Life: One Layout At A Time

It Has Only Been A While!

2012-01-11T22:21:00.002-06:00

My New Year's Resolution is simple: Create More!

I took a year long break off to spend time with the most important things in my life: My Savior, my husband, and my children. Now, it is time to get back to the things I love to do. Scrapping and creating. So, this is the first of many posts to come. I am beyond excited to pick up where I left off. My love of scrapping never ended, but I wanted to make sure my priorities were in order first. I pray they are :)

Thank you for all who have been patient with me..the messages..the emails. It has made my heart happy.

Here is a quick recap of my last year:

I ended up having another surgery in August on my arm.

We prayed about homeschooling, and felt that now was the right time. So, we pulled our 3 littles out, and have enjoyed every minute.

My baby brother was married in June, and deployed to Iraq in August. But he was home for our blessed Christmas.

My husband continues to work hard for us, and love us unconditionally!

I will have to have another surgery at the end of this month, but God is awesome! It is my left arm, and believe it or not, I can create just fine one handed lol

Although this is a short post, I wanted to share some cards that I have done, but have not shared. One you may recognize from the December issue of Cards Magazine.

I am excited about this new beginning, and I hope that you will join me. You can find me on Facebook as JakeandDanielle Wycough! Much love and many more blessings!

The Birthday Girl

2011-04-12T03:40:00.013-05:00

Last weekend, we had Shelby's 8th Birthday party. Eight years old?!?! Time flies by so fast, and if I could ever give a new mother one piece of advice, it would be this. Enjoy it. Savor every little moment. Let the house and laundry go. Rock those babies longer than you have too. Spend hours just marveling at their perfect features. Kiss those toes as often as you can. Even in the middle of the night, mark those times as the best because before you know it those moments will be gone....

Her birthday party was a dress up tea party with lots of little girls in dresses, hats, jewelery, and of course heels! They had so much fun. I made a birthday banner for her that is now hanging in her room. I used The Girls' Paperie Jubilee line. Once again, I am saddened by the doors closing on The Girls' Paperie, but thrilled to see what is next! I have been using some of the same embellishments on these banners, especially Prima Fairytale Roses. They are the perfect size for decorating these banners.

While we have been celebrating her birthday, we are also waiting for test results. She has had some issues with her ankles for quite some time now. She can run or jump for about 5 minutes before they swell to the point where they look broken. I have taken her to the doctor before and they thought they were just both badly sprained with ligament damage. Last week, I took her to an orthopedic to try and figure out what was going on. I was not prepared for what the doctor told us. He was concerned about juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It has been difficult for me to talk about because knowing how it could affect her life is almost too much to bear. Now, we are waiting to hear about the results. But, God is great! We witnessed a true miracle a few weeks ago when our oldest son came off of his horse and we had to care flight him to Children's Hospital in Dallas. They did multiple tests including two CT scans, and all the doctors and surgeons agreed that he had a skull fracture. We were admitted to the hospital with that diagnosis. The next morning, a trauma doctor came in and said that she and her team and reviewed the scans again and they just could not see a fracture. Praise the King!!! So, I know that He can do above and beyond what I even pray for.

....I attempted to blog this earlier in the week, but our internet access was awful. This gave time for one more thing to happen :) My mother and I were on our way back from seeing my orthopedic surgeon, who assured me that my arm is great and NO MORE surgeries, when one of the kids schools called. Ethan was out at recess and ran smack dab into a soccer net. Yes, he is definitely my child and he has inherited my grace. The net wrapped around one of his front teeth and pulled it completely out. Roots and all. So, this week consisted of seeing the dentist and orthodontist, who is making him a "flapper". It is basically a retainer with a fake tooth. Although my nerves are undeniably shot, my son is proud of his injury and concurrent missing tooth!! Ahhhh, the joys of having a large family :)

Baby Shower Banner

2011-04-09T08:06:00.004-05:00

I have been busy creating away, and I finally took pictures!!!! YAY!!! I have made a few of these banners for baby showers and birthday parties. In fact, I finished another last night using The Girls' Paperie Kitch line! Can I just say that I was so upset to learn that Ms. Margie decided to end The Girls' Paperie :( BUT I can not wait to see what she is up to. I love everything she does, so I know her new venture will be amazing!!!

This banner was made using Graphic 45 Baby to Bride line. I used lots of little embellishments that I had in my stash. I also used Jenni Bowlin's chipboard banners in between two pieces of pennant shaped kraft cardstock. It makes it more durable so that these banners are strong enough to be hung.

I have a couple of cards, and a birthday banner to share. Maybe I can get those loaded before two months lol

Hope everyone is doing well :)

Well, HELLO!

2011-02-28T11:10:00.002-06:00

I feel the need to introduce myself....again :) I have not posted in a really long time. A. Really. Really. Long. Time! Last summer, I decided that I wanted to focus on my relationship with my Savior, my husband, and my children. So, I put papercrafting on the back burner. Well, that is a slight exaggeration. I dropped it completely. It has been a time of renewal, reorganizing, de-cluttering, and prioritizing! But, that paper bug bit me again, and hard. I have been creating, and oh my goodness, does it feel fantastic!! I made the cutest banner for my cousin's baby shower. In fact, not to toot my own horn, but it could quite possibly be one of the best things I have ever made. Yep, I love it. Love it so much that I forgot to take any pictures. She has promised me that when they get it put up over the baby's crib she will send me pictures. As I type this, I have some beautiful paper, lots of adhesive, tons of embellishments..all just pleading to be used. I believe I will attempt to quieten their little voices!!

But, here is a short recap of what I have been up to. This year has been so wonderful for so many different reasons.

1. My baby started Kindergarten this year. That's right. I no longer have any little ones at home with me during the day. It was quite an adjustment, and I cried for about 2 weeks. Now, I have started to enjoy those few hours that they are all in school. Plus, it has been an absolute blessing that when my Prince is home, we are able to spend time together. Just he and I.

2. I was finally released from my ortho for my arm/wrist! I never thought the day would come. I have said this so often, but there are so many people dealing with things much worse than a broken arm, and I feel extremely overwhelmed with joy that my mishap is really just an inconvenience.

3. We were blessed with a new nephew. He is adorable, and absolutely loves his Aunt D :)

4. While walking in Build-A-Bear (yet another reason to avoid this place) in December, I felt something in my arm pop! I really did not worry about it until the first part of February when I noticed that I was not able to lift as much weight with my left arm, and that simple everyday tasks were starting to bother it. I made an appointment with my ortho, which was not what I wanted to do. It turns out that the tendon had come lose from the tendon sheath (it holds it to the bone) and everytime I was rotating my arm, the tendon was popping over the little bone that sticks up on my wrist. My choices: Have surgery #4, or leave it and wait until I was unable to use it. So, I had the surgery. In recovery the surgeon informed us that there was much more damage than he had anticipated and I may have to see an ortho specialist who works with joint replacement. But, it is what it is. Being upset about it or worrying about will not change it nor will it affect the outcome. I am completely confident that The Great Physician already has this worked out, so I am just trusting in Him.

5. Life has been happening :) Football, cheer, tumble classes, fundraisers, track, basketball....

Anyway, I just wanted to pop in and say hi. I am hoping to get back into my papercrafting routine soon, and hopefully I will be posting some new creations.

Take care,

A Little Late...

2010-06-29T17:49:00.005-05:00

Nothing like being MIA!! I just realized that it has been nearly 2 weeks since I updated my blog. Goodness gracious!!!

I have a couple of new cards to share from the June kit at The Little Shabby Box. This kit is filled with Yumminess!!! Brand new Jenni Bowlin, Elle's Studio, and TONS of gorgeous ribbon and buttons!

I could not resist using the buttons :) This card just makes me happy. I think it is the yellow and blue!

Here is a close up of the tag with ALL the buttons!

I really like the yellow and red on this card. I LOVE the flower embellishment. I layered the butterfly and the Love You button on it.

And...a close up of all the layers :)

Definitely check out the kits from The Little Shabby Box! There is so much in them, and every single item is Gorgeous!

Well, I have a little news that I can tell today....and some other news that I have to wait to tell you! I made the Kaisercraft Design Team!!! I am over the moon excited about it. I use their bling, rub-ons....well a lot of Kaiser's products all the time. I can't wait to start showing y'all the things I get to play with.

I hope everyone is doing well. Is it about time for some blog candy???? I have some other big news to share, and when I do, I think there should be some BIG blog candy :)

d

Maybe Baby!!

2010-06-16T17:39:00.004-05:00

Today, I am sharing a couple of projects on the Paper Trunk blog!! I made a little paper garland and a card to coordinate with the Maybe Baby line. Love that name :)

Here are some pictures:

Here is a close up of the garland. Can you imagine all the different things you could create these for???? They are so simple to make.

I love how sweet this card turned out. I like things very clean and simple :) I bought a couple of new embossing folders....so I just had to use one of them!

Another close up!

Had to add a little stitching....

My computer charger is dead, so I am borrowing my mother's computer. Hopefully, I will have a new one tomorrow.

I want to tell you about an absolute sweetheart. Renee Dezember! I adore this lady. Not only is she a spectacular designer, but she has such a huge heart. I have been blessed to have met her through scrapbooking, and I consider her one of my friends :) Her dad, Rudy Morris, is currently battling Stage 4 cancer, and it is a rough time for him and Renee's family. Renee is an amazing woman, and she stays strong for her Dad. Anyway, her Dad has always always wanted to go to Pebble Beach, so they put together a golf tournament to raise money to get him there. Here is the flyer:

You can help by donating money even if you can't make it. If you would like to, you can email me for the address, or you can go directly to Renee's blog to find out more.

Also, Thursday at noon is the last day to vote for the second round of Gallery Idol! If you have not voted, please take a few minutes to go do so. All you have to do is register :) I would really appreciate your vote. The Top 10 will be announced on Friday!!! I am really nervous because the competition is fierce.

Thank y'all for being the best!!!! I hope everyone is having an absolute Blessed week :)

Gallery Idol - Round 2

2010-06-14T13:26:00.004-05:00

Today the Second Round at Paper Crafts Gallery Idol has begun!!! EEEEKKKK!!!!

The theme for this round was masculine while incorporating items found in the garage :) I thought about this long and hard. I had so many ideas swirling in my head, and many I will probably be doing soon. But, in the end, I decided to create this card.
I actually had fun making this card. I decided to make a card for one of my heroes! My brother! He is currently in the army and has just returned from a 12 month deployment in Iraq. But could easily be made for a husband, dad, son, grandfather, any male hero :) He is my hero for so many reasons. Being gone from us is tough on him (and our whole family). But, he has chosen to serve this country while making so many sacrifices. That makes him My Hero!

I made this card by cutting a strip of patterned paper for the middle. I also cut a small star strip. I punched a coordinating patterned paper for the top and bottom. I tied a piece of jute twine, because this says masculine to me :)I cut the tops of two screw off, and used them at the sides of the sentiment. The supplies I used are Pink Paislee paper, Papertrey Ink Jute, and my new Fiskars Upper Crest punch. I wanted to do a simple masculine card that would be something any man would love to receive.

The cards this round are so gorgeous and creative. I am officially nervous, and if I don't move on, I can honestly say that I will be thrilled for all of my new friends to move on. We have really had a chance to get to know each other (you should see how many emails are being sent lol)

Here is my card:

Here is the direct link to my card.

Make sure to go and vote for your favorite card. I would really appreciate your vote :) This has been so much fun being involved in this competition. Anyone that thinks about it next year....JUST DO IT!!!! It is so wonderful!!

Thank y'all so much for your votes, support, and encouragement during Gallery Idol! You can click here to go to the Gallery Idol link :)

I hope and pray everyone has an extremely Blessed week!

Gallery Idol Top 15!!!!

2010-06-11T07:40:00.004-05:00

Good gravy with biscuits!!!!! I made the Top 15 in Gallery Idol! I am shocked, excited, thrilled, nervous, happy...I am thinking I could go on and on :) I was very surprised when I saw my name listed. I know I keep saying that I am honored, but I am! So many of these ladies are my card "idols"!!!

You can go HERE to read about the Top 15, and you even have a chance to win some goodies!

THEN!!! Miss Moxie Fab herself, Cath Edvalson, visited each of our blogs and she chose a project to feature on today's Moxie Fab World's post! Oh! You can win some goodies there also :)

This is the card she chose. I created it for a challenge at For The Luv of Art. I just posted this recently, so I apologize for that.

The next challenge is to create a masculine card incorporating elements from the garage. I am actually excited about this one.

Thank you again to everyone who voted, and a HUGE thank you to the ones who voted for my card.

I pray everyone has a very Blessed weekend :)

Sew Cute

2010-06-09T14:49:00.006-05:00

First of all, THANK YOU!!!! The comments y'all have left about my card for Gallery Idol have brought heaps of sunshine my way. I don't know that I could ever verbally express how much it means to me, and a simple thank you doesn't even come close to what I want to say. I am blessed to be a part of this crafting community where the people are SO encouraging and supportive. I consider each of you a friend. Some I have had the privilege of talking by phone, emails, and I have a couple who we text back and forth. Goodness! I wish I could find the words. I am truly, honestly humbled. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I have been busy creating for the last two days. I have the paint stains and calluses to prove it :) Paper Crafts has some new publication calls up, and I thought I would try to make some cards for it. I can't show you those though, but I do have a couple of things to share.

This card I made for the latest challenge at For The Luv of Art. I used Cosmo Cricket's Material Girl, October Afternoon Alphas, and the little wooden spools were from different kits.

Isn't it sew cute??? Sorry! I had to do it :)

Next is a tag for the mini workout at ScrapFIT. The challenge is to create a tag. Up for grabs is a Guest Designer spot!!! You have until June 20 to get it done and post a link at the ScrapFIT blog ALSO!!! The Design Team call is still open. You have until June 14. This is a great team to be on, and I have loved it :)

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far. We have had a nice, relaxing time so far. I pray everyone has a Blessed week!

Time To Vote....

2010-06-07T13:43:00.005-05:00

Gallery Idol 2010

Let me be honest here for a second.....I am completely nervous about this!!! I am not nervous about my card, but being in the same gallery and competition with these ladies. They are out of this world, over the top, hugely talented ladies. I am so honored to have been chosen as one of the Top 20. If I don't make it into the Top 15, I will be SO excited for whoever does. I am cheering each of them on. I feel so blessed to have been able to get to know them a little. They are the sweetest bunch.

Here is my card. The challenge was to create a card for Paper Crafts Creativity Heals campaign. It could be a miss you, thinking of you, sympathy, encouragement, or a get well card. I chose to do an encouragement card. I know how much it means to me to have someone say "It's going to be ok" or a simple "keep your chin up".

So!!!! Here it is :)

You can click here to go directly to my card

Here is the LINK to see the whole gallery **WARNING** Stunning, beautiful creations ahead :)

You will have to register, and you can only vote one time.

They will announce the Top 15 on Friday. I can't wait to see who it will be :) Congratulations to the Top 20!!!

Sneaks, Peeks, and Winners!

2010-06-03T10:39:00.005-05:00

I feel like I am running behind this week. Goodness. School is almost out, which means loads of end of the year activities. Baseball is still going.....and going.....and going! I have been a happy little crafter working on some new projects. Busy but good :)

The new challenge is up at ScrapFIT!! Workout #21 - Exercise Machines
For this challenge you must use a “machine”. What machines you might ask? Punches, Cuttlebug, Sizzix, Slice, Cricut. Any or all will do.

For this challenge I used my Sizzix Big Shot. Here is my take:

Check out the ScrapFIT Blog to see what the rest of the very talented Design Team created. The sponsor is Scrapbook Deals 4 U, and they will be giving the lucky winner a great kit. You have until June 14 to add your link to the ScrapFIT blog. Also, on June 5, there will be a new mini workout. This was a lot of fun to do.
The winner will be the Guest Designer for Workout #23!!!

There are some gorgeous peeks of the June Card Kit at The Little Shabby Box! Do you want to see? There are some items that are not in the picture, but as soon as a new photo is up, I will post it. I can't wait to get it and play with it :)

To see a full list of the products in the kit and to order, head over to the Shop.

So!!! The Paper Trunk Blog Rock was FANTASTIC!!!! The new Rockabilly line is Gorgeous. Here is the whole line together with the new embellishments.

I absolutely adore the New Flair and the Chipboard!!! Today the winners from the Blog Rock will be announced on the Paper Trunk blog!

The winner from my blog is:

Shawnee H said...
Hmmm, 5? LOVE this paper, too!

May 30, 2010 10:28 AM

Congratulations :) Shawnee, send your mailing information to info@papertrunk.com to get your goodies!

I hope and pray everyone is having a great week. I can't believe it is already Thursday. It is supposed to be in the 100's here this weekend! PHEW!!!! Summer is officially here.

New Cards

2010-05-30T20:20:00.008-05:00

*If you are here for the Paper Trunk Blog Rock, please scroll down :)

Since the doctor put me in a cast Friday, I am able to do much more YAY!!!! Of course one of the first things I did was to sit down and create some new cards.

This card I made for a challenge at For The Luv of Art. The challenge was to make a project using their banner as inspiration. Recently, I purchased both new lines from The Girls' Paperie, and the On Holiday line seemed perfect for this challenge.

I cut the banners straight from a piece of patterned paper. Then I placed each banner on a piece of kraft cardstock, and cut around it with Fiskars Mini Scallop scissors. I added the red rhinestones at the tip of each banner.

Supply List:
Cardstock: American Crafts, Bazzill; Patterned Paper: The Girls' Paperie On Holiday; Rhinestone: My Mind's Eye Lush Red Rhinestones; Jute: Papertrey Ink; Swiss Dots Embossing Folder by Provo Craft; Scalloped Die: Papertrey Ink; Sentiment: Daisy Bucket; Red Pom Trim: Stash.

Here is my second card using October Afternoons Fly A Kite.

I cut a 5 inch circle from white cardstock with my circle cutter. I then cut a 5 1/2 inch circle from kraft cardstock. I embossed the white cardstock, and used my Fiskars mini scalloped scissors on the kraft cardstock. I hand cut the "hills", and I think this was actually the most time consuming. I used my Nestabilities Long Rectangle (small) for the tag. I also punched a strip od white cardstock to add behind the tag. The rub-on is from Daisy Bucket.

Supply List:
Cardstock: American Crafts, Bazzill: Patterned Paper: October Afternoon Fly A Kite; Doily: Little Yellow Bicycle; Rub-On: Daisy Bucket; Jute: Papertrey Ink; Buttons, Ric Rak, and Raffia: Stash; Tools: Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Fiskars Mini Scalloped Scissors, Nestabilities Long Rectangle (small), Stampin' Up! Border Punch.

Well, I hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day weekend. We spent the yesterday at my parents. My brother is home!!! Anyway, enjoy whatever you do. Thank y'all for your sweet comments about the Gallery Idol :)

Danielle

How About A Sneak?

2010-05-29T04:00:00.002-05:00

Good morning Blog Rockers!!! I hope everyone has been having a Ginchy time checking out the sneaks of Paper Trunk's NEW Rockabilly line!! If you just stopped my blog to say hi (Thank You!!!), but head over to Paper Trunk to get the schedule of the Design Teams posts. Each day, two of the Design Team members will be posting a new sneak. One in the morning, and one in the afternoon. Each designer will be posting a little trivia or question. Leave a comment for a chance to win something yummy from the Trunk.

So, are you ready for the next sneak Daddy-O??

This is the back of the paper "Ginchiest". I did not have a clue what the word meant. Thank you Google :)

Ginchy (Ginchiest)- 1. Meaning cool, groovy, hep, happenin', awesome, rockin'. 2. the pinnacle of cool.

Here is my question to you:

The Rockabilly Hall of Fame was started in 1997 by Bob Timmers. There are over 5000 Rockabilly Legends listed. My question is:

How many of these have been officially inducted into the Hall of Fame?

Leave me a comment with your answer, and you will be entered for a chance to win some goodies from the Trunk!!! You have until June 1!!!

This afternoon, Danielle Calhoun will be posting another sneak on her blog. She will be featuring the front to Ginchiest!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a blast blog rockin' :)

Gallery Idol 2010

2010-05-28T05:17:00.005-05:00

So, do you remember this?

Well, that was chosen for this:

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! I was chosen as one of the Top 20 Finalists in the Paper Crafts Magazine Gallery Idol 2010!!!! I am in complete shock. There were 262 amazing card designers that entered, and over 900 cards! To be chosen is Wow!!! When I saw my name, I started crying (y'all know I am a little excitable). I went to wake Prince Charming up at 5 am, and he groggily said Congratulations :)

They have issued the first challenge to post, and then on June 7th everyone will get to vote for their favorite. Just like American Idol....but better :D I wish y'all get see how excited I am. This is such a HUGE blessing! Can't quit smiling...

But, I will here in a bit. I have to go get the stitches taken out today. Please pray that I won't be a wimp and pass smooth out.

Oh!! Make sure to stop by the Paper Trunk blog for another day of sneaks!!!

Ok. Have to go and calm down :) Not possible, I'm afraid!!!

Paper Trunk Blog Rock

2010-05-27T12:27:00.002-05:00

Head over to the Paper Trunk blog today. The Blog Rock has begun!!!! You will get your first peek at the new Rockabilly line! It is gorgeous. Each day, two of the designers will post a peek, with the whole line revealed on June 1. At each blog, there will be a question, riddle, or something fun. Leave a comment for a chance to win something from the Trunk. I am so excited to be a part of this team, and thrilled that there is going to be a whole lotta rockin' fun going on :)

Tons of Fun!

2010-05-26T08:54:00.008-05:00

Goodness! Here are some fun, exciting things to check out!!!

Let's start here :)

Want to see Paper Trunk's new line??? Maybe have the chance to win a prize...or 11? Check back on Saturday for a sneak peek and a chance to win! Also, "like" Paper Trunk on Facebook so that you can stay up to date on the latest happenings! Click HERE to go to the page.

For The Luv Of Art is a new shop/forum/monthly kit/gallery and it is Fabulous. Norma Kennedy just opened it this week, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about what she has done with For The Luv Of Art! The ladies on the forum are so wonderful. Lots of goodies in the store, great challenges, and Fantastic conversation!! Be sure to stop by the forum and say hi. Don't miss a sneak peek at the July kit :)

Last, but not least, ScrapFIT is having a Design Team call!!! Here are the details:

Starts May 28th at Midnight Central Time
Ends June 14th at Midnight Central Time

We are looking for our next FITgirl team. Your term will be from August 2010 to January 2011. You are required to complete 2 Workouts per month. Workouts are posted on the 1st and 15th of the month. You are required to post WO's on your blog on those days.
What we would like to see from you is 3 LO's, 2 Cards and 1 Altered Art. Please tell us a little about yourself, any DT's you are on and why you think you would make a great FITgirl. Also, send us a link to your blog and galleries. Please list the forums you visit as well.
Everyone is welcome!!

That is it for me today. Hope everyone is having a Blessed week!

The Little Shabby Box

2010-05-20T07:30:00.005-05:00

*WARNING*
This post may or may not make sense, and that would be due to a lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation does strange things to one. Please notice the change in my blog. It is bare. This was completely unintentional. I had no idea that you could delete basically every element from your blog! But!! I have discovered that with one wrong click of the mouse...POOF...It's gone! Just like magic. Only I can not make it reappear ;) Now, I am waiting for a fantastic blog designer to get back with me. Hopefully, I will have a new blog design soon.

I am some exciting news! I was asked to be a part of The Little Shabby Box Design Team. The Little Shabby Box is a site specializing in monthly card kits!! I am looking forward to designing with their gorgeous kits. Here is the May Kit:

Scrumptious!

I have a Christmas card to share today. A What?? Well, I knew that I would not be able to use my arm for a few days so I created a variety of cards :) I used papers, punch outs, and the sentiment from Graphic 45 Papers. Their vintage Christmas papers are out of this world. I don't know why I have waited so long to use them.

Directions:

1. Create card from cardstock
2. Cut 1 patterned paper block, and 1 coordinating patterned paper strip
3. Die cut scalloped border
4. Layer and adhere scallops, paper strip, and paper block.
5. Add lace border to card
6. Punch out Christmas scene. Place Zapdots on back and adhere to card.
7. Tie jute through red button and place on top of chipboard shape
8. Cut out sentiment and attach to card.

Supplies: Cardstock - American Crafts; Patterned Paper, Punch Out, Sentiment - Graphic 45; Lace Ribbon - Hobby Lobby; Chipboard Holly - Melissa Frances; Scalloped Die, Jute - Papertrey Ink; Button - Stash; Zapdots - Helmar.

Well, I can honestly say that my arm feels like it was broken......all over again. Where I once had fingers, I now have something that resemble marshmallows stacked on top of each other!! I am not even 48 hours out of surgery though, so this was expected. Prince Charming had to go back to work today, and that made me sad. But, I know that he didn't like leaving either. I miss him already. Him just being near me always makes me feel better. Fortunately, I have a wonderful set of parents who have allowed me and the kids to basically move in with them for the next week. I go back to the doctor May 29 (next Friday) to have the stitches removed and to get a cast. I have never had a cast so I know that it will be an experience.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Winners Winners.....

2010-05-18T19:57:00.005-05:00

I apologize for taking so long to post the winners of the goodies! We are still going ninety to nothing with baseball. Plus, the biggest reason is that after our router broke up with us, we could not even connect directly into the satellite internet. Prince Charming called them, and they had to reset our antennae over the phone. I need a "How To" for blondes!!!

Without further ado........

The two winners of a rather nice size box of tons of goodies are:

Heather said...
Very cute stuff! Also congrats on the new design team and the cards being posted on facebook!
May 13, 2010 7:00 PM

Jocelyn said...
Congrats on your PUB...how exciting!!! Just adore these goodies and I love those flowers...how do you make them? Wishing you a great week!!!
May 14, 2010 6:42 AM

AND the winner of the gift card is...............

Rufus said...
Congrats on the newest publication news! I can imagine how your feeling~ you're so proud of him, yet at the same time you want to just hang on to him!
R/
May 13, 2010 8:16 PM

Congratulations ladies! I need each of you to send me your address so I can get your Happy Mail out. My email is dwycough7@aol.com. If you read my blog frequently, you know that I will definitely have some more blog giveaways in the near future :)

I have a couple of things to share today. First off, I want to thank everyone for the prayers. I had the surgery done today, and although my arm has been hurting pretty bad all afternoon, the surgery went really well. I am posting a photo of a couple of the x-rays which were taken after the surgery. Where the one screw is diagonal, that is where they cut the bone in half and removed 3.5 millimeters of bone. I guess if I were a super hero, I would be Titanium Woman *giggle* since I am now sporting two titanium plates and 15 screws in my left arm.

I have mentioned before that Cards Magazine Blog has weekly challenges. This past week the challenge was to create a card with supplies from your stash using items that were at least a year old! How much fun is that???? Well, I had a card that I used older Jillibean Soup, Kaisercrafts Rub-Ons, and even the embossing folder is over a year old. This week the challenge is to create a card using berries (strawberry, blue berries, raspberries, etc.). I didn't get a chance to create a card for this weeks challenge, but I really encourage everyone to do it. Once you have it created, send it to paige@northridgepublishing.com
Here is my card:

Over at the Paper Trunk Blog, the Design Team is being featured and these ladies are extremely talented. I have been able to get to know them better, and they are some of the sweetest people in this world!!! I am so thrilled and blessed to be on this team with all of these wonderful women. Stay tuned to the blog......hmmmm!!!

Here is a new layout using My Little Shoebox. The photos are from Easter when Chisum was only a year old. Goodness time flies!

As always, thank y'all so much for being wonderful. I am humbled by your comments, emails, and Facebook posts and messages. Thank you for letting me ramble and always encouraging me. Plus, a HUGE thank you for inspiring me!!! Much love to each of you :)

M

A First and A Last

2010-05-13T12:56:00.008-05:00

Today was a first and a last of sorts. Chisum and I attended the Kindergarten Round-Up at the Elementary school. He had a chance to meet the teachers and he even went into a classroom to make a project. I had to hold the tears back when he walked out of the cafeteria with the teachers and the other children. It was the last Kindergarten Round-Up that I will attend :( and the beginning of his school! I have mixed feelings, but he was excited. It did make me feel a little special when he came back into the cafeteria and as soon as he saw me he motioned for me to come to him. When I did, he grabbed me and hugged me.

I have a couple of things to share today. I have been working with the new lines from My Little Shoebox. They are so adorable. I especially like the Just Add Butter....I am sure that it has nothing to do with the cupcake theme ;) I ended up mixing the collections, and they all went together really well.

Here is a wall hanging that I made. I used a few border punches to make the background. I love how it looks. The flowers are super easy to make....except if you burn your fingers using a hot glue gun. Which I did, multiple times!!!

This is a card using lots of Helmar pop up adhesive and lots of cutting!

I have a couple of layouts that I am going to save. Have to have something to post while I am recovering! I have been trying to get quite a bit made up this week.

I also had some happy mail this week! Cards Magazine picked up two more of my cards for the October issue. Huge Smile!!!

I hope everyone is having a great week. I am looking forward to the weekend, and not doing a whole lot. We have two baseball games tonight, and two tomorrow night. Saturday will be a welcome break.

Good News and Great News!!

2010-05-07T21:40:00.005-05:00

I have so many wonderful things going on, and I really don't even know where to start!!! But....I will start with this :)

Woo Hoo!!! I am so excited about being chosen to be on this amazing team! I feel extremely blessed and honored! I can't even imagine the talent that applied, and I am completely humbled! Go check out the blog Here! I can't wait to get started!!!!!

Last week, October Afternoon featured one of my cards on Facebook....and today they did it again!!!!! Let me catch my breathe......YIPPEE!!! I still can't believe it. Here is the card from today.

I got hung up on the kite theme, so I thought why not make a card with a kite from the Fly A Kite line??? Did any of that make sense? In my own little world it does :)
I paper pieced the kite by cutting triangles. I then took a scrap piece of patterned paper and curled it around a pencil for the tail. I used my trusty Papertrey Ink Die for the large scallop border, and the Martha Stewart Apron Lace punch as well. I really like the simplicity of this card. I think I say that a lot :)

Well, I have one piece of good/not so good news. It had to happen! I went back to the surgeon today, and he recommended that I have the third surgery on my arm. It is called an Ulna Osteotomy. Sounds pretty scary, I know! Essentially they will make a 6 inch incision on the outside (ulna side) of my arm. He will then *feel free to cringe* saw the bone in half, remove a piece of bone, and then put another plate on that bone. I still have the hole in the cartilage, plus I have something called Ulnar Impaction. The bone hits the wrist joint when I move it. BUT!!! He said that there is an 80% chance that this will help. I am ready for this saga to be over, and even though I am not so anxious for the recovery, I am ready for it to be done. It is scheduled for May 26. Prayers are greatly appreciated ;)

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. Our router went to router heaven, and we need to get another. It's been a little trying to get on the computer, but thank goodness I still have my IPhone. I hope everyone has a Blessed weekend. To all of those mother figures (mothers, grandmas, aunts, family friends) I hope and pray that God pours His blessings on you this Mother's Day weekend.

Thank You Cards

2010-05-05T16:08:00.004-05:00

Some days I am so scatter brained, it amazes me that I have never left any of my children. That being said, I realized that I never gave a deadline for the giveaway. Oops!! How about May 14??? That sounds like a good date ;) You have until midnight May 14 to leave me a comment letting me know which of things you have done. Also, the lovely people that follow my blog already are of course eligible!!! I definitely would not leave you out!!!

We have been going and going for baseball. If we have one game each night, then we have 2. They are always at the same time, but we make it work. Shelby is such the little diva and I would have never expected her to be an athlete. She has thrown me for a loop. She is playing first base, and she is REALLY good. She has managed to get between 8-10 outs each game. Most innings, she gets all the outs. Last night, she stopped the ball and just sat down on the base waiting for the runner. Yes, she does have a little bit of an attitude. Not much though! Chisum hit the ball last night and was determined to make it to first base. When he saw the pitcher coming at him with the ball, he swerved way out (towards the dug out) and made it to first They did call him out, but the determination on his face was priceless. Garrett is playing pitcher and he is really on top of his game. His eyes never leave the ball. Ethan is playing both short stop and pitcher. He is a natural at any sport he plays. He always has been. Callie is the best cheerleader for her brothers and her sister. It makes my heart swell with pride when I watch them cheer on their siblings. Each of them are so special. I could go on all day about them.

21!! That is how many days of school they have left! YAAAAAYYYYY!!! I am thinking that I may be more excited about summer vacation than they are :) I know I have said it so many times, but I really enjoy the kids being home. I can't wait. The only hindrance is that I am going to have to schedule the third surgery for my arm. It is doing better, but still hurts most of the time. I have a difficult time doing my normal everyday things. I can do them, but I end up in a good amount of pain. I go back to the surgeon on Friday and hopefully he can schedule it fairly soon. I am ready to get it behind me and move on!!!

I have a couple of cards to share today. The new October Afternoon lines are gorgeous....have I already said that? giggle! The first card is using Sketch #165 from Card Positioning Systems. I find so much inspiration from their Design Team. They are ALL amazing designers.

I have noticed lots of layouts and cards with rainbow colors. I have been saying I was going to try and make a project using these colors. The little squares on the card are from October Afternoon Ice Cream patterned paper. The buttons are from Tessa Ann! Oh my goodness!!! This is one of my newest addictions. Every single one of her handmade buttons are exquisite. The detail she adds to them is absolutely stunning. I purchased some a couple of weeks ago, and I am going to buy more. Go check her blog out. She has a link to her Etsy site where you can see for yourself.

Well, that is it for me today. I hope everyone is having a great week. I have a couple of Mother's Day cards to post later this week. Take care!

ScrapFIT Challenge. BIG Giveaway!

2010-05-01T00:01:00.002-05:00

May. The. First!!!! Goodness, this year is flying by. I remember being a little girl and it seemed like the years were more like decades. Now the years feel like they are only months. May 1! I have a new ScrapFIT Workout for you today. I also have a couple of things that have kept a smile on my face all day!

Yesterday, I posted a card for the Cards Magazine Blog. The challenge was to choose one of your favorite cards. The Real challenge was that it was pretty difficult to choose only 1. So, I sent the Happy Birthday card I had made for my mom to Paige. Last week when I saw my woodgrain card on the blog, I was beyond words excited. Still am. Well, today I went to see what the new challenge was (BTW – It’s creating a card for Mother’s Day), and she had chosen 30 some cards that were her favorites. She chose mine!!! Two weeks in a row on the Cards blog!! To have one of my cards in the magazine leaves me speechless, and now to have had two cards on the blog is priceless! Thank you to Paige and Cards Magazine for having great challenges, and for displaying my cards on the blog! I really appreciate it when magazines and manufacturers display what their readers and buyers create.

Which leads me to my second thing. I posted another card yesterday using the new October Afternoon Fly A Kite line. Lovin’ the new collections. I posted it at Two Peas since I try and keep an up to date gallery there. This afternoon I was reading through Facebook, and guess what!?! October Afternoon had linked my card at Two Peas, and posted it on their wall !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When I was looking at the post, I seriously did a double take. I just could not believe that that was mine. I never dreamed of having THE October Afternoon choosing one of my cards to showcase. OH MY GOODNESS!!!! It’s silly, but I started crying because it felt really good to have this huge manufacturer acknowledge one of my designs. Don't think you can wipe this smile off my face!!

**EDITED Saturday 6 am** Can it possibly get any better?? My "Oh Boy!" card is in the Top Three for views at Two Peas In A Bucket!! I have never had a project in the top three, so this is a first for me. Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy!!!! I hope that when I post things like this that everyone knows that it is not an "Oh look at me!". I am a very excitable person, and I just want to share. In all seriousness, I have told my husband that while I feel so Blessed to be on wonderful Design Teams and having cards picked up to be published, I rarely feel like my designs are worthy of that recognition. I tend to second guess my projects, but I enjoy scrapping and that is the real reason I do it. Thank you for always letting me share my good news, and being so supportive

Well, now it’s time for me to share the latest Workout from ScrapFIT. The challenge is to Use Your Stash! Now, that means nothing new. Only things that are collecting dust. Just kidding about the dust part. I mean who really lets any of their scrapbook supplies gather dust? But, I did find quite a few things that I never get around to using, and things that I forgot I even had. It was like my Birthday...only in the wrong month. For this card, I used October Afternoon’s Road Map collection.

Instructions:
1. Create a card from cardstock. Round all corners.
2. Cut a patterned paper block to fit in the middle of the card.
3. Place the patterned paper block and a coordinating journal spot on to card base.
4. Die cut a scallop border from cardstock, and 2 patterned paper borders.
5. Using adhesive, attach borders together, and then adhere to scallop border.
6. Use a few Glue Dots on back side of strip. Place on card.
7. Run a ribbon border on front side of strip.
8. Cut a die cut shape in half and using Glue Dots, place on card.
9. Attach alphas.
Supply List:
American Crafts cardstock; October Afternoon Road Map Patterned Paper, October Afternoon Road Map journaling card, October Afternoon Road Map die cut shape and scallop border; American Crafts Thickers; Pom Ribbon from stash; Papertrey Ink Large Scallop Die; Sizzix Big Shot; Stampin’ Up! Corner Rounder.

Here is what you need to do to play along. Use supplies from your stash to create a layout, card, ATC, altered item, or anything else you can come up with! Be creative and find ways to repurpose your old supplies. You have until May 14 to link your creation to ScrapFIT. The winner will receive this Gorgeous kit from Scrapbook Circle.

How about another giveaway??? Going through my stash, I was thinking that I really have too much, and I don't want to be wasteful...GASP!! Did I really say I have too much?? My Spring cleaning OCD is your gain. I am going to give away 2 huge boxes to 2 wonderful people. The boxes will be loaded to the brim with scrappy goodness (lots of new stuff) But, oh..wait!! I have something else that I need to giveaway. A $50.00 gift card to Stop and Scrap?? Enabler Alert!!! Here are the ways to enter the giveaway.

1. If you are not a follower, become one!
2. Leave a comment with a link to your blog (I like to visit everyone).
3. Post about the giveaway on your blog.
4. Complete the Use Your Stash challenge at ScrapFIT (make sure to post there)

For each item you complete, you will have your name entered in the drawing. Make sure to leave me a comment telling me what you did so that I know how many times to enter your name.

That's about all for me today. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and the sun is shining where you are! Happy National Scrapbooking Day!!! I am hoping that I can spend some time playing with some paper today!!

Oh Boy!!

2010-04-29T23:43:00.004-05:00

I have one new card and an old card to share today using October Afternoon Fly A Kite Collection. Their two new collections are incredible. There is something so spectacular about October Afternoon, and the feeling I get when working with any of their products. It's a "going back home" feeling.

Here is the new card:

I really like the layering. I especially like the cute little boy and puppy. They are from a journaling card from Fly A Kite.

This next card is one that I made my mom for her Birthday. This week at the Cards Blog, the challenge was to share 1 favorite card. My most favorite card is sitting at the Cards Office waiting to be published. But, this card is a close second. I don't know what it is about it, but I just love it. Last week, my woodgrain card was included in their challenge gallery on their blog. It was exciting to see my card in one of their blog posts!

Thank you so much for stopping by and looking. Tomorrow night I will be posting the newest challenge from ScrapFIT. Plus, I will be doing a really BIG giveaway!!! You won't want to miss this fun giveaway.

I hope everyone is well, and looking forward to the weekend.

Thankful For The Ride..

2010-04-28T03:45:00.005-05:00

One thing that you will probably never hear (or read) from me is that our life is....boring!!!! Why? Because it could not be any further than the truth. It seems each day brings with it it's own set of little inconveniences and fumbles, but can I please say that I am so completely, utterly grateful that each day I get to experience these things with the most wonderful family in the world.

This past week has been a huge roller coaster with many twists and turns, ups and downs. But I believe that being content is learning how to ride the roller coaster. Always keeping your hands held highly in the air. Keeping a smile on your face no matter how nauseous you may become. It's being joyful to be able to experience the ride!

Turn #1:

Spring in Texas! An abundance of sunshine. Blue skies. Wild flowers as far as you can see. Note: Prince Charming calls them weeds. But, I love seeing all the colors that the wildflowers bring. There is nothing more stunning than an open field of Texas Blue Bonnets and Indian Paintbrushes. The kids have so enjoyed being able to get outside and play each day after school. We have an 8 year old half Saint Bernard (which was our dog) and half Boxer (which was not our dog) who recently had puppies. Although the puppies are only 12 weeks old, when they stand on their hind feet, they easily reach the kids' chins! HUGE! Well, we have told the kids that they could keep one. They chose the cutest, best natured fluffy dog. He is adorable! Last Saturday, he and another puppy got into a little scuffle. Garrett became upset that his dog was in the middle of it, so he attempted to break them up. Rule Number 1....NEVER attempt to reach down and break apart any animals when they are "scuffling"! Garrett did not know Rule Number 1, and he ended up with puncture wounds of each side of his right arm. The wounds were pretty deep, so we set off to the ER. Fortunately we have some good connections at the hospital and we were in and out in 45 minutes (well...and the fact that it was a slow day at the ER). They did not stitch it due to the fact that if there were an infection introduced, they did not want to trap it. So, we had to keep it bandaged for a few days. It will leave a scar, but I am so thankful that it was in the end, a minor bump on the ride.

Turn #2:

Having so many of our family work in the oil field, we know that there are dangers. Things can happen. I am fully aware of this, but I choose not to dwell on it because I don't think I would be able to let Prince Charming leave if I succumbed to all the "what if's". There was an explosion on an off shore rig. It was a rig owned by my father-in-laws company. Although Prince Charming and the rest of our family was not on that rig, it has weighed heavy on us all. There was a man from our town who was on the rig. His wife is a teacher at two of the schools. He received some injuries, but he will physically be ok. There were 11 men that went missing, and they have not found them. It puts so much into perspective. My brother in law was on a rig not too far from there, and my Prince was at work on a rig on land. It is so tragic, and I grieve for those mens families. My heart breaks for them.

Turn #3:

Friday night, we had a break from baseball. There was not a practice due to them trying to get the baseball field ready for opening day. I watch the weather every morning and evening because I am one that dresses our children appropriately, and I kind of like knowing what to expect. I receive weather text messages on my phone so if there are any kind of weather watches or warnings, I am prepared. Early Saturday morning, I woke up about 1:30 a.m. out of the blue (which I now know was God giving me a little nudge out of bed). I got up and noticed that it was raining lightly and lightening. About 1:45 I received a text saying we were in a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. Then it started to hail. Not little pea size hail that you can sleep through. Hen size egg hail that I thought was going to come right through the windows. It made me nervous. Living in Texas, you know the signs of bad weather, what to look for, what to do in case of severe weather. It's drilled into you. I would rather be safe than sorry. I went to the linen closet, which is across from the boys' bathroom (no windows, interior room of the house) and started to take out quilts and pillows. THEN, I received the dreaded text message. Tornado Warning. I quickly looked at the map and the path of the tornado and we were right in its path. A complete peace washed over me. I went to wake Callie up and told her that I needed her to get up and help me. She asked why, and I told her that they said there was a tornado 10 miles south of town and that was where we are. She got up, helped throw the blankets and pillows in the bathroom, and then helped me round up the other 4 children and our little Yorkie, Chloe. Even though, I was on edge, I was able to get everyone in the bathroom..calmly. I didn't panic, I didn't freak out. The kids picked up on it, and they were calm. We sat in the bathroom for 10 minutes while the wind blew like crazy, and the hail continued. Once it was done, friends started posting on Facebook that they did not have electricity, fences were down, trees were down. But it was 2 a.m., and I couldn't see any damage. I was thankful beyond words. We all went back to bed, and slept!!! Seven in the morning, I started to get phone calls from family and friends checking on us. We were good. Safe and good! But others were not. Trees were uprooted blocking roads, still no electricity in the majority of our county, power poles down on buildings. The news confirmed that there had been more than 1 tornado that ripped through the county. I walked outside. We had branches everywhere in the yard, shingles from the roof on the ground, but the house was for the most part, unscathed. I looked at our barn/shed and I noticed there was something on the roof. That would have been the back side of the roof. The tornado had ripped the entire back of the roof off. Half of it was in the pasture, the other half flipped completely over onto the front. BUT!!! We were all safe, and I have to say that there are not enough words to express the depth of my gratitude to God for placing our home and my family in a protective bubble. A close friend of Prince Charming's grandparents passed away that night. He and his wife are amazing people. They have 9 foster children, but they are Their children. When the tornado struck, it caused a fire in the control box of their home. The father was able to get all of the children out safely, and returned into the house to retrieve the family dog. Tragically, he became trapped and couldn't get out. John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Please remember his family in your prayers.
Here are some pictures of the shed:

This is a part of the back roof which flipped over to the front.

The gaping hole where the roof once was.
The tornado literally rolled the tin like it was nothing.
Part of the roof in the pasture.
This amazed me. The nails were pulled up from the tornado. This was the front part of the roof.

Last night, Shelby and Chisum both had their first baseball games. Unfortunately, they were at the same time at different fields. We will split up and switch during the middle of the game so we can all have a chance to watch each child play. I ended up having to keep the books for Chisum's team, so I couldn't watch Shelby :( I didn't like that. But, they both have games again on Thursday, and I will watch her entire game. So, I am Thankful for that. Here is my baby playing his very first t-ball game.

Here is my precious angel...um...playing short stop *giggle*
Running home for the first time!
I absolutely love this picture. Ethan and Garrett were watching Chisum, and cheering him on! My heart overflows :)

The other morning I laid beside Chisum as he woke up. He had some pretty nasty morning breath, but in that moment, I silently thanked God for giving me the most wonderful opportunity to have a 5 year olds morning breath to wake up to. Count your blessings everyone. We have much to be thankful for. The ride is not always easy or pretty, but I am eternally thankful to be on it.

Woodgrain

2010-04-20T06:20:00.003-05:00

I love the look of woodgrain products. You can find them anywhere. Whether it is patterned papers, stamps, alphas, stickers....the list goes on :) The Cards Blog has weekly challenges, and this week is just so happened to be making a project using woodgrain. I wanted to do something a little different. So, I came up with this card.

If you want to play along, you have until April 23. I will be waiting for the next challenge :)

This is a short post, and I'm sorry for that. I am tired!! Baseball is kicking my booty. Plus, I have started doing Zumba to shake off this extra 20 pounds I have gained since breaking my arm. I lost 5 pounds this past week by working out, and eating!! Who knew that eating would help you lose weight. I have been very conscious about the food choices I make, and have been watching the calories and fat. Seems to be working. But, I am tired right now :) Trying to keep motivated to get the day going...but boy that bed seems to be calling my name. Oh well, it's a thought.

I hope everyone is having a great start to the week. The kids just started their last 6 weeks of school! YAY!!!

New Challenge

2010-04-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

It is already April 15. Today is my sweet Shelby Jo's Birthday. I can't believe she is seven years old today! Where does the time go??? We will wait until May to do her Birthday party. Yesterday when I picked her up from school, her teacher said, "Danielle, you know that there is only 1 day until Shelby's Birthday." I just laughed because she has been making sure that everyone knows when her birthday is. I am taking cupcakes to the school for her class, and tonight my mother is cooking her a special Birthday dinner.

On the way to pick the kids up from school, Chisum kept falling asleep. I looked in the rear view mirror one time, and he had taken his fingers, and spread his eyes as open as he could get them. He sure was trying to stay awake :)

The new Workout is up at ScrapFIT today!
The title is "Things Are Better In Two's"! Here is the challenge. Create a two page layout without a title! That's right...NO title! The sponsor for this Workout is Jillibean Soup, and you won't want to miss out on the prize. All you need to do is complete the Workout, and then head over to the ScrapFIT blog and link your layout. If you get a chance, stop by the forum and chat with us. It's a great group of ladies.

Here is my two page layout. I have to admit that I have never created a 2-pager before. I really had fun with it. I used Jillibean's Egg Drop Soup, Maya Road Banner Chipboard, ZVA Creative bling, a Prima Flower, Studio Calico Wood Grain Veneers, and even some Dear Lizzy. I had just taken these photos of Shelby during her Easter egg hunt at school, and they were what inspired this layout.

Some close ups.

I received a couple of emails last night that had me so excited that I didn't sleep very well. The first email was from Cards Magazine wanting to publish one of my cards. The second email is the email that had me over the top..grinning from ear to ear...giggling out loud. The second email was from Cards Magazine also! I am going to have 2 cards in the September issue of Cards. I have never had more than 1 card in a magazine, and this was a goal of mine this year.

I am looking forward to the weekend. Not for any reason in particular, but just because the kids will be home and we can relax a little.

Dear Summer Vacation,

Please hurry!!!!

300 Followers and A Winner

2010-04-12T16:11:00.004-05:00

The goal of reaching 300 followers came pretty quickly. The winner of a box of pure yumminess is Cecile!!! Cecile, email me your address and I will get your box in the mail :)

This is going to be a quick post. Baseball season is upon us, and we have 4 playing this year. Which means we spend a vast majority of our life at the baseball field. But, I love every minute of it. I picked up the registration packet today to enroll Chisum (the baby) in Kindergarten. I need to fill it out and return it, but I have a feeling that I will be procrastinating with this. My baby is going to start school. I have such mixed emotions about it.

So...I have a couple of cards today. I had a little time over the weekend..never enough..to throw a couple together. The first card is using Jillibean Soup products.

Here is a close up of the flower. Jillibean has a cute patterned paper with umbrellas on it. I cut the umbrellas out, and then cut them down to the center. I also cut the triangles from a pink umbrella. I thought it came out cute. I have cut out the rest of the umbrellas to see what else I can create with them. The bling is from Zva Creative.

The next card is made using My Little Shoebox. They are having a DT Call for those that are interested. I love MLS and would really love to apply, but can you imagine the talent that will be applying. Maybe next year :)

Danni Reid has me hooked on the Papertrey Ink Scallop Die. I need to hide it from myself so that I don't use it on every project!!!!!

Thursday is my Princess Shelby's birthday. Seven years old, and she thinks that she is all grown up then. Seven is a special number for us. Not only are there 7 people in our family, but it is God's number for perfect or complete, which is exactly how I feel about my family. I had an appointment to get my tubes tied when Shelby was about 8 months old, the insurance fell through and 4 months later we learned we were pregnant with Chisum. God is SO good!

Thursday is also the new Challenge at ScrapFIT!!! I hope you will come take a look. The sponsor is Jillibean Soup!! EEEEEEEEE!! I can't tell you much, but I will say that you might be seeing Double :D We are getting ready for a Spring Crop also. You won't want to miss the fun challenges, games, and of course prizes. It starts April 19!

Is anyone planning on attending CKC Houston or GASC in Arlington Texas? I am looking for some friends to get together with while there. If you plan on attending, let me know so we can make sure to meet up. I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend, and is having a Blessed start to the week. Take care, and once again, thank you for all of your support, encouragement, sweet comments, and prayers.

Almost There

2010-04-09T08:03:00.007-05:00

Only 5 away from 300! Wow! When I started this blog, I honestly could not imagine having a few followers...but almost 300!!! I am humbled. All you have to do is become a follower and once we hit 300, I will randomly draw a name from all the followers to win!

Over at the Piggy Tales blog, they have been featuring me this week. What an honor :) Each week they will be showcasing one of the wildly talented ladies from the Design Team. Can I just say that these women are AMAZING!!! I made a couple of new cards using a couple of Piggy Tales Academy Kits.

This card was made using the April Kit. It features the Thumbelina collection, and it bears repeating....it's gorgeous!

I had an email asking about what type of paper I have been making these cards from. The cards are from American Crafts, and I purchased them from Hobby Lobby. I really like the kraft color and how it will go with anything. I also used my new die and jute from Papertrey Ink.

This next card is from the November kit. I don't usually make "manly" cards, but this kit just spoke to me ;)

I used the same card base from American Crafts. The alphas are AC Thickers.

Ok. I have taken so many photos lately, and I have finally started to edit them. Actually, I am still editing them. But, I wanted to share some photos from Easter. Our children are getting so big and I want to capture every moment that I can with them. I have thousands of pictures and I treasure each one.

Look at this sweet girl.

My little man couldn't take all the excitement. He even dressed himself!!

I love this picture of my girls. They were sitting on top of these little cars playing a game. They are so good to each other.

Garrett has a way about him. I love this boy.

Please notice the bands on her braces. She had them intentionally colored this way to look like an Easter egg :)

This is the way the little ones hunt Easter eggs...

And this is how the big ones do....

I have a date tonight with a very special man! Prince Charming and I are going out!!! This may not seem like a huge event, but I think the last time we went on a "date" was this past November. We have some terrific friends going with us also. I have been looking forward to spending some time with our friends, great food, and lots of laughs. I hope everyone has a fantastic, relaxing weekend.

Another Give Away!!!

2010-04-08T14:43:00.003-05:00

I don't know about you, but I am so ready for summer! Not just the abundance of sunshine but also the kids being home, baseball games, the summer nights, warm breezes, our pool, the smell of freshly cut grass, and sleeping in. Ahhh!!! The lazy days of summer are around the corner. I can almost feel it!! The last couple of months before school lets out seem to be the busiest.

How was your Easter? Ours was absolutely wonderful. For once, my sweet Prince was home with us. I love Easter and all that we have because of it, but him being home made it that much more special. We were blessed to spend the weekend with our families, great food, Easter egg hunts, scavenger hunts, and worshiping our Risen Savior. I know I have said this before, but there is nothing like walking into a full church on Easter Sunday! Love it!

I have a couple of cards from Piggy Tales to share. There are two new lines out, Thumbelina and Georgie Porgie :) The names just make me grin. I have been having so much fun playing with them, and you can either go to the website to find a retailer to purchase them from or you can sign up for the Piggy Tales Academy monthly kit by clicking here. It is filled with lots of goodies!!! Here are a couple of cards from the April kit.

Is it me or does my photo look crooked? Yeah, I think I shot this lop sided!

Might have went a tad overboard with the stitching :)

Well, there are almost 300 followers on my blog so I thought maybe I should do another giveaway to get it there. Once we reach 300, I will randomly draw a name (of followers) who will win a TON of goodies. It seems as if I might have been a little overindulgent when it came to buying up the new releases (oops!) I guess the best thing to do would be to share!! I am going to fill up a box with new items from Jenni Bowlin, Jillibean Soup, Prima, Cosmo Cricket, Sassafras, and Piggy Tales. Due to the box size, I will only ship to the US. I am really sorry about that. So...go and share, and then keep coming back to see how many followers we are up to. I can't wait to share some of the new yumminess that is out there. Plus, maybe I feel a tad bit less guilty about my splurging. I will try to post a picture over the weekend of everything that you can expect.

Thank y'all so much for always being so supportive. Your comments are generous and really encouraging. I may not know you personally, but know that I always pray for you.

Good Friday...

2010-04-02T06:28:00.003-05:00

I should be asleep! The kids have the day off from school, and yesterday we made an eight hour (round trip) drive to Houston and back. Phew! It's April!! That means that my brother will be coming home from Iraq. He has been there for a year, and I can't wait for him to be back in Texas. Boy, we miss him lots. My Shelby Jo turns 7 years old in a couple of weeks. I have been making the invitations for her party, and I can't wait to show you. Trish Turay, who owns Work In Progress Kits, created a dress garland a while back and it gave me an idea. She used a dress template that was too cute. I made the image a little smaller, and made a template for the invitations. You can read the tutorial, and download the template Here. Run....DO NOT WALK...to check out the WIP Blog. Lots of Inspiration!!!

I have some new cards to share with you today. I have been busy creating and making messes!!! I have been playing with new Cosmo Cricket, Piggy Tales, Jillibean Soup, and some Dear Lizzy *tee hee*!! Guess who is joining up to make some gorgeous projects??? Elizabeth Kartchner (Dear Lizzy herself) and Shimmerz!! SWOON!!!! Liz will be using Shimmerz in her classes. Two of my favorite things...together :)

I used the Cosmo Cricket Material Girl for this card. I punched circles from patterned paper to make the scalloped border. I even broke out some stamps for this card!!!! I am going to try and use my stamps more often. This stamp is from Unity.

So, I love this card! I should have put Happy Birthday on there somewhere..oops!! Will have to go back and do that :) I used Cosmo Cricket and Jillibean Soup. Lots of Glue Dots on this card. I cut the little cars out and put 2 glue dots on the back. It gave it enough height so that I could wrap the jute.

This is just a fun little card using Cosmo Cricket. I stitched the ribbon to go with the flow of the paper!!! I don't know about you, but I am ready to go on vacation.

Well, that's it for today. I have some more cards to share and I will try to do that tomorrow. We have a busy weekend ahead. Lots of family, food, eggs, and celebrating. What are your plans for Easter weekend? Whatever they are, I hope that they are Blessed :)

An Egg Challenge

2010-04-01T04:52:00.006-05:00

I didn't post the winner of the blog hop!!!! Yep. Better late then never, right? Ok, the winner for stopping by my blog is...

kmassman

Email me your mailing information and I will get your prize out to you!!! Congratulations :) Thank you for your patience.

Now, it's time for an Egg Hung!!! ScrapFIT Workout #17 is all about eggs :) The challenge is to create an altered egg of some sort. It could be an egg shaped card, you could dress up a real egg, tons of possibilities! The Design Team created some Egg-celent *tee hee* creations. This was a lot of fun. PLUS!!! The sponsor for the workout is Jillibean Soup!!! Wanna see the prize??? I know that you do!

Here is my "Egg" Card. I ended up making quite a few of these for the kids' teachers. I used Jillibean's Egg Drop Soup collection. I used a punch from Stampin' Up! to create the eggs, and the scalloped border is made using a die from Papertrey Ink. I think I may be addicted to using Kraft Cardstock.

There are so many people that inspire me. But, one sweet gal has really inspired me lately. Danni Reid is an amazing card maker, and more importantly, an amazing lady. She has such an unique style, and every time I go to her blog I can't help but pick up ideas. Not too terribly long ago, she created some cards with this cute scalloped edge. I had to order the die from Papertrey Ink because it was too cute. I am in love with it. I have been using it on quite a few cards, like I did on this Egg card. Go check out her blog here.

Also, I have had a lot of questions and emails about the paper flowers from my previous post. I wish I could say I was so creative that I came up with how to make those cute little flowers in my sleep. But, yeah, no. Danielle Flanders has a tutorial on her blog on how to create those crete paper flowers. Granted...hers are out of this world!!! I am so thankful that there are talented women like these out there.

Well, this weekend is Easter! What a celebration it is. Our Lord and Savior is alive! It's not about Easter Bunnies or Easter Eggs. It's all about HIM! I love Easter Sunday. Going to church, and seeing a full house. Celebrating our Risen King with family and friends. So, from our house to yours, Happy Easter :)

ScrapFIT Blog Hop

2010-03-19T05:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the ScrapFIT Blog Hop! If you didn't come here from the ScrapFIT blog, you will want to go back there ans start!!!!
Spring is in the Air so we need to hop around and see what the FITgirl's are up to!! As you go to each blog you will get an element that you need to add to your LO, Card or Altered Art. You have til Midnight Sunday, March 21 to link it up to the ScrapFIT blog for a chance to win a HUGELY AWESOME PRIZE!
Add some green to your project!

Here is my layout:

Now!!! Not only am I giving away a couple of handmade cards, BUT I might just throw in some new CHA goodies! All you have to do is leave a comment here!

Your next stop is Jodi! Happy Hopping :)

A Few New Cards

2010-03-17T09:15:00.004-05:00

We have really been enjoying Spring Break! We haven't went anywhere, but we have been enjoying each other. Yesterday, Prince Charming had to go back to work :( He was home for 3 weeks because of the surgery, so it is a little tough with him being gone. Over the last few months, he has not been home for more than a few days, and having him be here for that long kind of spoiled me. I am so thankful that he has a good job in this economy, but it doesn't make it any easier when he has to leave for 2 weeks.

Today, I am taking Callie and one of her friends shopping. It's a big deal here because we have to drive 45 minutes to get to the nearest mall. Which I am very sure Prince Charming is glad of :) Then she is having 2 friends stay the night. She has great Christian friends, and I love that because they pray for each other, and they pray together.

Yesterday, I sat down and made 4 cards and a layout!!! Do you ever have those days when designs just come to you?? It has been wonderful to want to create and then have the time to do it. I can't show you the layout because it is for the ScrapFIT Blog Hop on Friday. Did I happen to mention that there will be LOTS of prizes *giggle* I have more than 1 thing to give away, so stop by Friday.

The first two cards were made with the new Piggy Tales Thumbelina lina. It is perfect for spring with the bright and cheery patterns and colors. It is gorgeous. The rub-ons and journaling spots are way too cute!!
Here is the first:

I added a polka dot ribbon to a white grosgrain ribbon. I folded it and stitched it the card. I also cut out a few flowers from the patterned paper. I then cut a pop dot in half and adhered it to the card for a 3D effect.

This card does make me smile! I love the paper and big ribbon!! Jenni Bowlin has come out with this super cute buttons (and I only had to buy every color!!)

I actually started this card at Christmas. It is made with Pink Paislee's Mistletoe line. I could not figure out what to do though. So, I added a chipboard elephant from Sassafras and a rub-on from K&Company.

I made this card with CPS Sketch #158. I used Dear Lizzy papers, flowers, and the rub-on sentiment.

That's it for today!! I hope everyone is having a great week. I wish it would slow down just a bit! Make sure to come back on Friday for the blog hop and your chance to win!

Spring Break

2010-03-15T16:04:00.003-05:00

Yay!!! The kids have Spring Break this week, and that means that I get a little break :) The weather here has been gorgeous the last few days. Lots of sunshine, high 60's, and it is supposed to continue for the entire week. I am probably one of the very few people who actually enjoys the winter, but I am so glad that it is feeling like Spring!

Well, Callie had cheer tryouts this past week. I don't know why it was so different this year, but it was much more stressful. She was quite nervous about it, and that in turn made me nervous FOR her. The thought of those tears of disappointment weighed heavy on my heart. She worked so hard and it paid off :) She made the squad again. It is really difficult to acknowledge that she is going to be an 8th grade cheerleader! I guess because I really do not want to believe that she is going to be in 8th grade. Next year is going to be very different for me. Callie will be in Eighth, Ethan - Fifth, Garrett - Third, Shelby - Second, and the toughest...Chisum will start Kindergarten! I look forward to having time to do the things I want, but the reality that my children are getting so big is sometimes bittersweet.

There is a new Workout up at ScrapFIT today. Here is what you have to do:

"March Madness"

So here is the Workout--A recipe challenge
1. 4 Circles (to represent the Final 4)
2. Multiple Fonts (like all the teams have different Logo's)
3. 2 Pictures (because it comes down to the final game)
4. Distressing (that is the way all the teams will feel when Kentucky wins it all).

This was written by Kelly-which explains the Kentucky thing :)The sponsor is Life Preserver's Scrapbook Club. Complete the challenge and link up at the ScrapFIT Blog for a chance to win a kit from LPS. LPS was the very first Design Team I was on, and I can definitely say that the kits are Fantastic! Make sure to come register at the ScrapFIT Forum. There are always great challenges, games, and loads of wonderful conversation going on. Everyone is so welcoming. You will feel right at home :) ALSO!!!! Friday, we are having a blog hop! There will be tons of prizes that you won't want to miss out on. So, stop by here or the ScrapFIT blog on Friday for all the details.

I have a couple of cards to share today. The Dear Lizzy collection has become a favorite of mine. I love the banners...and the stickers...and the paper...OK, I love it all. I made this card much like the card on my last post. It's such a cute line!

This next card was made with some new Jillibean Soup. Laura Vegas created a layout where she did this thread technique, and I loved it so much I had to do it. The new lines are wonderful. I have Egg Drop Soup ordered and hopefully I will be getting it soon. Can't wait!

That is all for today. I received a Huge box from Piggy Tales so I will be creating with some Goodies this week!!! Come back on Friday to see what you can win from me! Hope everyone has a Blessed week!

The Slice Goes To...

2010-03-05T19:37:00.003-06:00

First, I have a card to share with you! I finally received the new American Crafts Dear Lizzy collection! Oh, I am in love *swoon* It is so gorgeous, and the papers are inspiring. I also received my new Studio Calico kit today, and there was some more Dear Lizzy included in it Here is a quick card that I made. I am hard at creating some more with this line :)

Next....I am really dragging this out, huh?? I am so honored to have been asked to be a part of the Piggy Tales Academy Design Team! This is a new team created by Piggy Tales to design with their new monthly kits. I absolutely love Piggy Tales, and their new collections are over the top amazing! I could not be more excited to be able to design with their yummy products!

Ok...So, do you want to know who won??? Here she is!

Blogger debevans said...

Wow, I would ♥ love ♥ to have a Slice...I would be so excited if I won!!!

Deborah
Savannah, GA

February 23, 2010 3:35 PM

Congratulations!! Make sure to send your address to me at dwycough7@aol.com

If you didn't win this time, don't fret. I have another giveaway coming up soon!

The Winner Is.....

2010-03-05T12:25:00.001-06:00

Just teasing! How mean is that??? I will be back later this afternoon to post the winner :) I hope everyone is having a great day!!!

OH!!! You have 50 chances to win if you go visit Jillibean Soup's Blog, Bella Blvd., and Nikki Sivils!!! The 3 have teamed up for a blog crawl! The inspiration is amazing!!!!

Those Puppy Dog Eyes

2010-03-03T07:33:00.003-06:00

Each of our children have a way of making me feel guilty when they get in trouble. Yes, that's right! Me...feeling...guilty! Whether it is tears, telling me "their heart hurts", I am a sucker. My husband frequently reminds me of this! Garrett has the sweetest, most innocent face. He has those eyes that can melt through ice. Ever since I can remember, whenever he would get into trouble (Yes!! My sweet angels get in trouble!) he could give us this look. That was it! I couldn't remember why I was getting on to him or what he had done. We have always said that his little face and those puppy dog eyes save him. The older he gets, the more he learns to use it to his advantage. Like he needs it! I can't help it! Prince Charming and our children are my heart. Their smile can make the worst day better. Goodness how I love them :)I am blessed beyond what I deserve!

This is a layout that I made about those puppy dog eyes. How handsome is he? Look at those big, brown eyes! Scrumptious!

I hope everyone is having a great week. I am looking forward to Friday and getting this splint taken off and the stitches off. Plus, someone is going to find out that have won a new Slice!!! Good times!!!

Some New Cards

2010-03-01T09:18:00.003-06:00

The itch to create has not been diminished. Even though I can really only use one hand!! Yes, I might have a slight problem :) So, I made a few cards over the weekend. Granted, it does take quite a while to finish them. That's ok!

I am really excited about what I will be getting in the mail this week. First, the new Studio Calico kit. Yummy!!! I love their kits, and this one is gorgeous! I also found this wonderful store on Ebay. Your Scrapbook Supply carries October Afternoon, Jillibean Soup, Cosmo Cricket, Graphic 45, Nikki Sivils, Prima, Sassafras Lass, and tons more. She is getting in new CHA products, and her prices are fantastic. I also bought the new Dear Lizzy collection, and I can't wait to get it. Have you seen her ribbon in the collection??? Gorgeous!

Friday is the deadline for the Slice Giveaway. If you haven't left a comment, click the link on the right side of my blog! Good luck :) Can't wait to see who it will be!

Here are a couple of the new cards I made. The first card is my card from the February issue of CARDS. It's such a thrill to see one of my cards in print.

I painted a Maya Road chipboard tree with Shimmerz Paint. After it was dry, I added the teardrop jewels, and placed a pearl on top.
Supplies: Pink Paislee; Bazzill Cardstock; Making Memories Stick Pins; Shimmerz Paints.

Supplies: Lily Bee paper; Bazzill Cardstock; October Afternoon journaling spot; Kaisercraft rub-on; Sassafras Lass flower embellishment; the fibers are from a Studio Calico kit; Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing folder.

For the flower, I punched one large circle and 7 littler circles. I adhered the small circles to the back of the large one. The rub on was the perfect size to fit in the center.
Supplies: Jillibean Soup papers; Kaisercraft Rub-On; Stampendous Button; Bazzill and American Craft Cardstock; Cuttlebug Divine Swirls Embossing Folder.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday AND a great start to March. Is it me, or is time flying by????

A Happy Hippo :)

2010-02-24T22:51:00.003-06:00

I have another layout and card to show you today. The card is for the new challenge at Card-A-Licious. The challenge was to use 2 flowers, 1 sticker, and polka dots. I had made this card base a while back, but I didn't know what I wanted to do with it. Here is what I came up with.

Here is a close up of the flowers. I stitched three lines to make the flowers look like balloons. Should have used a darker color thread :)

This layout is about my mother-in-law, my daughters, and my niece. Are they not all adorable???? I used a scallop punch on patterned paper for the edges. I also punched some small circles and placed them behind the picture. I made some pleats with the ribbon, and ran a straight stitch over it to hold it down. I found this to be the best way to hold pleats down.

Close up of the ribbon.

The surgery is Done!!! I can't even explain how relieved I am. The surgeon ended up not having to repair the tears in the cartilage, but I had two areas that did have to be cleaned up and cauterized. I also have a hole in the cartilage, but due to it being some term that I can't remember, he can't fix it. He said that he thinks this will take care of the popping and pain. He went ahead and drew a picture to show Prince Charming what he would do IF it didn't work. Basically he would have to remove a piece of the ulna bone and put in another plate. I have been in a little pain today and that was expected. I have two small incisions, some stitches, and a rather large splint. OH!! Because he didn't have to repair the cartilage I do not have to be put in a cast. I am so thankful. God has provided the best surgeon, no complications, and a very loving family that has been wonderful during this.

If you get a chance, stop by A Dream For Baylee.
Baylee went home to be with our Lord in January, and to raise money for a wonderful project, they are selling bracelets. Project Ride brought a lot of joy to Baylee, and her parents want to help make that dream come trye for others. They have put together a slide show of sweet Baylee. Such inspiring people.

Thank you for stopping by. I added a link at the top right for the Slice Giveaway. Remember you have until March the fourth to leave a comment, and I will pick one winner on March 5. Take care!

Cheer Up!

2010-02-23T16:07:00.004-06:00

If you are looking for the giveaway, go down one post :)

I have a layout and a card to share. I have been creating up a storm over the last couple of days. I created this layout about my little cheerleader. The school colors are green and white, and I had to add just a dash of color. I don't know why, but I really like orange and green together. Maybe it makes me think of spring....Which after having some additional snow today seems to be aloof.

Here is a close up of the little scallop. I asked her what her favorite cheer is, and then printed it out on white paper. I thought it was a cute touch.

I LOVE buttons. I am always admiring things that people create with buttons. I figured why not :)

Supplies: Lily Bee Paper, Buttons from a thrift store, American Crafts Thickers

This card I made from the CPS Sketch #155 challenge this week. It has been a while since I have played along over there. So, here is the sketch and my card.

Supplies: Pink Paislee Paper, Jillibean Soup Button, Melissa Frances Heart, K & Company Rub-On.

Well, tomorrow is surgery day. I am ready to get this over with, and be on the road to recovery. I have had so many emails from everyone with their well wishes. Thank you. It means the world. I hope everyone is having a great week so far. I think Spring might be around the corner....well, until the next snowfall :)

A Giveaway and A Card!

2010-02-21T16:52:00.006-06:00

I have really been into the cards lately. I love creating a card, and imagining what the recipient will feel when they open it. I made this birthday card for a boy because my son has a birthday party coming up. It was so easy and quick. I think I might make some of these up for boys and girls, and have them around so when I need them...It's done.

I have a giveaway for you. I figured it was time. But, first....I haven't told any stories about my family lately. I have been slacking :)

Here are some of my favorites lately:

* While playing in the 8 inches of snow, Chisum says "Thank you God for all the snow." Everyone together, AHHHHHHH!
* Then 5 minutes later, we notice he has his pants around his ankles and is discovering how to make yellow snow. Gotta love him.
* Also, when Chisum was asked if he was ready to start school, he simply replied, "No. I want to get kicked out of school!" At least he has goals ;)
* While getting out of the car after church, Garrett was looking so handsome in his corduroy pants, heavily starched shirt.. Callie was taking a little longer than he would have liked and he held his head down and said, "Waiting on a woman."
* Callie informed me that the best part of the Discipleship Now Weekend at church...was going to church. And here I thought she was a typical teenager and would have said staying the weekend with her best friends.
* This isn't new, but goodness, does it make me laugh. Attempting to get his Accelerated Reading Points up, Ethan, being the clever little man that he is, decides to check out Gone With the Wind. He is in Fourth Grade!!! Unfortunately, the test maker was a tad more clever and asked questions that could not be answered by watching the movie.
* My Princess Shelby has recently informed me that she NEEDS an iPod Touch. The Reason? To get on Facebook, of course!
* And if there were ever any question as to whether she was in fact my daughter. When I was getting her shoes for church, she asked me to Please get her shoes with the heels...because she would much rather wear high heels. They have a slight incline on the heel, but as one who has a complete obsession with heels, I completely obliged :)

I love my family!

Now, if you read through all of that, how about a giveaway?

Yep! A Slice PLUS everything you need to get started. All of this for one person. So, just leave a comment here and I will pick one random winner on March 5. That is almost 2 weeks :) Good luck to everyone!

I hope everyone is getting ready to have a Blessed week. I know I am.

New Cards

2010-02-11T19:30:00.004-06:00

We are sitting in the middle of a snow storm...in Texas??!!! We have over 3 inches right now, and they are saying that it is possible for us to have 10 inches before it all ends. The only time we have seen that much snow is when we go to Colorado to ski. Definitely a wild winter event!

I have a couple of cards to share today. I have been trying to get some things done before this next surgery. I have never had a cast...so, I don't really know what I will be able to do with it. Also, I received an email from CARDS Magazine that they want one of my cards for the July issue. I am so excited, and feel very blessed! I wish I could show you which one.

I love using Kraft Cardstock. It is just natural feeling. I have done a few cards with it lately, but so far have only taken pictures of two. Both are fairly simple, which is how I like things :) They were super easy too! Here they are.

I hope and pray that everyone is having a great week. Tomorrow is Friday!!!!

Take care

CARDS Magazine

2010-02-05T22:43:00.003-06:00

I have a few minutes, and I wanted to share a card that I made. It was in the January issue of CARDS Magazine. I haven't been able to see it yet, but I am very excited about it. I hope everyone is doing well. I found out this week that on February 24 I will be undergoing the second surgery on my wrist. I have some soft tissue damage and this will hopefully correct it. It's a little scary having 2 surgeries so close together, but I am confident in the Great Physician! I will be in a cast for a few weeks. In the scheme of life....it's not really that bad :) We have been hit hard over the last couple of weeks with family emergencies, the deaths of two friends' grandmothers, and a car accident on our land that left a man pinned under neath. Through it all, to God be the glory! We are healthy, Prince Charming has a job, and we have each other. I guess during tough times it puts things in perspective.

Anyway.....rambling just a bit lol

So, here is my card. I love the way the snowflake turned out. It is a chipboard snowflake, and I painted over it with Shimmerz. Love that stuff!!! Have a great weekend!

Show Your Support

2010-02-01T06:00:00.005-06:00

The new Workout is up at ScrapFIT, and we are Showing Our Support! The challenge is to create a Bra card!! How much fun is that? The sponsor for this workout is TallyScrapper, and take a look at this gorgeous prize!!

All you have to do to be eligible is to come sign up at ScrapFIT, and create your own Bra card! There is a gallery on the message board where you can upload your card. Here are the ScrapFIT Girls' cards.

Danielle (me!)

Katie

Rhonda

Mia

Laura Jean

Kelly

Ann

Jodi

Hope y'all will stop by and play along.

Some FIT News!

2010-01-28T19:17:00.004-06:00

It is such a good thing that I do not Really make New Year's resolutions because I would fail terribly! So much for wanting to blog more this month!!

I have some exciting news to share. I have been asked to be a ScrapFIT Girl! ScrapFIT is a fantastic challenge (the challenges are called Workouts *tee hee*) site. Each month your skills are put to the test. I love doing challenges, and these are some of the best! Oh! Did I mention that the sponsors are Amazing? I am so excited to be a part of this group. There is tons of inspiration, and it is a great place to chat. Please come by and say hi :) This is a layout from the crop that was held at the beginning of the month. The challenge was to create a layout using only 1 color.

Here is a card from the first Workout of January. The challenge was to stitch on a project. Since stitching is a staple for me, I loved this. I think I am going to have to rework the bottom. Not very thrilled with it!

I have been working on some new Workouts for ScrapFIT, and I can't wait to share them with you.

In other news :) I go back to the surgeon on February 2, for a surgery consult. Apparently when you slide off a horse, you can tear every ligament and tendon in your hand. Who knew? It will not be a major surgery, and at least the recovery from that surgery will coincide with the broken bones healing. So...If I have to have it done, this is the best time. I would much rather do it now before it is healed and I am using it. God is growing patience in me, and I am very thankful that He loves me that much :) Also, I am going to start teaching a third and fourth grade Sunday School class at church. He has really been nudging me to get back into children's ministry, and I am full of joy that our church had an opening. My heart is happy :D

I hope everyone has had a wonderful start to 2010. It's going to be a great year!!

What I've Been Doing

2010-01-09T21:01:00.004-06:00

I have been having so much fun at the ScrapFIT Winter Wonderland Crop!! I have been scrapping like crazy. Honestly, never even made it out of my pajamas today! Love days like this! I have a layout and a card to share today, and more to come tomorrow.

I did this layout for a Disney challenge. The challenge was to use a phrase, song, or movie title from Disney. I used the phrase "You've Got A Friend" from Toy Story. I also used the red polka dot patterned paper because it reminded me of Minnie Mouse.

This card was for the challenge Save The Eagles. Had to use wings and a jewel.

I have done 3 layouts and 2 cards. This is the most I have scrapped in months. Nothing like an online crop to get the mojo flowing!

I will be posting the rest tomorrow! I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend!

First Post of 2010

2010-01-08T22:32:00.002-06:00

Our year is off to a running start! The kids are back at school, Prince Charming finally came home for a couple of weeks, and I have been creating! What a wonderful feeling! When this last fall hit, I hit a slump. I was so busy with the kids' activities, taking care of the house (and all that comes with it), and I had little time to create. Everyone needs something that they can do that will leave them feeling refreshed and encouraged. Scrapping is my refreshment. So, I started creating again :) I will post some pictures tomorrow. We have been below freezing for the last few days, but tomorrow we are going to have a heat wave (36 degrees - break out swimsuits) and I am going to venture out to take some photos of the things I have been working on. I am so excited to show you. I am now blocking time out of my days to scrap, and that includes blogging. I have been so awful over the last few months. This year is going to be - Refreshing! That is my word for 2010.

Refreshing means:

1. To give new vigor or spirit to.
2. To give new freshness or brightness to; restore.
3. To freshen up.
4. To renew by stimulation: refresh one's memory.
5. To fill up again; replenish.

Yes! That is my word!

I am working on a layout tonight with my word. I have been checking out some new places lately, and I have to tell you about ScrapFIT. If you enjoy challenges with prizes, come check it out. The challenges are called workouts *giggle*, and the sponsors are out of this world. How about some Nikki Sivils??? Jillibean Soup??? Plus, there are some kit clubs that are sponsoring also.

The place is filled with wonderful talent, amazing ladies, and breathtaking inspiration! Right now, there is an online crop going on. The challenges are fabulous! One of which is to find our word for the year and create a layout about it. Seriously, drop by and join in the fun!!

This month, I have a card in CARDS magazine! Squuuueeeaaaallll! It is my first pub in a print magazine. It was exciting to open a magazine that I love dearly, and see one of my cards in it. I have a couple more in the next couple of months also. It is going to be such a great scrappy year!

Today is 3 weeks since my um...mishap. They removed 15 stitches from my arm, and I now sport a very elegant black brace with velcro closures! At least it is black, and goes with everything :) I started occupational therapy today and will continue going twice a week for 6-8 weeks. I didn't realize how much movement I had lost. But, it's going to be so good to work with an OT. I go back in on the 18th to the surgeon. I know the check up is going to yield fantastic results!

I hope and pray that in 2010 you will be abundantly blessed. May you find happiness, joy, and peace.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T21:28:00.005-06:00

I pray everyone had a wonderful Christmas. It seems impossible that Christmas has already passed this year. We were so excited because on Christmas Eve we received snow. Now it didn't stick, but you have to understand that in Texas we get excited about any amount of snow. It really did make for a special day. Here is a picture of it falling :)

Since I can't really create anything, I thought I would share some pictures of my beautiful family. Yes, I know I am just a tad partial :D Prince Charming had to leave on Tuesday before Christmas, but he gave us the best Christmas present ever.....himself. He showed up Christmas day and surprised us. It made a Glorious day that much better.

I go back to the surgeon on Tuesday for my post-op visit. He is going to remove the splint and the stitches. Hopefully, I will be put in a brace and be able to start getting some range of motion back. It has hurt a little more than I expected, but it gets better each day. We have stayed with my parents since the Prince left, and although I don't know how we would have made it without them, I am ready to go home. Fortunately, it is temporary and I will heal. When you think of all the injuries, illnesses, and diseases that people have to endure, I feel blessed that mine is so minor in comparison.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a very Happy New Year! Looking forward to another year with my amazing family, and another year to grow closer to Him!

Taking A Break...Literally!

2009-12-21T16:11:00.002-06:00

This last Friday, Prince Charming and I were on horses trying to pin cows. My horse was being quite lazy so he told me to get on his horse. I have been on his horse many times without any problems. Well, this day was quite different. While he was trotting, one of the reins broke when I pulled back. The stir ups were already a little loose, and when the rein broke I ever so smoothly sailed right off of him. I landed on the dirt on my left side. Do you know what the natural instinct is when you fall? To put out your hands to try and catch yourself! Goofy instincts!!!! As a result, I broke my left wrist. I knew immediately it was broke, and Prince Charming took me to the hospital. It is a 45 minute drive, and even though it was pretty painful, I figured they would just have to reset it. Wrong!!!! After they took 2 sets of x-rays, the ER doctor informed us that not only did I break it, but one of the bones was in pieces and the other was cracked. Within an hour and a half of us arriving at the hospital, I was being wheeled in to Pre-Op! Yep, I ended up having to have surgery so they could put a titanium plate and screws in. Crazy, huh? I will go back on the 29th so they can take the stitches out, and also remove this splint. The surgeon said it will take a few months before it is completely back to normal. BUT.....I am very thankful! The injury itself could be so much worse, as well as the recovery. By the Grace of God, the kids are on Christmas vacation and I am in high hopes that I will be able to drive when they return to school. Maybe it is the time of year, but I am choosing to focus on all of the positives :)

This does however cut into scrapbooking. I had already planned on taking a little break to spend more time on my relationship with our Lord and my family, and I feel this was, in a way, an affirmation of that decision. Sometimes life seems to get in the way, and that has definitely happened here. Time to get those priorities straight :) Thank you for your emails. Y'all are the best. Stay tuned......and Merry Christmas!

Festival Of Lights

2009-11-18T07:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the very first Cuttlebug Challenge Festival of Lights!! If you are just popping in, make sure to go the blog so you can play along. Today begins with an exciting blog hop through the Design Team. To get a list, simply click on the map and it will take you to the the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog! Make sure to visit all of the blogs because there are treasures along the way :)
For my lighted project, I used a tea light holder that was given to me by a friend. I simply used a stylus to trace the images and then I cut them out. I then placed the cut images inside the Swiss Dots Embossing Folder and ran it through my Cuttlebug. Next I distressed the Christmas tree images a tad, and spritzed with Olive Branch Shimmerz Spritz. I decided to leave the top just the white embossed paper. I also took and used a small paint brush and used Angel Wings Shimmerz to coat the snowflakes on the screen. Once everything was dry, I adhered it to the holder with Crystal Effects, and added a tea light. It was very simple, but I like simple things around the holidays!

Two selected Designers will draw a random winner from the comments left on their blogs, and one winner will receive a $30 Gift Certificate to Peachy Keen Stamps and the other winner will receive a One Year Subscription to Technique Junkies.
The fun part is…
we’re not telling you who it is! So as you hop, make sure you leave comments on every post this weekend so you have a lot of chances to win!! Don't forget to add the Cuttlebug Challenge blinkie to your blog :)

Cuttlebug Challenge

2009-11-17T16:33:00.002-06:00

I found a few minutes to attempt to post to this poor neglected blog! I am Over The Top excited to share that I have been asked to be a part of the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog!! I absolutely love what these fabulous ladies do, so I am completely honored to be a part of this team. Tomorrow is a Big Day for the Cuttlebug Challenge. It is the first ever Festival of Lights!! It starts tomorrow, but does not end until Sunday! You won't want to miss a day. There will be tons of inspiration, and maybe even a few surprises!!!

What Are You Thankful For?

2009-11-13T05:37:00.002-06:00

I really can't believe that Thanksgiving is as close as what it is. From now until Thanksgiving, Shimmerz wants to know what YOU are thankful for. We want to see your creations using Shimmerz, and telling us all the many things that you are thankful for during this season. Once you create your project, visit the Shimmerz Blog, click on the blinkie in the sidebar, leave a comment telling us what you are thankful for, and then make sure to link up to Mr. Linky. Once lucky winner will win a $20 shopping spree to the Shimmerz Store!!!!

While we are on the subject, I want to share a couple of things that I am VERY thankful for this morning. (I don't know that I have enough time to type everything that I am thankful for) Yesterday, Callie was able to have her stitches removed!!!YAY!!!! Only to discover that her eye had become infected. AWWWW!!! Not the wound part, but her eye. No biggie, antibiotic drops to the rescue. She was a little frustrated, and rightfully so, but she is on the mend. When I went to pick the other kids up from school, I arrive to see Shelby's teacher with Shelby holding an ice pack on her lip. I bent down to see what was wrong, and a little boy had moved his chair, and hit her in the lip. As soon as I saw it, I knew that it was going to require stitches. I am sure that the look on my face was one of complete shock because the teacher said, "He kept apologizing." I felt awful for this sweet boy. I told her it wasn't that, I had just taken Callie to have her stitches removed 2 hours earlier, and it looked like we were headed back to the doctor. So, we rushed to the doctor's office (our whole town might be 1 mile long), and caught him right before he left. He looked at it and said that they try not to stitch on that part of the lip (the bottom) and that it would probably heal fine. BUT!!! I am so thankful for the health of my children! I am thankful that we might have inconveniences, but they are only minor. I am thankful that I serve an All Mighty God who loves us! I am thankful for my life, my husband, for the daily smiles, for the tears of joy that are shed, for the sun rising every morning, for my childrens laughter, for ALL of the blessings that I have that by no means do I deserve!

Please join me tomorrow for the Scrapbook News and Review Faith Blog Hop! It starts Saturday morning at 10 am. There are quite a few blogs to hop, so you will want to get an early start. See you then!

What A Week!

2009-11-08T07:33:00.002-06:00

Oh my goodness!!! Callie cheered at her last 7th grade football game, and had her last Pep Rally! We still had tons of football practice, and playoff games on Saturday. Garrett's team advanced to the next round, but Ethan's team was knocked out. They did such a great job, and it sure wasn't because they didn't have the heart!

About Friday....Garrett turned 8 years old! Sometimes it feels like you blink and they are growing up. I have a standing reservation on the kids' birthdays to go and eat with them at school. We had a great lunch, and then he participated in the schools spelling bee. Out of 39 people, he placed 2nd. I am so proud of him. He will be going in January to the East Texas Spelling Bee! That afternoon, I picked the kids up from school, came home and tried to get everything ready for the next day's games. His Noni took him to the store to buy his birthday gift (she lets him pick it out). About 5 pm, we headed to my sister in laws house to meet up with her. Callie and Chisum were playing fetch with their dog, and while Callie can play fetch and throw a stick in the opposite direction of people....Chisum can not. He threw a stick and it hit her directly in the eye. She covered her eye and when she removed it all we could see was blood. Fortunately, my sister in law is a nurse so she took her inside, tried to clean it up, and then told me I should probably take her to the direct care clinic (which closed at 6). Chisum was upset because he knew Callie was hurt, and even though he is something else, he would never intentionally hurt anyone. I left the kids with her, and rushed to the clinic. We checked in at 5:45 pm. Callie was scared to death because it was her eye, and she had no idea what they would do. Neither did I. Thank goodness, it had cut the skin on the corner of her and did not actually cut her eyeball. She did require 2 stitches, and is now sporting a rather large pair of sunglasses to cover up the largest black eye I think I have ever seen. She is a real trooper.

Here is the ironic thing: Three years ago on Callie's Birthday, Garrett broke his arm and we spent Callie's birthday in the ER. So, now in 2009 on Garrett's Birthday, we spent it at a clinic while Callie received stitches. I am thinking I am going to ban birthday's from now on :)

I have pictures to post, but my computer is telling me that I do not have a wireless connection. Hmmm...I am posting this from Callie's computer on the same network. Ho Hum!

I hope everyone is well, and make sure to check out We Are Praying For You. It is the new prayer blog, and we are getting prayer requests each day. We need more prayer warriors.

Stay tuned for some exciting news that I will share hopefully soon :)

November the First...Really??

2009-11-01T18:18:00.004-06:00

Can it be? Where does the time go? Our middle son turns 8 years old this week, so November is always a bitter sweet month for us. I praise God for each of my children, their health, and each birthday is a milestone. But, at the same time my babies are growing up. Fortunately, my best friend has a brand new precious niece that I get to cuddle with quite a bit.

I had to share some cute pictures of my little ones last night. Halloween for us is about dressing up (blood and gore is outlawed in our home), and it is always a fun time. Our church had a trunk or treat and we decorated up the back of the car and passed out candy. I love doing this because it is a safe environment for the kids, and they even incorporate a Bible story. They take a pumpkin and talk about how a pumpkin is like us. When Jesus comes into our hearts, He removes all of the yuck (they pull out all of the mooshy pumpkin stuff), and brings light into our lives (they insert a candle). I just love it. So, here are some pictures of my incredibly adorable *no not partial at all* children!

Callie - Don't you just love the hat?
My precious little ones ;)
What a tired looking hunter
Now...Garrett was helping hand out candy...but was swiping some for himself! Does he not realize Mama always has a camera ready??
Chisum taking a break to check out his stash.

Miss Diva! It really was a disco costume, but she was quick to inform us that she was in fact not a disco queen but a DIVA! She is So my daughter :)
We had a great time. The only thing missing was Prince Charming. I hope that everyone enjoyed their evening as well. Take care and see you back soon :)

I Really Am Still Here

2009-10-29T06:09:00.003-05:00

I don't think I have ever been so awful about posting. Life has been crazy lately. With 5 kids, I don't know that it ever slows down. But, we have definitely been in overdrive lately. Here is our schedule:
Monday- Boys Football Practice 6-8 p.m. Callie - Helping Pee Wee Cheerleaders; UIL Practice
Tuesday- Boys Football Practice 6-8; Callie- Helping PW Cheer; Her Cheer Practice
Wednesday-Depends on which week; Callie cheer practice
Thursday - Garrett FB Practice; Callie cheers for 2 games; pep rally
Friday - Ethan FB Practice; Callie Cheer practice
Saturday - 2 Football games
Sunday - Church; TRYING to regroup!!!

This does not include the daily things like laundry, cooking, cleaning, volunteering. But it's our life, and I am blessed. Let's just say that my cup is overflowing :) We only have a couple more weeks of this craziness. Thank you Lord! I do promise that I will be posting some new projects very soon. I was working on a couple of things that I felt weren't up to par. But I have some new Shimmerz projects, and a couple of Cutting Above projects that I have been working on.

I am really praying but our kids' schedules. I know that God does not intend for all of this busyness, and I definitely do not want to be out of His Will for our life. I have been watching our children be overly tired, and of course we are also. So, I think it might be time to reorganize some of the activities going on.

I have been thinking about starting a new website for prayer requests and daily devotionals. I feel that we all need prayers, and it would be so wonderful to have a place where we could ask for prayer requests and know that people are out there being your prayer warriors. Let me know what you think. I do have one card to share with you. It's very simple, but I like it :)

Thankful, Grateful, Blessed....Thank you God for always blessing me so much that I am thankful each day!

I hope everyone has an Extremely Blessed Day!

It's A Great Monday!

2009-10-12T09:14:00.004-05:00

Have you ever woke up and thought, "Today is going to be a great day!"? Not for any special reason other than God has blessed you with another day to spend with Him, your family, and just enjoying everything He has given us. Today is one of those days! It's been almost 3 weeks since that seizure, and I feel better than I have in quite a while. During this I have felt His arm around me, and I know that only by His Grace am I here and doing fantastic!! Prince Charming comes home tomorrow and I am counting down the hours. It has been a long 2 weeks with him gone, but things will be just fine when he gets there. It always is. Have I said how great our Lord is??

I have a couple of things to share with you today! First of all, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and Shimmerz is spreading the word. During the whole month, we are issuing a Pink Challenge! Create ANY project using a Shimmerz Pink product, upload it to the Shimmerz Flickr Gallery (telling us which product you used) and at the end of the month, each DT member will choose their favorite project to win a prize from Shimmerz! So, you still have almost 3 weeks to get busy and start creating! Two weeks ago, I went with a friend to the doctor. She found a lump! Her mother died from breast cancer! As I waited in the waiting room, thoughts whirling through my head as to what the future would hold for my sweet friend, praying that there was only one outcome, God comforted me. It was a new situation that I had never been in, and I was scared as to whether she would come out with this huge weight. After a couple of hours, she came out! I noticed a slight grin, but I was still praying. Finally, she said that there was nothing. They didn't find anything! I took a deep breath, but more importantly she took the deepest breath! She was ok. We got in the car, and as she talked to her husband, crying, it was such a humbling experience to see such a strong woman going on this emotional roller coaster. I thanked God for my friends excellent report, I prayed that she never had to go through that again, and I prayed for all the women who have, who will, and who are! Once again, God is SO good!

Next, Scrapbook News & Review A Faith Perspecitive is hosting a blog hop on November 14. They are inviting crafters of faith to join them as they reach out to the crafting community!! You can get all of the information about the blog hop, requirements, and how to sign up Here! I am so excited to be able to be a part of this, and I can't wait to see whose blogs are going to be on the hop!!

Hopefully, I will be back later on today to post some projects that I have been working on! I pray everyone is well, and I thank each of you for your prayers, emails, comments, and phone calls! It is so awesome to have each of you in my life! You are absolutely the best :D

Just Hanging Around!

2009-09-28T00:02:00.002-05:00

Well, this has definitely been an odd week! Wednesday, I ended up having my second seizure since January. I spent that day in the ER with Prince Charming by my side. Since then I have been extremely sore (it's worse than your toughest workout ever!!)and I decided to take a few days off and regroup. I have a follow up appointment on Monday morning, and hopefully the doctor will be able to answer some questions, and I will be able to just ......... rest! God has revealed His glory through this because 45 minutes before I had this seizure, I had the kids all in the car with me taking them to school. After the first seizure, I never expected to have another, and it has really thrown me off. They did figure out what caused the seizures though! A medication! WOW!! Who knew that a medication could cause seizures? I thought that was a side effect that other people had! Hm...Who Knew?? Definitely Not Me!

I'm sorry that I haven't posted much lately, but I have been just a bit tied up ;)
Hopefully, prayerfully, after tomorrow morning I will be much more at ease, and back to normal!!!! Thank you to the people who have sent me well wishes!! It is so amazing to feel that much care and concern from such sweet people! I wish I had the right words to express how I felt to each of you, but I find myself at quite a loss. A simple thank you is not enough, yet, I can't think of an adequate way to say it. So, thank you!!! Each of you touch my spirit and overwhelm my soul with so much joy! Thank You!!!! Thank You!!!! Thank You!!!!

Much Love and A Huge Portion of Blessings~

Something New Something Old

2009-09-22T19:12:00.004-05:00

Guess what?? I finally get to share with you a couple of things that I created with the new Shimmerz colors. The Fall colors are Vintage and they are by far my most favorite colors yet. I received them about a month ago, and I am literally out of every color!! I have had SO much fun with these colors. I have really been on a vintage kick anyway, so this suited me well!!

The first thing I am going to share is a Layout!!! I haven't done many layouts lately, so I thought it would be fun to use these colors. Honestly, the cardstock that I used is the piece of paper that I actually used as a "mat" for my other projects!!! When I was done the paper looked so amazing, there was no way it was going in the trash. I Love the way this came out! I used every new color on this layout :)
I love how imperfect the paper and the coloring is. I really do not like the title, and I am going to redo it.....just trying to think of what I should do.
Check out the colors! I painted Mossy Stone around the picture to frame it. I also painted the Prima butterfly using Mossy Stone and Vintage Wine!
This is a Prima flower colored with Mossy Stone and Vintage Wine. Plus, I used Wed Wagon on a die cut from the Cricut Cartridge Home Decor (love this one). The heart is a pin that I found on clearance.
The flower is made just using strips of painted paper and a stapler :) I really like the way the butterfly turned out. The colors are so vibrant!
Can you see all of the colors in the background?? I also used a piece of metal to grunge it up a bit.

I have found the best things at thrift stores to alter! I would have never imagined the treasures I would find. This is a candle holder that came in a pair. It was a rusty metal when I saw it, but I knew it had great potential. So glad I picked it up!
Isn't it pretty? I painted it with a white acrylic first. Then I patched some areas with a crackle paint. When it was dry, I went over the whole candle holder with Antique Lace and then touched it up with Vintage Wine. The glitter flakes are from Martha Stewart, and I liked the snowy feel.
I used so much stuff on this heart, it is unreal :) I used Wed Wagon, then a crackle paint, then Stampin' Ups Crystal Effects. Then I painted it with Vintage Wine. Doesn't it look so neat?
I love the colors, especially the base of the candle holder. But, it is really hard to not pay attention to the inside!
I painted a Heidi Swapp flower with Wed Wagon (sponged lightly) and then put my Vintage Wine heart, threw in some Prima Flowers, a K & Company frame covered with the Martha Stewart glitter. I also had recently received some new Prima holiday twigs (sorry, don't know the correct term).
Here is just another picture of the opening. These beads I found at the thrift store also :)

My Final EAD Blog Hop

2009-09-22T09:10:00.003-05:00

I am so glad that you stopped by today! This is my last EAD blog hop :( I have loved every minute of being on this team, and I can not thank Emily enough for her graciousness!! Today, I have a card with a bird from EAD designs that I decided to fill in with Royal Red Shimmerz. Then I topped it off with a dream rub on. The reason is because being on this team has been a dream come true.

This card is actually made using a white tree from EAD. I decided to add a Prima flower to it, so all that you can see is the branch. I am going to rework it somehow :)
Now, on to the rest of the fabulous team. Thank you everyone for your amazing encouragement and support!!!

Amy
Jen
Susan
Val
Vicki

The All-American's

2009-09-21T10:28:00.005-05:00

**Make sure to scroll down for a Shimmerz Post!! New Colors, New Team, New Members, New Prizes!!!

This weekend each of the boys had their first football game. Each game brought plenty with it. I thought I would take a moment of some of the things that I saw, but probably shouldn't! Some of the things I am glad that I saw, that I am glad that the Refs didn't! Garrett played first. He is in 2nd grade, but he is a little small for his age. He kept going up against these boys who....well, let's just say are not small for their age.

Here is our number 6 giving his meanest, fiercest stance! Scary!
Um....Yeah! Here is number 6 up against someone playing as a 2nd grader (He was really in 6th)
No Sir! That is not our son with a flag on the field! The Refs missed the call! Whoopsie!
NO SIR!!! Prince Charming DID NOT put duct tape on our little man's jersey to make it the right size!!!

And next is number 12:
Yes, he is the center.....but um....where's the team???
Number 12 strutting his whatever it is :D
Second from right would be Mr. number 12 attempting to terrify the opponent! It worked!! They won :)
A well deserved water break for Mr. 12 who played an excellent game!!!

I am a tad late with pictures of Callie Girl! Goofy sympathy sickness :D Here we have Ms. Thang doing her thing while a football player seems to be doing his own thing. Hm...
Caught! Can you see the attitude in those eyes??? DIVA? Definitely!
Her she is getting into her groove! This was their first pep rally and they did a great job!
Today, she has a volleyball game....Thursday, a football game....and Saturday Mr. 6 has a football game. More pictures to come :) OH! I will also throw some in of our littlest All-Americans cheering from the sidelines! They are always their siblings biggest fans!

Blessings~~ Danielle

Shimmerz Video Blog Hop

2009-09-21T10:19:00.003-05:00

I am SOOOO excited because this week, we are releasing a brand new Fall line of colors (Vintage) AND we now have an Education team!! YAY!!! Ever wanted to learn all of the fascinating ways to use Shimmerz? Well, there ya go! Make sure to stop by Shimmerz for all of the fun....but if you can't manage that :) Here is a post for the video blog hop. Stop by all the Education Teams Blogs, watch the videos, become a follower of the blog, and REMEMBER the favorite color of each of the teachers, and you will be eligible for one of our Shimmery Prizes!!! Plus, at the Shimmerz blog, the design team is sharing their creations with the new colors. Have I ever said how Fabulous these women are???? I will be sharing my creations later on this week. Off to the doctor for a quick steroid shot Woo Hoo!!! Have a Blessed Day!

The Hop Starts Here! We are so happy to have you join us for our first ever Video Blog Hop! We thought this would be a fun way to introduce our new education team to you, and debut our new Fall Vintage Color Collection! We are giving away 5 sets of our new Collection this week and you will also have a chance to win a jar of Shimmerz from each teacher along the hop as well!

Remember to listen or read ;) the favorite color of each teacher along the hop, then come back here to Becoming a Follower of the Shimmerz Blog (join on the right) and email those answers to shimmerzpaints@live.com for a chance to win one of our fabulous new sets of Vintage Colors! Each set includes 3 Miniz and 4 Shimmerz Colors!

The Shimmerz Design Team has been creating some beautiful projects with the New Collection and will be uploading projects right here on the blog all week long, so be sure to scroll down and check them out! We also have a new Look and Website as well as a cute new product called Spritz Miniz so we'd love for you to check out the website as well.

Now let the hopping begin...... Head on over to Jeni's Blog to begin!!!

I am NOT sick!

2009-09-18T12:58:00.002-05:00

Occasionally, I have sympathy pains with my children :) Seems that the strep throat that has plagued 2 of my little ones, has caused me to feel (literally) for them. But, I'm NOT sick! I just needed to sleep most of the day yesterday, and talking and swallowing was a tad difficult. But, there is no way I can be sick, because I'm NOT!

I am just a little forgetful though! Did you know that today is the 18th? And did you also know that the giveaway ended on the 14th? Hm....slipped my mind! NOT because I wasn't feeling well though :) Do you want to know who won??? DO You, Do You????

Here we go:

A Brand New Slice Starter Set - Btrflywmn (Do you know it took me about 5 minutes of looking at that and sounding it out before I figured out what it meant DUH)

Shimmerz - Moni :) & Colleen :)

New CHA 09 Prima & Melissa Frances - Java Diva :) & Brenda Neff :) & HazelQ :D

So, email your address and I will get these out to you. Congratulations!!!!

Well, I am off to gargle with some salt water, you know, just because it tastes so well :) I hope everyone has a great weekend.

This weekend, make sure to stop by Cutting Above for a couple of chances to win a new Gypsy!!!!

Then on Monday, stop by Shimmerz for all kinds of great things happening!!!

Some Shimmery News!

2009-09-13T10:24:00.003-05:00

So,we have some new things being released on September 21...you probably already knew that. We have a Brand New Over the top website debuting on the 21....you might have known that! But, I am guessing that you don't know Shimmerz has had a complete makeover :) Here is a sneak peek of the new Shimmerz logo

Hello??? Is it not absolutely gorgeous?? It's perfect for Shimmerz. I LOVE this new logo, and so want a shirt :)

I have some really great news that I CAN share with you today. There are these two completely gifted women that have recently joined Shimmerz, and I just can't help but to be so excited. The first lovely piece of news is that Dena Coe has officially become a Shimmerz Gal!! We are so excited to have her with us. She is a very accomplished artist, and her style is incredible. She just so happens to be the Community Coordinator for Webster's Pages (love them)! AND if there is a magazine out there, well, Dena has been in it. She is I-N-C-R-D-B-L-E!!!! We know that you will love what Dena will bring to the team.

Okay, the second piece of Fabulous news is that Shimmerz has asked Daniela Dobson

to be a Shimmerz gal, and she said YES!!!! She said yes, she said yes!!!! Now, a couple of quick bits of trivia. Danielle and Daniela are quite similar (no it's really not trivia but oh well :) We both live in Texas (along with Leslie, Melissa Sauls, and Patter). Last November when I visited my first message board and saw Daniela's name..it stuck out. Her work was so amazing that I had no problem not remembering her. A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to do a Guest Design Spot for a blog. Come to find out, Daniela had been the GDT the week before me. Well, that was quite intimidating considering this is Daniela Dobson!!!! God really set the wheels in motion. One thing led to another, and now I feel so blessed to have her on the Shimmerz team with us.

I also have a tad bit of news. I received an email last night from the editor of Cards magazine, and they are publishing another card in February!!!!This is such a huge blessing for me. Very excited :)

I guess that is my chapter for the day. Sorry! I will continue the saga of our life tomorrow :) Thank you as always for stopping by and honoring me with your presence. I am completely humbled that you choose to come by. There are many prayer needs out there and even though I can't name them all, please just say some extra prayers for some families that really need to feel God's loving comforting arms and his power surrounding them.

Triple The Sketch- The End

2009-09-12T10:13:00.003-05:00

Well, today is the day that we post our very last sketches from Triple The Sketch. I am not going to make this a long farewell. I don't do well with those. I just want to thank Patter for creating TTS, and for all allowing me to be a part of this fantastic, awesome group of Christian women. Whether one of us or the whole group needs prayers or words of encouragement, the Triple The Sketch Girls are there. It has been such a blessing to get to know them and I have made some life long friends.

Today there are two more sketches, but I struggled with the last one. I wanted to do a thank you card. Anyway, here is Sketch #75

And here is my card:

Here is Sketch #76. This is my thank you card for Patter. For her service to our Lord and Savior, for her encouragement, and for always being a person that I completely admire.

Thank you sweet Patter for being the best!

Here are the links for the other girls also :) Love you all!

Alisa
Chelsea
Danielle H.
Elizabeth
Gloria
Jen
Kelly Jean
Rebekah
Susan
Tanis

I want to say that each of these extraordinary women share a love for crafting, a love for our Lord, and I have been blessed by the inspiration I receive from them each week. Even though there might not be any new sketches, you still have 76 to catch up on.

Thank you to everyone who has always supported me with Triple The Sketch, and a HUGE thank you to Elizabeth Carney. She was the one that recommend me. Thank you girl, and you know that I love you lots! I hope that everyone has enjoyed the creations each week. I know that we have all enjoyed making them.

Please make sure to stop by for some really exciting news later in the week :D
Thank you again, and may God bless each and everyone one of you!

Triple The Sketch Blog Hop

2009-09-11T05:37:00.004-05:00

Good Friday Morning!! There are so many wonderful sentiments in that one sentence :) Here is another one....Welcome to the Triple The Sketch Blog Hop Weekend! This weekend, our absolutely fabulous design team will be showcasing their projects on their own blogs!!!! If you have come via Mrs. Amazing herself (Danielle Holsapple), then you are on your way.

Today, there are two sketches that we each worked with. The first is Sketch #73. Here is a picture of the sketch!

Now, I like to play around with sketches quite a bit. I might take a few elements and change them, or change the size or shape. In this card, my circle is the button. I like trying to make things out of the box. So, let's take a look at the card :)

Here is a close up of my "circle"!

I just love Cosmo Cricket's Lil' Man collection. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that I have 3 boys :D

Here is sketch #74. This was such a fun sketch to play with, and I know I will be using it quite often. The way the elements are situated gives you so much freedom. Here is the sketch:

Once again, I played around quite a bit. My 3 boxes are actually my three rectangle sentiments. I also took and used a heart from a mini album, covered it with Tim Holtz Crackle Paint, and Spritzed Baby's Breath Shimmerz and Cotton Candy Spritz on the heart. really like the way it has a very romantic feeling to it :) Here is the card and a close up!

Did you notice the Little Yellow Bicycle elements from last year? I still love LOVE them!!

Ok, now I am going to give you a list of the rest of the Design Team. Make sure to stop by all of their blogs and see what they have created. I am always so inspired by them. These ladies are so genuine, and I am so extremely blessed by their friendships. They are my prayer warriors, my encouragement, my supporters, and my shoulder when I need one. Thank you TTS gals for being the best. I love you all much!

Alisa Schenck
Chelsea Cook
Danielle Holsapple
Elizabeth Carney
Gloria Stengal
Jen Evans
Kelly Jean Gettelfinger
Marcee Rodgers
Rebekah Williams
Susan Coish
Tanis Giesbrecht

Thank y'all so much for stopping by today and visiting. Make sure to stop by Triple The Sketch for a very important announcement. Then come back tomorrow for a couple more new sketches! I will also be giving you some new hints about the brand new Design Team that I am so fortunate to be a part of. You definitely won't want to 'cut' out on tomorrow's post LOL

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. TGIF TGIF!!! YAYAY!!!!

It's Getting Closer!!!!

2009-09-10T12:59:00.002-05:00

There are quite a few things getting closer!!!! One is the Shimmerz secret shhhh. The other is a new Design Team that I can NOT wait to share with you. This is going to be an incredible place, and everyone will love the inspiration there.

I had a few quick minutes before I take the baby (yes I know he is almost 5) to the doctor. He has been running this fever and can't seem to kick it. Of course, who isn't paranoid at this point about Swine Flu, so I would rather be safe than sorry.

I wanted to let everyone know that you should definitely make a point of stopping by tomorrow for a Triple The Sketch blog hop!!!! We will be sharing projects both tomorrow and Saturday. It will be a lot of fun with these amazing designers. Also, you will want to head over to Triple The Sketch and check it out also :)

We are moving right along with the giveaways. Today is only the 9th, so you still have until the 14th to spread the words and leave your comments :)

I also want to share something with you. School has started, and with our family it can be quite overwhelming. Especially when your husband is only home 6 months out of the year. Well, I am struggling with some issues with the kids. I have been crying each and every day because it has been too much. God is working an amazing work, and I know it and I feel it. The impatient person in me wants Him to hurry up, but His timing will be perfect. I just want to ask that you would please pray for my family. Our family is as strong as ever, but one of our children is really having some issues. I have had some very hurtful comments made to me, and I know that they don't mean them. Please just pray for peace for my sweet child. He has way too much on his little plate, and he is not old enough to understand how to deal with it. Thank you for the prayers I know will be lifted in his name.

I am going to leave you with a picture of Shelby and my niece. These are two of the sassiest little princesses that have ever entered this world. But they both have my heart :)

Some Exciting News

2009-09-09T18:04:00.003-05:00

Now I have a big secret! I know that I can trust y'all not to tell anyone *tee hee*!! On September 21, Shimmerz is going to have some very exciting things happening. Don't you want to know?? I sure wish I could tell you, but I can give you a hint.....Vintage! I am SO excited about being able to share our top secret completely classified information with y'all!!! Oh, it is love at first sight. Make sure to mark your calendars for the 21st. Stop by to check out what all of the excitement is about, and for a chance to win some free goodies. Here is a sneak :)

I have so many things to share, but I can't just yet. Some are fantastically wonderful, and some are sad. But, God is definitely working great things for so many people :)

I have a card to share with you today. I used mostly Melissa Frances (love her) with some Prima flowers. I have to stitch on most cards because I love the feel that it gives to them. I made this while taking care of my precious Chisum. He started running a fever last night (103 degrees). He has just laid around today, and it breaks my heart. So, here is my card.

Make sure to click the box on the top left of the blog to leave your comment to win LOTS of free stuff :) I can't wait to see who gets the brand new Slice :D

I hope everyone is having a fantastic week. It's half way over YAY!!!!

TGIF!!

2009-09-04T06:27:00.005-05:00

I can't believe that it is only the second week of school. Goodness! I feel like we have been back in this routine for a while now!! We are extremely blessed that our children do very well in school, so it is not a struggle to get them to go. We have been discussing trying to home school the kids. I would like to try to see if it would work for us. Now the biggest problem is that the boys ask each and every day if I am going to pull them out of school Right NOW!!! They are such hard workers, and they like the thought of being able to be outside, riding horses, being in the hayfield. If I can only convince them that work will come before play LOL We are praying about it and researching it. There are some amazing people that home school their children, and they have been able to answer questions, share information, and direct me to websites. The selfish part of me really likes the idea of the kids being at home learning. We will see :)

Callie girl is finally getting over strep throat (thank goodness), and now we are counting down because in a few days she will get her braces. Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday she was cutting her first tooth. Here is a semi blurry picture of the first day of school. Have you ever noticed that it is a little difficult to take good pictures with tears in your eyes :)

She is such a beautiful person inside and out. I could thank God every second of every minute for the rest of my life, and it still would not express my appreciation for giving us the 5 most wonderful blessings!

I have a card to share with you from the Shimmerz/Paper Popsicles swap. I have personally purchased their kits before and I was amazed at how much they put in the kits. They are one of the most reasonable kit clubs around. If you are trying to save a few dollars, but like me can't live without your kits, definitely try one of their many kits. You will be glad that you did.

I used Caramel Shimmerz on the tree trunk. I love that with Shimmerz you can have as much bling or as little bling as you want :)

I have a favor!
I have been asked to participate in a Cards for Heroes card drive in our community. If you know me, you know that my brother is serving in Iraq right now, so this is very near and dear to my heart. We need your help :) If you have extra cards sitting around, and would like to donate them to a soldier protecting our freedom, please send them. Also, we are asking that you would even write a short little note in the card for the soldiers. I have said this so many times, but you don't have to support the war to support our troops. Think about how receiving a card makes you feel. Now imagine, serving in a foreign country and receiving a card from someone you don't know saying thanks :) If you would like to help, email me at dwycough7@aol.com We will be having the official card drive on September 26, and wouldn't it be great to send thousands of cards??

Also! Make sure to click the link at the top of my blog for your chance to win some goodies.

I hope everyone has a very blessed day, a very Blessed Friday!!!! Thank you so much for stopping by. As always, I am humbled by your sweet words and support :)

Wonder Woman Who??

2009-09-02T19:18:00.004-05:00

Half way through the week is always a good thing :) I have been working on tons of stuff lately, so I really haven't had a chance to post much. I just wanted to stop by and said that this week at Shimmerz, we are doing a swap with Paper Popsicles!!! These kits are fantastic. They are loaded with TONS of yummy things. So, run on over to both blogs to see what the Design Teams are doing! Great things are going on :)

Also, the comments are pretty low for a new Slice. I guess there are not very many people wanting a free one LOL Remember, at the end of the giveaway, there is going to be an exciting announcement about a brand new AMAZING design team :D I can't wait to share!!!

I will be posting a link to the giveaway at the top of the blog for easy access!! Go ahead and post a comment. I think so far I have given away 3 Slices, 1 Cricut Expression, 1 Cricut, and 4 or 5 Bind It Alls this year. You never know what is up my sleeve :)

I hope everyone is having a great week. I have to leave you with a super sweet friend of mines layout that she created layout. Come on gals, we need to convince her we need some t-shirts LOL Check this out:

**Note** Mrs. Jeni Bosivert is one of the most talented women, sweetest gals that I know. How blessed am I to call her friend! Check out her blog and you will be in love :)

Triple The Shimmerz

2009-08-30T10:59:00.005-05:00

We made it through the first week of school! YAY!!! I feel like this is a rather large task that was accomplished. We had 4 in 3 different schools, 2 football players with 3 days of practice, 1 7th grader with 3 days of volleyball practice and 2 days of cheer leading practice, 1 Daddy in the hayfield for 4 days, and 1 Mama who is just so happy that everyone had a great week ;D Now, the 7th grader has strep throat or a sinus infection, AND the palette expander that we have to turn every day...Well, the keyhole has magically disappeared and I don't know where it has went! I am thinking that she may have forgotten about it and ate some hard candy! There is no telling!!

The temperature has finally started to dip into the low 90's. I don't expect it to last very long, but I will take cooler temperatures any day. What I can't take is my computer showing me the Blue Screen of Death constantly! I have called tech support (who offered very minimal support), and it still is not resolved. Ho Hum!! At least I can get in the back way without the blue screen.

At Triple The Sketch this week, we combined 2 of my favorite things....Triple The Sketch and Shimmerz! All the TTS girls were able to play with the newest sketch and Shimmerz. All the Shimmerz girls did the same. Oh my goodness! The layouts and cards were absolutely stunning! I am SO blessed to be a part of these 2 amazing teams! If you want to win some Shimmerz, play along with the sketch this week and leave a comment at Triple The Sketch with a link to your creation! One lucky person will win some goodies from Shimmerz!!
Here is the sketch:

ALSO!!! I haven't done a crazy blog giveaway in a while, and I thought it might be time :) From now until September 14, everyone who stops by and leaves a comment (1 a day), AND becomes a follower AND leaves a link on your blog, you will be entered in a giveaway for...

Drumroll please!!!!

A new Slice Starter Set!!! It comes with everything you need to pull it out of the box and get started making some die cuts! This is to celebrate a new Design Team that I will let you know about at the end of the giveaway!!! Plus, 2 people will each win some highly top secrets from Shimmerz! Hmmm...makes you wonder! AND 3 lucky people will win a gorgous stash from Prima, and Melissa Frances ! SO! Make sure you let everyone know to come by and leave a comment.

Make sure to jump over to Baylee Tadlocks blog by clicking here. We are still raising donations for this family, and every little bit will help. Please keep praying for the Tadlock's. They need to feel the prayers of people, and feel God's loving arms holding them.

I hope everyone has an extraordinarily Blessed week! Remember, if God is for us who can stand against us :)

Cornish Heritage Farms

2009-08-26T09:54:00.003-05:00

**One little note**
This past weekend, I had the extraordinary honor of being asked to be the Guest Designer for Create Well, Create Often. I was completely taken back, especially because last week the Guest Designer was Daniela Dobson....Danielle....Daniela...Hm! Those are some rather large shoes to fill :) Please stop by and say hi :) This has become one of my favorite blogs!!!!

I have to admit that until this stamp set from Cornish Heritage Farms, I had not had the privilege of using their stamps. I have always loved their style, and the stamps that they have. So, this was so much fun for me :)

When I received this stamp set, I knew immediately what I wanted to do with it. It is such a gorgeous set, and even though I only used three of the stamps from this set, it is full of possibilities! This set reminded me of a vintage typewriter, and then I saw it. I saw a vintage pen! That's when I knew what I had to create! This is what I came up with.

I used two different postal stamps from CHF for the bucket and the bird. It is a little hard to tell because it is covered, but it is a postal mark, and it looks gorgeous being coated with Bubble Gum Shimmerz! Then I used a journaling stamp to create the tag. I used Bamboo Leaf Spritz, Cotton Candy Spritz, and Bubble Gum Shimmerz on this project. I painted the bucket white, and then spritzed it with Bamboo Leaf. When it was dry, I spritzed the Cotton Candy Spritz to give it the pink tint. I took and dipped a cosmetic wedge in the Bubble Gum Shimmerz and painted the rims of the bucket and the handle. I also used the cosmetic wedge to ink the stamps. The tag is spritzed with both colors, and then I also painted with the Bubble Gum Shimmerz. I stamped the bird, spritzed the Melissa Frances wings, and spritzed the Prima flowers and leaves. I really like the way you can stamp using Shimmerz. It gives it such a look that is original and unique.

Make sure to visit the Shimmerz Blog to see what the Design Team has created using Shimmerz and Cornish Heritage Farms stamps.

I hope everyone is having an extremely blessed week! We are slowly getting back into the school routine! Thank you so much for stopping by!

The Countdown Begins!

2009-08-22T12:05:00.004-05:00

At our house, we are officially counting down until the first day of school. I can't believe it is here. The summer has flown by, and school starting has caught me off guard. Usually, I have everything ready. I am SO far behind! But, it will be ok and God will provide everything for the week :)

I was going to post some things yesterday, but my camera would not let me take any pictures. It scared me for a bit because there is no way we would be getting another Canon SLR right now!!! I went and bought a new memory card because I thought I would rather spend $20 than what it would cost for a new camera. It worked!!! By the time I switched it out, it was too late to take any pictures. I am going to try and do that today. I do have a couple of cards to share with you. This is from Triple The Sketch Sketch #70. I love Melissa Frances, and I will use something from her as often as I can :) On this card, I used a little resin frame to make the center of the card. I like to use things out of the box. Things that are usually used for something else. So, here is my card for Sketch #70. Make sure to check out Triple The Sketch for what the rest of the Design Team did. Everything is Gorgeous....again!! They are so talented :) Also, make sure to join us next weekend for a surprise!!! I wonder what it will be ;)

Did you notice the sun? Do you want to guess what I used? :) Yep! Sunny Yellow Shimmerz! I can't seem to make anything without using Shimmerz.
I made this card for a special little boy who is turning 1. I love Sassafras Lass' vintage look. They made sure to cover all the bases for little boys and little girls.

You have to look but I embossed the polka dot paper just enough to give it a little texture.

This next week, we are doing a swap with Cornish Heritage Farms Stamps! I will be posting some projects starting on Tuesday. There might even be some blog candy involved *hint hint*

I hope everyone has a Very Blessed weekend! We are going to be taking it easy (well, as easy as we can when we are not rushing to get things done) and enjoying each other and the kids :)See you on Monday!

Has It Been A Week?

2009-08-20T21:42:00.002-05:00

Oh my goodness! I can't believe that I have not posted in a week ;) The kids start school on Monday, so we have been trying to get things done and taken care of. Yesterday, Callie had to participate with a fundraiser. A car wash fundraiser, and do you want to take a wild guess who else was able to participate? If you said that I was able to help, you are correct! How lucky can one person be? Well, let's see. Thirteen 13 year olds.........ALL teenage girls......ALL cheerleaders........In the Texas heat.........Yeah, I don't think so. Oh, but I did. The girls were able to raise quite a bit of money for a special little boy who at only 6 months has been diagnosed with Leukemia. So, it was definitely worth every bit of it :) Speaking of fundraisers! In the last week, I have witnessed first hand the love, care, and generosity of the crafting community. I have been moved to tears by the response of strangers who want to donate to Baylee, Sonda and Duane Tadlock. There has been over $300 donated, and a host of companies that are going to be doing some fundraising for Baylee also. I will keep you posted on these.
Ok, now for a little humor! It never stays dull for long around here. First, let me tell you about my little princess. While the kids were in Houston, they were able to get quite a bit of swimming in and were also able to go to a water park. None of our children are shy, and each of them seem to attract people. So, the water park was no place different. Shelby had made a new friend, and was having a good time with her. My mother in law was watching them, and said that before she knew it, a little boy came up to her and told her, "She just bit me!". My MIL pointed at Shelby and asked him if it was her. He nodded yes. When Miss Shelby Jo came down, this was the conversation that took place:
"Shelby, did you just bite that little boy?"
"Yes ma'am!"
"Well, Darlin' why did you bite him?"
"Noni, he told me to."
"He told you to?"
"Yes ma'am. He said 'just bite me'!!!!!!"
Yep! I don't know where in the world she would get her naivety. Hmmm...

Mr. Chisum on the other hand, seems to bring that same naivety out in me.
My Baby???
No, not at all.
The boys have had football practice every night this week, and by the time it gets over and we get home, it is about 9pm. So, I thought maybe it would be easier to grab a bite to eat in town and then go home. The kids all knew what they wanted, and each wanted a milk shake. All of our kids love Blue Bell Bubble Gum Milkshakes. Well, to be honest, I kind of like them too ;) They gave us our shakes, and we pulled the car forward. Suddenly, Ethan and Chisum start yelling for me. Chisum's milkshake was leaking all over him and the car. The cup had a hole in it. I put my hands over the hole, and took it inside the restaurant. The guy inside was so apologetic, and nice about the situation. He took the cup, and said he would get us another shake. He returned a couple of minutes later. Apparently, the hole had not been there when we received the shake. In fact, it was there due to my little man. The guy behind the counter handed me a Nintendo DS pen. When he took the cup back and dumped the shake. The Nintendo DS pen was sticking out of the cup!!!! Of course, I was shocked and I guess the look on my face showed that because the little guy started shaking his head and laughing. When I got back to the car I asked the kids why they didn't tell me that the hole was there because someone had put a Nintendo Pen through it. They just sat there, and said, "Well, we figured you would see the pen sticking out of it!". UGH! I probably should have looked :)
I hope everyone has had a fabulous week! I will be posting some more later on. I have been playing around a little and have made a couple of cards and I altered something ;)

What A Great Friday!

2009-08-14T21:52:00.005-05:00

Today has been a great day. It actually started last night when I received an email from Alisha Gordon asking to publish one of my cards in CARDS magazine!! Now, since I haven't submitted maybe ever, this was such a shock! I was crying because I was so excited, and Stacey (thanks girl) got a phone call from me at almost 10 p.m. because I just had to call her and tell her :) This card will be in the January issue, and I guess just the acknowledgment of someone thinking my work was good enough to be published is amazing.

God is so good! Through the donations for Baylee, Sonda, and Duane, the donations have been rolling in. I am so thankful to be a part of a community that cares so much for other people. Even God tells us that the two greatest commandments are "To love Him with all your heart....", and the second, "Love your neighbor as yourself." A neighbor is anyone who has a need. This is a family with a huge need, and the need will remain. I had the privilege of talking to Sonda tonight on the phone, and she sounded good all things considered. Her faith is strong, and they have a wonderful church family that has been helping with meals, and such. She is such a phenomenal woman, and I was completely impressed with her. We cried a little, we talked about Baylee, and we talked about the people wanting to help. They are very appreciative.

Today, I also received an email from Korin Sutherland, the owner of Sweet'n Sassy Stamps
, and she has a very special set of stamps that with each purchase made $2.00 will go to the Tadlock Family. Here is the cutest set ever.

I was blessed to work with Korin a while back, and her gentleness, her soft tone, and her loving attitude just exude how Jesus taught us to live. To purchase the stamps, please click on the link above. These were originally created for Korin's niece who was diagnosed with leukemia, but by the healing hand of God, she is in remission.

I have been contacted by some other people who are interested in helping with raising money for the family. If you are an individual or a company, and would like to participate, please contact me. We want to make sure that we can help care for the family.

Also, today at Triple The Sketch, we had a really fun sketch. Lately, I have received 3 sets of Sassafras Lass Me Likey, so I thought, why not? I was pleased with the way it came out. I think it's just the playfulness and colors. I can definitely see a few cards with this collection.

One last thing for the night. Stay tuned to Shimmerz. We have so many fun things planned and you will not want to miss any of these!!! Oh my goodness, I would love to tell you.....but I can't :D Soon enough, my sweet friends.

Thank you so much for everyone who has been donating towards the Tadlock Family. You are a huge blessing. I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. Remember to kiss you kids a little extra this weekend. Thank you Sonda for allowing me to share parts of your story.

Remember, you can click on the blinkie and it will take you to the donation page.

They're Back!!!

2009-08-13T19:26:00.003-05:00

Well, I am writing this in my last few minutes of peace and quiet. Why, you ask? Because the four children, whom I would gladly give my life for are about to bound through the door. Have you ever had that happen, and within a few minutes you feel like they never left? This was a difficult time for them to be gone right now. With my brother going back, and Prince Charming returning to work, it really did get me down. But, Satan, you have already been defeated so just back off. Callie and I went to Prince Charming's rig yesterday and we stayed in a hotel. I needed him to make things ok. Don't get me wrong, I don't want him to take the place of God in my life, but sometimes he can just make things great. Just by holding me and telling me it's going to be ok. But the kids are about to be here, and Prince Charming will be home Tuesday.

I can't believe that the kids only have one more week of summer vacation. Where has it gone? This has been the quickest summer on record :) It has been enjoyable, and I have really enjoyed being able to spend as time as I did with Prince Charming and the kids.

Plus, my brother came home, and that was definitely a huge highlight of our summer. I miss him. **Are you happy?? Doesn't say a single word about you?**

BUT, it has been a great summer, We have a fundraiser for a 10 month old with leukemia this week, and please keep passing on the news about Baylee, and try to get as many peopl o donate as possible. Donations are coming in very steadily, and I am trying to find one of those little counters that you can put on the side of the blog. If anyone knows of one, please let me know :)

Thank you all for all of your encouraging words, and your support. I am moved to cry at least once a day by an email I receive! Tonya - it was you today ! I hope that each of you know what amazing blessings you are to me.

Please keep these families in your prayers. Take care and I will see yo tomorrow.

The Tadlock Family

2009-08-11T12:50:00.004-05:00

Baylee Tadlock is a 13 year old precious daughter to Duane and Sonda Tadlock. She was recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and was given a prognosis of 30 days to live. At this time, Baylee is getting weaker, and we don't know how much longer she will be able to hold on. But our Heavenly Father does. We can be sure that He will be there waiting for her when the angels usher sweet Baylee into the gates of Heaven.

**One little piece of info. I found out that Baylee loves the little mermaid. How about some mermaid card ladies :) Just let me know if you want the snail mail address and I can get that to you as well.**

Baylee is an only child, and we want to raise money for the Tadlocks. This will be a long grieving process, and we in the scrapping community need to pull together and let them know that we care about them, and we support them. We are asking for donations that will be turned into gift cards for restuarants and visa cards, and to help with bills and other expenses. This is real, and this is a reality that the Tadlocks are having to face every minute. If you want to check in on Baylee and Duane and Sonda, you can do so by visiting their blog at sondat.typepad.com

Please join us in helping this family. If you would like to send cards of encouragement and support to the Tadlocks, please email me for their snail mail addy. Sonda is the owner of www.cupcardstogo.blogspot.com and she is an amazing woman. We are asking for you to help by posting the blinkie on your blog, passing the information on, and letting people know how they can help. God is at work here, and we serve an All Mighty God. Through this He will be Glorified, and precious Baylee will be filling the streets of Heaven with her sweet laughter.

You can click on the button below to be taken to PayPal to donate. Please know that 100% of the money collected will be going directly to the Tadlock family.

It's An EAD Blog Hop!

2009-08-11T10:06:00.003-05:00

Well, I wasn't for sure that I was going to be able to get the set done that I wanted to for the Blog Hop.....and guess what? I didn't!!! But, I did make a card for the blog hop, and I liked the way it came out. I also photographed a side view of the rub-ons so that you can see how thick they are.

I am working on a cute set right now, and I should have it done (with out any interruptions or emergencies) by the next blog hop :)

So, here is my card for this week. I used the EAD Designs "You Are My Sunshine" Rub-Ons; a vintage button that I purchased at a thrift store, and a piece of paper from a Scarlet Lime kit.

Make sure to check out the other DT members fantastic creations:
Amy
Jenn
Susan
Valerie
Vicki
and our Guest Designer this month:
Raechelle Bellus

I hope that you have enjoyed another EAD Blog Hop. See you next time!

Welcome Monday!

2009-08-09T20:33:00.003-05:00

Today is definitely an odd Monday for me. I woke up with only Callie and I in the house. The other kids are all in Houston until Thursday, and it is such a strange feeling without them here. I am actually quite sad that they are not here, but I know that they will enjoy their time down there. So, I am not sure what Callie and I will be doing this week. We might take some time and do some school shopping. It will be nice to be able for her and I to hang out.

Yesterday, was another day that I hope never is repeated again. Prince Charming called me at 7 am, and told me that they had taken my SIL to the hospital because she was doubled over in pain. The reason being that her fallopian tube had ruptured, and the surgeon had to remove to the tube. About 3 hours after the surgery, she was on her way home. It was definitely scary for us, but I felt better knowing that there were so many people praying for her.

Also, I would like to tell you about the Tadlock family. Duane and Sonda have a sweet daughter named Baylee. Baylee was diagnosed recently with an inoperable brain tumor and was given a prognosis of 30 days. Over at Willow Trader's they are collecting donations to purchase gift cards for the family, and things to help the family so that they can spend every remaining moment that they have with Baylee. So, please go by and donate. Also, if you would like to send a card to the family, email me for the snail mail addy. Please, please, please, keep this precious family in your prayers.

The last thing that I have to show is a card that I did for Triple The Sketch. What I love about it, is that it was so simple and quick. But it came out really cute.

I will have some fun stuff to share with you this week. I hope everyone has a fabulous Monday!

Cuttlebug Challenge #42

2009-08-05T21:04:00.005-05:00

Well, I haven't been a very good blogger lately for a couple of reasons. One, my internet absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt hates me. I am doing well to stay on line for more than five minutes. Uploading.....Not a chance. My Blackberry and I have become uncomfortably close lately. Plus, I have really been spending a lot of time praying, and just taking it easy with my family. Prince Charming had to go back to work, which is always awful. But this time especially. He has only been gone for around 36 hours, and I want him home. But, I am doing really well. Sometimes I think I try to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders alone, and God finally convinced me that it's not my job! So, it's been a great relief to know that He is totally in control of every situation, and every thing He chooses is perfect. No matter how much it hurts, how sad it seems, it is all a part of His perfect plan. God is so Good!!!

The boys have started football practice this week, and I just can't believe we are this close to school starting! Where has the summer gone? It's been nice (with the few exceptions) to have the kids home every day. It will be lonely when they go back to school, and Prince Charming is at work. I plan on making those days my scrapping days, and I am looking forward to it actually. It sounds so nice to "plan" those days :) I am so blessed that I am able to stay at home.

Anyway, today I did something. I sat down and created a card!! My mojo hasn't really been flowing the last few days, but I was finally able to start shaking it off. I have really been enjoying doing the Cuttlebug Challenges, and I was afraid that I wasn't going to be able to complete this weeks. But, I did. Granted, it's not the best thing I have done. It was nice to make something though. I have never really been into many challenge sites, but I find so much inspiration there. I have met some of the most fabulous people who I admire.

So, here my card. It had to be a Gate Fold card, and I had never made one of these before, so that in itself was a huge challenge. I really figured that it would be very simple, and I would fly right through it! Yep, NOT!!! Like I said, it's not the best, but it was fun to create something I have never made before :)

I have to give a BIG congratulations to one my sweetest friends!!! Elizabeth Carney made the Design Team at American Crafts!!! I am so excited for her. I seriously don't think I could be more excited it was me. She is such an amazing Christian woman, and I love her dearly! I am blessed to know her! So, good luck my sweet friend!! Let your light shine :)

It's A Sad Day

2009-07-31T19:51:00.003-05:00

There are very few times when I am actually sad. Most of the time, I am very upbeat cheery, and can make anyone smile. But, today, I don't want to. I don't want to smile. I don't want to see anyone. I really just want to lock myself in my room and cry. Why? Because for the second time in a year, I had to say good bye to my brother, not knowing if that will be the last time I hug him. In the morning, he is going back to Iraq. I know I am not the only one, and there are so many families that have it so much worse than we do. But he's my baby brother, my bubba. When I hugged him, I didn't want to let go. I didn't want him to leave. I just held on. My brother is a soldier, and I am so proud of him, but I want my brother home. I want him to stay and hang out with us and play with the kids. I want him to stay and pick on me and tease me. I don't want him to go back. I know it's selfish because he is not over there for himself. He is over there for us. All of us. You may not support the wars that are going on, but you can support each soldier over there. They have people that love them. They have families that miss them so much it hurts when they are gone. They don't do it to be heroes, even though they are. They do it to defend a country that they love so much. They do it to keep us safe from terrorists, and so that we can live without fear. So, in the morning, my brother the soldier, will board a plane to go back to Iraq to protect each of us. I do have faith. I know that no matter what, God will take care of my brother. However that may be, God will be with Him. For all the times I haven't said I love you enough, I Love you Danny! You are my Hero!
I know I am probably depressing everyone, and I am sorry. It has been such a tough week. There is a family spending their last days with their daughter who has an inoperable brain tumor. There is a precious little boy battling Leukemia for the second time in his short life. Two young girls were playing with a gun, which they did not know was loaded. One pointed the gun and pulled the trigger. This lovely girl would have been a sophomore this year. There is a sweet 10 month old baby in our town who has recently been diagnosed with Leukemia. Someone very close to us has been going through some very difficult times. Our pool man's mother, who is not just our pool guy but a friend, has the end stages of breast cancer. A teacher at the high school here has been battling lung cancer for over a year, and the cancer is winning. BUT, our God is HUGE! He is bigger than any of these issues, and I know that He will be Glorified is each of these situations. I know God is with them, and cradling them in His loving arms. Your Will, God. Your Will! Please just keep my brother, and these other families in your prayers. God provides miracles all the time, and I am praying for many miracles. God's ways are not like ours, and His way is sometimes more difficult, and it hurts more. But God is so good!

I have a layout to show you. It wasn't a coincidence that this layout was shown today. I have looked back at it, many times today. So, I want to leave you with my layout. Thank y'all for your encouragement and support. I wish I could repay each of you for your kindness and friendship. I am so Blessed to be among y'all. May God richly Bless you!

Good Bye July!

2009-07-29T17:21:00.002-05:00

Wow! I haven't posted in a while! This week has been just crazy. Monday, Chisum had a dentist appointment. Tuesday, Shelby had a dentist appointment. Monday Callie started volleyball camp at 8am!!! Then Shelby started Cheer camp at 6 pm! I had offered to help with the cheer camp, and when we showed up I was then a coach! How does that happen? Well, I know how. I can't say no!!! Big character flaw!

So, I have been tied up with that. Also, when Prince Charming is home I tend to do quite a bit from my Blackberry and not on the computer as much. But, I have been creating some fun things.

Guess what? It's Wednesday, and that means that there is another Cuttlebug Challenge. I might just have to go back to the beginning and start at challenge #1, because I am having so much fun with these :D That is what I am working on at the moment.

Also, I posted a new Bible Study at Scripture Scrappers, and I think this is going to be a great study. One that applies to everyone. Stop by and join us if you get a chance.

One last thing. If you want a chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate to Shimmerz, you only have a couple of more days left to make a purchase and leave a comment on the Shimmerz blog. So, RUN!!!

I hope everyone is having a Blessed week.

A Real Tweet Card :)

2009-07-25T19:18:00.003-05:00

This is going to be a short post today. I wanted to show you my latest card from Triple The Sketch. But, before I do I want to say something about the TTS team. These are the some of the most amazing women I know. I completely admire each and everyone of them because of who they are and their faith. They have a relationship with our Lord and Savior, and they boldly declare it for everyone to know. They are mentors, and women that I know I can always ask to pray for me, friends, or family. They are a huge Blessings in my life, and I love them dearly. I want them to know this :)

Here is my card from Triple The Sketch that was posted today. I used Lily Bee patterned papers and rub-ons. These have become one of my favorites of the new paper companies. They are the best.
Sketch 66:

The Card:

A Close Up

Please stop by Scripture Scrappers on Monday as we will beginning a new 6 week long Bible study over Obedience. In such a free for all world, we need to get back to the basics and put First things First. We teach our children that they should obey us, and then show them disobedience in our life when we choose not to follow God. I know this is going to be a fantastic study, and one where there will be plenty of learning and growing. We will be tossing in some fun challenges over the Bible study, and daily devotionals. We will also be discussing the Bible study questions each day. So, if you are looking for a place that you can incorporate your faith with crafting, this is THE place :) We are getting ready to launch a new site with a message board and gallery, and please pray that all we do with it will Glorify Him. I am so excited that Taylor Usry has joined us as a Design Team member, and I can't wait to see how God will use her at Scripture Scrappers. You can check out her inspirational blog HERE. If you want to grow closer to Him, and fellowship with other Christians then please drop by. We would love to have you.
I hope everyone is having a Blessed weekend! Take care sweet friends!

Oh, and if you know of some blogs that are absolutely outstanding make sure to leave a comment with the link, so I can check them out. I am getting my list together, and you never know if I might be getting in touch with you :D

Cuttlebug #41 - Christmas Set

2009-07-23T17:07:00.006-05:00

I finished the Cuttlebug Challenge today!! This week's challenge was to create an altered item from your recycle bin. Honestly, when I first saw this I thought it had to do with my computer :D THEN, I realized that the recycle bin meant a Recycle Bin!! I save scraps and pieces of everything, so I knew that I would have the paper taken care of. I remembered that I had saved a star box the we used for Garrett's Valentine's Day Cards. I had cut a hole in the top, so I had to patch that up first! I used the Basic Grey Wassail Collection that I had played with some last year. Something about 100+ weather that makes me start thinking about Christmas LOL I embossed 2 sheets of 12x12 patterned paper. I used Swiss Dots, and Swirls folders. I took a small piece of sandpaper and lightly sanded the embossed images. I used the embossed paper for everything in the picture. I also had some Prima Say It In Pearls that I had only used pieces of. I thought it was perfect for this project. I plan on using up the rest of the scraps and making a few more Christmas cards. Here are a few pictures.
This is the set:

A close up of the front of the Star Memory Box. I left the tag blank intentionally.

Side view of Star Memory Box. Each section is a different embossing folder, and color.

Tis The Season Card

Noel Card

Here is a little ornament. I have some really neat ideas about different ornaments this year!!

Supplies: Patterned Paper - Basic Grey Wassail; Cardstock - Bazzill Basics; Rub-ons - Cosmo Cricket, Pink Paislee; Pearls - Say It In Pearls, Melissa Frances; Ribbon- Stampin' Up!, My Stash, Chipboard Heart - Melissa Frances; Star Box - Hobby Lobby; Coaster for Ornament - Unknown; Brad - Unknown. Tools - Cuttlebug Swiss Dots & Swirls Embossing Folder; Stampin' Up 3/4" Punch, Stampin' Up Scalloped Punch; Tim Holtz Tonic Scissors; EK Success Decorative Scissors.

I really enjoyed making this, and was surprised by how quickly it came together. Thank y'all for coming by and visiting. I hope that everyone is having a fantastic week, and that each of you will have a Blessed weekend!!!

A Funny Thing Happened..

2009-07-23T02:06:00.004-05:00

Imagine that! A funny thing happening in this oh so solemn home. Tuesday, Prince Charming came home! No, that is NOT what is funny ;) What was funny, is that I started reminiscing back to last summer when we were in Houston for 3 weeks with the Prince while he was in an engineering school. Yes, teachers, I believe that is a run-on sentence! So, I was digging through my dresser attempting to find the perfect, comfortable, sexy, most sensible and comfortable pajamas to wear. Did I say comfortable twice? I happened to pull out a white cotton tank that I absolutely used to love to sleep in. It is one of those so soft shirts that you keep wearing over and over and over. That was until last summer.
Prince Charming and I were sound asleep. How do I know this? Much to his dismay, he does in fact snore quite loudly. Callie has had friends stay the night, and that is how they knew that he was completely out. They wanted to stay up all night and be, well girls!!
On with the funny thing:
We were sound asleep in Houston. Sleeping so well that Prince Charming started dreaming (about what I have no idea & he denies remembering anything). I noticed him moving, but dismissed it. Until I heard this RRRIIIIPPP......He had turned towards me, grabbed the side of my cute little comfortable tank and ripped it down the seam. I don't mean he just tore it a bit. I am talking when I jumped up because I could not figure out what had just happened, my shirt from under my arm down to my hip bone, was wide open. Oopsie, another run on. He did NOT wake up at all during my obvious anxious state. I sat in a chair FAR away from him for a while to make sure that he wasn't going to try and rip off any other articles of clothing. Yes, folks, he really was sleeping while he did this ;) I finally returned to the bed and to sleep. The rest of the night was uneventful, which my wardrobe appreciated immensely. When I woke up the next morning, I immediately started trying to wake him up. I asked him what he had been dreaming about. He didn't remember. I asked him why he had apparently felt the need to rip my shirt nearly off in the middle of the night. He had no clue. But, he did raise an eyebrow and with a sly grin, let out a hearty laugh. Oh, my Sweet Sweet Prince!! The memories that you create for us!! Seriously, I don't know that I have ever heard of someone tearing their spouses clothes off while sleeping. Sleep walking, yes!! Sleep talking, sure! Sleep ripping, never!

I also want to share some great news! No, I am not pregnant! Shimmerz released 4 new colors this week, and they are Amazing!! I have fallen in love with every one, but I am completely deeply, madly, truly in love with Island Salsa Blingz! Say it again: Island Salsa Blingz!
It just sounds so good, it bears repeating.
Island Salsa Blingz!!!
Yep, YUM!

If you head over to the Shimmerz Shop, make a purchase, AND leave a comment on the Shimmerz Blog, you will be entered in a drawing for a $25.00 gift certificate for those little jars of shimmery goodness! Woo Hoo!! If you have wanted to stock up on your favorite colors, or wanted to try them, now is a Great time!
Here are the new colors:
Tickle Me Turquoise Shimmerz *giggle*

Jilted Jade Shimmerz

Island Salsa Blingz

Ok....say it again.....Island Salsa Blingz ;)

And Caribbean Sunset Spritz

Are they not absolutely gorgeous?? Yes, I think so too!

I am working on the new Cuttlebug Challenge and will hopefully have it finished today so that I can post it. It is such a fun challenge this week, and I have multiple items to show with it :D

Thank you for stopping by. Make sure to leave a comment, so I can come visit your blog. I am on a hunt for a few crafty blogs to post on Inspirational Craft Blogs. I hope everyone is having a Blessed week!! Take care.

A Card For A Hero

2009-07-21T01:34:00.005-05:00

Well, I wanted to drop in and share a card that I made for Triple The Sketch. This is going to be another quick post, BUT I will be back later on today with some Delicious news :D The sketch was created by Design Team member Alisa!! Here is her great sketch, and my take on it :)

I hope everyone has had a fabulous start to their week, and it will continue to be Blessed!

Mojo Monday Card

2009-07-19T19:49:00.002-05:00

When you want to upload something, why does Blogger not want to work??? I decided to play along with Mojo Monday this week. I have always wanted to, so I finally got my chance. The sketch is great and I had a lot of fun with it. I will definitely make this a regular stop on Monday's!!! It's definitely not my best, but I can't wait to play again tomorrow :) Here is the sketch and my card. Hope everyone has a Blessed week!!

Cuttlebug Challenge #40

2009-07-16T20:08:00.003-05:00

I think I have a new obsession....the Cuttlebug Challenges!!! I literally could not wait for Wednesday so that I could see the new challenge :D This challenge was a sketch, and since I create my own sketches, this was right up my alley. The bonus was to use the texture folder. Now, I have to be honest about this....I am not sure what "the" texture folder is. I am hoping it is any embossing folder with texture :) I ended up using my trusty Swiss Dots folder. Now, I do have quite a few, and I am working on a couple of more for this challenge, but I can't resist using Swiss Dots whenever I can.

Here is the card I created using an add-on kit from Studio Calico

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope that everyone has a Blessed day!!

Some Shimmery News

2009-07-15T17:35:00.004-05:00

WOW!!! I have some exciting news to share with you. You know those little jars of shimmery goodness that I talk about excessively? Well, Shimmerz is about to release 4 new delecious, yummy, tropical colors for CHA. They are gorgeous. I wanted to share a sneak peek with you. The new colors will be released next week, and you will definitely want to get your hands on these. You can order them directly from Shimmerz, or you can find a retailer on the Shimmerz site who carries the products. So, take a look, and let you mind drift off to lying on the beach sipping on a fruity drink. Of course I mean a smoothie ;) Here they are:

I hope that every is having a blessed week. We are on the downhill slide :D