Sunnyside Up

Mark your place...

2012-01-28T00:30:00.000-05:00

with a fun book mark! I used ......from There She Goes to create a winter background for Rachel from Inky Impressions. Some fuzzy fibers set off the sentiment as well! I know that this will come in handy with all the books I have to read for Battle of the Books in the next few weeks!

Icy!

2012-01-27T00:13:00.001-05:00

After a long, short week...and several rounds of the stomach flu...here is my submission for the color/picture inspiration challenge at Party Time Tuesdays.

This combo was soooo cold that I just had to add a splash of warmth! Play along with us, post the PTT Party Badge on your blog, and you'll be entered to win prizes from several cool companies. For more information on the prizes and to link up, check out the Party Time Tuesday Blog.

Lessons in Vomit

2012-01-26T20:44:00.000-05:00

I was just on the phone a little while ago, talking to my friend J*, about the beginnings of my blog. As I read from August 2006 and back tracking, I realized I have said less and less about my kids. One, privacy is always nice. And necessary. But boy, did I have some good stories back then.

Flash forward to this week...VOMIT CITY.

#3 complained of being so hungry that his insides hurt on Sunday night. Finally, I gave in, told him to eat some oatmeal...and stayed upstairs. After a brief commotion, which I took for siblings arguing and ignored, Ken came up to tell me that E* had thrown up..in the kitchen sink. To tell E's version "and it filled half the sink!!"

Ken, luckily for me, had cleaned it out before coming up to tell me. I got a bucket, helped E get cleaned up, etc. etc. My kids have RARELY had the stomach flu. If they do, it's once, MAYBE twice...and it's over. Not this time. From 10:30pm until after 5am...he threw up. After a while...it's really hard...and there is very little to throw up. (Sorry, this is gross...but I AM coming to the learning part!)

FF 1.5 days...and I get a phone call to pick up #1, who threw up in Pre-Algebra. And yes, again, 6 plus hours of the same sickness....

So at one point in the afternoon, just after he was finished praying to the porcelain god, I gently told him that if you drink too much alcohol, you get sick. So sick that you throw up. He looks at me...and says "I am never drinking." (Yes, we're a dry house. And that object lesson was pretty real at the time!)

FF 1.5 days later...aka last night around 10pm...DD starts it...6 hours...through the night. Now she HATES to throw up. So, around 2:30 am in the morning after she's just finished throwing up yet again, I say to her, "you know, when a women gets pregnant, she is often sick. Being pregnant makes you throw up sometimes. I threw up about once a day for nearly 3 months." She just groans, rolls back in bed. I continued..."So, don't plan on having babies until you are married. Understand? And when you are married and pregnant and sick, you'll have someone there to take care of you." Again...object lesson...learning moment.

I can't be sure that my kids will grow up and make good choices. I can only continue to teach, remind and pray. The scriptures say that "all trials are for our benefit." We can learn something from trials if we look. I'm grateful that Ken was so helpful this week in getting the healthy kids to the bus stop, or with lunches, or that "vomit filled sink." I'm glad that I had the wits about me to bring up some learning moments...despite the messiness. I'm glad that Ken and I have stayed healthy in the midst of all this. Just call me around 10 am on Saturday morning...to see if Ken or I need a life lesson in vomit.

Pucker Up...

2012-01-23T01:00:00.004-05:00

When I saw this Paper Cupcake lipstick digi, I knew I had to add it to my list. And then, when I saw that this week's challenge was inspired by this picture:

I knew that my lipsticks would be a perfect match. Not sugar candy...but certainly face candy.

I loved the colors...as well as that gorgeous bow! Be sure to check out the ticket digis over at Paper Cupcakes. They are a nice addition and embellie for your paper crafty projects!

Vintage

2012-01-21T19:29:00.000-05:00

This has been a slow ink wink...but here is my submission for Party Time Tuesday's "birthday card" celebration. Stampendous has hooked us up with delightful stamps and this very novel "frantage chips." It is a chunky, paint chip embellishment. Here is the pale pink version. If you are into vintage styled crafts, then you probably love textures. This Frantage gives tons of texture! So, there is only a few more day to hook up your Birthday Card with PTT. I can't wait to see what you make! (Hey, good luck with being chosen as a winner. PTT gives away fabulous prizes each week! Oh my!)

You are Cherished...

2012-01-20T00:15:00.001-05:00

Inside:

I used a nestability to create this window card.

The heart, which is on the inside of the card, pokes through the top layer, when closed. Ahhh...simply sweet and perfect for any loved one!

Hello! Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's January Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Love Remains Featured January 17
Cowgirls Rule Featured January 18
Sending Happy Thoughts Featured January 19
You Are Cherished Featured January 20

Please hop along with us! You have a chance to win one of the above stamp sets! Just comment on the following blogs (don't forget this one), each day for more chances to win! (You do NOT have to comment on all the blogs each day! The names are drawn randomly!)We will announce all four winners on January 21, 2012 on the Mark's Finest Papers blog. You can go back and comment if you missed a day. (HINT: The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!) The winners will be chosen at 11PM EST on Friday January 20, 2012.

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Dawn M.
Marilynn
Chrissy
Karen K.
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Harriet
Kathy
Silvia
Brenda
Mark's Finest Papers

Sending Happy Thoughts...

2012-01-19T00:15:00.001-05:00

Hello! Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's January Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Love Remains Featured January 17
Cowgirls Rule Featured January 18
Sending Happy Thoughts Featured January 19
You Are Cherished Featured January 20

Inside holds a small note card. This project is made from a long envie.

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Dawn M.
Marilynn
Chrissy
Karen K.
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Harriet
Kathy
Silvia
Brenda
Mark's Finest Papers

Cowgirls Rule

2012-01-18T00:15:00.000-05:00

A red bandana and kraft paper...what else would a cowgirl want! Yeah, I know...some of those fancy boots...haha.

Hello! Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's January Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Love Remains Featured January 17
Cowgirls Rule Featured January 18
Sending Happy Thoughts Featured January 19
You Are Cherished Featured January 20

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Dawn M.
Marilynn
Chrissy
Karen K.
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Harriet
Kathy
Silvia
Brenda
Mark's Finest Papers

Shape up!

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Inky Impressions wants YOU to shape up. Shape up your cards that is!! For this week's challenge, create a card...but no rectangles or squares allowed! See you there!

Love Remains

2012-01-17T00:15:00.006-05:00

I created this lovely bag by using The Cutting Cafe's new file named "Heart Bag." It's a great size to tuck in a few sweets, while not over doing it. I embossed the images and sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers using gold to give this bag an elegant touch.

This tag was created by cutting out two tags and tying them up with some ribbon from Mark's Finest Papers as well. Note that all the kraft edges have been embossed with the antique gold as well.

Hello! Welcome to Mark's Finest Papers a Heinrich Company's January Blog Hop!

This month's New Stamp Set Releases are

Love Remains Featured January 17
Cowgirls Rule Featured January 18
Sending Happy Thoughts Featured January 19
You Are Cherished Featured January 20

Lois
Vicky
Anne
Pat G.
Karen H.
Patty P.
Mary
Dawn M.
Marilynn
Chrissy
Karen K.
Pam
Debbie
Nancy
Bonnie
Harriet
Kathy
Silvia
Brenda
Mark's Finest Papers

Another view

2012-01-13T12:30:00.002-05:00

I know that I have this rather fun and very silly part of my life called "crafting." But that is not the entirety of my life. I juggle family, home, volunteering (everywhere it seems) and church around my posted cards and projects. Or rather, projects are juggled in between the more important: family, home, volunteering and church.

One of the things I do each month is Visiting Teaching. I have friends who ask me about this or hear me talk about it. While it is another item on my to-do list, I am so grateful that I have this opportunity to serve and care about others. In return, I have been blessed and comforted by others. Not only that, I have found friendships and fun!

Our ward is having a Visiting Teaching Conference in a few weeks and I was asked to design an invitation. So, while I was browsing on line for a Relief Society Seal, I ran across an audio clip on the Mormon Channel. At first I just passed the link on to the women who were coordinating the conference. But then I took the time to listen to the message and I really enjoyed it. I'm not always sure if my explanations of things are articulate. So, if you wonder or want to know, go listen for yourself.

I'm guessing that you are going to want to have a visiting teacher
or be a visiting teacher after listening.

Gift of Green

2012-01-12T23:45:00.000-05:00

My friend Alisha has a bday on Christmas Eve Day. Which, I suppose is probably an honor. But really, I love my bday..and I would not really appreciate having it celebrated at the same time we celebrate the birth of Christ! haha. So, Adrienne and I dropped by a few birthday treats to help her enjoy her day.

I realized a week before her bday, that Alisha's house has no plant life in it. Lately, I certainly have been enjoying my own house plants. I chose non Christmas colors...to separate her birthday from Christmas.

I used a Cutting Cafe File called "Fun with Pockets." I cut 4 of them out...and glued them together to make a box. The pot sits inside quite nicely and it makes a nice presentation.

Mark's Finest Papers has a delightful Birthday Mini set with is large cupcake stamp. All the fun and no calories!

Calling All Stampers!!

2012-01-11T00:00:00.003-05:00

You should have come from Sharon's blog. If not, be sure to start at the beginning of the Inky Impressions Hop.

This nostalgic paper milk carton from the Cutting Cafe can hold all sorts of treats. Here I have used the Long Sentiments printable set. It has so many options that it's perfect to pair up when you need the perfect sentiment. Hey, on top of that, I'm a list maker! haha,

This new pair of dancing sweeties are now being released from Inky Impressions. That darling ballet charm is also from Inky. I'm so impressed by the quality of their silver charms. They are gorgeous! Be sure to add some to your cart when you order some of these new images.

Calling all stampers! Are you ready to get Inky! Today the Inky Inkettes are sharing lots of fabulous Inky creations to warm you up during this cold winter. Today not only are their projects galore to ogle over, but we are also releasing 3 brand new Rubber Stamps!

Please welcome:
Chatterbox Lili
Teary Eyed Lili
TuTu Cute Lili

Be sure to comment at each stop along the way because one lucky winner will win this amazing prize package! It includes:

Winner's choice of 1 of the 3 New Releases-
--- Chatterbox LiLi Rubber Stamp, Tu-Tu Cute LiLi Rubber Stamp, or Teary Eyed
LiLi Rubber Stamp
--- Angelica's Bunny Rubber Stamp
--- LiLi's Slumber Party Rubber Stamp
--- 3 Sentiment Rubber Stamps: My place or yours, Bring your jammies & Uh-Oh
Spaghetti Oh's
--- Padded Butterfly Trim in 3 colors: Bright Pink, Turquoise, & Lime Green
--- 4 packs of Inky Pearls in Bright Pink, Lime Green, Turquoise & Tangerine
--- 4 packs of silver charms- Butterflies, Flowers, Dragonflies, Cute Little
purses
--- 1 pack of beautiful silver flower centers
--- 1 pack of Inky Dinky Drops in Clear
--- 2 packs of Inky 6mm brads in Bright Pink & Light Green

What more could anyone ask for? You have until Wednesday, January 18th to comment and add our blog hop information to your personal blog sidebar to be eligible for these fantastic prizes. You should have arrived here from (person before you in the list’s blog) Blog, if so you are in the right place. If not, we kicked things off at the Inky Inspirational Blog(insert link), so if you haven’t been there already be sure to head back so you don’t miss out on any of the fun.

We hope that you enjoyed this stop on the hop! Hey...and as I always say to my kids..."Best for Last!" I'm the last stop on the blog hop today! Be sure to comment and I'm crossing these inky fingers in hopes that YOU win one of the fun prizes!

Celebrate Birds!!

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

This week, celebrate the bird along with the Party Planners at Party Time Tuesdays! Be sure to check out the fabulous sponsers. PTT has THE MOST prizes for challenge participants! Get in on the fun...and be sure to post our badge on your sidebar! Link up and use PTT50 for keywords!

Paper Cupcakes!

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't enjoy a good cupcake! In fact, after an episode on TLC's The Cake Boss, we now split out cupcakes horizontally in half. Then flip the bottom and plunk it on top...a cupcake sandwich! But I digress! I've been invited to be a guest designer for Paper Cupcakes this month.

Challenges are posted and last 2 weeks at a time. This week's challenge: use the Paper Cupcake Freebie to create a thank you or encouragement card...TO BE SENT OUT! I love that challenge. Send out those cards! I am one who enjoys giving my cards away. Of course, I do know a LOT of stampers who just make and horde. So..this challenge is for you! Spread some inky love!!

Be sure to Link up so we can admire your ideas!

Cropping Digis

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

At first, I was not a fan of digis. But when things change, we have to adapt. While you obviously know that digis can be resized, you can also crop them and create so many new ideas!

Here I used Inky Impressions' Cupcake and Candy Factory. I opened it into photoshop and cropped the candies out. Be inspired...I can't wait to see how you crop your Inky Digis! The sentiment is from Mark's Finest Papers, as well as that fabulous ribbon!

new toy

2012-01-07T23:51:00.002-05:00

got a new toy today. Just need help to get it going...bet c will nelp

Anything Goes...

2012-01-04T00:00:00.002-05:00

with Inky Impressions. I was invited to stay on as a designer at the start of 2012. I know all you card makers enjoy these "Anything Goes" weeks.

Here I used a Inky digi and highlighted the skiing portion. Next, I created my own word art from a quote I found from Dave Barry. It reads: Skiing combines outdoor fun with knocking down trees with your face. haha. Yep...that probably would be me on skis! There are so many great things you can do with the computer and images and text. Be sure to link up your "Anything Goes" entries on the Inky Impressions Challenge blog. Be sure to keep your eye on the Inky Impressions Inspiration blog for more fabulous things I can do with digis!!

Challenges: Papertake Weekly, Bearly Mine #26, Crazy Amigos, Digital Tuesdays, Everybody Art #174, SCS TLC358

Pick a Pocket!

2012-01-03T13:00:00.000-05:00

and then add a Loopy Loop Bow Flower.

I used the Cutting Cafe file called "Fun with Pockets" to create this pocket card.

The sentiment is from Mark's Finest Papers. A springy card...and the snow has barely started here. Both of these companies will keep you happy and crafty through these dark, winter months!

Show off your new stuff!

2012-01-03T02:00:00.002-05:00

Party Time Tuesdays wants to see what new stuff you got in your crafty stocking this year!

Link up with PTT blog and use the keyword PTT49. Hey, and be sure to check out all the fabulous sponsers this week! I got this awesome digi from Wax Fruit company. I used a red tipped pin from Mark's Finest Papers. The Sparkly Fluff on top of the royal crowns come from Our Craft Lounge.

Resolutions

2011-12-31T14:51:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again when we typically start to think about ways to improve ourselves. Typically, I try to that as I go through the year. But I did have a little chat with the kids about being kinder to each other. Sticking up for one another. And yes, thinking that your sibling is not trying to hurt you...and then reacting to him/or her in that manner. While I have suggested this in the past, let's hope it sticks THIS time!

As for me...yes, it's time to cut back on all the over indulgence that the holiday brings (b/c there are holidays every month! haha) And, again, I sort of try to fix things about me when I see that they need to be fixed. So nothing super new there.

I'm trying to quickly read all 15 books for the Battle of the Books that are coming up. If you want to see the link I am work on, click HERE.

I loved "The Day Glo-Brothers" and "Candy Bomber." Of course. Helen Frost, author of "Diamond Willow" was another good read...sniff, sniff. And, Ms. Frost will be joining all the kids at the award ceremonies. So I really should get A* a copy of that book to see if we can get it signed! We are plugging our way through "Homer P. Figg." None of the girls wanted to read it, so I had a slumber party here at the beginning of Christmas vacation and we read through 1/2 the book together. It has a lot of information and references that the girls don't know or aren't aware of: references to biblical stories, Jim Crow Laws, antiquated terms and speech, etc. I found myself doing a LOT of explaining. Although, I am enjoying the book. (Which I'd enjoy more if I could just read is silently in my head.) This book reminds me of British Literature from a few hundred years ago...how it unwinds the story. And the morals of it all.

Right now, I am reading "The Giant Slayer" by Iain Lawrence. And, this frame story is going to be tear jerker. I have been waiting and watching and worrying about it since I started reading it. Who is going to die? Who is not going to make it?

Growing up, I was an avid reader. I didn't read 12 novels simultaneously like my sister Marissa. But I was continually reading novels. Mostly fiction. And always for fun. I rarely had book reports. I just read. Poor kids these days have to read, analyze and chop everything up! Even for this Battle of the Book competition! :( And being middle aged, I have more years of knowledge on them. So as I read all these books with an adult mind, I wonder what are the girls understanding, or thinking, or seeing? What would I have figured out or thought or foreseen if I was an 10 or 11 year old 5th grader reading these books?

Each book has been a new world. And now I am hoping to go see if there is a list of previous Battle of the Books selections.

And yes, I think I know who is not going to make it in "The Giant Slayer." And, I'll sit up reading with a box of tissues....

The end of a year...

2011-12-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

and the end of a term as guest designer for Our Craft Lounge! I have really enjoyed using the various sets that OCL carries. In case you didn't know, they care both rubber and clear stamps! (I know some of you have preferences!!) Stamps are packaged well on laminated cards...which can easily be stored in binders!

This week, we want to see your Frosty Fun cards based on this photo inspiration!!

I know that "Tweet Winter Wishes" is one that I am going to be pulling out often during our snowy months this year! If you are in the market for some new stamps/images...be sure to check out OCL. And, through in a few of that fantastic Sparkly Fluff for added texture and interest on your cards!

Challenges: OCL98, Mojo221

Something New...

2011-12-28T00:22:00.000-05:00

Inky Impressions is challenging you to show us "Something New."

When I heard this, I thought of new fallen snow. And what is the best thing to do on new fallen snow?? Why...make a snow angel!!

So...this is a new image...on new snow (wink, wink). Did you get anything crafty and new for Christmas? Pull it out...and use it up! Then link it up to the Inky Impressions Challenge Blog...II#36!

Anyone still have cookies in their house?

2011-12-27T10:44:00.001-05:00

We're running out. But here is a cute kitty for you cat lovers out there!

Don't you love the fresh papers? They are from My Mind's Eye, who is sponsering this month's challenges. Along with them, 2 Girls Jam has donated gorgeous crushed ribbon for a few lucky winners. And this image comes from 2 Cute Rubber digi stamps. After you've created something for this "Anything Goes" challenge, link up to the Party Time Tuesday's blog. There you can also read all about our fabulous sponsers!

Not a Grinch...

2011-12-25T21:24:00.000-05:00

I just like a clean house for the new year.

And since we open our gifts at midnight on Christmas Eve and there was no one frolicking with us tonight, I packed up all the nativities and santas. Then, out came all the snow people and winter wonderland trees. Some how I think I need a few more snowy things. Although, seeing how many things I just packed away (since my mom passed a bunch of things from her home and my grandparent's home to us lately), I am sure that Ken would be happy with nothing. But honestly I really only decorate from October through February...or whenever I get sick of the snow inside b/c of all the snow on the outside. (Oh, BTW, our tree is still up.)

Here is one more delightfully summery card before the snow actually hits Michigan this year. These stamps are from Mark's Finest Papers. Keep your eyes peeled for new sneak peeks from the January release starting in about a week!