OSAAT - Anything Goes!

Happy Sunday everyone!! Today is church day! We start the Christmas theme today with "What Child Is This". I love Christmas and I'm looking forward to spending time at church learning! And we have musicals this month - children's and adults; it should be fun!!

On to this week's One Stitch At A Time Challenge! Our theme for this week is the ever popular Anything Goes!! Here is my card:

I used Ankhi - My Heart Pieces at Stitchy Bear Stamps. This wasn't meant to be a Christmas Image, but I made it one. I colored the little birds like Cardinals. and colored her in Christmas greens and reds with her dress a nice yellow. I added the peppermint ribbon with a yellow gemmed star charm. I added the green pearls that matched her eyes. The Season's Greetings was a stamp from Inkadinkadoo. I stamped it with ColorBox Scarlet ink. The papers are Bo Bunny Mistletoe papers. I used Copic markers to color the image.

Dress: Y02, Y06, Y08
Eyes: YG21, YG25
Green: G00, G17, G19
Skin: E000, E00, E01, E11, R20
Lips: R20, R22
Hair: E71, E74, E77, E79
Birds: 100, R24, R27, R29, YR09
Flowers: R22, R24, R27, R29, G00, G17, G19

Challenges:

• Challenge #53: Use Traditional Christmas Colors @ Whimsy Stamps 
• Challenge 93: Christmas @ Wags 'n Whiskers 
• Challenge #44: Christmastime @ Addicted To Stamps
• #188: Girly @ Digital Tuesday 
• Challenge No 31: Favourite Technique (decoupage) @ LEJ Designs 
• Girly Cards @ Paper Pretties 
• PTT #96: Anything Goes @ Party Time Tuesdays 
• Challenge: Merry Christmas @ Scrap-Creations 
• Challenge #42: Anything Goes @ Tuesday Alchemy 
• Challenge #112: Ribbon or Trim @ Crafts and Me 
• 3 of Something or The Number 3 (3 Pearls) @ Fab 'n' Funky 
•  Challenge #92: Christmas Is Coming @ The Paper Shelter
• Challenge #56: Anything Goes @ Word Art Wednesday
• Anything Goes @ Crafty Boots Challenges
• Challenge 79: Christmas @ Lexi's Creations
• Challenge #163: Anything Goes @ The Corrosive Challenge
• Challenge #141: Anything Goes @ My Grafico

I can't wait to see what all your wonderful creations are!! Anything Goes is always a popular theme LOL!! Have fun creating! And have a wonderful rest of your day/night!!! Thanks for visiting.. You guys are WONDERFUL!!! And very much appreciated!!

This has been an extremely long week... work was really busy, although at the end of the week I felt good because my desk was clear and I feel like I got a ton done. This week will be about the same! Hopefully I will be able to get done everything that needs to be done.

Saturday Michael, Bailey and I headed to the church were we packed up the rest of the clothes that were there and got them to the MUST Ministries close by. It took us three trips and a few hours, but everyone felt good about doing it. It was a good day. Michael really worked hard to help. I'm really glad we are able to help out with things like that. It was a good day. I got really tired at the end of the day though and headed to bed early. Now I'm sore.. I think I slept too much!

This week will be a busy week at work and I Bailey has her very first Orchestra Concert on Thursday. Kevin leaves out tomorrow.. or tonight LOL, his tomorrow morning and heads to the airport to fly to Sydney. He will stay in Sydney overnight and head to the Consulate on Tuesday morning for his interview!!! I can't believe we are finally there.. at the interview!! Say a little prayer for us. I'm so nervous and excited.. I know he is feeling anxious.

Have a wonderful day / evening everyone!!!! Be sure to check out a Giveaway at  Punk 'n' Scraps!!  
Blog Candy Again @ Punk 'n' Scrap

Crafting When We Can - Fairytale

Happy Sunday everyone :)  Today begins a new challenge at Crafting When We Can. The theme for the next fortnight is Fairytale!!! What a fun theme! I used "Whispy" from Saturated Canary.

I also used a background image from Make It Crafty - Fern Log Digi Stamp. They have some great background stamps and I thought this one would go just perfect with the fairy!  I colored Whispy with Copic markers and the log and mushrooms were colored with Prismacolor Pencils. I used all cardstock.. wow.. I just realized that LOL  Me... using no patterned paper??  How strange!! LOL I used green pearls, white opal liquid pearls on the mushrooms, Stickles - Frosted Lace on the wings and Walnut Stain Distress Ink. the circles where made with one of my circle punches and then from using a paper folding technique on Desire's Blog - Doing Life. If you click on Tutorials, there are several paper folding tutorials there.. so fun! She is an amazing talent too! I used Tinkerbell as my Fairytale... and in the movie Peter Pan when they try to keep her alive by saying I Do Believe In Fairies... I Do! I Do! .. LOL Whenever one of us says I do.. the rest of us start saying that. We do that a lot with different sayings!!

Copic:
Outfit: YG21, YG23, YG25
Skin: E00, E01, E11, R20
Eyes: B02, B04
Lips: R20, R22
Hair: Y21, Y23, YR21, YR24

Challenge:

• Challenge #15: For The Kids @ Eureka Stamps
• Anything Goes @ Word Art Wednesday
• Challenge 244: Girls Only! @ Cute Card Thursday
• #192: Fancy Fold - Crafty Sentiment @ Dutch Dare Card Challenges
• Challenge #17: Anything Goes @ Brown Sugar Challenge Blog
• Challenge #122: Everything But Christmas @ Fun With Shapes and More
• Ch #89: Anything Goes @ Paper Playtime
• Ch #47: Anything Goes @ Pause Dream Enjoy
• The Favorite Movie Challenge @ The Greeting Farm
• PPC #89: Say It With Sentiments @ The Squeaky Scrapper
• November Challenge: Wonderful Wood @ A Seriously Creative Challenge
• Challenge 24: Anything Goes @ Creative Card Crew
• Anything Goes @ Dilly Beans
• Challenge #12: Something That Flies @ Delicious Doodles Challenges
• Challenge #48: Anything But A Christmas Card @ Pile It On!

Wow.. it's been a busy week. I feel like I have been on the run since Thursday.. Oh wait! I have LOL  That's hard for a person like me that is a complete home body. I like to be home.. just the way I am. But it was a nice Thanksgiving with my sister, my mother and my kids. Just wish Kevin would have been there. We had a good time. We played dominoes for a little while in the evening and then it was time for us to head home. We got to my sisters about 7:30 am and didn't leave until about 7:30 pm. I was exhausted!! And I was glad to get home and crawl into bed.  We went back on Friday and hung out in the afternoon for a bit. We had cake for Michael... He is 14 years old today!!!  Happy Birthday Michael :)  And my sister went in with me and we got him a Nook Tablet. He seemed really happy with his gift. And that's about it. He has requested his very own broccoli casserole LOL!! So, I told him I would make one today for him. That is my thing.. every Thanksgiving and Christmas I have to bring the broccoli casserole!

Kevin's leaves for Sydney in a week for his interview at the Consulate!!! Oh, I am so excited!! I can't believe how close we are!! We should be speaking with the attorney some time this week.. one last go around with him and make sure we have everything in order. I'm praying he will be home in a couple of weeks!!

Off to church soon. I have a meeting before church about Bailey doing some extra things with church. She is going to join the kids choir and be on the media team. I couldn't be happier that she is getting more involved in church. Now what to do with Michael ...

I hope you all have a wonderful day!!!

Happy Sunday Everyone.. And OSAAT Challenge #138

Good morning everyone!! We have had a beautiful weekend here in Georgia! The weather has been great and I have had the windows and door open! I love fall!! It has been another busy week. I'm trying to get it back to calm LOL Hopefully that is coming.

Okay... On to the One Stitch At A Time Challenge .. We are doing Challenge #138 this week and the theme is Anything Goes!! I know you all love that one!! This week I used "Monkey Love" by Kaz Krafts! I LOVE this image!! They are just too cute!!

Copic:
Heart: R20, R22, R24
Monkey Face, Ears, Hands, Feet: E30, E31, E33
Monkey Fur: E15, E29, E49
Ribbon, Dies - Memory Box and My Favorite Things, Prima blossoms, flower punch, twine, buttons
Stamp is: Happy Forever - Close to My Heart
Bamboo Darice Embossing Folder
Papers are scraps and Club Scrap papers

Challenges:

• Bingo Challenge #16 (Ribbon, Flourish, Die Cut) @ A & T Challenge Blog 
• Challenge # 12: Buttons and Bows @ Eureka Stamps 
• No 27: Anything Goes @ LEJ Designs Challenge Blog 
• Anything Goes @ Totally Stampalicious 
• 2TC30: Anything Goes w/No Twist @ Twisted Tuesday Challenges 
• Challenge #46: Bingo (Buttons, Bows, Coloring) @ Victorine Stamps 
• Challenge #59: Flowers Galore @ Bearly Mine 
• I need a P: Things That Begin with P (Primates, Prima, Punch) @ Ladybug Crafts Ink TLT
• Pop It Up (My monkey is popped and has his arm around her) @ Scrap-Creations
• Challenge #145: Die Cuts / Punches @ Fab 'n' Funky 
• Challenge 82: Bold & Bright @ My Mum's Craft Shop Challenges 
• PTT#92: Anything Goes @ Party Time Tuesdays 
• Challenge 88: Anything Goes @ The Paper Shelter 
• As Beautiful As A Ribbon @ My Heart Pieces 
• Ribbon or Twine Challenge @ Paper Crafting Journey 
• Challenge 20: Anything Goes @ Stampin' for the Weekend 
• Anything Goes @ Card Makin' Mamas 
• Challenge #157: Add Texture @ Crafty Catz Challenge Blog 
• Challenge #9: Embossing @ Delicious Doodles 
• Challenge #118: Anything Goes @ Raise The Bar 
• Challenge 156: Anything Goes with a Button @ Totally Gorjuss 
• Challenge #15: The Ol' 1-2 Punch @ A Blog Named Hero 

So let's see... the kids left the T-Bone out on Thursday. He doesn't do well out of his kennel. He is rather destructive... separation anxiety or something. So, he stays in his kennel while I am at work and they are at school. Well.. that didn't happen on Thursday.. this was the third time recently that the kids have done this. He chewed at the trim around the door... he tore up more blinds.. the blinds in my room and the ones at the back door. My mother had gotten me one of those magic mesh screen door type things for my back door.. he destroyed it. I was NOT very happy to come home to that. T-Bone got scolded and then the kids got a BIG chewing out! I was able to find another one of those magic mesh screens and I put that up this weekend. I LOVE that thing!! It goes around your door.. has magnets in the middle.. so you go through it and then it closed behind you. A screen door without having a screen door. Stops all the bugs from creeping in and the dog and the cats can go out on the back balcony. It's really great!

What else... Kevin's father came down to visit him. He arrived last Sunday and I was able to hang out on Skype with them for a bit each day. He just left yesterday morning. It was really nice to be able to see him and meet him. Kevin has a really bad ankle.. he had a really bad injury years ago. Him and his dad have been out and about all week and yesterday his ankle swelled up. His ankle was worse Saturday morning and aching and keeping him from sleeping. We will see how he feels later on. Poor thing.. he is sleep deprived and in pain. He is suppose to be keeping it up and resting. I hope he feels better! I can't believe how swollen it is. I'm hoping he will go in to the doctor if it is still that swollen his Monday morning.

Saturday was a day full of crafting. I was able to get three cards done! Don't laugh LOL I'm slow!! That's a HUGE day for me! LOL So sad *shaking my head* I completed one card and after looking at it for a while, hated it, tore it apart and started over LOL I like it better the second time around. I need to take photos of it today. The kids did a bit of cleaning on Saturday and will be doing the last bit of finishing up today after church. We made chocolate chip cookies yesterday and the apartment smells great! This morning when we get home from church I think I might make some pancakes. There is a really simple recipe for pancakes that I pinned and I am wanting to try it out. I'm cooking a lasagna for lunch and I'll be working on some more cards. I'm trying to get back ahead of my responsibilities!  That is the goal :)

I hope ya'll have a blessed day!!

Immigration

On September 11th we received our initial approval from the immigration center in Vermont. It took about six months to get through there. From there, the paperwork had to move on to the State Department I believe it is. There they issue a National Visa Center number. We have been waiting a couple of weeks for that and we FINALLY have it!!! I couldn't be more excited... there is truly hope that Kevin will be home for the holidays. I was almost resigned to the fact that we would be spending Christmas without him. Last night, the attorney sent an email with the number attached and told us to get Kevin's medical exam done right away. When we spoke to the medical facility that would be doing his exam, there are only a handful of approved physicians, they said it would be about a ten day wait for an appointment. I called last night to set up the appointment for him and they set it up for this Thursday!!! .. Two more days from now!! I couldn't be more excited! We are on our way now :)

Last night, Michael was in his room tossing something and most of the time missing it with a nice big CRASH! I had been on him for about 20 minutes to STOP!! And the boy just ignores what I say!! And then.. low and behold there is a very LOUD knock on the door. I knew right away what that meant... the police were at my door. Have you ever had them knock at your door.. oh my gosh!! They knock REALLY loud!! LOL So, I answered the door and sure enough it was a female officer. I put T-Bone in his crate and had her come in. She said that the neighbors downstairs had called complaining about the noise. I knew why she was there and took her back to Michael's room and let her talk to him directly. I figured that would have a much better effect on him. He knew he was in trouble.. and he answered her questions and he put away the item he was tossing and told her he would stop. We have had a lot of trouble with the neighbors downstairs. They are always complaining about noise and the majority of the time we are not loud. I know that the dog gets loud sometimes, but I take his toy and have him settle down. I do my best to keep things at a decent level of noise. The man downstairs is not very nice, kind of an angry guy. He won't make eye contact, he curses out on the back patio, he smokes with no regard to where his smoke is going.. which is right upstairs and into my window... Yuck!! Oh well.. he is who he is and he will have to answer for his own one day. I will continue to be respectful to them. I had just spoken to the wife last week letting her know I was doing the best I could. The officer came in very gruff, but I stayed calm and respectful and she in turn came down to a more approachable level. She knew that we had had trouble with the neighbors before. She left with a just do your best and was on her way. The kids were quiet after that! Go figure!! I really don't know what I'm going to do with Michael. I may end up having to send him to his father if he doesn't start listening to me. I hate really hate the thought of that, but I'm at a loss as to what to do.

Also last night..  my dryer died! Well.. I believe it must have died this weekend LOL I can't get the clothes all the way dry! I will have to see what I have once I get paid on Thursday... guess I'll be breaking down and buying a dryer! It IS a really old dryer and it was only a matter of time, but it is always something, isn't it!!?? 

Even with all of that nonsense, the noise, the dryer and my kid not listening to me!! .. that is another story on its own.... I am so happy and it was a good night.

Yesterday was my first day with the girl that will be my partner in crime at work :)  It was a good day and she is really nice. I think we will get along well. The day seemed to go well. My desk sure piled up with work though! Maybe I will go through it today and see if I can pass some of it off to her. That is a good idea!

I hope you all have a wonderful day/evening!!

Little Bailey sitting on on a bronze giraffe at the zoo LOL She's was so cute!! I can't say that about her now.. she's too big.. now she is just beautiful :) Hard to believe how quickly they grow up!!

40 Days of Prayer Day 2 and 3

I meant to post the day 2 prayer yesterday, but got so busy that I never got around to it. So I will post it today.

Kevin and I are once again waiting LOL It seems that is what Immigration is all about... waiting! We got our approval, but then that department has to send it to a different department who issues us a number. That is what we are waiting on. The attorney says that the last number took three weeks. So again... we wait. At least we are moving forward! Every day is a day closer!

Whatever was making me not feel well last week has gone. I feel back to my normal self... So I have no idea what it was.. probably just all in my head LOL  Who knows! I'm just glad I'm feeling better!! :)

40 Days of Prayer Day 2:
Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Day Two Prayer Focus
Cry out for deep brokenness, Godly fear and humble repentance to sweep God’s people. (Psalm 51:17; Proverbs 28:13; John 14:15; 2 Corinthians 7:1, 10; Ephesians 5:26-27; Hebrews 12:14)

Pray for believers to fully humble themselves, placing their primary trust in God not in political parties, economics or governments. (2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 33:12-22)

40 Days of Prayer Day 3:
Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Day Three Prayer Focus
Pray for an explosion of first love passion for Christ and a deep burden for lost humanity. (Matthew 5:6, 44, 22:37-39; Philippians 2:13; 1 John 4:7-11,20-21; Revelation 2:1-4, 3:15)

Pray for believers to be filled with great conviction and reverential fear of God. Pray that none would commit the blatant idolatry of placing economics or politics above God and biblical truths. (Exodus 20:3-5; Acts 5:29)




Thankful:
09/25/2012

1. I am thankful that Michael didn't try to hide or lie about missing the school bus today.
2. I am thankful that I have Kevin to talk to about things, like Michael missing the bus once a week since school started. He gives suggestions and discusses it with me. It is wonderful to have someone you can talk to about anything and everything.
3. I am thankful for the beautiful days we have had. The sun has been bright, the humidity low and the evenings have been cool.  It has been glorious.
4. I am thankful for the internet and being able to blog, share creations and meet new friends.
5. I am thankful for my family.

Michael... young little man Michael! Playing outside... being all boy! Playing outside!! Did I say .. Playing outside!! LOL Man... I would love to get him outside again!! I'm thinking it is time to get a counselor involved. I have to do something or he is going to have a really hard time in life. It is not normal for a 13 year old kid to be inside all of the time... never wanting to socialize with anything. I am at a loss ... time to bring in some help I think.. and so does Kevin.

There is a

500 Follower GIVEAWAY!!!! 

Crafting Desert Diva's is having a $100 Joanns Giftcard giveway! You should go check it out :) I have been following them for some time... very talented!! :)  I love seeing their new creations!

 

Sunday Morning and a new Challenge at OSAAT!

Happy, Glorious Sunday morning everyone! We will be heading off to church soon, but first I will tell you about the all new challenge being hosted at One Stitch At A Time this week! It is a fun Bingo Challenge!!

For this challenge I used "New Fairy" by Ike. This is Challenge #132: Bingo. I used Sentiment, Digi, Button, across diagonally. To make the background I used my mists and template. The buttons are from my stash :) Cute little buttons.

I colored everything with Copic.. and I didn't save my list so I have no idea LOL The wings are done with a transparency sheet. I printed it out, cut it and then colored with Copic. I've started writing down my supplies LOL so I don't have this problem of not being able to remember.

Challenges:

• Challenge #33: Things with Wings @ Love To Create
• Challenge 18: Make Your Own Background @ Loves Rubberstamps
• Challenge #139: Things with Wings @ Fab 'n Funky
• Challenge #37: Things with Wings @ Charisma Cardz
• Challenge #151: Buttons @ Crafty Catz Weekly

It has been an interesting few days. Thursday I had a doctor appointment. They took blood to do a full profile and she thinks I may have acid reflux. I was dumbfounded LOL I have never had it..why would it be affecting me now! Well... we will see :)  After the doctor appointment I headed into work and was able to get a bunch done.

On Friday I had to take my van into the mechanic. It was smelling like burnt rubber and smoking. They got me in there and took a look. It was an oil leak and they had to replace the gasket. I never like that bill! It is always expensive, but at least it was fixed. The two hour repair turned into a five hour repair though. I had to borrow my mother's car so that I could run home and get on a conference call. In the morning I worked outside the City Hall. I was able to log into the City's wireless and log into work. The connection was slow and not stable, but I was able to get some work done. I also took my mother to lunch. Her birthday was yesterday, but since I wasn't going to be around I took her to lunch on Friday instead. It was a good lunch. Overall, it was a good day, work got finished, conference call was attended, lunch was good, I was able to mail the documents that needed to be mailed to Kevin. I don't think there was anything else, but it felt like a really busy day of running around.Oh! I know what else... I took the bike that was going to bring to Taylor over to the bicycle shop. They did a safety check on it and make some adjustments. It is in good working order now and she shouldn't have a problem. I also got a rack put on it and two grocery type bags that hang off the sides of the rack and a chain to lock it up. It is really great and I hope she gets some use out of it.

Saturday morning I woke the kids up and told them to get busy picking up the house. I did the dishes that the kids never did the night before! and they picked up around the apartment. They didn't have a lot of time, because I wanted to get out the door. We were heading to Dahlonega to bring the bicycle to Taylor. Michael and Bailey had not been to Dahlonega yet either to see where she was going to school. It was a good trip and we did a lot of cadet watching LOL North Georgia University is a military school. A lot of the students that attend there are cadets. We watched them march by for quite some time. There was always a group of them going by. They marched and chanted to the Dining Hall. T-Bone went with us so he didn't have to stay in the crate all day. He was so good! It was a good day, but I was exhausted from all the driving.

And now we are on Sunday! Time for a great morning at church and then home to work on some cards. I love being ahead on all of the DT obligations. It really makes me feel good. I hope you all have a beautiful rest of your weekend and week to come!

Thankful
09/20/2012

1. I am so thankful that I like my doctor, Dr. Odell. I think she is wonderful. She listens to what you say and goes from there. She listens! That is such a big thing for me. I have not always liked my doctors :)
2. I am thankful for being able to deal well with the needle pricks. They can never hit a vein on me and they have to poke and prod.. it is awful!!! She finally got it in my hand... I hate needles! Next time I need to tell them to go straight for the hand.. don't touch anything else!
3. I am thankful for being able to get in to work on Thursday and get some things done. No one really bothered me.
4. I am thankful for the excitement that Michael has for drama. There is a special High School that focuses on the Arts. He really wants to try to go there. He will have to hard at it, but he is excied about something and that is WONDERFUL!
5. I am thankful for Kevin and how his with me. He tells me what I know is right, but I may not be doing so well. For example... Encouraging Michael on this new en devour. He tells me to encourage him.. not discourage.. be truthful, but hopeful. And! He gets excited for Michael.. which in turn gets Michael more excited. I love him so much for never holding something back... I'm so glad he talks to me like that. He is such a great man.

09/21/2012

1. I am thankful for the mechanic who always fixes whta ails the vehicles. I may not always like the bill, but it always gets fixed.
2. I am thankful for the Kennesaw Wireless which allowed me to sit outside at a picnic table on this beautiful day and log into work. I was able to continue work while I waited on repairs.
3. I am thankful that I was able to take my mother to lunch for her birthday. Her birthday isn't until tomorrow, but it was good!
4. I am thankful for my mother allowing me to use her car so I could run home and do my scheduled conference call for work.
5. I am thankful for all of the help and support I get from work and the vendors we work with. It makes everything so much easier.
6. I am thankful for being able to sit down and watch a movie with Michael tonight. We watched "The Help".

09/22/2012

1. I am thankful for the kids getting up and cleaning up the house before we left.
2. I am thankful for the safe drive to Dahlonega and back home today.
3. I am thankful for the bicycle shop across the street that adjusted the bike and made sure it was safe. I gave the bike to Taylor today equipped with a rack and two bags. Now she has some transportation on her own. A lot of students use bikes too.
4. I am thankful for the time we were able to spend at the college campus today and with Taylor. This was the first time Michael and Bailey had been up there.
5. I am thankful that T-Bone was such a good boy today. He was great on the ride up and back home. He was great walking around the square. He was just super today!

Today I'm Thankful For...

Today I thought of starting a notebook. I thought of starting a notebook that each day I would write at least five things I'm thankful for. My goal is to really put some thought into it and how my day went and write these down. I need to focus on the positive, which I do really well most of the time. I do some times fail at this though and this will be a good way to keep it at the forefront. I will keep the journal next to my bed and fill it out each night.

Today I am thankful for finding the most amazingly talented and inspiring people on blogs. Have you seen Madalina at Quilltique Paradise?? If you haven't... you should!! She amazes me with the art she creates using just paper. She posted her very first project today.. Just go take a look.. she is really amazing. I enjoyed looking at some of her amazing art today :) She is inspiring!

I am thankful to all of the wonderful people out there that listen and help to put things in perspective for you. Friends you have never met in person, but always stop by to encourage and support you. They stop by your blog to just let you know you have created something beautiful or to lift you up when you are down in the dumps. You all are amazing!! And I appreciate every one of you.

I am thankful for all the wonderful people out there that aren't ashamed to shout it out to the world that they love Jesus Christ and aren't ashamed to say it! I wish it happened more and I appreciate all of you that shout it out to the world.. or create something in his honor. It is so beautiful!!

I am thankful for my adorable, cuddly, loveable cat Whiteout. I love that he wants to be close and lay on your chest. I love that he comes up and rubs his face across yours. I love that he is an affectionate cat and he makes me smile.. even when he talks back after getting in trouble for being on the counter LOL!

I am thankful for Bailey being so excited about playing the Viola. So excited that she has already broken a string!! LOL But the important thing is that she excited to learn, excited to play and I love seeing her that excited about something in the arts! I told her that if she keeps it up she will playing up there with the rest of the church group that plays :)  They have all kinds of instruments up there! I would love to see her up there playing one day.

I am thankful for the time I get to spend with Kevin on Skype. It has been so hard being so far apart for so long. And even though we aren't there yet, I know that we are getting closer. I know that there are people at church praying for us to be reunited.. I know we are in your thoughts and prayers as well and I am thankful to all of you for that. I hope he comes home soon, but right now I'm glad I get to see him and talk to him each day.

Here is all three of my kids.. Taylor, Michael and Bailey.. many many years ago at a school 50's themed dance. The journaling is in the envelope. The squared embossed and little jewels around them. The paper was old Club Scrap paper. Can't believe how small my kids are.. Bailey is so LITTLE!!! And Michael.. Dancing?? LOL What the heck! There is no way he would do that now LOL

Hope you all have a great rest of your day / night! Happy crafting!!

What the Heck Just Happened?

Today was a pretty good day. I got off to work early and got some things done today. I had to leave early to take Michael back to the orthodontist to pick up his retainers. He has to wear his retainers all the time for the next three months. Then after that, he will only have to wear them at night hopefully. Bailey and I were joking around with him for a little bit since it is hard for him to talk. It was cute though and he was being a good sport with the picking. That is unusual for him.

I took the kids to the Back To School Bash that the church was having. I don't think either of them wanted to go, but we went any way. I am trying to get them more involved in church and trying to get them to meet some new people. We went in and within 10 minutes Bailey found someone that she knew and she was off. Michael never left my side. The middle school pastor came up to talk to him and he wouldn't smile or talk or anything. He stayed on his phone for a lot of the time.. I finally made him put it up. All he was doing was pacing back and forth in front of me on his phone and it was driving me crazy. We stayed for about an hour and a half. Bailey had a really fun time and wasn't ready to leave. I told her would definitely do more of this, but I needed to get home and get some sleep for work in the morning. Michael was just glad to get out of there I think. This is my strange boy... it is 90 degrees outside and he is wearing a jacket!! So he has pockets for his phone he says. I just don't know what else to do to try to break him out of that shell of his and get him to be more open for people.

Well.. on the way home I knew I needed to call my mother. I had not spoken to her since Saturday...

 A little history on us... we were pretty close for a lot of my life. Then I got married to David and my mother never really liked him. She was very apparent about it even though she doesn't think she was. She would roll her eyes, make comments about it, etc. It was a really hard thing for me to deal with for the 13 years I was married to the man and it really put a strain on my mother and my relationship. Not only that, but she would yell at my kids or discipline them for things that I didn't feel were wrong. I don't know.. it was an odd time and it really put a strain on our relationship. We were really strained for quite a few years. We weren't doing things together like we had. We weren't visiting like we always did. Nothing was the same. Towards the end of my marriage or maybe even once it was over, I can't remember, I wrote her a letter that was several pages and just put everything that I was feeling out there. We talked about it and over time we got better. I don't think we ever got back to the way we were, but we were definitely better. She is a bit needy. She needs you to call her all the time and she would really like it if we came over more often. A couple of things about that... She doesn't call you... she expects you to call her. And my mother is a smoker and I really don't like being in her house and I don't like my kids being in her house and with smoke in our faces. Now...

I was on the way home from church and I called my mother. We were having a nice conversation... how are you feeling? Did my sister go over there for her on Sunday? She had a broken wrist from her trip to France and she had an appointment on Monday. I failed to call her on Monday to find out how everything went, even though on Saturday I asked her to call me after her appointment. That is where everything turned on me. I was broadsided and I had no idea what the heck just happened!!!??? She started saying how disappointed she was in my sister and I because neither one of called her on Monday to find out how her appointment went. She was disappointed that I didn't go over there more. I was selfish.. It didn't matter how tired she was... she would have been here for me in a heart beat. And it went on and on.. by the time I got home I was in tears ... and the kids were probably wondering what the heck just happened too!

I don't normally stand my ground with my mother or stand up for myself, but I tried. I was there for her.. not every night like she probably wanted, but when she called and needed us we were there. She wanted me to come over all the time I guess. I tried to explain that it wasn't about me being tired.. it was about me having responsibilities. I am a single mother .. Kevin is in Australia for the time being and its just me. It's me to get them up in the morning. They don't get home until 5 pm each night.. 4:50 pm they are walking in the door from the bus. I get them dinner... they work on homework and make sure that gets done... showers, packing backpacks.. and its time for bed. She says .. yes.. its all about me. I said.. No .. it isn't all about me, but it is all about my kids!

Ughhh ... she made me feel terrible. She makes me question myself. I've tried so hard to have her be a part of things. I invited her to drive up to Dahlonega with me on Saturday to see Taylor. I've asked her to go to church with me every week. Once her wrist was broken that was her excuse not to go to church, so she hasn't been going with us since. I've really tried... And now.. I have to really try not to let it affect our relationship. I have to pray hard about it.. because it makes me want to back way off. I know I can't do that. I also know that she was drinking tonight.. I could tell by her slurring words. Such a shocker to end my night. And then... I tried to call my sister, but she didn't pick up. So, after I told my mother that I had to go, she called my sister to light into her. LOL Wow.. What a night.

Thanks for listening.. I'm off to bed now. Kevin is at the movies.. enjoying The Expendables 2 I believe. I hope he is enjoying the movie.

Here is my sister, my mother and I .. years ago, 2004, at Fogo De Chao.. a really awesome restaurant. Man.. I was young LOL Here is to a better day tomorrow. I hope you all have a wonderful evening.

Braces Off

Yesterday was work like usual, but I left work around noon to get Michael to the Orthodontist to get his braces off!! Almost three years he has had those on and I couldn't be more excited that they are off. I think Kevin is more excited than anyone LOL Michael feels good about getting them off, but his gums are really bad so he is going to have to really concentrate on brushing and flossing with no braces so we can get his gums healthy again.

He goes back to the Orthodontist in a week to get his retainer. Then his regular dentist wants to see him two weeks after the braces come off so he can assess the gums and see if they are going down or if we need to do anything. Even with his gums all swollen, he looks so good :)  Really glad all that metal is gone!

I mailed off the photo album and a bunch of papers to Kevin yesterday. He is going to need that when he goes for his interview at the consulate. I'm trying to get everything together and to him so we don't have to worry about anything when the time comes. It takes two weeks for the mail to arrive there!!

My other bit of news that I've been sitting on for a bit is that I was asked to join the MelJen Design Team!! And I couldn't be more excited to be a part of that group. And I'm excited to get to know the other ladies and get started with those fantastic images!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate being asked to be a part of the team.

Now, I am on three MAGNIFICENT teams and I am thoroughly enjoying my time with each of them. I look forward to the months ahead of creating and learning so much from my team members!!

Taylor... I think I've talked to Taylor more in since I dropped her off at college last Friday, since she moved out of the house in May. The difference I would say is that she is truly on her own now. She was complaining about all of the freshman mandatory meetings and the curfew. LOL I have to laugh.. The main reason she moved out was because of her midnight curfew. Now, her curfew is 10:00 pm in the dorms. You just have to love how things come back around. She is tired of the mandatory meetings, fire drills.. she says to me last night... "Why can't they just leave me alone and let me do what I want to do!".  They have had meetings on Resume building, history of the school and Dahlonega, the fire drill LOL and of course the hall meetings. What she needs to do is embrace it... this will only happen once in her life and she needs to enjoy it and meet new people. I'm hoping that she will! And of course she has needs.. she needs her contacts.. which just came in the mail yesterday. She also needs Microsoft Office.. I have 2007 that she can use since I have taken it off of this computer and replaced it with 2012.  So that is that.

I did not go to Michael and Bailey's open house last night at school. It was a long day with the braces and everything. I will be contacting all of their teachers though. And that was my day... A good day. It has been a good week really!

I went and saw our VP/CIO to speak with him about some changes and just let him know I didn't want to get lost in the mix. Anyway.. I've been trying to get a promotion/raise for a year now. They are hiring my co-part at a higher pay rate/different title. So I told him it bothered me. I have been the one person that has stuck around and weathered through all of the changes and never lost a beat. I always go about and beyond and the Directors/VPs know that they can count on me whenever they need me.  So, I spoke with him on Thursday... took Taylor to school on Friday and when I came in on Monday I had a call from Human Resources. I just figured she needed me for something.. that is usually why they call me LOL It's good to know that even people in other departments know they can call me for things though.. Means they know they can count on me. To my surprise though it was not because she needed me, but to congratulate me and let me know that I had gotten that promotion and a bit of a raise. He took care of me right away.. I wish I had gone to him a year ago LOL  Hey.. at least its done now. So between that and the braces and getting the package mailed off to Kevin.. It has been a really good week. Now if we would just hear from Immigration it would be perfect :)

Schools Back In...

Yes.. school started back on Monday... Work is killing me LOL and I haven't had much scrapping time. I get home and I'm exhausted.

Both kids are in middle school this year.. they get on the bus at 8:45 am and they don't get home until about 4:50 pm. I stayed home on Monday to see that they were off to school okay and didn't miss the bus. Everything seemed to go well. When they came in the door that evening you would have thought they hadn't eaten for days!! They were both at the refrigerator before the backpack was even off their backs LOL!! I'm really hoping I can keep Michael on track this year. I think Bailey will do alright. Here is hoping for a good year and passing grades!

At work they can't seem to keep anyone in the position opposite of mine. I'm beginning to get a complex!! I don't think I'm really hard to work with.. I keep to myself.. I'm a bit quiet.. not a huge social lite LOL I promise I shower and I don't stink!! I don't know what is going on!! So, it is just me and right now I'm supporting seven people!! And it is way too much LOL I'm working 12.5 hour days and when I get home I'm exhausted. Now.. It would help if I went to bed a bit earlier.. I need the kids to follow my directions and go to bed when I tell them to. Oh.. and do the chores that I ask them to do .. when I ask them to do it!!

Friday I have taken the day off to take Taylor to North Georgia State College and University!! She will be starting her freshman year of college. I pray for her every day that she will be safe and successful. I really hope she will meet some new.. good friends. I hope that she will focus on what she needs to and keep her priorities straight. We will see how it goes. I'm a little disappointed in the way she is... I think it is her age though. She is 18.. moved out this past May because she didn't want to follow the rules. Well... she really expects a lot. And when I give her something she needs or wants, I don't really get a thank you. She doesn't show much gratitude. I don't get it. I really hope it is her age and that she will look back one day and appreciate what we have done for her.

My crafting has been neglected the past couple of days.. but I have been working on items for my DT commitments.. which can't be posted yet LOL It feels good to be ahead though. I'm not ahead in one of them and I need to get to work. I have one image ready to go and I'm going to work on it in the morning! LOL I know I can I know I can I know I can!

Wow.. Look at baby Michael... Grade 1!!! I can't believe it! LOL Poor boy.. he hated school then too.

And here they are Monday... Bailey.. 6th grader.. Could she be more tomboy? LOL  Ughhhhh...

And that little Michael up there!!!  Well.. this is Michael now.. My 8th grader! And hating me taking pictures LOL!

And he gets his braces off soon! I thought it was this week LOL but I can't remember what day! I really need to call tomorrow!

Unproductive Today!

It has just been one of those days where I had all intentions of getting all kinds of things done and I don't feel like I got anything done!  I guess we all have days like that.. well most of us LOL!

This morning I got up and spent my morning with Kevin. We have been watching the Olympics together each morning. As best we can LOL He was watching the Marathon this morning and I was trying to watch tennis. I just don't get tennis.. I don't get the scoring or anything.. it is all confusing. So, Kevin was trying to explain it to me the best he could without being here watching it with me. I think I do understand it a little better. Anyway.. he was telling me what was happening in the marathon and I was asking him questions about the tennis match LOL

Then, it was time to get ready for church. I woke the kids.. who had a hard time rolling out of bed this morning. They are taking advantage of the fact that I can't stay awake late. They are staying up way too late! I'm going to have to turn the wireless off so they can't get online and set my alarm so that I can wake up and make sure they are going to bed. They did finally get moving and dressed and off to church we went. It was a good sermon.. all about being one as a community. He has a way about him.. he explains what he is talking about, he is explains the history and then he takes the lesson and explains it in a way that makes it current.. something of today and it all just falls into place. I really enjoy listing and learning from him. There was a lady behind us and as we were leaving she says that she can tell I really love my kids and that its nice that I am always hugging them or holding their hand LOL I'm such a touchy feely person... but hey.. that's me!

We came home and I had good intentions to make a card today. I went through the blogger posts.. I cleared off my desk a bit and didn't get anything done. The phone rang about noon and it was my mother. We headed over to her place and she had me ride with her to the gas station. She was afraid that she wouldn't be able to pump the gas with her broken wrist. Poor thing.. She figured out it wasn't that hard with her left hand to pump gas. Then it was back to her place to mow the grass. This was Michael's first time ever mowing grass.. I was so excited! He needs the practice LOL He did great.. although my mother is impatient and was telling him to move it LOL I forgot to bring the camera, so I had to take photos with my phone. Bailey and I cut up cucumbers, onions, tomatoes and celery for her salad she wanted to make and then Bailey did the few dishes she had there. My mother again showed her impatience by pushing Bailey along .. as she wasn't fast enough doing those dishes!! My mother said she could have done them faster with her one hand LOL Gotta love her ;)

Home again!! I'm going to work on a card now!!  Nope.. wrong.. more looking at blogs... reading emails.. cleaning up the desk a bit more LOL I'm not sure what my issue was.. tired I think! I finally decided on some scrap papers and stamp... I have a lot of the card done and I'll finish it up in the morning. I did get some dishes done.. Ummm.. I think I put a few things away in the kitchen.. but WOW! Overall, I was really lazy and unproductive today LOL I think I should have taken a nap!

Have you seen the previews for the new show that will be starting soon... Revolution? It really interests me.. I think I will have to watch it and see how it is. It is something different... peaks my interest for sure. Anything that is peaking your interest?

Alright.. I'm off for the night.. I really need to get to bed and get some rest! Darn Olympics!! They will keep me up again LOL It's all their fault ;)

==============
For several years my kids played soccer. They really seemed to enjoy it.. especially the girls. Michael only liked it when I was the coach. Oh... he could drive you mad that kid LOL He would pout when someone got the ball from him or he didn't do something correctly. He would just stop. He is an extra sensitive kid.. even today LOL

This was one of Taylor's teams... she had a lot of fun!

Volunteer Day

We headed out early this morning to volunteer at the Back To School fair that was put on by the Marietta Housing Authority and our church, Mount Paran North. We got there bright and early to help with set up. There were quite a few people there helping out. Michael started to give me attitude at one point, but I made my stand and made him do what needed to be done. After that, we had a really good day. I think it is really good for my two to get involved in more things like this. They really need to see what it is to really need and to give back to those that don't have much or are sick and suffering. I have always tried to raise my kids in a way that teaches them compassion and it is really important to me to make that an important thing in their life. I want them to always give back, show compassion and show others what the love of the Lord can do. And to teach others that the Lord loves them too.

We left at about 9:30 am and headed to my mother's house. We were all glad to sit in the car for a minute and get off of our feet LOL We went to mom's so that Michael could mow her grass. My mother thought that the grass was a bit too wet to mow today, so we will go back over tomorrow after church to see if it is any better. Mom is a bit whiny from her broken wrist. LOL I love her! She has a hard time doing things though, since it is her right arm and she is right handed. She says it wears her out.

We have gone another whole week with no word from the immigration department. I'm sure hoping we hear something next week. The 12th of August will be exactly five months since they received our application. 

Today, I worked on a card.... I can only seem to get one finished a day LOL

I used scrap paper.. Kraft paper and patterned.. four different patterned papers and I made the flowers out of the same patterned papers. The lettering?? I have no idea.. in my stash LOL, rhinestones, doodling with my Milennium, sewing with the sewing machine with green thread and coloring with Copics YG13, YG23, E30, 331, E33, BG0000, BG10, V12, V15, V17.

Challenges:

• SBS Olympics Is Here - Opening Cermony @ Simply Challenged Challenges 
• Challenge #154: Cheeky, Saucy and Sassy @ The Corrosive Challenge Blog 
• Patterns Galore! @ Stamptacular Sunday Challenge 
• Challenge #150: Matthew 27:51 @ Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge 
• Celebration @ Lollipop Crafts 
• Mojo Monday 252 @ {MOJO} Monday 
• Challenge #130: Birthday or any other Special Day @ Kaboodle Doodles 
• 2TC17: Fifth Tuesday Free For All @ Twisted Tuesday Challenges 
• Challenge #126: Pretty Papers @ Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog 
• Challenge 74: Stitching or Fabric (*stitching*) @ Art Impressions 
• Week 31: Layer It Up! @ Paper Play Challenges 
• Inspire Me Friday 70: Anything Goes! @ Joyful Stamper 

 Not sure why I can't get these two pictures up right!  Really annoying me :p

Finally Friday

Good morning everyone! It is finally Friday! I will be spending my day making some cards I hope! No plans to go out anywhere.. although I will probably go at lunch time for a swim at the gym. I'm trying to get back to the gym.. It's hard to keep motivated! I can come up with all kinds of excuses to not go... I mean, I have kids, they need to be fed, errands that need to be run, grocery shopping, cleaning up, and the list is endless. So I'm really trying to push myself and get moving again.

I also need to bring Michael over to his grandmother's to mow the lawn. He has never mowed the lawn before, no time like the present to learn! hehe We may do that tomorrow morning after our volunteering too. Just not sure about the timing... we will see how the day goes. My mother broke her wrist when her and my sister went to France. She tripped and fell going out of the hotel the first night they were there. She wouldn't go to a doctor there, so she waited until almost two weeks after it happened to go see a doctor. The doctor was going to put her in a cast, but she pleaded with him and he ended up putting her in a brace. She goes back in a month. We will see how good she has been with it and if it is healing properly.

There is a new Challenge Blog starting up...  Cut It Up ... Be sure to go over and check it out! They have a really awesome giveaway going on for their new followers. I'm always excited about new challenges hehehe  I wouldn't miss it! They will have their first challenge starting on September 7th! I'll see you there!

Here is a Miss You Friend card...

Let's see.. rick rack, rubons (Miss You and Friend), scrap paper, the Hi was from paint and foam stamp staples. Thats about it. Simple card.

Challenges:

• Challenge #126: Anything Goes @ Critter Sketch Challenge Blog
• Amusing Challenges: Anything Goes @ Stamped Blessings
• Challenge #44: Anything Goes @ The Stamping Boutique
• Challenge No #46: Anything Goes @ Bearly Mine Challenges
• Challenge #113: Paints/Inks @ Sentimental Sundays

Happy Hump Day.. Half Way There

This Saturday we will be up at the crack of dawn and helping our church set up and run a school supply giveaway. They will be giving backpacks and school supplies, haircuts, eyes, ears, and teeth exams for kids in the community that need the assistance. I'm very excited to help out and more importantly get the kids involved in some giving back to the community. Bailey and Michael will both be going with me. Just say a little prayer that Michael will really help out and not be his lazy self. He is the laziest person I know LOL and he is my kid! Ughh frustrating!!

It's been an interesting time at work. I've been doing two jobs.. working quite a bit of overtime each week for quite a few months now. The lady that was out on sick leave has come back, but it was such a mess when she left that they are having me gradually give her work back to her. I'm really hesitant giving it back to her too. Part of it is selfish though.. that is just that I've learned so much and cleaned it up and changed the process so that it works better that I just hate to give it up! I also support four Executive Directors.. well I did.. I am now the only one so I will be supporting all of the Executive Directors... eight of them.. and soon to be three VP's. I'm thinking that is just not going to happen LOL AND! on top of that they wanted me to go help out another VP who had her Admin quit. I'm thinking I'm only one.. and that is really stretching me a bit thin. Hopefully we can find someone good to come in and help out. This will be the fourth Admin we will have been through. That's life! I have an awesome boss, so I'm not complaining.. although I'm still waiting on that raise she promised me!

We are now in August and I'm patiently.. Okay.. maybe a bit impatiently... waiting on immigration to let us know something. I know it is getting really hard on Kevin. We just want this waiting to be over. It will be five months on the 12th of August. I'm going to get a box ready to send over to him with the album that I worked on and some other things that need to go. I pray every day that the time will be over and that we can be together again and get this family back to normal. Hopefully soon...

School starts in a couple of weeks. They start back on the 13th of August. I can't wait!! LOL  Summer vacation in the US is just WAY too long!!! Not to mention that they forget everything they have learned. I have managed to get some supplies for Bailey. We still need to go shopping for some pants and Michael needs his supplies. Sneak a Peek is next Thursday. We will go in and meet the teachers.. see where the classes are. Bailey is very excited since she will be starting middle school. I can't believe she will be in the 6th grade! And Michael will be starting the 8th grade! Boy do they grow up so fast!

Me.. I've been enjoying the Olympics.. I have it on my laptop at work, on the tv at home.. I even put the snooze on the TV so I am falling asleep to it LOL I LOVE the Olympics.. and I am really enjoying them online as well.  It's really been great! I hope you all are enjoying it as well! I watched a young girl from Iraq today competing in Archery. It made me get all teary eyed watching her.. With a big smile on her face. It was wonderful to see.

Today I finished up a card I've been working on since yesterday. Its my hot chocolate Warmest Wishes :)

I used scrap papers, fussy cut free images of snowflakes, The Art Glittering System - Brown and Crystal, Stitching on the sewing machine, the wonderful image is from MelJens Designs and it was colored using Copics. I also used my Zig Millenium to add some detailing like the steam lines and popped the penguin. I used dies for the circle and scalloped circle. I used a punch for the smaller snowflakes.

Challenges:

• National Milk Chocolate and Hamburget Day (hot chocolate) @ Drunken Stampers
• Animal Cards for Kids @ Send A Smile 4 Kids Challenge Blog
• 14th Challenge: Birds @ Crafty Mess
• Challenge #49: Animals or Insects @ Pattie's Creations Design Challenge
• Challenge 19: Anything Goes @ Fat Pages and Cards with Attitude
• Challenge 19: Anything Goes @ ATCs and Cards with Attitude
• Glitz and Glimmer Challenge @ The Paper Shelter
• PTT #70: Anything Goes @ Party Time Tuesdays
• #109: Doodling (the swirls and dots for steam) @ Tuesday Throwdown
• Anything Goes @ The Poodles Parlour
• Anything Goes @ Scrap-Creations
• Challenge #171: Monochromatic @ Digital Tuesday Challenges
• Anything Goes @ MelJen Designs
• Challenge #102: Christmas in July Week 4 @ 2 Sister's Challenge Blog
• Challenge 70: Christmas in July @ Lexi's Creations
• #23 Christmas in July @ The Cutie Pie Challenge Blog
• Lots of Layers @ Whoopsie Daisy Challenges
• Dies and Punches @ Crazy Amigo Challenge
• Challenge #5: Anything Goes @ Papelitos Stamp Challenge

Bailey's Birthday

It has been a heck of a night. I left work and headed to my sisters yesterday. Bailey was waiting for me when I pulled up. I got into my swim suit and jumped in he pool with her for a while. After a nice swim we went inside to grab something to eat and I went to talk to Kevin for a bit. I was so tired... we said our good byes and I was going to head up the stairs for a shower and climb in bed to read. Reading wouldn't have lasted very long. I would have fallen asleep pretty quickly.

Then the phones rings and it is my sister's ring tone. I pick up the phone and she says... "Guess where we are?". And I'm thinking... Ummmm... Paris? Because you aren't coming home until Tuesday LOL! Wrong! They were in Washington DC. They were suppose to be home last night! Their plane got diverted because of storms and low fuel and they turned around and landed in DC. I stayed up picking up around the house and waiting on her to call me back. At around 9 pm she called and let me know that they were suppose to take off at midnight. I believe it is about a 2 hour flight to Atlanta from there. I immediately went to bed... have to get a little bit of sleep for work today!

I kept waking up expecting a text from my sister, but nothing until 4:30 am. I had just crawled out of bed and was putting my BiPap (thats another story) away. The text said that they had grabbed a cab and were headed to her place. So I went downstairs and woke Bailey and Michael.. told them to load the van with the rest of our stuff and to get their shoes on. After about 15 minutes or so they showed up and we were all packed.

This morning has been a busy morning.. I feel absolutely worn out LOL We got my mother all loaded up in the van and I took her home. Then the kids and I headed home... I had them unload the van while I got ready for work. After that I headed in and here I am! I have to train someone new today.. so I will be headed to a different building in a little while.

Today my youngest, Bailey, turns 11 years old! I can't believe it!  I have gotten her nothing LOL  It's what I always do though... we do a small celebration on the day and then we have a bigger fun day on the weekend. It helps because I won't be working and my sister and mom can enjoy the day with her as well. I have no idea what to get her.. Kevin and I have tried to talk about it, but really haven't had any time over the last couple of days. Hopefully we will have some time to talk tonight. I'm thinking to give her a $50 gift/VISA card... she is at that age where she is super picky about everything. That way she can spend it on whatever she wants. So that is that! I'm ready to go home and crawl in bed LOL

Here is a layout for today:

Taylor turning 12 .. now she is 18!! Wow!! Club Scrap papers, Doodling with my Zig Millenium and flowers from Prima. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your day/evening!

Special Day! - No Kids!!

I don't get many days like this, so I cherish them when I do! My sister took Michael and Bailey last night and they are spending the day with her today. It was so nice to come home and not have to worry about anything. I finished up a tag last night and then started work on another card. Quiet and peaceful.. it was great. Said goodnight to Kevin and went to bed without having to fight with them about bed LOL Ahhhh.. so nice :)

This morning Kevin woke me up and I talked to him for a bit, but I didn't feel all that great. My throat was a little sore.. so he sent me back off to bed. I slept for a couple of more hours and I felt so much better when I woke up again. I have been finishing up my card so I will post that this morning along with the tag. I'm going to just enjoy the rest of the day. It is too hot outside, which is the perfect excuse to continue crafting! Have a great day everyone!

This is a tag that I made for the following challenge:

• Challenge #140 -- Life's A Beach @ Little Red Wagon (it doesn't say it has to be a card?)
• Summer Fun VSC #1 Challenge @ V's Sweet Ideas Blog
• Inspirational Challenge #SS19 @ Sisterhood Sunday Challenges

I used all scraps.. Boy do I have enough of them LOL I used chalk on the torn papers for the water and sand.. all of that is torn. I also punched a circle and chalked around the edge of it with red.. then in with orange and then yellow. I also wet that punch and rolled it up in a ball so it was wrinkled. I also did that with the leaves of the tree... I hand drew the leaves, fussy cut them and then wet them and rolled them in a ball so they wrinkled as well. I added detailing with Copic for the leaves, the coconuts and the tree trunk. The palm tree was completely hand drawn. It came out okay considering LOL  The "Summer" block was from an old color block I had .. I thought it was perfect. I used several different ribbons, ricrac, etc. for the fibers on it.

And this is my card I've been working on. The image is from Tiddly Inks Digitals and she is Wryn and I just love her! I love all of her graphics! And yes.. Super Fussy Cut LOL! Again I'm going for all scraps.. even had enough of the pink to make the card. The patterned papers are from an old Basic Grey pack. I stitched and inked. For the image I colored with the following Copic: Skin: E01 and E21 for shading; Hair: E31, E35 and E37; Dress and Shoes: YG03, YG13, BV00 and BV02; Crown and Stars: Y35; Frog: YG03, YG13 and the spots with G05. I used some sparkle fiber that I had to her wand. I was going to add glitter, but I thought she was good enough.

I'm going to put this in the following Challenges:

• Card Patterns ~ Our Final Sketch @ Card Patterns
• Inspired by #31 @ Inspired By (stripes, flowers, pinks, greens, Oh My!)
• July Anything Goes @ Stamp N Plus Challenge
• Challenge #16 ~ Anything Goes @ Chocolate, Coffee and Cards Challenges
• Challenge #35 ~ Anything Goes @ Creatalicious Challenges
• July Challenge ~ Layers @ The Cupcake Craftroom 
• Challenge 46 ~ Anything Goes @ Whimsy Stamps Inspirations Challenge 
• July 1st Challenge ~ Use Ribbon, Twine or Washi Tape @ Card Cupids Blog 
• Sundays Are Lovely #11 @ Jaihart 
• Challenge 23 ~ Photo Inspiration @ Crafty Ribbons Challenge (made me think girly!) 
• Day 10: Happy Birthday, BFF @ 365 Cards

Thanks so much for looking!

Recover after the 4th

Wow! I was SO tired after staying up late on the 4th. I had a really great time with Jia and her family as always. It was really nice to have my oldest tag along as well. Now that she has moved out I don't see her much or even talk to her much for that matter. So, it is always nice to see her and catch up.

We left out of here early in the morning to head to Grayson, Georgia. I got the kids some breakfast for the trip. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get there. When we first arrived Jia and her brother had gone to the store. I got T-Bones crate inside and got him all situated. We really didn't do a lot, but hang out and talk. We always have a lot to talk about. The kids watched a couple of movies on and off. We had a great lunch of hot dogs, baked beans, mac and cheese and all the fixins' for the hot dogs. They even made sloppy joe sauce for the hot dogs.. Coney Dogs they called it. It wasn't bad.

Jia, her boyfriend Rob and I went to the store at one point. I'm still trying to figure him out. I'm really not that crazy about him. It's just the little things that he does. They have been dating for quite some times.. it has to be four or five years now. He has never been married.. the ultimate bachelor. So, we go to the grocery store to pick up a few things. We need ice, water and playing cards. Rob picks up a magazine and some beer. We get to the line to leave and he puts his beer out and his magazine. Then he adds one of those things that goes in between two peoples shopping items. He puts it between the water, ice and whatever else Jia got. I'm watching this and thinking to myself.. "No he didn't!". So he checks out and then Jia goes.. her total bill is about $13.00. I can't figure out why he wouldn't just pay for those items. He has no kids.. a really good job.. In other words.. its not about money for him. And he will be eating the ice and drinking the water with everyone else in the house. I don't know.. I was just a bit shocked by it. There were no playing cards there so we went down the street to the drug store. Jia asks him to run in to the store and grab some playing cards. He tells her no! So, I tell her that I'll run it.. I run it and grab the cards and back out. Again.. SHOCKED! that he wouldn't do this simple thing for her. I've only met the man once before.. and he didn't make a good impression then either LOL! Maybe I'm just too critical, because I feel like she deserves so much better. She is my best friend!  Oh.. and then he got upset with her about something and wouldn't even be with the family when we went out to see fireworks.

Yes... we are a pair aren't we LOL!!!

So that was it.. after the fireworks.. which we really didn't see, the kids and I grabbed T-Bone and started home. Oh... if I had only known what was coming!

Look at my lovely handsome boy.. Okay.. kind of scary right there LOL Yep.. he's a special one! So, we head home and we are about 15 minutes down the road when all of a sudden Michael spews! Not once... not twice... but FOUR times! Now, how is it that you don't feel that coming? How is it that you don't say.. MOM!!! I need you to pull over.. I don't feel so well! Nope! He is absolutely covered.. Bailey has some on her.. T-Bone has some on him. What a nightmare!! It is 11:30 pm on the 4th of July and we are still a good 45 minutes from home. I stop at the next gas station we find and I buy a gallon of water, a small water for him to rinse out his mouth and drink, some handy wipes and paper towels and Febreeze! Thank goodness I made him bring a change of clothing thinking I would be able to get him to go swimming. I piled everyone in the van again and I went across the street to a vacant parking lot.. still in a lit area and cars not that far away. He washes off with the handy wipes and the gallon of water and paper towels. I'm trying to scrub the van seat and floor as well as I can. Taylor and I coat the seats with febreeze.. which didn't really help very much. Bailey and T-bone were both rinsed off with the gallon of water and Michael was sent to the back of the van to get out of the soaked clothes. We were probably out there for a good 30 to 45 minutes trying to get cleaned up. We climbed back in the van and started home. The febreeze did not work. I ended up having to drive home with the windows down the entire way. I'm just glad it had cooled down some. So that was our night.. Michael really threw a kink in it on the way home LOL Oh well.. Life happens and a mother's job is never done.

We got to bed late and I ended up talking to Kevin for a bit in the morning and then laying back down. Before we knew it we looked at the clock and it was already 3:45 pm. The day really flew by.

I worked on a card yesterday, trying to finish it up. The day before I had spent all my time coloring the image. Well.. I colored four images and it took quite a while LOL I used all scraps for this card.

The girl is from Tiddly Inks Digitals - Wryn the Patriot. I think she is so great! I used Copics B21, B24, B29, C2, C5, C7 and C10, E00 and one other brown .. I can't remember which one. Also R20, R22, R24, and R27. I used a fine Painters white opaque paint marker for the dots... err Stars on the flag. I also used "happy" from a hero arts stamp set - Essential Messages, "of" from a paper smooches stamp set - Word Salad and the "4" was from a Stampin' Up set of numbers that I have. The "TH" and the "JULY" were all hand written and colored. I used some glitter glue for the sparkles in her hair and the actual sparkle.. I used red, blue and white. Still working on my Copic coloring... Black I find is not that easy to work with.. well.. its really the different shades of gray, but still not that easy.

I'm going to enter this in the following challenges:

• OCL Challenge #123 ~ Let Freedom Ring @ Our Craft Lounge
• Freshly Made Sketches #42 ~ A Sketch by Jennifer T @ {Freshly Made} Sketches
• Mail-Able ~ Easy to Mail Card @ 365 Cards
• GL43 ~ Red White and Blue @ Gingerloft Challenge
• Inspired by: Independence Day @ Creative Inspirations
• 4th of July using Bling ~ Gems, Rhinestones, Glitter Oh My! @ Made Especially For You
• Challenge #48 ~ Color Challenge Red White and Blue @ Card Makin Mama 
• Challenge #47 Color Combo Red, White and Blue @ Pattie's Creations Design Challenge
• Stars and Stripes ~ Use both stars and stripes @ Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps
• Challenge #98 @ 2 Sisters Challenge Blog
• Challenge #30 ~ Patriotic/Military/Fireworks @ Crafting For All Seasons
• Day 119: Mail-able @ 365 Cards

I have one more red white and blue card to go.. so I'll use that to enter in the rest of the may Red White and Blue challenges this month! :)  Hope you all have a great day!