as I checked my e-mail :).
   Here is the card I made using those colors.  I had an easier time this week using the color palette than last week.  The classes are geared to get you out of your comfort zone.  The only problem I'm coming up with is using my own sketches!  I am a little bit leary of that yet, so, I used a Magnolia Challenge Sketch and will enter her in to that challenge also.  I want to learn so much to be a better card maker and would love to be a better card designer also. 
  Well, that is all for now,
Hugs,
Carolyn

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Let Freedom Ring

Hello All,
  I've made a 4th of July card for the following challenges:
  Plus, I won a card contest for Color Me Copics Club with Carlene with Pinkscrappersboutique!  I sent in 3 cards and this is the one that won.
 
  Plus, my son's girlfriend gave me a little female kitty!  She is a part Siamese mix and is cute as a button.  I've not named her yet though and I need to get her cleaned up before I take her picture and show you.
  Well, that is all for now.  We need to get the house cleaned up for our 4th of July party.  We always throw a huge dinner and fireworks show every year but this year I don't know if we'll do the fireworks.  It's usually a huge mess to clean up the day after!
Hugs,
Carolyn