He Is Risen!

Good Friday

He Shall Be Named Jesus

Hmmm...what's good about 41?

Yep, that's right...today is my birthday! Birthday's have always been special to me. As you know I'm very close to my grandparents and they used to come up to our house (4 1/2 hour drive) for my birthday. We'd have a bon fire, a birthday meal, and some cake. This went on well into my 20's although as I got older (and my grandparents got older) they weren't able to come every single year.

Several years ago, I had a major thing happen in my life and became a widow the day after my 30th birthday...yeah, it was horrible. I thought that day would overshadow everything that had been good about my birthday and for several years it did but God is good and gave me an incredible family to help me work through that and an even more incredible, patient, and loving husband that celebrates my birthdays with me now!

Mostly, what is good about 41 is that God has blessed me with an amazing life. Have there been hard times...absolutely but He has been with me through every single one of them and because of Him, I know I will get to see my family and friends in heaven when my Father calls me home. It is an incredible promise that I wish all could know and accept. If you have questions about my faith or any faith please e-mail me or leave a message here (or call me if you have my number).

And, today...thank you to my very sweet husband and boys who will make my day (and really this entire last week) so special for me!

Salvation Is Here

HE IS RISEN!

F-R-E-E

This was on a friend's blog and I loved it so I thought I'd share. Have a wonderful, relaxing Sunday everyone!

Joy to the World...Our Lord Is Born!!!

Your Hands

Sometimes, something happens and you are just shaken to your core. Some of you know that a dear friend of mine (and of a lot of us) lost her 3 year old son on Monday. No, not lost while at the store but lost as in he died. While I'm absolutely certain little Henry is in Heaven with Jesus it still leaves his family (and the rest of us) to cope with the void his death has left. Please pray for the Anderson family and remember that when our world is shaken...Heaven still stands.



A special post will be coming up on Thursday...please don't miss it.

Good words...

I found this on the blog Like A Warm Cup of Coffee and thought we could all learn from it and appreciate its words...

“Just in case you find any mistakes on this blog, please remember they were put there for a purpose. I try to offer something for everyone. Some people are always looking for mistakes and I didn’t want to disappoint you!” -Unknown Magazine, Come Before Winter (switched magazine for blog)

I read the following in my devotional today and wanted to pass it along…

“How come we’re so surprised when we see it {incompetence} in others and so devastated when it has occurred in ourselves?…Come on, ease off. If our perfect Lord is gracious enough to take our worst, our ugliest, our most boring, our least successful, our leaning tower of failures and forgive them, burying them in the depths of the sea, then it’s high time we give each other a break….After all, imperfection is one of the few things we still have in common. It links us close together in the same family! So then, whenever one of us blows it and we can’t hide, how about a little support from those who haven’t been caught yet? Oops, correction. How about a lot of support?” Chuck Swindoll, Come Before Winter

“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”

He quoted a proverb: “‘Can a blind man guide a blind man?’ Wouldn’t they both end up in the ditch? An apprentice doesn’t lecture the master. The point is to be careful who you follow as your teacher.

“It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this I-know-better-than-you mentality again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your own part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.” Luke 6:37-42 (The Message)

Photography Excitment!

Hey, everyone! No card for ya today but I had to share with you my excitement! Have you all heard of Jessica Sprague? She is a digital guru and her website is amazing! She always has classes going so that you can learn to do some really neat stuff. What I'm excited about is that there is a new class on Jessica's blog called Oh Shoot! Beginning Digital SLR Photography. It is being taught by Candice Stringham who is crazy talented. Here is the thing...I almost always shoot my photos in RAW but I don't know much about lighting, composition and such so I thought this class would be a great fit for me. That and I want to take wonderful pictures at WDW in October. Anyway, this class is super hard to get into and fills up within minutes of it going live so I'm THRILLED to get in! Class starts Monday so I don't even have to wait that long to get started...yay!

I also want to share my Psalm from my calendar for today...I think you guys will think...hmmm, interesting...

Preserve my life from the fear of the enemy. Psalm 64:1
So it's the fear of the enemy, not the enemy itself...

Now isn't that interesting? Here is the thing...fear is never from God, it is always satan lead so it makes sense that it is the fear of the enemy that God needs to save us from. The best part is that we can give our fears up to God and he will take it away. Isn't it wonderful? Ahhhh....

Anyway, I hope that you all have a wonderful Wednesday! I'm off to make two cards and be all set to post cards for you tomorrow (limeLIGHT day) and Friday! Woot!

Lots of info today..

Good morning everyone! Can you believe it is Wednesday already? My goodness this week is flying!

I made this super cute all Stampin' Up! card last night. I did not immediately fall in love with the Animal Stories stamp set but decided to order it as...well, I just couldn't stop myself. I did decide, however, that I would purchase the matching paper called Tall Tails to go with the set figuring it would make it easier to use and....I was right! This is a fun set and paper to work with and I really like the outcome of my card! I'm going to put a sentiment on the card when I decide who to send it to. This layout is this weeks Card Patterns sketch. Oh, and I have to tell you that the only thing I can think of when I see Animal Stories is actually animal crackers in my soup and I start singing the Shirley Temple song...LOL! If you would like a smile today check it out HERE. And don't forget...the new Stampin' Up! catalog goes live today! So exciting!

I just have to share my total blessing(s) this week! On Monday I was cruising my blogs and notice that I had been picked to win one of Heather's blog candies. Not just one of them but THE blog candy which is MY choice of Pink Cat Studios stamp set! I chose to get Lily & Tweet as, well...I love Lily and it is such a multi-purpose set! Then, yesterday I was cruising my blogs again and I saw my name picked as a winner in the Paper Crafts Connection blog candy! Ummm...this is a HUGE prize package(scroll down on the post and you'll see what it is that I'm receiving)! I'm just so incredibly thrilled with both of my wins!

Now...onto today's hint for my little competition. (Read HERE if you don't know what I'm talking about.) Remember, you may post your guess here now but it does not count toward the contest. That guess must be made on my July 3rd post! So, your hint today is....the temperature where we are headed to for my birthday will be in the mid-80's during the day. Ahhh...heaven! I have also ordered us a guide book for this trip. Whatcha thinkin? If I have more than one person that guesses correctly where we are going I'll just do a random drawing and annouce the winner on Saturday.

Oh, and guess what? On Saturday, July 4th, I'm going to be part of the "Oh Say Can You See Blog Hop on SNR Card Universe!" While I believe it is to late to sign up for the blog hop you should definitely head on over and see what SNR Card Universe is all about! I already have my card done for that and it is SO cute! You guys are going to LOVE it!

And, finally this morning I would like to share what my Psalm calendar says with you....

For he will speak peace unto his people. Psalm 85:8
A kind of "there, there" to all our hearts...

Isn't that wonderful. We all need peace in our lives so this Psalm is SO comforting!

Card deets:
Stamps: Animal Stories
Ink: So Saffron, More Mustard
Paper: Tall Tails, Old Olive, So Saffron, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Old Olive and Chocolate Chip Grosgrain, Dimensionals, White Gel Pen, So Saffron Marker
And some animal crackers...lol!

HE IS RISEN!

Good Friday

Jesus Christ, 33, of Nazareth, died Friday on Mount Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the place of the skull. Betrayed by the apostle, Judas, Jesus was crucified by the Romans, by order of the Ruler Pontius Pilate.

The causes of death were crucifixion, extreme exhaustion, severe torture and loss of blood.

Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham, was a member of the house of David. He was the Son of the late Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth, and Mary, His devoted Mother. Jesus was born in a stable in the city of Bethlehem, Judea. He is survived by His mother, Mary, His faithful Apostles, numerous disciples and many other followers.

Jesus was self-educated and spent most of his adult life working as a Teacher. Jesus also occasionally worked as a Medical Doctor and it is reported that he healed many patients. Up until the time of His death, Jesus was teaching and sharing the Good News, healing the sick, touching the lonely, feeding the hungry and helping the poor.

Jesus was most noted for telling parables about His Father's Kingdom and performing miracles, such as feeding over 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish, and healing a man who was born blind. On the day before His death, He held a Last Supper celebrating the Passover Feast, at which He foretold His death.

The body was quickly buried in a stone grave, which was donated by Joseph of Arimathea, a loyal friend of the family. By order of Pontius Pilate, a boulder was rolled in front of the tomb. Roman soldiers were put on guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that everyone try to live as Jesus did. Donations may be sent to anyone in need.

Happy Valentine's Day!

That's MY King!

Thought for the day as seen on Dawn's blog...

Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning Satan shutters and says...oh, no...she's awake.

Enjoy this video! If you can't make the video play for some reason HERE is a link to YouTube.

Cute and Miscellaneous

I've just got a couple of miscellaneous things for you today although I do believe they are cute! Oh, and make sure you check out my signature...teehee!

Kyler received this card earlier this week from his friend Colin. On the envelope was a cut out bandaid that Kyler tried so hard to not tear when he opened the card. When he got it off intact what did he do with it?

Put it where he would need a bandaid right now! How funny and cute is that?! Thank you Colin (and Pammella) for thinking of him!

I thought you guys might think this is a pretty cool card too. This neat 3-d card came from Todd's parents. The ferris wheel moves and the colors are so bright and cheery who wouldn't like them?

I have a busy day ahead of me today. The birthday party with Kyler's friends is today from 1-3. We are going to have cupcakes, play Venom tag which in everyday terms is just plain old tag but you gotta spice it up ya know...they will play pin the spider on the web (which reminds me I need to stop at the dollar store), and they are going to make a little spider with black chenille pipe cleaners, black pom pom's, and googlie eyes. I'm actually looking forward to this party. Jon's going to help so that will be much appreciated.

Also, today is the Women of Vision Fundraising Dinner. It starts at 5 but since I'm a table hostess I need to be there by 4:45 and knowing me I'll be there by 4:30 so I can help if they need it. HERE is an article in the Yakima newspaper. I wanted to link you to our local newspaper but their online website leave MUCH do be desired not to speak of their print version. You can click on the World Vision button at the top left of my blog if you would like to find out more info about World Vision itself or about sponsoring a child. You will never regret it!

So, what do you think of my signature? When I first saw what Sara did with it I was reminded that Jesus is all around me. I just LOVE it! Have a super Saturday all!

Oops...forgot!

I was working on a card yesterday but I didn't get it done so I think I forgot to show you the card I made for Todd for Valentine's Day. It wasn't very fancy and not as "man-ish" as I would have liked but sometimes that just happens. I used Valentini from Stamping Bella, some paper from the $1 spot at Target and a cute brad I got from my LSS. I think I would have liked it better had it been colored with markers but I used watercolors. Guess I know better now, huh?

My friend, Diane, sent me this You Cheer Up Me Up award the other day and it was such perfect timing! First of all...I love I Love Lucy. This particular episode is so stinkin' funny! Next...with Kyler's stuff going on I've been feeling a bit down so this just made me laugh! Now...I'm supposed to pick 15 people for this award but...I'm not gonna do it. You know why? Because you ALL cheer me up. Hearing from you when you comment or when you participate in something that is going on here just makes me happy! So you ALL truly deserve the You Cheer Me Up award. Please come back and let me know when you've put this on your blog so that I can see too!

Do you like history? If so go check this out. When we tour Israel we are going to a place called Megiddo. Megiddo has much Biblical significance and even up to WWI has been used as a place of battle it is SO interesting to me and I can't wait to see it! (yeah...so the battles probably weren't light saber but it was the best I could find...lol!)

I hope you all make today a great Thursday and, woohoo, tomorrow is Friday!

Gettin' Physical

Here is a card with one of my new Hanna sets, Getting Physical Hanna. Isn't she the cutest thing? I don't talk about it much on my blog but I exercise 4/5 out 0f 7 days a week. I'm trying to loose a little weight right now but I'm also liking food right now so it is just kinda balancing itself out. What you see Hanna wearing is something very similar to what I wear...funny how that works and it looks like she is about to do some shoulder work just like me! Funny, huh? I've actually made this card for a friend so I can't wait to get it in the mail! HERE is the recipe. I'm not sure where I got the layout from but I'm sure it is from somewhere.

On a personal note I started a new Bible study with some ladies at my church last night and it is wonderful! I just love it! To those of you who are following long with Rachel Olsen's blog reading about the women of the Bible...what did you think about Potiphar's wife? My goodness...it will be interesting to read what everyone thinks of her actions, huh? It all sets the wheel in motion for Joseph's rise to "power" and his ability to save thousands of people though but sheesh...what deceit!

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful day today!

HE IS RISEN!!!

HE IS RISEN!!! If you are rejoicing in the joy of Easter's miraculous gift I want to hear "He Is Risen Indeed!"

It's Saturday!

And you are thinking...yeah, so...it is Saturday. Well today Jon comes home! As a matter of fact he is on the plane right now. It left early from San Diego (6:30 a.m.) and will arrive in Spokane around 9:30 and then they will be home around noon or so...yay! And Scott's house sitting gig is done today too so we will be a full house again. It was interesting just having one child at home for the week. Pretty darn quiet!

Today I have a card that I made for Emily to show you and then a couple of more swap cards.

So here is Alexa's Bad Hair Day from Stamping Bella. This is the card I made for Emily. You guys know how much I love pink so I had to go with pink and brown for my main colors. The bunny's ears are fun flocked in white and the bunny nose and Alexa's hair bands have glitter on them. There is a little bling in the right upper corner and then finally I used some card scent on it after I got the okay from Emily's mom. I sincerely hope that Emily will like it!

This cute iPodbella card is made by my friend Katie Skiff (who sent me an RAK I get to show you guys). I just love the layout and colors....hmmm...I say that a lot don't I?

And this one is by Katie Cotton. It looks like Katie has a MySpace account so go check her out! Aren't they are cute so far? The last two come on Monday!

Tomorrow is Easter...my favorite day of the year. I won't be posting any card photos but do check back in tomorrow anyway. What a blessing it is that Jesus took our sins upon himself on that cross. Tears form in my eyes as I think of the fact that my sins helped hold him there. But then...the day of celebration...Easter. The day that Jesus triumphantly arose over sin and cemented for us all an everlasting life with him! Thank you Jesus!