Thank you, Charlie, for all you did for us.

🍎 “Two Little Scholars, One Proud Grandma” 🍎

🍎🍎🍎

Today, two very special boys stepped into a brand-new chapter, first day of school!

 With backpacks slightly too big and hair that almost stayed combed,

 my grandsons marched into their classrooms, ready to take on the world

 one crayon and storybook at a time.

 I couldn’t be prouder of their courage, curiosity, and the sparkle in their eyes 

as they begin this adventure.

May their days be filled with wonder, their hearts stay open to learning, and their pockets be stuffed with a whole lot of love from Grandma.

💛 Here’s to the first of many “firsts.” 💛

My grandson, Van started Kindergarten

His brother August had his first day back to pre-school -

solo this year - sans his big brother.

Staying Cozy,

Carrie

📸"Click, Pop, Wow! A Peek Inside My Handmade Camera Card"

I had fun making this card for my grandson, Jayden.

When you pull on the tab....

His sweet photo pops right out.

 And there is a photo strip inside too.

It was a fun card to make and give. Hope you enjoyed the quick share.

Stay Cozy,

🕷️ The Visitor I Never Invited...

When my daughter was visiting yesterday, she went to grab something downstairs when she suddenly noticed something on the carpet in our family room. Could it be?

A SPIDER!

 Not your average little house spider. This one was massive. Its legs stretching out like skeletal fingers. It stood motionless. She yelled; I yelled...all the while her son, Jayden had no idea what the commotion was all about. For a moment we froze!

 My heart thudded in my chest; I wasn’t about to let an eight-legged intruder take over. But we were both so scared and there was no knight in shining armor to come to our rescue.

Armed with a glass jar and a piece of cardboard, I approached him. The spider didn’t flinch. It just stared at me—or at least, I imagined it did. With a swift motion and a shaky hand, I trapped it. 

VICTORY. Sort of. I still had to flip the jar over and screw the lid on. I did it! He was captured. 

We both breathed a sigh of relief as we put the jar and its creepy contents outside.

Later my husband released the unwelcomed visitor (far away from our house I told him) watching it skitter into the darkness. But the victory felt hollow. Because now, every corner of the room feels suspicious. Every tickle on my arm sends a jolt of panic. I keep glancing at the ceiling, the baseboards, the shadows under the couch.

If there was one… there could be more. In fact, there was another one just like this one only a week ago in my living room. I actually saw it hiding by the fireplace as I walked down the stairs! Hubby was home that time.

And that’s the part that really gets under your skin. Not the spider itself—but the idea that it has friends. Quiet ones. Just waiting to make their appearance.

 YIKES!

I always think there are more spiders around this time of year - and it turns out there are!

There are Seasonal Surges in Spider Activity.

Spiders are most frequently observed indoors during late summer and early autumn. This period, often called “spider season,” typically spans from August to October, with peak activity in September. During these months, a significant increase in spiders is often noticed in homes.

The heightened visibility during this time is largely due to male spiders actively moving about. They become more mobile as they search for mates, often venturing from secluded spots.  This increased wandering makes them more likely to be seen by humans.

If they could just do their dating and mating outside, I would be much happier!

Stay Cozy and "Spider Free",

Carrie

“Surprise Inside—Handle with Happiness”

 I really do love making gifts for the special people in my life and even those that may be new friends or family I don't get to see very often! While I am designing my creation I am thinking of the person that will receive it - invoking fond memories for me and maybe a prayer or two for them. I don't know about you - but to receive something, no matter how small, in the mail that is not a bill, or an advertisement can be few and far between. I imagine the smile on their face when they receive their little package, so welcomed and unexpected. My hope is that I have brought some joy and delight to their day!

The reason I call them "chunky mail" is because they are usually too bulky to be sent as a "flat mail" item for just a postage stamp or two - they must be mailed as a first-class small package for $3-$5.

This one is for a friend that just needs a little lift.

As she opens the card she will notice the plaid tab on the top...upon lifting it out she will find a face mask hiding behind the "Oh What a Beautiful Day" sentiment for a bit of pampering. 

The next tab holds a bookmark so she can take some time to do a little reading.

And finally, there is a small pocket holding a Tazo tea bag.  A cup of tea to relax as she is reading and pampering her skin with her face mask! Of course, a personal note is always included as well.

It doesn't take much to put something like this together for a friend or loved one or perhaps a neighbor that you might see could use some cheer. I collect the little insert gifts as I am out shopping. It's fun to keep on the lookout for small items to include.

And truly - I think it just might bring me more joy and happiness then my recipient!

Stay Cozy,

And keep your eye out for someone that is need of a

 "chunky mail or drop by gift".

Carrie

Like surfer father like surfer son…

 I’m not sure how I feel about this?

The thought of either of them out in that big old ocean with whatever is in there with them 

makes me take a pause or two…or three! Yikes. He is only six! 

But like a good grandma… I will simply bite my tongue and cheer them on…

While I am silently praying real hard.

 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Stay Cozy,

Carrie

"A Canvas on Every Corner"

Tualatin's Traffic Signal Boxes are Getting a New Look!

The Tualatin Arts Advisory Committee has been working to add vinyl art wraps to the City's traffic signal boxes, to help turn these utilitarian cabinets into works of public art.

Here are a few of the designs.

 Aren't they beautiful!

I guess they have been doing this in many communities for some time -

 but our city began this art installment in 2021.

 There are many more around town!

It just makes you smile when you spot one :)

Happy Friday,

Stay Cozy,

Carrie

"Birthday Cheer with a Twist of Lemon"

 With the summer fully upon us here in Oregon and the sun shining so brightly - it reminded me of the lemon trees we had in our backyard in Southern California, and I was inspired to make a lemon themed birthday card.... but I didn't have any stamps or die cuts to use.

So I made my own...

And I came up with this "Lemony Fresh" birthday card.

I like to turn my cards into what I call, "Chunky Mail" cards by including small gifts tucked into the little pockets I design as part of the card. I love to make them color match as I am on the lookout for small mailable gift items while on my shopping outings. 

This "Chunky Mail" includes a honey facial mask, a yellow striped bookmark, a sparkly glitter emery board, a lemon designed pen and a lemon compressed sponge (that was in the front gift section at Target one day).

I do hope this gift will bring a smile to the face of its recipient!

Stay Cozy + Zesty,

Carrie

Reunited...and it feels so good!

Just after the 4th of July, one of our twin daughters came in town from Miami with her family...

Adding in her twin sister's two boys and our other daughter's son...

the house was full of love and laughter

 from all 5 grands, our five adult children, spouses and friends too!

There was a zoo concert night.

Popsicles with Grandma...

Sister time...

fireworks...

and the joy of figuring out a new skill...

Mom and daughter dinner out...

...and the pure fun of family reunited. 

And somehow, we survived it all!

Staying Cozy This Summer!

"A Little Can with a Lot of Sparkle!"

 Here are some fun creations I made to decorate for the 4th of July holiday.

Made with non-other than empty sardine cans!

From Tin to Treasure: Miniature Dioramas with a Splash of Fun!

I eat a lot of sardines - they are healthy for you and I actually love them..

and I got to thinking...

what could I do with those empty cans?

Sardine Can Creations of course.

Here are some others I have made.

I really had fun making these. What do you think?

Have a Cozy + Crafty 4th of July!