SPENDING OUR TIME

Time is one of those gifts we have (for now)...

but it's taken for granted time and time again...

spend it wisely!!!

Inspired By #77

Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Anything Goes

sentiment: Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Sticker Sheet

stamp:ODBD Time clock

ink: Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores

die: Spellbinders Scalloped Circle,WPlus9 Written on Ribbon

other:Want2Scrap bling,American Crafts ric rac,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper

paper: Authentique Renew,Fancy Pants Park Bench,Georgia Pacific White

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

Piecing it Together

Make It Monday #117:Paper Piecing

by Melissa is a beautiful way to create a sympathy card.

When my father-in-law died three years ago...it was so disorienting and painful.

However, God was merciful and showed bits of beauty despite the excruciating absence of our loved one here on earth.

The comfort I can express to another going through this...is that we are sending prayers~

The beauty, is that the loved one will never be forgotten~the outline is still there in memories, hearts and minds.

stamp: Papertrey Ink Year of the Flowers Roses,Flourishes Calla Lilies sentiment

ink: Hero Arts Cup O' Joe,Ranger Tim Holtz Frayed Burlap

paper: Fancy Pants park bench, Prima Bohemian Bamboo

die: Creative Memories oval cutter,MFT sentiment strips

other: Want2Scrap rhinestones

~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

 

A Dash of Blues and Brown

I was 29 when I came to know Jesus.


I relate to the wise men who traveled many miles...


except my journey was

in years.



I wouldn't go back to being Marlena alone~
 
without Him.

This was a 10 minute card on the dot....


I used the last 45 seconds to finish the card off with a light blue (I forgot about that color being in the challenge).

10 Minute Craft Dash #7

Simon Says Anything Goes

Word Art Wednesday: God's Goodness/Anything Goes

stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Seek Him Still
ink: Memento Rich Cocoa,Ranger Tim Holtz walnut stain
dies: Spellbinders Deckled Rectangles
paper: Authentique Genuine,Georgia Pacific white,Bazzill light blue,DCWV Naturals stack
other: Crop-a-Dile corner chomper,Want2Scrap bling

~10 Minute Craft Dash~

It's time for the 10 Minute Craft Dash #3.

I missed #2 ~ had a week of on/off migraines and I was afraid that my head might explode if I pushed myself into a time crunch.

I love card making...but not in a lethal way.

It really is quite a rush to set a timer and challenge yourself...a fun rush when you're up to it! 

This one took 8 minutes/26 seconds without a migraine~

I had the butterfly and funky cloud just laying in my scrap pile feeling all lonely and sad.....

I'm so glad they found a home on this card.

There's movement all over this card~enough for

 The Movement Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

Just dive in and do it~it's fun!

Supplies:

Stamps: Verve Happy Days

Dies:Sizzix Framelits Kite set clouds,Sweet 'n Sassy New Beginnings butterfly die

Ink:Papertrey Ink Hibiscus Burst, Tsukineko Memento Ink Pear Tart and Dandelion

Paper: Georgia Pacific White cardbase,Authentique Lively,BoBunny Country Garden
Other: Want2Scrap rhinestone,Crop-A-Dile corner chomper

~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



 

~Timeless Tuesday and Hydrangea~

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday #179

is Christmas in July!

I used my Hydrangea set, and embossed it with silver.

I figured, why not use it for Christmas?

 Retrosketches #22
gave me inspiration for the border placement.

 

I've been stamping like mad since yesterday with all this energy...it's a blessing when the ball gets rolling and I can tangibly create something that I've mulled over.


Circuits are clicking for now~I'm enjoying the marathon crafting. ;)

Thank you for stopping by today!

Stamps: Flourishes Hydrangea,JustRite Simple Blessings

Paper:American Crafts cardstock,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Glitz Paper Layers Vintage Blue,Bazzill silver

Punch:Martha Stewart Linked Trim

Ink:Versamark,Tsukineko Memento Ink Paris Dusk

Other:Whispers silver embossing powder,Want2Scrap bling,Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper

~The Little Things~

I snagged a cute fruity notepad for 50 cents.

This resulted in a quick CAS card using a cardbase remnant.

Fun size, right?

Simon Says Stamp:Let's Get Fruity!

My colors were inspired by

Color Throwdown #200:Let's Celebrate!

I appreciate you stopping by...it always blesses me so!

Stamp: Technique Tuesday Fly!

Inks:Tsukineko Memento Ink Tangelo and Teal Zeal

Paper:Fruity notepad,Georgia Pacific white cardstock

Other:Want2Scrap bling

~It's Your Day Stamped on Patterned Paper~

Make It Monday #73: Stamping on Patterned Paper

is hosted by Ashley.

I had a chance to create a card from lovely scraps sitting on my desk.

The circle was already cut from my Authentique Genuine sheet...I just had to fit a sentiment in there.

My internet has been a bit wonky, so I'll make this short before it flickers off again. ;)

Have a great day!

Stamp: Papertrey Ink Communique Curves sentiment

Ink:Versamark,Ranger Tim Holtz Mustard Seed for edging

Paper:Georgia Pacific white, Teresa Collins Everyday DP,Authentique Genuine DP

Die:Spellbinders classic circles

Other:Want2Scrap bling, sewing machine,yellow embossing powder

~Happy Day~

Oh happy day...oh happy day...oh happy day...happy day...

When Jesus washed....

oh when he washed...

This is the song in my head. ;)

I created this card:

 ~Stamp:Hero Arts Thoughtful Messages;Ink:Papertrey ink premium dye true black;Paper:October Afternoon Sidewalks,BoBunny Ambrosia,Georgia Pacific white cardbase;Other: Crop-a-Dile corner chomper,sewing machine,Creative Memories oval cutter,Want2Scrap bling~

for this Embellish Challenge

The oval was cut from a cool bag I kept.

The lace border was bought on my trip~it sure came in handy!

The stamp set was bought at a little pharmacy/anything store-what a blessed surprise to find quality stamps and ink there!

~Hope you're having a happy day today~

~My Big Bicycle Seat~

Last week I rode my bike!

It's been 5 years since I've done that.

I guess I held off for many reasons...but now that I'm a seasoned "bear spotter" LOL, I might ride my bike more!

It was exhilarating! ;)

I'll be honest, I'm just glad I made it home without falling.

 

 

 

I'm also grateful I didn't hurt the next day.

 

 

I'm sure I owe it to this humongous seat

 

 

  

which makes the ride, ummm... less tortuous!

 

 

I was blessed to hear that they had such a thing, so I want to tell the world about it! ;)

My family teases this "extra luxury" (it looks a little silly from the back)

 

 

 

 but I DON'T CARE....I've had three children!

LOL.

Did you see they sell gel ones now too???

 

I might upgrade someday! hee hee hee

Here's my card I created.

 

The brad allows the sentiments to swing....my gadget girl coming out!!!

I know the seat isn't "an exact replication" of the one I ride on...

but it IS more attractive! LOL

Embellish Bicycle Trends Challenge

Doesn't that make you want to pull out your bike and explore? ;)

Have a blessed weekend and a wonderful Mother's Day tomorrow!

Stamps:Unity You+Me=Bliss,Pink Paislee Prairie Hill

Ink:Memento ink bahama blue,Papertrey Ink true black

Paper:Making Memories Just Chillin' Boy and Girl paper pad,Georgia Pacific white

Other:Want2Scrap bling

~Matchbook Folder Card~

Make It Monday #65 Background Patterns from Patterned Paper Scraps

inspired me to use my gorgeous strips of DP that litter my desk.

My friend gave me a notepad that looked like a matchbook folder once.

It was on my mind when I designed this card.

 Running out of adhesive?

Bring out your sewing machine!

I sewed on each strip for decor, and then I sewed across the top and bottom for support.

That way, when the front was tucked into the flap, the strips would bend with the card.

It's not going anywhere.

I used a postage stamp diecut (my new favorite shape) for

the Postage Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.

This is for my mom's birthday in June- she loves roses!

My colors were pulled from The PlayDate Cafe PDCC131.

Hope you have a great weekend. Take care now.

Stamp:Papertrey Ink Year of the Flowers:Roses

Ink: Papertrey Ink true black

Paper:BoBunny Country Garden DP orange and green,Teresa Collins World Traveler DP,Georgia Pacific white

Dies:Spellbinders classic circles and postage stamp,Sizzix bow

Other:sewing machine,Copic orange,Memento marker green,Want2Scrap rhinestone

~Embellish and a Sketch~

Did you have a beautiful Easter?

Was it peaceful and serene?

Ours went well...we had a meaningful service with wonderful worship music.

Two of my girlies and I were a part of the handbell choir's presentation.

I won't lie to you...I messed up!

However, there was grace in the room and I pray God was glorified with our offer of praise.

As for crafting...

I'm so happy I was motivated to create a card combining a couple of challenges today.

It's a great way to start my week!

Here is my card...

*My Little Shoebox Summer Breeze-Flourishes Tiny Flowers and Tags sentiment-Versamark ink-Papertrey Ink Premium Dye ink Hawaiian Shores-Ranger embossing powder Antiquities weathered white-Want2Scrap baby bling-Martha Stewart All Over the Page Pattern Punch Caning-Piggy Tales DP-Bazzill Basics paper-Georgia Pacific White cardstock-Spellbinders classic circles-American Crafts ribbon*

 

The beautiful sketch is from CardPatterns Sketch 160 by Michelle.

The color and rhinestones were inspired by 

Embellish's Jeweled Color Trends Challenge

I inked and embossed the doodle from My Little Shoebox's Summer Breeze and used baby bling from Want2Scrap to make it more special.

LOVE this Martha Stewart punch! It's fun to punch wherever you want-to get the look you want!

I know Mondays can be difficult...but hang in there!

Embrace life and it's beauty. It can be a lovely moment, song or hug.

Even better, make something pretty or yummy...you know you'll feel better!

Take care now.

~Green!~

Green is in the air...aren't you lovin' it?

It's so pretty outside today, I really missed the sun!

Many challenges are incorporating shades of green, and I'm jumping in.

*Word Art Wednesday sentiment,Martha Stewart All Over the Page Pattern Punch Caning,Want2Scrap rhinestones,Memento marker new sprout,American Crafts satin ribbon,Bazzill basics cardstock,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Spellbinders Label Eleven*

Colour Q Challenge #128

I recently purchased this Martha Stewart punch-it's so much fun.

I shaded in the little sections with a Memento marker to add a color close to the celery.

My rhinestones are close to glorious green.

Inspired By #14 had me heading in the green direction!

Word Art Wednesday Challenge 19

has free word art for you to use!

CAS-ual Fridays CFC 43 

CFC43: Clean And Simple creations with a Sentiment as the Focal Point

 

Enjoy the fresh air & God's goodness and love today! ;)

~There are No Small Miracles~

There are no small miracles.

*Inkadinkado Patterned Fish,Verve Beautiful You,Versamark ink,Recollections Sapphire Pearl Embossing Powder,Authentique Genuine,Want2Scrap rhinestones,Spellbinders classic circles,Vellum,American Crafts satin ribbon,Tim Holtz distress tool,Georgia Pacific white cardbase*

I used an awesome sketch from CardPatterns 156

Check out this incredible photo from FYI Challenge #25.

I was definitely inspired by the colors and the water.

I LOVE the vibrant contrast.

Have a blessed week!

~MIM #55~

Dawn has a fun tutorial to try out at Nicole's

Make It Monday #55 Creating Large Frames With Smaller Frames.

(Papertrey Ink All Booked Up,Papertrey Ink Communique Curves Sentiments,Papertrey Ink Mat Stack 3 die,Memento ink rich cocoa,Staz On red,Bazzill cardstock,American Crafts AC cardstock,Creative Memories corner rounder, Want2Scrap bling)

I love my frame from All Booked Up.

It's the only PTI frame I have (so far), so I doubled it to get a ticket shape. 

I fussy cut and notched a spot for the ribbon to tab up top.

It's gratifying to achieve a new look with a popular stamp.

The two borders were screaming for something...

my sewing machine got some attention today. ;)

Have a great Monday-thank you for stopping by.

~Valentine Tags for the Girlies~

Check out the great sentiment technique you can learn at

Nichole Heady's Make It Monday #51:

Dimensional Sentiment Banner.

It adds so much movement to a project.

I love dimension and movement in my projects! ;)

I used her technique to create Valentine Tags for my girlies' treats.

I plan on wrapping these labels around their surprises.

(Papertrey Ink Fruit Fusion Apple sentiment "Love You..."masked off,Papertrey Ink Grunge Me,Teresa Collins DP,Want2Scrap bling,Spellbinders Label Eleven,Memento ink and marker Rose Bud,Georgia Pacific white,Martha Stewart Fringe scissors)

I also used Color Throwdown's #177 colors:

Thanks for stopping in....wow, February...CAN YOU BELIEVE IT????

~LIM and OLW~

This is a combination of both wonderful CAS challenges:

LIM: Less Is More 52

sketch

and Simplicity's OLW: One Layer Wednesday 76

Color in Winter.

(Stampin' Up block,Studio G sentiment,Want2Scrap bling,Georgia Pacific white,Memento Ink)

Less Is More Sketch

Thank you for stopping by! ;)