.......and we're off.....

to KY to visit my brother & his family.
I'm getting to see my neice & nephew,
whom I haven't seen since 2007.
To say I'm a little excited,
is very much an understatement.
I won't be updating the ole' blog
until next week.
So, I'll leave you with some layouts
I did last week.
I happen to be working on Dec 2006 pics,
so most of these are Christmas related,
but the rest are pics from my mom's June bday.
That's about how far behind I am:)

I'm also getting to meet Scarlet & April.
Seems they are located only 7.64 miles away from my bro!!
I'll get to pick up my July kit & get a quick pic!!
So, I hope everyone has a wonderful & blessed 4th of July.
We'll be celebrating in KY
& are thankful for our Lord & Saviour, our soldiers,
& the freedom they provide us
to live in this wonderful country!!

So Sketchy final card for June

Here's my final card in June for So Sketchy.
I finally used my new Hello Kitty cartridge
I got, as a surprise, for Mother's Day.
Lots of cute cuts on this cartridge
that can be used for any occassion.
Not just girly stuff.
Using some more scraps from my box too.

I did get my Card Creations 7
magazine in the mail yesterday.

I have 2 cards in this issue
& it's packed full of great cards
by some really talented artists.
Not sure when it hits the mag racks,
but be on the look-out for it.
Yesterday I had some major scrappy time.
I was thrilled to get 3 layouts completed
and even more thrilled that I actually like them.
I've been doing cards so much
that I've lost my touch w/my layouts.
I'm hoping to get them posted before the weekend.
Hope you have wonderfully "cool" day!

CPS 121 & needing Blogger help:)

Good Hump Day to you!!
Having washing machine troubles this morn.
Have me a full load,
with water,
just sitting there ready to drain!!
Seems our spin cycle quit.
Ah..................the joys of homeownership!!
Or is it just adulthood?
Anyway,
I worked with the CPS 121 sketch yesterday.
Still using my summery stuff.
In fact, I failed to mention
I got the inspiration from Danni Reid!!
I was browsing her blog,
saw these cards she made
& realized I had the same chipboard pieces
& some of the same papers.
I've managed to make my cards
using nothin' but scraps though:)
What a great feeling to use up those scraps.

I do need help with Blogger,
if someone happens to know the answer.
Awhile back,
I had to update to IE 8 & my flashplayer.
Ever since I've been having computer probs,
one of which is accessing certain Blogger blogs.
The second I click on certain blogs,
I get an "error" message that says it can't be loaded
& I have to ctrl/alt/delete to get out of the internet
& start all over.
Does anyone know what this is caused by?
If anyone could help,
I would be so appreciative.
I'll glady send a RAK even:)

Card Patterns #20

Would you believe I only got
one card done last night?
We ended up having to pick up Ashlyn.
Camryn was upset because she didn't want to come home.
So we let her stay.
She breaks my heart everyday.
Only 4-years old
& loves being away from home:(
So, I started this card last night
& finished it this morning.
I used the current Card Patterns #20 sketch.
After I took the picture,
I actually redid parts of it.
I'm likin' it much better now.
Supplies sponsored by Scrap Happy of Pensacola.

Not sure what we have planned for today.
It's just too hot to do anything outside.
I hope everyone is staying cool
& enjoying their summer.

2S4U - Kazan 29

Did everyone's dad have a great weekend?
Ours did...............I think?
Girls are at a pool/slumber party,
but we're expecting to get a phone call tonight:)
We don't mind.
We actually like having our girls home with us.
Since they're gone,
I decided to spend some time scrapping.
I gained inspiration from
the both wonderful 2S4U latest weekly sketch.
The first sketch is actually for the Top 10 contestants,
This AC paper is still some of my FAV!!
So much so,
when I went to SanDestin for Spring Break,
I bought some more:)
BUT, everything you see on this card
was SCRAPS!!
For the 2nd card,
I pulled a ton of scraps from my scrap box
& used nothin' but the scraps!!

Off to try & scrap some more
& maybe enjoy a nice dinner with hubby!!

2S4U, CPS 120 & a long story!!

It's been about 3-weeks
& I still haven't told the "story."
So, here it is:
while in SanDestin, Memorial Day weekend
& Ashlyn's birthday,
we lost our dear Emma.
William came out on Saturday
& when we came home on Tuesday,
we couldn't find her,
& we realized her food had not been touched.
We hoped, we looked, we called all the neighbors & we prayed
that she would return to us.
Exactly one week later,
around 9:45 PM, sitting in our kitchen,
we hear the terrifying howls of our sweet Bella.
Bella is Ashlyn's 2-year old Chihuahua.
William ran outside
& immediately headed for the woods.
Sadly, we were too late.
We have something hunting our woods
& we're not sure if it's coyote or a bobcat.
Needless to say,
we're certain Emma won't be returning either.
The week was hard for us,
losing 2 beloved animals in one week
& Ashlyn's bf getting a new kitten.
She put on a brave face though
& only cried once she got home.
We were NOT in the market for any more.
That's 3 heartbreaks this year
& I honestly can't take anymore.
We're down to Molly (12) & Deacon (11)
& they're content to rule the house again.
Then, my sister called
to tell me about some orphaned kittens.
Who can resist orphaned kittens?
Apparently not us!!
We ended up bringing this sweet thang home
& promptly named her Macy.
Isn't she the cutest thing?
She's a gorgeous white w/grayish/silvery tips
& light blue eyes & a sweet temperament.
We've had her one-week
& she's approximately 7-weeks old now.

And, YES,
we're taking extra safeguards
around the house now.
NONE of the animals are allowed out after dusk
& we monitor the use of the doggy door.

I finally finished all my Father's Day cards & gifts.
I used 2S4U's sketch for the first one
& the CPS 120 sketch for the second one.
Almost used up all this paper!!

We have family coming over for food & games,
so I'm taking a rest before I head to the kitch.
I hope your Father's Day
is wonderful & filled with love & laughter.
I know our's will be,
because we have the best daddy/husband in the world!!

CPS 120

Father's Day is this weekend.
I was looking for Father's day cards
I knew I already had made
& couldn't figure out why I couldn't find them.
Then I remembered
they'll be in the June issue of CARDS magazine!!
Alot of good they do me now:)
So, I used CPS 120 to make a new one,
along w/an altered gift card tin.
I used Scrap Within Reach papers & letters
that came in one of my CARDS goodie boxes.
To cut the word "thanks,"
I used my Cricut
& some "virtual metal" adhesive paper
by Magic Scraps,
I've had for about 10 years?

We did go see "Imagine That" last night.
Great movie,
though the girls weren't as into it as we thought.
Ashlyn was really tired from working,
so on another day she might have enjoyed it more?
Still worth going to see.
Next on our list:
"Transformers" new one.
This is more for daddy......I didn't see the first one.
Well, I still have one more card to make
so better get busy!!
Thanks for stopping by!

2S4U - Laura's 28 sketch

Good morning to everyone!!
Trying to get myself going
a tad earlier than my usual summer morning:)
Camryn has a playdate today
& she got up really, really early!!
Her friend Isabella is the cutest thing
& they have so much fun together.
Last night I made this card,
using 2S4U - Laura's 28 sketch.
2S4U is in the 3rd week of their
ULTIMATE CARD CHALLENGE
& the competition is fierce!!
I can't wait to see who wins,
but I've been enjoying ALL the talent.
Anyway, here's my card,
using My Minds Eye papers,
K&Co butterflies, Making Memories stick pins
& some Maya Road sheer flourishes.

I did a layout too,
but I'll upload that later.
Off to get one happy kid to a playdate.

Use It Challenge #14

I can't believe
I've managed to do ANOTHER
Use It challenge!!
This week's challenge was to use:
1) pink - ribbon, brad & paper
2) scallops - Fiskar border punch
3) a tag - well....it's a bookmark! Doesn't that count?
Using the cute Imaginisce worm stamp again
& some more yummy My Minds Eye papers.
I'm using the rest of this paper
for a layout about me & my sister:)

And that's all for now.
Just ate a piece of delish chocolate pie,
& I'm gonna scrap a bit more
& then spend time w/the girlies!!

Card Patterns #19

Another Monday,
another fun-day:)
We've already been swimming
& the girls are now napping.
So I took advantage of the time
to get bills paid, talk to a mortgage lender
& use Card Patterns 19!!!
I used products supplied by Scrap Happy of Pensacola,
which includes the My Minds Eye & Cosmo Cricket papers
& the cute worm stamp by Imaginisce.

So I have been in the mood to scrap,
but I've just been too dang tired.
It's so hot outside
that whenever we go out & come back inside,
I'm too tired to do much of anything.
Still exercising,
still reading
& it's still summer!!!
I can't complain.

So Sketchy card #3

TGIF to all those that work!!
Since I'm a SAHM,
plus school is out for summer,
everyday is Friday to me
& I absolutely LOVE that:)
It's time again for another
So Sketchy sketch & card.
I must admit
whenever I come across a sketch
that "stumps" me,
I'm more apt to just skip it over
& do something else.
This sketch was one of those for me.
It was a stumper for sure,
but since I'm on the design team,
I really had no choice
& I loved that I was challenged
& it got me out of my comfort zone.
So here's my card,
using Studio Calico papers,
a Sassafras flower, Maya Road journaling sheer
& some good ole' American Crafts thickers.

So do you have any plans for this weekend?
William is at bike challenge #2 for this year.
I think they're somewhere abouts Baton Rouge?
So it's me & the girlies until mid-Saturday
& then we're off to Tokyo Japan.............
restaurant that is:)
To celebrate my mom's birthday.
Sunday we're also going to see "Imagine That."
I think this summer will be another movie summer.
Hope you have a good one!!

Use It Challenge #13

I check this challenge site every week,
but rarely get a chance to participate.
This week I did
& enjoyed the challenge.
Use It Challenge #13
1. Absolutely NO full 12x12 paper
can be harmed in the making of this card!
So, scraps, scraps & scraps!!
2. *BLING*
And then a little more bling... ;) !!
3. Die cuts
These can be made with a cricut, slice, store bought, etc.,
but I want to see die-cuts on your card!
4. *Bonus* challenge:
I'd like to see 4 different patterns of paper
on your card!!

Here's my take: *using products from Scrap Happy Pensacola*

I did use 4 different sheets of patterned paper,
did NOT cut a single 12x12 sheet of paper,
used my Cricut to cut the surf board,
added bling in the center of my sun,
plus I added some Stickle to the top of the sand.

That's all for now.
Off to spend time with family.

Laura's Sketch #28

Earlier this week,
I made a card for 2 Sketches 4 U
using the Top 30 sketch,
instead of the "weekly" sketch:)
I'm a rebel like that.....I am!!
I finally got around to making a card,
using the regular weekly sketch
& here it is!!
Using products sponsored by Scrap Happy of Pensacola,
the Jungle Bungle line of papers,
the cutest Imaginisce hippo stamp
& a Maya Road journaling heart!!
Isn't the hippo the cutest?

Today Ashlyn is working at the pet store again.
She LOVED her first day,
which was last Thursday.
She learned how to use a pricing gun
& thought it was the greatest thing.
Not sure why she didn't have to clean any kennels?
But if Daddy has his way,
that will come sooner then she would like.
Happy Thursday everyone
& thank you so much for visiting me & leaving comments!

Card Patterns #18

Happy Birthday to my MOM
& Happy hump day to everyone else:)
I managed to make another card,
using the current Card Patterns #18.
I realize the entire card looks wonky crooked,
but it's not.
Photo taking skills............I have not!!
I LOVE this Basic Grey paper
& have hardly even touched it.
But I did pull every piece
of patterned paper,
out of my "scraps" box,
so I'm happy 'bout that.
I also did some machine-stitching
around the edges, but it's hard to tell.

It is my mom's birthday today!!
We'll be celebrating Sat night....Japanese style*yum yum*
I made it to the 1/2 way mark
with my EA Wii Fitness thingy
& have been enjoying it.
We went swimming again today
& I attempted to take a nap,
but that proved pointless.
So, I'm gonna try to scrap
before the girls wake!!
Wish me luck:)

So Sketchy Card #2

It's already time for my 2nd So Sketchy card.
I really loved Allison's sketches this month
& this one was no exception.
Be sure to visit the So Sketchy site for the sketch.
I embossed the base
& cut the stars using my Cricut,
then did some hand-stitching.
I also used stamps for all the sentiments
& loved how "independence" stamped so easily,
even though I had to curve it.

Girls were up at 6:30 this morning*sigh*
So, daddy is making some breakfast
I'm gonna exercise
& then we'll go swimming.
I think I'll need a nap today:)

2 Sketches 4 U Ultimate Card contest

It's week #2 in 2 Sketches 4 U
ULTIMATE CARD CONTEST.
Did you see ALL the talent from last week?
Truly amazing work!!!!
EVERYONE should be proud of their card.

I realize only the Top 30 are using the new sketch,
but the weekly sketch hadn't been posted,
when I visited the site earlier today
so I already made my card:)
So gee whiz golly,
guess tomorrow I'll have to make another card!!

Girls have friends over tonight
& tomorrow we'll be swimming.
I need to get me some shut eye.

CPS 119

I haven't scrapped much lately,
so today I decided I would.
I used the current CPS 119 sketch
& I like how it turned out
though I really struggled with it.

I also did a layout,
but nothing worth uploading:)
I'm tired today.
Girls are with grandparents,
but they are both having friends over tonight,
so I need to get in gear
& get supper ready.
I'm thinkin' fajitas & tacos?

2 Sketches 4 U - Laura 27 sketch

Have you heard about
THE ULTIMATE CARD CHALLENGE?
If not,
head over to 2 Sketches 4 U
& check out the deets.
Since I'm a judge,
I can't "enter" the contest,
but I made a card anyway.
Since I haven't scrapped in a couple weeks,
I feel a bit rusty,
but here it is anyway.
This uses Laura's 27 sketch,
which is the first sketch for the challenge.

Thanks for stopping by.
Now off to visit more blogs
& then finish up a book!!

Beautiful, blissful

SUMMER!!
I know I know.
It's not "officially" summer yet.
But I can't help the feeling.
I've thoroughly enjoyed my first week
of NO school, no getting up early,
no homework, no packed lunches
& no bedtimes!!
Instead,
I've been enjoying
reading, swimming, beaching,
exercising, sleeping-in, shopping
& just being lazy:)
Here's a card I made
while in SanDestin.
The pictures is not great
& the colors are much better IRL.

And, I've been going through
each & every entry for
2 Sketches 4 U Ultimate Card Challenge.
Can I just say WOW!!
I am totally blown away by the entries.
You ladies are truly talented!!
Good luck to everyone!!

So Sketchy June card

I can't believe it's already June!!
I'm already getting into
a comfortable summer routine,
& that started with sleeping in past 6:00 AM!!
This card kicks off my June cards for So Sketchy.
Using some Cosmo Cricket papers
& Making Memories alphabet stickers.
Perfect card to get me in the summer mood.

If you haven't already read about
So Sketchy's Birthday Blog Hop,
go the the above link
& check it out.
There are prizes to be won!!
Camyn is having a playdate today
& Ashlyn starts working her summer job!!
Yep, she wants to work at the shop this summer
& nothing we've said has changed her mind.
So, why not?
She also started karate classes Tuesday night
& will have her 2nd class tonight.
I'm hanging w/the girls
& reading at night.
Not much scrapping at all.
Our summer is staying busy,
but I'm enjoying it so far.
How 'bout yours?

So Sketchy Birthday Bash Blog Hop

Today we're celebrating So Sketchy's Birthday
& if you're here,
maybe you found your way via Kristii's blog?
Anyway,
here's a birthday card I made
& the sketch I used.
Plus, all the information you need
to win some fabulous prizes!!

Just for being here as part of the So Sketchy Birthday Bash, you can WIN some fabulous prizes! YUP!
All you have to do to win is leave a comment on EACH of the participating So Sketchy Sista's blogs and then return to the So Sketchy blog birthday bash post and leave a comment with:

~your first name & last initial,
~your location (state/province & country) *open world wide* and
~some means of getting a hold of you (ie: email or blog link).

So make sure you have commented on ALL the Sista's blogs to be eligible to win. From my blog, you should visit Virginie's blog.

The prize draw will take place on Thursday June 4 after 10pm MST so you have until then to complete the round of So Sketchy! Sista blogs celebrating our 1st birthday. The winner will be posted on the So Sketchy! blog sometime after the 5th of June. Good luck!!!

2 Sketches 4 U ~ Ultimate Card Showdown

It's finally here!!
TODAY is the day!!
1st Annual Ultimate Card Showdown!!
Sponsored by 2 Sketches 4 U!!
And I'll be one of the judges:)
Here's all the deets,
taken directly from their website.

Week 1
Welcome to the 2 Sketches 4 You Ultimate Card Showdown. We are celebrating our 1st Anniversary and wanted you all to join in on the fun and festivities as we say thank you to one and all for an amazing year. In honor of our 1st year Annivesary we are teaming up with some of the biggest names in the crafting industry to bring to you a Card Challenge 2 Sketches style: A card challenge so big, so wonderful and so exciting, filled to the brim with sketches, cards, inspiration, anticipation and PRIZES that will change the way you make cards 4 eva!

*Grand Prize*
Over $500 in products from the following sponsors...
( for a detailed description of all the prizes, please see HERE)

Zutter Innovated Products
Sakura of America
Clearsnap
Starving Artistamps
Scor-it
Sulyn Industries
Teresa Collins
Inky Antics Rubber Stamps

Top 30 finalists will receive prizes from the following sponsors...

Teresa Collins
Sulyn Industries

How to get started..Create the most stunning card ever based on Laura's sketch. Take a beautiful clear picture of your card and post it on your blog, website or public gallery THEN hop on over here and link up your card using MR. LINKY!

How much time do you have...
One week! Have your card linked through Mr. Linky by Midnight Saturday June 6 (that is U.S. Mountain Time).

What happens next...
Our wonderful Judges (past and present 2 Sketches 4 You Design Team Members) are going to pick their favorite TOP 30 cards. They will secretly email us their choices and we will announce those finalists on Sunday June 7 right here together with Card of the Week and the Fab 5! and the Sakura Random Prize Winner of the Week. The Top 30 Finalists will also receive their exclusive Sketch to be completed by the following week. The winner of Card of the Week will get the prize donated by the Sponsor of that Week. Oh yes did we tell you that the Sponsors will be giving us their input on the Cards so be sure to visit their websites *wink-wink*.

Monday is a BIG day...
On Monday June 8th we will bring you another sketch and a fab NEW Sponsor. This is a great opportunity to play along and be eligable to win fantastic prizes from our Sponsors for Card of the Week or to have your name highlighted as the Fab 5! At the end of the week we will announce the TOP 20 finalists (from the 30 finalists previously chosen) that are advancing to the next round and also our Card of the Week Winner, Fab 5! and the Sakura Random Prize Winner of the Week

So anythings goes right?
Well not quite ;) We do have a few little Red Tape Guidelines that we would like you to follow. Take a peek at them HERE. Make sure you understand them before you link your entry. Have any questions? Use our CHAT BOX - it is instant and we check it a few times a day. That way everyone can benefit from the answers...

Ready for your sketch? Here it is...

Laura's Sketch 27

I'll be browsing the gallery
ALL WEEK LONG!!
I can't wait to see your beautiful creations!!
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE THAT ENTERS!!