Inkey Pingers

Whoo Hoo, More Giveaways!

2010-09-18T23:08:00.000-04:00

Check out Laura's website for another great giveaway!

A Whole Batch of Cards!

2010-08-13T19:51:00.000-04:00

Well, since I'm doing the whole blogging thing lately I thought I'd post a bunch of cards that I've had sitting in my documents folder waiting to be blogged about. The first one is an image that I colored when I took Paulabella's coloring class earlier this year, that would also be the day that my transmission went on my van and I had to call and get a ride home from my class but that's a whole nother post, anyway the great part was getting to color with Paula. She's great and I honestly already did alot of the things that she showed us but it's always great when you can color with a creative mentor! Anyway, I came home and made this card with my image. The Happy "Bee" Day Huggabug is from Stamping Bella and was a card that I made for my SIL/BFF for her birthday this year. The Beary Best Friend is also a Stamping Bella image and I too colored that one at the above mentioned coloring class, we didn't have time to make the cards so I brought this one home as well and made this card with the image. I made the first one and third one for two very special ladies that moved away this summer, they both just happened to have babies before they moved and I made them for a congrats type card. The last one was for my Mom for her birthday, this is one of those cards that I thought turned out just okay. It was my first attempt at the grass technique as well as trying to create the look of clouds in the background. Anyway, whatever. lol. I colored all of these with my prismas and OMS (which is my favorite way to color! So there ya have it now I can move these to the folder where they will make their new home to stay.

2010-08-13T09:58:00.000-04:00

So okay, I know I haven't posted anything in sooo long and for that I am really sorry, You cannot imagine how my summer has turned out. Anyway, maybe I'll post about that another time but for today I thought I'd share a little about a new love that is sparking inside me. It's lampwork glass beads. Now when I get into something new three things always happen...ONE, I research it to death. I am online twenty four seven searching for the best glass beads to order, for the best books, where to get the best products and so on. TWO, I locate my mentor, this is the person or persons that I aspire to become like creatively, I think their work is close to perfection and exactly my style of whatever it may be. And last but not least, THREE, I do a major clean out of the current hobby to make money to get into the new hobby! Lol. Anyway, one of the beautiful ladies that I found is in the UK and her beads are just scrumptious! They are absolutely perfect, in fact I have been stalking her blog now for a week waiting for her to post the newest beads for sale so I can jump on the chance to purchase some. So, this morning I head on over there and guess what no beads for sale just yet BUT there are some to win! So, her name is Laura and if you head on over to her blog you too can sign up to win these beauties! Hope everyone's summer is going better than mine and I hope to be back to blogging regularly real soon!

Verve release challenges!

2009-04-17T21:06:00.002-04:00

Today is the Verve Stamps release party on SCS and so Julie (Vervegirl) created some sketches and a color challenge for this week. If I read correctly the winner of each challenge will receive a $30.00 gift card to the Verve store so I'm hoping my numbers are randomly chosen to win one! Have a great night!

I know, I know, Easter is over!

2009-04-14T10:52:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I'm a little late! I just recently had time to make a few cards so I know I'm a little late but here it is anyway. I just love this little wagon filled with eggs. The funny thing, is that when I saw this stamp I thought of fresh farm eggs but when mu daughter saw it she said, "You should have colored them like Easter eggs!" I thought that was funny how everyone sees things a little differently. So maybe I'll make another card with pretty colored Easter eggs! (of course my time is limited with all the kids home this week) but it' worth a try. Okay, so have a great day everyone!

My Verve Contest Submission

2009-04-14T10:12:00.004-04:00

So Verve is hosting a contest this week to celebrate their big release this weekend! You can go here to check it out! Anyway, this is my card that I made using a Verve stamp. I love this verse and at only $3.00 who can resist. This sketch is actually a Mojo Monday sketch that I never got around to making so I thought now's the perfect time. I hope everyone has had a wonderful Easter weekend, ours was crazy and eventful, lots of family time and a broken wrist (for my oldest daughter) to top it off! All in all, we had a wonderful Easter weekend!

Scrap Quilt... No, Scrap Card!

2009-03-31T09:13:00.003-04:00

So last Friday night I had a CTMH show to do. The ladies wanted to do a scrapbook page for their project so after I cut my pieces I ended up with quite a few scraps. I decided to use up my scraps by making some cards. I made this card for the new Mojo Monday sketch. I used the Unforgettable paper scraps (left over from the party) and of course another Ketto (Agnes Ketto) from Stamping Bella. I colored her using my ink pads and aqua painter and then added glitter to her wings and dress.

I also made this very simple card using some scraps. You can never have too many Thank You cards so that's what I made! I just love this paper pack but it is almost gone now so I promise I'll move on to something else soon! Hee hee Thanks for stoppin by and have a great day.

Occ - Better late than never, they say!

2009-03-30T15:21:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone, How have you all been? I have been busy this week and now I'm heading into another busy week. I cannot believe the end of March is already here and we are coming up on Easter. I have got four Easter baskets to fill, Whew. Anyway, I got to sit today with a friend and make a card, that was so very nice. I used my new Ketto (of course) and let me tell you, I just love those Ketto's bunches and bunches. They are the cutest little stamps. I used some of my favorite paper from the latest CTMH catalog called Unforgettable. I also colored my Ketto in with my prismas and OMS. I used the OCC sketch from last week but I was too late to enter it. That's okay though, I just had a relaxing time making this card and that what matters most, right? Well, I must be going I can hear my youngest son yelling for me from his bed...Mommy?...Mommy? It's so incredibly cute. I wish you could here it. See you all soon.

Introducing...

2009-03-25T22:53:00.003-04:00

Calliope Ketto! The new line from Stamping Bella! I love them so much, thank goodness for friends though, my girls ordered a bunch of them in fact them I think we almost have them all, I only ordered three (moneys a bit tight right now) but I got to stamp a ton of images last night and just in time for my Viva La Verve challenge. I was already playing around with this sketch and then when I got these Kettos in the mail it just completed the card.

I haven't had much time to create this week because my little Jonah (youngest of four) had to get tubes put into his ears yesterday and he's been pretty clingy. The surgery was fast and perfect and he came home from the hospital like nothing had happened but he has been pretty demanding with his one on one time with Mommy. That's okay though, their only young once and I LOVE LOVE LOVE when he sits with me and watches Sesame Street or when he wants me to read a billion books! Anyway, I finished my card just before dinner and church and now here I am to present it to you. Enjoy!

Today's Creative Agenda

2009-03-19T21:11:00.003-04:00

I feel pretty productive today, Not only did I make two more cards but I also made a pair of valances for my girls bedroom! Whoo Hoo! I painted the girls room about a month ago and separated their bunk beds so that they could have their individual space not to mention I have a daughter who sleep walks and can no longer sleep on the top bunk due to the fact that she walked right out one morning. So, I looked everywhere for plain brown valances but had no luck so I bought some fabric to make the curtains but it sat in the bag for the past month. Well, today was the day that I decided to pull it out and get to work, a couple hours later and here's what we have!

Just thought I'd share a funny little picture with you. My girls are trying to use this pencil until it's completely gone and this is how much they have left! Hee Hee!

This card was made for the SCS sketch challenge this week. I just love the way this one turned out. The paper is basic grey and the stamped image is a cute little bunny that I got from Whipper Snapper. I colored this with my prisma's and OMS and finished it off with a prima flower and some pearls!

This is another image that I got from Whipper Snapper awhile back. I was going to use it for a valentine for my hubby (he's an angler) but I never got around to making him a card for Valentine's Day (I know, I know, I suck!) Anyway, I finally made him a cute little card with this guy. I haven't given it to him yet but I'm sure he'll love it! I also colored this in with my Prisma's and OMS and I used some more paper scraps from CTMH and some hardware and hemp from CTMH as well. Hope you have enjoyed your visit.and have a great night!

Bellerific Friday!

2009-03-17T16:47:00.003-04:00

Here is my entry into the Bellerific Friday Challenge on the Bella Blog! The picture this week was of really cool orange, green, and yellow scarves. As I was looking through my Bella's my rocker girl totally stood out, I knew she was the perfect girl for this challenge! I used my prismas and OMS to color here and some cool paper that I got at Michael's the other day.

Another Mojo Monday!

2009-03-17T15:15:00.002-04:00

I made this card yesterday for the Mojo Monday challenge. I ended up loving this card. I have been trying to use paper that in my stash that I just HAD to have and then never used so this again is some old stampin up paper that I had. I think I may have an obsession with paper. ;O) Shhhh, don't tell!

OCC Challenge

2009-03-17T14:54:00.002-04:00

So I have really been trying to come up with some simple cards and this weeks OCC challenge gave me the extra bump I needed to get that done. This weeks challenge is a limited supplies challenge so even though I did use one extra layer the official rule was three pieces of card stock. I made this bella one and used my prismas and OMS to color her in. I also used some of my stampin up paper that I have had forever.

This card was made because I love these simple layouts! This stamp set is another one of my favorites. It's bloomin beautiful from stampin up and I just can't get enough of this stamp set. I used my water brush and ink pads to color this one in and then added glitter to the centers of all the flowers. I don't think you can see it in the picture but it looks very pretty. I also used my score pal to make the diamond pattern on the base of the card which I learned from watching a tutorial on Amy Sheffer's blog here. Have a great day!

Viva la verve challenge #1

2009-03-17T14:41:00.002-04:00

So here is my first attempt at the viva la verve challenge. The reason that I say, "first attempt" is because I ended up disliking this card once it was done. I thought that it would grow on me if I looked at it for awhile but, Nope! I just don't like it at all. Oh well, you win some you lose some, right? Anyway, when I get some more time I am going to try to make another card using this sketch.

The Red Envelope Project

2009-03-13T13:58:00.005-04:00

Hello, all of my friends and fellow bloggers, I have come across some information that has laid heavy on my heart over the past few days. This movement is called "The Red Envelope Project" and from my research was started my a man named Christ (pronounced like wrist) Otto. I am personally Pro Life but friends, please here me out even if you are on the other side of the fence about the issue of abortion. Those of you who have been following me for some time now, know that I am never shy about my convictions and beliefs and I couldn't be aware of this issue and remain silent. Our new President Barack Obama is awaiting the signing of a bill that will lift ALL restrictions on the state level on abortion. Do you hear what I am saying? This bill, if passed, will lift ALL restrictions on the state level on abortions. What does this mean exactly...Well, first of all this means that partial birth abortion will be legal. (Partial birth abortion is when the mother can choose to have an abortion procedure any time up and through the third trimester) I won't go into the details of how this is preformed for it is quite graphic. If you are interested in knowing you can google it. Are you kidding me, this is no longer pro-life/pro-choice. What else does this mean for American's? This bill will also lift the parental consent law. As it stands right now most of our 50 states has a law that says if you are a minor you must have parental consent to have an abortion. This will no longer be. This is also no longer a pro-life/pro-choice issue, this my friends is a parental issue. I for one, should my daughter end up pregnant, do not want my child to be able to do this without first coming to me for support. What about the fact that hospitals may be forced to preform abortions. That leaves both Dr's and nurses being forced to go against their own personal convictions and beliefs in order to save their jobs. This my friends is no longer a pro-life/pro-choice issue. This is am AMERICAN issue. We have had a ton of men and women die for your freedom and mine, for our right to serve whomever we choose and to live by our own convictions and moral beliefs. Please watch the video below and take a stand with me on March 31st.

SCS Wed Sketch

2009-03-12T13:50:00.003-04:00

I made this card last night for the SC Wed sketch and I gotta say, I wasn't too thrilled with this one either. I was very tired and probably should have gone to bed but instead I was making this card. I think my mojo went to bed and left me to make this one on my own! I was trying to use some of my CTMH stamps and paper that I don't use very often anymore. I am debating on whether or not to sell most of my CTMH stamps. There are so many other stamps that are on my wish list that it seems so very wasteful to have hundreds of stamps sitting in a box, never used, ya know? Anyway, I used some more scraps of More to Adore paper pack and the solo T stamps set. Well, this is my last card for today. I have friends coming tonight for dinner so I must go clean up a bit and get ready. See you soon, have a fabulous day!

A visit from some Tildas

2009-03-12T13:35:00.002-04:00

I was just in the mood to make some cards using the Tildas that I got last year. I am also in a huge water coloring mood lately and so I thought these girls would be fun to color using my aqua painter so this is what I ended up with. For this card I used some of the SU paper that my girl Tonya sent my way, Thanks again girl for the paper! I love the colors in this paper. I started off trying to make a 3 x 6 simple card and I think for the most part it stayed pretty simple? Jami can be the judge of that, hee hee!

On this card I used some Making Memories paper that I found at Michael's. It's a paper pad called Chloe's Closet and the papers are too cute. I had the ribbon and button in my stash and I had the layout in one of my sketch books. This is again, a very simple card but I love the way it turned out! Enjoy and have a wonderful day.

Mojo Monday and SC Bella color challenge.

2009-03-12T13:24:00.004-04:00

So here's my ugly card, Ha ha! You see, when I first made this card I hated it. Maybe it was that this sketch was a simple one? You know how sometimes the simpler the sketch is the harder it turns out to be? Anyway, the more it set around on my workstation the more it grew on me and now I'm totally okay with it. I used a sheet of my minds eye paper that I had and and some baubles. The image is colored with my aqua painter and my ink pads. Have a great day!

Just a little more time.

2009-03-08T00:58:00.002-05:00

Good evening or really I should say good morning because it is now officially 1:58 am. What in the world am I doing up, posting one more card silly! I have to be up in the morning to get myself and four kids ready for church and here I am posting one more card before I turn in. I used CTMH silhouette paper and can you tell by the sentiment what stamp I have in my verve cart? Yeppers, I love that verse but since I don't have it yet I typed this one up on my computer and printed it out then I used my nestabilities to finish it off. Man, I am so in love with those things. I cut out the flower design from the paper and then intricately popped the leaves up with zots so that the stems to give it some dimension. Well, I gotta go turn my clock forward and go to bed. Gotta a long day ahead of me tomorrow and of course I'll be on SCS tomorrow night for the big verve release, won't you join me?

Good Night,
Kim

Stamp Tv sketch

2009-03-07T16:48:00.002-05:00

Hello, here is is Sat already, another week come and gone. I can't believe how fast this month is going by. Anyway, I happened to be over on stamp TV, Gina K's new forum watching some videos and looking around and see that they too have challenges! Whoot Whoot, I think to myself more challenges that I can do instead of the piles of laundry that are in my basement or the dinner that could have been prepared an hour ago! Hee hee. This is the card that I made for the challenge. I used one of my two Gina K sets. I just love this little owl, he's sooo stinkin cute! I colored with my prismas and OMS and then I fun flocked him so he would be furry. That's all for now, enjoy!

Viva La Verve!

2009-03-06T22:59:00.002-05:00

I gotta tell ya, it's about 11:00 pm here and I can barely keep my eyes open but I have so much to do tomorrow not to mention, the kids are all home so I thought I would share a card that I made tonight for the Viva La Verve sketch on SCS. The twist this week was to use and shade of Red, Pink, and Green so I immediately thought of my CTMH paper and stamp set, Beloved Blossoms. I first inked my stamp in Orchid Bouquet and then rolled it in Tulip. I added some red baubles although in the photograph they look pink and I also added glitter, cause everythings better with a little sparkle, right? I think so. This was a nice little sketch. Okay, I'm drifting into dream land real fast I'm sure only to see Ketto's flittering around. Don't know what I'm talkin about? See them here...I know you'll love em too!
Goodnight

SCS Bella Color Challenge

2009-03-06T12:00:00.002-05:00

This is a card that I made for the SCS bellaholic color challenge. The challenge this week was to make a card using the color yellow. Again, not my norm so I had a little trouble getting this card together. I'm don't love this card but overall I'm fine with how it turned out. I do however think that the bella I used matches the look of this card perfectly so I have to say thanks to Jami for hookin me up with the stamped image! I colored her in with my prismas and OMS.

Mojo Monday

2009-03-06T11:39:00.002-05:00

So as I promised in a previous post, here is the card I made for the Mojo Monday sketch challenge. Isn't she just adorable? I love doing these challenges because they really pull me out of my box when it comes to card design. It not even that I have a hard time coming up with a layout, it's that it takes me FOREVER to complete one. Now that I am just following a sketch it saves me so much time yet still allows me to be creative in my own way. I can used whatever stamps I want, color it however I would like, and add any embellishments that I have. Well, if you don't already know the big Verve release is this Sunday on SCS and for there will be up to 7 winners of a new verve set! Whoo Hoo, count me in! Also, today is the Bella release and I gotta say I'm a little over excited as I have been using so many bellas that I'm getting tired of the ones that I have. I used some old Creative Memories paper that I had for this card and I like the way it turned out. The colors are not my norm so I actually had to run to Michaels and get some ribbon to match. Not that I cared to run to Michaels, hee hee! I used a bella that I have had for a long time but I haven't used much and I colored her using my prismas and OMS. I also used my liquid glass to attach some baubles on the gift as shown in the close-up. I hope you all are having a very blessed day, thanks for stopping by!

Sounds of Spring

2009-03-04T16:41:00.002-05:00

Here is a card that I made today for the SCS weekly card sketch challenge. I love the way this card came out. I got to use my SU set for the first time today, a little shout out to my friend Tonya, Thanks girl! Also, I used my aqua pen with my ink pads to color in the image. I sooooo love water coloring, have I already said this? Hee hee. Anyway, I have another card coming but I have to go to the store tonight and find ribbon to match! Don't you just hate it when that happens. ME too! Well, I'm off to find something to make for dinner, have a great night!

Spring is on the way

2009-03-03T14:33:00.002-05:00

I made this card this morning for the Bellaholic sketch challenge on SCS. I used this great springy Bella hoping that she would bring me some warm weather here in Michigan! I am so tired of coats and cold and wet and yuck! I cannot wait to feel the warm sun on my skin, to sit by the pool, for there to be flowers in peoples front yards not snow piles or mud. Hope you all are having a wonderfully warm day today!

True Friends

2009-03-03T10:25:00.003-05:00

This is a card that I made for the New Bellarific Friday challenge. I think this stamp is so stinkin cute and I've had it for awhile now but this is the first time that I've inked it up. Can you believe that, a stamp that I just had to have, not inked up yet? Hee hee. Anyway, she posted a beautiful picture for the challenge. This was as close as I could come. I'm wondering if anyone recognizes these little friends? Wink!!

Mojo Monday!

2009-03-01T20:22:00.002-05:00

Whew, I was just in time to get in on the MojoMonday sketch challenge! Whoo Hoo! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, this card sketch. I had so much fun making this card and I am very happy with the way it came out. Thanks so much for stoppin by and have a great evening!

Take a little time & Spring Flowers

2009-03-01T16:09:00.004-05:00

I made these two cards for SCS. The first one is for the weekly Wed sketch challenge. I know it's very plain and normally I have a hard time making plain cards so I know Jami will be so proud of me for this one! I also made the second one for the Viva La Verve weekly challenge also found on SCS I used some of my scrap paper stash for these cards as my scraps are overtaking me, hee hee. I hope you like what I've been up to lately. Have a great Sunday!

Butterfly Blessings

2009-03-01T16:01:00.002-05:00

I have been loving all the challenges that are going on lately. Have you participated in them? Where have I been for the past year, right? I am not sure but I have been making cards like crazy. I think the competitiveness is coming out in me with these challenges, hee hee. This is the card that I made for Our Creative Corner this week. Enjoy!

BellaHolic Sketch Challenge

2009-02-27T15:57:00.003-05:00

Here is the card that I made for the Bellaholic sketch challenge on SCS this week. I was having a melt down because my trimmer was freakin out and cutting everything slightly crooked. It was only a hair off but non-the-less when you are layering it is so important to be right on. Anyway, I went out today and got the making memories heavy duty trimmer. I am still getting used to it and I'm not sure if I like it yet but it seems pretty nice. Anyway, I just love the new little turtle tots on the Bella site. I had the hardest time deciding which one to get but I went with this one and so here is my card! Have a great day!

Another two in one

2009-02-25T22:02:00.003-05:00

So I mentioned in my earlier post that I am really getting into these challenges in fact today I tried the Bellarific Friday challenge which was a color challenge this week. I normally don't do color challenges but to my surprise I really liked doing this one. I was also really loving the sketch challenge that I missed from the OCC last week so in order to make the most out of my time today I combined them both! So what do ya think?

The OCC Challenge

2009-02-25T09:53:00.002-05:00

Okay so I am really loving the challenges that are posted all over right, so I went ahead and participated in the OCC (Our Creative Corner) Challenge for this week which was "Add a Tag". You had to incorporate a tag somewhere on your card. I was already making this card for a very special person who's birthday is coming up soon ;o) so I thought that I'd go ahead and make it for this. I ended up feeling really good about the card. I was just what I was aiming for. I have added the badge on the right side of my page, feel free to play along. Have a great day!

Catching Up

2009-02-25T09:34:00.003-05:00

So here it is the end of Feb already and I am just getting to sit down and make some cards! So the first one is the card that I actually made for my Christmas card this year. I cased it from our catalog because I loved it so much. I changed it up a bit to fit me a little better but the overall layout is the same. The funny thing is, I didn't even send them out because my life was so crazy that I never got around to writing my annual Christmas letter and addressing the envelopes so now they'll be ready for 2009.
The second card is for a baby shower that I recently went to. My wonderful friend Robyn is having a baby! In fact, I just got a text this morning that her water broke so when I say she is having a baby I mean she is having a baby right now! Hee hee. Anyway, I'm praying for you Robyn for a safe and easy delivery and a healthy baby! I love you! Okay so back to the card, I bought this paper a while ago at out local scrapbook store and this just seemed like the perfect time to use it. So there ya have it my first post in a loooonnngggg time. Hope you enjoy! Thanks

Beleive it or not...I'm still alive!

2008-12-06T11:36:00.002-05:00

Hey there everyone First let me say to my followers, I'm so sorry for being MIA for the past few months. Really, there is no good excuse but just in case here's where I've been. Honestly it's just been a very hard couple of months for me and there's been alot of changes for me to get use to so I just haven't had time to use the computer. This year has been financially devastating for us as I am sure most of you understand, so in lue of that fact I have gone back to work. It has been a very easy transition for me in fact I really enjoy working again. However, with four children, a husband, and home to take care of it has left me no time for my passions or computer time. On a good night I stay awake long enough to get the kids tucked into their beds and then I'm out cold. Anyway, I am okay and I will try to post more often even if I don't have any art to show. I appreciate all the wonderful comments I have still received since I have been on hiatus, they really do mean so much to me. I love all my blogging friends and hope that you are all doing well this holiday season. I will be working on my annual Christmas letter soon and I will post that when I finish it. Merry Christmas!

Congrats to Geoffrey Beene & Megan!

2008-08-23T12:51:00.003-04:00

I don't have much time to post but I thought I'd share a card that I made for a dear friend's wedding yesterday. I used the Sept SOTM from CTMH. I also made a matching bookmark for the inside but I forgot to take a picture of it! I copyed the layout from a fellow CTMH consultant so I must give credit where credit is due! Have a great day!

I would like to thank Jaime for this award!

2008-08-17T11:45:00.003-04:00

My CTMH girl Jaime has given me this award and I love it! I really do appreciate all the awards that are given to me. It makes me feel so good that you all enjoy my blog so a great big thank you to everyone who visits regularly! This time I am going to nominate all the blogs that I stalk regularly. These people have inspired me and though I may not leave many comments I love to admire their work!

The rules of the award are:
1.The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2.Link the person you received your award from.
3.Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4.Put links of those blogs on yours.
5.Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you’ve nominated

My nominees are...

1. Amy Sheffer
2. Julie Brooks
3. Gina K
4. Marjorie Eno
5. Nona Davenport
6. Tonya Klar
7. Jami Rudd (my girl)

Something old, something new!

2008-08-16T23:52:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I have something old and something new to share with you tonight. First of all, I made this card because my daughter was invited to a birthday party for today only I (one who never checks her voicemail) just got the message last night. So this morning I made this card for her and so this is the old...I used a layout that I have used before so I wouldn't be fussing over that part (sometimes it takes me a while to get the layout just how I want it) and the something new is the way that I colored it! I totally used my ink pad lids and a water brush or as some call it, an aqua painter! I was so proud of myself, you see I am the kind of person that when I want to learn something new I want to be a professional at it, YESTERDAY! Not practice makes perfect or take a few classes or work at it for a few months, no, not me, I have to know NOW! So I decided that I wanted to learn how to watercolor and therefore I bring you this card today and I am in love with it! The watercoloring, that is. Whoo Hoo, I'm off to bed for now but tomorrow after church I am back home with my water brush! Goodnight!

Pool Party!

2008-08-15T13:01:00.002-04:00

Hey there everyone, I finally had a chance to get some cards made! I am planning my daughter's birthday party so I made these invites to send to all her little friends. She is having a pool party and then a slumber party so this ought to be fun! She will be 12 next month! Where have the years gone? Well anyway, I used CTMH paper called good times and of course a Bella cause you know I love my Bella's! Hopefully I will have some more time this weekend to play and I can post again soon! Have a great weekend everyone!

Speechless

2008-07-31T15:58:00.003-04:00

I just finished a book today that I feel everyone should read! It was seriously life changing for me and the way I think about the Lord and his place in my life. I know that some of you will know what I am talking about and there will be others who think I am just a Jesus freak or something (that's okay with me)! I know for so many people the biggest question is why would Jesus cause so much pain or better yet why does he allow such bad things to happen to such good people? As valid as that question is there has never been a good answer, has there? Every one of us has a shack of our own, we are a bruised and broken society. What are you dealing with Do you need healing in some area of your life? Well, this book provides one of the best depictions of what our God really feels and thinks and is such an amazing book of healing. I will share with you one of the passages that stood out to me. This passage is speaking in reference to unspeakable tragedies and this is God's remark..."Don't ever assume that my(God) using something (speaking of tragedies) means I caused it or that I need it to accomplish my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me. Grace doesn't depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors." Are you kidding me? I am so blown away by the message in this book that I am rendered speechless.

Terrible Two's anyone?

2008-07-24T19:41:00.002-04:00

Would you like to see what I found today upon entering the living room/dinning room? You've got it! That would be my 18 month old son, Jonah. Yes oh yes had has learned the art of climbing, of course I took a quick snapshot before getting him down. There he was with no regard for Daddy's laptop or big brother's site words or (if you look real close, not too close though)(lol) Mommy's scrappin corner. Oh man, it's gonna be a long rest of the summer with him! Just thought I'd share, hee hee! Good night everyone!

Okay I give!

2008-07-24T12:11:00.003-04:00

Well a couple of weeks ago my sistah Tonya posted about her Bestie (BFF) and challenged all of us followers (of her blog) to make something nice for our Besties! It was just what I needed, a little boost. You see, I have been wanting to make a card for my BFF for a while now but I only get a small amount of time at my scrap-table and so my time is usually spent making the needed cards (you know for all the occasions) Anyway, I made this card for my BFF last week but then I ended up with Bronchitis and have been on the couch for the last three days so I haven't been able to do anything else. So, I'm gonna give in and post this before I even give it to her! I'll tell you a little about my BFF! We became friends in Kindergarten (can you believe that?) We were in a ton a classes together in school and we lived on the same street (about 20 houses apart). We have stayed friends all through our great times and the few not so great times. Through our good choices in life and our very bad choices (Lees, if your reading this you know what those are! lol!) And then to top things all off I married her big brother who is the love of my life and I can't imagine life without, so she is now my SIL! How great is that! We may not get to talk every day or hang out as much as we would like (she has a love of her life too) but we always love each other and know that no one can ever fill the other ones shoes! I love her so much and so this post is for her! Hats off to all the BFF's out there!

I am Honored!

2008-07-24T09:36:00.003-04:00

I am so honored to receive this award from my girl Tonya over at Stamp Happens! Thanks so much Tonya, Love ya girl!

Here are the rules:

Only 5 people allowed.
4 have to be dedicated followers of your blog
One has to be someone new or recently new to your blog and live in another part of the world.
You must link back to whoever gave you the award. Quite simple really it is a way of saying thank you to those who take time out for wonderful comments to boost your day!

Well, I have to say since I gotta give this to five people that are faithful followers of my blog I must start by giving it right back to...

Tonya
She is always the first to leave fab comments!
Jami
Maria
Michelle

And she may not be too new to my blog but she is in another part of the world so...

Beckie

So thanks again for the fabulous award and have a great day!

Oh what a day!

2008-07-17T23:29:00.002-04:00

Well, it's official...I'm totally exhausted. Today was such a loooooonnnnggggg day. It actually all started yesterday when I realized that my washer was broken. You would think one would realize after trying to wash the same load of towels three times that the dog-gone thing was broken, but no. Anyway, three year old high efficiency front loaders and now I'm washing clothes at my Mom's. Oh, I was so bugged. Anyway, then I take my son to the Dr's only to find out(after 4 hours) that he has pneumonia! Are you kidding me? The poor boy has had a crappy summer so far. Then I wake up at 3:00am to find out that we have no power and continued to have no power until about 3:30 today. Oh my, it was so hot in here but all is well now though I will be at my Mom's for the next couple of days doing my laundry. The repair man will be here on Mon so hopefully it will be an easy fix. I was, however, able to make another card today for a special friend and her hubby. So I hope you enjoy. Have a great night and hopefully tomorrow will be much better. Good night.

Another Baby shower, another boy!

2008-07-16T23:48:00.003-04:00

SO, I have another baby shower on Sat and I have been getting some things together for her and this is the card that I made. I really love my Bella's and my nestabilities, can you tell? I haven't had a lot of time to work but since my washer is on strike right now (it is broke and waiting for repair) I don't have to do any laundry, right? So that just leaves dishes, oh wait I don't do them either, hee hee. I'm totally kidding although, we do have a new summer toy. My Mom just had her pool put in this week so while they were filling it up with water I took the kids over there to play! We cannot wait til the weekend! Needless-to-say, you can see where we'll be for the rest of the summer!

Loads of Love!

2008-07-15T11:21:00.004-04:00

Well, last night just wasn't my night for card making, probably because I was supposed to be going to the grocery store, instead I was up trying to work on some of the SCS sketch challenges. I swear I made three of the same card and still wasn't thrilled with the final card but it's okay, I guess. I used CTMH paper and a stamp set from Stampin Up. Of course I used my nestabilities, did I mention that I love them? LOL!

Introducing my new goodies!

2008-07-13T18:04:00.003-04:00

Okay so I had a few minutes today to play with my new stuff! Whoo Hoo, I had so much fun! My hubby took the girls down to Cobo Hall for the big FLW weigh-in (fishing stuff). We were originally all going but my oldest son isn't feeling well so I stayed home with the boys while they went. Anyway, lets get to the good stuff! A couple of months ago I ordered the petals & stems set from Verve Stamps but until now I hadn't inked them up. Well, today was their lucky day! I also ordered my first set of nestabilities in May but they were on backorder until last week. I received them on Friday and absolutely could not wait to try them out. I must say I LOVE them so much! I can't wait to get the other sets, my birthday's in Oct for anyone who is interested. Hee hee! Just Kidding, unless of course my Mom is reading this, hint hint. Anyway, I combined the new goodies and this is what I got so here's my card for the day. Enjoy!

My Mini Makeover

2008-07-12T22:17:00.003-04:00

I am the Infant room director at my church and about a month ago I was asked to make our infant room more inviting. Have I mentioned the fact that I have had a sick family for the past month? Well, it ended up taking me a whole month to get it done, I had everything ready and at my house within three days but that's when the sickness started. It went from one person to another and now one month later I am still dealing with sick kids. However, I was able to get up to the church today for a couple of hours to work(with the help of my dear friend Kathy)on putting everything up. I have to say, I was so excited when I was done. It looks so cute! I made a table topper and some curtains to match, I bought some wood letters and my sister painted them for me, and I made two signs. The before picture is not very clear but you'll get the idea. So anyway, it's so nice to have that all taken care of and now maybe I can get to my workspace (a little corner of our table) and get some cards or layouts done. I just got some new goodies and I can't wait to show you guys! Hope you all have a great night!

Blog Candy up for grabs!

2008-07-11T13:31:00.001-04:00

Head over to my stampin sistah, Maria's blog for a chance to win some great blog candy! Thanks Maria!

The baby's on his way!

2008-07-10T22:24:00.003-04:00

Okay, so the other day I posted the card that I made for my friend Crystal's baby shower and I said in that post that I was working on a quilt for her new baby. Well, the time has come that I can post it. So I am going to repost the card along with the quilt. Here ya go. Have a nice night.

Oh, I almost forgot!

2008-07-10T10:45:00.003-04:00

I do have a project that I forgot to post! I made this shadow box for my daughter's first grade teacher. On the last day of school I like to give the teachers a Thank you gift for being so instrumental in the development of my children. This year especially, not only did Sarah have a great teacher who stayed after school to get Sarah up to her appropriate reading level but she became my friend as well. I used little black hearts because I did not get permission to post her daughters pictures on the Internet but you can see how cute this turned out. I cased the page from our CTMH catalog and all products are CTMH except the frame which I bought at Joann's.

Dave Ramsey sums it up!

2008-07-09T16:27:00.003-04:00

This is a recent writing from Dave Ramsey and it just sums up everything that I have been feeling. He is much more articulate than I am so enjoy! By the way, I am married to a butt scratching bass fisherman but not the kind that he is talking about! Hee hee!

Butt Scratching and Bass Fishing by Dave Ramsey

A couple of weeks ago, I worked late like I sometimes need to do to run my business. It was a nice
Tennessee summer evening, and I was enjoying the drive home. About 7:30, as I pulled to a stop light a
few blocks from my office, I noticed a light on in the corner office of a friend's office building. Through the
twilight I could make out my friend's silhouette as he bent over his desk. Being a fellow entrepreneur, I
knew what he was doing.
He was pouring over some receivables. Some turkey hadn't paid him, and he was trying to make his
accounts balance so he would have the cash to make it another day. In that instant, I had a flashback to
some of the ridiculous statements I've been hearing on the talking-head news channels and from
some individuals during this political year. And I'll be honest—I instantly felt the heat of anger flow
through my body.
Let me tell you why. You see, my friend who I saw working late—we'll call him Henry—is a great guy.
He's what you want your son to grow up to be. He loves God, his country, his wife, and his kids. He didn't
have the academic advantage of attending a big-name university. Instead, he started installing heating
and air systems as a grunt laborer after he graduated from high school. He was and is a very hard and
diligent worker, and before long, the boss taught him the trade. But when he was 24, after 6 years of
service, the company he was working for got into financial trouble and laid him off.
Henry still had his tools, so he bought an old pickup to haul around his materials and tools, and suddenly
he was in business. He knew about heating and air-conditioning, but not about business, so he made a
lot of mistakes.
He persisted. He took accounting and management at the community college to learn about business.
He started reading books on business, HVAC, marriage, kids, God, and anything else someone he
respected recommended. Today he is one of the best-read men I know. Soon, because of his fabulous
service and fair prices, he developed a great reputation, and his little business began to grow.
Henry started 15 years ago, and now he has 17 employees whose families are fed because he does a
great job. He is in church on Sunday and seldom misses his kids' Little League games. Sometimes he
has to miss a game because some poor soul has their AC go out in the 96-degree Tennessee summer
heat, but Henry makes sure they are served. He is, by all standards, a good man. He is, by all
standards, what makes America great.
Henry and I are friends, and so he asked me some financial questions last year. I learned in the process
that his personal taxable income last year was $328,000. I smiled with pride for this 70-hour a week guy
because he is living the dream.
At the stop light that evening, I also thought of another guy I know—and that is where the anger flash
came from. We will call him John. While John does not have the same drive Henry has, I can say that he,
too, is a good man.
John also graduated from high school and did not attend a big-name university. He went to work at a local
factory 15 years ago. When 5:00pm comes around, John has probably already made it to his car in the
parking lot. He comes in 5 minutes late, takes frequent breaks, and leaves 5 minutes early. However, to
his credit, he is steady and works hard.
Over the years, due to his steadiness and seniority, he has worked his way up to about $75,000 per year
in that same factory. He seldom misses his kid's ballgames, but most nights you will find him in front of
the TV where he has become an expert on "American Idol," "The Biggest Loser," and who got thrown off
the island. When he is not in front of the TV, he spends a LOT of time and money bass fishing on our
local lake. He never works over 40 hours a week and hasn't read a non-fiction book since high school.
This is America, and there is nothing wrong with either set of choices. Nothing wrong, that is, until
the politicians and socialists get involved.
I have seen several elitist people on the talking-head channels make the statement lately that people
making over $250,000 per year have a "moral imperative" to pay more in taxes to take care of the
country's problems. This is not only infuriating—it is economically, spiritually, and morally crazy!
Where in the world do these twits get off saying that Henry should be punished for his diligence? If you
are John, where do you get off trying to take Henry's hard-earned money away from him in the name of
your misguided "fairness"? If you want to sit on the lake, drink beer, scratch your butt, and bass fish, that
is perfectly fine with me. I am not against any of those activities and have engaged in some of them
myself at one time or another. But you HAVE NO RIGHT to talk about "moral imperatives" about what
other people have earned due to their diligence. That money is not yours! You want some money? Go
earn some! Get up, leave the cave, kill something, and drag it home.
We are in a dangerous place in our country today. A segment of our population has decided that it is the
government's job to provide all of their protection, provision, and prosperity. This segment has figured out
that government doesn't have the money to give them everything they want, so somebody else has to
pay for it. That is how the "politics of envy" was born. "Tax the rich" has become the mantra of the left,
and this political season it has been falsely dubbed a "moral imperative."
Ninety percent of America's millionaires are first-generation rich. They are Henry. To tax them because
you think it is a "moral imperative" is legalizing governmental theft from our brightest, most charitable, and
most productive citizens.
If I can get a law passed that says you must surrender all your cars to the government because it is the
"moral imperative" of anyone who owns cars to support the latest governmental program, that would be a
violation of private property rights and simply morally wrong. This new "moral imperative" to
redistribute wealth is no different from that. It's the SAME THING!
Please, America, re-think the politics of envy! You are sowing the seeds of our destruction when you
punish the Henrys of our culture.
If you think taxing the populace to support government programs is the best way—and I don't—then at
least tax every single person the same! There are very few Henrys out here who would squawk much
about paying a set percentage of their income—if everyone else did, too. But this idea of some buttscratching
bass fisherman saying government should tax his neighbor and not him—just because his
neighbor has succeeded—must stop.
So the next time an elitist media talking-head starts telling you it is the moral imperative of our culture to
tax my friend Henry, change the channel.
The next time you see someone wealthy who feels guilty and is preaching the politics of envy, change the
channel.
The next time you see some celebrity who feels guilt over their income preaching socialism, change the
channel.
And the next time you run into a misguided, butt-scratching bass fisherman who says the evil rich people
in our culture should have their private property confiscated because that is fair… well just shake your
head walk away—and make sure to vote against his candidate. If he and his type win, God help
America.

© The Lampo Group, Inc. all rights reserved.

Dishes are done!

2008-07-08T13:10:00.003-04:00

This is what happens when one tries to load the dishwasher! Hee hee!

My Everyday!

2008-07-08T11:35:00.004-04:00

As I walked into the living room today this is the picture that I saw. All six children playing nicely for a brief moment and I thought to myself, since I cannot post any artwork, I'll post this picture so you can see what my days look like! For most of the morning my living room looks as if a bomb went off but after lunch I am able to clean everything up and it's back to normal (that is until they all wake up!) Sometimes (most of the time) it is craziness but there are some calmer times like this one. Four of them are mine and I am so used to them that I do everything with them. If I need to run to the store for one thing or if I having a ton of errands to do we all head out together but adding two that are not yours puts a little bend in that. They are pretty good but it is definitely a challenge. Anyway, this is my life until 5:00 pm and then it's dinner, playtime, baths, and bedtime! AAhhh, then when it's time for me to enjoy a little time creating I usually crash on the couch! Hee hee. Oh well, gotta love it! Hope you all are having a great day!

One Nation Under God?

2008-07-06T22:37:00.004-04:00

Wow, where do I even start? I haven't had a single minute to produce anything creative lately so first and foremost I am sorry about that. I hope to be able to sit down and create again very soon. I was hoping to make something all fourth of Julyish and post a happy little post wishing everyone a fabulous holiday but honestly I was having a hard time this year finding my warm and fuzzy feelings. Our great nation is in such a delicate state right now and I'm thinking... in less than six months we are going to take an extreme turn one way or another. This morning I experienced a heart warming patriotic service that was quite moving. I normally try to pick one verse from our morning service to take with me throughout the week, pray about, and apply to my daily life. The verse that stood out to me today is found in second Corinthians 7:14 and reads, If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land. Wow, I have to take a minute, catch my breath and ask myself, Will God heal this land? Will He forgive the people of their wicked ways? I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that our loving Savior offers complete grace to those to ask but what about the men and women who hold high power in this country and yet defend wickedness and evil in His name? Or even worst yet have chosen to completely deny the fact that this country was founded in His great and holy name by God-fearing men. Remember, the currency that keeps this nation running is inscribed, "In God we Trust" but do we? Some of our current leaders have taken his name right out of the nation. Like for instance a U.S. appeals court recently decided that a high school football coach could not bow his head or take a bow while his students said a pre-game prayer. Are you kidding me? This man was not leading them in prayer or encouraging prayer in any way but simply showing respect to his players and bowing his head or kneeling with them and a some judge had the nerve to say that this is not acceptable! We wonder why our nation is in the shape that it is in but take good look around, our values have slipped through the cracks and what kills me the most is that most of this is done from people who claim to know and love Christ. How can we be Christ-like if we are doing the very things that shame Him? What are we (who claim to be Christians) doing to steer this nation towards Godly morals and standards. We are called by God to stand in His image and share His love with all! Even those who are far far from him. If you say that you are a child of God, ask yourself, what kind of a job are you doing? Join me in making this Independence holiday a day of a renewed people who will engage in making this a great country that is truly "One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"!

Broken but on his way to fixed.

2008-06-07T10:37:00.002-04:00

Last weekend we had a little accident...Noah my oldest (4 yr old) son fell from the monkey bars (hate those monkey bars)(and trampolines for that matter) and broke his elbow! Yikes, huh. Can you imagine. Of course I was at the grocery store and Daddy took the kids for a bike ride to the park! So here's Dad trying to walk his bike and push Noah on his, all the way back home! Kinda funny but not really, I guess. So I took him to the ER when I got home and yeppers a broken elbow. He was able to get in with the orthopedic surgeon the very next day and now has a cast from his shoulder to his hand for 6-8 weeks! (It's green so he totally thinks he's the Incredible Hulk!) The cast has in no way slowed him down, he's still wild as ever!

In love with cupcakes!

2008-05-31T20:45:00.002-04:00

So I have to admit I am completely in love with cupcakes. Not only am I completely hooked on them I am on the search for the perfect cupcake stamp. The one that I love the best is of course the bella stamp! So I came up with this cupcake card and I gotta tell ya, I love it! I used the cupcakeabella and just cut out the cupcakes. I also used the bella baubles for the cherries. The next card was made for my daughter's first grade teacher (now my friend) for her end of the year Thank You. Her theme for the room is dogs so I thought this would be fitting. I got this stamp a long time ago from The Angel Company. The dogs are just so stinking cute. Well, I have also been scraping away so I have about 10 two page layouts put together and ready for embellishing. When I finish them up I'll be sure to post them for you all to see! Thanks for visiting! Have a blessed evening!

More Father's Day cards!

2008-05-31T19:53:00.003-04:00

For those of you who didn't know...I have three Fathers so I already posted one of my Father's day cards earlier but here are the other two that I made this week.

Wow, I've been busy!

2008-05-31T19:47:00.002-04:00

Well, I have just been working away the last three days so I thought I would finally post some of the cards that I have made! I got some new whipper snapper stamps from Jami (thanks sweetie) and I couldn't wait to ink them up so here are the final results!

Mamaw

2008-05-22T23:23:00.004-04:00

There is no art to post tonight. I just have had no time to work lately but I am hoping to get there soon. I have had a very emotional day today, not real sure why but non-the-less, still emotional. Ever had one of those days when you just feel on the verge of tears all day? Well, that's me. First of all, I have been thinking of my Mamaw so much the past few weeks. It's like she is constantly on my mind, and then I realize that her birthday was May 18th. Duh, no wonder. I know she is home with the Lord but man it is just so hard here without her. Let me fill some of you in a bit. My Mamaw was my Mom's, Mother and she was seriously the most amazing woman. She was everything God intended her to be. She was patient, kind, loving, honest, compassionate, forgiving...shall I go on? She had a special relationship with the Lord, for sure. She was my best friend. She passed in June of 2006 just five short months after her husband (my Papaw, who was also a great man of God) I loved our talks and our shopping trips, I miss her so very much but one thing that is so crazy is that even in her death she still teaches me to lean into God and to love Him with all my heart and He will take care of us. I can't really explain it in detail or this post would be a thousand pages long but throughout the last two years, through missing my Mamaw I have learned to appreciate my Lord so much more and to deepen my walk with Him. Do any of you remember that old hymn...Oh, How I love Jesus? I have caught myself humming it all day today. Oh how thankful I am that I can take on this life with the knowledge that Jesus has it all under control. I went back and watched the Laminin video again and was so touched all over again. If you haven't watched it look for my post entitled, Thank you Julie Brooks. It really is amazing. Well, my pot boiled over at the last five minutes of Grey's tonight. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the show but the somewhat emotional ending just pushed me over my limit and the floodgates opened up. My husband is so funny, he just reached over and handed me a tissue. He was probably thinking, oh dear here she goes. Well I just thought I would share some of my thoughts tonight, I'll leave you with with a beautiful picture of my dear Mamaw. Goodnight.

Comments please!

2008-05-20T20:24:00.001-04:00

Hee hee, I'm just conducting a test to see why my comments are not there. Comments, where are you?

A quick card for today!

2008-05-16T15:29:00.002-04:00

I actually had some time today to crank out a card. I made this for my girl, Crystal. Her baby shower is next month. I also made two Father's Day cards but I am waiting on some hemp that I ordered so I'll post those later. I just love the way this card turned out. I used my new punch from Creative Memories. It's a tad expensive but if you ask me totally worth it! I love the little petals it makes in the corners. It also makes a full flower. I got the paper at Archivers, it's My Minds Eye. I also used my Cuttlebug die to cut out the ribbon slide. Well, that's all the time I have for now. See ya soon!

My Super Mom!

2008-05-11T18:06:00.003-04:00

So if any of you know of Lauren Meader or visit her blog you will automatically see that she is oh so talented! Not too long ago she posted her Mother's Day card that she had made for her Mom and I just had to make my Mom one like it. Of course I changed it up a little to represent my Mom but the main idea came from her. I used a much busier paper for a backing as my Mom Loves Bling Bling! The inside contained all the meanings of the Bellas. In order from left to right, top to bottom...

1. She was expecting, there's a baby on the way!
2. She's here, A sweet baby girl. You are now a Mommy
3. This is how I remember my Mom every morning, sitting on the couch in her robe with her morning cup of coffee.
4. Here she is after about 15 min in the bathroom, ready to start her day.
5. She was the best Dr. whether she was administering my daily allergy shots or just fixin up my boo boos.
6. She was my ultimate teacher of life.
7. She was the party planner and showed me how to be a homemaker.
8. She is my best shopping buddy.
9. By her influence she taught me how to love the Lord. By her example I am now a child of God and I am saved by His grace.
10. She is my friend

She is my Super Mom!

Happy Birthday

2008-05-11T17:57:00.002-04:00

My daughter was invited to a birthday party this weekend and Sparkle had made a birthday card that I have been wanting to try so this is it. It was late at night and I didn't feel like random stamping as Sparkle did so I used paper as my background instead. I must say that Sparkle's is way better. The paper was just too busy, I think. But anyway the little girl (who just turned 7) loved the card so all was well.

2008-05-11T15:59:00.002-04:00

Well, it has been so incredibly busy over here. I started watching two little girls this week and let me tell you it is much harder than I thought it would be! I now have four kids under four here all day and then at 3:30 my oldest two come home from school and then I have six of them here! Whoo whee, if any of you have six kids of your own I don't know how you do it! I have been completely exhausted all weekend. So anyway, Friday night was scrap night and I wanted to teach a couple of techniques so I made this card. I taught them the dahlia fold and how to color with prismas and odorless mineral spirits (which is my absolute favorite way to color). Hope you like!

Just a simple thank you.

2008-05-03T00:52:00.003-04:00

There's not much to say about this one, I needed a thank you card so I whipped this up. I'm hoping to make a ton of cards this weekend but I have a ton of cleaning and laundry to do so we'll see how much I get done! I start watching two little girls on Monday which means I will have four kids under 4 during the day! Yikes, there may not be much stampin going on next week. Have a great night.

Thank You Julie Brooks!

2008-05-01T14:22:00.002-04:00

Please take a moment to watch this video, trust me, you will feel the spirit of the Lord move through this clip. I visited Julie Brooks blog today and found this video clip, thank you Julie for the blessing this afternoon, hope you don't mind me passing it on. I was so amazed by this I just couldn't help but pass it on. It stirred up so many things in me that I am actually having trouble getting it all out, if you can believe that! There are so many people that I know need encouragement and uplifting, this is for you if you fall in that category. The LORD is so good and steadfast, through all of the trials that this life may bring, he is there. There are times when I have to just sit still, close my eyes, and I swear I can almost feel him filling me up again and holding me in his arms. Thank you Jesus for those times. For along time one of my biggest struggles was figuring out how to hear the Lord. I wasn't sure how to know if what I was feeling was the Lord or pure emotion. I just kept asking Him, Lord, help me to know when you are here, speaking to me? I believe with all my heart that I now know the difference. If I may offer one little bit of advice today. Lean into Him when things are tough, speak to Him often, praise His name instead of using it in vain, seek him with your questions, read His word, better yet dwell in it. He will reveal himself to us if we would just ask. Will you ask him today? Our Lord is so full of Grace and Mercy, without Him we would be nothing! I will never forget the word Laminin!

Some more new stuff and challenges!

2008-04-26T01:01:00.003-04:00

Tonight I killed two birds with one stone(pun intended)hee hee. I received a package yesterday containing my four new Cuttlebug embossing folders and another one today from Gina K! Can I get a woot woot!?!? (I'm feeling so silly tonight, can you tell?) All I have to say is that Gina K rocks! I visit her site all the time and have some of her stuff but this is the first time I ordered some stamps. They're greeeat! (Think Tony Tiger here.) I absolutely love the new owl stamp set. I made this card using the scs sketch challenge #166 for my Dad for Father's Day this year. I'll probably add Happy Father's Day to the bottom right hand corner before I give it to him but I have a habit of making cards early and then changing my mind and making a new one right before the event. So, I leave the greeting off til I'm ready to seal the envelope. I also ordered another stamp set that I have been eyeballing for a few months but I'll post that one later. I also made a Mother's Day card for my MIL using the latest scs sketch challenge #173. I was so productive today, I also made a baby quilt for my friend Crystal but can't post that one for a couple of months til after the baby shower. She already knows that I am making her one but she doesn't need to see it til then, ya know. It's beautiful though, I can't wait to show you all! I finished the top today so now I just have to get the backing and binding ready. Well, I guess I had better get to bed, it's very late and for whatever reason I'm not tired at all. Have a great night!

Look what I got today!

2008-04-22T18:09:00.005-04:00

Okay so now that our income tax return, vacation, and bills have all been taken care of I got to order a bunch of stuff that I have been wanting. Yipee for me! Today, I received the first of many packages to come, my Tilda's! I was so excited to receive them that I made a card right away.I used the splitcoast stampers sketch challenge #154. I have a long time friend that I only see about once a year and I just found out a little while ago that her husband is battling cancer so I made this for her. The inside says, "Hope, Comfort, & Peace". I also got my new watermark to work and I am loving it so much. I ordered it from Beth, she makes custom watermarks if you are interested! Well, I am off to make hamburgers on the grill for dinner tonight...doesn't that sound so good?!?!

Wedding jewelry

2008-04-21T16:31:00.003-04:00

I have also been making jewelry for my cousin's sister-in-law's wedding. Did you get that, hee hee? So I was to make a bracelet and a necklace for each one of the girls in the wedding party. The necklace looks crooked but the crystals are free moving so that when you are wearing it they stay even. I delivered them today so I hope the girls love them. Sorry about the pictures, I am definitely no photographer.

I'm still here!

2008-04-21T14:14:00.005-04:00

Hello there everyone, I'm still alive over here though I have been so stinking busy lately I haven't had any time to post. I finally finished some stuff I have been working on so here it is. First, I finished a Bella swap that I was in but I have already posted it awhile ago. Anyway, that's done and ready for the mail. I also made my secret pal (Jenn in Iowa) this little album using my soon to be bind it all! Mwahh haa haa! I borrowed it from Jami and I think I'm lovin it! Then I also had some jewelry to fix for her (Jenn) so I extended it a little. This is a bracelet that I made her for her birthday using Amethyst Swarovski crystals (her birthstone). Her package will be going in the mail today also. SO thanks for taking time to stop by and hope to be back on track real soon! Ta Ta for now!

Card for my nephew!

2008-04-13T20:10:00.002-04:00

I had originally made a dinosaur card for my nephew's birthday but when I found out that he loved Thomas the Train I had to make him a train card instead. The only problem was I wasn't in the mood at all and was all out of creativity! I know this card needed something but I couldn't put my finger on it. Oh well, it was for a four year old who could care less about what the card looked like. I used the Carnival train set from Stampin Up. Sorry I haven't been updating in a while I have just not been creating much lately. I have a bunch of projects to get done in the next week so maybe I will post them when I finish.

Mary Kay

2008-04-03T01:16:00.003-04:00

Just a note to say that I recently ordered the latest and greatest form Mary Kay (I am a consultant). Needless to say, I am not real crazy about the colors. They are beautiful just not for me so I am selling a beautiful new compact filled with three eye shadows(Sweet Cream, Sienna, and Granite), one blush(Shy Blush), and one cream lipstick(garnetfrost). I am asking $60.00 plus shipping so just e-mail me if you are interested!

Busy, busy, busy!

2008-04-03T00:57:00.002-04:00

Hello friends, I am so sorry that I haven't posted. I have been busy like a mad-woman! We are leaving first thing Friday morning for our family vacation and I cannot believe how much there is to do in order to leave for one measly week. We are taking the older three kids with us but leaving our youngest at home with his grandparents so all the "just in case" prep work involved has tired me out. I've had house keys made for both sets of parents, legal letters made up so that he can get medical treatment if needed, letters written up with all the places and phone numbers of where we will be staying, a letter called, "A Day in the Life of Jonah" so that they would know every little thing that he does throughout the day. Whew wee, I cannot wait for this vacation to start! Anyway, I will have my laptop with me but I am not real sure how often I will get Internet service so it may be awhile before I'm back. Until then happy Crafting to you all and I can't wait to see all the beautiful things that you all have made while I'm gone. Ta Ta for now.

Three more cards

2008-03-30T14:06:00.002-04:00

Well, I was waiting to post these cards til after I put my watermark on them, but of course, I still cannot for the life of me figure out how to get it to work! Anyway, the first one is a bella that I made for my daughters friend. She plays the guitar and her birthday is coming up next week so this was perfect for her. The other two are using a set from Stampin Up that I love called bloomin' beautiful! I also followed the SCS sketch challenges 165, 150, & 157. I am so lovin' the sketch challenges. Have a great Sunday!

New Sketch

2008-03-29T15:06:00.003-04:00

I saw this sketch over on Beth's blog and I thought it was so pretty! Thanks Beth for the great sketch! I think her card is great, my card not so much but that's okay you, you win some you lose some and this is a card I think is just okay. I used Hollyhock CS, silhouette paper, and just blooms paper flowers from CTMH. A Bella of course and some prima flowers and K&Company gems

Having so much fun!

2008-03-27T17:15:00.002-04:00

Okay so I had so much fun doing the SCS sketch challenges that I decided to go back and do some of the other sketch challenges so here is my version of #163 and #164. I have added the link to the right for the SCS Master List of sketch challenges if you would like to view them.

I've been awarded!

2008-03-27T12:51:00.003-04:00

Thanks so much Ann for my award! I am so humbled that you all enjoy my blog, again I say thanks to all of you! I have been awarded and tagged and so on and so forth so instead of forwarding it on I am going to say..."You all make my day! I love all my sistahs!"

SCS Sketch Challenge 169

2008-03-27T12:38:00.003-04:00

I saw the challenge on SCS and I have been wanting to try some sketch challenges so I thought, nothing like the present. I colored myself a cute little Bella that had been calling out my name since I bought her and got started, got tired, and then fell asleep on the couch. So this morning I am doing my usual blog browsing and I see that Tonya has created a great tutorial on her blog using the same challenge and the same bella! What can I say Great minds think alike, I guess! So if you have a chance head over to her blog and take a look! Tonya, great tutorial!

My Sweet Babies!

2008-03-27T12:23:00.002-04:00

I just thought I'd share some shots of my sweet babies on Easter this year! I just love those little cuties!

I Recieved PIF Candy!

2008-03-25T09:15:00.003-04:00

Woo Hoo... I just received some PIF blog candy from Tracy K and I love it! It was so cool to get a package in the mail from England! Thanks Tracy for the PIF candy! Now for those of you who don't know what PIF candy is allow me to explain. PIF stands for Pass it forward so in order to keep the game going the first three people to leave a comment on this post will receive some PIF candy from me! When you receive it then you will do the same for the first three people to leave a comment on your post and so on and so forth. So, here's to passing it forward!

Thank you, Thank you!

2008-03-22T13:54:00.003-04:00

I would like to take this opportunity to thank... hee hee

Well, Tonya over at Stamp Happens... has chosen little ol' me to receive this award! Yippee! Thanks so much Tonya, what an honor! She's beautiful!

This award originates from Arte y Pico and it's a great site, though it is Spanish. (I haven't spoken Spanish since High School and we won't mention how long ago that was!)

Thanks again Tonya!

The rules!

1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog , so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5) To show these rules.

My winners: (It's so hard to pick only five but I'll pick a couple of the people who I visit daily...except Tonya, of course. Here goes...

1) Jami @ Thoughts of a Crazed Mom
2) Marjorie @ Mommy Scraps
3) Amy @ Pickled Paper Designs
4) Anna @ Sassy & Sweet Notes
5) Sparkle @ My Life, Creations and Tribulations

Vacation layouts!

2008-03-22T13:37:00.003-04:00

Here are a few of the layouts that I have done recently. They are of last years vacation to Jellystone in Indiana. I still have some journaling to do but they are basically done. I used the Rustic Trail paper pack from CTMH. It was so fitting for this vacation since we did alot of fishing. I would say that we were also camping but I don't think you can call it camping when you stayed in a luxurious camper! hee hee. The kids had a blast though and still talk about going back this year. I figured that I had better get these layouts done since we are set to leave for this years vacation to Branson, MO in 13 days! Woo Hoo warmer weather here I come! Just a little side note to say we got more snow yesterday, boo hoo. I am so ready for spring flowers and packing away the coats, gloves, hats, and scarfs. So anyway, here they are...

Happy Birthday BFF!

2008-03-19T23:42:00.002-04:00

Okay so today is my BFF/sister in law's birthday so Happy Birthday if you read this! I have been working on her gift this week so I thought I'd post what I made her! I just love these paint cans right now. I found the cute little paint sticks at my lss and that's what made me decide to make her a paint can so I found some matching paper and away I went. I did fill the paint can with all kinds of scrapbook stuff and a handmade Swarovski bracelet and earring set but I forgot to takes pics of them, sorry. Anyway, I made a matching Bella card too! I got to give it to her tonight and she loved it! Yeah me! (insert hand clapping here)Well, I'm zonked and still have to put some clothes in the dryer so I'm off for now. Ta ta!

2008-03-18T13:32:00.002-04:00

I was at Joann's yesterday and found this fab stamp for 40% off so I just had to get it! I am totally in love with cherry blossom images right now so when I saw this I knew it was for me. I have also been working on another project but it's a gift for my BFF so I can't post until after I give it to her. (I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise!) Enjoy, and have a great day!

Tonight was Scrap Night!

2008-03-15T01:50:00.003-04:00

Yeah...tonight was scrap night and I got to get out of the house tonight and work on some things! I made a few cards for an upcoming Easter contest and then I just worked on a swap that I'm in. I had a very nice time, here are the three cards I made tonight.

Dinner anyone?

2008-03-12T19:58:00.004-04:00

So I thought I would share with you the recipe that I made tonight for dinner! It's unstuffed cabbage and it's so easy and yummy too! So here is the ingredient list.

2lbs. hamburger
2 or 3 celery sticks
1/2 onion
1/2 of a head of cabbage
1 large tomato juice
1 cup of minute rice

First you dice the onion and celery up and cook it with the hamburger (add salt and pepper to taste)

At the same time you chop up the cabbage and boil on high.

When they are done drain both and combine in the pot at this time you add the minute rice and the tomato juice. Put a lid on and turn the heat down and simmer for about 30 min.

Add some yummy cornbread and viola dinner is served. Hope you all enjoyed this yummy and quick recipe! Have a great night!

Boys...

2008-03-11T18:47:00.002-04:00

Okay so when I was pregnant with my son, my husband felt the need to warn me about the things boys do. He said,"when you look around, think of the most outrageous stunt that you can and I guarantee our son will try it, that's just how boys think!" I thought that was pretty funny. So now my oldest son is 4 years old (he'll be 5 in Oct) and today we went to Jami's house for a play date. Little does he know that it was really a play date for Me and Jami, hee hee. Anyway, we were there all day and when we got home it was time to start dinner. I head into the kitchen and he follows me with..."I'm Hungry". I say here's a banana go sit at the table. Here's where it gets funny. He was really quiet so I peek around the doorway and just as I do I see the banana peel on the floor and he getting ready to pull a cartoon move! He is seriously trying to slip across the hardwood floor on a banana peel! Are you kidding me? I was laughing so hard I could hardly tell him No. Anyway, who knew!

Get well soon!

2008-03-08T18:44:00.003-05:00

Well, I don't know how you guys make cards everyday. I haven't been able to sit at my table to create in like four days. Anyway, I did however make it there today! I will soon be going to visit my Monk (step-mom) who just had surgery to remove a bulging disk in her neck that was pressing on her spinal cord. Her surgery was a success and she has been home for almost two weeks. However, bringing over four kids didn't seem like a good idea and so I have yet to see her. Anyway, back to my card story, I made this get well card for her. I used my froggie boy stamp from High Hopes Stamps and used some prismas and odorless mineral spirits for blending. The paper I used is some of my old stash from Creative Memories and Cocoa cardstock from Close to my heart. I thought it turned out cute. Anyway, so I hope all of you had a great Saturday and remember tonight is spring forward if that applies to you. Sweet Dreams!

All went well!

2008-03-06T16:20:00.002-05:00

Okay, so court went great! Basically the judge looked at the file and said, "You're denied" She didn't even give me a chance to speak. All that nervousness for nothing, that's okay I'm am so glad that's over. I hate going to court. So I had a nice day so far so I'm off to my Dad's house to visit and then just maybe I can get a couple of pages done when I get home tonight! Talk soon.

Oh and thank you Maria, for your well wishes! I really appreciated it.

Court, Yuck!

2008-03-05T21:41:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm being taken to court tomorrow by my X. Apparently, when you quit your job you can't just quit paying child support, go figure. Anyway, he taking me back to try to lower it even though when he took the buy-out last year and they placed a whoppin check in his hand I saw zip! So if you are reading this tonight and you are a believer in prayer please say a quick one for me tonight, that I will represent the situation correctly to the judge and that he will not make my daughter pay for my X's poor decisions. Thanks and good night.

What I woke up to this morning!

2008-03-05T08:17:00.003-05:00

Okay so this is what I woke up to this morning! Are you kidding me? It's March and Easter is in two weeks and this is what I wake up to? I am so ready for winter to be over. The kids got a snow day today so they are thrilled. I'm sure we will have another snowman today! That's always fun, and believe it or not I do love to shovel. Okay well, I'm going to have some breakfast now, good morning to you all!

I've been tagged!

2008-03-04T23:26:00.003-05:00

Thank you, thank you, I've been tagged by my stampin sistah...Beth so here goes.

The rules of the game:
• Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
• Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, we all want to know them.
• Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
• Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

My random/weird facts... hummm

1) I never take my socks off in the winter and I never leave them on in the summer.

2) I always leave a light on in my basement.

3) I sing ALL the time.

4) I am in Love with Grey's Anatomy (I think Patrick Dempsy is yummy!)

5) I always do goofy dances around the house when music is playing (I just can't help but move when I hear music!)

6) I am a hairdresser by trade.

7) I stop and get a Tim Hortons Iced Capp twice a week!

You've been tagged...

Jami
Sparkle
Marjorie
Claire

Sisterhood of the Blogging Stampers - 14

2008-03-04T21:04:00.002-05:00

Hello there gals, I'm Kim and I am looking forward to getting to know all of you. I am hooked on all things crafty but especially card making and scrapbooking. I do love to quilt as well as crochet but I haven't had much time for that lately. I have four children ages 11, 6, 4, and 1 and they keep me pretty busy. One little fact about me is that I'm hooked on Tim Horton's iced capps and mint chocolate chip ice cream!

Dino anyone?

2008-02-29T15:30:00.004-05:00

Okay, so here's the other dinosaur from Whipper Snapper. As I said earlier, I will be out tonight with my peeps! (Sorry Morgan, Mom couldn't help it!) So I thought I would post this now since I'm never back home before the am on girls nights! I just couldn't hold back the girly side of me with this card. Enjoy!

Holy Typos!

2008-02-29T14:47:00.000-05:00

Geesh, you'd never know I am a college student. Sorry about that!

At the end of the day.

2008-02-29T14:19:00.003-05:00

Okay so it's Friday of mid-winter break and I gotta be honest I'm pulling my hair out over here. I cannot wait until 5:15 when Johnny walks in the door and I walk out (for girls night out, of course)! Geesh...what did you guys think I meant, hee hee. Anyway, is this just me or do other Moms feel the same way? I cannot handle the four of them at one time all cooped up in this tiny little three bedroom ranch. They have oodles and oodles of toys, more than any children really need. I mean seriously, there's a TV in every room hooked to some sort of game system from game cube to wii to a v-smile, not to mention, the multiple handhelds in this house. We got coloring books, dolls, build-a-bear, i-pods, reading books, art supplies, more boardgames than my closets can hold and yet... they're bored. Huh, something is so wrong here. The problem is, I'm tired, overwhelmed, out of energy, and just plain out of ambition right now. How do we as parents go through our own issues without burdening our children with them. I know at least once a day I wonder what my kids will remember about their life. Will they remember that Mom yelled all the time or have I emotionally scared them in some way or another? Will they sit in they're life groups as adults and talk about how messed up there childhood was? Man, I sure hope not. I know there are so many things in my childhood that I thought were all about me only to realize now that I had nothing to do with it. my parents were going through their won stuff at the time. Johnny and I were talking the other day and he said something that, first made me remember why I love him so much, and second made me realign my thinking about the kids! He said, "At the end of the day, when I think about what I have taught my children and what they will have as adults, only one thing matters. I don't care if they end up poor, I don't care if they are alone...(you get the point)All that matters is that they know the Lord and that their walk with him is the most important part of their lives." That is so true, at the end of each night that is the only thing that matters! Lord, this is where you come in, mold me and shape me to be more like you. May I be a radiant light of you throughout my tiny little three bedroom ranch so that my children will know why it is so important to know and love you! Just some of my thoughts for today.

My projects for tonight!

2008-02-27T23:52:00.003-05:00

Today the man in brown brought me a little package. It was my new whipper snapper stamps. I love them so much as I am sure you will be able to see why. I only had the energy to make one of them tonight. That dinosaur is so cute. The second card is using the flower stamp from stamping bella. A big thanks to Crystal for letting me stamp out a bunch of them. I have had so much fun coloring the past few days. The kids have been home all week on mid winter break so it's been relaxing, especially since I've also had a terrible cold. I am starting to feel much better now so hopefully I will get to work some more this weekend!

A Bittersweet Debut!

2008-02-27T01:26:00.002-05:00

Here it is guys, my sweet daughter Morgan's debut card! She has really been into the whole scrap booking/card making thing lately. It's nice that she is getting to that age that we can share hobbies, though she's gonna need a job as I can barely support my sickness let a lone hers! Hee hee. She is so proud of this card, she asked me if I was going to post it on my blog so without further a do...

My Prismas are here!

2008-02-27T01:15:00.003-05:00

Okay so I am so glad that I finally got my Prismacolor pencils! Jami bought me this adorable little paint can and I altered it with the Silhouette paper (ctmh) but I need help with what to put on it. I'm thinking... My Art stix or something like that. Maybe even just my name...Kim. Well, any comments you may have would be much appreciated! Here it is. When I'm done I am going to add pink prima flowers and some ribbon. I'll post the finished product!

A Listening Heart?

2008-02-26T23:28:00.000-05:00

Wow, did you ever step back and take a good look at your life, where you need to be improving, where you're doing okay, the times that are loud, the few times that are quiet? We are always doing okay if we have God on our side. Isn't it crazy how sometimes we get further and further away from the Lord. Sometimes we don't even realize it has happened, other times it's intentional. I am overwhelmed at this thought... Even when our hearts are far from God, still he sits and waits for the noise to die down, he leans in close and whispers, "I Love You my Child" How undeserving am I at times. When was the last time you heard His voice? Even when our lives are loud and overwhelming, there he sits, right next to us. All we have to do is listen. I am just truly thankful for His voice this morning. I thought I would share. Take a moment today and just listen.