Embellish Stitching Color Challenge

Happy Wednesday!

I made this card for the latest Embellish challenge. I love to do stitching on my cards... usually hand stitching since I am not that great with a sewing machine yet! :)

Well... keeping it short and sweet! Just did some blog hopping and now I have lots to do while Carver is still napping!

Peace and Love!

Supplies:
Stamps- Background Basics Tin Types (PTI), Sweet Baby by Ali E (Technique Tuesday)
Paper - Kraft, Aqua Mist, and Sweet Blush (PTI)
Ink - True Black (PTI), Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger), VersaMark
Other - SU Dimensionals, corner rounder and word window punch, Twine (PTI), Bazzill Romance floss and tools.

I Just Love You

Happy Tuesday!

Here is a card that I made a couple of weeks ago. I love my Unity stamps...

I made a new card last night.... first one in a several days! Woo Hoo! I will post it tomorrow...

Hope you are all having a wonderful day!

Carver and I took the recycling off this morning... it is amazing how much less trash I have now that I recycle. I have been recycling for about 2 years now... maybe a little longer. I remember recycling Carver's baby food containers and he is 3 now so....

If you don't recycle... I encourage you to! Really... it is amazing how much can be recycled that we just throw in the landfill everyday! It has become a sickness really .... anywhere I am at... I can't leave something that I know will be thrown away if it can be recycled! But... I guess it is a good sickness! :)

Okay.... enough preaching today! :) Carver is napping and I have lots to do!

Peace and Love!

Supplies:
Stamps - Doo Dads (Unity), Loving Words by Ali Edwards (Technique Tuesday)
Paper - Pretty in Pink (Stampin Up)
Ink - Pretty in Pink (SU), Dark Chocolate (PTI)
Other - Twine (PTI), Puffy Heart Pillow Sticker (K & Co), SU Corner rounder

Love - From My Studio

No.... I don't call it 'my studio' .... I was just playing with one of my newest PTI sets! :)

Here is the card that I like the best....

Here is the card that I made first and wasn't happy with! Probably because I used my own handwriting!?!?

Hope you all have a great Monday!

Peace and Love!

Supplies: (combined)
Stamps - Wonderfully Whimsical (Papertrey), Wonderful Words (Stampin Up)
Paper - Kraft (Papertrey)
Ink - True Black (Papertrey), Real Red (Stampin Up), Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger)
Other - Red Slick Writer (American Crafts), Cherry Twist Twine (The Shabby Green Door), Su Corner Rounder, Copics, Kaiser Rhinestones, Glossy Accents and Star Dust Stickles (Ranger)

Celebrate You

Edit... This card was blog spotted by CARDS!

Hope you guys had a great day today! It was beautiful weather here!

Carver had an Easter egg hunt at our church this morning and then we hung around to fly his plane in the parking lot. We went to eat some lunch at Wow Cafe and Wingery and then headed home for Carver to take his nap.

While Carver napped, I got caught up on most of my blog hopping and got to see what you all have been up to this week!

I have been a busy bee around here today. Feels good to get some stuff accomplished but I am pooped! :)

Just wanted to post a card real quick! I made this so I could play with the banner from Look Up by Practicing Creativity Designs! Love this set... still! I love the balloons but I love the banner just as much!

Anyway... I guess I will hush now and see what else I can get done before bed!

Peace and Love!

Supplies:
Stamps - Look Up (Practicing Creativity Designs), Everyday Words by Ali Edwards (Technique Tuesday)
Paper - White (Papertrey)
Ink - True Black (Papertrey), Pink Passion, Lovely Lilac, YoYo Yellow, Tempting Turquoise, Only Orange, Glorious Green, and Real Red (Stampin Up)
Other - Glossy Accents and Star Dust Stickles (Ranger), Black Kaiser Rhinestones, Stampin Up corner rounder, Bumble Glitter Thickers (American Crafts)

hey & hello

Meet hey....

Meet hello....

These cards were an idea that just came to me one night and I was anxious to see how it would work out.

I printed some digital stamps ... the entire page... onto some white Staples card stock (because it will actually run through my printer) and made two cards out of the whole sheet.

These are actually the same half from 2 different sheets of the printed stamps. I will post the other 2 cards (the other half of the sheets) at a later date. They are not my favs so I haven't been a hurry to take their pictures either! :)

I am actually happy with how they turned out. They are different from what I usually make (I think)! They have printed flowers on the front and back of the card AND they were super fast to make!

Anyway.....

Hope you all have had a fab Friday!

Michael, Carver, and I went to Pump It Up this morning and after about an hour of playing dodge ball with Michael (while there were no kids around other than Carver of course)... I am sore! :) We had a good time and stopped by Chick- fil - A for lunch! Yum!

Peace and Love!

I will start catching up with you all ... hopefully tomorrow! :)

Supplies: hey and hello
Stamps - Heart Flowers (The Cutting Cafe), Polka Dot Basics II (Papertrey)
Paper - White (Staples)
Ink - Hawaiian Shores (Papertrey), Lovely Lilac (SU)
Other - Orange Zest Button and Hawaiian Shores Button (Papertrey), Thickers (American Crafts), White Signo gel pen

Thursday post

Hope you are all having a great Thursday!

We just got home a little bit ago and I wanted to get on and say Thank you again for all of the prayers. The visitation last night and funeral today all went really well. Everyone seemed strong and just glad that Pa was no longer in pain. I know it is going to be the hardest on my grandmother but she has plans to move into an apartment complex for seniors. They always have social functions, etc... so I know she is going to love being there and being around people. I am sure she is going to find plenty to keep herself busy! My granny and pa lived out in the country so for many many years... it was just the two of them unless someone popped in for a visit. I think she will really enjoy being surrounded by other women and making new friends. I know she will miss my Pa... we all will!

So.... I am pooped and think I am going to go take a nap but I wanted to post and say Thank you!

I will also share a couple of cards that I made... one using the other new PTI release set that I bought. I made another card using this set that is also Christmas but it isn't a fav of mine so I haven't been in any hurry to take its picture! :) I will have to show it later on.


The second card is one that I made while looking for a sentiment. I saw this stamp set and I had an idea to use a toothpick to hang the sign so had to try it out.



I made these during the stamping craze of March 2010! :) It has been several days since I have made a card so I hope I haven't forgotten how! Maybe tonight I will feel like playing around for a while!

Peace and Love!

Supplies: Fa La La
Stamps - Wonderfully Whimsical (Papertrey), Holiday Tree (Papertrey)
Paper - White (Papertrey)
Ink - True Black (PTI), Real Red (SU)
Other- copics, Glossy Accents (Ranger), SU Corner rounder and dimensionals, Kaiser Aqua rhinestone, Divine Twine (Whisker Graphics), Marvy square punch

Supplies: Christmas Trees
Stamps - Winter Vintage Signage (Cornish Heritage Farms), Signature Christmas (Papertrey)
Paper - Kraft and Vintage Cream (Papertrey)
Ink - True Black (PTI), Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger)
Other - hole punch, Twine (PTI), SU Corner rounder and dimensionals, toothpick, Kaiser Rhinestone, Black 100 copic, Su Markers - Ruby red, not quite navy, more mustard and garden green

Another post for the day!

Well... I wanted to leave a card at the top of my blog for tomorrow (I don't think I will be blogging tomorrow) because I didn't want it to be a downer when you came to visit me! :)

Thank you all for your prayers and sweet comments about the passing of my grandfather! It is bitter sweet! You never want someone you love to pass away but.... when you know where they are going and that they are in pain and ready to go... it is hard to be too sad about it! I worry about my grandmother but she is strong so she will be okay. I worry about my dad and my aunts and uncles because they just lost their father... I hope it is years and years before I have to know what that feels like! Anyway... all that to say that I am really okay! I know my Pa is in heaven and he is happy! So... that makes me happy! We will see how the next two days go. I am sure they will be emotional and hard but unfortunately this is all part of life. Nothing you can do about it but grieve, pray and move on! It helps when you know the ones you love are with Jesus!

So... on to the card! I made this the other night while playing with my new PTI alphabet set. I got this set really for scrapbooking but since I haven't actually started that yet... thought I would try it out on a card.

On a scrapbooking note... I did see a layout challenge that I am interested in playing with. I think finding some layout challenges will motivate me to get started. I need to get some pics printed so I can! That is my main excuse for not starting yet! :) I can probably come up with more if anyone is interested! :)

Here is a close up of the card. I colored and cut out every other letter and popped them up with dimensionals.


This twine that I used is awesome.... If I weren't so lazy... I would leave a link but since I am tonight... I will just tell you about it. I saw it a while back on Elise Blaha's blog. It is called Divine Twine from Whisker Graphics. Whitney is the shop owner and you can find her on Etsy. I got the orange and I LOVE IT! It is a ton of twine for the money! Seriously... a ton! I just ordered a couple of more colors because I thought why not... money grows on trees, right? :) I have wanted more since I got the orange months ago. I have used it a lot lately so it really made me want to get some more. Found out that she has new colors coming soon... can't wait to see what they will be! Anyway... you should go to etsy.com and search for Whisker Graphics.... great stuff!

Thanks again for all the prayers! They are much appreciated and needed! The visitation is tomorrow from 2-9pm and the funeral is Thursday at 10am. So... if you happen to think about us during that time... please offer up a prayer for comfort that comes only from God! Thanks!

Peace and Love!

Supplies:
Stamps - Outlines Alphabet (PTI)
Paper - White (PTI)
Ink - True Black (PTI)
Other - SU Corner rounder and dimensionals, Divine Twine (Whisker Graphics), Silver Kaiser rhinestone, copics

Archie Samuel Wrye

Mr. Archie Wrye

Funeral services for Mr. Archie S. Wrye are scheduled for 10:00 AM Thursday, March 25, 2010, at the Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Shelby and Rev. Greg Bell officiating. Interment will follow at the Wilson County Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be on Wednesday 2-8 PM and after 9 AM Thursday at Ligon & Bobo.

Mr. Wrye, age 91 of Lebanon passed away Tuesday, March 23 2010, at his home.

Born September 23, 1918, in Wilson County, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Jasper Winchester and Nannie Belle Watkins Wrye. He was a member of the Fall Creek Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School. He was a lifelong farmer and a carpenter and retired from Wilson County Courthouse maintenance.

He is survived by his wife of sixty five years, Lorene Jones Wrye; six children, Howard (Katha) Wrye; Grover (Ina) Wrye; Terry (Pam) Wrye; Melvin (Brenda) Wrye; Carol (Jerry) Dedman; and Margaret (Glenn) McPeak all of Lebanon; sister, Virginia Branham of Carthage; 14 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearerers: Kelley Eubanks, Diana Gross, Melanie Wrye, Alesha McPeak, and Class #4 Fall Creek Baptist Church.

Active pallbearers: Michael, Chris, Russell and Matt Wrye, Doug & Scott Fesler, Brad, Stephen and Jeff Dedman, and Aaron McPeak.

LIGON & BOBO FUNERAL HOME of Lebanon in charge of arrangements.

My aunt called me a while ago and asked me if I could email this picture that I took in 2008 of my grandpa to a local printing store. Thought it would be a good picture to post on my blog along with the obituary information.

Love you Pa! You will be missed!!

I love you

Edit..... Shortly after I posted this ... my grandfather passed away last night. If you would keep my grandmother, my dad, aunts and uncles, and just all of our family in your prayers for the next several days... I would really appreciate it! Thanks!




I love you Unity! :)

Another card using my Unity Kit of the Month!

I used my SU markers to color the image and was really happy with the results! I am going to start using this technique more often. Going to have to grow my collection of markers though! :)

Hope you all have a Terrific Tuesday!

Peace and Love!

Supplies:
Stamps - Rockin It Unity Style (Unity), Sweet Baby (sentiment) by Ali Edwards (Technique Tuesday)
Paper - Vintage Cream (PTI)
Ink - Garden Green (SU)
Markers - Garden Green, Ruby Red and Chocolate Chip (SU)
Button - Rustic Wood (PTI)
Twine - Lime Twist (The Shabby Green Door)

Thinking of You

Happy Monday! Going to keep it short and sweet! :)

Carver is napping and I am making me some lunch. After I eat... I plan to start getting caught up with everyone! Can't wait to see what you guys have been up to!

This is a card that I made using the latest Unity Kit of the Month! Love that kit! Can't say it enough!

Don't forget about the Everything But The Kitchen Sink challenge going on right now! You still have a few more days to play!

Peace and Love!!

Supplies:
Stamps - Rockin It Unity Style (Unity)
Paper - Kraft, Vintage Cream, Spring Rain (PTI)
Ink - True Black (PTI), Pretty in Pink (SU), Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger)
Other - SU Dimensionals and corner rounder, Twine (PTI), Soft Pink Kaiser Rhinestones

Diggin' On Doilies and Lace

I made this card last night for the Moxie Fab Doilies and Lace Challenge! I have had these Hambly rub on's for a while now. I was glad to use one of them! I think I got them free in a package from Hambly because this is not something that I would normally order. However.... I do like them after making this card. I like them a lot actually!

Hope you are all enjoying your Sunday! Carver is napping and I think I may need to nap for a bit as well!

I am sorry that I haven't been around to visit with you lately! I have been in somewhat of a stamping craze/frenzy as of late! :) Feels good! So.... haven't stopped because I am afraid it won't start back up again! I will start checking in with you all tomorrow!

Peace and Love!

Supplies:
Stamps - Loving Words by Ali Edwards (Technique Tuesday)
Paper - Kraft (PTI)
Ink - True Black (PTI) and Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger)
Other - Doilies Rub ons (Hambly), Twine (PTI), Getaway Dew Drops (The Robins Nest), SU Corner Rounder

Thanks for being so sweet!

Just wanted to hop on and post a couple of pics (down below) and a card that I made the other night! I had a ton of fun playing with my new Unity Kit of the Month! Love Love Love this kit!!

Anyway... Carver is napping and posting all of this has already taken way too long. My pics in the first picture post disappeared so I had to redo those... ugh! Anyway... hope you are enjoying your weekend!

I sent my husband off bright and early this morning to Peru for a mission/scouting trip! So... it is just me and little man for the next few days. But... we have lots planned so hopefully we will stay busy and happy! :)

Peace and Love!

Supplies:
Stamps - Rockin It Unity Style (Unity)
Paper - White (PTI)
Ink - True Black (PTI)
Other - Kaiser rhinestones, copics, Glossy Accents and Star Dust Stickles (Ranger), SU Corner rounder and dimensionals, Twine (The Shabby Green Door)

Saturday Picture Show #1

Just wanting to post a few pics from the past couple of days...

Daddy and Carver in mommy's craft room on Thurday night!


On Friday we went to the church to fly Carver's plane in the parking lot.
I love this pic of these two.
Carver is just like his daddy!
I have always found it funny to watch from behind
As Michael and his Dad walk side by side
Their bodies look just alike
I think we have a 3rd Eubanks man!
He looks just like his daddy
And that makes me happy!

Michael flying the plane!

Carver trying to catch it!

Saturday Picture Show #2

Carver had just woken up from his nap on Friday
He wanted to watch the house being built across the street
He talks everyday about Mr. Ric's house being gone
He talks almost everyday about a fire burning our house
He didn't even see the house burn (he was asleep)
I wonder if he will ever forget!

I love this foot
I love both of his feet!!
They were the first thing I noticed when I saw him for the first time
He has big feet
He is going to be a tall young man!

Love this face!

Three Cards on a Friday

Well... I have been a card making machine the past two days! :) Feels good!

Before I show you new stuff... I am showing you 3 cards that I submitted to PC! The top one is the only one of the 3 that I like. The other two... well... not liking them so much!


Hope you have had a wonderful Friday! We have had a great day and the weather was perfect! I was able to raise the windows and let some fresh air in and some stuffiness out!

Have had a lot going on and since the mojo was flowing... haven't had time to blog hop but I am sure I will have some time this weekend! Talk to you soon!

Peace and Love!

Supplies: HBday Friend
Stamps - You're Dandy (Practicing Creativity)
Paper - Kraft (PTI), Kitchen Spice, Nutmeg, Sesame and Cinnamon (Bo Bunny)
Ink- True Black (PTI), Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger)
Other - Kaiser Rhinestones, SU Dimensionals and corner rounder, Sewing machine, Edge Distressor

Supplies: Wonderful Harmony
Stamps - Key To My Heart (Practicing Creativity)
Paper - Kraft (PTI)
Ink - Dark Chocolate (PTI), VersaMark
Other - Twine (PTI), Kaiser Rhinestones, All Fall Cards (Fancy Pants), SU Dimensionals and corner rounder

Supplies: Celebrate
Stamps - Everyday Words (Technique Tuesday)
Paper - Ripe Avocado and Vintage Cream (PTI)
Ink - Vintage Cream (PTI), Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger)
Other - E Line Pearls (Prima), SU dimensionals and corner rounder, Nesties Labels One, Big Shot, Sizzix Flourish Texturz plate (SU)

Petite Florals

Hope you all had a wonderful Thursday! Mine was good! Carver spent the night last night with my in-laws so I was able to get about 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Made all the difference!

Going to be a short post.... want to play around with my new Unity kit of the month that I got today... awesome kit!! And... I need to keep the sleep thing going and try for 8 hours tonight! :)

I made this card last night and it took me way too long. I still wasn't thrilled with it but it is growing on me. I love this set by Kelly Marie/Lawn Fawn. I will have to play with it some more to see if I can do it justice!

This is the other card that I made a few nights ago using the set... wasn't happy at all with the bright colors but... I am going to post it anyway because that is how I am! :) There was no mojo in sight that night! :) Still struggling with it but I can feel it wanting to come back!


Peace and Love!

Supplies: not bright one
Stamps - Petite Florals (Lawn Fawn)
Paper - Vintage Cream (PTI), Lush Brown Houndstooth (My Minds Eye)
Ink - Timber Brown StazOn, Vintage Cream (PTI)
Other - Old Olive ribbon (SU), Kaiser and Prima Pearls, SU Dimensionals and corner rounder, Sizzix Large Dots Texturz Plate (SU), Edge Distressor, Copics, Rectangle Nesties

Supplies: bright one
Stamps - Petite Florals (Lawn Fawn)
Paper - Blue Skies Skip to my Lou (American Crafts), Only Orange (SU), White (PTI)
Ink - True Black (PTI)
Other - Rectangle Nesties, SU Dimensionals and corner rounder, copics, Twirl Accents rub on (American Crafts), kaiser rhinestones, Edge Distressor

You're Sew Lovely

I made a new card last night and played with a new stamp set from Kelly Marie/Lawn Fawn! Love this set!

This card was inspired by Lynnette's card! Thanks Lynnette for the inspiration! :)

I seem to be into yellow and gray right now. Last year at this time it was orange and gray! I even bought Carver a shirt the other day because it was yellow, gray and white... so cute!

Anyway.... going to keep it short. Carver will be up soon from his nap. I have to work on taxes tonight so wanted to get this posted. I love this card! I may have to keep it out for a while until I am tired of yellow and gray! :)

Happy Wednesday!

Don't forget about the Everything But The Kitchen Sink challenge going on. You could win another Lawn Fawn set called Petite Florals!

Peace and Love!

Supplies:
Stamps - Sew Lovely (Lawn Fawn)
Paper - Soft Stone (PTI), Honey Bee and Queen Bee (Pink Paislee), Basic Gray (SU)
Ink - Basic Gray (SU), True Black (PTI)
Other - Queen Bee flip notes and pleated ribbon (Pink Paislee), SU Dimensionals, Rhinestones, Edge Distressor

ABC

I like you {plus} me!! :)

Another submission! I keep trying to make new things and before I know it ... it is midnight and I need to be in bed! Maybe I will keep it short tonight so I can try to squeeze one in before bed! :)

Michael fixed Carvers bed today so I was able to actually lay down in his bed with him tonight. Usually his slats will fall so Michael fixed it where we could get in the bed without it crashing down! :) It is still a tight squeeze since it is a toddler bed but hey.... it is better than laying on the floor beside him. Michael started the whole floor thing... wasn't too happy about it. Now... I just try to remember that he is the only one I am going to have and I need to lay by him while he still wants me to. He has already grown up so fast and I know it is only going to get faster! Makes me sad! Anyway... point... I did take an hour nap just a little while ago so maybe I can find some mojo around here! :) Sorry... I tend to wander off topic! :)

Hope you all had a great day today and will have another one tomorrow!

Peace and Love!

Supplies:
Stamps - Key To My Heart (Practicing Creativity Designs)
Paper - Enchanted Evening (PTI), Alphabet soup - ground round (Jillibean Soup)
Ink - Only Orange (SU)
Other - Nerdy, Apple, and Cherry Glitter Alphas (Sassafras), Orange Zest ribbon (PTI)

Halloween in March

Thought I would post some Halloween cards that I made for the PC call. Like I said before... was having a hard time coming up with ideas. I am ready for spring... not Halloween!


Supplies:
Paper - True Black (PTI)
Other - Scor Pal, Kaiser Rhinestone, Copic YR04, Spook Alley sticker, AC Shoebox Thickers



Supplies:
Stamps - Monster Fun (Hero Arts)
Paper - True Black (PTI), Framed Monstrosity (Sassafras)
Ink - True Black (PTI), Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger)
Other - Divine Twine (Whisker Graphics), Edge Distressor, Kaiser Rhinestones, SU Dimensionals and corner rounder, Halloween 2 word fetti (Making Memories), Hooligan countdown paper whimsies (Sassafras)



Supplies:
Paper - Kraft and True Black (PTI), Only Orange (SU)
Ink - Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger), Whisper White (SU)
Other - EK Success punch, SU Dimensionals, Reverse Brown and Vintage Brown alpha stickers (Jenni Bowlin), Kaiser Rhinestones, Farmers Mkt. Lime Twist Twine (The Shabby Green Door).

I finished getting caught up with my blog hopping tonight so after I type up this post... I hope to stay up long enough to make a card just because! :) I have several new stamp sets that I want to play with. It will be hard to decide what to do first!

Well... going to keep it short tonight! I want to play for a bit! I hope to get caught up on emails/comments tomorrow! Thank you guys for all of your sweet and encouraging words! I find it funny that when I post a rambling thoughts post... I get more comments than when I post cards. Not sure if that is because people don't like my cards... ha... or if it is just because women like to talk about our feelings! :) Whatever the case... I do appreciate you guys not thinking that I am a crazy person or at least not telling me that I am! :)

Have a great Tuesday!

Peace and Love!

Everything But The Kitchen Sink Challenge 11

Hey all! Time for a new sketch challenge from the EBTKS girls! I am the hostess for this challenge and this is my inspiration picture. It is a little glimpse into my craft room!


Here is my card using the inspiration picture!


It is something different! I thought it would be a good card to have on hand to just send someone a little note from me. A little 'more' than your regular stationery type stuff... however... not sure if that is good or bad! :) Not sure how I feel about it!

Make sure to check out the challenge details at the Everything But The Kitchen Sink blog! You can see a picture of our awesome prize. Kelly Marie has offered up one of her brand new stamp sets to the winner... I own it myself! I love it and can't wait to break it out and ink it up!

You can also see all of the other design team cards... they are all awesome!

One last thing and then I am going to schedule this post for bright and early and then I am going to go to bed. If you have already been to the EBTKS blog you know... I started talking to Courtney a couple of weeks ago about letting my design team spot go. It was a hard decision to make because I do enjoy it.

If you have read any of my previous posts over the weekend... I don't really need to say much more. I have just been struggling with commitments and what I need to be doing with my limited craft time, blah blah blah (ha) so... there ya go!

This is going to be my last challenge with this great challenge blog! I am thankful to Courtney for letting me have this opportunity! It has been awesome and I will miss it! :)

Talk to you guys soon! Hope to start catching up with what you guys have been up to while Carver is napping today! Have a great Monday!

Peace and Love! :)

Supplies:
Stamps - Sassy Alphabet (me and my big ideas), Chelsea Alphabet (inkadinkado)
Paper - Kraft and Rustic Cream (PTI), Grove from Little Sprout collection (crate paper)
Ink - Versamark, Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger)
Other - Black Emboss Powder (Superior), Circle punches, EK Success Embossed Curved punch, Big Shot, Sizzix Tween Lattice texturz plate, SU Dimensionals, Twine (PTI).

Hello

I am actually showing a card today but what I really want to do is 'talk' more! :) Just in one of those deep thought moods I guess.

I want to thank you all for your encouraging comments from my soul searching post! It does my heart good to know that I am not alone in the world with my struggles! :) I feel good about getting my head out of the submission/publication way of thinking. I think it is going be more challenging than I think it will be as I am already wondering what I am going to work on.... ha! I don't have any recent pictures printed to start my scrapbooking so I guess I will work on that. Maybe I will continue participating in challenges for the sake of sketch and color ideas when I lack my own inspiration. Maybe I could just start going to bed at a decent hour! That would be good! :)

Anyway.... I won't do too much talking. Just wanted to share another card that I made for a submission. I still have several of those to share.... I may end up lumping them all in one post so I can clean out my bucket and start fresh! :) We shall see! I guess it depends on how long it takes me to be able to come in my craft room and just create just to be creating! So... I will post one at a time until I have something springish or fun to share! :)

Tomorrow I am hosting the Everything But The Kitchen Sink sketch challenge so make sure to come back and see the new sketch and see what the awesome prize will be for the winner!

Peace and Love!

Supplies:
Stamps - Basic Background Tin Types (PTI)
Paper - Kraft (PTI), Nutmeg Mini Deck (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink - Dark Chocolate (PTI), Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger)
Other - Bazzill circle template, tools and floss. Circle punch, Cosmo Cricket Brown Alpha stickers, Prima Cailloux Pebble, Kaiser Lagoon paper flower, SU Dimensionals

soul searching when I should be sleeping

This blog post is intended as a note to myself... a reminder to come back to as needed. If you came to see a card... then scroll on down... I posted a new one. If you continue to read... it may get lengthy! And... if you are not a card maker ... this is really of no interest to you and you wouldn't understand. Even if you are a card maker... this is probably of no interest to you!

I started this blog... not really knowing what to expect! I loved making cards! I have always felt like a 'crafty' person but didn't really know how to express myself! I jumped in with two feet and hit the ground running!

What I have found, as a blog keeper for almost a year... and a full blown card maker for over a year, is that what brings me the most joy is something that I never expected. It is all of the wonderful and encouraging friends that I have made. That is the joy that still continues to touch my heart on a daily basis.

I have also found, since starting this blog and submitting cards for publication, that I am in constant turmoil over finding the time to do it all... finding the energy to do it all... and trying to keep things in perspective as far as what is most important.

I stink at all of it! It is time that I accept that! :)

Lately, I have been working on ways to make it all work... by trying to eliminate some things that I don't 'have' to do!

I had a 'revelation', so to speak, tonight! And it feels good! I don't 'have' to do any of it!

I think God finally got through my thick skull and said... "Let it go!" "Duh!".

I stay up late EVERY night and let my health and appearance go most of the time because I am so tired. I spend time making things for submissions that I don't even want to be making for the sake of having a card published in a magazine. Since I am so tired... it affects my mood thus affecting everyone around me... mainly affecting how much patience I have and my energy level. I don't work on things that I want to be doing like scrapbooking our family pictures/memories. And... that is what I should be spending my craft time doing! That is what Carver is going to have to look back at and what he is going to care most about. Not a few cards in a few magazines!
Okay... Carver may never care about it but maybe his wife and kids will one day! :)

The 'competition' of the whole challenge and publication thing brings out the worst in me. Yes... sometimes jealousy. Mainly though... it makes me feel bad about myself when I am 'rejected'! It takes me a week to recover from those feelings! So... why do I continue to do it?

I spend too much time, money, energy, and thoughts on something that doesn't even bring me the most joy. Shame on me for being so 'consumed' for so long. It is time to get back to what brings me the most joy... Being a GREAT mother and wife... not just a good one on a good day! Crafting for me... when I have time... and making whatever makes me happy!

Will I still submit? Maybe... if I can get to the place that I can submit if I have something that fits the call and not worry about it if I don't! I hope to get to that point!

Will I still participate in challenges... don't know yet. Maybe on occasion!

Will I continue to create and blog... of course!

Now... if you are reading this.... anyone out there in blogland... you may think this is silly and why did she post this.

Well... this blog is my journal ... this was my intent when I started it. I am just documenting the journey that I have been on since I started blogging!

And... I am practicing what I have 'preached' before about sharing your feelings... no matter how silly... because you never know who may need to hear it.

If you don't have any of these 'issues' that I have then great.... don't take offense thinking I am saying you are as messed up as me! :)

This is my post that I will come back to and read when I am feeling the pressure/drive to submit submit submit! This is my reminder to let it go and focus on what is most important at this point in my life... and it is not me... it isn't about me... it never will be!

I have to face the fact that I am not the type of person who can do it all! And.... this is okay!

You can do it Kelley... I know you can! :) Let it go!! You can be a gray area kind of gal... it doesn't always have to be black or white... all or nothing!

You Make Me:

Michael is home... yippee... !! I am exhausted so not a lot of talking tonight! I haven't been able to blog hop in a few days... miss seeing what you all are up to! Maybe tomorrow?!?! Maybe Monday!

I have been trying to make cards for the current PC call but just not feeling it! It is hard to have spring fever and make fall/Halloween cards! :) So... I have made several but only a few that I really like! Anyway.... looks like I am about to start rambling so... I will go now.

Michael and Carver are laying on the couch and Carver is fixing to get in bed. I am not too far from it myself!

Peace and Love!

Be back Monday morning with the next Everything But The Kitchen Sink sketch challenge. I am the hostess this month. For my inspiration pic.... you will get a little glimpse into my craft room. And I mean.... a little glimpse... it is too messy to show too much of it! :)

Supplies:
Stamps - Distressed Dots (Unity)
Paper - Talk soup - Cup of Yak (Jillibean Soup)
Ink - Dark Chocolate (PTI), Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger)
Other - SU Dimensionals and corner rounder, Twine (PTI), Lucky You Journal form (Colorbok), Metal Dots (Best Occasions).

Warning... Long Post Ahead!!

These are a couple of cards that I made a few nights ago while playing with a color combo!

Hope everyone had a great Friday! Mine was somewhat calmer today.... the boy is just worn out I think from testing me all this week! :) He still did his fair share but I think both of our attitudes were better today!

Our heat did go out today... well... actually I think yesterday! I tried to turn it up to take the chill off the house this morning and it wouldn't come on. I called Michael to tell him about it and he immediately said when he answered the phone, "I am at the shop getting the bus fixed, can I call you back?". I said... well... I was just calling to tell you that our heat is out. He then proceeded to tell me that one of the leaders had taken one of the teenage girls to the ER because she fell off a ladder and hurt her ankle! So... the devil was hard at work first thing this morning... trying his best to mess with us.

See... Michael is on mission trip with 90 something teenagers and adults (mostly teenagers) in New Orleans. Since Katrina... he has taken a group there 1 or 2 times a year. The past few years... it has been 2 times. They go for a week and work on peoples homes that STILL need help rebuilding. Last year and this year... they have even gotten to work at a few area schools doing recreation and just loving on some kids.

Let me tell you a little story that Michael told me yesterday. I will try to keep it brief.

Every night they have a share/worship time after dinner and before bed. One of the senior girls (who has been going to New Orleans since she was a freshman) wanted to talk but she was so emotional that she couldn't share. A little later she tried again and told the group that she met a Kindergarten boy last year while working in the schools that always looked like he hated the world (and he was just a kindergartner). She never saw him smile and he would never participate in the games, etc. Her goal this trip was to see this kid and get him to smile. She saw him for the first time on Wednesday. She asked his teacher what his name was. She walked over to the boy, who still had the same 'I hate the world' look on his face and who was still not participating, and she called him by his name. She said the boy smiled from ear to ear. The next words out of her mouth were... "All I had to do was call him by his name!" !!! WOW!! I am in tears just typing this!

I miss my husband every time he leaves. This trip has been the hardest for me so far because of Carver being 3.. 3 and a boy! :) But... I wouldn't change it for the world. I am so proud of my husband for loving God and for the work that he does with these kids. I am proud of all of them for the work they are doing for God in New Orleans!

Anyway.... seriously.... SOMETHING happens every time Michael goes on a mission trip! I tend to exaggerate... but I am not right now! I actually even thought yesterday (as I was starting to think that something might be wrong with the heat) that the devil had left us alone this trip! So... it is really kind of funny all of the trouble we both had the next morning! :) But.... God has got my back so... in the words of Matt Redman... "Whom then shall I fear?"!!

Oh... and our heat is already back on. As soon as I called Michael, he made a call to one of our church friends who does work on heating and air units. He dropped what he was doing and came right out. He went to go get the new parts and came right back and had it up and running in no time! We have great church friends/family who take care of us! God takes care of us!

Well... I hadn't really intended to make this a long post. Guess I need to change the post title so I can warn you ahead of time! :)

Peace and Love!

Oh... and I posted some cute pics... from yesterday... of my little man right under here so make sure to scroll down and check them out! :)

Supplies: Marvelous
Stamps - High Heels (Hero Arts)
Paper - Sahara Sand and Crushed Curry (SU)
Ink - Brilliant Blue and Crushed Curry (SU), Violette (Superior)
Other - SU Corner Rounder, Kaiser Rhinestone

Supplies: I {heart} you
Stamps - Sassy Alphabet (Me and My Big Ideas)
Paper - Sahara Sand and Crushed Curry (SU)
Ink - Brilliant Blue, Sahara Sand, Crushed Curry (SU), Violette (Superior)
Other - SU Corner Rounder, EK Success heart punch, Kaiser Rhinestone, SU Dimensionals, Sizzix Tween Lattice Texturz Plate, Big Shot

Rain Rain Go Away...

That is what Mommy says anyway!

Carver, however, loves the rain.
It means that he gets to bust out his umbrella.
He LOVES his umbrella!!

These boots are a couple of sizes too big.
I let him wear them when he uses his umbrella so he matches! :)
His other boots still fit so these are for when he outgrows those!

My parents bought Carver this little twirly thing...
I just love the serious look that he has on his face.
He is trying to figure something out!

Thank you God for our son!!