Ok, it’s not really my birthday yet.  But I like to stretch the celebration out so more people can get involved.  Yesterday, I got Facebook wishes and birthday cards.  Today I had lunch with my wonderful parents and Mike, and then Mike gave me my present from him.  It was a Keurig coffee maker.  Wooohoooo!!  It’s wonderful.  I’ve already had a cup of coffee and a cup of hot chocolate, and am ready for the first morning cup tomorrow.  Tuesday is actually my birthday, and Mom is bringing a cake by.  It’s been a wonderful month so far.

Lots of people think that when I say I celebrate all month that I mean September 1-30.  Well, that’s true.  But in case some people think the celebration is August 4 through September 4, and others think it’s September 4-October 4, I’ve decided to stretch it from August 1 through October 31.  And, just in case anyone misses it, my dad (God bless him!  He knows me so well) suggested I extend it through November 30.  And, of course, he’s right.  The whole point of the extension is so people won’t feel badly for missing it.  I know how I feel when I realize I’ve missed someone’s birthday, and I don’t want anyone to feel like that when it comes to my birthday.  And, really, who needs to feel guilt at Christmas?  Yes, I’m that thoughtful!

All kidding aside, I really appreciate all the wonderful, thoughtful little things people do.  And it makes me want to do little things like that all year for others.  Not for a birthday, but just “because.”

Here’s a little thank you note I made using the “Watercolor Smash” technique we’ll be doing Thursday.  . I stamped and embossed them with the Mixed Bunch set from the Stampin’ Up!® annual catalog, before punching them out.  The colors I used are Perfect Plum and Raspberry Ripple, and, of course, Old Olive, my “go to green.”

Click on photo to view larger image.

I may send this to my friend Susan Horr in New York. She sent me the cutest card.  Once I get her “official okey-dokey,” I’ll post it.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a wonderful day.

Supplies – Stamps:  Mixed Bunch, Papillon Potpourri, Tiny Tags; Ink:  Perfect Plum, Raspberry Ripple classic; versamark; Paper:  Perfect Plum, Whisper White, Old Olive, Raspberry Ripple card stock; First Edition specialty designer series paper; Other:  Jewelry Tag punch, 2-step Bird punch, Blossom punch, 1″ circle punch, Raspberry Ripple stitched satin ribbon (FREE with $40 order in September!), linen thread, neutral brads, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Stampin’ Spritzer, white embossing powder, heat tool