Thursday, July 29, 2010

OBG @ Bugaboo

I love the Oldie But Goodie Thursdays at Bugaboo Stamps - it makes me use all those images that I've picked up from Bugaboo that maybe haven't "GRACED" the front of a card yet.
Much is the case with CUTE Miss Molly Moo.  This cutie has been sitting on my desk for weeks - all colored up with no meadow to graze.  Until today!! :)
Now, even though I grew up on a farm and mom & dad still have the farm, we never had cows or pigs.  We had horses, sheep & goats.  I did have friends growing up in 4-H who had both (always LOVED bottle-feeding baby cows).
Funny how one little image and some ribbon can bring back childhood memories.  :)
Image - Bugaboo Stamps - Molly Moo
Paper - Straw paper (Colorbok); Black, Pink & Red CS from my stash and my new favorite paper CORK - EXPECT TO SEE LOTS OF THIS!!!
Coloring Technique - Copics
Cuttlebug - Sizzix Animal print embossing (you can barely see it, but it's on the pink scallop)
Punches - EK Success & Fiskars Punches
Extra STUFF - Farm animal Ribbon from M's (FINALLY got to use it!!), Making Memories letter stamps, Colorbox Chestnut Roan & Lt Blue Ink, Primas, Red BLING and GOOGLEY EYES :)
And can I tell you just how much I absolutely LOVE this cloud technique my design team sista Marion shared with me??  LOVE IT!
Thanks so much for stopping by to visit today.  Won't likely be around much tomorrow as we're headed to the farm to work on building stairs and railings for the deck, but I hope you all have a WONDERFUL day.
Don't forget to stop by Bugaboo Stamps too - Jodie is having her 50% off MOVING IS EXPENSIVE sale that goes through Saturday.  Definitely a SALE you don't want to MISS OUT ON!!!

Time again for the TTT Challenge @ Shelly's Images

Ms. Marion is back from vacation and you MUST stop over at Shelly's Images and join us this week for the Terrifically Thrilling Thursday Challenge.  If you're getting ready for a VACATION, NEED a VACATION, or are just DREAMING of VACATION, this week's TTT Challenge is for YOU!!! :) 
Can you GUESS what it is??
Pop by, say hi and join us (plus you can WIN fabulous digi's for playing along)!!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The Marx Brothers, Richard Marx.......

Or was it Groucho Marx who was the funny guy with the big bushy eyebrows & crazy glasses?!  LOL  Geeze, you'd think Marx was like SMITH when it comes to people in history/celeberties.
I was in a bit of a Marti Gras mood (not sure why - maybe it was the hat), hence the Marti Gras Stella card.
You can NEVER go wrong with Stella when you need a giggle and this one is no different.
Image - Bugaboo Stamps - Stella
Papers - every darn last scrap is from my scrappy bin!
Technique - Copics
Extra STUFF - Stickles & Jewels from my stash

Thanks so much for popping by today.  If you didn't know, or haven't stopped by Bugaboo Stamps lately, Jodie's got a FABULOUS sale goin' on until the end of this week (Sale ends 7/31). 
It's a "MOVING IS EXPENSIVE - 50% off EVERYTHING Sale"
RUN, don't walk - she's got some awesome images over there!!!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Sand & Surf!

Bugaboo has a challenge this week that is Sweet Sweet Summertime.
I don't know about you, but when I think of summer I think of EVERYTHING BEACHY!
And WHO doesn't love the thought of all things BEACHY?!  :)

I picked up the Bugaboo "Poppi Penguin" line a few weeks ago and FINALLY got to play with them - well, at least ONE of them!  They're just perfect for a few of the kiddos in the family!  I think they are just ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!!  Don't you agree??
Image - Bugaboo Stamps Poppi Penguin line
Papers - Print paper from an OLD Summer Mat Stack(DCWV), all other CS from my scrappy bin
Techniques - Copics for coloring
Punches - Both EK Success
Extra STUFF - Color box Ink, Stickles, Googley eyes - yep, that's the real reason I picked up these digi's - LOL, Sand & Surf and Water splashes - Studio G stamps, Ribbon and Felt die cut flip flops from M's
I ended up with a TON of layers (picked up a few new punches I needed to try out) and I even did a little playing with some ribbon and glue (I'm still picking the fabric glue off my fingers - LOL)
Be sure to head over to Bugaboo's Challenge blog - Catch The Bug to play along with this week's challenge!!


Monday, July 26, 2010

Marvelous Monday - Island Life

And who woudln't love an ISLAND LIFE like this?!
This week Marion is our DT Blog Host and what a terrific image she gets to work with!!
Here's my take on this image - its a little bit of Paradise I created for my hubby - reminded us both of the trip to Aruba we took for our 5-year Anniversary. 
I can almost HEAR the waves again the beach and the salty air on my face.
Image - Shelly's Image Island Life
Papers - Flair Design prints and Coredinations CS
Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique
Extra STUFF - Prima Flowers, BG Brad, Flower Soft for Sandy beach, stickles for BLING and REAL shells for a little added extra "BEACHY FEEL"
Digi-Sentiment by Min - "If you want to know how much I Love You, Try & Count the Waves."

Be sure to stop by Shelly's Images and get your Island Life digi ON SALE TODAY ONLY!  If you haven't stopped by the blog lately, you must and see all the fabby fun things Ms. Marion has in store for this week too!
Because this image reminds me so much of our trip to Aruba a few years ago, you'll have to excuse me now while I go and try to find a little sand to stick my toes in!!
Happy Monday!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

PURSE-A-NALITY FREEBIE Sample

Here's the card I created with the freebie from Shelly's Images for reaching our 100th follower - didn't quite get it wrapped up yesterday and it was after midnight when we got home.  However, I had some lovely quiet time in my studio this morning.

I LOVE ME SOME WILD ZEBRA!!
Cute, huh?
Papers - All from my scrappy bin - zebra (from M's), Black cardstock from an automotive mail piece and Pink Bazzill & Teal Coredinations
Technique - Copics, Paper Piecing
Punches - EK Success & Fiskars
Extra STUFF - Crystal Glaze, BLING & Miscellaneous Flowers

I absolutely LOVE how this WILD & SASSY little thing turned out!
Be sure to stop by Shelly's Images, join us as a follower and get yourself this C-U-T-E freebie.  You can also join us at our CDAC group.  Don't forget too that Audrey posted a great TTT Challenge for this week - a simple but OH so useful one.  Check it out here and join us for the challenge - you could be our weekly Challenge Winner!!!
I hope you're having a fabulous weekend!
Today we're actually seeing some MUCH lower humidity, lower temps and a lovely day!  Sure looking forward to some Grilled chicken Stir-fry on the grill tonight.  Mmmmmmmmm!
I'll be sure to share some photos tomorrow - we LOVE creations in our kitchen!!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

PURSE-A-NALITY FREEBIE!!

Even though we're headed to mom & dad's today for a trip to Costco and some work on the deck, I wanted to remind you to head on over to Shelly's Images and join us as a follower and pick up a SUPER CUTE freebie that has a TON of PURSE-A-NALITY!!!

We just reach our 100th follower and we're wrappin' up this weeks birthday celebration - and what better way than a cute FREEBIE - you can NEVER have enough CUTE purses!!

I didn't have a  chance to FINISH the card I started - Diamond Glaze takes FOREVER to dry, but hopefully by the time we get home tonight it will be dry & I can take a photo and share - it is just WILD!!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

DESIGN TEAM CALL at Shelly's Images

Not only are we celebrating Shelly's Birthday this week (and today) but we've also got a Design Team call going on RIGHT NOW at Shelly's Images for the Fall Term (Sept. 1-Dec. 31) and we'd LOVE to have you join our team!

For more details, check out the DT 411 and DT Application tabs. 
We'd love to see your amazing talent and have you join our team!!

And don't forget - today is Terrifically Thrilling Thursday Challenge by Audrey has been posted here and it's a good one!!  I can't wait to get home and do some creatin' tonight!! :)

Happy Birthday!

To my Dear Friend Shelly!
I'm so blessed to have a friend like Shelly who is there for me at every turn or bump in the road.
God certainly has blessed me with Shelly's friendship - what he didn't give me in a sister he gave me in a wonderful friend and for that I am so grateful!
I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating!  You certainly deserve it!
I'd sing but I don't want to hurt anyones ears!  lol  ;)
Happy Birthday Sis!

Speaking of Birthday Celebrations - stop by Shelly's Images and CELEBRATE with us!!
There's PRESENTS there for YOU!!!!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Who doesn't LOVE Margaret?!

So today was a good day - we got the update on dad's surgery - we're officially scheduled for Wednesday, August 4 at 6 am.  So, I'm makin' silly cards like crazy for dad.

And what better place for silly images that MAKE you GRIN than Bugaboo Stamps!  And who doesn't love a crabby broad in the morning?  Margaret is a perfect "MORNING" person - NOT!  Here's a little Oldie But Goodie from Bugaboo (just a few hours early).  :)
Sorry for the bad photo - didn't want to fool around with setting up the background in the studio tonight)
Image - Margaret Mornings (Bugaboo Stamps)
Paper - All SCRAP (Doodlebug stripes, Kraft & Green CS)
Ribbon - Ribbon I've had FOREVER and finally started using
Copis to color
Extra STUFF - BLING, Stickles & Doodling

The inside reads - "YES, someone pee'ed in my cornflakes this morning, now GO AWAY!"
PERFECT if you ask me (I'm not much of a morning person until AFTER a substantial amount of caffeine!
I hope you have a TERRIFIC THURSDAY and be sure to stop over to Shelly's Images tomorrow morning and wish my SIS a VERY HAPPY BRITHDAY (and help us CELEBRATE - we got a PARTY goin' on over there!!) :)

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Super Quick Quickie

I just thought I'd share a card I put together the other day using just some scraps that were on my desk.  It's a sympathy card, so I really love how simple it turned out.
Paper - Coredinations & Kraft
Cuttlebug - Embossing (I really MUST use these folders more often on cards!!)
Extra STUFF - Metal Butterfly with bling from Michaels - sure wish I could find more of these!
Nesties to cut out sentiment
Digi-Sentiment created by me
I hope you're having a great week so far - if you're looking to add a little celebration to your day, be sure to stop over at Shelly's Images - we're celebrating Shelly's Birthday this week and just by leaving comments each day you have the chance to win free digi-stamps.  We're picking 5 winners each day. 
How about that?  Someone elses birthday and YOU get the gifts!?

Monday, July 19, 2010

Presents!

Birthdays are the best - we always celebrate big in our family.  This week my sis Shelly celebrates a birthday (on Thursday) and we're CELEBRATING in a BIG way!

Be sure to stop by EVERY day between now and Wednesday at 11:59 pm and leave us a comment, you could WIN WIN WIN some birthday presents!  :)  Free Images of your choice from Shelly's Images.
Who doesn't LOVE a BIRTHDAY PARTY like that?
Tomorrow's a new day, so be sure you stop by and party with us!
Bring your friends too!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Happy Weekend!

What a gerrific weekend!!  And of course, I don't have many photos to share!
Friday we spent the day with my dad at an old car show that he goes to every year.  This year we didn't want him to miss it, so Glen and I spent the day with dad.  I was absolutely amazed by the amount of old car parts and how all these guys knew what all these parts were too and what year vehicle, it was absolutely fascinating.  Trim pieces for instance, they knew what model, vehicle and model year.  Amazing!!

Saturday we spent the day in the sweltering heat (big surprise there) working on the deck.  We were able to finish the railings and get the lights installed.  It looks awesome and mom & dad were thrilled!!  Dad and I made a quick trip to Lowe's even, which as simple as it sounds, is a huge step for my dad in his getting stronger for his surgery.  While we were at my mom and dad's yesterday we also ended up harvesting a FEW (like a DOZEN) cucumbers, banana peppers and even green onions.  I didn't take photos of that, however we were home today and WE have some veggies ready to pick in our garden (and a few that aren't yet ready to pick, but are growin like crazy!

We even got some time around the house today which was FABULOUS!!
So, on the crafty side of things - if you haven't been over to Crafters Digital Art Center, you MUST stop by - they have some absolutely FABULOUS challenges AND even some freebie images for you to download, use and enjoy! 
You can join for free and I'm sure you will enjoy your time there - there are some amazing digital designers and amazing inspiration!!  Heck, you can even join us at Shelly's Images.  We'd love to have you!
This week, Shelly's Images is hosting the sketch challenge with this fabulous new Birdie Birthday freebie -
How adorable is this?
Image - Shelly's Image (Freebie for CDAC #2 challenge)
MORE Challenges - Scrap-Friendzy Bonus Challenge #9 (cards with ONLY scraps)
Papers - Basic Grey & MME
Technique - A neat new technique to me making clouds thanks to my Design Team sista Marion
Thanks Girl!
Punch - Fiskars Apron punch
Extra STUFF - Copics, Stickles and Flat back Bb's
And, if you're looking for more freebies -
Join us this week at Shelly's Images Blog for a BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!  This week is my sis Shelly's Birthday and she's CELEBRATING in a big way!  Each day if you play along you can be a winner of some great freebies (she's been adding some AWESOME images to the store!)
Come join us and CELEBRATE!!
Happy Weekend!!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Happy Birthday!

to my friend and Design Team Sista Marion who is celebrating a birthday today!
Wishing you a spectacular day My Friend!!
Happy Birthday!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Buffalo Chicken Recipe

A definite DO OVER in our house!!
This is the recipe from the chicken Glen made for my birthday.  I thought I'd share so you could enjoy it as much as we did.
Recipe is courtsey of Simple & Delicious Magazine.  You can check out more asweome recipes at Taste of Home - they publish several recipe magazines.  You won't be sorry!!  PROMISE!
Buffalo Chicken - makes 4 servings
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/4 tea. salt
1/4 tea. pepper
2 eggs
1/2 c. seasoned bread crumbs (we used more to make sure the breasts were well coated)
3 TBSP Canola oil
1/4 c. Buffalo wing sauce
1/4 c. shredded provolone cheese
1/4 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Mix salt & pepper with bread crumbs in a shallow bowl.  In a shallow bowl, whisk egg.  Preheat oven to 350*.  Dip chicken in eggs then coat with bread crumbs.  Oil a baking dish and place the breaded chicken in dish.  Bake for 25 minutes, flip and bake for another 25 minutes or until chicken juices run clear.  During the last few minutes of cooking, add the Buffalo Wing Sauce over the top of the chicken.  Sprinkle with cheese and bake until cheese is melted. 

Can you say YUMM-O???

You can also cook this in a skillet/stove-top, but we baked them instead and were SUPER happy with the way they turned out!!
Thanks for stoppin' by today.  Let me know if you give this recipe a try & what you think! 
Happy days to you!

Monday, July 12, 2010

Camp-Friendzy Mess Hall Duty Challenge

Happy Monday and welcome to this week's Camp-Friendzy Challenge.
This week's Challenge is a Mess Hall Duty Challenge - Take your TRASH & turn it into a TREASURED layout!
So, this is my TRASH to TREASURE layout - my sweet nephew with his new baby sister.
Can you guess what I went dumpster diving and used on my layout??
Papers - All papers are from my stash - Navy Blue Bazzill, Red & Purple CS, Kraft, Recollections Doodle - White Equillibrium & Scrappin' Sports & more - Wonderful1/Dots
Technique - Paper Piecing, Dryer Sheet Flower and Doodling
Cricut - Title using All Mixed Up and Alphalicious
Extra STUFF - EK Success Paper Punch, Stamp - Studio G Bird; Fabric Covered brads, Precious Stamp - Studio G, Sticky Square Letters - K& Company, Dry Wall Tape, Ric Rack, Clear Plastic Frame, Tattered Angels - Antique Brass Mist and a Googley Eye

So, do you think you know what I pulled out of the trash?
A Wheat Thins Box (we eat a box a weekend at our house).  I used this box to stamp the bird on (the backside) as well as mat the large photo on.
Prima Flower Center Packaging (The green printed material that has the date on it)
A Cream Cheese Package for the Bar Code near "PRECIOUS"
USED Dryer Sheets - to make the flower

So that was the project for this weekend!!
If you're looking for some inspiration, you won't be sorry, joining us over at Scrap-Friendzy for Camp.  While you're too late to compete in the Last Camper Standing contest, there are still lots of RAK and great prizes to be won.  So, get on your hiking boots and hike on over and join us!

Marvelous Monday - New Release - Shelly's Images

Yep, today's the day for a NEW RELEASE from Shelly's Images!  And it's just PEFECT for those birthday cards that need a yummy little image!!
Be sure to stop over to the Shelly's Images Blog and see what the girls on the Design Team have created.  And be sure to stop by the store to get yours (it's on sale today only).

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I got a little scrappy time yesterday when it started raining and we were forced inside, but of course not enough time to use this new image.  Hopefully I can share a little something with you later. 

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Fourth of July Creativity....

Happy Weekend!!  I wanted to share with you this little 4th of July quickie I put together for my nephew - Purple & Dinosaurs, a great combination for a little boy who KNOWS what he likes!  :)  Our favorite little Firecracker!  His baby sister will have a good teacher! :)
Image - Doodle Dragon Studios
Papers - Scraps from my scrappy bin - Red, White & Blue CS and Kraft
Technique - Embossing & Magic Colored Pencil Technique
Extra STUFF - BLING, Doodling, Studio G Stamps, Stickles & Red, White & Blue Ribbon
Well, we're off to mom and dad's today - Building deck steps that lead to dad's gargen are on tap today.  If I have a chance tomorrow, I'll be sure to share photos of our progress and of the garden - you'll be AMAZED at how the veggies are growin'.  Heck, today, we might even have green beans to pick!  :)
Happy Day!

Friday, July 9, 2010

$#!^

TGIF!

For a short week, whew, glad we made it!!
We got rain last night (which was VERY MUCH NEEDED) and the 200% HUMIDITY FINALLY went away and we're in for a NICE weekend! For that we're glad because it's another "work on the deck weekend" at the farm!!! We're working on STEPS to the garden this weekend.
And even more exciting - DAD IS COMING HOME TODAY!!!
We are above the moon happy to have him coming home!  The docs are going to let him rest, recover and get stronger for a few weeks before moving forward with his surgery.  I think just by coming home will be FABULOUS for his recovery and strength!!
So, yesterday was Oldies But Goodie day at Bugaboo, so I had the chance to do a little creatin' -
I was SO excited when I found these images from Bugaboo Stamps - I needed some new ones I could make funny cards for dad with!  I've had these Crabby Cat images for a little while and finally got to use them.
And this CRABBY CAT was absolutely PERFECT!!  And even better yet, there were a bunch of them that I plan to use in the near future!
Papers - Everything is from my scrappy box
Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique
Extra STUFF - Flat Backed BB's, EK Success Bubble Punch
And of course, the Sentiment, seemed to really fit the image!  :)
The inside that I didn't take a photo of said:
One day you will look back on this time and the wisdom it bestowed and think....
BOY, THAT SUCKED!
So fitting, but so true!  Dad got a great chuckle out of this card! :)
Off to the hospital to see dad this morning and help get his stuff together so he can come home!!
Thank you all for your prayers and support!!  Praise the Lord!!
I hope you have a FABULOUS weekend and gettin' some scrappy time in!
Happy Summer Days to you!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Terrifically Thrilling Thursday Challenge

Head over to Shelly's Images Blog and check out the TTT Challenge Scrappy's posted this week!  
A terrific challenge you can combine with some other great challenges if you love to pile it on.  Even better yet - you have the chance to WIN some FABULOUS images from Shelly's Images.  Who doesn't love being a winner and winnin' free stuff?!
Have you checked out some of the new images Shelly's posted lately? 
She's been fillin' up the store with all kinds of great new images!
Definitely a MUST visit!
Come join us and show us what you got!
Happy Day to you!


"Letters Home"

With Camp-Friendzy going on right now and being halfway thru camp, it's always nice to sent a "Letter Home" and let the 'rents know how camp is going.  I never went to a typical 'camp' growing up, we went to a 4-H camp - we stayed in dorms at Michigan State University (yep, really 'roughin' it) for four days.  Anyway, although we never wrote letters home, I remember the movies where the kids at camp wrote letters home, never mentioning the Poison Ivy, Jock Itch or other bad things they'd picked up at camp - just "Things here at Camp are just fabulous - learning a lot and making new friends".  Anyway, I digress -  So one of our bonus challenges during camp (it is a scrappy camp you know) was to put together "Letters Home" out of your scrappy 'tovers (or at least the cards).
So, I thought I'd share one of my "Letters Home".
Papers - Kraft, Coredinations Aqua & Yellow
Technique - Embossing (can I tell you I just LOVE this embossing folder?!)
Extra STUFF - Metal butterfly from M's $1 bins (love these, must get MORE!), Studio G Sentiment, Dew Drop Ink
If you haven't had a chance to join us over at Scrap-Friendzy for "Camp-Friendzy", don't miss out!!  You won't be disappointed with all the fabulous inspiration!!
Thanks so much for stoppin' by today - here's wishin' you great day today!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Happy Birthday!

Yep, today I'm celebrating!  What a great day it's been!  My hubby sang me happy birthday this morning before I left to see my dad at the hospital.  My mom and dad had decorated my dad's room with happy birthday banners so they were there when I arrived.  I got to take a birthday walk with my dad who was feeling good today.  My mom 'cooked' breakfast with a little help from Mickey D's and they picked up some super neat things.
This is my new FAVORITE bag (Glen was laughing b/c he KNOWS how much this thing will end up weighing once I'm done loading it up).  And the sprial bound notebook - MOM MADE - DAUGHTER APPROVED.  My mom learned what modge podge is yesterday!  She covered a hard cover notebook with some neat fabrics she sewed together and modge podged it to the cover of the notebook.  It's too nice to use!  The photo doesn't do it justice!
Then my honorary grandma brought up this yummy cupcake with a singing candle.  I took the photo at work because there was NO WAY this little sucker was going to make it home in one piece.  And BOY was it GOOD!!!
And to my surprise when I got home, my wonderful hubby got me these gorgeous flowers
Made me Buffalo Chicken for dinner - aren't these just gorgeous? Let me tell you - dinner was just AMAZING!!
And to top it all off - He ALSO made me a Strawberry Pie (the crust is even from scratch -  he ROCKS in the kitchen!!!)
Thanks to everyone for the wonderful birthday wishes, calls, cards and thoughts!  Today was a great day to celebrate a birthday!  We plan to do some more CELEBRATING once dad is out of the hospital and recovered!!
I hope you all had a wonderful day - Happy Hump Day!!
Thanks for stopping by - always happy to have you!
Stay tuned tomorrow for an awesome new Terrifically Thrilling Thursday challenge at Shelly's Images Blog - Scrappy's got some neat stuff up her sleeve that you won't want to miss!
You still have a little time to get in on this week's challenge and maybe even be a WINNER!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

A day in the life.....

It's hard to believe that it's been a month today that my dad has been in the hospital.  We are hoping that the light we're seeing is the one at the end of the tunnel and we can move closer to the surgery dad was 3 days short of having.  I can't imagine there are many more tests my dad can possibly have that he hasn't already had!  Poor guy, but he hasn't complained once (except when the head shrinkers came in and made him think he was crazy. . . . he's not, he's VERY on top of things - even made the shrink THINK today - now, THAT was funny!!)  He's such a strong man - the strongest I've ever met!!

I feel like such a terrible blogger lately.  I miss having the time to see what all you wonderfully crafty folks are doing on your blogs!  The hospital that my dad is at is about an hour and fifteen minutes from where we live, 40 minutes from where I work, so every morning I go into the hospital before work, spend a few hours with my dad, talk with his doctors and find out what's on tap for the day.  Then off to work I go.  I've been working a little later than usual to make up for the hours I'm out (trying to save some vacation time for after his surgery when we all take a well deserved vacation to ARUBA - Dad's FAVORITE place).  Anyway, most nights by the time I get through traffic, when I get home I've been so drained, I can't even DRAG myself to my studio or even to the computer most nights.

From the update we got today, we are hoping everything goes smooth the next few days and that dad continues to recoup and recover.  We're HOPING the esophagectomy happens a week from tomorrow.  Today was the bronchoscopy and the echocardialgram.  Yep, full schedule.

My mom and I have been doing lots of knitting while 'hanging around' the hospital - travels easy and it all fits in a small bag.  Speaking of bags, yep, that's what I've been knitting - these knifty cotton market/beach bags.  The photo isn't the best and don't really do it justice, but you can pack a TON of stuff in these little babies - towels, sun screen & scrappy magazines if you're headed to the beach and lots of yummy summer finds if you're headed to the farmers market!
They are just WONDERFUL - reuseable, washable and SUPER CUTE!!  - if you love them and want one, I've been selling them for $15 and am happy to knit one in the colors you'd like.  Leave me a comment here and we'll get you taken care of.  Gotta have something to keep knitting! 

Glen and I laugh that after this is all said and done, I should have my honorary Medical Degree or at least my RN certification!!  I've learned more about esophaguses, gallbladders, intestinal & bowel systems, hemoglobin & red blood cells, white blood cells, cancer, radiation, chemo, colons, lungs, fluids, fevers, blood pressures, stomachs, scopes, anti-nausea meds, antibiotics, TPN, feeding tubes, gallbladder drainage tubes, dressings (nope, not turkey day dressings either),  oxygen saturation, heart rates and temperatures than I ever expected I'd learn.  I was a BAD Science student growing up (not intrested in science) - but I joked with Glen that I really should listened and learned more in science class growing up.  Guess there's never a time like the present, huh?

I've had the chance here and there to tinker with some digi-images (not much, but a little bit) and I even had some time yesterday after we got back from the hospital to actually create a scrapbook page!  Holy Christmas, it's been like FOREVER since I've done that!!
This is my nephew Colin and his new baby sister, my niece Natalie (this was taken in February - yep, been that long since I've done much in way of layouts!!).  Aren't they just PRECIOUS?!  :) 
"He Adores You"
Papers - Kraft & Coredinations, Patterned Papers - Making Memories (isn't it just too cute??)
Techniques - Doodling, Accordian & Dryer Sheet flowers
Die Cut - Cricut - Storybook & Ashlyn's Alphabet
Extra STUFF - MS Punch (Cheryl did a LO with this punch and it was a MUST ADD to my collection), BLING (from M's), Prima Flower Centers, individual letters for title & date, tulle for flower.
The blue flowers are actually used dryer sheets that have been spritzed with a little tattered angel mist.

I learned how to make those flowers a few months ago based on a tutorial that one of my Scrap-Friendzy design team sista's created. Pretty neat, huh??  You'll likely see this same photo on another layout. Of course now with a niece and nephew - cute sibling photos like this must be in both albums (before they hate having their photos taken together, you know?).

This layout was created while playing along with the Camp-Friendzy Nature challenge.  Yep, got my Nature Badge!  If you haven't joined us over at Camp-Friendzy, please do, even though the contest part of the summer is already off and running, there are more challenges than you can shake a stick at and chances to WIN prizes too!  So, come on over, join us, get inspired, meet some fabulously crafty (and chatty) girlfriendz and enjoy camp! 

Thanks for listening to all the blah blah blah today (yep, long winded lately too) and thank you all too for your thoughts and prayers.  We are truly blessed to have friends and family for support and prayers.  I hope to be able to post a few more things in the next few days (Most the cards I've been making lately have been funny ones for my dad).  :)
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend and aren't melting with all this crazy heat & humidity.  WHEW - the walk into work felt like I was moving in slow motion today.  I hope to get to all your blogs very soon - I really do miss seeing what kind of amazing things you're creating!
Hugs!!