She's a College Graduate

Congratulations Katie! On Dec 17, Katie graduated from Texas State University. We are so very proud of her! What a great celebration we had at Logan's Roadhouse in New Braunfels- grandparents, uncle, brother, nephew, parents, and great friends. On Friday evening, Joe & I, Mimi, Jason, Tripp & Katie headed down to Gruene to have dinner at the Gristmill - YUMMY and so beautifully decorated for Christmas (if you're ever in that area, you absolutely must have a meal at the Gristmill!). Tripp got to visit with Santa in San Marcos and Katie & Jason bought their dad an early birthday present - a unicycle! He had one growing up and absolutely loved riding it -- it'll take a little practice but I think he'll be enjoying it again soon. Such a wonderful weekend!

My Top 10 Cards Blog Hop - Part II

My Top 10 Cards Blog Hop - Part I

Below are my favorite cards I've created. Take a look at lots of other 'kewl' cards by joining in on the My Top 10 Cards Blog Hop - Enjoy!

Congratulations Katie

Headed down to Katie's this evening. Will be attending her college graduation tomorrow morning from Texas State Univ. So excited for her and proud of her!

Random.org selected #63 as the winner of my blog candy - A handstamped pillar candle - these are really a lot of fun to make!

SnowflakeDreams1 who said... A very lovely banner. Your fireplace looks beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

Velma, I've sent you a message on facebook requesting your address so I can get your package in the mail!

Thank you all so much for your sweet, sweet comments on my project. I know all of us in the hop had a great time creating our goodies and sharing them with each of you! Looking forward to the coming new year and all the creative opportunities it will bring. Merry, merry Christmas to you all!

A special thanks to Jessica at Kinderstamp-O for being such a gracious hostess for this hop!

It's A Small World Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to our hop this weekend. A special thanks to Jessica over at Kinderstamp-O for hosting our hop! Our challenge was to create something representing places around the world or other cultures. Well, I think I probably took a different path than others. As I’ve been blessed to travel to so many places around this wonderful world of ours, I decided to create a banner featuring “Merry Christmas” in 10 different countries native language.

My Cricut and Joys of the Season cart were used to cut out the ornament shapes, trees and wreaths. I also cut out a ‘shadow’ of each to mat each ornament. Tim Holtz Distressed inks gave the mats and paper flowers (from Prima) a vintage look. Stickles, one of my favorite embellies, was used on each ornament. Another touch of ‘bling’, a snowflake metal charm attached to the bottom of each ornament. Lastly, a swatch of grosgrain and golden thin ribbon make it all come together to form the banner. This was such a fun project to make.



So . . . Merry Christmas from . . . Melkin Yelidet – Ethopia, Glaedelig Jul – Denmark, Sretan Bozic – Croatia, Feliz Navidad – Mexico, Merry Keshmish – Navajo Native American, Frohliche Weihnachten – Germany, Kala Christouyennal – Greece, Joyeux Noel – France, Hristos Se Rodi – Serbia, Buone Feste Natalizie – Italy

Now it's time to enjoy Sigrid's project so head on over to -
Sigrid - http://www.lovescrapreflect.blogspot.com/

Here’s the list in case you missed someone. Thanks so much for visiting.
Jess - www.kinderstampo.com
Christine Wilson-Dunbar - http://chrisscreations.blogspot.com/
Shelley - http://heartstring-designs.blogspot.com/
Vickie - http://twochicksonalimb.blogspot.com/
Sigrid - http://lovescrapreflect.blogspot.com/
Meighen - http://scrappin3rdeeschik.blogspot.com/
Mariam - http://mariamsatchell.blogspot.com/
Linda- www.krazyqulling.com
Madison- http://www.funkycards.blogspot.com/
Pam - http://pammejo-scrapbookflair.blogspot.com/
Christine Hatchell - www.scrapbookingtechnique.blogspot.com
Jessica-Creative Stamper - Www.thecreativestamperspot.blogspot.com
DDscrafts- http://craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/
Gaby - www.gabycreates.com
Lisa - http://bitbythecricutbug.blogspot.com/
Nicole - http://canadiannickelscrapn.blogspot.com/
Martha - http://dreamofcrafting.blogspot.com/
Liz - http://www.lizspaperloft.blogspot.com/
Jessica Baker - http://www.thatzuneek.blogspot.com/
Cheryl - http://cheryl-gibson.blogspot.com/
Jess - http://www.kinderstampo.com/p/its-small-world-blog-hop.html

Our sponsors for the hop are: Unity Stamp Co, Peachy Keen Stamps, Lindy Stamp Gang, Preserve Your Memories II, Imaginisce, Helmar. Leave a comment on each blog for a chance to win a Holiday Scrap Box with these products.

I am also offering a special give away on my blog – in time to receive by Christmas! All you have to do is leave a comment and become a follower. Random.org will choose the winning comment on Monday 12/13 by noon (CST). Thanks again and hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

Dec Tag Swap My Pink Stamper

So here's the tag picture I'm submitting to the Kinderstamp-O site for a chance to win some blog candy from the one and only, My Pink Stamper, Robyn!!!! Used my Cricut Joys of the Season cart to cut out the snowflakes and blinged them up with Stickles. Tags, Bags, & Boxes was used to cut out the tag itself.

It's A Small World Blog Hop

So this is the weekend for our It's a Small World Blog Hop! sponsored by Jessica over at Kinderstamp-O! Hope you are ready to see some fantastic projects. Check back beginning Saturday 12/11 at 12:01 a.m. (CST) when we will have all of our projects posted. Grab some hot tea, cocoa or a cup of coffee and relax while you visit.

Snow is Falling

Snow has begun to fall in our household - YUMMY! It sure would be fun to decorate these with a little grandson! Hopefully, he'll get to come on Sunday and we can have fun decorating snowflakes and gingerbread men!

It's A Small World Blog Hop

My project is almost finished for the It's a Small World Blog Hop hosted by Jessica at Kinderstamp-O. Can't wait to see everyone's projects. Tune in December 11-12. It's gonna be a blast! The hop will start with Jessica, over at Kinderstamp-O - http://www.kinderstampo.com/

Challenge at More than Favors

So here are my goodies for the Wacky Wednesday Challenge over at More than Favors -- the only requirements are Christmas theme and embossed. I've been working on making these cute little hot cocoa and hot tea mini gifts. The fronts are completely embossed in white so they will POP against the brown backgrounds. Hope you like!

KinderstampO December Tag Swap

So my tags are almost finished -- just have to bling them up with ribbon! Love the PINK in all of them - in honor of Robyn, My Pink Stamper!! They'll be heading off in the mail in a few days! Be sure and check out Jessica's blog at Kinderstamp-O for awesome blog candy and information - http://www.kinderstampo.com/

Let the Baking Begin

The house has smelled wonderful today with cookies baking -- chocolate chip, oatmeal, pecan cookies! Gotta get to the grocery store for more basic supplies. We're having an open house here at the parsonage in a few weeks - I've got peanut butter balls, nut balls, total cookies, and various other sweet breads to start. YUMMY!

Thankful for Blessings

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving - celebrated Thursday at Mom's, shopped Thursday night and Friday, got Christmas lights on house and started decorating inside, on Saturday went to dinner (yummy steak and ribs from the Mesquite Pit) and to the movies (saw Unstoppable - definitely heart pounding), worked on our Kinderstamp-O December tags, took a relaxing walk around the neighborhood and just had a great time hanging out with each other.

Chick 2 - aka Katie - December Tags for Kinderstamp-O

Katie completed these absolutely precious tags for Kinderstamp-O's December tag swap -- notice all the PINK in honor of Robin, My Pink Stamper (we've followed her blog and projects for a long time now)! Love these tags!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

So very much to be thankful for this year -- Mom was cured of cancer!!! -- Joe, Katie, Jason & I have remained in good health -- Katie will be graduating from college next month -- Jason has a precious son -- and we have a grandson Tripp, whom we adore! Life is GREAT!

Texas Box Company goodies

Yea -- I scored big time at the Texas Box Company in Mineral Wells - 2 large boxes, 4 med boxes, 2 large tins, and 3 large sheets of paper - all for around $3.00!!! Going to use the paper for cards and other crafts! Love it!

Sweet Little Flap Cards

Your message goes on the inside small card with an embossed backing attached. (blue card inked before being embossed) These are then just slid into an envelope and ready to be sent. I adore the tiny message space - just makes this a sweet little card.

My October Tags have Arrived

I absolutely love my Halloween Tags -- they just arrived on Saturday. It's so fun to see the different styles and ideas everyone has for doing the same project! Now looking forward to getting my November tags!!!

A Thanking We Will Go Blog Hop Give-Away Winner!

It's time for my give-away for all those who left such sweet comments about my project for my daughter -- DD even left the very last comment herself (I'll treasure it forever!). Thanks again go all of you for participating in our blog hop. Jess, at Kinderstamp-O always has fun projects lined up so be sure and stayed tuned to her blog as well!

Random.org has selected lucky #70 as the give-away winner – Shelly who said...
"What a wonderful idea for your daughter. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful project!" You'll be receiving a couple of sweet little gift packs great to share with neighbors and co-workers, in a gift basket or as little take home goodies at an open house (yummy hot chocolate and warm, comforting hot tea bags). I’m also including a brand spankin’ new Tim Holtz Distress Ink – Walnut Stain stamp pad – great for giving projects that vintage-y look!

Shelly, I’ll be contacting you by e-mail for your mailing information so I can get your package to you.

Thanks again to all for hopping with us!

Don’t forget, we’ll be showing more projects again Dec 11-12, It’s a Small World Blog Hop, again sponsored by Kinderstamp-O with lots of blog candy to give away!!

Ta-Da - Thanking We Will Go Blog Hop Give-Away Time!

It's time for my give-away for all those who left such sweet comments about my project for my daughter -- DD even left the very last comment herself (I'll treasure it forever!). Thanks again go all of you for participating in our blog hop. Jess, at Kinderstamp-O always has fun

Special Thanks

Thank you to all for your sweet, sweet comments on my project for the Thanking We Will Go blog hop! I had so much fun and hope you did too! Remember, tomorrow around noon (CST) random.org will be picking a winner and I will be sending one of you some 'get ready for the Christmas season' goodies! I so appreciate all of you choosing to follow my blog and look forward to visiting all of yours as well!

I'm in another upcoming Blog Hop hosted by Kinderstamp-O called "It's a Small World" , Dec 11-12 - there should be some amazing projects from around the world posted and we hope you can all visit us again!

Blessings to all as we prepare for this Thanksgiving season - wishing you and your family joy & peace!

A Thanking We Will Go Blog Hop !!

So here’s my project for my first blog hop – “A Thanking We Will Go” hosted by Jess over at Kinderstamp-O.

When thinking about all I have to be thankful for, after my Lord, Jesus Christ, family and friends are always at the top of my list. I have a wonderful husband, awesome daughter and son, precious grandson, and an amazing mother! I am truly blessed!

Our family is especially blessed and thankful right now for our daughter Katie (aka Chick 2) who will be graduating from college on Dec 17th. I decided to make a little mosaic tribute board to show her how proud we are of her. She’s all about vintage so these colors are perfect. She has grown into a beautiful young woman with a servant’s heart for others. SURPRISE KATIE!

For the base of my project, I cut off the backing board sheet from a paper pack (great way to recycle) - then used Mod Podge to glue down each paper sheet and picture and then swiped a top coat of MP to give it that finished, almost leather-y look.

This project provided me lots of opportunities to practice Tim Holtz’ distressing techniques (which I love). Inked up my Argyle Cuttlebug folder and embossed various papers to add even more texture. Various ingredients include: chipboard shapes, s.e.i. embellishments, Prima flowers, Versamark stamp pad, clear embossing powder, distress inks, and Tim Holtz’ Tiny Attacher (love it).

This was a fairly easy project to complete – the challenge was picking coordinating papers and getting them cut to good sizes to fit the board. I could easily see picking out Christmas-y papers and making mosaics for family as gifts. Hope you like.

Here’s a sneak peak at my give-away that will put you in the holiday spirit! Just be sure and leave a comment and become a follower. It’s that easy! Make sure to leave info in your comment on how to contact you in case you’re a winner! Random.org will generate a winning number at noon on Monday 11/15 (CST).

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you’ve had a great time at the HOP!

In case you missed anyone, below are all the crafty sites to visit:
Jessica - http://www.kinderstampo.com/
Alex - http://www.youhadmeatcraft.com/
Cheryl - http://www.cheryl-gibson.blogspot.com/
Debbie - http://www.craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/
Iva - http://www.ivarai.com/
Jessica Baker - http://www.thatzuneek.blogspot.com/
Kimberlee - http://www.kimme-thelifeofaprincess.blogspot.com/
Linda - http://www.krazyquilling.com/
Liz - http://www.lizspaperloft.blogspot.com/
Madison - http://www.www.funkycards.blogspot.com/
Martha - http://www.dreamofcrafting.blogspot.com/
Meighen - http://www.scrappin3rdeeschik.blogspot.com/
Nicki - http://www.canadiannickelscrapn.blogspot.com/
Shelley - http://www.heartstring-designs.blogspot.com/
Sigrid - http://www.lovescrapreflect.blogspot.com/
Vickie - http://www.twochicksonalimb.blogspot.com/
Jessica - Kinderstamp-O - http://www.kinderstampo.com/p/thanking-we-will-go-blog-hop_12.html

Challenge at More than Favors

So this challenge is all about colors - specifically blue and green (two of my favorites). These colors definitely make me think of nature! Our trip to Lake Tahoe was certainly full of blues and greens; from the mountains to the water. I love trying new ways to embellish my pages so for the title I used the Cricut George & Basics Shapes cart (set on 'charm') and some wire and silver beads. I really like how the beaded wire adds an extra element of texture to the page - even similar to ropes used to tie boats to the dock. The glitter adds a touch of sparkle representing water. Tearing / inking / and using scalloped scissors on the photos and background mats also adds an element of rustic. I use hidden journaling a lot on my pages so that the pics take front-and-center stage. This was a magnificent place to be.

Tim Holtz Grungeboard Workshop at Cat's

So this is the grungeboard I made at Cat's Creations (my favorite SB store). We used Ranger products and learned some really cool techniques! This is where I met my friend Jessica, aka Kinderstamp-O -- she is a really crafty lady and I look forward to getting to participate in all crafty blog activities. Katie was able to be here and make one as well. We had a great time. Thanks to Nanci Holtsford, a great teacher who helped make our class a lot of fun!

Blog Hop Alert!

Be sure and 'tune' in this Saturday, November 13th, for the "A Thanking We Will Go" blog hop hosted by Kinderstamp-O! Lots of great projects and candy to boot!

Tripp's First Halloween

So as I was creating Halloween pages for my own kids (who are way grown by now), I'm remembering the one I created of my grandson Tripp's first Halloween in 2007. He's still the cutest little pumpkin I've ever seen! Used my Cricut to cut the letters. I also used hidden journaling a lot in my layouts so I can get more on the page!!