~Happy New Year~

I woke up yesterday morning in a PANIC~

it was the last day of 2012.

WHAT have I done that was important???

What NEEDS to be done next year???

This is BIG....am I ready to transition???

Then, I took a DEEP BREATH and was reminded....

it's ONE MORE DAY....

~~~~ to tell Jesus I love him

~~~~ to tell my husband I love him

~~~~to hug my girlies...they KNOW I love them...but I'll tell them BECAUSE I CAN


~~~~to call my parents and ring my grandma's cowbell through the phone,   land and ocean that divide us
(I have been bestowed the honor of keeping the precious bell~I know that everyone who was around her can hear it in clanging in their memories of happy times when she was around)

~~~~~to laugh until my sides hurt ...

Lately I've been IN PAIN with giggles...totally gifts from God when silly silly things happen and there is someone RIGHT THERE to share the memories with...better yet...3 girlies who mean the world to me....

~~~~to pray....

for those who can't

for those who won't

and for those who don't know how.

Let's not freak out with over-preparing on the FIRST day of this fresh New Year...


 I want to celebrate the ordinary day.

EACH ordinary day can be wonderful

...leading up to a wonderful week


....a wonderful month



...and eventually,



another wonderful year.

 The following challenges inspired me:

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #60:Faith/Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp and Show:The totally mad (no rules) tea party

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday#202

I chose this card from challenge #196.

The theme was to make a card that makes you feel happy.



We are blessed that happiness doesn't have to fall on just the special days...

it's possible in the ordinary days too! 

 

 

 

 Here is to your NEW year and my NEW year!!!

~May the Lord bless us and keep us and fill us with His joy~

 

 

stamps: Technique Tuesday Ali Edwards Ordinary Days,Flourishes Hydrangea

ink: Memento Ink Teal Zeal,Ranger Tim Holtz Peeled Paint

die: Spellbinders Label 25

other: Ellison Tim Holtz Rays embossing folder,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Bazzill blue dot cardstock,Little Yellow Bicycle Acorn Hollow DP,Want2Scrap bling,white uniball pen,staple

 

Papertrey November 2012 Blog Hop

Papertrey Ink November 2012 Blog Hop

Cover Art Inspiration is a great excuse to pull out all your favorite images and just have a go at it.

I was inspired by the Weekend Londen cover that

piled image upon image in all sorts of fun colors.

No masking or order required~

I loved merging all these images together and overlapping them.

It's what's best about this season...wonderful memories and events all colliding in one brief moment.

There's nothing neat and tidy about Christmas~

it's probably the most emotional time of the year.

There are tears and laughter~

with old memories meeting with new traditions.

I'm looking forward to this being the best....

stamps: Papertrey Ink~Wreath for All Seasons,In the Meadow,Winter Penguin

die:  PTI Photo Finish Strips

ink: Memento inks~Pear Tart,Teal Zeal,Dandelion,Rhubarb Stalk,Lilac Posies,Morocco, Papertrey Ink True Black

paper: Georgia Pacific white cardbase,Little Yellow Bicycle Acorn Hollow DP

~Much Obliged~

When I laid eyes on the new sheriff badge at Waltzingmouse...I had to get it-fast!


It's the perfect compliment to the Back in the Saddle Set I recently received.

I love the badge...it was exactly what I was looking for~


Big and bold!

I used my classic Creative Memories oval cutter (one of my earliest investments in this paper crafting adventure).

I utilized the fun sketch at

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #124

CASE Study Challenge #118

Angeline Yong

I mimicked her overlapping of stamping on the perimeter of the card, using these colors...

The PlayDate Cafe #158

Thanks for stopping by, it's always a blessing when you visit!



stamps: Waltzingmouse Sheriff,Back in the Saddle,Teeny Trees, French Country
ink: Papertrey Ink New Leaf and Hibiscus Burst,Ranger Jenni Bowlin Weather Vane,Memento Ink Pistachio,Ranger Tim Holtz Peeled Paint
paper: Georgia Pacific white, Little Yellow Bicycle Acorn Hollow DP
other: Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,Creative Memories oval cutter,Spellbinders classic circles,hole punch,cord

~Squash Soup~

We love V8 Squash Soup...but can't find it at our local store anymore.

Waaaaaahhhhhh!!!

But, I can make a card INSPIRED by it.

Here's my squash soup card~

It's fun to assemble elements with Erin's chipboard technique here.

 I swiped the buggy with Mod Podge for a nice finish.

Here is the soup pic from Inspired By #49

Laurel's source link under the photo will take you to a recipe I will have to try~

I used Lenet's sketch from Waltzingmouse Sketch #123.

The Waltzingmouse stamp I used was the shadow from My Island...isn't that a fun stamp???

My sentiment and die are from Papertrey Ink and the border die is from Verve.

I recently purchased Papertrey's Beautiful Beads die...and thought it would be the perfect platform for the sentiment~

Bet I have you thinking of warm soup now, too, huh?!!!

Misery loves company...LOL.

At least it's a healthy craving~

stamps: Waltzingmouse My Island,Papertrey Ink Bitty Baby Blessings

dies: Verve Pennant trim die,Papertrey Ink Bitty Baby Blessings, Winter Penguin Die snowflake and Beautiful Beads die

embossing folder: Sizzix Textured Impressions Seasons Greetings

other: Martha Stewart border punch,Crop-a-dile corner chomper

paper: Little Yellow Bicycle Acorn Hollow DP,Georgia Pacific white cardbase

ink: Memento Rich Cocoa,Tim Holtz Walnut Stain

~Bring Your Own Thankful~

Make It Monday #90:

Creating Focal Point Sentiments With Stamps and Dies

Betsy's technique added mileage to my sentiment dies.

We are challenged this week to match sentiment stamps and dies together-which inspired me to look beyond the stamp set the dies were intended for.

I taped over the last line of this sentiment from PTI's Hello Sunshine and married it with the sentiment from PTI's Counting My Blessings Die set.

 I love the nightfall colors of the

Color Throwdown #217.

I just had to participate there!!!

DYSU #97 Leaves and Trees

I stamped my leaves from Papertrey Ink's Rosie Posie in Jenni Bowlin Spice Tin.

How is your weekend so far?

I spent almost a week at home sick (many times in bed)...so it was nice to go out, face the world and be somewhat "with it".

Nasty colds going around out there folks...bust out the anti-bacterials!!!

Hope you stay healthy....

stamps: Papertrey Ink Hello Sunshine and Rosie Posie
dies: Papertrey Ink Edgers #1 Die, Counting My Blessings
inks:Ranger Jenni Bowlin Spice Tin, Tsukineko Memento Ink Pear Tart,Papertrey Ink True Black
paper: Georgia Pacific White cardstock, Little Yellow Bicycle Acorn Hollow DP
 other: Xyron Sticker Maker

~Live the Life~

The life I've lived is not what I planned...as far as the little details go, anyway.

I didn't plan on moving around every few years and starting over and over and over...with my husband gone half the time.

In fact, I didn't have much say in where we would move or when he'd be gone.


Minor details. ;)


But, I DID

 imagine a house of love and contentment~surrounded by family.

Life in the military moved me from my home base...

but in time, God used it to shape a new home base.


Wherever we move...we have each other.


No matter the house...it is home.

It's by God's grace that I live the life I imagined ~according to the big details.

I'm submitting this card to

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #43.

My colors were inspired by ColourQ Challenge #152.

I tried to keep in mind the Gallon/Quart/Pint Challenge in the Moxie Fab World
while working with these lovely colors.






Thank you for stopping by~


Supplies:Echo Park Paper Teal Quatrefoil,Studio Calico Abroad Paper,Verve Words of Wisdom,Little Yellow Bicycle Felt Stickers,Tsukineko Memento ink rich cocoa

~Feel~

I found some stickers that have been laying around awhile and paired them with this gorgeous frame.


The bird is from ODBD.

I was inspired by

Simon Says Stamp Challenge:Kristina's Inspiration
 and
Simon Says Stamp and Show:What Do You Say?

My thoughts?


Ugh.  This is tough.


I was thinking about when my husband was deployed for 15 months...and the normal, everyday feelings that were hard to enjoy.

 I had to remind myself to LIVE,FEEL,EXPERIENCE...even if I felt guilty for laughing, discovering, enjoying our kids (while he was probably in danger and not laughing so much).

TOLD YOU THIS WAS TOUGH!


I REMEMBER laughing one minute...then grieving the next...knowing he wasn't there to see the girlies grow.



God taught me to cry then.

It was easier to NOT FEEL.

But God showed me I needed to.

I needed to grieve, cry, laugh...even just a little...because it glorified Him, and meant I was ALIVE.

Sometimes, even when life is so black and white...so STARK or even bleak...

we need to FEEL.

Even if it's a little bit, like the pops of color here.

Simon Says Stamp

Or even here, at

Moxie Fab's Tuesday Trigger:Type Hype

The pretty lil' dots bring a bit of life to this dark,black machine.


Enough to say...

"Sense,share,cry,feel,see, discover!"




Stamp and die: ODBD You Will Find Refuge
Other: stickers, Little Yellow Bicycle Clear Cut Shapes,Want2Scrap bling,Scor-Tape Adhesive 1/4"
Embossing powder:Ranger Super Fine Detail black
Ink:Versamark



 

~Runway Inspired~

I am so glad I saw the deadline for Runway Inspired Challenge:RIC#16.

I love the picture this week and it ends tonight!

Here is my card:

Here's the inspirational photo:

Truth be told...I would have hoarded these incredible felt stickers from Joan's

prize pack.

This challenge inspired me to break open the bag and create with the gorgeous flower!

RUNWAY INSPIRED INDEED!

Stamps:Sizzix Kites sentiment, Kaisercraft Numbers

Ink: Ranger Tim Holtz Distress ink mustard seed

Stickers:Heidi Swapp Memory File Color Labels,Little Yellow Bicycle Felt Stickers

Paper: Heidi Swapp Sugar Chic Sparkle,Georgia Pacific white

Other: Spellbinders classic circles,Crop-A-Dile Corner chomper

~July 2012 Blog Hop~

Today is Papertrey Ink's July Blog Hop!

Here is my CAS creation~

based on inspirational photo colors:

I pulled out my BoBunny Country Garden pack for this one~all that color is packed into that lil' apple!

I added sewing for Less Is More:Week 77 ~Sewing

The gorgeous frame is from Joan's generous prize pack that included Little Yellow Bicycle's Clear Cuts Shapes~LOVE!!!

One quote I've heard this week at archery camp that convicted me

...."BE TEACHABLE"...

Yes, you are NEVER too old to learn new things.

I signed up with my girls and I'm learning a ton of lil' details about holding a bow; aiming at the target; etc.

Just when I think I know what I'm doing...there's another step!

It's just like life, I guess. ;)

I kept most of the card white with just a pop of color for 

Moxie Fab World's Tuesday Trigger: Sweet Season.

The stitches I chose for my card mimic the subtle ruffles in the cake...the frame has gentle dots circling around...

Thanks for stopping in today~I appreciate the company! ;)

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Communique Sentiments Mini Set

Die: Papertrey Ink Fruit Fusion apple die

Ink: Memento Ink pistachio

Paper:Georgia Pacific white,BoBunny Country Garden Pack

Other:Little Yellow Bicycle Clear Cuts Shapes,Martha Stewart border punch,Mark's Finest Papers twine

~Happy For You~

Some are so blessed with babies.

I have friends that God has chosen to bless and bless and bless...

well, you get the picture. ;)

Their house is like a party in itself~full of fun and laughter.

I am at the last hour here for Sweet 'n Sassy's July Release Party's Inspiration theme

hosted by Bridget.

I made a CAS card with a sentiment from Sweet 'n Sassy's Together Silhouettes.

My oldie but goodie overalls punch was helpful in representing the floating lanterns from the photo~they stuck in my head!

CAS-ual Fridays CFC 61 saved the day by inspiring me to use my

Vellum Tape Strips from Little Yellow Bicycle.

Thank you for stopping by~always a pleasure to see bloggy friends!

Stamp: Sweet 'n Sassy's Together Silhouettes

Ink:Tsukineko Memento ink Bahama blue

Other:overalls punch,Little Yellow Bicycle Vellum tape strips,Georgia Pacific white cardstock

Word Art Wednesday July 11

It's my second week to guest design at

Word Art Wednesday.

What a blessing to have a challenge like this that gives everyone a beautifully designed sentiment to work with!

This week it is from Isaiah 54:13.

Since I became a Christian, this verse has meant so much to me.

It means that even though I don't know everything...

God knows everything.

He shall teach my children all they need to know to fit in His mighty plan.

I just have to point to Him.

This brings me great comfort, especially when I have stumbled in the homeschool department or even in the basic mom department.

Yes, it happens.

I'm not perfect.

My kids would respectfully, but honestly tell you that. LOL.

I bet my husband would have something to say too in that department...

but he won't.

Right, hon? ;)

Thank you for stopping here today~make sure to join us at Word Art Wednesday.

We'd love to have you!

I am also submitting this to Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #177.

This challenge is all about getting “sentimental” and using a sentiment as the centerpiece of your card or creation.

Sentiment: Word Art Wednesday Challenge #36

Paper: Little Yellow Bicycle Hello Spring DP,BoBunny Ambrosia,Georgia Pacific white

Die:Spellbinders Label Four and classic circles

Ink:Ranger Tim Holtz Distress ink Peeled Paint and Tea Dye for edging

~Fabby~

  

I think these lil' birdies are so cute!

 I'm glad I was able to incorporate them here.

I cut them out for this card and let their colors lead the way.

Fabby sentiment, colors and sketch:

Retro Sketches #18

 

Stamp: Waltzingmouse Stamps Teeny Trees and Chicken Wire

Paper:Heidi Swapp Sparkle DP,Little Yellow Bicycle Hello Spring DP,Georgia Pacific white

Ink:Ranger Tim Holtz spiced marmalade,Staz On Fuschia,Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores Premium dye,Ranger Tim Holtz Spun Sugar

Other:Crop-A-Dile corner chomper,Spellbinders classic circles

~Plans~

I'm so glad that the Lord has His own plans and doesn't go by the ones I've made. ;)

Oh the big plans I had for my life...one of comfort, lack of irritation, and ease.

One in which I was always happy and never lonely.

Had I been given that life....I might not have met Him or wanted to know Him.

I might have been my own god.

That's a small god.

His way is higher than my way and His thought is higher than my thought. (Isaiah 55:9)

I have the nerve, sometimes, to question His plan in my life...even when I don't know what to cook for dinner that night!!!

I'm not proud of that, but I'm sure others can relate. ;)

Word Art Wednesday Challenge #34 has this beautiful verse to share with everyone.

Thank you for stopping in today.

Sentiment:Word Art Wednesday Challenge 34

Stamps: Heidi Swapp Memory File arrow and earth

Die:Spellbinders Postage Stamp 

Ink:Memento Ink Morocco and Rich Cocoa

Paper: Little Yellow Bicycle Hello Spring DP, Piggy Tales DP, Authentique Carefree DP,Georgia Pacific white

Other: Little Yellow Bicycle Vellum Tape Strips,Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper

~Friends With Flair~

Unity's

Friends With Flair

is today!

I used Unity's Make Life Sweet sentiment and broke open the package of Little Yellow Bicycle's Vellum Tape Strips.

They are super sturdy and can fold in half off the card.

I am also submitting this to CAS-ual Friday CFC59.

Hope you had a fantastic day so far!

God bless.

Stamp: Unity Make Life Sweet sentiment

Ink:Papertrey Ink Premium Dye True Black

Paper:Georgia Pacific white,Little Yellow Bicycle Hello Spring DP

Other:Little Yellow Bicycle Vellum Tape Strips,Fiskars crimper,Spellbinders Classic Circles