Happy 4th of July!

This week's challenge over at Scrap & Stamp was to create a 4th of July LO. I decided on these silly pics of my dog, Skippers and my son, Kyle wearing their goofy 4th of July glasses! My dog is so fun to photograph because he just poses for me! I used paper by American Crafts, some Doodlebug trim, and some star brads with buttons. The tag was done using my Nestibilities. I placed them on the tag and used my Copic Airbrush system to spray over the Nesties. I removed them and then stamped my Pledge of Allegiance stamp over it. Every challenge, Melissa and Alex offer some fun prizes for participating.......so head HERE to get the details on how you can win! (I can't wait to see YOUR 4th of July page!)

I am heading back from Michigan tomorrow......so don't forget to leave your name in the blog candy drawing.....which will be held Sunday night!

Have a fabulous weekend and a safe 4th!!!

She is....

insanely beautiful. Unfortunately, it is difficult to capture her pretty face on camera. It takes all of her energy just to hold her head up. Then she has nystagmus of the eyes (meaning they bounce all over the place) which makes her look cross eyed at times........ but when I snapped this picture it literally took my breath away. It made me cry. In this picture, I can imagine my girl not having a disability. Just a "regular" 14 year old girl. I tell myself everyday not to go there. She is who she is.......but that thought creeps into my head at times and nestles there for awhile.......
Everyday I lay eyes on her, my heart aches. She is vulnerable, totally dependent on me for her every need......she is innocent, has nothing but love to give to those who want it, and works so hard for every little thing, things we all take for granted, like holding our heads up. I am filled with love, worry, admiration, wonder, and pain for her. I wonder everyday what her future holds...........

I do know this......she was given to me for a reason, and everyday I try to do right by her. When you know her, she touches your heart and leaves a permanent mark there........she is truly beautiful inside and out.

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Supplies: Noel Mignon's Rise and Shine kit.


JUST a REMINDER: Blog candy drawing this Sunday! Go HERE if you haven't put your name in yet!

JustRite's Newest Release....Thinking of You

JustRite is on a roll with these new releases! All of them are so pretty and I love that many of the images now are able to be colored! Sometimes coloring can be very calming and therapeutic....at least for me. : ) (Or maybe there is a part of me that never grew up......?)


My first card uses the bouquet of flower's image. I colored it using my Copics and then decided to try the Flower Soft I had bought awhile back....and never used! I love the dimension this stuff gives to a project! I did quite a bit of distressing, inking, and a bit of sewing. The paper is by K & Company, and the ribbon is Papertrey Ink. I wanted to include a sentiment and decided to "borrow" Debbie Olson's idea of cutting the tops so you can "bend" the sentiment to fit around an oval or circle.

Check out the JustRite Blog for other projects and inspiration!

*****Kyle and I watched the Harry Potter movie last night, The Goblet of Fire. We made popcorn, curled on the couch, and had some quality time together. I have been reading these books to him for the past 2 years. We will be starting book 5 tonight. Let me just tell ya how long it takes to get through those books, when you read out loud...... a VERY long time! It will probably be Christmas before we finish it! I am so glad that he still likes me to read to him. (He is going into 7 th grade) I know at some point he will want to stop......but for now, I just enjoy this time we have. He is getting his braces on next week, his little boy face is going to start changing.....exciting, but kind of sad. (For his mom anyway)

My girl started back at summer school this week. She couldn't be happier! She loves seeing her teachers and all of her friends. IT has been cool here, so no swimming anyway. She got a haircut last week, and I took an incredible picture of her, that I had to scrap right away. I will post that tomorrow!

Don't forget to enter your name in my BLOG CANDY! Go HERE to enter!

Have a fabulous Wednesday!!!!!

JustRite Summer Release # 2 & BLOG CANDY!

JustRite has come out with some fabulous new sets! The one I am showing today is the Mini Damask Monogram. I love making monogram cards for myself to have on hand for quick thank yous or notes to parents. (I teach 5th grade) So as I make them, I store them in my desk at school. For this particular card, I used vintage book paper as my background. I did some inking around the edges. I used my Nestibililities to layer the monogram. The Labels die was also Cuttlebugged using the Swiss Dot folder. I paired that up with some polka dot Papertrey ribbon and buttons.

JustRite is holding a drawing for Blog Candy......go HERE to get the details on how you can win their, Thinking of You set! IT is a GORGEOUS set!!!!

Head on over to Kathy Jones' blog to see her gorgeous Damask Monogram card!


I am offering BLOG CANDY too! Click HERE to see yesterday's post and see what you can win! The drawing will be held Sunday night. ( I am going away for a few days for the 4th!)

Have a fantastic Tuesday!!!

Bitten by the Bug Blog Hop AND BLOG CANDY!!!

Welcome to the Bitten by the Bug Blog Hop! This week's challenge was to use this freedom cut. With 4th of July right around the corner, what could be more perfect? I used some new Melissa Frances paper. I stamped over the word freedom with an old, Pledge of Allegiance stamp. I added some Prima glittery stars, a button, and a pretty ribbon that reminds me of a picnic. : ) I added some silver pearls to the corners too!

I am also offering some blog candy......this is what ya get!

A couple of Bella stamps.

These are brand new .....called Vintage Finds by Making Memories......totally up my alley!

Of course I had to throw in some Crafty Secrets and JustRite goodies......

Since this weekend is the 4th, the drawing will be held Sunday night. How do you win? Simply leave a comment......if you become a follower or subscribe to my blog, I will throw your name in the "hat" twice!

Now, off you go to the next stop.....Sandi Kelly's blog!

Have a fabulous Monday......and thanks for stopping by to visit!

***and in case any of you were wondering.....we did go to the Cubs/ Sox game! And the Sox won the game....by one run! wooohooooo! (Sorry northsiders! )