A Happy Kitty Tag

Another post today..... isn't it cool?! :)

I put together a cute little card using this most adorable little kitty by Baby Bud Designs. I just love the way the cat looks, so ready to be picked up and loved. You should see the other images that are available, too! Check out the blog and Etsy store! I printed out this cutie onto textured decorative paper, then used my inks and watercolor brush to add some extra little touches - shading and colors to the ears and cheeks. The cat was then popped up with foam tape. I had this fun pink tag (as if anything PINK could be anything except FUN!!grins!) as well as all of these neat goodies from some of the Vintage Findings kits by Making Memories. the flower is a vintage one I found from who knows where that I dyed in some coffee a while back. The doily is an old SU! one. The twine is actually from tea bags that I let sit in the tea a while to stain..... such fun things you can do to get neat embellies for crafting!

It has been a crazy ride......

Coffee of the Day - Butter Rum

What a wild weekend.......

First hubby wanted me to stop crafting..... then I got really sick....... then our son was in a most horrible accident..... just when you think life is on an even keel, it goes and spins you for a loop -dee-loop. upside down, inside out, backwards, forwards, this way and that. but God remains faithful and watches and holds us through it all. ever faithful.

my blog was deleted for a few days, but is back again after loving compromise. that is what marriage is about. I have bronchitis & a staf infection, but they will get better as they always do. plenty of coffee will see to that. and our son is safe. the Jeep is as repaired as it's gonna get. it is the Tick, named after a crazy superhero afterall! giggles! and it could have so much much worse. but God had His loving arms wrapped around our Tyler the entire time, thank you so so much, precious Father! and this weekend our family will be whole again as Mick and Tyler will be home again from school. ah, bliss.

I will be crafting again. although in a somewhat different fashion. there is that compromise. life, it is always changing. but that is a good thing. we must grow. and become who we are meant to be.
love to you all! and thank you for always standing by my side! mwah!

Iguanas Get Lonely Too....

no coffee today, but more delish iced Earl Grey with Lavender - yum!

I want to share with you today a card I have made for both Tyler and Mick. I used this wonderful iguana image from Squigglefly, a sketch from this week's Mojo Monday, and some reallllllllllly old Basic Grey papers. Typed up a punny little saying and we are on our way to a perfect card for a mom to send to her boys off at school!


Nothing fancy here at all... so I will save you the boring blah blah blah. everyone have a wonderful day!


Will check back in later with some cards that are more 'my' style - i.e. vintage, shabby, girly fun! :)

Dear Brave Girl........

Coffee of the Day - icky icky poo instant because my beloved french press broke on Saturday.... but I am making up for it with iced earl grey with lavender..... delish! :)

I am busy behind the scenes crafting some things for DT submission & apps, publications, and the boys' college cards, so nothing crafty to show you right now. Instead I will leave you with a gorgeous sampling of beauty from White Blossom and this inspirational post from The Brave Girl Club that arrived in my mail box last week. I flagged it so that I may continually go back to re-read. I hope it touches your heart the way it did mine. You are loved, deeply, passionately, more than you can ever imagine!

Dear Beautiful Girl,

It is important to remember that no one has the right or the power to
take away your choices, your thoughts or the essence of who you are.

Lots of things in life can be taken from us, but most of the things that are
most valuable can not. The things that matter most can not be seen, and really
CAN be protected fiercely by our own selves so that they are not violated or
crushed in any way. No person and no situation can make us feel bad or small
or stuck unless we allow it to. It is our choice.

Be careful with your dreams, be kind to them. Protect your choices and your
ability to make them. Make good choices so that you are not chained by the
consequences of poor ones. Watch your thoughts and make sure that what you
want most is what you are thinking most. Stand up for what you believe in
and don't settle for anything else.

We can decide what kind of life we want to have, and we are the ONLY ones
who can decide. We can't wait around for things to happen, we must take
action to make them happen. No more excuses, baby.......let's do this.
You are phenomenal, courageous and wonderful....
xoxo

A Great TLC Blog Hop Going On......

Coffee of the Day - Maple Vanilla




No posts for Pink Saturday today, as I didn't think I would be up to it..... but I did want to mention this fabbylicious blog hop going on over at TLC today. not only do you get to see some amazing creations, but you have the opportunity to collect 7 wonderful digis created by Paulette!!! 7!!!! all of her digis are just tops in my book, but the chance to get this many at once is just to good to pass up! so what are you waiting for? grab your cuppa and run! :)


on another note, we have survived dropping off Mick at school, but barely. Dave, Ryan, and I had a long but quiet drive back home last night. we were all teary. Ryan made the comment that as close as he has been to his brothers, he wishes he had gotten to know them even better. of course that set me off to crying even more... gosh I am weepy just typing this. But Mick and I texted until midnight last night and he was at the rock climbing wall having a blast. I know he will be successful in whatever he tries. Tyler has been gone a week and is thriving beyond all our hopes and dreams. He has met some great people already that he is hanging out with. God is so very good!

all of you enjoy your weekend! love to each of you!

Forever Camp Friends

Coffee of the Day - Toasted Coconut

We are getting ready to head out the door for a day of shopping in PA...... clothing is tax-free there, so many people from Ohio head for the glorious Pennsylvania borders every year before school begins to grab bargains galore. I myself have never partaken of this annual trek, but Mick's significant 'friend' and her mom have convinced us to go along this year. He leaves tomorrow for Bowling Green, so we are going to try to get those last few things he needs to prove what a stylin', profilin' dude he truly is! grins! oh goodness, he would be mortified to read this..... giggles!

His 'friend' is someone that he has known for years at camp, so I thought this card would be perfect for him to give to her today before he heads off to school. I am forbidden to actually discuss the boys' relationships on my blog anymore, as they now call this the 'blog of death' to any relationship they have - so I will only allude to what is going on in their love lives.......... moms have a way of getting around those pesky rules our children give us! ;)

I tried to keep the card somewhat 'manly' since it is coming from a guy afterall. the cute image comes from Tracey over at The Stamping Boutique. Papers are from the Cosmo Cricket Mr. Campy collection. I added some belt loops and buttons I pulled off a pair of Mick's shorts that were being tossed. The sketch came from an old Pollycraft one.

Hope you have a wonderful day! Will catch up with you soon! hope to be back getting crafty in a few days as life settles back down when Ry starts up HS next Tuesday.

• Paper Pretties - summer
• Stamping For the Weekend - Anything Goes
• Alota Stamps - Autumn colors
• Digi Doodles Best - Anything Goes

It's a blue Pink Saturday......

Coffee of the Day - Maple Vanilla

Good morning everyone! I'm having a tough time today getting super excited about much, as Tyler was dropped off at college yesterday. The house just feels so different without him here........ so this will be a short post. Mick leaves this coming Friday, and I'm not sure my heart can take it.......

I thought what better way to lift my spirits than to take a trip back to Yvonne's beautiful blog, White Blossom. May you, too, be inspired by her phenom photos...........

Have a beautiful Pink Saturday!

College Survival Guide Rule #1

Coffee of the Day - Maple Vanila

Today starts a new challenge over at the PCP Squigglefly group - Get Your Freak On. the idea is to make a project using an image of something that scares you or that represents a movie, book, or ghost story. We are celebrating Friday the 13th in style over there! :)

My card uses this adorable image by Cheryl Alger, "Monkey Scare". Many of you know how deathly afraid of monkeys I am. I decided to start a series of cards for Tyler and Mick who are both heading off to college this year. Tyler leaves today and Mick next week. the inside of this card reads, "Monkeys are Evil! when in doubt, always refer back to this rule." I think they will get a kick out of it, as this is a known 'momism' around here....... This card also works for the ghost story, "The Monkey's Paw" which started my fear in the first place. eeeeek!

The papers are Basic Grey Junebug. I kept the design pretty simple, just adding a few buttons & ribbon.

Have a wonderful day! I am going to try REALLY hard to not cry too much today, but so far it's been tough...... I am so gonna miss my guys.......

A Trip to White Blossom for PINK Saturday.....

Coffee of the Day - Texas Turtle

Happy Pink Saturday to you, my lovely friends! Today's post excites me for so very many reasons...... I want to share with you the most beautiful blog and photographs I have seen in a while.....White Blossom. I am always brought to such joy when I visit this wonderful blog. the photos inspire me - make my soul just sing! I hope you enjoy it, too. Please visit and leave Yvonne some blog love! :)

Wouldn't these hydrangeas be gorgeous framed and hanging on a wall - perhaps a powder room or even above my own craft table! Perhaps when I get that pink kitchen I still dream of............ grins!

May your day be filled with many 'Beautiful Things'! love ya!

Jennifer

p.s. check out Yvonne's personal blog, Fraulein Klein, my daily life for some GORGEOUS pink roses. they truly took my breath away.....

This Bunny LOVES Frosting!

Yep, 2 posts in one day for me - nothing short of astounding, I know. :) As I have been perusing challenge blogs, I came across several that were perfect for this adorable bunny image from Tracey at The Stamping Boutique.

The papers are from the Basic Grey Two Scoops collection. I added some coffee stained seam binding (something fun I decided to try my hand at....), rhinestones, clear button, beautiful flowers I received from my friend Annika in her marvy blog candy, and this wonderful sentiment from TLC. of course I had to add lots of shimmerz accents on the main image! tried more faux stitching again..... which we all know is a big challenge for me. ;) also used my new technique of adding glitter to my white gel pen - on the melted portion of the candle.
See you tomorrow!

Challenges:

• Craft Your Passion - sketch
• Digital Tuesday - use 2 digis from 2 different companies on 1 card - TSB & TLC
• Little Red Wagon - circles (sure hope my polka dots count... there are tons of them here! grins!)
• One Stop Craft - patterns
• Stampin for the Weekend - recipe: 3 DPs, 2 flowers, 1 ribbon, & gems or charms
• Paper Sundaes - stitching (faux for me again!)
• Sentimental Sundays - Switch it Up
• Ooh La La - birthday
• Paper Romance - appropriate for a teen (I sure hope so, as this is going to one! grins!)
• Challenge Up Your Life - Celebrations
• By the Cute and Girly - animals

Have Faith

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Hazelnut Truffle

I am so excited to be using this beautiful image, Faith Lemons, from Isabella's Sketchbook. It has just recently been released, and I think it is well on its way to becoming my fave image. I love it! but Isabella always has the most gorgeous digis, so many of hers are in my top image list.

The papers are Basic Grey - Lilykate and Basic Manilla. I did some different techniques on the main image that might not show up so well in the scan. and the scan is funky because that amazing rose really pops up off the card, so it laid funny in my scanner.

After doing my shading on the lemons with inks & watercolor brushes, I took a q-tip and sponged on some crystal effects. this gives a really neat bumpy texture to the lemons. after that, I outlined each of them with yellow stickles for a spot of glitter glitz. Lots of distressing, as always, and a bit of faux stitching. I am getting better about making it straight! grins! all buttons are vintage as is that most wonderful blue lace. now that lace really makes me smile! I absolutely love it!

I hope you have a most glorious day! and have faith, you are deeply loved - more than you can possibly imagine! :)

Challenges:

• Isabella's Sketchbook - buttons & bows
• Dare U 2 Digi Stamp - sketch
• Shabby Tea Room - photo inspiration
• Paper Sundaes - stitching (yes, it's faux, but you have heard my horror stories of me & my sewing machine!)
• Digi Doodles Best - fave stamp
• One Stop Craft - patterns
• Dutch Dare - Anything Goes
• Stampin with the Dragon - distressing
• Cupcake Craft Challenge - distressing
• City Crafter - food

I'm happy to be SQUARE! :)

Coffee of the Day - Butter Rum

We have started a new challenge over at the Squigglefly PCP group - Hip to be SQUARE! I must say that I haven't crafted in so long, I wasn't sure I would remember how. but oh it felt so GLORIOUS to make a card! it's as if my soul had been restored. anyone is more than welcome to play along in the challenge - just be sure to use an image from the Squigglefly store. in fact, if you use an image by Chesney Young, who is this month's featured artist, you get 2 entries into the contest for a free SF image.

For my card I chose Chesney's 'Singing in the Rain' cutie chick. I don't know who makes the paper, as it was a gift. The polka dots on the umbrella and the rain boots have been covered in glitter. man oh man, I really want a pair of pink glitter galoshes to splash around in! :) I tried something new with the white dots - I colored them in first with a gel pen and then realized that I wanted them glittery. so while the gel pen was still drying, I sprinkled white glitter over the top. perfect! the glitter stuck! I'll be doing this again, I am certain!

the rain puddle and drops are covered in crystal effects. I pulled out a MS border punch that I bought a while back, but had never used. I think this is such a cute one - not that any of hers aren't. the crochet flower came from a little girl's barrette I found on clearance. then it just took some satin ribbon, SU! sentiment, and buttons to finish this off. finished size is 5 1/2" x 5 1/2".

everyone have a wonderful day and STAY COOL!
Challenges:

• The Crafty Pad - ribbons and flowers
• Creative Card Crew - cute and girly
• Cupcake Craft - distressing
• ABC - August
• Sentimental Sundays - Switch it Up
• Totally Papercrafts - Going to the Movies ('Singing in the Rain', of course! who doesn't love that famous scene with the umbrellas and rainshower on the sidewalks! grins!)
• Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
• Squigglefly Challenge blog - ribbon & SF image
• Incy Wincy - Summer Fun (hey, who doesn't like to play in the rain on a warm summer's day?! I taught my boys to play in the rain every chance they get. grins! )
• Digi Doodles Best - Punch or Cut me
• Dutch Dare - Anything Goes
• Simon Says Stamp - Sing it Baby! ('Singing in the Rain', once again! tee hee! could also go with 'Umbrella', but my boys would be mortified......)
• By the Cute and Girly - Animals
• Paper Makeup - cards for stash (David's mom almost completely wiped out my card stash when she was here in June! grins! she took over 100 with her...... wow!)
• Ellephantastic - Distressing
• Stamping with the Dragon - distressing
• Stampin Sisters in Christ - birds
• Stamp and Create - flowers (bg paper & crochet)

Let's go pink with Eloise at The Plaza

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Macadamia

In honor of Pink Saturday, I am going to share with you some beautiful PINK news! I originally had another post planned for today, but as soon as I saw this news release...... well, you will see why it is so perfect!

Eloise comes to The Plaza - for REALS! :)

Starting at a mere $2045 per night, you and your DD can stay in the new Eloise Suite, designed by Betsy Johnson. Your DD will have her photograph taken upon arrival, which will later be presented to her framed. Once you get to the Suite, you will be greeted with pink striped walls trimmed in gold leaf, a chandelier with pink light bulbs, king sized bed with pink paadded headboard, and zebra print carpets. Your DD can then sign the official guestbook and snuggle into her very own Eloise robe. Various gift items in the package include a disposable Eloise camera, your own copy of the book, notecards, and a $100 gift card to spend. Perfect for any little Eloise in the making who wants to utter those famous words, "Charge it!" Click here for more info and to make your reservation. tee hee hee!

by the way, if any of the staff are asked where Eloise might be at that particular moment, they have been known to say, "in Europe," "shopping on Madison Ave.," or on a horse ride.

Since I don't have a DD, do you think they would let me stay in the room?! giggles!

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my PINK bike! :)

Coffee of the Day - Toasted Coconut

Welcome to another beautiful PINK SATURDAY!!!!! I know I say it week after week, but gosh, I love these days! :)

Still not doing so well health-wise, but won't go into that icky poo stuff here. needless to say, my few attempts at crafting didn't get completed. So today I share with you another beautiful photo or two that I came across this past week.

I haven't spent loads of time online lately, but I did happen across this store called Out of the Blue. The actual store site is down for renovation right now, but they still have some wonderful photos of the beauties housed inside........ oh to my delight, they have a glorious PINK bicycle! how much fun would that be?!?! to toodle around town, up to the library, to the post office, on a precocious pink bicycle!

So I will hold onto that lovely thought in my mind..... and also let you know that hubby actually thought the pink kitchen from last week was pretty cool..... you never know! ;)

Happy Pink Saturday, all of my precious friends!

I'm dreaming of a lovely pink kitchen.....

Coffee of the Day - Caramel Frap (hubby brought me a Starbuck's - what a sweetie!)

Happy Pink Saturday to you! Isn't it beautiful?! I really do look forward to Pink Saturdays all week long, as I have mentioned many times before.

Unfortunately this week I have been plagued with my seizures and some other ickies, so crafting did not get done..... sorry. I had great intentions, but just wasn't able to follow through as I needed to spend as much time in bed as possible. I haven't had a chance to leave comments from last week either, but have saved all of your info if you stopped by & will be around as soon as I'm able to say hello. I do so appreciate your kind words ! thank you! :)

So this week I browsed a few of my favorite sites and came across some beautiful pink inspiration for you today. CountryLiving.com never fails to bring a smile to my soul. my shabby chic/vintage heart just soars as I browse the pages and see so many pretties. I thought I would share one of my faves with you today - my dream kitchen. I know that no reality exists that would ever allow my guys to give me a pink kitchen. David asked me to go to Home Depot a month or so ago and bring home a few paint colors that I might like for the kitchen cabinets. I was a bit sassy and only brought home pinks - every range imaginable. you should have seen the look of horror on his face! :) tee hee hee! I can be soooooooooo bad sometimes!

give yourself a moment to dream of your perfect little pink getaway....... and who knows? maybe one day it will be yours! dreams CAN come true! :)

Oh Hello, Pink Saturday!

Coffee of the Day - French Vanilla




It's a beautiful Pink Saturday, and oh, how I have missed them! I just love so much the idea of Pink Saturdays..... to celebrate the pinkness in our world.... the beauty of all that is feminine.... of what makes our hearts soar, our souls sing out to God! gosh, the glory of it all is amazing! :) and I am happy to say that I have signed on to celebrate every one in the future with abandon! I hope you will join me!

My card this week is a re-run..... and it is because I am mailing it out toute de suite to a precious little girl who is in need of some cheering. I am trying to send out as many cards in my stash. I am still making new ones, too, but cards that just sit in a box need a loving home to really fulfill their purpose, and I just learned of this little girl, Grace, on Friday. You can read more of her story here on Jennifer McGuire's blog, but in essence, her twin sister, Ellie, recently lost her battle with cancer. Jennifer is trying to collect as many cards as possible to send to 10 year old Grace. I thought that this adorable twirling fairy from The Stamping Boutique might brighten her day. It's full of pinkness and flowers and lots of shimmery shine, so hopefully that will at least bring a bit of a smile.

Papers are Basic Grey and flowers are Prima. Punches are Stampin' Up! and EK Success.

May you have a most beautiful Pink Saturday!

OWH Birthday Blog Tour!

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Macadamia

Welcome to my stop on the Operation Write Home blog tour celebrating America's birthday! oh gosh, it makes me so proud to be an American! :) I love it every time I see a flag waving in the wind, a soldier in uniform, hear 'The Star Spangled Banner'! I might not agree with every policy or politician, but I whole-heartedly love this country and what we are founded upon!

I made a card to celebrate birthdays using these great digi images from Squigglefly. Nothing fancy, but I tried to pack it with a whole lot of fun! :) and of course every birthday needs cake AND balloons! since this is going to a soldier stationed overseas, I couldn't use glitter for my little accents, so I used my white gel pen instead. My card is also for the Grand Opening challenge going on over at the Squigglefly group at PCP. the challenge is to create a happy celebration project. I hope you will come join us for the fun and some way cool freebies!

Everyone have a glorious weekend! much love to you all! :)

Bella's Blog Hop

Coffee of the Day - Toasted Coconut


Welcome to my stop on Bella's blog hop! If you have arrived from the *FABBY BLOG OF SANDIE*, then you are right on track. If you lose your way at any time, then head back to the *WONDERFUL BLOG OF DENISE* to start.

Bella is an 8 year old girl who faced a very serious illnes back at Easter. When the prognosis didn't look promising, her fighting spirit overcame, but at a serious cost - she ended up with a quadruple amputation. Those of us partaking in these 4 weeks of blog hops are trying to encourage people in the crafting and blogging community to send cards of encouragement and 'thinking of you' themes to her. Please be sure to take a look at Bella's blog to learn more about this brave girl's story.

By leaving comments and sending cards, you can be entered to win prizes each week as well as the Grand Prize to be drawn on July 20. Prizes have been donated by The Stamping Boutique, Digital Delights by Louby Lou, Crissy Armstrong, Whiff of Joy, Whimsy Stamps, and many many others. For more information on the prizes and how to enter, please check out Erin's blog.

Mail cards to:

The Bella Tucker Fund
P.O. Box 199
Londonderry NH
03053 USA

Since I hadn't been feeling too well this week after my MIL's visit, I didn't have the chance to make a new card to send off to Bella. But seeing that Whimsy Stamps is one of the prize providers, I decided that this adorable lamb stamp on my all-pink card would be just the thing to make a young girl smile, well at least I hope so! This is one of my fave cards I made in the short time I was blessed to serve with the Whimsy Challenge DT. It is a gate fold card using Basic Grey Two Scoops papers. Pretty floral buttons and a Prima all tied up with soft yarn should convey thoughts of love and prayers. The lamb is covered in rock candy distress stickles, too, for a subtle shimmery shine. and my card has already gone postal! :)

Come back again next week for another card by me, as well as some blog candy I am offering. Now hop on over to *JENNI'S PHENOM BLOG*!!!


p.s. here is the link on Erin's blog for the Grand Prize info. please - let us fill Bella's mail box with lots and lots of wonderful cards!

Daddys are Heroes

Coffee of the Day - Texas Turtle in honor of my MIL visiting from San Antonio (TX Turtle is a mix of chocolate, caramel, & pecans for those of you who have previously asked. quite yummy!)

If it's Wednesday, then you know it has to be time for a new challenge with Isabella's Sketchbook! and this week the theme is near and dear to my heart - honoring our fathers.


I have been blessed many times over in my life in the area of fathers. My Daddy was not only my father, but he was my hero, a man admired in our community wherever that happened to be, and someone who's legacy lives on long past the time he was granted in this world. My boys know him probably better than they do their other grandfather, even though only Tyler met him. David still talks about him routinely. I still dream about him at least several times a week, and he has been gone almost 18 years now. Even after I was married, we still spoke on the phone at least a few times a week. When I was growing up for a long time, it was just the 2 of us. We endured things most people could never fathom or comprehend. But we survived. and he was my hero - still is and always will be. He taught me to look at life with a sense of humor, even if it might be a little twisted sometimes! ;) So he might be gone, but this card was made for him. We spent many wonderful times at the beach, which is why I chose this sandcastle image. and heroes don't always ride on white horses, sometimes they drive an old Cutlass and wear a cowboy hat........

the sentiment is from TLC Creations. the bg piece is actually a small bit of fabric I came across & frayed the edges. buttons by the shell are vintage. I used the water distressing technique on all cs edges.

Words of Wisdom from the Brave Girl Club....

Coffee of the Day - Toasted Coconut mixed with Butter Rum - oh it is TASTY!!!

I have in the past few days been introduced to a wonderful new group called the Brave Girl Club. My dream would be to one day go on one of these retreats, but until then, I am truly loving these daily emails I receive. The stamp set is next on my wish list. it is gorgeous!!! If after reading this post you, too, are interested in finding out more about this group, please click here to go to their website. Click here to subscribe to their newsletter. May you also find the courage to be who you really are created to be! :)

I wanted to share today's with all of you. It is just glorious!

Dear Gorgeous Girl,
It's a big life in a big world with big possibilities. One of the wonderful
things about all of this is that what might seem like the end....

....is actually the beginning.

Change is hard and endings are difficult and saying goodbye is painful....but
it is all part of a big life in a big world with big possibilities, and every
change, every ending and every goodbye is a step towards new and exciting things.

Every change, every ending and every goodbye is also proof of incredible
experiences that if nothing else, taught us more about ourselves and others.

We can also look back and be thankful, no matter what happened or how we "thought"
things might turn out....things turn out always exactly as they are meant to.

As the old saying goes; "Don't cry because it's over...smile because it happened"
and know that happy and amazing things are ahead for you. Your best years have not
even happened yet!

xoxo

ISO Stampin' Up refills.......

Coffee of the Day - Creme Brulee

Good morning! I hope all of you are having a glorious day! the sun is shining so beautifully in the sky here, the birds are just chirping away, and it is as lovely as you could possibly ask for. :)

Most of you know that I do almost all of my coloring for my creations with Stampin' Up! inks. When I heard that they were retiring many of their colors, I put together a small order of reinkers and contacted my demonstrator. She didn't want to put an order in at the time and said she would place it sometime in June. I told her then that I was worried about items selling out, but never heard back. Well Monday I went to the SU! website and checked. Yep, most of what I wanted had already sold out. what a disappointment. Yesterday hubby and I placed a small order for what was still available. He told me that I could check out whatever outlets I needed to in order to track down these last colors. Unfortunately, SCS won't allow any ISO threads to open until the new catty officially opens next month. I haven't found any EBay auctions for these yet, but will get started looking.

So dear bloggers I am coming to you in case any of you are parting with some of these refill colors. Please let me know and I can get payment out to you. I sure do appreciate any help you can offer. Even partial bottles will work. :) thanks!

Mellow Moss
Pixie Pink
Sage Shadow
Cameo Coral
Gable Green

Now on to why I am leaving my blog - it isn't a big reason and yet I guess it kinda is. It has nothing whatsoever to do with my health. I am actually feeling pretty good right now, knock on wood! and I must say that after talking this over with David, he is very happy for the choice I am making. He doesn't in any way want me to stop crafting. He has actually offered to take my cards to various stores to see if they will sell them. Isn't that so sweet of him?! what a hunny bunny! :)

No, instead there are just some not so pleasant folks who have been letting me know for quite a while that my blog is not effective and I have minimal crafting talent. I realize that in life we will always come across nay-sayers, but this is something I do for my pleasure, for my stress-release, and for what I thought was for sharing a bit of God's love with other people. I find that having to constantly deal with the negative aspect has begun to diminish the joy I find in blogging.

I will continue to craft and visit SNR, PCP, and the new digi group, Crafter's Digital Art. I will continue to shop my little heart out at my favorite digi shops like Isabella's, Squigglefly, The Stamping Boutique, Mo's, KPink, and Shirleys 2 Girls (to name only a few of my many faves!). But because I won't have a blog, I have to leave my DTs. There are many talented people who serve on these teams, and I hope you will visit them often.

My love and thanks go out to each one of you. I hope you will still visit here in these next few weeks.
Jennifer

A Sketchy with Isabella's Sketchbook

Coffee of the Day - Texas Turtle

Thank you for the nice comments about my blog from yesterday. I will miss all of you, without a doubt! I will still be crafting, just not blogging.

A new challenge begins over at Isabella's Sketchbook today - a sketch. I have turned it on its side for my card. I also was inspired by a card I saw by Melissa Philips. She is truly a wonder at all she creates, and I love to just gaze through her blog.

I have loved this fun coffee and chocolate digi from the moment Isabella first released it. I thought it perfect for this fun sketch. Most of the supplies for today's project come from Making Memories Vintage Findings line. The flower is a pretty little Prima, buttons that are tied onto the bow are vintage, and shimmerz was painted onto the bow of the image as well as the raised areas of the chipboard frame. I used a gold glitter gel pen to add some highlights to the cup and saucer.

I hope that you will not only play along with us this week, but also visit the other members of the DT to see what amazing things they have created. These women have so much talent!!! :)

All Good Things Must Come to an End......

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Macadamia


..... and so as the month of June ends, so will my blog. It has been a grand and glorious ride! I thank you all! :)

A Melon Thanks with Squigglefly

Coffee of the Day - Toasted Coconut - no more icky coffee, hooray!!!

I have to start by saying thank you to every one of you who has encouraged me through this bittersweet time of Mick's graduation. It means so much to both of us that you stopped and left comments as well as emailed. You will be glad to know that I made it through the ceremony with flying colors! :) The only time I got a bit teary was during the Senior song, 'We Are One'. He is now a graduate, and I couldn't be more proud! God carries Mick close, as He always has and always will. Of that I have complete faith.

Today starts a new challenge over on the Squigglefly blog, and the theme is Picnic Time - use any kind of food image on your creation. I chose to use this cute new Shy Bear created by Lynne Stansbery called Swellin' with Melon. I paired it with an assortment of papers from the Basic Grey Lemonade collection. Had to stick with the theme now, didn't I?! grins! I also added this fun sentiment by Chesney Young. Added a big fluffy bow, Prima flower, some buttons, a Making Memories butterfly, punched butterfly, and paper pieced sun. I used my white gel pen to draw in some faux stitching. This is sized to fit into a legal envie. The watermelon seeds and bear's nose were covered with crystal effects to help them have a bit more definition.

Play along if you get the chance. and stop by to see what the other DT members have created!

Kisses for for my heart... he graduates today.....

Coffee of the Day - last day of instant! Alleluia!!!

Oh my goodness, I am going to try to get through this post without rivers of tears, but won't make any promises.

My friend Annika introduced me to a wonderful digi artist whose store is called A Day for Daisies. WOW! just beautiful images in her store!!! As soon as I saw this one, I knew I had to have it. It so reminded me of the times when the boys were babies and I would hold them, oh so tight. The image is called 'Kisses', appropriately. The card took me forever to finish, not because it is complicated, on the contrary, but instead because I kept crying and had to stop to wipe away the tears.

My precious Mick graduates from high school tonight. I am so very very proud of him. He has done so well. Everything about him just makes me love him more with each passing day. That is why it will be so very hard when he leaves for college this fall. I know with each beat of my heart that God holds Mick tight in His arms and directs every single step he takes. But I feel as if he is taking my heart with him. We have spent his lifetime getting him ready for this point. Tyler is leaving at the same time, so that is what is making this twice as tough. So it is what this graduation stands for - our lives are changing, forever changing. and I have to remember that this change is not bad. But I will miss them and I will never be the same again.

And so today, I will remember those beautiful baby kisses. and I will know that they are tucked away in my heart where they will never be forgotten. The seasons may change, but the heart remembers. and God brings comfort and love.