wOnDeRfUlLy AvErAgE dAy

The Play Date Cafe #183

I'm so grateful for ordinary days.

When my husband retired from the Army 5 years ago...I rejoiced in the fact that we could finally have the "average".

The melody of his tires coming up the driveway...even the rhythm of the trashcan being dragged down the road (by him, not me) is SWEET and oh so PRECIOUS.

"Hey hon, can you get this BIG BUG for me???" I squeal...batting my eyelashes.

He rolls his eyes, because he knows that I can handle these "muscle man" jobs...but to have him around to do them...

IT'S SO SPECIAL!

sigh.

He's my prince. ;)

"YOU'RE MY HERO!!!" I yell after he's rescued me from these killer insects.

He may not be saving the world at the moment, like so many dedicated soldiers, 

but HE IS at home saving mine.

I APPRECIATE and RECOGNIZE the sacrifices of so many military, missionary, and "out of the ordinary" families that crave...

and HOLD OUT for the days when their lives will be ordinary and average.

We lived that roller coaster lifestyle for quite awhile.

There are so many who won't have ordinary again~because of the death of their loved one.

Treasure the ordinary and average.

For some...

those days are novel and extraordinary~

stamps: Technique Tuesday Ordinary Days

ink: Papertrey Ink (New Leaf,Enchanted Evening),Memento Ink Dandelion 

other: Want2Scrap bling,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper

paper: Georgia Pacific white,Bazzill blue

Papertrey May Blog Hop Challenge

I'm so glad I can participate today in 

Papertrey's May Blog Hop Challenge~

I chose this Bouquet Builder to work with:

 I love the purples, blues and pink~

I brought out elements from Rosie Posie and RP Step 2 sets.

 

Now to hop around and view the inspiration ~ see you there!

stamps: Papertrey Ink (Rosie Posie,Rosie Posie Step 2,On the Links sentiment)

ink: Papertrey Ink (New Leaf,Hibiscus Burst,Enchanted Evening),Memento Ink Grape Jelly

paper: Prima Instrospection,Papertrey Ink Soft Stone,Georgia Pacific white

other: Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,Want2Scrap adhesive pearls

What God Has Prepared

I love this verse...it has rung true in my life over and over and over....

He is faithful and merciful!

Paper Crafts March Gallery Challenge



Word Art Wednesday Challenge #71

Word Art of 1Corinthians 2:9 is free at this lovely challenge!!!

stamp: Our Daily Bread Designs Scripture Series 3,Mama Elephant Trifecta
ink: Papertrey Ink New Leaf and Hawaiian Shores
die:Sweet n' Sassy New Beginnings,Thank You tag (Silhouette Cameo) sentiment panel
paper: Georgia Pacific white cardstock,American Crafts Sketchbook

~Washi Glow~

Want motivation to use that washi tape?



Take a look at the

Washi Tape Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

I love this funky tape my girlie got me~it has tons of patterns and colors to add to a simple card.



~Go on and glow now~






stamp:Hero Arts Glow Girl
tape:K&Company Section Smash Tape
ink: Hero Arts Neon Pink
paper: Authentique Fresh,Bazzill yellow,Georgia Pacific cardbase
 die: Spellbinders classic circle

~Life is Fleeting~

Whew, life IS fleeting, isn't it????


Where does the time go?

I just received my Prima
paper today and HAD TO PLAY WITH IT.


I inked up Mama Elephant's On Target and added Teresa Collins' elements to reflect this sketch from

Mama Elephant Sketch Challenge 02.

Thank you so much for stopping by friends~I know your time is precious and I appreciate when you spend even a minute here!




stamps: Mama Elephant On Target
ink: Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores, Hero Arts Quiet Morning Ink Cubes (Cup O' Joe)
other: Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Die-Cut Accessory Sheet and stickers
die: Echo Park Arrows (Silhouette Cameo)
other: Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper
paper: Prima Bohemian Bamboo,Georgia Pacific white

Googly Eyes

One of my girlies gave me her extra IPOD googly eyes and I got tired of them staring at me from my craft desk~

now they can stare at someone else! ;)

I also inherited some Happy Birthday confetti from her.

Doesn't my girlie have the cutest embellishments?

I'm really blessed to have teens in the house...they keep me up to date on trendies. ;)

There's some chevron paper for the

Chevron Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

I cut a speech bubble card with my Cameo for the

Speech Bubble Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

Can't seem to stop myself from reaching for the colors of the

Runway Inspired Challenge RIC #31.

It's the middle of the week...how's yours so far????

die: Lori Whitlock 3X5 quote life cards (Silhouette Cameo)

paper: American Crafts Sketchbook,Georgia Pacific white cardstock

other: googly eyes,confetti

 

 

Two-Toned Floral Thanks

Make It Monday #106 Two Toned Flowers

CASE Study Challenge #131

Julie Ebersole


Her card is GORGEOUSLY paneled, with florals as the focus.


I tried to do the same, except with a distressed panel.


~Hope you have a great day~

stamps: Papertrey Ink Rosie Posie and Grunge Me sentiment

ink: WPlus9 White Pigment Ink,Papertrey Ink Hibiscus Burst,Memento Ink Dandelion,Hero Arts Just Beachy ink cubes (Soft Cantaloupe)

dies: My Favorite Things Die-namics sentiment strips

paper: American Crafts Sketchbook,Georgia Pacific white,black

other: Tim Holtz distress tool,Scor-tape

So ThAnKfUl

I love these recycled "so" tags...

they don't last long on my desk.

Check out the fun inspiration at

Runway Inspired Challenge RIC#31.

I was also driven by the

Chevron Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

Maybe I've had too much caffeine today...LOL, hence the overflow of creating and blogging.

I don't want to stop while I feel inspired~hope you are getting some crafty time in also, friends!

stamps: Papertrey Ink Counting My Blessings

dies: Papertrey Ink Counting My Blessings,My Favorite Things Die-namics sentiment strips,Verve Pennant Banner

other: recycled tag

paper: Bazzill gold,American Crafts Sketchbook,Georgia Pacific white

ink: WPlus9 White Pigment Ink

other: My Mind's Eye twine,Crop-a-Dile corner chomper,Xyron,stapler

Gutsy Lady

Told you I was chugging away at that Melody Ross set-I wanna make Mrs. G proud!!!

I spritzed some Dylusion on there for a bit of play~

The Play Date Cafe: PDCC #172

Let's Be Friends

Those bright colors are speaking to me loud and clear!



Have a great day~

 

 die: WPlus9 Written on Ribbon,Spellbinders Wonky Rectangle

 paper and sticker: Melody Ross Soul Food Collection

Georgia Pacific white cardbase,American Crafts Sketchbook

other: Dylusions Ink Sprays Vibrant Turquoise

Vertical Fence and a Butterfly

In light of my previous post....

you might be thinking....

"Wow, Marlena has some pretty great friends".

You would be right.

I am one of those people that needs lots of encouragement...LOL, and God has overflowed my life with that!!!

I felt this card fit Sweet 'n Sassy's

March Release Virtual Stamp Day Challenge #1:CAS

Pop It Up

Keyword: SNSMAR13VSD1

I popped up the sentiment on a vertical fence-not the normal look for a fence, but that's ok.

True friends are not normal either...I call them miracles and gifts from God!

I am truly blessed when you stop by and visit, so thank you for peeking in today!

stamp: Sweet 'n Sassy New Beginnings,Papertrey Ink Counting My Blessings

die: fence (Silhouette Cameo),Papertrey Ink Counting My Blessings

paper: Georgia Pacific white,Authentique Lively

ink: Papertrey Ink True Black

NEVER too Late

Here is another for

The Play Date Cafe: PDCC#171.

 Word Art Wednesday Challenge #69

Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes

 Thank You for stopping in today~it's a blessing!

stamp: Sweet 'n Sassy New Beginnings

ink:  Hero Arts Just Beachy ink cubes (Soft Cantaloupe),Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores

die:Verve Pennant trim die

other: Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Die-Cut Accessory Sheet,MS fringe scissors

paper:Teresa Collins Tell Your Story DP,Georgia Pacific white cardbase

STAY FOCUSED

Many times I've lost sight of why I do this.

"This" can be anything from challenges and my blog to homeschooling, parenting, and socializing.


These are the activities and movements that make me, ME, right now.


I get distracted by the common "carrots" of greed, ego,fear...YOU NAME IT...
and lose focus on what gives my life...LIFE.

That's when I need to zoom in on the ONE love that keeps me grounded~


for me, it's Jesus.



1 Corinthians 16:13 is the verse I stamped in this card.



Sometimes it isn't so much about WHAT I'm doing or not doing...but what I'm  VIEWING IN MY LENS while I'm doing it (or not doing it).

I created this card for someone else...but it might as well be given to ME.

The Camera Craze Challenge in the Moxie Fab World 

had me thinking about what I view in my lens, and it

inspired me to use the cute camera from Amy Tangerine, that I HAD TO HAVE.



I don't remember when I last inked it, but I brought it out for the challenge:


Simon Says Stamp and Show: the Stamp You Love (but Don't Use).



Thanks for stopping by today~ ;)




stamps: American Crafts Amy Tangerine Lovestruck,Our Daily Bread Design Not Forgotten
ink: Memento Ink Peanut Brittle
other: Copic Marker Lime Green,Studio Calico camera,Martha Stewart twine,Georgia Pacific white cardstock

Praying for You & Me

It's one of those days~

yuck.

No reason....

just yuck.

My grandma would call me on days like this...when the Lord laid on her heart that I needed encouragement and prayer.

That was really special...and it was when long distance calls actually COST YOU SOMETHING.

May I be used by God to do the same!

Runway Inspired #30

I am intrigued by bold, graphic patterns mingled with soft florals...I am seeing that more and more~there is something so....

relevant about that.

Harsh realities softened by bits of loveliness and hope.

I am also inspired by the

CASE Study Challenge #128

based on a pretty card by Teri Anderson.

I like the blues and yellows she combined, and the patterned background which adds interest.

Also, she included lots of fun embellishments...I've only included a few...but it's more than I usually pile on a card.

I'm patting my shoulder...I'm proud of using up these beautiful die pieces.

Ok, now I am less yuck...a bit of creating and prayer can really lift my mood!!!

Hoping you have a "non-yuck" day also~ ;)

stamps: Verve Wonderfully Made,Mama Elephant Trifecta 

paper: Georgia Pacific white,Bazzill yellow and blue

dies: Spellbinders Label 25 and Large Labels 

ink: Papertrey Ink True BLack

other: Pink Paislee (Daily Junque Ephemera Pack),waxed ribbon

~Doily Love~

Waltzingmouse February Blog Party-Doily Love

I cut a doily out with my Silhouette and sponged it. I meant to use the gorgeous doily...but I was drawn to the image it left on a paper that was protecting my desk.

I sponged again over a cardbase and got this one layer card.

I can see making a set of these in various colors for a couple of friends who own chickens!

I'm a little late for the hop...but squeezing my submission in just in time....

stamps: Waltzingmouse French Country

die: Samantha Walker Doily Lace (Silhouette Cameo)

ink: Tim Holtz Walnut Stain,Memento Ink Rich Cocoa

paper: Georgia Pacific white

The Sun Always Comes Out Again

Oh, we can't WAIT for spring to come!!!

We can't wait for the SUN to shine brightly~

I created a collage card for the

Papertrey Ink Color Inspiration #6.

There are SO MANY color inspirations to choose from at Nichole's blog~

I picked this combination because I love the pink,orange and yellow here.

Have a blessed day~

stamps: Papertrey Ink (Hello Sunshine,Rosie Posie,Grunge Me,Friendship Jar Summer Fillers,Year of Flowers:Roses)

ink: Papertrey Ink (Hawaiian Shores,New Leaf,True Black),Memento Ink (Tangelo,Rose Bud,Dandelion),Versamark

other: Ranger super fine detail black embossing powder,Georgia Pacific white cardstock

Baby Sketch

I've really enjoyed the Papertrey Ink festivities...this time it's a sketch.

Papertrey Ink Sketch

I love this simple layout...there are so many possibilities~

There are other sketches to choose from...I hope you have time to participate!

stamps: Papertrey Ink Hello Sunshine and Bitty Baby Blessings

 ink: Memento inks (Pear Tart,True Black,Teal Zeal)

 dies:Spellbinders Classic Circle

paper:Georgia Pacific white cardstock

Posh Baby

I created a POSH BABY card for

Make It Monday: The Diecut Double-Up

and the lovely challenge at

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #66:Anything Goes.

It was fun to grab colors and a pattern I wouldn't normally throw together and just "play".

I even added a bow~not my usual embellishment~aren't you proud???

LOL

stamps: Papertrey Ink Bitty Baby Blessings

dies: Papertrey Ink Mat Stack 3 and Bitty Baby Blessings,Spellbinders Label 25

ink: Versamark Ink

paper: Bazzill,My Mind's Eye Breeze,Georgia Pacific white

other: Ranger super fine detail black embossing powder,American Crafts satin ribbon

Pink and Purple CASE

Papertrey Ink's Team and Project Favorites

I was inspired by Melissa Phillips' stunning pink and purple tag-it's a winning combo!




 

 

I layered a flower with scalloped circles that were inked with elements from Rosie Posie. The center flower was created with multiple fancy circles stamped around the center fancy circle.

I really like these colors married...a bit of gray was added to mimic the silver in her creation.

Yay for another day of stamping fun!!!

stamps: Papertrey Ink Rosie Posie and Grunge Me

inks: Memento (Lilac Posies,Gray Flannel and Grape Jelly)

paper: Bazzill and Georgia Pacific white

dies: Spellbinders scalloped and classic circles,Wonky Rectangles
other:Sizzix Texture Fades Retro Cirque embossing folder,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,Kaisercraft Basics rhinestone

Dapper Mr. Mustache Man

I'd like to introduce dapper Mr. Mustache Man.
 

My husband pulled the word "dapper" from his arsenal of wit last night~
I haven't heard that word in AGES!


LOL


However...I think this fits Mr. Mustache Man~and my husband for that matter!



 *wink*



Mr. Mustache Man is from Silhouette (Jamie's Assorted Gentleman Dress Up) and the sentiments are from both Hero Arts and Skipping Stones.

Hero Arts:Try Something New
(this file was one of the first NEW items I ordered for my NEW Silhouette and one of the first that I cut).



I had the mustache man finished on the Mat Stack, sentiments and all.


However, it sat around on my desk because I didn't know where to go from there.



 The Inspired By challenge helped me finish this card.

Inspired By #57

Stripes are what I needed to give the focal point some shazaam!




Now I can send this card out~


yay for Dapper Man!


dies: (Jamie's Assorted Gentleman Dress Up Accessories)Silhouette Cameo,Papertrey Ink Mat Stack 3
stamp: Hero Arts Best of the Best,Skipping Stones Design You Know You're Getting Old Birthday
tag: American Crafts Bits Tags Margarita
paper: Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Bazzill
ink: Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores,Memento Pear Tart
other: Papertrey Ink Herringbone Impression Plate

The Seeds in an Apple

I love this sentiment from Our Daily Bread Designs.

I used the inspiration from

CASE Study Challenge #123

Amber Kemp-Gerstel

Amber used lovely falling hearts...I utilized this tiny apple stamp from PTI's Teach & Inspire.

Hope you are having a blessed day~thanks for stopping by~

stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs Apple Seeds,Papertrey Ink Teach & Inspire

ink:Memento ink Lilac Posies,Ranger Jenni Bowlin Weather Vane

paper:Georgia Pacific white