Flowers to Start the Week off With

Hello Friends! So glad you stopped by! Today I wanted to share a creation I made using a fabulous FREE digi (yes, FREE) digi from Mabelle RO. Mabelle is hosting a challenge over on the CDAC (Crafter's Digital Art Center) and she's giving you a FREE digi to use as well as a wonderful sketch and color combo!

The cardstock colors aren't ones I'd normally put together but I LOVE how it turned out. Doesn't it just make you smile? Hope it brightens your Monday just a little :D

Thanks for stopping by!

Pot of Gold Challenge

Who doesn't love a good challenge? This weekend join us at the Savvy Projects Blog for our POT OF GOLD CHALLENGE! To play along your creation must have the following items:

STITCHING - stamped or stitched

PUNCHED item - punches, Spellbinders, etc.

RIBBON

BUTTON &/or BOW &/or BRAD

COLOR GREEN - a little or a lot

LAYERS - more than 1 layer of cardstock

This really was a challenge for me as I'm better at doing one thing at a time but guess what? I did it and I LOVE the results!! I used a NEW set available now during Spring Fling with The Angel Company called Gift of Friendship. LOVE that flower!! So come on and challenge yourself - you'll be glad you did! Need more inspiration? Check out all these fabulous entries!!

Photo Inspiration - Challenge #65 at CSAYL

This week at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long it's a photo challenge! What's awesome about this is there are so many different ways to interpret it - you may like the colors, the pattern or the feeling it evokes. How ever you perceive it is fine!


So when I look at this picture I instantly think Santa should be peeking around the tree. I also, love the colors and there would definitely be presents under the tree too.

One of the pattern papers I used actually have presents on it...kind of hard to tell though. I did some piercing as I get the homespun feel when I look at the photo. I used stripes since the stocking and pillows have that. I put some ribbon on it too since the tree had bows.

I hope you will join us this week. It's never too early to start making those Christmas cards! Stop by the CSAYL blog to link your creation and to see the other fabulous creations that the DT did!

Thanks for stopping by!

Ribbon Challenge on CSAYL Sponsored by Pink Cat Studio!

WOW this week went fast! I can't believe it's already Friday! Time for another Christmas Stampin' All Year Long creation!


This week we are being sponsored by Pink Cat Studio! Melissa has graciously offered 5 digital images to the winner this week! So do you want to play? Of course you do! The challenge this week is to create a Christmas card using 2 or more different ribbons.


For my card, I got to use Itty Bitty Betty - Candy Cane Swing. Isn't she cute?! I used my Copics to color her and added some Crystal Stickles to the candy cane to give it some sparkle! I also added a small pom pom to her elf hat...I mean it was screamin ADD ME, don't you think?!

I don't think I was very creative with the ribbon...just added two different colors. But honestly my mojo just isn't flowing like it should. I didn't have any problems coloring the image...just putting the card together. I guess I'm having trouble completing things!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

The Wild Flower Patch - Polka Dots (challenge #29)

Pixie Dust Studio - Go Crazy with Polka Dots (challenge #36)

The Pink Elephant - Ribbon & Sparkles (challenge #80)

I hope you decide to join us this week and play along. Just visit CSAYL blog for all the details and to enter your creation for the PCS digi giveaway!

I hope you have a great weekend! Ours is packed full. Guess that's the way it's going to be for awhile now that school has started again. It's good for Abby though...she loves to stay busy! Thanks for stopping by!!

Softpencil Challenge #18

Before I show you my creation for Softpencil's newest challenge I just have to tell you the good news!! Do you remember this card from last week? Well I was lucky enough to win the challenge!! Woohoo!! I received $10 to use in Elizabeth's store. You can see my card and details about purchasing her images on the Softpencil blog!

Ok so enough tooting my own horn - on to this week's challenge. Kerry challenged the Softpencil Group to a recipe challenge. We could use 1 of this, 2 of that and 3 of those - all your choice! Of course, you need to use a Softpencil image as well.

I used I'll Keep you Safe - Michu as the image. My recipe consists of 1 tag, 2 embellishments and 3 pattern papers. The sentiment is from the Oh How stamp set which is now retired from TAC. It's perfect though because Michu is thanking God for a flower to keep him covered & safe for whatever may come his way. Wouldn't that be nice to have?

Isn't Michu adorable? I colored the image using my pencils and OMS...taking a little break from the Copics. So whatcha think? Do you likey? I know I do!

I hope you have a wonderful Thursday - I know I'm so glad the weekend is almost here! Ready to slow down and take it easy! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Happy Heart

Hello to you! I sure hope I wake up to some sunshine today but pretty sure that's not going to happen! Supposedly another winter storm is on the way which means we could see some more snow! Since things are still cold around here I decided to combine Valentine's Day and winter in my card. I made this card for three different challenges. First, CardPatterns #49 sketch - been wanting to play along but haven't had a chance so this is my first time! Second, the Softpencil Challenge #17 which was to use bling, brads or both. Third, Paper Sundaes which is a new challenge site (check it out...very cool) need to have a Valentine theme.

The image is a digi from Softpencil called A Lovely Couple. I colored them with my Copics and added some Flower Soft Polar White for snow. The sentiment is from a retired set, Heart Twinz by The Angel Company. The paper is from KI Memories and I think it works PERFECTLY with this image! Here's a close up of the cute couple:

So whatcha think? I'll be giving this one to my hubby. He has an eye conference in Kansas City the 12th & 13th so I'll be going with him and Abby will be staying with Grandma & Papa. I'm looking forward to some quality time with hubby as well as some shopping, dinner and dancing!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

FBW Challenge #92

Welcome to another Flutter By Wednesday challenge! I'm so glad you stopped by! This week our challenge is an OPEN one. ANYTHING goes as long as you INCLUDE A BUTTERFLY, ANGEL or FAIRY! Last week we debuted the new Flutter By Wednesday blog - and we had the most participants who played along which is AWESOME!! Thank you and if you didn't play along, why don't you this week? All you have to do is follow the challenge and link your creation using Mr. Linky on the Flutter By Blog. That's it!! Easy peasy... so what's stopping you?

I'm ready for the bright colors and something different. I had a chance to stop at Archiver's and found some yummy KI Memories paper there. I knew it would be perfect for those Valentine cards that I'm in the mood to make. I searched for the right image and found an image from Paper Makeup Stamps that I had received as a RAK. Since I was using a PMS image I decided to go ahead and play along with their Friday Makeup for the Weekend #11 challenge which is a sketch this week. Here is my creation:

In the sketch it shows the circles behind the image and a sentiment in the lower right corner. Since my circles were my sentiment I decided to put them on the outside of the image. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how my image turned out. I got some new Copics and love that I can do some blue coloring and some different brown. Here's a close up of the image:

Isn't she beautiful! I wish I could wear boots like that! Not to mention look that good in a dress, LOL! I added Crystal Stickles to the heart and wings.

I hope you'll check out the other design team members blogs. And if you haven't checked out the Flutter By Wednesday blog you'll definitely want to - I PROMISE you won't be disappointed - that's all I'm going to say {wink, wink}

Thanks so much for visiting my blog today - I hope you've enjoyed my creation. I know I enjoy having you here and reading all the comments that you leave. It really means a lot!

Two Challenges - SSS37 & Softpencil

Hi! I stumbled upon Softpencil digital stamps - have you seen them? Oh so cute! I was doubly excited to see that they have challenges. I don't know about you but sometimes I get overwhelmed with all the different blogs, forums, etc. I was able to participate in the Softpencil challenge over at PCP as well as use The Sweet Stop Sketch for this week. Both new to me and yes it is amazing - two challenges with one card!! I am patting myself on the back, lol!

So the challenge at the Softpencil group was to use a Softpencil image and have something glitter/sparkle/flock or liquid applique on it. The images are just darling - so cute and fun to color! The image I used for my card is actually a freebie! DARLING and FREE...can't beat that! I flocked the little chickies and used my Clear Stardust Gelly Pen to add a little glitter to her little hair bows.

The sketch from The Sweet Stop is SSS37 which is fabulous! Love the circle and the room for a large(r) image. The paper is Imaginisce and the flowers are from Prima. Here is a close up of the image so you can see the flock and glitter better.

Such a sweetie I tell you! I fell in love with the Softpencil images and decided to place an order. Lots of cute stuff and since they are digital images I can use them right away!

Here are the colors of Copics that I used. I'm not sure if I'm going to do this for every card but it comes in handy for me to know what combinations work and to have everything in one place.

Thanks for stopping by! I have a pretty busy weekend ahead so more than likely won't be posting again till next week! Have a fabulous weekend and stay warm - it's FREEZING here!!

Where does the time go? Time for another Flutter By Challenge!!

Happy Wednesday to you! Are you getting any free time - I know right now for me, it's far a few between. I'm hoping to escape a little this weekend and have a little girl time with some croppers! Preschool is over for me tomorrow - and then I have tons of baking and shopping to do! My hubby wants to take treats to the workers in his office and since he works with a different crew on Saturday's, Monday's and Tuesday's I basically have to have everything done for this SATURDAY - yes, the time totally snuck up on me! I don't even have my Christmas cards sent out! I have them made, just not signed and addressed - oh well there's still time :o)

As you know today is another Flutter By Wednesday. I'm so excited for this week!! The challenge is to use a wonderful sketch my Mercy along with a BUTTERFLY, FAIRY or ANGEL!! You all know how much I enjoy sketches!! Here's the sketch:

Fabulous, right? So many possibilities - love it!! Here is my card:

I finally got around to using this WONDERFUL image from Christy Croll! I think it's adorable and was so fun to color! The paper is some Chatterbox scraps. I punched out the leaves using my Martha Stewart punch and the flower and circle are from my Marvy Punches. I had just a little bit of scraps left so decided to decorate the inside of the card as well. Here is the inside:

The size of the card is 5.5x5.5. Kind of nice to do a different size card rather than just the same ol same ol!

Hope you can find some time and play along this week! Be sure to stop by Danni's blog to see her creation as well as link your creation up. Need some more inspiration? Visit the other design team members blogs to see their wonderful creations this week - I'm always so impressed with what I see!! They are a great group of ladies - very talented, for sure!! Don't forget about the FBW blog - become a follower so you don't miss out! Lots of great things happening in 2010!!

Have a wonderful day and thanks so much for stopping by!!

Flutter By Wednesday & High Hopes Challenge

Whew, do I have a lot to tell you today! First off, thanks for dropping by and welcome to another wonderful Flutter By Wednesday!! So much to talk about - I'm so thankful for being a part of this team and all the wonderful things that keep occurring! I'm so happy to announce that starting in JANUARY, Flutter By Wednesday's will have a new home! That's right - our very own blog!! Go there now and become a follower so you don't miss anything!!

This week I'm so EXCITED about our guest designer - it's MERCY!! I've played along with some of her wonderful sketches and her work is so inspirational! Please stop by and take a look at all of her fabulous creations!

As far as team members go - this week we say goodbye to Taylor. We wish her well and look forward to her participating next year! We also say hello to Kimberly - welcome to the team and we look forward to seeing your wonderful Flutter By Designs!

The challenge this week is an open one - anything goes EXCEPT you HAVE TO HAVE A BUTTERFLY, FAIRY or ANGEL on the card! So come on folks, get your stuff out and play along! Stop by Danni's blog to link your creation using Mr. Linky! Ok on to my card - this week I changed it up a bit and went with bright colors and a brand new stamp. I was fortunate to receive a gift certificate for Christmas early from a dear, dear friend (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) and I chose this stamp, Little Missy from High Hopes Rubber Stamps.


I decided to play along with High Hopes Challenge which is a sketch (gotta love those sketches). So this card is also my entry into the High Hopes Challenge #55 (whohoo for me - two challenges in one week....don't fall down, I know it's shocking!). I just love the colors I used - here is a close up of Little Missy herself:


SO whatcha think? She's adorable isn't she! So bright and cheerful - just makes me smile! I hope she brings you a little joy today! Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Shimmery Flutter By

Week 3 of Danni's Flutter By Wednesday celebration! We have special designers this week - Annabelle and Matthew, Danni's mega talented children who just happen to be adorable to boot! Be sure to stop by Danni's blog to see their wonderful creations!! The challenge is to create a card that shimmers or shines and includes a butterfly or fairy. I received some images from the super talented and oh-so-sweet, Anna that I just had to use for my card today.

I used Mojo Monday sketch found here. The paper is from Cosmo Cricket that I "found" in my room (love those kind of finds!). I colored the cute fairy with my Copics and added Stickles to her wings. You can't see it very well in the top picture but I added shimmerz to the flower centers on the DP as well. Below is a close up that shows that a little better.

If you'd like to play along and be included on all the fun be sure to stop by Danni's blog and link your creation using Mr. Linky. Also, stop by the other design team members blogs to see their wonderful cards - they are all so mega talented and I LOVE looking at each one of them!

Hope your Wednesday is a good one - thanks so much for stopping by!

FBW Challenge - Let's go PINK

Yipppeeee!!! I'm finally able to post my card for Flutter By Wednesday! We are continuing the party over at Danni's blog to celebrate her turning 40 this month! She is giving away awesome prizes so stop by and see how you can play!

Today's challenge is to make a card using a fairy or butterfly and PINK - which just happens to be Danni's favorite color! We also have a guest designer - check out Jacque's creation. Let me tell you it's BEAUTIFUL - what a talented lady she is!!!

For my card, I had to use the swiss pixies from C.C. Designs again - I mean aren't they adorable?!?! I also used Jen's SFYTT for the layout.


I just love coloring her with my Copics. Lots of open space for me which means easier for me to stay in the lines :O) I added Crystal Stickles to her wings. The sentiment is a rub on (from Making Memories) and the paper is by Chatterbox. Here is a close up of the fairy:

Hope you enjoy my card. Be sure to visit the other design team members blogs to see their wonderful PINK creations. After you make your card (come on you know you want to!) stop by Danni's blog and link it using Mr. Linky. Then enter to win her blog candy giveaway for the week - It's an AWESOME stamp set that I know you'd enjoy!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Snow Globe

Hello to you! If you've visited by blog before you know that today is Christmas Monday and I'm so excited about sharing my card! I had this idea on what I wanted to do but wasn't sure if I'd get it to look the way I wanted when I actually tried it - but it worked and it's AWESOME!!

The challenge issued this week by Sankari is to create a non A2 Christmas card. That means the card can be anything but the traditional size of 4.25 x 5.50. I decided to try and do a snow globe (since I love them!) and to use a new set of stamps that I received.

I used my large circle Coluzzle for the globe and cut the base to go along with it. I then cut another circle on white cardstock and stamped my image on it. Next I glued diamond dust all over the white cardstock. While that was drying I cut another circle this time using acetate. The acetate goes over the top and back of the card (it's adhered on the back and under the red strip of cardstock). Below is a close up of the globe.

So whatcha think? Is it a thumbs up or thumbs down? I'm thinking it's two thumbs up but I'm the creator so I think I'm a little biased :o)

Stop by the Christmas Stampin' All Year Long blog to see what the other design team members have created. While you are there leave a link to your creation - come on it's time to start playing along. Christmas will be here before you know it!!

This weekend I was able to get some projects done so I'm happy to say I have a post for everyday this week ready to go. Now I'm working on finishing up my Scor-Pal Class - if you are near Topeka and want to come it's Thursday night at 6:30 and costs $15. You'll make 4 wonderful projects that are sure to please. Email me for directions and details!!

Thanks so much for stopping by - hope your Monday is a good one!

In the Spotlight - Vicki's challenge #29

On the Christmas Stampin' All Year Long blog, the challenge this week from Vicki is to use the spotlight technique. I've always wanted to try this but as usual it just got shoved to the bottom of my list of things to try. It's a fun technique and there is something refreshing about not having to color the WHOLE image.

A couple of weeks ago, I was suffering from migraines and was unable to do Sankari's challenge of using snowmen for a card. Snowmen can be challenge to me to color because they are white...how do you make them stand out? With the spotlight technique, I was able to do that in a pretty easy way.

Yes, my snowman has some blue to him - but come on folks, it has to be COLD for my snowman to survive so surely he's a little blue!! I colored him with my Copics and added a little Stickle to his hat band and scarf. The snowman image is another freebie from Dustin Pike. The paper is from My Mind's Eye and I added a few crystal brads and a little ribbon as well. The main focus is definitely my snowman so I didn't want to overdue the embellishments. Here's a close up of the spotlight technique.

You can find a good tutorial for the spotlight technique here. I hope you decide to give it a try. Be sure to share what you create. It's always fun looking at all the wonderful cards. To see more wonderful examples, go to the main Christmas blog or you can click on each DT's links over to the right.

Have a great Monday and thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Challenge - Inside & Out

It's Monday so you know what that means!! Time for another Christmas Card. This week Debbie challenged us to decorate the inside & outside of the card! I'm not sure the inside of mine is anything special but I did the challenge :o)

When I first started thinking what I wanted to do this week I realized that I enjoyed making a card that was entirely focused around stamps. I know that is crazy since I'm addicted to rubber stamps BUT I'm also addicted to using what I already have since I have so darn much!! Over the years I have bought a TON of Christmas stuff with the thinking that it's ok because Christmas comes every year so I'll eventually use it. No more of that (right now anyway, lol!). Anyway, enough about that I'm sure you want to see the card - right?

I used Mojo Monday week 94 sketch for my card - here is the front:
and here is the inside:

See that's more than I usually do with the inside of my cards...you want to know a little secret? Most of the time when I create a card I actually only create a card front. I had it to a base when I go to send it. I really like how this turned out and am thinking it would be nice to decorate the inside of the card again.

Be sure to check out the Christmas Blog to play along and to see the other DT members wonderful creations!!

I'm hoping to get a lot accomplished this week since Abby will be in VBS every morning. I'm really looking forward to the quiet time and to get some deadlines met that I unfortunately waited to the last minute to complete. Thanks for stopping by - have a happy Monday!!

Card Details:

Paper: BG Wassill

Stamps: Doodlebug

Ink: Jardin Moss Palette Pad

Other: Santa 3-d sticker, Making Memories Rub-ons, Crystal & Yellow Stickles

Christmas Challenge #24

So did you have a good holiday weekend? I did! Saturday our neighborhood had a parade in the morning, my parents and sister came to spend the day with us, we went putt-putting, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, went to the lake for the firework show and then had our own firework show...yes, we did all that and I can tell you it was a lot of fun but I was TIRED!

Here's a fun picture of Abby - You can't really tell but she decorated her bike for the parade - it had stickers, stamped images, streamers, pipe cleaners...she's very crafty (not sure where she gets it, lol!)


Here's a family shot of us. It's right after the parade (hence my cheeks are a little red & Jay is wearing that hat). Abby rode her bike and we walked...not sure how we thought we'd keep up with her. Jay ended up cutting through so he could catch up with her. I went the whole route - figured if I was out and walking might as well do it all!

So I'm sure you are here to see my Christmas card for the week. I had so much fun with this one. The challenge was given to us by Vickie and it was to go stampless - no stamps to be used except for the sentiment. I have a bin full of my Christmas embellishments so I knew I was going to use those. I ended up making 3 cards - I used up the full package of stickers that I had, yeah for me!!!

The cards are pre-made from DCWV which I got on clearance last year. I used Amy R. sketch from here - leaving out the embellishments in the corner. The only stamping I did was for the sentiment and I HAD to use it - it's a new sentiment from the Thinking of You set by TAC that I got at seminar last week. I LOVE this set!! I also inked the edges of the cardstock since I didn't want to mat all the layers. I do that so I can keep the postage down when I go to mail these babies out at the end of the year.

Be sure to stop by the Stampin' All Year Long blog to see the other fabulous creations by the design team. Why don't you play along - July is known as Christmas in July...

As always thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and leave me comments! It means the world to me and I so appreciate it!! Hope you have a wonderful Monday!!

Christmas Challenge #21

Good Morning and Happy Monday!! As you know every Monday I have a new Christmas Card to show as I'm part of the Stampin' All Year Long DT. This week Debbie issued our challenge to use eyelets in creative ways. First off, I have TONS of eyelets - had to have them in all colors, shapes and sizes. BUT to actually use them - yeah, not so good. I'm looking forward to seeing what the other DT members did so I can do some serious CASEing. Plus I'd love to see what YOU do - so why not play along!! Just go to the blog and leave a linky with your creation so we can check it out!

For my card, I started off with snowflake eyelets. They were in a blue that didn't match my paper so I inked them in white Staz-on and heat set. When I did adhere the eyelets a little of the ink came off so I just re inked them afterwards. That's when I decided to add a little white to the cardstock. Next, I used eyelets on a border and threaded my ribbon through it. I'm not sure what I was wanting to do but I like how it turned out so I left it, LOL! Of course, it helps to have a cute image and Changito from Stampendous was a perfect choice. I colored him with my Copics and I even added a little liquid Applique to his skates. I used Heather's sketch for last week to make this card. I like how it allows for a pretty good size focal image so I'm sure I'll be using it again!

That's it for me today - Abby has another Tball game and photos are taken tonight. Abby also starts swim lessons. She's so excited! I had to buy her new goggles as her last pair just wasn't "girly" enough (her words, not mine!). Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!!

Flutter By - Fairy style

Today is Flutter By Wednesday and I decided to use a fairy image instead of a butterfly. Why? Well I got this AWESOME Rachelle Anne Miller image from a friend that I've been dying to use. At first I thought I'd use my Copics but honestly, I have trouble doing certain colors since I don't have that many. I had already found the paper I wanted to use so I decided to use my colored pencils and OMS. I REALLY like how this turned out! I think she's FAIRY cute!

See...don't you think it's cute? She was a lot of fun to color. I also put Stickles on the outside of her wings. I put ultra fine glitter and Diamond Glaze on the heart. It looks so cool! I hope you can click on her and see the detail. I used Mojo Monday week 74 sketch but decided not to use the ribbon & circle. Instead I put Dew Drops in the corners. I have like a gazillion of them so I should use them, right? The paper is from Imaginisce.

So do you want to play along? It's really easy! Just go to Danni's blog to link your creation. The challenge this week is to use at least 2 Designer/Pattern Papers AND a butterfly OR fairy. While you are at Danni's blog be sure to see her creation, Stef's creation who is the featured team member this week and Jodi Collins card who is the guest designer. You can see all the other team members creations simply by clicking on the links to the right.

Today is the big day - we say goodbye to Preschool FOREVER!!! I'm not sure what to expect today at the end of year sing a long but I hope I can keep my emotions in check. Abby "graduated" from Preschool when we were in Memphis last year. I got emotional then because I knew we were moving - our 4 year chapter coming to a close. This year though it will be because I know Abby is for SURE attending Kindergarten in the Fall - riding the bus and all. I get a little teary eyed now so I know it's going to be a rough day in August when it all happens!! I plan on spoiling her rotten tomorrow though and enjoy the day - just her and me.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a GREAT day!!!

Happy Birthday

to me!! Yep, today is my birthday and even though we don't have anything really planned, the day still feels special. We celebrated over the weekend with my family by going to dinner and having cake. Jay has promised me though that he will be doing the cooking and cleaning tonight so I get to sit back and relax! Plus there is still cake so you can bet we'll be eating that!

Today is also Christmas Card Monday and this week our challenge comes from fellow team member Debbie. She gave us the challenge of using sage, peach and chocolate. When I read those colors, I instantly thought of snowmen. My blogging buddy Anna, used the Snowman Nativity set from The Angel Company on a card recently and I knew it would be perfect for these colors.

Of course, the picture looks dark (I told you I'm having trouble with the camera & computer). If you click on the picture you should see the colors better. The background is actually my sage and I stamped on it using VersaMark ink. Just a subtle pattern for the card. The peach I used is the closest I could find in my stash of paper. I colored the image with colored pencils and OMS. I actually made two of cards. The second one is the same except the rhinestones are the peach color, my bow is bigger and I didn't pierce around the image. This was my favorite of the two.

I tell you it feels good to have Christmas cards already done. I'm really hoping this means I won't be scrambling at the end of the year to send out cards AND they'll be on time. Two years ago, I didn't even send out cards (shame, shame) and last year I was late (I know!).

So how about playing along? Why not get a head start on those holiday cards? You can see all the details at the Christmas Stampin' All Year Long blog. While you are there check out the other team members wonderful creations!

Before I go I have to share a birthday card from Abby. She woke me up by shoving this under my face while still sleeping and was just grinning ear to ear. She's very proud of it...and I am too!

Hope you have a wonderful Monday!!

I'm finally back!!

WOW - it's seems like a long time since I've posted! Thank you to everyone for all the kind words during my recovery! I'm happy to say that I'm feeling MUCH better and am expecting the surgeon to give me a full release this afternoon! Good news as I am so ready to get back in the swing of things but I'm so VERY far behind that it may be awhile...

Things are already changing for me - Abby will be out of school next week (YIKES) and starts T-ball tomorrow. Just when I get the hang of a schedule it totally changes!! PLUS Abby has been sick so I took her to the doctor this morning and she has bronchitis - no school until the fever goes away!! Speaking of Abby - Mother's Day was wonderful! Even though she was feeling yucky, she said the sweetest things and even made me cupcakes. I can only hope that she didn't lick the spoon or cough in the batter as I'm not really wanting to get sick after all I've been through! I hoping that my Mommy defenses are up and in play, protecting me from all evil germs!! (I know wishful thinking!!)

With it being Monday, I have a Christmas Card to share but I have to tell you it was hard creating a card! I don't know what happened but it seems as though my creative juices are still recovering, LOL! Although the card is nice - it just seems to be missing something. Problem is I have NO IDEA what that could be!! Oh well - it will get better, right?

This week on the Christmas Blog, Vicki issued a challenge for us to use bling. Also, Maria provided a sketch for us if we wanted to use it but I didn't.

Sorry for the poor lighting...maybe I should ask for a new camera for my bday :o) Here's a close up

I added tiny pearls to the center and put Crystal Stickles on it. I then used Lime Green Stickles for the leaves. I can't really give any details of the card as I'm not sure who makes what - I know I got the stamp at Archiver's and the paper from Hobby Lobby. I used colored pencils to add a little color to the flower and leaves. Honestly it looks better in person, trust me!

Be sure to stop by the Christmas blog to see the team members creations and to play along! We'd love to see what you come up with - and who doesn't have some bling just lying around waiting to be used!!

Hope you have a wonderful Monday and thank you so very much for stopping by!