B is for Bows or Boys...

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Peppermint

Today starts a new challenge over at ABC Christmas Challenges and our theme is 'B for Bows or Boys.' We are also welcoming some great new members to our team! I do hope you will stop by and tell them hello, plus say hi to our fab team and their gorgeous projects!

Well with all the guys in my family, it was pretty easy for me to go with the 'boys' portion of this challenge! ;) I did throw a bow in there as well, but shhhhhh...... they might not notice! tee hee! One of our sponsors is the ever fun Bugaboo, and I just LOVE this Santa buried in the sand image. he makes me giggle! The sentiment comes from Create with TLC. just seemed perfect!

Papers are Basic Grey Aspen Frost, the border die is from My Favorite Things, holly die is Basic Grey, ticket was sprayed with glimmer mist before adding washi tape and a vintage button. Santa's hat has stickles added to pom pom and cuff while holly berries are covered in distress stickles.  Santa's cool shades are covered with the last bit of crystal effects in the bottle that hadn't dried up..... (see post from yesterday. sigh......) I so love the candy cane stripe ribbon that was tied across the bottom. I don't have much of it, so I tend to use it sparingly.

a little update on my radiation poisoning - I met with my oncologist on Friday. he told me that I will probably have some of the after effects for almost another year because of the level of poisoning I had. I also will need to be very careful of all scans and x-rays that I have from here on out. I didn't realize that there is a lifetime  medical maximum of radiation a person can have. I will have to be careful even with having mammograms, which is a real problem with someone who not only has had breast cancer, but triple negative breast cancer. I should find out in the next few days how some of my other tests went. 

so in the mean time, I am trying to keep myself occupied by getting a bit of crafting done. it sure helps me keep my mind busy on things other than health ickies.... :)

I am hoping to do some more submissions to magazine calls, so we shall see how that goes. a bit nervous 'cause it has been a lonnnnnng time since I've submitted anything. even longer since I was actually published, so I will be busy in the bg crafting, although it might not all pop up here on my blog for a bit.

hugs to all of you and thanks for stopping by! :)

Jennifer

Lovely Layers at Top Tip Tuesday

Coffee of the Day - Bourbon Chocolate Caramel Pecan, oh yeah, it is GOOD!

Tuesdays mean Top Tip Tuesday Challenges, and I am NOT late this time! woooo hooooo! Can't tell ya how happy that makes me! ;) We are sponsored by Bugaboo, and that store always has some fun images for any occasion! The theme for our challenge this fortnight is lovely layers. Pop on over to the challenge blog to see the fabby creations by the DT!

I used the coolio image French Hen and a sentiment from Create with TLC. papers are MME Union Square. the border die and Eiffel Tower die come from My Favorite Things, French Script bg stamp is SU!, graphite glimmer mist was sprayed on the tag & twill ribbon, and crystal effects was added over the wine glass. (so happy SAB is right around the corner because my little bit of crystal effects left in the bottle has about dried up! yikes!) a few strips of washi tape to upper corner of card and accents with both a white gel pen & spica glitter pen were added to main image. voila!

Tip - an old cork saved from a bottle of wine, sliced thin, makes great buttons for craft projects! a few holes punched and you are ready to go! tres chic!

Challenges:
Incy Wincy - make us laugh
Bugaboo Bingo - image, ribbon, sentiment
Cutie Pie - 3 textures (crystal effects on wine glass, cork buttons, & twill ribbon)
Whoopsi Daisy - use a digi
Squirrel and the Fox - anything goes
Through the Craft Room Door - anything goes
Use it Tuesday - warm it up, use red, orange, and/or yellow (obviously my crystal effects is VERY old! I've also had the SU! bg stamp for a long time)

Hearts!

Coffee of the Day - Cinnamon Spiced Hazelnut

Happy Sunday to you! I'm finally getting to play along in the challenge today at Pile it On! hooray! this week we are asking you to Pile it On with hearts! our sponsor is the ever fabulous Dilly Beans! no one can draw a zombie like Megan, I tell you..... I was so thrilled to be part of that DT for that time in my life. maybe one day when I'm doing better I can re-apply to a few..... I sure do miss a lot of those wonderful people!

anyhow, here is my card for the hearts challenge. hold on to your hats, because this style is soooooooo different from anything I've done before. yep, it's ALMOST CAS! ;)  did you just spill your coffee? I was kinda surprised myself..... don't know that I'll do it very often, but I do like how it turned out.

I actually used more than just my standard watercoloring, too. flowers were colored with SU! markers and hedgie accents were added with my new white colored pencil. that's one snazzy tool to have and I am loving it! :) a little bit of washi tape, some baker's twine, and a button are the only embellies. faux stitching was done with my white gel pen.

I don't know how well you can tell from the scan, but the hedgie portion is actually on the INSIDE of the card. I made a window on the outside to peekie through (thanks, Moxie Fab challenges for the idea!)....... images were printed right onto the kraft cs. I was trying to do some precise measuring to figure out where to put my Spellbinders die when it dawned on me - put the die directly over the image, only with the cutting portion UP. when I folded the card and then ran it through my Big Shot, this cut the shape exactly where I wanted it on the top. easy peasy!!! boy did I feel silly that it took me 5 minutes to figure that one out.......


Challenges:
Pile it On - hearts
The Pink Elephant - pink, red, white
Simon Says Stamp - washi tape
Craft Us Crazy - celebrate love or use red
Card Makin' Mamas - CAS
Simply Create Too - anything goes
Sweet & Sassy - anything goes with a digi
Paper Crafting Journey - anything goes
Simply Create - anything goes digital
Stamp 'n Doodle - anything goes
Whimsical Designs - anything goes
Anything Goes - buttons and bows
Craft Room - Valentine
Inky Chicks - anything goes
Mayzy Art - romance
Mark's Finest Papers - twine
Little Scrap Pieces - flower (I hope my heart flowers count!)
Crafts and Me - new (my coolio white colored pencil!)
Bunny Zoe's - anything goes
Moxie Fab - make a card with a widnow

Top Tip Challenges - Fur or Feathers

Coffee of the Day - Red Velvet Cake

Good golly, some days I truly can't get it all together...... it just dawned on me today that I never posted the card I made for the current Top Tip Tuesday challenge - Fur or Feathers. and I actually had it done on time and everything! sheesh....... what a goober I am! ;)

head over to the challenge blog to see all of the great projects by the DT. you still have a little more than a week to play along. We are sponsored by the fabby Zlatoena and her cutie  pie bunnies! :)

My card uses the fun Rabbit Traveler digi image and Basic Grey Green at Heart papers. A spica clear glitter pen was used on the bike spokes; white gel pen for accent on the bunny, basket, and road markings. MFT die was used for grass. embellies include felt flower from Michael's, crochet trim, pearls, ticket stub, washi tape, and buttons. of course I have to add lots of distressing! :)

again, I am so sorry I forgot to post this back when I was supposed to...... this radiation poisoning has really messed me up. still trying to get over it. my skin ended up burning again, which was really weird, and is now trying to heal from that. what a bizarre ride this has been! have a visit with my regular dr. on Monday and my oncologist on Friday.

while all of the guys were home, we have been watching all of the current seasons of Dr. Who. boy oh boy, did I ever cry when David Tennant's Dr. regenerated. what an emotional episode! also reading lots and lots of books while resting. starting the new Michael Crichton one today. I do so miss him.

craft-wise I am slowly getting my craft room ready as well as trying to read as much as I can about Copic markers. want to learn how to use the few that I have so I am not so scared of them. ;) also trying my hand at printing a few digital papers. figured now is as good a time as any to try new things!

---->  don't forget that today is the big blog hop over at Create with TLC!!!! Paulette is so generous with her free artwork. be sure to let all of the DT know how wonderful their projects are with the free images provided on each blog. :)

Challenges:
Through the Craft Room Door - anything goes
By the Cute and Girly - cute and girly
Cards Galore - anything goes
Heck of a Challenge - thank you
Natalie and Amy's - favorites (Basic Grey, buttons, washi tape, tickets, distressing, PINK!)
Avenue 613 - anything goes
Dream Valley - anything goes
Glitter and Sparkle - use a digi
Allsorts - dies and punches
Basic Grey - new beginnings or something new (new-digi, felt flower, floral washi tape, floral button at top, pearls)
Stampin' for the Weekend - anything goes

Well I've Told All of You I'm Weird.....

Coffee of the Day - Toasted Coconut

If any of you have been around my blog for a while, you know I tend to run on well, let's just say, the wacky side of life most days. ;)

For the past few weeks I've had what I thought was a bizarre case of poison ivy. I am one of those strange people who is so allergic to the stuff that I don't even have to touch the plant in order to have a reaction that can knock me out for weeks. I just have to walk by a plant, even if its dormant and I become infected. yep, it's nasty for me, especially since I love to be around nature so much.

After a visit to my dr. today,  I have discovered that not only do I NOT have poison ivy, but I instead have a rather serious case of radiation poisoning. immediate treatment with heavy antibiotics was called for. hooray.....I tell ya, I am turning mutant on us! haven't you heard me mention this before?! yep, it's happening.....I'll be talking to those ants before we know it.

I have the absolute nicest dr. in the whole wide world. he is my gp dr., not my oncologist (who is also nice!), and he was having the hardest time today giving me the news. he took the news of my cancer so rough, and I guess this is pretty heavy duty, too, for it to have reached this point.

then hubby & I were picking up the antibiotics a little while later and came to discover that this particular one is something I just might have an allergic reaction to. the pharmacist told us all of the things to watch for in the event of a reaction because of a specific allergy I have and my problems since having cancer. she said to be prepared at a moment's notice to head to the ER.  poor Dave just looked at me with the saddest expression on his face and said, "are we really ready for this adventure tonight?"  I feel horrible for all that I've put my family through.

So suffice it to say, there's never a dull moment around here! ;)  if any more teeth of mine fall out, I'll be eating baby food soon. yikes! my hair and eyebrows have taken to falling out again, too. I look quite the picture, I tell ya!

well hopefully I'll be feeling okay to craft after all is said and done. gotta keep looking for the sunshine! :

p.s. all blog candies have been mailed out as of yesterday. please let me know if you are a winner and don't receive yours in a reasonable amount of time.
I will try to get a 500 follower candy listed shortly.

Continued New Year Blessings.... 'cause I ramble....

okay, I just like to ramble - y'all know that about me. my earlier post went live about 12 something or other last night. it's now a wonderful snowy morning and I find I have other stuff to say. no surprise there, huh?! ;)

but this is my less serious post, so bear with me. best grab that BIG cup o' joe for some fortification before reading!

to start, mr. blue froggy linky thingy did his magical bit last night and picked a winner for the Valentine blog candy - Renee B.  I couldn't have been more tickled to see her name pop up in my email from inlinkz. pop over to her blog and you will understand why. leave her a cyber hug if you can. God is good and works in small, quiet ways sometimes, even if it is just a packet of crafty stuff..... :)

next, I saw that I now have hit the most amazing of milestones here on my blog - over 500 followers! whoa nelly! so many of y'all put up with me! astounding! I'm really not all that interesting folks. I say that to people all the time. so thank you for hanging in there and drinking coffee with me. it means a lot! to celebrate I'll get some kind of special blog candy together in the next week and get it posted as soon as I can. be on the lookout! and I promise that crafty projects will be coming soon.

finally, don't take life too seriously. there are going to be some really stinky things happen to you along the road and you will meet some equally stinky people. just hold your nose and walk on by. don't let their stink rub off on you. don't make their stink yours. it's a choice you make. choose to be happy. put those brave boots on and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. you WILL meet some amazing people along the way who will make every day so beautiful and fragrant.

remember to laugh! laugh at life and most especially, laugh at yourself. I find myself to be a constant source of amusement, just because I am such a goofball. ;)  ask my family if you have any doubt! ha!

and because I am a geeky sort, this photo from Pinterest made me LOL yesterday. if you've seen the movie or read the book, you'll understand why..... oh Mr. Lincoln, you are my hero! :)

you wanna know how Santa was to me this year? I received coffee and zombie stuff - pure delight!!! :p

Happy 2013!

Coffee of the Day - Eggnog

Today is a new day, filled to the brim with blessings in abundance. Do you feel the joy unfolding before you? Do you sense the excitement of a new, grand adventure just outside your door? Can you tell that God has more in store for you than your most wild imagination could possibly fathom, and it is all designed with your best in mind because He loves you so much??!!!?!

This is what EVERY day brings, not just a new year. how often we tend to lose sight of this. we need to remember that our mercies are new every single morning. every single day is a fresh start - a clean slate.

I'm ready to begin...... are you? will you travel these roads with me? who knows what lies ahead, but then again, I'm wearing my brave boots! ;) bring it on! with a friend by my side and God's wings to protect us, let's remember to LIVE this life, not just coast through. we need to laugh more, love more, and be people of integrity who spread kindness. Kindness IS a choice, and I choose to not let the ick that comes along make me miserable. it's just not worth it. Giggles are just so much more fun!

I have spent several days trying to decide what my 'word' is going to be for this year, and I think I have finally decided upon "integrity". If I don't have integrity, the words I say or write mean nothing. if the life I live and the things I do don't match up to what you hear, then I am worthless. lukewarm. if who I am isn't pleasing to God, then none of it matters. thank goodness for His grace and that He loves me where I am, but wants to help me get to a better place. It can't be an act I put on, but MUST be genuine. and I know that it won't be easy. for nothing that is worth gaining ever is........

my love to all of you for a year, no, a lifetime that overflows with blessings. may you know that you are loved, truly. Jennifer

Valentine Blog Candy

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Peppermint

I know it may seem early to be thinking about Valentine's Day, but I want to give plenty of time for this blog candy to run and then get delivered.

You can sign up for this candy by entering your information in the Mr. Blue Froggy Linky thingy below. you do not have to be a follower of my blog or enter this information anywhere else. it's pretty simple really. ;)

This blog candy contains almost a dozen sheets of 12x12 papers from K & Co. and other companies. You can pretty much count on this being a PINK candy, too! grins! you're not surprised, are you?! One lucky winner will receive several Shirley's 2 Girls clear stamps as well as some Snag 'Em stamps. I'll add LOTS of other fun embellies like a roll of washi tape, lace & ribbons, tags, doilies, and other goodies. retail value will be a minimum of $25.

Blog candy contest will be open through Monday, December 31 at midnight EST. have fun and good luck to you!

*Inlinkz tool removed per new privacy laws since all prizes have been claimed. thank you for your understanding. :)

Another Anything Goes at Paper Makeup Stamps

Coffee of the Day - Red Velvet Cake (yep, it's as yummy as it sounds!)

Happy Monday to you! and Happy New Year's Eve as well! it's been so quiet around my house these past few days. Winter Camp has been going on, so all of my family has been out at Camp working and playing in the snow. actually, this is the first year in quite a few that we actually have snow at Winter Camp! grins! and boy, do we have snow! probably a bit more than a foot on the ground. temps in the teens and twenties. I just love it!

so it's been just me and the dogs here at home. I've been spending most of my time trying to keep Mocha out of the brown butter choco chip and bacon cookies. that dog has come up with the most creative ways to snatch the plate of cookies and drag it to the floor. I don't blame her though - ever since we tried the recipe last year, this has quickly become our family fave cookie recipe. I make lots of batches for gifts, too, since everyone who tries them, falls in love with the cookies. Finally gave up and put the last few cookies in a ziploc bag on top of the refrigerator. if she climbs up there and gets into them, she deserves to eat those last few! ;)  I also tried a few of the cookie ball recipes that I found online. good golly, miss molly, they are decadent! gave some of those as gifties as well.

okay, can you tell I've missed being away from my beloved compy?! His name (my compy) is Sheldor the Conqueror in case you ever wonder..... if you watch The Big Bang Theory you will understand why I named him that. ;) yep, Revenge of the Nerds and I'm the Princess! :)

anyhoooooooowwwwww.........
today is another Anything Goes with a digi challenge over at Paper Makeup Stamps. The DT is still on break so we get to show one of our past creations. This is a card I actually made while on the Party Time Tuesday  team for a challenge sponsored by Paper Makeup. I sooooo love the way it turned out. :)

I combined several images from the Faith, Hope, Love set. Coloring was done with distress stains and then sprayed with glimmer mist (I think.... the card was long ago given to someone - def a shimmer spray though). pretty Spellbinders & Tim Holtz dies, vintage buttons, pearls, washi tape, satin ribbon, and a prima flower complete the card. oh yes, paper is from Prima as well.

Be careful if you are going out to celebrate this evening. We tend to spend New Year's Eve watching the various shows on television if we even manage to stay awake that long. must say I'll be glad to say farewell to 2012. I've learned a lot about myself, but sure don't wanna have to do it again! tee hee!

love to all of you! Jennifer

edited to add ------> today is the final day of operation for a very special store, Paper Cupcakes. I was privileged to be a part of Nina's DT, but most especially to get to know this kind and amazing woman. She has such a heart of gold! Stop by and pick up a few of her images if you get a chance. and tell her hello for me!!! :)

Z is for Zoo Animals at ABC Christmas Challenges

I'm kinda a 'midway to the midway' post for my ABC Christmas Challenge card..... y'all are probably tired of holiday cards by now, but this is the first one I've made in several months. it really felt good to craft last week when I was still feeling okay. as always, had to wait on stickles to dry! ;)

anyhow, lots of big news on the ABC challenge blog, so be sure to check it out. we're saying goodbye to some very talented DT members, so please stop by to wish them well. There is also a DT call-out going on, so submit your name if you are interested. it's a very friendly group of people, I can say that with confidence!  they are so patient and understanding of my health situation. so loving and supportive!

anyhow, the challenge for this fortnight is 'Z is for Zoo Animals' and is sponsored by Bugaboo Stamps. I fell head over heels for this cutie Edward the Elephant and his birdie buddy! The senti comes from Flonz Stamps and date stamp is from K & Co. Smash. sticker at the top of the card is one I made from notebook paper. thought it went well with this image.

papers are Basic Grey Nordic Holiday, ornaments are covered in rock candy distress stickles while hat, pom pom, and card edge are covered in regular white sparkly stickles. (sorry, the bottle is in my craft room - I don't have the name in front of me) I lightly covered the Studio Calico wood veneer snowflakes in white craft ink. poinsettia is from Michael's $1 bin. I had high hopes of getting back over there to pick up some more while they hopefully still had these, but never made it. also wanted to get some of their grey Copic markers before the prices increase and I had 50% off coupons, but that didn't happen either. oh well. win some, lose some. no real biggie in the scheme of things though.

buttons are from my stash. I've been sorting ALL of my buttons into Mason jars. yep, just throwing them all in together - willy  nilly. not much is being sorted by mfg. any longer. it just takes up tooooo much space that way. and gosh oh golly, do those buttons look so pretty in the different sizes of jars sitting on the mantle in my craft room! I'm slowly getting it sorted out still, but will certainly get photos taken when it's finished. I must add that my vintage buttons ARE in jars of their own. no way I could mix those with the regular buttons.

okay, my  head is woooooozy and I'm probably starting to communicate with alien species or drabble on and on, so had best go. love to all of you!

Will Be Back Later...

Coffee of the Day - Toasted Coconut

Hello and belated Merry Christmas greetings to all of you!
I have been sick in bed since Christmas day, so haven't been around much at all. wanted to do a quick pop onto my blog to let you know I have a card to post for the ABC Christmas DT, but will have to get to it a bit later. just don't have much energy and seem to sleep most of my days away....
my family is even considering moving my bedroom downstairs since climbing stairs takes me forever now and hurts like the dickens. I'm really becoming THAT sick old lady now..... poo! I told them all that as long as they carry me down on my bed Cleopatra style, I don't care one way or the other. ;)  hey, I have to maintain my princess attitude even if I do feel icky-poo yuck! tee hee!

anyhow, hope to see all of you back here later. I'm off to bed again.... even coffee doesn't taste good these days, so that tells you something right there.....

Anything Goes at Paper Makeup Stamps

Coffee of the Day - Cinnamon Butter Rum

Today is an easy peasy challenge over at Paper Makeup Stamps - Anything Goes with a digi! The DT is on a bit of a break for these next 2 weeks and were allowed to pick from their favorite projects from the past. Since I am just starting to get back to crafting, I sure appreciated that! Be sure to pop by the challenge blog to see what everyone else on the team has chosen. Some of my team mates have made some new projects, too.

This card of mine featuring Pete Penguin always makes me smile! it isn't very complicated, but it sure is full of Christmas cheer! Some fun paper piecing, big satin ribbon, quirky tag, and yummy soft yarn with a big red button just make it ready to bring a bit of holiday love to someone.......

New Blog Candy Winner Drawn......

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Peppermint

image from 2 Crazy Crafters

Well I never heard from the winner of the 'Craft Room Clean-out' blog candy, so I chose another winner.

SUZIE McFLOOZY, you will need to send me you address so I can get this package of goodies in the mail to you! :)  congratulations!!!!!
The other packages were mailed out earlier this week. I sure hope everyone enjoys the fun tucked inside!

it is snowing like crazy here, and we are tucked in like snug little bugs. oh I am so loving it! :)  my soul & heart are happy even though my poor body isn't doing so well. but that is okay because I am Blessed with a capital B!!!

love to all of you! Jennifer

Blog Candy Winners!

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

Happy Monday! Mr. Blue Froggy has hop hop hopped along and chosen winners for the 3 blog candies I had going. if you weren't chosen this time, be sure to enter the Valentine candy that is going through the end of this month. who knows, I may still add another one or two before this is all over....... ;)

Winners, please contact me at: jenscull at yahoo dot com just as soon as possible with your mailing information so I can get these out to you. If I haven't heard from you by the end of this week, I will choose another winner. You should have received an email as well from inklinz.

Rosettes Bigz Shot Pro Die - Marji

Christmas Goodies - Victoria

Craft Room Clean Out - Sharon P

Congratulations to each of you! Thank you to everyone who played along! :) I sure wish I could send a  great big package of fun to everyone! maybe if the big lotto win or a Mysterious Benefactor come along that will happen one day! grins! :)

Blog Candy for December!

Coffee of the Day - Chocolate Peppermint

Hello! I am following in the footsteps of my friend, Joan, and doing something nice (well, hopefully you think it's nice!) every day all this month.

To start things off, I am doing several blog candies this month. they will be easy to enter, just add your info to the following Mr. Blue Froggy Linky thingies.... you can enter all of them if you would like. you  do NOT have to be a follower of my blog or post it anywhere to enter.

I also need to add that if you are expecting packages from me, I have finally been feeling well enough to get those together and they will be mailed out on Monday! hooray! I've added a few extras inside to say thank you for being so patient. :)

first blog candy up for grabs is a repeat..... I still have this fabby fun Rosettes Bigz Pro Die

that is available to any one who owns a Sizzix BIGZ PRO machine and lives ONLY in the USA. sorry, but this puppy is big & heavy and is pretty expensive to ship. it has a retail value of $59.99 and is absolutely wonderful looking. a new machine just isn't possible for me this year, no matter how much I love this die. ;) so I would love to pass it along to someone who can use it. the die is a LARGE 12" x 12 3/4". pooey on that online store that didn't label it properly. grins!

Next up is a blog candy that is Christmas themed. This will include a selection of Webster's Pages 12x12 papers from both the Winter Wonderland and Ting-A-Ling collections. both of these collections are now discontinued. I'm adding some vintage trims, tags, doilies, crushed olive Distress Marker, and Shirley's 2 Girls clear stamps. plus you never know what else I will throw in the package! ;)

Lastly will be what I am calling my 'Craft Room Clean Out' blog candy. This is a hodge podge of various 12x12 papers from Prima and other companies. Clear stamps from Shirleys 2 Girls and Basic Grey minis will be included, as will a HUGE assortment of ribbons & other embellies.

*Inlinkz tool removed per new privacy laws since all prizes have been claimed. thank you for your understanding. :)

All blog candies will run through Sunday, Dec. 16 at midnight EST and have a retail value of at least $25. ONLY the Bigz Pro die is limited to a winner from the USA. winners will be announced on my blog within a few days following so that I can hopefully have prizes mailed prior to Christmas. thank you for stopping by and I wish you all the best of luck! :) I'll have a Valentine collection blog candy starting up the middle of the month, so be sure to stop back for that one, too.

hugs to everyone! Jennifer

God is Still Good...

Coffee of the Day - Gingerbread

Before you read any further, remember that God is still and always will be good. He does not change because terrible things happen in this world in which we live. His nature is ALWAYS one of love. He can turn horrible circumstances into those which shine brighter, although in our human-ness we can not possibly comprehend how or why.  People mess up all the time, but He does not.

On Friday my family and I had gone to see one of the first showings of 'The Hobbit.' As we were still in the theatre, but walking toward the exit, Ryan turned on his phone. A text message from his girlfriend appeared telling of the toll of the Connecticut school shootings. We were already aware the shootings had taken place, just none of the details. I stopped before we had even reached the theatre doors and broke down crying. David was telling me to move - that I was blocking people from leaving. I couldn't even move. As word reached back to others, everyone was simply stunned. We gradually made our way out into the lobby and began talking. The boys were calling people to find out details. We knew then and there that we had to pray.  People were calling on God in the lobby.

In my front yard still stands a sign that reads, 'We will never forget.' It hasn't even been a full year since the shootings at our high school here in Chardon. Families here in our small village will be having Christmas without their children for the first time, too. It's hard to describe what it is like to see yet another community hit by a tragedy of this sort. Counselors are already gathering to bring comfort to people here as wounds we thought were healing are torn open once again. Students who just a few months ago were seniors at our high school, (like my son) and now are home from college break are re-living all of the memories again of an armed gunman walking school halls.

But God's arms are big enough to hold the families of precious tender kindergarten souls, the families of a respected Principal, the families of high school students just blooming into adulthood. He can hold onto each one of us as we try to understand the senseless tragedy and know our head's can never wrap around the horror. He is pure love and peace and light in a world that is sometimes dark. Cry if you need to. Scream and rant if you need to. God can take it. But then rest in His arms of love and find His peace. Listen as He tells you to "..........."

You are truly, deeply loved! :)

Blog Candy Reminder

Coffee of the Day - Maple Pecan

Happy 12-12-12 to all of you! :)

Just wanted to remind all of you that the current blog candies close on Sunday. A Valentine themed one will start up on Monday. As for craft supplies, I am still boxing up things to give away as I am able. crossing fingers I will still be able to meet my own goal of being back to crafting at the start of 2013.......

Thank you so much for the kind comments all of you have left for me, as well as the many wonderful, supportive emails. You lift my heart more than you can know! :)

I'm still resting quite a bit and not quite feeling human yet. I swear I'm becoming a zombie, but my family is too kind to tell me. wait a second. I live in a house full of men. too kind? yeah right! they gave me grief last night because I was talking skateboard, and had to text Mick to get him to prove that I knew what I was talking about. turns out they knew all along that I had a clue, but just wanted to mess with me! ;) those rascals! so yep, zombiefied I am!

Dave and I are supposed to attend a Christmas party next week, and I think this is the first year I won't have enough handmade cards to give to everyone. it's pretty traumatic, actually. but I can only do what I can do. and right now just doing for my family is top of my priority list. not sure I'll be feeling up to even attending, much less the worry over what to put on this zombie body. some things just don't seem to really matter that much right now. and then it makes me think why I should stress so much about them in the first place.

anyhow, enjoy this 12th day. it's a special day, but then every day is! :) and so are YOU!

these are pix of us getting our tree last year. thought I would share with all of you. we'll hopefully go this coming weekend to get ours for this year. we have to wait until Mick comes home from school, as it is part of the tradition that EVERYONE picks out the tree before we cut it down. in the top photo, yes that IS a mini snowball coming at me!!!!

oh my guys are all soooooo handsome! :)

In the Blink of an Eye....

Coffee of the Day - Christmas Blend

An entire perspective, an entire life - all of that can change in the blink of an eye. it only takes one brief moment and what seemed solid & under your feet one moment becomes nothing more than thin air & a flimsy rope 5000 feet off the ground.

This has been a week. One of THOSE weeks. I can't begin to put it all into words, and there are things I won't ever share here as they are far too personal to my family at this point in time.

image from The Graphics Fairy

But this I will tell you - God is good. in the worst of circumstances, He is faithful and never leaves our side. When the world is crashing down around you, He is there to spread His wings over each one of us - to love and protect us because we are His. When all seems dark and lost, He is the light to shine as a beacon home.

I have had my priorities set straight once again. Blogging can go away, crafting can go away, oh so many 'things' can go away. what matters most is that I have a precious family that means more to me than any other thing in this world. Friends who support us gather near.

We all need to feel loved. We need to tell the people we love that we love them EVERY DAY! We need to surround ourselves with people who encourage us, who lift us up above the muck and grime of this world. if you have toxic people in your life - walk away from them. you don't need that. if you have toxic situations in your life, do whatever it takes to remove yourself from those circumstances and make things clean & healthy again. YOU matter. you matter to someone. you matter to God whether you know Him or not. He knows you. and He loves you with all that He is.

I don't know how much I'll be blogging through the end of the year. the blog candy contests will still stay open. but right now my focus must be elsewhere.

I pray for each of you the most blessed and beautiful holiday season. YOU are loved, more than you can possibly know. by me! :)
Jennifer

p.s. this week I did drop off 2 big boxes of craft supplies to some friends who will pass along what they don't want to their church and 2 more boxes of cards to the chemo center at my oncologist's office when I went in for my appt. yesterday. The acts of kindness for December continue.....

The Grinch Game!

oh my goodness, THE Grinch, you know the one I mean..... is out there in Whoville ALREADY!!!  he is going to try to put a stop to Christmas, and we have to stop him!

I for one and teaming up with the other folks here to try and capture that Grinch. when I find him I am going to make him a BIG cup of white chocolate mousse coffee or maybe eggnog coffee (I'll decide what seems to suit his mood better), set out a plate of yummy peppermint cookies, and then give his poor little reindeer a rawhide bone - because I must say he seems to look a bit more dog-like to me. ;)  then I'm gonna wrap that Grinchy-poo up in my warmest slippers and blanket to get him all snug-a-bug warm so he will start to feel the love of Christmas envelope him..... finally I'm gonna give him a hugey huge hug and sloppy smoohies just so his heart can grow and grow and grow and GROW!!!!

want to join me in the hunt? click here for the fun! :)

Post your thoughts on seasonal blog candy....

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Happy Sunday! I woke up this morning, came downstairs, looked out  my front window, and there was my little baby squirrel friend sitting on the front porch rafters eating some of the peanuts that we have been setting out for him. gosh, what a most amazing way to begin my day! :) he just makes me smile so big every time I see him out there! yep, it's pretty goofy, but I love it anyway!

when Tyler was home over Thanksgiving, I asked him to run to the store and grab just a little bag of peanuts so I could leave a small treat for our squirrel friend. well Tyler being the guy he is grabbed a big bottle of fancy peanuts and said, "Hey, it's Thanksgiving. he deserves a special treat, too!" So they guys all help me to make sure the rafter stays stocked with peanuts. The birds enjoy them as well. I can't reach up there - it is much too high for me and you certainly don't want me standing on a chair or stool these days. lawsie, I can't even stand on my own 2 feet without tipping over like a cow, much let put me on something a foot or two off the ground. tee hee!

then I was taking the dogs out the back door a bit later this morning and the bushes & little portico that cover our porch were FULL of birds. I felt like a Disney Princess with all of them flying around my head! isn't nature and each precious creation God put there just such a delight? oh how He can speak to me through the sound of a bird's wing or call..... how I can see His love for all of us as I watch how He cares for even a little baby squirrel.....

so anyhow, on to the purpose of my posting today -
I have been going through all of my old crafting supplies these past 2 weeks. will be doing it through the end of the month I would imagine as I start feeling a wee bit better every day and try to prepare to re-enter the crafting world again at the start of the new world. I am finding so many craft supplies that I had  purchased but never used.

here is where I need your thoughts and opinions. I am not much for selling my stuff. I'll probably end up selling a few of my old SU! sets, but otherwise I am more of a 'giving away' or 'passing it forward' kind of person. I've never had a garage sale and probably never will. what I am finding is that I have enough craft supplies to qualify for some seasonal blog candy giveaways if y'all would be interested. almost everything would be brand new, and would be sorted into separate categories like Valentine (like I mentioned in the other post), Fall/Halloween, Summer, and Spring/Easter. they will all contain papers, stamps, and embellies with a value of at least $25.

post what you think in the comments section. I would put these up as soon as the current candies finish and have the new giveaways end this month so everyone could get their stuff soon.

Love to all of you! Jennifer

editing to add - I have a TON of craft supplies that I am donating to my local library as well as to some of the local schools. thanks for the suggestion about the senior center, too. I'll give them a call and see if they would like some of these. :)

It's Snowing! :)

Coffee of the Day - Eggnog

oh glory be, it has been snowing here since yesterday! what delight to see the world in white! :) every time I look out my window, my heart just soars with joy! I so love the snow, but never more than at this time of year. my house is full of people (and pets!!) I love, our tummies are full of the most tasty food, we are warm and snug - oh, how we are blessed! :)

let us never forget the little things in our lives, for they are truly the big things that keep everything else in perspective.

yesterday we had a most amazing visit from David's sister, Susan, from Texas. it did all of us so much good to spend the day with her! she is a bright spot in our lives every time we see her! I slept most of the day, but gosh, how it made me smile to hear her laughter ringing through my home. and it's such an infectious laugh, too! once she started, everyone else joined along. what a most lovely way to drift off to sleep - knowing that my family was happy. what more could I possibly want?!

Hugs and smoochies to all of you! Jennifer

So Thankful!

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice 'cause I love it so and the day just calls for it! :)

vintage postcard from Antique Images

Happy Thanksgiving to every single one of you! it doesn't matter where you live, each day is a reason to be thankful! We are all blessed to overflowing, and I count myself saturated! grins!

Every day I awake to more and more blessings, even in the midst of this journey I currently travel. the sun is shining, dear friends. I went to sleep last night to the joyful sound of all 3 of my sons laughing hysterically all throughout the evening while they played on their game systems. my dogs were cuddled up tight beside me on the bed; my husband was working in the kitchen downstairs on a special brine for our turkey. my life is full and complete. I am happy!  I pray the same for each of you! :)

Seizures & Radiation don't mix

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Nut

I'm taking a week off from radiation because my seizures have come back full throttle. they reared their lovely head the end of last week and haven't let up, I'm sad to say. I made the decision yesterday to take this entire week off from my radiation treatments in hopes of getting the seizures under control. We know that the 2 are related, so hopefully a week of rest will help all around. I have 3rd and 4th degree burns from my treatments, so that is certainly triggering all of the fun goings ons.... It hurts to have clothes touching the areas where I am burned, so I'm wearing tank tops in our 30* temps. whine whine whine whine whine!
there is never a dull moment in our house, that is for certain! ;)

I'm behind on emails and blog comments, I know. I owe so many thank you's I have lost count. I do need to get out blog candy packages, but haven't received any addresses yet, at least that I have tracked down, so please send those when you can if you were a winner.

know that all of you are in my thoughts, even if I don't get in touch.

in honor of 'Grimm'!

on the upside, I'm almost caught up on last season's 'Grimm' and 'Fringe'! wooo hooooo! on to 'Glee' when these are done..... love ya!

Mick goes to vote....

Coffee of the Day - Pumpkin Spice

Happy Sunday and happy November! It is cold and wet here, but my bird and squirrel friends still keep popping by to keep my company. in fact when I was letting the dogs out this morning, the most beautiful cardinals came to sit on the big bushes right beside our back porch steps. It was so neat to see them fly to within just a few feet of me to perch while I was outside. They don't usually come in quite so close.

Our local trick or treating had been moved from Wednesday to last night. David went over to our friend's house and helped with the Hot Dog House. even though it was so cold and rainy, they gave away more hot dogs and hot cocoa than ever before in the more than 10 years we've been doing it! how exciting! I stayed at home bundled up catching up on Season 1 of Grimm, one of our fave new shows on tv. not as much fun, but the dogs and I were quite content! ;)

I want to share this wonderful photo with all of you of our son, Mick. Friday all of us received a text from him saying that he was sitting on a bus with Jack Black who was taking a handfull of students from Kent State to vote early. how freakin' cool is THAT?!?!?! Jack Black brought his band to encourage early voting. it ended up that only about 50 people were allowed on the bus, and Mick was one of the lucky ones to go! Jack and the band played music the entire time to and from the voting station. Mick said he is such a nice guy and really feels strongly about young people having their say in the election. I was thrilled Mick was able to cast his vote, and in such a fun way, too.

Tyler will be driving home on Tuesday after classes so he can take part in the election. This will be Ryan's first time to vote, and you can bet I'll be there no matter how icky I feel. No matter who you vote for, the important thing is to get out there and do it.

although I don't get political on my blog, here are a few of my favorite candidates:

Feel free to write in either of these on your ballot Tuesday! ;)

if only Monty Python wasn't British......

HYCCT Winners

Coffee of the Day - White Chocolate Coconut

So sorry I am late announcing Hope You Can Cling To winners. I was sick in bed all day yesterday and am heading back there just as soon as I type this up....
anyhow, y'all are sooooo tired of hearing about that. ;) I know 'cause I am so tired of writing about it. grins!

since only a handfull of folks linked up cards, everyone who played along is a winner! yeehaw! I willl get together some fun prize packages for each of you, ready and waiting for your mailing addresses. send me an email at: jenscull at yahoo dot com as soon as you can. one person will receive the fun MFT Fix it Fred stamp, but I promise the rest of you will like what you get, too. :)

also, you have until Nov. 7 to upload cards to HYCCT over at Split Coast Stampers. :)

evidently I'm not the only one who doesn't own a Big Shot Pro since no one signed up for that prize. who knows, maybe Santa will sneak one under the Christmas tree. ha! I don't think so. he has waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many medical bills in his bag this year.

have a great weekend! love to all of you!
Jennifer