For a little one...

Good morning! Well...today is Friday...woot, woot! What are your fabulous plans for the weekend? Me, not much...at least I think as my phone has died and my calendar was on it. So yeah, if I'm supposed to be doing something for you or with you this weekend, I have an awful memory and I don't remember so let me know, k? My new phone is on its way to me and I will have it by 4:30 pm so I will be good to go soon!

So, todays card, in case you can't tell, is for our friend's grandson. He is turning (or did) 2 soon so we are sending along a little something and I wanted to make a card to go with. He loves Buzz and Toy Story so I had to go with that theme. I wanted to make the Buzz, Alien, and Woody with my Toy Story Cricut Cart but I just couldn't figure it out so I found some jpeg photo I like, printed them, cut them out, and tahdah! I love this card so I hope that he'll like it for at least 5 seconds...he is only 2 you know!

There isn't any technique to this one so there isn't any 'splainin to do. The blue and red cardstocks are from AC Cardstock. Oh, the Buzz frame is from the Cricut Cart...it is the only thing I could get to cut correctly...lol!

Alright, so that is it for today! I hope you have a fabulous day!

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4

For my friend....

Today is Saturday! Yippie! I love Saturdays! Today I'm showing you a couple of photos of what I made for my now real life friend Danni! I got to meet her yesterday so in preparation I had to make her something and I couldn't make her something if I didn't make a little something for her kiddos, right?

First up is the bucket o' goodness that I made. I decorated it with some bright pink paper and embellies that I won some time ago. I added paper, candy, chai tea, some pre-stamped images, and an A Muse Studio stamp set in a personalized bucket for her to enjoy! This was SO MUCH FUN to make! She lives in the Seattle area so this bucket has a bit of a rainy type of feel to it. I decorated the lid with some rub-ons the from the collection as everything else.

Then for the kids I took a couple of small take out boxes, decorated them with some paper and their names and filled them with some Starburst. I hope they will use their boxes for other things in the future! Again, these were super fun to make!

Yesterday we got to have lunch at the Space Needle, we toured the Washington State Capitol building, met up with Danni and just had an all around great time! I love summer!

What are you doing this weekend?

Today is the day!

Good morning all! For those of you who only look at the photo and then go comment if you like it please know I did NOT make this card! There is a story behind it. If you want to know the story...keep reading!

So...today is the day! Today is my 10th wedding anniversary! I know that to some that may not seem like much but to a girl whose first marriage ended in divorce and was widowed from the second marriage, 10 years is a lot! It is incredible the plan that God saw when I couldn't see anything in my future. He knew that Todd was going to be the partner for me and I for him. Like most married couples things are not roses all the time but over the years we've steadily worked our way to a marriage that I think honors God and our vows...even when Todd is being a poopie head...lol!

Onto the card. I saw a card like this back in 2008 on my friend Sarah's blog. Over these last several years I have picked up the card, looked at it and decided not to use it yet so back into its storage place it went. I pulled it out the other day and decided it was perfect for our 10th anniversary. So, Sarah, thank you for making this card...I know Todd is going to LOVE it!

As you all know we have parented my three boys together over these last 10 years and again, I know we haven't been perfect but I think my boys are pretty amazing! My oldest is staying with Kyler today so we can go do another little hiking trail, have some dinner, and spend the night away from the house. I'm so looking forward to it! What I am not happy about is the "gift" that I ordered for us didn't arrive yesterday as promised so that means we won't have it before we leave. Yep, I'll be making a phone call today!

So...HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TODD! Thank you for the adventure of the first 10 years...here is to 30 more!

Patooie!

Good morning my creative friends! Today is going to be such a busy day so I have to make this quick since I'm already behind thanks to Firefox crashing on me this morning! Ugh!

When I went to craft the other day I wanted to make something completely out of norm for me lately so I saw the challenge that House Mouse had up and found an image that someone stamped for me a long time ago and got to work. I can't really give you specifics on what I used other than the fact that it was another Key Ingredients Kit from Taylored Expressions and that is why it all matches so nicely! One of the requirements for the challenge is to use buttons, bows, and bling so I got them all on here! I have to tell you that I totally adore this card...I think it is so cute and picnic-y.

One of the other requirements for this challenge is to leave comments on all the design teams blogs and then go back and leave a comment on the House Mouse blog...I haven't done that yet and I'm way short on time today so I need to get to work! Oh! I just realized I have until the 31st to get this all done...whew! I can hop around to all the blogs tomorrow...Yay! I've also used the sketch from The Sweetest Thing for this week on this card.

But for today I must get going. Have a wonderful day everyone!

Growing old...

Good Monday morning everyone! This will be a quick post and then I'm off to VBS!

We went to a 50th birthday party for a friend of ours on Saturday and I just couldn't no make a card, right? Well, I didn't have an image that I loved so I went over to Bugaboo and found this funny Gus image. I used some Echo Park Splash paper for this card along with the Midnight Madness Sketch for this week. The Gus image came with a sentiment too so I printed it out on some orange cardstock, cut it with a nestie and placed it on the inside. Overall it is just a fun card!

Okay, I need to run and finish getting ready to go. Have a super day everyone!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! Yeah, I don't think I have any male readers but it is out there just in case I do!

Today I thought I'd show you the card that Kyler and I put together for Todd. I saw this idea on Etsy and Kyler and I made it into our own. After finding the perfect Darth Vador clip art we imported it into Word. We then Googled Darth Vador quotes and Kyler picked out a quote and altered it to fit this card. The card says...

Dad, you can rule the t.v. I have foreseen this. It is your destiny. Join me, and together we can rule the t.v. as father and son.

Is that not hilarious!?! I love it! Kyler's present for Todd is a day of t.v. and food that Todd LOVES!

I leave you a final photo of Kyler with his card.

Have a great day all!

Sunny Flowers Thank You

Good morning everyone! Why is it when you return from a little vacation you are more tired than when you left? We had a great time away for a couple of days but I'm definitely needing a nap today!

Just a really simple thank you note to show you guys today. I've had the Sunny Flowers set from Stampendous for some time now and just decided to pull it out and make a quick little thank you card. I used Crushed Curry for the card base and ribbon. The Copic marker colors are a close "match" to Crushed Curry and Dusty Durango so I think sunflower when I see this.

So, just a quick post today. It is supposed to be up to 101 degrees today so I'm not sure we'll be doing a whole bunch outside but at least it is sunny, right!

And finally...Happy Anniversary Todd! I love ya much!

a simple pledge

Good morning all! I know I don't normally post on Sunday but I have a card to show you and some information for ya too.

First, the card. I made this card for one of the mom's at Kyler's school. She recently became a citizen of the US and I had these two wonderful images by Our Daily Bread Designs so I had to make a card, right? Anyway, I wanted the flag and the pledge to be front and center hence the very simple layout and colors. Just a couple of red Tiny Twinkles in two corners and I was done. Whatcha think?

Two things to chat with you about. First, I want to tell you about is what Memorial Day is. I see lots of people thanking all the soldiers for their service. While that is a wonderful thing (and ya'll know my DH is retired Army so I appreciate that more than you know!) that is what Veteran's Day is for. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and was first to honor the fallen soldiers of the Union Army from the Civil War. That day was expanded after WWI to include all American casualties of any war or military action. So, Memorial Day is a day specifically to remember the fallen heroes of our country and give them the respect that they will forever deserve.

Second, I just want to encourage you to go to your town's Memorial Day ceremony. You say they don't have one? I bet they do...even our little town of 15,000 (and that includes the college population) has one. Just check your newspaper from the last couple of days. They don't typically last very long (the longest one I've been too has been 20 minutes or so), you don't have to do anything except take your hat off for the presentation of the flag and the playing of tap, and listen. If you are uncomfortable attending a service would you just consider taking a moment of silence at 3 p.m. EST to remember those that lost their lives serving our country? You might be surprised of how it makes you feel!

With that...I bid you a fantastic day! I'm off to do final prep for the BBQ tomorrow!

happy spring

Good morning everyone! How did your Monday go? Uneventful I hope! **Yep, I'm a dork and posted this Monday night instead of Tuesday morning...sorry!**

After I made my last cupcake card I just had to make another with the spring cupcake. Isn't she cute? I imagine she is closing her eyes, enjoying the fresh, WARM, spring air. Ahhh...love it! So tell me...what do you think of the color combination this time? I couldn't decide if I liked the orange behind the image. And, I kinda wish I would have made the circle bigger but...such is life. This one has been set aside for Todd's grandma. I wish I could be there when she opens it as I know she will love it!

This is another kinda busy week...not like last week but still busy. Kyler's birthday is on Thursday and his sleepover with friends is on Friday. The good news is...I finished my SNSS Round-Up card for the 15th today. You guys are going to love it...it is so fun!

So...that is it for today. I hope that you have a super Tuesday and get lots checked off your to do list!

more cupcakes

Good Wednesday morning. It is weird how it works sometimes, isn't it? Yesterday I had a hard time remembering it was Tuesday and not Monday and today...it is only Wednesday. My brain works so weird sometimes (no smart remarks, Ms. Sarah!...lol!).

Anyway, today I'm wanted to show you the cards that I received from Debby when we did our cupcake card swap. All three of us had the same images but we all made distinctly different cards. I'll show you Stephanie's cards in a couple of days. Anyway, aren't these adorable? The button features and the brads for the cherries? WAY cute! I'm loving having these cards as they will be great to give to Todd when I want to leave him a little something.

I was going to show you a Sweet N Sassy Stamps card today but I realized...I can't it has to wait for the new release blog hop and party next week. Which you are going to love by the way! See my sidebar for the schedule of events.

Alright...make sure you stop back tomorrow to see the limeLIGHT sketch and product focus (which is flowers...shhh...I didn't tell you!). I haven't made my card yet but I've had a vision floating around in my head for the last couple of days so hopefully it will come together quickly and magnificently!

Have a super day everyone!

what I made...

It's Monday! What do you have planned for this week? We have the day off today...like many of you I'm sure. I'm hoping to get some good crafting time in today but we'll see.

Today I thought I'd show you what I made Todd for Valentine's Day. When Todd was on his last nights rotation we would often write each other notes just filling each other in on what was going on or saying I love you. We fell out of that habit when he went to days so since he's on nights again I thought I'd make a new notebook. For this notebook I used my Bind-it-All, some fantabulous paper (unfortunately I don't remember the manufacturer), some of my Just Rite stamps, and Beate's layout for this week. I wanted it to more guyish than girlish and I think I definitely managed that one. I was particular with what words in the patterned paper showed as I wanted to express our relationship...joy, unique, home, journey...all those things are part of our relationship (and did ya see the word "escape"? yep, I feel like that sometimes, too! lol!). The solid card stock colors are Always Artichoke and Not Quite Navy and the hearts and birds are from the SU! set Love You Much.

So? Whatcha think? I'm excited to get back into the habit of using a notebook. What about you? What did you do or make for your honey?

Stay tuned for some more Sweet N Sassy Stamp cards and a new limeLIGHT sketch and product focus is coming up later this week too! So exciting!

Alright...go...have a stamp happy day! See ya later!

another cupcake

Good morning friends! Time is really winding down to Valentine's Day. For all affective reasons today is the last day to get your gifts finished up. How did you do? Get 'em all done? Today is the day I will be making Todd's gift...hopefully he will sleep a long time today!

This card is the second card for the swap that I told you about HERE. I really do love these images and the fun things that can be done with them. I thought this image in particular would be fun to give to a school aged child. And...being that there are girl and boy colors in it you could use it for either. Score!

The patterned paper is from SU! last year. It is still some of my favorite paper (still have a full, unopened pack in fact!). I love the XOXO paper you see here. I didn't make both of the cards with this image the same way. The XOXO paper you see here is "he love me he loves me not" paper on the other card. Too cute! I just colored my cupcake with Copics and used a little glaze on the heart and cherry. The "with love" sentiment is from the SAB Yummy set. I also got the chance to use the Sizzix Buttons #5 die for my button feature. You like? Think my swappin' sisters will be happy with it? I hope so!

Are any of my readers PEO sisters? Well, if you are read on...if not...you probably will think this next part is boring. I became a part of PEO back in 2003 and attended meetins up until the time Todd was deployed and then stopped going. I was recently asked to demit to a different chapter and I'm so glad I did! I went to the first meeting with the new chapter tonight and I'm going to love this group. I have even offered to do a stamping demo for them at one meeting. I can just see all my PEO sisters stamping their cards! If you are in PEO I'd love to hear from you!

Well, I hope you all have a GREAT Friday! I have a couple of things to show you on Sunday but I probably won't be seeing you here on Saturday. I hope you have a super Valentine's Day with your loved ones!

created by courtney challenge

Good morning friends! I hope that your Monday went well and that you are ready for a Created by Courtney Challenge! After a couple of weeks off for the holiday's we are back at it with a "green" theme. The idea is to recycle something into your crafting. Oh, and it also works for the Belli Challenge tomorrow...can you guess what that might be?

Can ya guess what I recycled into my crafting? Yep, a couple of taster spoons from my Tastefully Simple business. I have to be honest with you and tell you I like the idea behind this card but I'm not sure my white, plastic taster spoons necessarily go with the fancy martini glasses but maybe I'm just thinking of how things are after those three glasses of martinis! LOL!

Anyway, the bright blue paper is SU! Pacific Point, the patterned paper is from DCWV, the yellow is Lemon Tart from PTI, and of course I've used the PTI white as well. The ribbon that ties the spoons together is Summer Sunrise from PTI and finally the stamp set is called You Are Invited and is from Flourishes.

So...what can you create with something recycled? The CBCC Chicks have done a wonderful job this week so make sure you hop on over and check out all of their creations too! Excitingly we have two new challenge chicks so make sure to give them some extra love!

Courtney
Maria
Holly
Chris
Dani
Maria
Sarah
Sparkle

So...there you have it! I hope you have a super Tuesday and I'll see you tomorrow for the Belli Challenge and the CPS sketch!

island paper challenge

Morning! Yeah, I know...I said I wasn't going to post today but this will just be really quick. Ready? Okay...

I saw on Paper Craft Planet an Inspiration Challenge given by Island Paperie. Now, I don't normally do inspiration challenges as I don't really feel that I do well with them but I have some paper that I got from my friend (Hi Pammella!) while I was in Honolulu and just had to use one of them. I'm hoping that the flower in the corner will make this card at least a little bit like the beautiful paper from Island Paperie.

The base is PTI White with some Riding Hood Red, the patterned paper is from Karen Foster. I cut the flower from the patterned paper and popped it up on dimensionals. The image and inside sentiment are from Stamp Oasis that I got from Rubbernecker Stamps. I thought maybe the bird/leaf Cuttlebug folder would go well with this and I do like it. I colored this beautiful hula girl with my COPIC markers, added some ribbon and I stopped there. Well, except for the inside which is pretty self explanatory.

I hope you like this and are having a fantastic Saturday!

dots...a lot or a little?

Good morning everyone! How was your Monday? I had a pretty productive day and I'm thrilled that today is...Todd's birthday! Woohoo! Happy Birthday Honey! I love you bunches!

As you know...today is CBC Challenge day. Today's challenge is dots. You can use a little or a lot it is up to you but just use dots. This card is actually a card I made some time ago but haven't had a chance to share. The image is from Rubbernecker Stamp's Stamp Oasis Line. Is that not just an adorable image...so sweet! I just added a little SU! patterned paper, stamped some snowflakes on the read red card stock and then added a few dots around the main image and on the scallop. I think the dots really make this card just a touch cuter.

So, what can you make with dots? A card, scrapbook page, maybe an altered item? I'd love to see so make sure you let me know when you are done creating. Also make sure you upload your card and then link it back to Courtney's blog for a chance to win a fun prize from her! All the design team member's blog can be found on my sidebar. Make sure you check them all out!

Tomorrow is Belli Challenge day so stop back to see my project...I think you will really like it! Also, don't forget to become a follower of my Tastefully Simple blog if you'd like to receive a sample from me! You can also check out the recipes I have posted...they are yummy!

See you tomorrow!

ric rac christmas tree

It's finally Friday...the weekend's here! (anyone singing with me?) Although the week went by pretty quickly I'm still so happy it is Friday! I don't have a whole heck of a lot planned this weekend so it should be relaxing. I do have two projects that I MUST get done but they should be fairly easy. Ha! Did I just say that out loud? 'Cuz you totally know that means it will be a big pain, huh?

So...what do you think of my ric rak tree card? I saw this idea on Martha Stewart's website and thought I'd try it. Although the background paper is a bit busy I still love the idea. Can you guess what the patterned paper is from? Yep, Basic Grey's Wassail. So is the enamel brad (although it looks black it is a deep green color with a snowflake in the middle). I got some pretty velour feeling ric rak awhile back and I used it here for the boughs. Of course the brad is for the tree topper.

Well, it isn't very glamorous but I like it and have the perfect recipient for it.

I hope that you have a SUPER Friday, I'll see you tomorrow, and don't forget to check out the PTI sets that I have for sale HERE! I have also set up a blog for my Tastefully Simple business. You can find that (and my first post also you may want to bookmark that site) HERE.

high hopes cutie

Good morning! I hope that you all had an absolutely wonderful weekend and got everything done that you needed to!

I had a fun time stamping and getting some things done. Today's card is a cute High Hopes image that my friend Bela sent me. I know this is probably supposed to be a boy pirate but I figured if I colored it pink and added some hearts it could be a girl...right? Anyway...sometimes I'm a dork. I got this super cute pirate paper and then chose an image and layout (love the layout though!) that doesn't really show it. Duh for me! Either way I really like the black/pink combination and the pirate/anchor (the anchor is all sparkly!) pair is cute too. Now the only question is who to send this cute pink card too (probably not you huh Jen? lol!).

Tomorrow is Created by Courtney Challenge day and I'm excited to show you my project. I know you'll want to join in on this fun challenge! Wednesday night is my stamp club so I'll be showing you those cards/project after that. Stay tuned everyone!

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday and create something fun!

Oh, oh, oh before I forget...go check out THIS fantastic project...it is gorgeous!

birthday cards

Good morning everyone! Today is the first day of posts that I have scheduled for you while I'm gone that aren't DT days. Obviously I won't be talking about personal stuff as much but know we are having a great time! Also, if I have time I will be, maybe, posting a picture or two from Hawaii but I'm not guaranteeing anything...k?

Anyway, I had to start with this super fun card that my friend Jennifer sent to me for my birthday. How appropriate is it...seriously...Jennifer is just the most wonderful stamper and a great friend! I love the Hawaiian penguin and the bright colors!

Below is the fun birthday gift package that I got from my friend Bev. She also sent me some fun ephemera to craft with. The BINGO cards are perfect to make something for Todd's grandmother. I'm thinking a notebook with the bigger BINGO cards would be SOOOO cute! I have many ideas rolling around in my head so I hope to get to using some of it soon!

Have a super day everyone! I'll think of you all! I'm sorry...couldn't help myself!

belli challenge #39

Yay! It is Belli Challenge day! I've SOOOO been waiting to show you all this card! About the time I was working on my Belli Challenge for this week the House Mouse Challenge blog posedt their challenge (for last week...this week is anything but a card) sketch. I loved it and knew it would be great for this Belli challenge which is....can you guess? Yep! Pearls! How fun, huh? And, doesn't this sketch just totally lend itself to pearls?

Anyway...This card is made with a CaUTE House Mouse image (but I don't know the name...sorry), some patterned paper called Animal Crackers by ???, the Baby Cuttlebug embossing folder, Nesties and of course...PEARLS!!! Here is the kinda funny thing...I don't know anyone who is for sure having a baby girl. I just loved the colors and layout so I had to go with it! You all know how that is...right? It was a seriously fun card to make!

You all know how this works...make a card or anything really, with pearls...upload it to SCS or your blog and then link it back to Chris's blog for a chance to win a fun goodie! Below are the other Belli Challenge girls that are participating this week...

Courtney
Chris
Danita
Christi
Ceal
Shelly

I think I have everyone but feel free to go ahead and check the other players blogs (links in my sidebar for more inspiration!). Make sure you stop back tomorrow to see the birthday thank you cards that I made. They are so lovely...if I do say so myself!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

cbcc09

Alright, tell me...have you been holding your breath for the Created by Courtney Challenge? Okay, okay...exhale...it is here! This week we have a sketch challenge...I love those! You can go to Courtney's blog HERE to see the actual sketch and you can see my card to the right for my interpretation of the sketch. Ack...I forgot to tell you to check out the Challenge Chicks in my sidebar to see other wonderful creations!

Today I used a Whiff of Joy stamp for my main image. Is he not just adorable? Seriously! Say hi to Charlie with his snowman. Charlie is so cute! I used my COPIC markers, SU! designer paper, and snowflake stamp from Mailbox Greetings (PTI). I put a sentiment on the red portions that says 'sending winter wishes'. I probably should have cut the red scalloped portion down a little but I still think this is a cute card. The snow is from Cornish Heritage Farms and is called Faux Snow. I can't wait to play with it some more and have an idea or two with it. Hopefully I'll find the time to make those cards!

I am having terrible problems with my Internet tonight so this will be short but I want to make sure you come back tomorrow for the Belli Challenge. I know you'll want to participate in that one too!

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!