40 Days of Prayer: Day Four

Good morning everyone! I am so happy that it is Thursday!! I just need to get through today and tomorrow I can work from home and stay in my pajamas LOL I love that! And work on laundry while I'm working.. save money on gas.. so many good things!! I couldn't be more thankful for that little perk that I have.

So, I'll be heading off to work right after this post. I hope everyone has a wonderful day / night!!

Quick little giveaway announcement...  Paper Smooches.. I LOVE them!! ... is having a blog hop today and is giving away stamps to three lucky winners. Go on over, hop along and get your chance to win in!

Paper Smooches

40 Days of Prayer Day Four:
Thursday, September 27, 2012

Day Four Prayer Focus
Cry out for a mighty movement of fervent personal and corporate prayer with Spirit-led fasting. (2 Chronicles 7:14; Joel 1:14; 2:12-18; Matthew 6:16-18, 17:21, 21:13; Mark 11:17; Acts 2:1, 4:30-31; James 5:16)

Pray for all Americans to take their vote seriously. Pray they will
understand that God holds them directly responsible for the stances of those they elect. (Proverbs 29:2; Galatians 6:6-7; Ephesians 5:11)


Thankful:
09/26/2012

1. I am thankful for the people I work with and work for. They are all really good to me.
2. I am thankful for Sherman, the security guard at work. He is funny and kind and I enjoy seeing him each day. He just turned 70 at the beginning of September and he looks great and works hard. He is a joy to work with.
3. I am thankful for both of the kids getting on the bus today and getting to school. Just like they are suppose to.
4. I am thankful that David, the kids father, and I can speak civilly now. It is good to be able to discuss the kids with him and actually be able to communicate. 
5. I am thankful that the kids did their chores with a little less complaining today. And I didn't have to ask them as many times and I didn't have to take things away to get it done.

This is an Air Force kit. I love making kits. I have a really hard time using them though!

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

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Tammy's Scrapin Corner Challenge #29

Good morning everyone! Time to get started on another week. There is no better way to start the week off than with a new challenge at Tammy's Scrapin Corner. This is Challenge #29 with a theme of Card For A Kid! I used a digi stamp from QKR Stampede - Playing with Dad .. of course in honor of Kevin ;)  Being Australian and all LOL Here is my card:

Copic: C1, C3, C5, 100, Colorless Blender
All White Paper (all pieces but card base from my stash), Doilie (from my stash), White Ribbon (from my stash)
Darice Embossing Folders Squares and Bamboo
The play, fun and happy I used a stencil and ink. Too cute! And of course.. I added dimension to the koalas.. arms, legs, popped the square. And that is about it. 

Challenges: 

•  Card Sketch #31 @ Let's Capture These Sketches
• Challenge #189: All White Except Image! @ My Time To Craft
• Embossing @ Scrap-Creations
• Challenge #69: Emboss It! @ Shopping Our Stash
• PWC224: No Patterned/Designer Paper @ Paper Pretties
• Challenge 94: Shaped Cards @ Penny's Paper-Crafty
• Challenge 235: A Different Shape @ Cute Card Thursday
• Inspire Me Fridays 77: Anything Goes @ Joyful Stamper
• Challenge #135: For a Child @ Totally Papercrafts
• My Family @ My Sheri Crafts
• MIM #108 @ Make It Monday
• September Monthly Challenge: Family Affair @ Mema's Crafts
• Challenge #44: Anything But Square @ Little Miss Muffet
• Show Us Your Ribbon (I've had the ribbon for about 8 years LOL or more!, the doily is about 5 years old) @ Oldie But A Goodie
• Shaped Other Than Square or Rectangle @ Shelly's Images
• Week #133: The White Challenge @ The Shabby Tea Room

Thankful 09/23/2012:

1. I am thankful for the sermon today on anger. It was enlightening as usual.
2. I am thankful for the kids working together to get the dishes done in record time tonight.
3. I am thankful for the little nap that I was able to sneak in today.
4. I am thankful for the good dinner tonight. Everyone pitched in and worked on something for dinner. It was great!
5. I am thankful to Kevin for waking me up from my nap before I slept too long. I am always thankful for him being a part of my life.

Today starts our 40 Days of Prayer - United To Pray For A Great Awakening. They gave us a little book with a prayer schedule. Here is what it says for Day 1:
Day One Prayer Focus:

• Plead for God's mercy on the Church, nation and world. Pray that He would stay His righteous judgement and turn us to Himself in fervent love and deep repentance. (2 Chronicles 7:14;  Psalm 85:4-7; Daniel 9:18-19; Hebrews 4:16; James 4:8-10; 1 Peter 4:17)
• Pray for believers to be much more concerned about the glory of God's Name and spread of Christ's Kingdom than economic, political and social comforts. (Matthew 5:10-12, 6:33; James 4:1-3)

Yesterday was a good day... church in the morning, a little grocery shopping after that and then home. One more quick trip to the grocery store for the couple of things that I forgot, but then home again for the duration. I was able to work on a cards. I have some images colored and I am working on getting them into cards. I was able to complete two today. Those will be coming up in future DT posts LOL Now its off to work again to start another week. I'm hoping for the state department number we are waiting on so that we can move forward with the things that Kevin needs to get done, like his medical exam and the police check. We can't do anything until we have that darn number. I hope you all have a wonderful week!

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!

MelJens Designs Challenge #128: Funny Bone

Good morning everyone!!! Today I am excited to share with you the new challenge at MelJen's Challenge Blog!!



This weeks is Challenge #128: Funny Bone (funny verse or poem). I had such a hard time with this theme.. I have no idea why either! I couldn't think of anything funny.. so I decided to try with a graphic first and then pick a funny saying?? Wow.. I don't know.. major brain blockage LOL But I finally worked it out and here is what I came up with:

Going with my theme of trying to do some card folds that I've never tried.. which would be almost all of them LOL I tried out the Joy Fold. I just have to say that I really love it!! I will definitely do this type of card again. I love all the different panels to decorate. I just love it :)  Very fun card! So, here are some details

Challenge #128: Funny Bone
Image: Mud Puddle Boy
Copic:
Jeans: B93, B95, B97
Skin: E000, E00, E11, E93
Mud: E27, E25, E21
White Highlights: E41
Hair: Y21, Y23
Hearts: R20
Buttons: C10, C7, C1

Papers are all scraps, Sizzix Splat Die, Distress Ink Walnut Stain
Brown Scribbles 3D Paint
Stitching

I just can't tell you how much I love MelJen's images! They are so fun to work with .. and it doesn't seem to matter what I do with them.. they are just awesome! :) Hopefully you all will have a much easier time coming up with something humorous! It really shouldn't have been that hard LOL

Challenges:

• Challenge 125: Favorite Technique (That would be paper piecing and then stitching) @ Mark's Finest Paper and Stamps
• #38: It's A Stitch Up! @ Pile It On
• Child Image w/Stash Anything (papers, splats, 3D paints!) @ Clear It Out Challenges
• Challenge 53: Lovely Layers @ Divas By Design
• Challenge #12: Anything Goes @ Papelitos Stamps
• Challenge #133: It's A Cut! Use Any Die Cut (Sizzix Splat) @ Sassy Cheryl's
• Challenge 63: Something Funny, Hunny! @ AUD Sentiments
• Use More Than 1 Die Cut or Punch @ Di's Digi Designs
• Punches and Dies @ Squiggle Stamps
• Boys/Men September Challenge @ Cute & Girly
• FBC 112: Humor; Funny Stuff @ Freshly Brewed
• Anything Goes @ Creative Craft Challenges
• Anything Goes @ The Sweet Pea Stampers
• Anything Goes @ Send A Smile 4 Kids
• Ink Em' Up @ Simply Challenged Challenges
• Challenge #173: Children @ C.R.A.F.T. Challenge

Yesterday I stayed home from work. I haven't been feeling that great for the last few days. I can't really pin point what is wrong.. a little dizzy here and there... upset stomach and not much of an appetite.. but most of all I feel jittery.. or anxious.. but I'm not. Really really hard to explain.. all I know is that I know how I usually feel and I don't feel right. Something is definitely off. I tried to get into the doctor yesterday, but there wasn't any openings. I have an appointment for 9:45 am this morning. We will go in and see if they can figure out what is not right LOL Sounds really crazy.. but I'm sure you know what I mean.. something just doesn't feel right. I'm hoping to head into work right after the appointment.

Thankful:
09/17/2012

1. I am thankful for not having to drive in the rain at night. It held off and I was able to get home. Everything glares so much at night and especially when its raining. That is my least favorite time to drive.
2. I am thankful for being invited to dinner tonight with the executives. Even though I didn't want to do and I stressed about it for days, it was a good meal and good company.
3. I am thankful that Vaughn and Karen have Kevin help them out when they go out of town or to help Vaughn do something around the workshop. It is good for him to have something to do. I'm thinking of making a set of cards to send them as a thank you.
4. I am thankful for the rain coming in and the cooler air. We really need the rain and it should be a really great week with the temperature dropping. I much prefer colder air. I don't really like our hot and humid summers very much LOL
5. I am thankful for the text message today from the kids father that he is sending some child support. I will be able to get the kids some much needed pants!

09/18/2012

1. I am thankful for the rainy day we had today. It is so good to have rain and I love it!
2. I am thankful for being able to get through a chunk of my overwhelming emails at work! Here is to catching up soon!
3. I am thankful for the cool air and the lower humidity making for a beautiful night. It is a HUGE change from last night when it was so humid I think I could have sliced it with a knife!
4. I am thankful for the extra pay this week to help us with the extra immigration expenses.
5. I am thankful for the kids doing a better job tonight getting done the things I have been asking them to do. I did have to take away the laptops and phones, but it did get done at least.

09/19/2012

1. I am thankful for being able to lay down a bit more this morning. I woke up way early and couldn't go back to sleep.
2. I am thankful I was able to stay home today since I haven't been feeling well for a few days now.
3. I am thankful I was able to get a Doctor appointment for tomorrow morning. I was also able to set up an appointment next month with the Pulmonary Office. I was suppose to go last year LOL Just a bit behind!
4. I am thankful for the times today when I was distracted and didn't feel quite so bad.
5. I am thankful for Kevin. He is always there for me no matter what. He was there to get my mind off not feeling well for a bit. I adore him :)

Good days!!

Hi everyone!! It's been a couple of days.. this has been a great week!! LOL  Bet you can't guess why?? LOL No.. I bet you can!!! We FINALLY heard from immigration!! We got the approval.. the worst of it is over. We still have another two to three months, but the worst is over. I'm gathering up all the financial stuff now. All I want for Christmas is Kevin to come home :)  I couldn't be more happy that we are over that first HUGE hump! So, that is my good news LOL  GREAT news!! It has been a long six months of waiting!

I've been working on some DT cards, so I don't have any cards to post. This is what I do! I'm so bad LOL If I have something that is due in the future and I already have what I need then I will work on it. I will get WAY ahead so there is no stress LOL Which causes me to not have any cards to post and I miss out on some challenges! Oh well.. I have been that way all my life. Guess I'm not likely to change now!

Tomorrow night, church is having a "All Day Singing and dinner (murder?) on the Grounds .. It is a dinner theater :)  I bought tickets for the kids and I, so that is what we will be doing tomorrow night. I'm trying to make sure that I do some of these things with the kids. It is good for them to be there at church and getting to know people.. well sort of LOL We don't talk to anyone. It's a good thing for us to do together too.. to get out of the house and spending some time together. Should be fun!

This morning I read about the Syrian diplomat that was killed. Another senseless act of violence against Americans. I will never understand it. Why is it okay for others to criticize and degrade Jesus Christ and God, but when something happens against their prophet they strike out in violence against innocent people? Why would want to believe in something that harbors hatred and discontent? It is really sad to see that. Jesus Christ/God is unconditional, amazing love and forgiveness. I weep for those that are lost and angry and full of hate. I pray that they will see the light. I pray for the family that lost loved ones in these terrible, senseless acts.

Please say a prayer for a wonderful friend who's son was in an accident. He is pretty badly beat up and has had to have some surgery. God is good.. keep him and his family in your prayers.

I hope you all have a great day / evening!! See you soon!! Here is a bath kit I did

Thankful For:
09/10/2012

1. I am thankful for the three Design Teams that I am on. They allow me to work with wonderful images and I have learned so much from the talented people on the teams with me. I am always amazed at all the talent out there. I have so much to learn and I love it!!
2. I am thankful for a safe place to call home.
3. I am thankful that my kids have a good school to go to.
4. I am thankful that the school year seems to be going well and both of them seem to be getting everything done that they need to.
5. I am thankful that Michael is wearing his retainer and his braces made his teeth look so great.

09/11/2012

1. I am thankful for all of the police, fire, medical staff, etc. that work each day to make sure we are safe. I appreciate them all so much and everything they do for us.
2. I am thankful for all of the service men and women who are always continueing to fight for the way we live; fight for our freedoms. They are brave and I appreciate what they do us everything.
3. I am thankful that we finally have an approval from immigration! We are on our way! Hopefull, just a couple more months to go.
4. I am thankful for the attorney who sent me emails and called me to explain the next steps. I am thankful he is there to see this through with us and guide us. I don't know how we would have ever done it without him.
5. I am thankful for the drawing today where they drew my name and I won the cute little candy corns! I love candy corn LOL Not to eat, but they are CUTE!

09/12/2012

1. I am thankful that my new and old VP's and Directors appreciate me and trust me enough that they allow my schedule to be how I want it. They also allow me to work from home on Fridays. I know that change may come, but right now they are willing to work with me and adjust my schedule to the importance of my home life.
2. I am thankful for the opportunity to enjoy things with my kids at the church. I am very excited to be able to take them to the dinner theater tomorrow night and I really hope they enjoy it.
3. I am thankful that I was able to get most of the paperwork that I need for the next step in the immigration process. And the last piece of it will come from my Human Resource Dept and they have been great. I have asked the attorney to make sure the letter will be sufficient. I should be able to get that letter in the next day or two. 
4. I am thankful for the helpful people I spoke to today at the Toowoomba Police Department. It is so nice to have people that are kind and helpful and willing to go the extra mile to give you the information that you need. Sometimes it is hard to remember that there is good people in the world when you deal with hatred and anger through your days and you see the anger and hatred on the news. There are definitely still good people out there! 
5. I am thankful for my 11 year old daughter, who cooked dinner tonight so that I didn't have to :)  She is wonderful!
6. I am thankful for the 89 that my oldest daughter got on her first Biology test in college!

Remember ...

This is a day to remember those lost in the attacks against America. This is a day to pray for the families that lost their family members and friends. A day to remember and pray for those service men and women that lost their lives trying to save others and those that serve today to keep our country safe and free. Remember those civil servants, your police, firemen, first responders; they risk their lives every day for us. Remember the priest who lost his life trying to help those in need and to pray with them. Think of those today, those priests, those pastors that strive for us to have a healthy relationship with God and for us to remember how important Jesus Christ is to us and for us not to forget that.

September 11th, 2001 - It affected the whole of the United States.. it affected the whole of the world. Kevin and I have spoken about this fateful day. Even he was frozen to the television watching in disbelief at what had just happened; not moving the entire day. I remember where I was and what I was doing as I know many of you can remember as well. I was at home with Bailey; she had just been born July 24th and I was home on maternity leave with her. The television was on the morning news and they were talking about a plane that had crashed into one of the towers. I sat there and watched it thinking that it was just a small plane that had accidentally hit the tower. And then you watched on live television as the second plane hit the other tower. I knew right away that this was no accident; as did everyone else watching. And then the plane into the Pentagon and the plane in the field that went down with our brothers and sisters fighting for their lives and fighting to save others so that this plane wouldn't cause any additional losses. I pray today for all those affected.

My sister lived in New York at the time and she worked downtown. We couldn't reach her, none of the phone lines would work, the cell phones wouldn't go through. It was terrible not to be able to reach her after the towers went down. What a devastating loss for the world, for our nation. Such a senseless act of violence. I will never understand the hatred that people have for our nation and for the American people. I will never understand how people can twist a religious belief into such hatred. Jesus Christ paid for our sins by giving his own life. There is nothing but a true and unconditional love there. God is love, forgiveness. Not hatred...

Remember... remember those lost, those affected, those that serve. Never forget!

Tammy's Scrapin Corner Challenge #27 - Fall Inspiration

Good morning everyone!! Happy Monday again. Today begins a new challenge at Tammy's Scrapin Corner! This is challenge #27 with a theme of  Fall Inspiration. I used an image from QKR Stampede. The image is Break Time. I had a lot of fun coloring this image.

Copic:
Brown: E49, E47, E37, E35

Light Tan: E50, E51, E53
Blue Jean: B93, B95, B97
Green: YG95, YG97, YG99
Pig: R000, R20, R21
Yellow: Y32, Y35, Y38
Black: C1, C3, C5, C7, C10

The papers are all scraps. The ribbon and brads are from my stash.. who knows how long I've had them LOL And I used Creative Inspirations paint Mocha Latte and Rustic Red around the edges of the two die cuts.

Challenges:

• Pretty Patterns Sketch #70 @ My Time Made Easy
• Anything Goes @ Just Keep On Crafting
• September Theme: Digital Image @ I Brake for Challenges
• Challenge #2: Die Cuts and/or Punches @ No Matter Which
• Challenge #139: See You In September @ Order of the Opus Gluei 
• Challenge #187: It's Scraptastic @ The Crafty Pad Designs 
• Pile It On #37: Patterned Paper @ Pile It On! 
• Things with Wings @ Paper Cupcakes 
• Challenge #89: Fall Frolic @ Lollipop Crafts 
• Challenge #73: Autumn Colors @ Lexi's Creations 
• GL 47: Birds of a Feather @ Gingerloft
• Cute Fall or Halloween @ Send A Smile 4 Kids
• HIMCR #62: Super Scraps Saturday @ Hiding In My Craft Room
• Challenge #96: The Birds @ Drunken Stampers
• Challenge #108: Fall @ 2 Sisters Challenge Blog
• Challenge #110: Celebrate Fall @ Raise the Bar
• Challenge #137: Colours of Autumn @ Fab 'n Funky

Thankful for September 9th, 2012:

1. I am thankful for the sermon today about Israel. I always learn things I didn't know and I love that. 
2. I am thankful for the weekends. It allows me time to create and relax and enjoy my family.
3. I am thankful that Monday is almost here and the hope that immigration will give us something in the coming week.
4. I am thankful that Kevin was able to get out and ride this weekend.
5. I am thankful every day that Kevin is healthy, has food on his table, a roof over his head and good people around him. It helps knowing this when I am not able to be with him.

OSAAT Challenge #130: Under 18's

Happy Sunday everyone. Today is the start of Challenge #130 at One Stitch At A Time!! The theme this week is Under 18's. I used the "In The Meadow We Can Build A Snowman" image for this challenge.

I used Darice Snowflake Embossing folder. The image was colored with Copic, although I forgot to maake a list! It's such a cute image. I thought she should be in bright pink ;) Since I have such a hard time doing Clean and Simple I tried with this one. LOL Best I could do. I don't know what it is.. I don't know why I have such a block with Clean and Simple! Oh well!!

Challenges:

• Challenge 53: Embossing @ Patties Creations Challenge
• Anything Goes @ Shelly's Images
• Challenge #26: Anything Goes @ The Squirrel And The Fox
• Inspire Me Fridays 75: Anything Goes @ Joyful Stamper
• CFC69: Embossing @ CAS-ual Fridays
• Challenge #73: Anything Goes @ My Mums Craft Shop
• Anything Goes @ Papertake Weekly
• Anything Goes @ 7 Kids College Fund

I finally spoke to my mother yesterday after a couple of weeks. I did this at the urging of Kevin :)  I know he was right too.. the longer I put it off, the harder it was to call. I called and I asked her if she wanted to go to church with us tomorrow. She said yes.. we said see you in the morning and that was it LOL. I figure the whole issue will come up tomorrow and we will talk. Better to do it in person anyway. So that is that.

Still no word from Immigration. This is the most long, drawn out process and the worst part is just not hearing anything and not knowing. The attorney said that if he doesn't hear anything by Friday that he will call again. So.. I will keep praying and hoping that we hear something soon. I really want him home by Christmas.

This week.. even though it was a short week (4 days) it was so extra long!! I really thought it would never end! We will see how next week shapes up. The best thing would be to have good news from Immigration right at the beginning of the week.

I have a bunch of images I'm trying to get colored. I have figured out that is what takes me the longest. That and cutting them. And that is only because I love to piece them LOL I have one image colored and pieced and I'm working on two others.. and I have about 5 more waiting. Once I have them colored it doesn't take as long for me to put the card together.. okay, mostly doesn't take me as long. Okay Okay!! I'm slow! I'm slow and everything takes me way too long to finish LOL

September 6th:

1. I am thankful for having an Archiver's right across the street. They have the best selection of papers around.. and well.. I'm just a paper junkie! It is my very favorite thing!
2. I am thankful for the inhaler that was prescribed for Bailey today. I'm hoping it will help her with some issues we have had with constant coughing, tightness, etc. Time will tell.
3. I am thankful for having a good job and a promotion. I am so lucky to be able to go to work each day and get a paycheck.
4. I am thankful for having Skype and Kevin. He was able to show Bailey how to use the inhaler.
5. I am thankful for my bipap which helps me to get a decent sleep each night. Now I just need to get in for a checkup and a new machine. I am definitely due. And I'm not really sure how I ever slept without it.. Oh wait!! I don't think I did LOL

 September 7th:

1. I am thankful for being able to work from home on Friday. This allowed me to actually get some work done and to finish the phone bill which had to be done by 5 pm.
2. I am thankful for Michael who came and filled my water glass while I worked away.
3. I am thankful for the Walmart across the street, which is where I buy most of our groceries. They have almost everything for much cheaper than anywhere else.
4. I am thankful for having medical insurance and dental insurance which helps me afford to take care of everyone and get the medications that are needed.
5. I am thankful for the medical spending account at work which I pay a little on through the year. The card has the entire amount on it at the beginning fo the year. This makes it so much easier to pay for medical and dental exams, medications, glasses, contacts, any procedures that need to be done. It has helped so much.

September 8th:

1. I am thankful when the kids listen to me. It is so nice when they actually do what I say before I have to ask them a dozen times and get angry.
2. I am thankful for Kevin having a good place to live. I am so glad that Vaughn and Karen are good to him.
3. I am thankful that Kevin quit smoking last year. He was so very sick, but he wasn't able to smoke and when he got well he never picked them up again.
4. I am thankful for being able to open the windows for the first time since early spring. It just got too hot too early this year. I love being able to open the windows.
5. I am thankful for Netflix. Where I can watch shows and movies which is exactly what I do each night when I go to bed.

Off to church soon.. I hope you all have a wonderful day/evening. Happy crafting!

Happy Thursday and MelJens Challenge!

Good morning everyone!!! For a short week, this has been no short week. I am exhausted. Yesterday was a super long day and I'm sure that had to have had something to do with it LOL So, first on today's agenda is to get you excited about the new challenge at MelJen's Challenge Blog!!



Today is my very first post with them as a DT and I couldn't be more excited! I know you have seen the amazing art work she does. I JUST love it and I know you will too!! This week is Challenge #126 and the theme is Back To School! For this one I used the Cheer Girl image. Love this girl! I colored her with Copic.. details below. I used the Die-namics Page Banner Strip. The papers were from Pinecone Press Papers "Composition Book", House of Three "Numbers". I don't know who made the grid paper and Kraft Cardstock. I inked everywhere with Colorbox yellow ink. I also used yellow and frosted ice Stickles, Scribbles sunny yellow paint. I made the pompoms with my sparkle fiber that I have had forever. I think they turned out pretty cute :)  Okay.. here it is:

Copic Markers (detail below)
Yellow: Y04, Y08, Y13
Black: C1, C5, C7, C10
Skin: E000, E00, E11, R20
Hair: E97, E99, Y21, Y23, Y38, YR21
Pentel Sunburst Gel Pen - White and ZIG Millennium Black 05

Challenges:

• Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 166 @ The Sweetest Thing
• Back To School @ Paper Issues 
• Challenge 70: Back To School @ Fussy And Fancy
• Back To School @ Incy Wincy Designs
• Challenge #4: Go Team Go @ Eureka Stamps
• Anything Goes @ Krafty Girls
• Challenge #31: Back To School @ Love To Create
• Challenge #30: Anything Goes @ Tuesday Alchemy
• Challenge #186: Back To School @ Crafty Creations
• Anything Goes @ Heck of a Challenge

 Yesterday was a long day; I had to stay at work a couple of hours over for a meeting. I usually leave work at 3 pm, but our CIO had a meeting starting at 3:30 pm, which meant I wasn't getting out of there before 5 pm. It was a little after 5 pm when I left for home. The traffic was surprisingly good though. I got home a little after 5:30 pm. I was completely exhausted though and I went to bed early. Now I'm on Thursday, which means tomorrow I get to work from home. This LONG short week is almost over LOL Now I'm off to work. I hope you all have a wonderful day/evening!!


Sept 4th:

1. I'm thankful for my Prismacolor Pencils and Copic Markers, which allow me to color. I love coloring images; I find it very relaxing.
2. I am thankful to the patient AT&T Wireless Customer Service Representative who stayed on the phone with me for quite some time, probably over 30 minutes. She helped me get the account straightened out after they messed it up when I upgraded phones. She also gave me an $80+ credit to fix the mistakes, which in turn got my bill down to where it needed to be.
3. I am thankful for my excellent review at work. I got a 4.53 out of 5.0. I  can't be perfect LOL they do make me feel appreciated during this time of year.
4. I am thankful that my kids make it to school even when I'm not here in the morning to supervise. And I'm glad they make it safely home every day.
5. I am thankful for Wisdom Hunters showing up in my email box every day. I find it easy to read and understand. It sends me off to work with something good to think about. There is nothing better than the words from the Holy Bible to send you off on your day.

Sept 5th:

1. I am thankful for the phone call I get each morning from Kevin waking me up so I can see him before I head off to work. It is always a nice time because everyone is still asleep and its just him and I.
2. I am thankful for Gilbert Worthy. I have worked with him for a while now. He went and got me a salad today for lunch since I was really busy.
3. I am thankful that after my long, 13 hour day today and having to stay late for a meeting, that the traffic was not bad at all and it didn't take me too long to get back home to the kids.
4. I am thankful that the weather is starting to cool a bit. It has been such a hot, hot summer that it is nice to go out and be able to breathe without that hot, humid air smothering you when you step outside.
5. I am thankful for my sister. I am thankful that she remains cancer free and that she is here near us.

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!!

Tammy's Scrapin Corner Challenge #26

Good morning everyone! Today begins a new challenge over at Tammy's Scrapin Place!! This is Challenge #26 with a theme of Anything with Wings! Today I used an image from Eureka! Stamps and it is Bat!

I used all scraps that I had.. I used Copic: Y00, Y32, Y35, Y38 and 100. And the kids love it because I put some glow in the dark on the eyes!! LOL It's the little things ;)  I love to amuse the kids with such simple things. The font is Barkants White. I colored those in with the same yellows and inked black.


Now we are off to church soon. Still nothing from immigration. Looking forward to the three day weekend. Gives me more time to just enjoy some card making! :) I hope you all have a wonderful day. I'll be looking for your wing entries at Tammy's Scrapin Corner!


Challenges:

• EFG Challenge #30: Punches and Dies (the circle) @ The Emerald Faeries
• #202: Anything Goes @ Everybody Art
• Wings N Things Challenge @ Paper and Such
• PTT #83: Anything Goes @ Party Time Tuesday's
• White, Black and One Color (yellow) @ Paper Pretties
• Anything Goes @ Scrapalicious 
• Winged Things @ The Poodles Parlour 
• Challenge 33: Anything Goes @ Peachy Keen Stamps
• Black and White Plus One (yellow) @ Dilly Beans  
• Challenge #26: No Flowers @ The Cutie Pie Challenge Blog

Saturday Happenings

Good evening everyone!! I'm up way too late.. Kevin will not be happy when he sees this post LOL Who needs sleep LOL!! Today I have been working on cards all day. I was able to get 3 cards finished.. My goal is to get a good bit ahead in all of my DT responsibilities where I can. I like to be ahead! I'm just that type of person though.. be ahead of schedule, always way too early, that's me!

I did have to go out once today and that was to get a string repaired on Bailey's Viola. Now, they haven't even started learning how to play at school yet, but she is always in her room trying to mess with it and play LOL Hey.. I'm glad she is excited about it!! She did break a string though.. the thickest string on the Viola! She did this a few nights ago. I was in bed when I got a couple of texts LOL They were all.. I promise I won't mess with it anymore until the teacher tells us what to do... I won't even take it out... I'm really sorry, but the string broke. I had to chuckle.. so since I was already asleep! LOL I let her sit on it until the morning and told her it just happens... Orchestra strings break. They will begin playing on Tuesday, so she is all set to go.

Bailey and I also tried a Pinterest today... well... I tried it on her LOL I saw this on Pinstrosity.. I LOVE this site!! Always gives me a good laugh! Now, Bailey has much shorter hair than me... so it really made her hair poofy LOL She was not happy! She kept telling me she looked like a boy at school.. I'm really wondering about that one LOL So here she is with the foil:

And here she is after we pressed and took the hair out of the foil:

A bit pooooofy! LOL But still cute! We did it to my hair too... I need to do less hair, but it really works.. its amazing.  So, that was our fun today!

Here is a card I worked on:

The image of the angel is from Papelitos Stamps. You should definitely take a look. And the bats came from Eureka Stamps. I had the Copics that I used saved.. then I deleted that photo and now I have no idea LOL The charm was from my stash, which means I have had that for no less than 5 years LOL All of the papers were scraps. The stitching done with my handy dandy sewing machine. The twine was a gift and it was the perfect color.. Just what I needed :) Oh.. and all of the bats are diamond glazed. They are all darker around the edge because I used my 100 Copic on them. Now... I'm too tired to keep my eyes open... 4 am comes early! So I'm going to lay down and I will post to challenges tomorrow LOL

Good night everyone!

Challenges:

• Sketch #64 @ Sketches By Carly 
• Pins and/or Charms @ Craft Room Challenge
• Challenge #34: Stitching @ Crafting for all Seasons
• Paper Piecing (oldie: charm (had for no less than 5 yrs lol) @ Oldie But A Goodie 
• Week 34: Stitching...Real or Faux @ Polka Doodles 
• Paper Piecing @ Ladybug Craft Ink TLT
• PSC47: Anything Goes with a Sentiment @ Perfect Sentiments
• Challenge 21: Anything Goes @ ATCs and Cards with Attitude
• Inspire Me Fridays 74: Anything Goes! @ Inspire Me Fridays
• Challenge #3: Anything Goes @ QKR Stampede