THE POOL IS ALMOST IN!!

POOL!!

We are so pleased to see our new pool almost complete. We bought it in May and it is finally being installed. We had hoped it would be installed sooner but Mother Nature and the company we bought it from didn't really work together. But, today is a new day and the pool is almost complete. We have to say that the workers they use are awesome! They are incredibly hard workers and seem to be doing an amazing job.

{this is the style of pool we got - we don't have a deck yet - that will be next year and we are thinking of going all the way around with that upper deck section for easy entry into the pool. Can't wait to get in and splash around with the boys!}

Our new grill finally arrived today as well. We will be breaking that puppy in this weekend. Its a real grill so we will now be able to actually grill with even heat and try out all of those awesome recipes we have seen and never been able to do on our Canadian Tire $88 bbq! Let the fun begin...***drool***

Well off I go to COSTCO to buy the new goggles for the boys and sun screen for Malcolm - our peaches and cream skinned boyo.

Hope you are all having a great day! Thanks for stopping by!

Hugz.

Sunshine :^D

Happy Canada Day

Once again it is July 1st and Canada is celebrating it's birthday with bbq's, fireworks, parades, and lots of alcohol..or soft drinks depending on how old you are...lets not forget watermelon, corn on the cob and strawberry shortcake.

We are going to Assiniboine Park to the zoo tomorrow to see the Lions and take in some of the events they are throwing at the park tomorrow.

They are supposed to be building our pool tomorrow too...we will see. For those of you who don't know...last summer we bought an above ground pool for our backyard. We enjoyed it so much we decided to get a permanent above ground pool in our backyard this summer. We bought it way back in May and it's finally getting installed this weekend. Of course we had hoped to have it installed well before now, but Mother Nature had other plans and has offered us an incredibly wet spring here in the Mid-west.

I hope all of my Canadian friends and family have a wonderful Canada Day tomorrow! and i hope all of my American friends have a wonderful 4th of July. I wish everyone sunshine, watermelon and lots of family and friends for your holiday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!

Hugz,

Sunshine :^D

WHO TICKED OFF MOTHER NATURE??

Holy Smokes! Earthquakes and tornado's, floods and mosquito's! Not the best time be in Canada! Holy cow!

I'm not sure but I think Mother Nature is starting to get pi%*#ed off at the damage being done to her world!!

Yesterday in Canada we had an earthquake, a few tornado's and there continues to be flooding in the mid-west...and not so significant-but oh so annoying - a huge explosion in the mosquito population here in Winnipeg!! don't breathe through your mouth...you will suck one in....YUCK!!

On a personal front, our boys will be arriving on Sunday and we are so excited for their arrival. We are making lots of changes to their bedrooms and we are excited to see what they think of their new spaces when they get here.

Our summer officially begins on Sunday when our boys arrive. Have to start our list of things we want to go and do this summer. The time flies so very quickly each summer. What are you all planning to do as a family this summer? Doing anything unique that would be fun to share with others? Our boys are 14 and 12...gosh time sure doesn't stand still!

Off to work I go. Thanks for stopping by and I wish you all a wonderful day!

Hugz,

Sunshine :^D

What is Your Fave Summer Treat?

Its the time of year when North America lights up the grill, embraces salads and all the yummy berries ripen.

(check out this site I borrowed this cool gif from: http://www.southernstylecruisers.com)

I pose this question:

"What is your favourite Summertime treat??"

I have so many it's difficult to know where to start...but start I will! Here is my list:

BBQ ribs
Beer Can Chicken
Hot dogs
Soft Serve Ice Cream
Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry Rhubarb ANYTHING
Coleslaw
Potato Salad
grilled mushrooms, peppers, pineapple
Corn on the cob
Deviled Eggs

So, comment here and share your fave's If you want any of my recipes, comment and I will send them along.

I hope you are all enjoying Day 2 of Summer. We had an unexpected surprise here in Winnipeg today...SUNSHINE!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugz,

Sunshine :^D

OMG!! I'M Posting on my Blog!!

Hello everyone. I hope there is someone out there still popping in here to check things out. I wanted to let you know that Sunshine's Stamps is taking a hiatus for the summer.

We are in our annual preparations for our boys to arrive from PEI. We have completely renovated their bedrooms this year and are in the process of completing Patty's room. They are anything but dull, our boys...Malcolm chose purple and turquoise and Patty chose lime green and orange (Well he actually chose red...but I talked him into orange...looks better) so we are in the midst of getting it all together. Patty's bed has been bought and will arrive the day before he gets here. The walls have the first coat of paint and I picked up the fabric for the curtains tonight.

It's been raining cats, dogs and penguins here in Winnipeg this Spring. We've had floods and as a result we have a bumper crop of mosquito's right now!!! OMG! The mosquito's are so heavy you have to run from your car to the house so fast, it's like you're an escaped convict!!!

The little bast#$^ds are going to be sprayed this week all across the city - or we will be carted off and dropped when we've all been sucked dry and become dusty dried out husks...not that I'm resentful of the mosquito population in Winnipeg!!! If you've never been bitten by a mosquito in Winnipeg you have never experienced the pain! Those little bast#$^ds hurt!!!

Enough of that...I must get my butt in gear...laundry to do and then bed. Work tomorrow. I have no idea where the weekends go, but they certainly fly by faster than any other day of the week!

Take care!

Hugz,

Sunshine :^D

CHRISSY LOVES AQUA!

Sunshine's Stamps is hosting a new challenge over on SNR Card Universe. Its the first challenge they have ever hosted that you MUST use a Sunshine's Stamp image for. The first challenge is super easy - just use the free image they are providing to enter the challenge. Doesn't get much easier than that, does it?! LOL!! The free image is this one - Wreath - Click on the image to enlarge and right click to Save As to play along - you can use this image over and over again in the challenges that are going to be coming up. The really neat thing about the new challenge is that the winner will be determined by a vote! Not a randomly generated number!! So this is your chance to actually win based on your talent!!

This image was originally created to be used as an Autumn Wreath - but it was soon discovered that it could be used for all seasons and in all colours. Here is a beautiful example of the wreath in aqua, posted by Sunshine's Stamps Dream Team member - Chrissy on her blog "Creations of a Chat Box Chick" -

Click on the image to enlarge it so you can see the details...it is truly a gorgeous card to behold! Be sure to hop on over to Chrissy's blog to check out her other creations. don't forget to become a follower - her creations are sure to inspire and motivate you to wonderful creations!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugz,

Sunshine :^D

JENNIFER CREATES A LOVELY TWEETS CARD

Sunshine's Stamps Dream Team gal created this wonderful card using Tweets, one of their newest images for Easter/Spring.

From Jennifer's Blog post:

"This week Sunshine Stamps is sponsoring the challenge over at Cupcake Craft, which is to make something for Spring/Easter with the color chocolate on it. This happens to be one of the newest released Sunshine Stamps, called Tweets. Look...he's singing a song to you! LOL "

I think she nailed the challenge - what do you think?? Be sure to head on over to her blog and check out Jennifer's other creations and while you're there be sure to become a follower! Jennifer's work is sure to inspire and motivate you to get all inky!!

Thanks for stopping by everyone!

HAPPY EASTER

TO ONE AND ALL!!

Hugz,

Sunshine :^D

It's Almost Easter!

Check out one of Sunshine's Stamps new images: Robbie Bunny

Marlene, one of our Dream Team gals - has designed this absolutely stunning Easter Card using one of Sunshine's Stamps newest images - Robbie Bunny!

Now, to hear Marlene talk...er...write...you would have her convince you that her faux stitching is lame - I think it rocks! and look at that dp!

Those flowers and pearls are just the perfect additions to this "oh so appealing" Easter Card. Hop on over to Marlene's blog - "Disguised as a Grown-Up" and become a follower - her blog is guaranteed to make you laugh and cheer you up!

Hugz to one and all!

Sunshine:^D

It's Spring!! Thank Goodness It's Spring!!

We did it! We made it through Winter!! Holy Hannah we did it again! Winter is over and Spring has sprung! The snow is gone and I am so very proud to say we were able to take down our outside Christmas decorations before the Easter Bunny arrived!! Phew! The shame!!

The weather has been unseasonably warm here in Winnipeg! We have almost no snow and the air is warming up enough that no jackets are required when driving in the car! What a treat not to be all bundled up anymore! Layers seem to be the key way to dress these days to make sure you can strip off to keep cool!

I am wishing we had time last Autumn to plant bulbs, right now. I would love to see those bright spots of colour right now poking out of the ground. Oh well, there is always this Autumn.

How are all of you doing? We appreciate all of your words of condolence and support while we have been enduring our recent loss. It never fails to inspire me and remind me just how close and supportive our paper crafting community really is. Cards continue to arrive and soon we will be sending out our Thank You cards. So those of you who sent us lovely cards, watch your mail boxes for little thank you cards from us.

Sunshine's Stamps have launched some new and Uber cute images for Easter. Check out their blog Sunshine's Stamps to see the teasers posted and the Dream Team blogs for the actual images!

There is all kinds of fun planned in the near future - with a new Sunshine's Stamp Challenge over on SNR Card Universe and a new Mother's Day Blog Hop coming up on May 1st with a challenge and prizes to be won!

Well, that's all for me tonight. Time to head to bed. Thanks for stopping by today everyone!

Hugz,

Sunshine:^D

Sad News

We are very sad to report that Robbie's brother succumbed to his illness this afternoon. Please send your prayers and energies out to his family in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island during this most trying time. I just can't imagine the devastation this loss must feel like to his wife and son.

Robbie remains at home with his family, where he needs to be. I want to thank all our friends in the paper crafting world and our close friends and family for your prayers and well wishes, they mean so much.

Hugz and God Bless,

Sunshine :^C

So Sorry My Blog Has Been So Lame

Hi All: if anyone is still out there paying attention to my blog. I have to apologize for not posting like I used to. I have been pretty busy with my new job and designing images for Sunshine's Stamps.

However, for the last couple of weeks we have been struggling with Robbie's brother being very sick. Finally, Rob flew out this morning to visit his brother on the East Coast. His brother is very ill and needs as many prayers for strength we can muster. Please pray that Gary has the strength to survive surgery should the doctors decide that is the best way to proceed.

Thank you all and God Bless!

Hugz to one and all

Sunshine:^D

Christina ROCKS a Huckleberry Card!!

Oh my goodness!!! When Robbie designed Huckleberry we thought he may be popular, but we KNEW he would be fun to play with!!! Check out the awesome card Christina, one of Sunshine's Stamps Dream Team Members has created featuring the adorable Huckleberry!!

When you have finished oggling this terrific card, hop on over to Christina's blog - "SNIPPETS OF TIME" and become a follower! She is sure to inspire great things for your creativity!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Sunshine:^D

Sweet B{ee} is Sooooo Cute!

Jennifer, one of Sunshine's Stamps newest Dream Team members has rocked Sweet B{ee} in the most amazing card! Check it out!

Now, I have to admit I am pretty partial to Sweet B{ee} as I did design and draw him. When I drew this particular Sweet B{ee} this is exactly the type of layout I was thinking of! How cute is this card?! The entire card is so bright and cheery! Sunshine's Stamps is so very thrilled to have another designer, like Jennifer, on our Dream Team!

Click on Jennifer's name to hop to her blog and become a follower. Her work is amazing and she is sure to inspire you to great things!

Click on Sweet B{ee}'s name to hop to Sunshine's Stamps online store to pick up a Sweet B{ee} of your very own!

****Personal note*****

Thanks for stopping by. I am currently down and out with an absolutely horrible cold. I have no voice and no energy. I am sorry to say that I haven't had any mojo to create cards lately. I have my fingers crossed that I find some inspiration soon. Anyway, the long and short of this message is thanks for stopping by to see what I have posted lately.

Hugz to one and all!

Sunshine:^D

Sunshine's Stamps Say's Goodbye to Long Time Dream Team Gal...

Sunshine's Stamps is saying "so long" to one of their wonderful Dream Team members...Suzanne. Suzanne is a wonderful designer who has worked exclusively in digital! Suzanne's work has always been outstanding and innovative. Her absence will be noticed.

Check out Suzanne's final card for Sunshine's Stamps!! The card features Sunshine's Stamps "Key to My Heart" image.

Click on Suzanne's name anywhere in this post to hop to her blog. Become one of her followers and be inspired by her creativity! Thanks to Suzanne for her wonderful work and inspiration over the last 6 months!

Thanks for stopping by everyone!

Hugz,

Sunshine :^D

ROCKIN' THE COOL CAR!!

Sunshine's Stamps has been busy putting out some really cool and fun images for Winter and Valentines lately. One of the new images is of a '57 Buick. It's so cool, it's HOT!! LOL!! Take a look at one of Sunshine's Dream team members cards featuring the new car image:

Look at the wonderful job Jennifer did on colouring this image! The contrasts between the orange and the blue are perfect! I love the border punch -zig zag with this car image as well. I think this makes the perfect "manly" birthday card, don't you??

Click on the image to hop to Jennifer's blog post featuring this card. Or click here: "Just Jennifer's Stamping" to hop to Jennifer's blog for a thorough look around! You are sure to be delighted by what you find there!!

If you want to add the 57 Buick to your digital stamp inventory, hop to our shop to find this image and so many more to play with!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugz to one and all!!

Sunshine;^D

ROMEO WHERE ART THOU ROMEO??

I'm Right Here!!! ****GIGGLE****

This is Romeo...isn't he caaauuutttee??!!! Our Dream Team member, Colleen, created this wonderful card. I just love the colours and layout she used for this card!!

Romeo is one of Sunshine's Stamps newest Valentine Images available in their online store. Head on over and check it out and while you are there check out the Dream Team blogs for more inspiration using Sunshine's Stamps images.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugz,

Sunshine:^P

Still no mojo gals...I'm working on it though.***sigh***

Hello from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada

Hello everyone! I don't have much to post right now. I have been sadly non-productive in my card room as of late. I finished Sunshine's Stamps new Valentine's Images and haven't had the mojo to get into my card room and start creating.

So my question to my blogging buddies is this...what do you do to get your mojo back? Is it just a case of getting in there and getting your hands inky? Do you reorganize your "stuff" to get yourselves motivated? What do you do? All suggestions greatly accepted!!

I will be checking in to see what you have to suggest. Thanks for stopping by everyone!

Hugz to one and all!

Sunshine:^D

....AND THE WINNERS ARE....

NO ONE!!! ROFLMAO!! Just kidding!!

Introducing Huckleberry!! Isn't he just the cutest??!! As you can see, he is not a bear, a monkey or a beaver! However, because you took the time to comment - YOU'RE ALL WINNERS!!

Trimgym
craftieodamae
Lesley

ALL OF YOU SEND ME AN E-MAIL AT valleysunshine@hotmail.com
with your image of choice from our online store!

That's right gals! You each get to choose one image from our store FREE OF CHARGE!! Send me an e-mail with the name of the image you are looking for!!

Hop on over to Sunshine's Stamps to see our final Valentine's Day releases! They are absolutely adorable!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sunshine :^D

TEASER IMAGE

Check it out everyone! new images are going to be uploaded to Sunshine's Stamps tomorrow evening! What do you think the image shown above is? The first 3 to guess correctly are going to win a free image from Sunshine's Stamps store!

I will check back tomorrow to see what you all guess this image is! Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to stop back here or over on Sunshine's Stamps blog to see the new images being released tomorrow evening!

Hugz to one and all!

SUNSHINE IS BACK!

Hi everyone! So sorry to have been away for so long! I am excited to tell you that Sunshine's Stamps is sponsoring Friday Sketches today!! Head on over and check out the entries and take part yourself. Here is the sketch. Give it a try!

The winner is going to get to choose 3 free images from Sunshine's Stamps store!! Head on over and check out their DT creations and click on the entries. The sketch is not an easy one, but the entries are just rockin!!

Thanks for stopping by and I promise that I won't be so slack with my blog! Be sure to hop on over to Sunshine's Stamps blog to check out the Valentine's images that have just been released!