Anybody Wanna Pray With Me?

See additional request at the bottom.

Hello Prayer Warriors,
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6

I haven't had a chance to email those on the prayer list for updates because as you know I'm having computer problems. I'm going to let you add your requests this month by way of commenting to this post.

Please don't forget all those on the list for the last couple of months. I'll continue to pray until I get an update.

November, October, September

• Let's remember each other during this Christmas season. I'm thinking of those who've lost loved ones this year. The first Christmas season is always hard.
• Let's remember our country during the transition in the government, the wars and the financial crisis.
  
• Let's remember and all those individuals going thru financial difficulties. I know several people personally who have had their jobs threatened or lost due to the economy.
• Let's remember our military.
  

I've been thinking more about comfort in suffering since I posted my card for the Salt Challenge

One of my favorite passages of the Bible is Psalm 34 ( link to the passage on Bible Gateway)
There is so much about that passage that is reassuring and comforting in times of suffering.
Here are some highlights, but to get the full effect, click on the link or get out your Bible and read the whole Psalm.

he answered me
he delivered me
LORD heard him;
he saved him
he delivers them.
the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
those who fear him lack nothing.
those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
his ears are attentive to their cry;
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him

...and all this is just from one Psalm! Isn't God good?

ETA: 12/10

Christopher : You might remember the little boy I posted a RAK request for the other day. It was going around the Internet that his last wish was to receive Christmas cards. That was NOT his wish and the family doesn't even know how that got started. It was wonderful that people sent cards, but the family was also harassed by strangers. That was the reason I took down that post. I've been in touch with a friend of the family and now I'm going to add Christopher to our prayer list. He is a little 6 year old boy very sick with Cancer. As you can imagine it is a very difficult time for his family. Please pray for him and also for his family and doctors as they strive to keep him as comfortable and as happy as possible. The family friend told me that "Christopher is having good days and bad days. He has physical challenges now, he needs help to walk, but he is very much alive and kicking." Christopher is going to get his 'real' wish granted by the Make a Wish people this week. Pray for Christopher, his family, especially the mother. As a mother myself I can't imagine what she's going through-- I'm tearing up just thinking about them. Our Heavenly Father knows, doesn't He? I'll update as they let me know what is going on.

Me: I'm doing good. My treatment is probably working. It's a slow process and I may not see any significant progress for months. At least I think the crisis is over. The worse part of it for me is all the doctors appointments and especially the needles (for steroids and blood work). I had 5 babies with no epidural because I don't like needles... Oh well, I'm getting more than my share now. I'm not going to talk about it anymore unless a specific need comes up. I do appreciate your prayers and concern. Please know that I'm doing ok. Hey Jacki- I love you, just so you know:) I love that Psalm too! so....here are my requests:

Deb:
Please continue to pray for my cousin, Beverly and her dad, Earl, as they grieve the death of my aunt.
Pray for my mom as she grieves for her sister. Mom has Alzheimers and this has really set her back. Pray for me as I deal with mom.
My boys both seem to be doing well! Thank you for praying for them and please continue to pray that they are open to God's work in their lives, etc.
I am burdened for our military--comfort, safety, their hearts and minds gaurded from all they see, hear, and experience as they serve our country.
Thank you prayer warriors!

Keep praying! God hears, and delivers. Choosing Joy! Jacki

Create Joy

Stamps: Single rose (Impression Obsession - Alesa Baker Designs), Create Joy from a set called From the Heart Greetings (Hero Arts), Background swirl, (Inkadinkado)
Card Stock: Real Red (SU)
Printed yellow paper (KMA)
Ink: Real Red (SU), Memories white dye


I don't mind sharing my weaknesses, because it always seems to help someone else. Thanks to all of you who left me comments about my last post. Feedback is always good. Positive feedback is even better!(smile)
This card was also made last week during my card making therapy session. I love this sentiment. Create Joy. Wanna get yourself out of a rut? You have to power to create some joy, right? I also love the saying 'Choose Joy'. I've been using it as my signature for 15 or so years, ever since I heard the song "I choose Joy" by Larnell Harris. My husband began singing it in church and recorded it a couple of years later.
I hit the jackpot today at Archivers !!! I've had my eye on this bag for at least a year and a half. It is the All My Memories Vituri Urban Shoulder Bag. (Black outside pink inside) I've seen it on sale, but with the shipping, it was still too much. Today, I found it in the clearance section, and I grabbed it and held on to it for dear life.
I drove all the way there to meet Dawn and use my 30% off coupon. She is a delightful person. It's not everyday you meet someone who is funny and nice and has my same taste in music. It was already going to be a great day, but finding the bag, was like putting a cherry on top of an already sweet trip. Happy Birthday to me (soon). I think Dawn might be tired of hearing that line today. (I had to justify the bag purchase.)

My trip to Archivers started off as sad reminder that I'm not going to be going to the ScrapFest they sponsor in the Mall of America. :( Some things came up with my friend. It's OK, because I'll spend the weekend celebrating birthdays here at home with my family. My friends and I will get together another time. So for any of you going this year, take notes( and pictures) and tell me all about it when you get back!
So create joy if you can, but choose joy always. Be blessed! Jacki.

Joyful, patient, and faithful

Long week. I'm glad that it's over. I'm not a perfectionist, but sometimes I wish I could always get everything right. My big pet peeve is wasting time so any lesson that needs to be learned more than once, in my opinion, is a waste of time. For instance, this morning, I spent the morning and the last few days wallowing....



It's been a long week, doctor and biopsy, teachers and conferences, conventions and speeches, and lots of other things to get me down.
I hadn't made a card all week! I practically forced myself to go and make a card on my finally-cleaned-off-desktop. I eventually made 4 cards --and now my desk top is a mess again, LOL! But it's all good... This is the one I decided I needed to make for myself. I love it that scripture, whether in the Bible or on the face of a stamp, is so encouraging. This stamp was sent to me by Deb a while back.

Why do I do this to myself? Eventually, while talking to Dawn, I realized what my problem was. Instead of counting my blessings, I've been reflecting on or replaying the yucky things (you know, wallowing) that have been happening. God is in control. This verse helped me see that...

1. I do have hope that God is going to work everything out because He is in control.... So, I can be joyful. Choosing Joy!
2. My afflictions aren't horrible, there are many people going through a whole lot worse, nevertheless, I should be patient because I know that God is going to work everything out, because He is in control....
3. I haven't been faithful to pray specifically for those things that have been bothering me. I've been praying, and praying for healing and praying for others. But I haven't asked God to give me wisdom about my situation, I need peace and patience too. But, I can fix this... right now! Still, God is in control and he is going to work everything out.

Making this card helped me, but, now I'll send it to encourage someone else. I do hope your weekend is blessed. I'll be choosing joy... Jacki

about this card... Romans 12:12 (Stampabilities), Leaf Scroll Pattern in white ink ( Impression Obsession Alesa Baker Design), Baroque Motifs in red ink (Stampin' Up), Real Red Card stock(Stampin' Up), Daisy Doodles (Prima Marketing)

P.S. Perfect timing... I just received a text message (while I'm finishing up this post) from someone who needs this message. I'm going to try to get it in the mail tomorrow...

Daisy Jar / So Grateful

This is the last of the cards I made during my first week after the surgery. Julie sent me this image in an image swap. It is Alesa Baker from Impression Obsession. The background was done with the same set I used on my mom's card, Fantastic Flourishes. This was going to be my mom's card until I realized I had the pretty orchids to color. I have a feeling it won't go to waste.

Nothing much to add today. I'm taking it easy for the rest of the day because I went to the mall this morning. Jannelle is looking for a part time job and I went along to use a couple of coupons. I think I'm going to sit and watch movies until tomorrow....

Butterfly Teacup/ Feel Better

Stamps: Butterfly Tea Cup* ( Impression Obsession/ Alesa Baker Design), Feel Better from Heartfelt Messages (Hero Arts)
Card stock: Barely Banana (SU), Berry Sorbet ( Paper Trey Ink)
Ink: Berry Sorbet Pallet Hybrid Ink (Paper Trey Ink), Walnut Stain Distress Ink ( Ranger)
Other Berry Sorbet Ribbon ( Paper Trey Ink), Ticket and Notched Corner Punches

Here is another card that I started when I was stuck upstairs. At the time, I decided to do the "feel better" so that I could have it on hand. I've already found someone to send it to...

On a Personal Note:
It's Saturday and I'm resting again today. I colored quite a bit yesterday, so I may end up making a card or two later today.

The boys and I are going to watch Bee movie again before we return it. I was surprised, but this is actually a very cute move. I'll update my profile to include more of my favorite new movies within a few days.

Artist Mugs

Both of these cards were made during my limited supply days when I was stuck upstairs.
Stamps: Artist Mug( Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs), Create Joy (Hero Arts), Polka Dot Basics (Paper Trey Ink)
Card stock: Sweet Blush and Berry Sorbet ( Paper Trey Ink)
Ink: Sweet Blush Pallet Hybrid Ink (Paper Trey Ink), Walnut Stain Distress Ink ( Ranger)Other: Sweet Blush Ribbon ( Paper Trey Ink), Ticket Corner Punch
Stamps: ( Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs), all words (Hero Arts),
Card stock: Elegant Eggplant and Barely Banana (SU)
Ink: Walnut Stain Distress Ink ( Ranger)
Other: Notched Corner Punch


On a Personal Note:
I did too much yesterday? I don't know but, I'm definitely down today. A nap is on my horizon for this afternoon.
My daughter is in the Honor's program. Her interview was more of an advising session.
I'm really looking forward to seeing my oldest. Excited is more like it. I'd better go and rest up.

Romantic Bouquet

This card is for my neighbor who brought a meal when I first came home from the hospital.

Today is the 2 week mark since my surgery. I have to go to the doctor for her to check me out. I wonder if I can get my husband to stop at Michaels or Hobby Lobby on the way. I think I'm going through withdrawal.... Michaels has baskets 50% off. I need a few purple and white baskets for the Card Castle. I think I just need to walk around in a store. It's been at least three weeks since I set foot in a Michaels and two weeks and two days at Hobby Lobby.

Stamps: Romatic Bouquet ( Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs), You Made my Day/Anytime Messages (Hero Arts), Polka Dot Basics (Paper Trey Ink)
Card stock: Sweet Blush ( Paper Trey Ink), Elegant Eggplant (SU)
Ink: Sweet Blush Pallet Hybrid Ink (Paper Trey Ink), Walnut Stain Distress Ink ( Ranger)
Other: Sweet Blush Ribbon ( Paper Trey Ink), Circle punches , Ticket Corner Punch

"Never Underestimate....

your small part in someone else's blessing."

Susan T. of smARTworks did a whole post yesterday about these words that I said . Evidently I inspired her. What an honor! I do hope that my words will encourage and inspire, but I've been quoted on a stamp*! How cool is that? How cool is the timing of it all too! Check out her blog post.
*That stamp is a part of a set is called Thankful (WD-216) Page 133 of the smARTworks online catalog.

I've talked about that idea on a couple of occasions, but the first time was after someone blessed me with with encouragement (way back in October). The other time I remember saying something similar was when I talked about the cashier at Walmart here. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the whole surgery deal and I mentioned online that all went well and better than expected, I got to thinking about what it was that made the experience a good one. I came to the conclusion that it was just a series of small experiences. One of those positive experiences was provided by the pre-op nurse who was not only thorough, but everything about her was calming. Although I don't remember much after that because of the nice drugs they gave me, evidently each person did their job in a professional way. As I sat and thought about this, and remembered my mission to acknowledge those who bless me, I was trying to come up with something small that could make for them. Because I was stuck upstairs at this point, I mentally surveyed my stamp collection. I decided that I didn't have the perfect stamp and that I would probably have to computer generate the words. When the mail arrived that day, I received this card from Susan with the (perfect sentiment) stamp that she says was inspired by me. So not only have I been quoted on a stamp, but it arrived at the perfect time!
So for my pre-op nurse and all involved, I made cards the size of ATCs. I'm hoping that they will be encouraged by them. I want them to understand that their job well done was appreciated by me. The neat thing is that I got a thank you card from all of them the other day, so at least I know how many people were involved and I have all their names.


Be a blessing to someone today! I've already been blessed by two friends this morning. Dawn came to see me again and my neighbor came to help me with something too! God is good!

Stamps: florals( Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs), Saying(smARTworks), Background Paisley(Stampabilities)

Ink: Distress Ink (Ranger)

Card Stock:Elegant Eggplant (SU)

Other: Circle Punches and Ticket Corner punch.

Purple Orchids

My neighbor/friend couldn't make up her mind when she saw these two plants, so she decided that"God must have wanted you to have them both". She delivered them to me just as my tulips were fading last week. They are beautiful, aren't they! God is an awesome artist. We can draw or paint or try to copy this beauty, but we must acknowledge that the original artist is awesome!

Now, I need to remember to bring down the exact name of them so that I can look up details on how to care for them. I don't want to kill them.
I've mentioned before that I like to make thank you cards to reflect the gift. I really wish I had this stamp so that I could make a card to show my gratitude for these beautiful orchids. Wouldn't it be perfect?

Since I don't have the stamp (boo hoo) and since I want to give her a timely thank you, I'm going with another stamp for the card. Actually I decided to play up the friend angle instead of the Thank You.

I love this single rose.

Embossed Card: 6 x 6 card(Die Cuts with a View)

Stamps: Rose(Impression Obsession/ Alesa Baker), F (Paper Studio)

Other: Circle Punches

My computer time is over for the day... Have a good night!

Happy Day?

I miss my mommy! :)

She anticipated my needs and brought me food just before I got hungry. Having her here allowed my husband to just do daddy and husbandy things. Now that he has to do it all.... Let's just say, I miss my mommy! I'm getting better, so it's all good. I'm just glad she was here last week. Since this was my first real surgery experience, I honestly prepared my mind for the worst. I didn't know if I would feel creative or not. But all is well. I can even sing better...

Ooh, let me share this one tip I got from a relative. You never know when you might need this or be able to pass it along. When you go down the steps, go backwards. It really pulls a lot less. I was a little sceptical at first, but it really works. Now I need to find a cure for my seasonal allergies so that I can stop coughing and sneezing...

About this card: When I bought this stamp, I saw wedding... After it arrived and I colored it, I started seeing it as fancy birthday? Shower? Mother's Day? Since I didn't have a specific purpose in mind, I decided to make this and all purpose "happy day" card!

I made this early last week when I didn't have much stuff upstairs so it was sort of a limited supply challenge. I recently purchased the card stock and ribbon and Polka Dot stamp set from Paper Trey. The cake stamp and the daisies above the circle were from my order from Impression Obsession. A couple of days later, I had the kids bring me the circle punches and the Hero Arts clear stamps. Before I actually use this card, I'm going to put a tiny bit of glitter on it.

When I was stamping the polka dot background, I learned that it's really hard to line up even a clear stamp on your lap-- especially when you are semi reclined in a comfy chair. I usually stand to stamp anyway. I'm looking forward to playing with that set often as soon as I'm back in the Card Castle.

Stamps: Dotted Daisy Cake* and Small Daisy Trio ( Impression Obsession/ Alesa Baker Design), Happy Day from Thoughtful Messages (Hero Arts), Polka Dot Basics (Paper Trey Ink)

Card stock: Sweet Blush and Berry Sorbet Perfect match Card stock ( Paper Trey Ink)

Ink: Sweet Blush Pallet Hybrid Ink (Paper Trey Ink), Walnut Stain Distress Ink ( Ranger)

Other Berry Sorbet Ribbon ( Paper Trey Ink), Circle punches , Ticket and Notched Corner Punches

*Impression Obsession has a huge clearance section which was half of the reason for my order....

I think I'm going to sit and watch movies today. Hopefully, I'll see you again tomorrow.

Yellow Tulips

I colored this image last night and for some reason, I wasn't in the mood for purple tulips. What was up with that? I guess I was inspired by the card I showed you a few days ago. This Penny Black image was colored with Prismacolor pencils. You inspire me and the stamp used in the background is Hero Arts.

A little surprised by the yellow and not purple tulips, are you? See I'm not as predictable as you think, but you wouldn't know it by the comments left on yesterday's post or today's mail. LOL

Today's mail brought me not one, but two very purple tulip cards.

This first card was a sweet and unnecessary thank you type note from Holly. The envelope was even done with a beautiful calligraphy scripty type writing complete with a crown over my name.

She made a card with purple tulips! I actually have that stamp. As a matter of fact, I spent quite a bit of time today browsing over at Impression Obsession and saw this stamp there. I'm a big fan of Alesa Baker images and this is one of those. So Holly earned a lot of brownie points with me today. purple, tulips and Alesa Baker. Seriously, I really appreciate her taking the time to make and send me this card.

This second delightful piece of mail came from Louise. I've been a recipient of her generosity before. This card, another beautiful purple tulip card, also arrived today. Purple, tulips, lace, I think this is Art Impressions. I like their stuff too. Her note inside mentions something about me being easy to create for??? Actually you are very right Louise. A purple card with tulips on it. A guaranteed winner! I love it and I appreciate her taking the time to send it to me.

So do you think I'm predictable, too?? I might be. You can't tell too much by the picture, but the yellow tulip card above is on a dark purple card base and the flower pot is dark purple and white. (smile)

Counting my blessings....

Monogram Joy and RAK

You have to know by now that JOY is my favorite word. It was the first thing I thought to spell out when I used the Garden Delight Alphabet for the first time. This card is also from Friday night when I cleaned off my desk so it's the same cardstock I used yesterday. After I finished this card, I realized that I could have easily made this into a Christmas card just by using different colors and maybe even gold embossing the letters. I'll have to remember that next time.

Finished Card size: 5.5"x 4.25"

Stamps: Garden Delight Alphabet (smARTworks), Leaf Scroll Pattern (Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs)

Card Stock:Gable Green and Garden Green (SU), Purple( Bazzill),

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko),Always Artichoke(SU)

Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils

Other: Scallop paper edgers, Ribbon

The ribbon I used on my card was sent to me by Kathy W along with this card. I wonder how she knew I would love a purple rak ( purple card, purple ribbon and purple images on purple cardstock). Thank you Kathy. That was beyond sweet of you to do that.

ETA: after I read this later I didn't think it was clear that Kathy sent me a purple card and some purple goodies to play with.

The World's a Better Place

Finished Card size: 5.5"x 4.25"
Stamps: Grapes(The Angel Company), Leaf Scroll Pattern (Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs), Saying(StampaRosa)
Card Stock: Purple( Bazzill), Gable Green and Garden Green (SU)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black and Victorian Violet (Tsukenko), Garden Green (SU)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils
Other: Ticker Corner punch(SU), Buttons (Bazzill), Ribbon

As you can see, I did manage to make cards last night while my daughter was hand stitching her costume. I used the images that were just sitting on my desk. I think I've mentioned before that I color in the car every afternoon while waiting in the car line at school. I had a bunch of grapes and other fruit colored and just laying around. I put together a few cards with those images last night with the idea that I would clean off my desk?? It was messier after I finished...

These two cards (and you are looking at two different cards) are going to be headed out to two people who have been a blessing to me in the last couple of weeks.

It's Saturday and I've got to act like a housewife and actually do some cleaning today.

Birthday Hats

Here are a couple more birthday cards I made as a result of retrieving some forgotten images in my "colored image stash". I think I started coloring these hats in an attempt to make Mother's day cards last spring. Since that didn't happen, they became birthday cards in the fall.

Finished Card Size: 6.5 x 5
Stamps: Hat (Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs) Happy Birthday (Hero Arts)
Card Stock and printed paper ( Provo Craft)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko), Brocade Blue( SU)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Color Pencils
Other: 2 way Glue pen( Ek Success) Prisma Glitter

Finished Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5

Stamps: Hat( Alesa Baker Collections at Impressions Obsession) Happy Birthday (Serendipity), Swirl (SU)

Card Stock (SU)

Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko), Brocade Blue( SU)

Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Color Pencils

Other: 2 way Glue pen( Ek Success) Prisma Glitter

World Card Making Day continued

It was really dark by the time we finished on Saturday night, so I couldn't take pictures of the rest of the cards until today. So here they are. All in all, we had a very productive World Card Making Day.

Stamps: Clown(TAC), Birthdays Happen(Hambo Stamps)

Bear(Eat Cake Graphics) Flowers (SU) Words (Biblical Impressions, unknown)
Raccoon and Sentiment (Hambo Stamps), Paisley (SU)

Candle(Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs),Verse (TAC)

World Card Making Day

OK, I put the whole family on notice that it's World Card Making Day and I think they got the picture not to bother me. I wonder how many cards I'll make today? I'll be back!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had a World Card Making Day party after all. We got started around 4 pm. I was joined by my son and daughter.

My son made this card with stamps and Quickutz dies and punches.

My daughter made this birthday card for her friend back in MI. She really misses her.

Here is the first card I made... actually it was a card I finished. I stamped and colored the bears a while ago. Today, I stamped the same bear images on the yellow card stock, stamped the letters on their signs and just cut out the signs and pieced them together.

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25

Stamps: Bears (Penny Black), Alphabet( Hero Arts), Sentiment (SU)

Ink:Basic Brown (SU)

Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils

Here are two BD cards.

Both Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25

Stamps: Flip Flops, Darcies. Verticle HBD ( Penny Black), Swirl (SU)

Stamps: Potted Plant (Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs), Happy BD (SU, Hero Arts, TAC, Biblical Impressions)

I stopped what I was doing and made this sympathy card for Marcia, one of my cyber friends, who lost her husband. I knew she was going thru Cancer treatment, but I didn't realize that her Husband was also fighting with Cancer. He passed away on Friday. She always leaves kind comments for me on this blog, I wish I could do more, but I'm going to get this card in the mail to her right away.

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25

Stamps: Swirl( Inkadinkado) Bible Verse (Biblical Impressions), Flowers(

Teacup of Violets

Good Monday morning! Here are three cards using the same stamp by Biblical Impressions. I will be busy this week getting ready for the Class Preview Day this Saturday at Michaels. I have to have all of my samples made and ready. I'm going to work on my Card Workshop cards today. Since Michaels will own these cards I can't bring them home to take pictures. I guess I'm going to have to take my camera in with me to do that. I'm interested in seeing what I can come up with.


Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25
Stamps: Violet Tea Cup (Biblical Impressions) Background Swirl (Inkadinkado), Birthday Wishes (SU)
Card stock: White card(Georgia Pacific), Blue(Bazzill),
Printed Paper: Red Print(Provocraft)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko),Brocade Blue(SU)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils
Other:

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25
Stamps: Violet Tea Cup (Biblical Impressions) Background Floral(Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs)
Card stock: White card(Georgia Pacific), Olive(SU),Purple and Black( unknown)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko),Love Lilac(SU)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils
Other: Ticket Corner Punch

Finished Card Size: 5.5 x 4.25
Stamps: Violet Tea Cup (Biblical Impressions) Background Swirl (Inkadinkado)
Card stock: White card(Georgia Pacific), Green(Bazzill),
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko),Always Artichoke(SU)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils
Other: Tag corner and Ticket Corner Punch

Special Birthday Cake

Stamps: Birthday Bundt (Stampendous) , Background (Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs)

Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Marigold Morning, and Elegant Eggplant (SU),White card(Georgia Pacific)
Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko)
Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils

I was talking to a long time friend the other night ( isn't that better than saying old friend??). We were catching up about our kids and birthdays. It turns out we both have a child born the day after our birthday. I also have another child born a few days before my birthday so we have 3 within a week. Her question was, "How do you celebrate it?" One of my responses involved the cake. It has been a rule in my mind that no matter what, everybody needs their own cake on their birthday. We sometimes share celebrations, but each person had a separate cake of their choice. After my daughter was born, I chose cheesecake for my annual celebration. While she was small, she had a normal white cake, white icing decorated birthday cake. Once my son was born, she decided that she needed a specialty cake too. Among her choices have been cookie cakes and ice cream cakes. This year is a milestone year for her and I'll bet that she has sometime extraordinary in mind. I need to find out what that is soon.

By way, the cake in the card is chocolate chip dripped in hot fudge sauce. (smile)

While I'm at it, here is another similar card.

Stamps: Birthday Bundt (Stampendous) , Background Swirl(Inkadinkado)

Cardstock: Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip(SU), Purple (? ),White card(Georgia Pacific)Ink:Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukenko), Basic Brown (SU)

Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils

Other: 2 way Glue and Prisma Glitter

Have a blessed day and choose joy (it really is a choice)

Single Red Rose

This is just a simple note card that can be transformed into a birthday card or other occasion as needed.

The single red rose ( stamps by Judith) was colored with prismacolor pencils. The scroll pattern (Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs) was stamped randomy in the background on Real Red cardstock. I pulled out my big paper trimmer and used a decorative wheel on the right side.

To all the mothers, grandmothers, and potential mothers:

May your day be full of blessings tomorrow!!!

And on Monday, remember, The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Thanks a Bunch

This is a no-frills quick card. Sometimes that's all you need. The image (SU) is colored and blended with Prismacolor pencils. The background was stamped repeatedly with Leaf Scroll Pattern from Impression Obsession/Alesa Baker Designs. (I purchased it at the Stampbuzz, my supplier)

Did you see my new watermark? Dina made this for me. She has her own Digi sig site now. I'm still trying it on. I'm not sure about the font. Maybe it'll grow on me.