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Monday, February 27, 2012

Shooting at our High School - Please pray

About an hour ago there was a shooting at our high school. Thankfully, our son Ryan had stayed home ill today, so he wasn't there. But my heart goes out to everyone who was..... Please please pray.

So many reports are coming in, all of them saying different things. It does appear that there were 2 shooters and several people injured.

oh my goodness, my heart is just breaking to think that this has happened in our precious little village....

Friday, February 24, 2012

For all of us Brave Girls....

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Nut

This was in my email box today from the Brave Girls Club. It's so perfect for all of us.... :) love ya, dearest friends & family! and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.





Dear Sweetheart Girl,

When living a brave and uncommon life, things are never going to be the same, ever. We are constantly learning the new ways to do things, and the best ways to do things. We are often surviving through broken heartedness and growing stronger to get us to the next path of growth.

We are always seeing new and beautiful things, and extracting the gifts, lessons and beauty out of everything, including the painful parts.

We are always always always becoming, always. We were never meant to stay stagnant. We were never meant to "arrive" and to stay in the same place forever. Life's greatest joy comes in creating and being a creation, in creating things that did not exist before we played our part in creating them, and in becoming a creation that never existed until we grew into it, and in seeing everything around us constantly becoming something that never existed until that moment. Life is truly about becoming.

Enjoy it, dear friend. All of it. Tomorrow it will be different, and different the day after that. It is ALL meant to be enjoyed, learned from and taken in as a gift. Receive it with all of the love it was intended to give.

You are so important, loved and wonderful.
xoxoxo




edited to add - the most beautiful arrangement of flowers arrived late this afternoon from all of my Jellypark Friends! thank you from the bottom of my heart, dear ones! they are as lovely as each of you! :)

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

I'm officially a Pink Ribbon Lady now....

yep, the results are in. I have breast cancer. still trying to process the news.....get my head wrapped around all that now lies before us. thankfully the dr.s are moving at a very fast pace and are just as kind as can possibly be. I see the surgeon on Monday, so we'll go from there.

Tyler is coming home this weekend again. It will be wonderful to see him and spend some time together. goodness gracious me, was it ever hard telling the guys the news. but they are being so wonderful about everything. my SIL, Susan, cracks me up with her reaction. raising my shot of tequila to ya, Sue! ;)

I'll craft as I am able and post whatever I make. I hope y'all can understand why I'm just not up to it right now, plus still so very very tired. my dr. said that is to be expected. and boy does this explain why I've felt so poopy for so long. so we can only go up from here, right?! ;)

The sun is shining so gloriously right now. it makes me smile. :)
love to each of you, just for being YOU!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Doing okay, thank you!

Coffee of the Day - not sure what flavor hubby made, as it was already finished by the time I got up this morning. thank you, my hunny bunny! :)

Thought I would give a quicksie post about the biopsy yesterday - all went well and we should have results by Thursday. I am tired as all get out and just can NOT stay awake for whatever reason. Don't know what's up with that, but I'm surely getting my beauty rest, that's for certain! ;)

I want to tell you that your sweet comments, emails, texts, calls, prayers, and posts mean so much to me and my family. Know that you are truly loved, my dear friends!

Don't know when I'll get back to crafting since I can't seem to keep my eyes open for more than half an hour at a time, but I'll post whatever I make. Will let you know test results as well as soon as we have them.

Have a most glorious day, too! Remember that the birds are still singing, the sun is still shining, Starbucks is still open somewhere, and most especially, God still sits on His throne. :) hugs!

edited to add - dr's office called this evening to schedule an appt. for tomorrow morning to go over test results, so they are back early. will let you know tomorrow what we learn.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Sending Happiness at Pile it On

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel Pecan

Today begins a new challenge at Pile it On - Sending Happiness, and MelJen's Designs is our wonderful sponsor!


Images are from MelJen Designs, papers are Jillibean Soup Sweet & Sour collection, baker's twine & felt heart are from Etsy, and then I added some dew drops for a bit of fun. the hearts on the main image are covered in crystal effects to give a bit of dimenstion, and I also used my black spica glitter pen for just a touch of sparkle. I kept this fairly simple since it will be mailed to one of my son's away at college.

This time tomorrow I'll be at the hospital having a biopsy on a lump I found a few days ago. the good news is that everyone has been so very kind and the doctors are moving fast. Hopefully we'll have results in just a few days. Prayers for my family would be much appreciated, as telling my husband & sons was the hardest thing I've had to do in a long while. I'm at peace with whatever the results bring. God is still good, every day, all the time. The birds still sing outside my window, the sun still shines somewhere in the world. Of that I am sure. :)

Challenges:
MelJen - anything goes
2 Sisters - stitching
Crafty Ann's - bold and bright
PolkaDoodles - recipe
Do You Stack Up - layers
Sarah Hurley - die cuts
Crazy Amigo - hearts
Digital Tuesday - use your stash (heart and dew drops have been around a LONG time!)
Tuesday Throwdown - entwined
Cupcake Craft - entwined

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Create with TLC Fairy Tale Blog Hop!

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Hazelnut

Welcome to my stop on the Create with TLC Fairy Tale Blog Hop! May I top off your cup of coffee with some of my yummy flavored blend? or would you prefer some lovely hot tea, a lavendar chamomile perhaps? oh it is a tasty cup, I promise you! ;) grab a sweet roll to go with your cup, put your princess tiara on as is proper for all things fairy tale themed, and sit back for just a moment. enjoy the girlie girl ambiance that only the mother of 3 boys can provide! grins! here we go!

Paulette so kindly provided all of us these wonderful images to create with. I love this fun bunny!

-------> to save the image, right click on the piccy and choose 'save' from the drop down menu options. I'm sorry that my blog doesn't allow pop up features for photographs. if you have any troubles at all, please just drop me an email at jenscull at yahoo.com. :)

The senti I used for this soft card comes from Paulette also. isn't it perfect for this images? papers are from Prima's Nursery Tales collection. the pretty little roses are Prima as well. pink ruffle trim at the bottom is Maya Road, wonderful clear rhinestone sparkler is Webster's Pages, and the rest is all vintage. doesn't that lace give you goosebumps?! oh my gosh, I've been waiting for ages for the perfect project to use it on!


Thanks so much for stopping by! Now head on over to the most fabulous blog of ----> MARSHA!!!! She is so talented, I just know you are going to be inspired by what she has made for us! :)

Friday, February 17, 2012

Fairy Tale Blog Hop coming soon!


More info coming soon..... you know how much you love these blog hops with Create with TLC! ;)

Seeing Red at Dilly Beans

Coffee of the Day - Texas Turtle (pecan, chocolate, & caramel)


Happy happy Friday to ya! and what a most glorious one it is over here, too. the sun is shining so lovely in the sky. the little squirrels have really been scampering around with the weather a bit warmer than usual, so it's fun to watch them dash over the snow. My owl friend has returned and I've been listening to him hoot hoot hoot as I take the dogs out. What a comfort to hear that beautiful bird.......

Dilly Beans has a fun new challenge beginning today - Seeing Red. oh you should see the neat projects that the DT has created to inspire you over on the challenge blog! I do hope you will play along with us! :)


My card uses this adorable Ladybug Fairy image, My Mind's Eye Union Square papers, beautiful Prima floral trim, a Maya Road ticket, stickles, black spica glitter pen, ric rac, and my wonderful buttons.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Here is my Heart

Coffee of the Day - Mocha Mint

Good morning to ya! I'm sure many of you have seen these precious images popping up all over blogland - Krista's Saturated Canary digis. I have longed to have one of my very own and hubby was so sweet and bought me this adorable little bunny for Valentine's Day! :)

although, being the nerdy geek I am, every time I look at her, I'm reminded of the line from the first Transformers movie....... "I am SO not your little bunny!" tee hee! yep, you just never know what to expect from me, do ya?!

anywaaaaaaaaaaaaay..... I couldn't wait to get a card made with her once I completed a few DT commitments. and yes, it feels divine to be crafting again. so glad the ickies have gone away!


I know my watercoloring and cardmaking will never compare to the many gorgeous samples you will see on your blurffing travels through cyberspace of these SC images, but I really did have fun with this one. kept the card fairly simple, at least for me.....

papers are Basic Grey Kioshi, rub-on senti is SU!, her bunny tail and Easter egg are covered in distress stickles, and everything else is just from my stash. oh yes, the pretty pale pink jewels were a very kind gifty that arrived in my mail box a few days ago. that was a happy treat, indeed!

have a most wonderous day! love ya!

Paper Crafting Journey - make it cute

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Love is in the Air at Dilly Beans


okay, so I go over a week with no posts and then I slam ya with 2 in one day! yep, I'm heartless I tell ya! but my card has plenty, becauzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..........

Love is in the Air!!!!!


I missed getting my card to the Dilly Beans post in time for the challenge on Friday, but I wanted to still get one finished anyhow. I combined 3 fun images from the Dilly Beans store and added a Create with TLC senti. how perfect that Paulette had one with the challenge theme! ;)


papers are Lily Bee Head Over Heels, ribbon is the most gorgeous gorgeous raw silk, and good golly gosh there is a LOT of distress stickles, glitter pen, and shimmerz on here.

Crafty Boots - Valentine
Hooked on Crafts - hearts
My Craft Spot - girly girls (do girly ghoulies count? grins!)
Ooh La La - be my Valentine
Paper Pretties - flowers
Crazy Challenge - Valentine's
Catered Crop - hearts
Corrosive Challenges - love bites (hope my little ghoulie bat girl counts)
Squirrel & Fox - Valentine's Day
2 Sisters - I heart you
Card Makin' Mamas - Valentine
Cardmad Fairy - hearts

Get Well Wishes at Party Time Tuesdays

Coffee of the Day - Toasted Almond (and oh, is it wonderful to be drinking coffee again!)

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you! How wonderful to have a day where we can tell everyone just how much we love them! :)

Today begins a new challenge over at Party Time Tuesdays - get well wishes. Seemed kinda funny to be finishing this card AFTER I got over being sick.... tee hee! can't even tell you how nice it is to be feeling better. on my way to 100% - wooooo hooooooo!


One of our many wonderful sponsors this week is Karen's Doodles. I used this cutie turtle and his mousie buddy for my card. the senti comes from Paulette at Create with TLC. papers are Authentique Freebird. another of our sponsors, for the entire month actually, is ZVA Creative. they provided the beautiful rhinestone flourish and green rose in the top right corner. I added a little tea tag, because when I am not feeling good, nothing helps soothe like a hot cup of tea!

So pop on by the challenge blog to see all of the wonderful projects made by the DT. then I hope you will be inspired to play along with us. :)

Fetch A Sketch - sketch
Paper Creations Ink - recipe
Crafty Pad - 'b' is for..... button, bling, bed, buddies, bow
Crafty Emma's - 3 or more layers
Our Creative Corner - best friend (made for a friend who is under the weather)

Friday, February 10, 2012

Check out these new challenges...

no coffee today, sorry :(

I have been sicker than a dog all this week. some kind of tummy bug I guess because I can't keep much food down and being out of bed leaves me shakier than a leaf. I've been sleeping like good ol' Rip Van Winkle since Monday.....

anyway, I haven't crafted in FOR-EV-ER, but wanted to let you know that both Jellypark Friends and Dilly Beans have new challenges starting today. be sure to pop by to see the faboo things the DT has created! and tell them hi for me....
oh yes, both stores also have fantastic new releases as well! you'll want to add these cuties to your collections I am sure!

hope to be back in a few more days, feeling chipper dipper and with a project or two. until then, know you are loved! ;)

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Card for a 'Tween at Pile it On

Coffee of the Day - Mocha Mint

It's time for a new challenge at Pile it On - make a card for a 'tween. Our sponsor this week is The Stamping Boutique and I couldn't wait to play with another Smoochie! :)


I used brand new papers from the Sweet Fairy collection by Prima. not sure where the flowers are from, as they are part of a big blog candy I won a while back. There is a LOT of sparkle on this card courtesy of shimmerz paint (angel wings, shoes, and lace hem of dress), gold spica glitter pen (halo and little swirlies), rock candy distress stickles (cloud), and glimmer mist (senti piece & chipboard corner pieces). senti is from Create with TLC.

Challenges:
Crafty Emma's - wings and/or sketch
Stamp, Scrap, & Doodle - die cuts or punches (I used punches)
Chocolate, Coffee, & Cards - Thinking of you
Hot Shot Crafts - flowers
Card and Scrap - shabby chic
Craft Us Crazy - anything goes
Do You Stack Up - anything goes
Paper Crafting Journey - fairies and/or angels
Pixie Dust Studio - girlie girl
Divas by Design - anything goes
Flutterby Wed. - open as long as using a butterfly, fairy, or angel
Whimsical Wed. - something old (chipboard & flowers)
Drunken Stampers - something new - new Prima paper pack! :)
Allsorts - free and easy
Pollycraft - favorite things (pink, of course! and buttons, too!!)
Kaboodle Doodles - all about the girls

Friday, February 3, 2012

Zombie Love

Coffee of the Day - Salted Caramel Pecan

wooooo hoooooo! It's Friday! and oh, is it ever a most beautiful morning here in northeast Ohio! the sun is shining, the birds are flitting everywhere, and the squirrels are scampering from tree to tree. just wonderful! we only need snow to make it perfect. :)


Today starts a new challenge over at Dilly Beans - Zombie Love! oh my good golly gosh, this challenge was taylor made for ME! :) of course I used it to make a Valentine's card for my hunny bunny, and keeping it secret from him has already proved difficult! he likes to see what I am making, so he keeps popping up EVERYWHERE to look at this card. I think I've kept it hidded from him, but he sure made it difficult! grins! you have also GOT to see the fun that the other DT members have created.... oh my goodness, my zombie heart goes pitter pat just looking at all of the undead cuties! tee hee!


I used the wonderful image 'Zombie Cupid' for my card, along with a hand typed senti. papers are Bo Bunny Vicki B, button & lace are vintage, felt heart came from Etsy I think..., and little flourishes were punched from a border punch. LOTS of shimmerz paint on here........

btw - Ryan LOVED his Bat ghoul card the other day! I thought that he would, but he put it in a special place in his room..... that made me smile! :)

Cardmad Fairy - hearts
Crafty Ann's - Love is in the Air
Fairy Tale - love, love, love
Mami Doodles - for a loved one
Polkadoodle - show some love w/hearts
By the Cute and Girly - love is in the air
Fresh Brewed Designs - love
Lia Stampz - for your Valentine
Crafty Purple Frog - Valentine/show us some love
Moving along with the Times - have a heart

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Need you like Batman....

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

I have a creepy crawly card to share with you today, but I do love it so! :) Megan at Dilly Beans has so graciously allowed me to remain a part of her DT and play along with the challenges as I am able. That is so kind and generous of her! thank you, Megan! :)


The current challenge going on is called "Freaked." The other day, Paulette at Create with TLC offered up this wonderful senti, and I knew immediately that I wanted to pair it with one of Megan's Dilly Beans ghoulies! This one is 'Framed Bat Ghoul.' I am giving this card to Ryan, and both David and I agree he is going to love it! :) we are so weird and twisted in our wacky little family! giggles!

Papers are Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934, buttons a hodgepodge from my stash, ribbon a remnant I picked up at Wally World, linen thread & senti punch from SU!, and rock candy distress stickles were added all around the little bat ghoul. tag die (polka dot paper) is PTI.

Delightful Challenges - dies & punches
Do You Stack Up - anything goes
Southern Girls - magic/mystery
Fab 'n Funky - use a digi
Little Red Wagon - Valentine or love
Anything Goes - to the one I love
Crafty Sentiments - dies & punches
Cards for Men - seeing red
Lollipop Crafts - anything goes
Creative Inspirations - someone special