It is what it is...

...all good things must come to an end...

2012-01-30T14:32:00.000-08:00

...what a year...and it just flew by...this is my last assignment with SRM Stickers!

SRM has an amazing new product...it's called {Party in a Bag}

...you recieve 4 TUBES...2 sticker sheets and 4 cards and envelopes...just what you need to create the perfect party supplies! This is the {Party in a Bag} I received and this is what I created...

I have felt honored to have been a part of the SRM team this last year...with each assignment I've always been given the opportunity to stick to my given style yet branch outside of my comfort zone and do something new. Susan, Jenyfur and the other ladies have been so wonderful to work with. I appreciate the support and encouragement I have received this past year. I can't say enough positive things about you all, the company and the product. My {LOVE} for stickers goes way back...and I will continue to use SRM stickers on my cards and layouts...encouraging my paper crafting friends to do the same...with that said...all good things must come to an end...and now it's time I say goodbye...to a WONDERFUL year with SRM...and welcome the new ladies to the team...

What a {FUN} weekend...

2012-01-30T08:51:00.000-08:00

...a couple weekends ago we all jumped in the car and headed over the snowy pass and went to celebrate my sweet niece Brinley's Birthday! We arrived in Mount Vernon late on Friday night because I had to work...we arrived at about 10pm seeing her decorating her own {MUSTACHE} cake! ...rolling out the marshmallow fondant and covering her chocolate frosted pound cake...I was very impressed with her kitchen skills.

...we were looking forward to this weekend away...it was going to be filled with FUN..family...and adventures!!! ...not to mention snow and LOTS of it!!!
Saturday we woke up to rain, snow, sleet...and snow again...I don't think the weather could decide what it really wanted to do...but then it decided on SNOW...we had a delicious breakfast and then headed to Seattle...by the time we got to Seattle the weather was great and the sun was out! ...our first stop...Archie McPhee's...all the kids had a great time shopping...have you ever been there? What a CRAZY store! ...then we went to see the Fremont Toll...

Aunt Ashley is telling the kids all about the Troll under the bridge...I can't believe we've never heard of this place before...right now it's under construction...but it was still a BUSY attraction...
...the sun was BRIGHT...can you see Mason and Camryn...what are you two digging for? ...are they actually picking the Troll's nose!!! LOL Brinley is trying to gather everyone else up for a picture...before the rest of the tourists get up there...Kelly...can you believe I DID NOT get a single shot of them all up there together? I will send you what I have though ;)

...after visiting the Troll we went down to the Ye ol' Curiosity Shop...Aunt Ashley just spoils the kids...here she just gave them a coin to have some creepy lady in a box give them their fortune...as you can tell from the picture...the kids thought it was pretty neat!

and then we had a delicious lunch/Dinner at The Crab Pot...Yummy...
...Sunday morning we woke up to MORE snow...church had been cancelled but that did cancel our plans to drive to the Beach and cross the bridge!!!

Sunday Night we had a {TACO BAR} and Ted and Ashley ventured out in the snow and enjoyed a delicious dinner with all of us...it was wonderful to have dinner together as a family...play games...laugh...and just enjoy one another...we were just missing one very important person...peepaw!
...Ted...I don't know how you managed it...but you didn't get yourself in one single picture!

...as the weekend came to an end we decided it was time to celebrate Camryn's Birthday just a bit early...we hit the American Girl store and Build-a-Bear...
before leaving the West Side...
...and we had to stop and eat...we stopped at this amazing little place called Triple XXX Burgers...where I got this...and it was {amazing}...
...this little place had this old time feel...my dad would have {LOVED} it! ...we told our sweet little waitress we were celebrating Camryn's Birthday early...and this is what they did for her...I thought Camryn might cry...but she held it together...she totally doesn't like things like this...
...and then it was {finally} time to start heading back over the snowy pass...and just like that our weekend was over...
*** most of these photos were taken with my iphone...it's just so much more convienent...plus...I need someone who will some me how to use my new camera...I've had it now for 4 months...I still haven't figured it out!

{BAKING} can get you out of that funk right?

2012-01-20T14:40:00.001-08:00

...this morning did NOT get off to a good start...so I decided by mid-morning that I needed to {BAKE} something to help me out of that terrible, no good...MOOD!!!

I've had this recipe for quite sometime...I do not even remember where I picked it up but {TODAY} was the day that I was going to try it out! Snow Day #2...the kids really can't even go out side because we have at least an inch of ice on top of all our snow...I think we will still have to try sledding regardless...because we are starting to go stir-crazy!

...over on FACEBOOK...I'm getting a lot of requests for the recipe so here it is...

Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins

What you will Need:

• Non-Stick cooking spray
• 2 cups All Purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/3 cup Pure vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup seedless strawberry jam OR strawberry preserves
• 1/4 cup sugar

How to make it:

• HEAT oven to 375ºF. Spray muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. Stir together flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl. Add milk, eggs, 2/3 cup sugar, peanut butter and oil to bowl. Combine ingredients on low speed of electric mixer, just until moistened. Do not over beat.

• FILL prepared muffin cups evenly with half of the batter. Place 2 level teaspoons jam or preserves in the center of each muffin. Evenly divide remaining batter between muffin cups. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar. Bake 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool in pan 5 minutes.

{ my review: I think they need to be sweeter...and I would add MORE peanut butter than what the recipe calls for...and more jelly :)}

...just thought I should share...

2012-01-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

I have never shared these...looks like I meant to back in the summer months and I never got around to it for some reason...hummm...well here you go :)

..this first one is of my parents 40th Wedding Anniversary in July...they renewed their wedding vows. Many of you know that my dad lost his battle with Brain Cancer in December...we all prayed that he would see this day...he did...and it was such a {HAPPY} day...

...the second LO...shares the lyrics {while I'm waiting} ...these photos where taken this summer also...all on the same day I believe...of Stuart's sweet Grandma's funeral...I went on an early morning run...I had stopped to take a picture of the sunrise...and a quick snapshot as I started off...

...this last year had been such a sad year for our family...I am hoping that 2012 will be different...but...grieving is making that hard...I am reading many different books trying to help me cope...I am not sure that it is actually helping...but we are going on with our everyday lives...we are doing the best we can...trying to find our new {normal}.

We got out 1st BIG SNOW today...

2012-01-18T14:46:00.001-08:00

...and I wanted to make the kids something before they got back home from school...I grabbed a MINI TUBE from SRM and filled it full of the NEW KRAFT Jet-Puffed Mallow Bits...they are YUMMY! ...Then I went over to JessicaSprague.com and printed out this really cute card from EchoPark...and added my jeweled brad! ...That's it!!! I was all done in less than 10 minutes!

...by putting the Mallow Bits in the Mini Tube I am able to limit the kids to just this amount...instead of using the entire container! :)

I'm beginning to wonder...

2012-01-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

...if I will EVER get this room back in order...back in August after Tom passed away...I just started tossing stuff in here and I kept the door shut...I kept telling myself I would get back in there and get all of this {STUFF} put away...then my dad kept getting sicker...you know what...this is how someone ends up on HOARDERS...yes...thank heavens it has only been contained to this one room...but this is just bad!!!

I have been telling Stuart and myself for months now I would get back in this room and get it taken care of...but it's been hard to get motivated enough to do it...let alone to even open the door! last night I managed to clean off my table a little bit...tonight I managed to work on the entry way...well at least I can see the carpet! I've still got a TON to do...but I managed to do a little tonight and that's PROGRESS :) Progress is good...even if it's just baby steps...

...I am always making sketches for upcoming projects/assignments...I found a TON of those tonight...I also found a bunch of quotes...this one I wrote down a LONG time ago...it was very fitting then...someone may find it also useful in their life now...so I thought I would share...

...well I guess I should probably either get back to cleaning or try and finish up this birthday present :) Which one do you think I will pick...

{Be Mine}

2012-01-10T06:43:00.000-08:00

...how can it be that we are getting ready for Valentine's Day? I can finally share a couple SRM Projects that I made back in December...I used the following SRM Stickers: You can find a link to these stickers here ----> Quick Cards {Be Mine} #52027

You can find a link to these stickers here ----> Sticker Sentiments {Love} #51004

...this was such a fun little project...a couple fun little touches I added...machine stitching...to stitch the little banner down at the top and I even pulled out some stamps which I haven't had out in quite some time. I used { Bevy of Butterflies by UNITY Stamp Co.} on this one.

...and a {special THANK YOU} to my 12 year old son Ben for taking these photos of Stuart and I...we wouldn't have ANY photos together if it weren't for him! Thanks buddy! He has been taking photos of us for the last 4 years or so :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

My photo of the the day {1.9.2012}

2012-01-09T13:46:00.000-08:00

...who is attempting to do {A PHOTO A DAY } for the entire year or Project 365 this year? I have started...we are at day 9 and so far so good! :) ...I have no goals with this except that I will tell my story...at the end of the year I will have a ton of photos which I usually do anyway...I am sure I will know my camera better but no real goals...

...I woke up this morning with a horrible headache not able to do some of the things that I wanted to do...and even some things that others wanted me to do...by mid morning I had decided I needed to talk to the person that would give me the best advice...I hopped in the car and went to visit my dad...but only I could do the talking...I keep hearing from people about the grieving process...I know it's different for everyone...some days are better than others...after this mornings visit...my headache went away...

...one thing my dad kept repeating to me over and over during his illness was... ...when we worry and worry about things...it just eats us up...let the little things go...my dad was a very smart man...I miss him...

{Photo taken December 2010}

{Plain Jane give-a-way}

2012-01-09T06:17:00.000-08:00

How cute is this!!! It's made out of polymer clay {fimo} and it will be customized just for YOU if you win!!!

Jane from Jane's Doodles is giving this little guy away...you know you want it...head on over to her blog and see what you need to do to get it for yourself!

I hope I win...but if I don't...I hope you do! :)

Grey Matters!

2012-01-03T08:15:00.000-08:00

Will you do me a favor? Please sign {THIS PETITION}

...this morning 566 out of 2012...this only takes a minute to fill out...my dad could still be with us today if research was funded for Glioblastoma Multiforme {GBM}...SO MANY people know nothing about Brain Tumors...together we can spread AWARENESS...
{...a glimpse at my dad's 1st year fighting this terrible disease...a true hero in every sense of the word...never complaining...looking to God for comfort...praying...never giving in and giving up...FIGHTING to the very end...}

...what this petition wants to do is INCREASE BRAIN TUMOR AWARENESS: the Gray Ribbon represents Brain Tumor Awareness...however many people are not familiar with this!

The goal is to make the GREY RIBBON just as important and recognizable as the pink...people of all races and all ages are dying at an alarming rate!!! It is time to make Brain Cancer Awareness a priority not an option! I've had my GREY RIBBON on my car for the last year...trying to build awareness in my community...every little bit counts...

I also would like to state that I know and have many friends and have had family members suffer from breast cancer and I am not saying it is not important and doesn't deserve the recognition it receives...it's just that Brain Cancer is one of the orphan cancers...which means it is not given a lot of recognition or awareness...it's time to change that...

Here are some facts about Brain Cancer and Brain Tumors:

• Brain tumors strike men, women, and children of any race, at any age.
•Brain tumors are the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among children under the age of twenty.
•Symptoms of a brain tumor may include: headaches, seizures, cognitive or personality changes, eye weakness, nausea, speech disturbances, or memory loss.
• An MRI is the best diagnostic tool for accurately detecting a brain tumor.
•More than 600,000 people in the United States are currently living with a primary brain tumor.
• There are more than 120 different types of brain tumors, which is one reason why treating them is so difficult.
•Both malignant and non-malignant brain tumors can have a severe and debilitating impact on quality of life.
•Only one out of three adults diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor today will be alive in five years.
•Brain tumors are the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among males up to age 39.
•Brain tumors are the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women ages 20-39.
•A brain tumor patient’s outcome depends on several factors, including the type of tumor, location, response to treatment, age, and overall health.
•Brain tumor treatments, which can include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, may have life-altering side effects.
•Brain tumors in children are different from those in adults and are often treated differently.
•More than 72% of children with brain tumors will survive; however, they are often left with life-long physical, psychological, and/or cognitive deficits.

{Don't forget to click on the link above and sign the petition today...it only takes a minute...and it could help save the life of someone you love...}

A final honor...

2011-12-23T11:57:00.001-08:00

...I'm finally getting some photos off of my camera...here's a picture that was featured in the Tri-City Herald of my dad's procession. I have no idea who contacted them...but I do remember seeing them standing along side the road. The procession was amazing...it had traffic stopped for miles...and there were people standing here and there outside places of business along the entire route from the Hanford Patrol Training Academy (PTA) to the Cemetery. We were told that there we at least 117 cars in the procession. Inside the van where we were, my mom, sisters and I...there were moments of laughter and moments of tears...as we recalled certain memories during our childhood...listened to my dad's favorite songs and most of all just wished we weren't doing what we were doing...the procession was truly one of the most amazing things I have ever witnessed...I always knew my dad was a VERY SPECIAL person and it was evident many people also thought so...
...so many things have changed in the last few weeks...I still wake up just like I have the last 20 months wishing all of this was a dream...unfortunately it's not...I know that my dad is no longer in pain...or suffering...but the pain we are all feeling and the emptiness that is in our hearts hurts more than we want to admit...I know with time it will get better and we will all hurt less and less but right now it seems as if our world is going to stop because he is gone... :'(

2011-12-11T20:19:00.000-08:00

The life of one we love is never lost. It's influence goes on through all the lives it ever touched.

~ Christoper Holloway

I know my dad touched MANY...I know he is no longer suffering from such a horrible disease...right now I am at such a loss for words...but I want to post something...thank you so much for all your posts, messages, texts, PMs...my dad will be truly missed...

"I love you dad"

Father's Day 2011

Check out the Pink Paislee from JessicaSprague.com

2011-11-29T05:32:00.000-08:00

We recently had our first snow here in the the Columbia Basin which meant I had to stop what I was doing and grab at least 3 pictures of the kids and that's what I did...we didn't get much snow so they weren't outside long...the weatherman is saying our next system is coming in this Wednesday...I wonder what it will bring...because the weather has been beautiful...except for the occasional gust of wind...

I haven't been to creative lately but I was able to make a few things just recently...

{Items I used HERE}

The next thing I wanted to share are {PERFECT} for Christmas...I found some little test tubes filled with {MAKE YOUR OWN SNOW} ...so I grabbed three and got busy! ...I actually needed to drive around town and go from store to store until I found THREE...and then I got to work :) I went {HYBRID} with this project and printed out the pattern paper and even the heart embellishment. I added my SRM Stickers and other embellishments. What is even more SPECIAL about this project is I embellished the TUBE with a metal snowflake ornament. Every year I make my kiddos a new ornament. This will be this years...with a photo of them on the day of the first snowfall.

{Items I used HERE}

...my Stocking Stuffer/Ornaments are also being featured today on the SRM Blog...head on over there and check out what the other amazing designers have been up too...also...you need to know that the 2012 Design Team call is about to be ANNOUNCED! It will be posted SOON...everything you need to know will be on the BLOG on December 5th. Susan is so wonderful to work with and the SRM Stickers are THE BEST product out there...here are a few cards I have made over the last couple of months...that I haven't had a chance to post yet...

Thanks for stopping by today...hope you are all having a great start to a wonderful week...

Fleece Blankets being shipped...

2011-11-16T17:51:00.000-08:00

...this is the time of year that you just want to help people...well here's a story that will touch your heart just like it has touched mine...Oliver Palmer is an amazing young boy, who is also living his life with a devastating BRAIN TUMOR...a recent MRI showed his inoperable tumor started growing again. Last Christmas he told his parents he felt as important as the president of the United States because people from all over sent him cards wishing him a Merry Christmas...this little boy has really touched so many peoples lives...and now so many people are going to help him now touch the lives of others by helping deliver cards and fleece blankets to children at the Children's Hospital. Here are the blankets and cards I made for him to deliver...and a special card just for him.

...you can find the address to send your own blanket(s) and card(s) in the link above.

I will rise...

2011-11-14T18:42:00.001-08:00

...this is the most beautiful version of this song I have ever heard...

{Operation Write Home} BLOG HOP

2011-11-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Veteran's Day! ...and on this day...want a better way to show our appreciation for our Troops and Veteran's...than with an AMAZING Blog Hop...the HOP starts here: http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org/. There is even a "grand prize" on their blog for a random drawing from comments left on the start post, but the fun of the party will be going to see each of the company's products! Now...you are probably wondering...what company's are participating...here is a list of the amazing companies that are involved in the Blog Hop:

Hero Arts http://heroarts.com/blogs/club/
Sizzix http://sizzixblog.blogspot.com/
Tombow http://blog.tombowusa.com/
Prima http://prima.typepad.com/
Ranger Industries http://blog.rangerink.com/
Studio Calico http://studiocalico.blogspot.com/
Tonic Studios http://tonicgallery.wordpress.com/
Basic Grey http://blog.basicgrey.com/
Copic http://www.copicmarker.com/blog
SRM Stickers http://srm-stickers.blogspot.com/
May Arts http://www.mayarts.com/blog/

Today I am working as a Design Team Member with SRM Stickers and I made the following "Thank You" cards... Thank you for letting me be apart of this amazing cause.

What an honor to be a part of Operation Write Home...my cards have already be received by now...and if you don't know anything about OWH...Operation Write Home, OWH is a 501(c)(3) organization; they send blank handmade cards to deployed service members so they can write home to their families. As of May 2011, they've sent one MILLION cards!

...another Halloween CAME and WENT...

2011-11-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

...I can't believe this is the ONLY picture I have of all three kids this year...it's just getting harder and harder to make sure I am in all the places I need to be...once my littles got off the bus I started doing Camryn's hair...Ben was finishing his homework and Mason headed next door...and then before I knew it...Stuart walked in the door and it was time to head out to the Grandparents...because Halloween doesn't start until we have visited each of their homes FIRST!

...Mason wanted to be Captain America this year and he sure was CUTE!!!

...and Camryn wanted to be a VAMPIRE! Which was a shocked to all of us...I wasn't to excited about her choice...so I decided to dress it up a bit...

...we had a great evening trick or treating in the neighborhood with our wonderful neighbors...it wasn't too cold until the wind started blowing...I hope everyone had a great night!

...and Ben turns 12...

2011-10-18T06:17:00.001-07:00

I'm pretty sure I say this every year...but how can it be? It seems just like...I bet you are expecting me to say {yesterday} ...I'm not...lol because it actually seems a bit longer than yesterday but certainly NOT 12 years ago...that we are right here meeting Mr. Ben for the first time...

...gotta love how young Stuart and I look...we look like babies ourselves! ...ok well Stuart does...you can't see me...just all my hair...I don't even have that much hair any more :'(

{excuse the blurry photo...Meemaw took the picture this morning and she is not used to taking digital photos and she was a bit shaky}

...so this is US today {LOTS} of changes...huh? Mr. Ben is growing up for sure...making us proud each and every day...lol ok not every day...we have some bad days but for the most part he is a super great kid! I LOVE who he is growing up to be...a strong...funny...likable young man...ASB Rep for his grade homeroom...As and Bs so far...hoping he keeps that up! ...having a great football season...hoping YOU make it to the SUPERBOWL this year...I know YOU will be playing for Peepaw who I know has the best seats in the house each and every game! ...cheering YOU on...GO Benny!!! I can hear it each and every game...Happy Birthday Ben! We LOVE you!!! ...and though spending your birthday in a car and then on an airplane isn't going to be too fun...we do have something {FUN} planned...just wait! ;) {It's going to be a LONG DAY...but I'm sure it'll be a birthday you never forget}

CARDS instead of LAUNDRY

2011-10-17T14:11:00.001-07:00

...so instead of doing the much needed laundry this morning I made some cards so they could hit the mail this afternoon...

...and this afternoon...I'm STILL not done with the LAUNDRY! ...this morning Ben informs me...he has TWO pairs of pants that fit..I think to myself...how in the world do all your pants that fit last week no longer not fit you! ...I'm telling you that boy is growing like a weed...in just 2 very short days he will be 12 and he is nearly as tall as me...and weighs over 100 pounds now...who would of thought! ...makes me want to cry :'(

...I really need to stop procrastinating about this laundry...and get every organized...and I should do that NOW! I'll have more to share later...

Happy {FALL}

2011-10-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

...well it is finally starting to look and feel like {FALL} around here...recently I made a {FALL BANNER} that is hanging in my entryway...it is using LOTS of SRM!I apologize for the crappy photos...my camera is about to die :( ...on one hand I'm not happy about this...but on the other :)

...and just to start to get in the mood for {HALLOWEEN} ...yes I know it's right around the corner...I have a Mini Tube to share with you...

Thanks for stopping by today...now I need to get busy and finish up Camryn's Halloween costume...I'm about 90% done...at least {MY} part is done...now I just need to do the shopping part...Mason needs to decide what he wants to be...every 5 minutes he changes his mind...and it's easy for Ben...being in Middle School...in fact...he's going to his 1st boy/girl costume party this weekend...I can't believe he's growing up!!! I have 6 days to have all this Halloween business taken care of...that's all the time I've given myself...think I can get it done?

It's October...and with that...

2011-10-12T06:25:00.001-07:00

...it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month...I know too many people it seems that are battling this disease...last month I made this card for one of my old students who's family member is battling breast cancer right now...

{I used SRM Stickers: Express Yourself #42032 Celebrate Life}

...and I also made this Mini Tube...

{I used SRM Stickers: Live Life #49010 Think Pink ...and the Mini Tube.

...one day I hope there will be a cure for all cancers...

...the weekend came and went...

2011-10-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

...but we survived...I even got a quick nap to try and get rid of my headache...but it didn't really help...

...this morning I'm off to work...my first sub day of the year...working tomorrow too while my friend is in California at a scheduled doctors appointment...many prayers being said for her...I'm a bit anxious to hear how her appointment goes...

...this afternoon I hope to come home and finish this post and share about the weekends activities...BOY WAS IT A BUSY WEEKEND!!!

...this is not how we expected to start the weekend...by picking Camryn up from school early...we received a phone call from the school saying that there had been an accident on the playground...the swing that Camryn was swinging on had broke and the chain fell and hit Camryn in the head...and to be honest when I heard those words I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I got to the school...I knew how BIG those chains were and how HEAVY they were...but when I saw her I knew that she definitely had her guardian angel with her at that moment...

...Saturday morning we were all up bright and early to walk in honor of Tom...in the 4th Annual ALS Walk at Columbia Park...Uncle Ted had some really special shirts made for the family and we all {LOVED} them. Team Dezember raised over $3100 in just two weeks of collecting money...I hit my goal of $500, Ben, Camryn and Mason all went WELL OVER their goals and Stuart was SO CLOSE...just $55 short of making his goal...just between the 5 of us we raised $1450.00...and that's because yesterday Ben received a very nice email from a family in Florida who made a recent donation in Tom's name. We want to {THANK} everyone who donated in Tom's memory...your donation to the Walk to Defeat ALS® allows the ALS Associate Evergreen Chapter to provide programs and services to families affected by ALS and fund global, cutting-edge research. Donations can still be made at {TEAM DEZEMBER}.

...Saturday night...Ben's football team had a tailgate party...LOTS of fun!!! ...and LOTS of food!!!
...after all that fun and food then it was time to warm up and get ready for the game...
...Ben had a great game...all of his Uncles and Aunts were there except Uncle Ted and Aunt Ashley but I am pretty sure if I had tickets to Seinfeld I might have missed the game too ;) ...and Uncle Marc...but he had to take Madi to her soccer game in Spokane so that was a good excuse to not be there too...so we forgive him as well ;) ...Marc we know you guys wished you could be there!

Ben got to be the kicker this game...and he even got an extra point conversion as a receiver! GO BEN!!!

Never Let Go

2011-09-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

(you will need to scroll down to my playlist and press "pause" before hitting "play")

...many times I will listen to a song because it will help ease my mind...give me some continued HOPE or peace of mind but this morning as I was driving to my parents house this song came on and this time...this song spoke to me...it reminded me as we are frantically searching for someone to help my dad...we are never going to stop...with every road block we are going to continue searching...we have people in the Tri-Cities who already have spoken with two different clinical trial experts at University of Washington but unfortunately, trials are very limited for my dads type of brain cancer and my dad does not qualify for any of them based on his history of treatment...and I feel like my dad's local doctors want him to be done fighting...what kind of doctor says, "when most patients get to where you are at they opt to stop all treatment and let nature take its course...which gives you a few months..." ...are you kidding me...I'm glad my dad has a fighting spirit and said "Hell No! I'm going to continue fighting this...we also have another Doctor in the Seattle area who is looking into finding out if there are other clinical trials or treatment in Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Stanford, UCLA and Houton...and I even have someone looking for help in Denver and Boston.

My dad's not ready to give up...so we need to find some doctors who are willing to continue some form of treatment to continue fighting this UGLY cancer.

...On this beautiful Fall day...I am grateful for the precious time I got to spend with my dad...the walk we took this morning...the conversations we had...

{Building Awareness for ALS with your Help}

2011-09-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

...this was "TEAM DEZEMBER" last year...this year we are missing a very important member...Tom...

On August 22, 2011, our wonderful {PeePaw, father-in-law, Dad} Thomas Dezember lost his battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease. Tom was diagnosed in January of 2010, and was taken from us much too soon...we miss him so much! His death leaves a large void in our family, but we know his loving spirit is always with us. Our family will continue to do our part to build awareness for ALS which steals our loved ones from us much to soon...with your help we can make a difference in the lives of people affected by this terrible disease.

We have set a goal...but that's just a number...give a little or a lot...with all of us working together to support those affected by Lou Gehrig's Disease and to help spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a {CURE}...we can make a difference...that's what matters...your support for this cause truly will mean the world to us and our family and many other families who have been touched by ALS...we thank you and they thank you...

{Tom and I enjoying some SMOREs...August 3, 2011}

Those that truly cared for and loved Tom will honor him this weekend...along with supporting others and their families affected by ALS.

If you can give to this CAUSE we appreciate your generosity...

Please DONATE HERE

With your help, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease.

Christmas in July

2011-07-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

***A HOLIDAY GIFT BAG & TAG***
...as many of you might have guessed...yes I'm desperately trying to catch up on my blog posts...lol...it just seems like I never have the time anymore to sit down and create let alone sit done long enough and make a blog post...several weeks ago I was able to make this little project...I just LOVE how it came together...but my favorite part about it is that I pulled out my {OLD} SWEETWATER paper and used it...this pattern paper is about 4 years old and I have quite a stash of it and it doesn't matter that it's so old...I still love it...it goes to show you don't have to have the latest and greatest paper...you can still make a new project with older papers and it will turn out CUTE! ...now I challenge YOU to do that same thing...pull out those OLDER papers and make something CUTE :D

...now to really make this project CUTE I used the NEW {Believe} Quick Card from SRM Stickers...

...with CHA just coming to an end there have been so many new releases...LOTS of new stuff! ...speaking of CHA...here are a few of my projects that were at the show...

...I thing there were a few more things...but I just don't remember what there were...in fact I am positive there was one more tube and 2 more cards I sent with Susan...anyway...I heard everyone had a great time in Chicago and the booth looked fantastic :)

...it's been a while...

2011-07-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

...since I shared some digital work...

...first I will share a couple of {hybrid} cards...I made this one for a friend and sweet baby boy! See Supply List {HERE}

...this one I made for our new neighbors...
See Supply List {HERE}

Recently we packed up the car and headed out of town and went on a much needed vacation...we decided to go to a place we had never gone before...actually Stuart and I had been there to ski but never to play in the water! The kids had a great time...See Supply List {HERE}

...earlier this summer Camryn attended the Seattle Sounder Soccer Camp. This was her 2nd year in a row attending this camp...she LOVED every minute of it! See Supply List {HERE}

Thanks for stopping by!

Birthday Cake Jars!!! {FINALLY}

2011-07-26T10:26:00.001-07:00

Here’s the post SO MANY of you have been waiting for…the RECIPES from Mason’s Cake Jars from his Birthday…

…for the cupcakes I used the White Wedding Cake Cupcakes from RecipeGirl.com but I added some lemon zest and some freshly squeezed lemon juice and let me just say…these smelled SO GOOD while baking and tasted even better when done!

…for the icing I used both the Strawberry and the Lemon Buttercream Icing from the blog HOW SWEET IT IS and the Strawberry Icing BY FAR has to be THE BEST icing I have EVER TASTED!!!

So now I need another reason to make some cupcakes...oh wait...another Birthday is coming up and I have a recipe I am dying to try! In a few weeks you all will hear all about it! ...there will be a kid verson of this cupcake and an adult only version :D

She will be missed...

2011-07-26T10:03:00.001-07:00

…the last few weeks have been full…full of sadness and celebration for our family…Stuart’s sweet Grandma passed away…we know that she is no longer suffering and that helps ease our pain but the sadness of the loss is still there with us. Here is a photo of Ben, Camryn and Mason releasing balloons in her honor…in her favorite color {purple}. She will always be in our hearts. Stuart’s grandparent’s have been in my life for the last 20 years…they have been like my 2nd set of Grandparents…I was given a great honor last week…it will be something I will never forget…something I really didn’t think I would be able to do…but with trembling hands and even tears streaming down my face…I did it…I did it because {family} always sticks by each other’s side and supports one another in time of need…and even though I didn’t think I could do it…I remembered part of the lyrics to one of my favorite songs, “I can do all things through CHRIST…who gives me STRENGTH.” Philippians 4:13

...look at their little faces...I wish I knew what they were thinking at that very moment...

{because I care}

2011-07-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

...today's project is featured over on the SRM Blog as well...

SRM has Mini Tubes now and they are just as fun as the regular tubes!!! This time around I pulled out my Wishing You Well Sticker Sentiments...

...grabbed a couple of mini tubes and some other {fun} goodies and got to work...this is wait I came up with:

...I'd love to see what you do with the NEW MINI TUBE...if you make one shoot me an email and share your work :)

{BATTER UP} SRM TUBE Tutorial

2011-07-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick and easy set of SRM TUBES I made for Ben's Summer Tournament Team...a few week's ago the boys needed to clean-up and prepare the field for the weekend tournament...only 8 of the 12 boys came and helped out and I wanted to make something to show them that their hard work was appreciated.

I assembled these sunflower seed tubes and I'll take you through the process so you can make some of your own...

I was able to prepare all of these tubes in under an hour. It was a great way to show the boys that we appreciated all of their hard work! Thanks for stopping by!!!

Happy 4th of July {WEEKEND}

2011-07-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

...it's going to be another BUSY weekend...ours is starting this morning as Ben has another Baseball Tournament...the "Conner Classic" and his 1st game is at 11:30.

Since I have had a houseful of painters this week...I actually had some time to play around in my office...here are somethings I have made to help celebrate this weekend! My kiddos are going to LOVE these!

I used: SRMs TUBE, SRM Stickers: Express Yourself #42035 4th of July Black Tulle & Jelly Belly Beans.

I used: SRMs TUBE, SRM Stickers: Express Yourself #42035 4th of July Crinkle Filler Paper & Pop-Its.

...and I made this for the table...I used SRMs TUBE: Magic Wands along with their Express Yourself #42035 Stickers to make my little banners and filled them with {SPARKLERS} ...the kids and their cousins will get these on Monday...

...I hope everyone enjoys their weekend...celebrating our {INDEPENDENCE}...spending time with their families and of course eating yummy food!!!

4EVER Blog Hop with JessicaSprague.com

2011-06-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

***links have been disabled since the bloghop is over...hope you all had fun!***

This weekend...ALL WEEKEND...JESSICASPRAGUE.COM is having a Birthday Blog Hop!!!

Thanks for stopping by...hope you are having fun so far...I know all the girls have worked so hard creating their kits and freebies for all of you...here's what I did...my first {QUICKPAGE} ever...I didn't use just one of the mini kits...I used SEVERAL pieces from SEVERAL of the kits...they all go together and it was really fun to mix and match.

...and my LO :) ...my daughter Camryn and her toothy {smile}.

...now it's time to head on over to see Roshni she's the next stop!

Father's Day Weekend...

2011-06-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

...I can't say it was relaxing...we were BUSY and on the go...Ben played in the Father's Day Tournament in Kennewick...his team didn't do very well...but Ben played well :)

... nice face huh!

...I wanted to take a picture of the kids with Stuart but he was busy...

...and at dinner I finally got a picture of Stuart and the kids...not the best but at least I got a picture...

...I met my Dad at the golf course and got to see him :)

...it was a busy weekend...

You're in my Thoughts

2011-06-14T10:47:00.001-07:00

...last week I made this special tag for my dear friend Dana...I miss her!

...a digital LO and Hybrid Card to share...

2011-06-12T18:22:00.001-07:00

...recently I made this Birthday Card and I used some Red River Paper to print out my digital elements...oh my gosh I LOVED IT!!! It just may become my new favorite...

See Materials Used {HERE}

...I think this Template took me the longest out of all the templates I have EVER used but I think it was worth it! :) I used photos from Camryn's soccer games this past year...I really like how it all came together...I think I will print it off for her and let her put it in her room...

See Materials Used {HERE}

Yeahhhh summer is here....

2011-06-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

...even if it doesn't quite feel like it yet...hoping the weather will turn around and it will feel like summer soon!

...recently I came across this little picture...it fits perfectly right now for what's going on in our life...

...evidently...moving is the only thing we can do...moving from one thing to the next...and the next...and for the balance part...well...one day I am hoping we'll feel balanced!

TUBES for Storage

2011-06-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

...all the gals over at SRM have been working really hard coming up with some really amazing ideas for TUBES for Storage...be sure to head on over to the SRM Blog if you haven't already been there...you will get links to everybody's ideas...they are AWESOME!!!

Here's what I came up with...

...I went with a {Picnic} theme... these little items are perfect for a picnic basket but always seem to get LOST...so in the TUBE they went...and this is also a perfect gift for a neighbor...friend...or even that end of the year Teacher gift.

Inside the tubes: Corn-on-the-Cob Holders, Ketchup, Mustard & Relish Packets, Straws, extra Matches, Water Balloons and Sunscreen.

...it's amazing how much time has gone by...

2011-06-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

...I was right in the middle of working on this digital LO when I got the call from my Dad...the day he found out he had Brain Cancer...that was March 15th 2010, I got to thinking the other day that this publication should be out...but I haven't heard a thing about it...I was told it would be available May 2011...so I went searching for it...The Big Book of Scrapbook Pages...has anyone seen it? Sometimes it is really hard to hold onto your work for SO LONG...

...this LO was also picked up for this publication.
Everything used in both of these LOs can be found at JessicaSprague.com.

...as I sit here thinking...

2011-06-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

...just went for a run 4.15 miles this morning...hoping it would help ease my mind...it really didn't...we are still waiting for the results of my Dad's latest MRI...I will never understand why the local hospital takes this long when in Spokane we would already have the results.

...recently Stuart quit his job...a job that he really used to LOVE so much...he even made us move back from Spokane because he just couldn't see himself doing anything else...I am sad for him...I hope that he finds "happiness" in his new adventure...

...Ben is getting ready to leave for 5th grade camp on Monday...he is so EXCITED...me on the other hand...he has never been away from us...so far away...its 177 miles from the school to the Ranch...about 4 hours one way...I'm a little nervous to say the least...I know he will have a great time...however, how do I put this gently...hummm not sure there's a gentle way to put...so I should just keep it to myself.

...last night was the first night in the {City Baseball Tournament} ...I wasn't sure Ben's game would finish before the bad weather hit...Ben hit a double which brought the score to 9-4 US...

...then the score was tied at 11-11 at the end of the 6th inning which made us have an extra inning...the boys scored two more during their up to bat...and held them when it was their turn in the field...WTG Densows!!! We play again Friday Night!!!

This morning...June 1, 2011

2011-06-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

...right now I am sitting at the hospital with my family...while my Dad is getting his MRI...please...

...say a prayer with us...that his scans will come back clean and that there will not be any enhancement or other signs of new growth.

We are going on the 15th month since diagnosis...some days are harder than others for him...some days he has the energy to play some golf...lately...he's been doing a lot of sleeping and feeling pretty crappy...regardless, he continues to fight!

I recently read an article in our local newspaper, where it stated, there are people who think that we shouldn't call it "fighting cancer"...that we should say we're in a battle...that to say "fighting" is too negative...HELLO!!! call it what you will...it is a war...you are fighting for your life...I will not sit here and judge anyone...over how they want to perceive this "battle" ...for me...the daughter of a man who is fighting day in and day out over this horrific battle with Brain Cancer. Over this last year, I have often put myself in the shoes of someone who might be fighting this battle...and though its hard to say what you would do till you are actually doing it...but I would like to think I would be handling it very similar to the way my dad does...with grace and dignity...and most definitely putting up one hell of a fight...KNOWLEDGE IS POWER...educate yourself about Brain Cancer...know the signs...you might just save someones life...

...this photo of "us" was taken on Monday...while we celebrated Memorial Day and honored our biggest HERO...our Dad!

See Materials Used {HERE}

...now that SPORTS are winding down...

2011-05-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

...I don't know what we will do with all of our EXTRA time...last week Mason and Ben both finished up their regular seasons...and now all that is left is Ben's City Tournament. Even though Ben's team didn't have a big winning season...BEN DID...Ben hit his first HOME RUN...and it was a GRAND SLAM!!! ...a couple of years ago during Summer Tournament time...I told Ben if he hit a "Home Run" I'd give him A Hundred Dollars...and he didn't let me forget that...Ben made $110 that game, because his PeePaw had always said he'd give him $10 bucks if he made a Home Run! It was an exciting moment for sure! ...a moment worth documenting with a scrapbook page...

See Materials Used {HERE}

See Materials Used {HERE}

What a {GREAT} weekend...

2011-05-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

...this past weekend Stuart and I got to do something that we normally don't get to do...get out of town without the kids! We had a great time...the weekend started out by checking into The Davenport Hotel on Friday evening...

...if you ever get to Spokane, and you haven't stayed in The Davenport...I highly recommend it...I LOVE it! In fact, it's usually the only place Stuart and I stay while visiting Spokane...I LOVE the history of the hotel and the beds are the most comfortable I have ever slept in.

Saturday morning...I was up bright and early where I met my sister for Joggin for the Noggin. Where there was an amazing turnout and support for individuals with Brain Tumors...building Awareness here in the Pacific Northwest. This was my second year running in this event and it won't be my last...

Materials Used {HERE}

...after the run...Stuart and I hung out and ATE...we shopped a little...and went to the movies...we LAUGHED A LOT...then we ATE some more...eating is something we usually do alot of when we don't have the kids...I'm not sure why we do that...but boy is it nice to enjoy a meal with just the two of us :)

...and then Saturday night we went and saw WICKED...we {LOVED} it!

Materials Used {HERE}

...14 months ago...my dad was given a diagnoses of Stage 4 Brain Cancer...with a prognosis of 14 months...he hit that mark...we will never get up on the HOPE that a miracle will happen {AGAIN} that a cure will be found...we will never stop believing in the power of prayer...we will continue to have faith in the doctors and all the meds and procedures he has to go through...that contnues to keep him here with us one more day!

Materials Used {HERE}

...the weekend went by so fast...but I was ok with that...I missed the kids lol We had a great time...they had a great time...

Did you know it was Teacher Appreciation Week?

2011-05-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

...Teacher Appreciation Week has started...RIGHT NOW is the PREFECT time to tell those teachers who much they mean to you! Show your appreciation...even the simplest "thank you" doesn't go unnoticed.

I just finished up some very quick and fun "thank yous"...

SRM's Sticker Sentiments #51005 Thank You's were PERFECT for this little project!

Monday's in May!

2011-05-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Jessica Sprague has something NEW for you this month! Introducing Monday's in May!!!

Every Monday in May you will have the opportunity to purchase an item from a designer and receive an item of equal or lesser value from that same designer for FREE! No coupon codes needed. Just fill your cart up with goodies and watch the magic happen! Keep in mind that you will not be able to use coupons or gift certificates during this special, so hold on to them until Tuesday. You can, however, use a coupon or gift certificate if you are just purchasing a class as classes are not included in this special. You can also use a coupon or gift certificate if you are purchasing only one item per designer. This special will end at midnight eastern time.

Here are a few digital pages I recently made...

See Supply List {HERE}

See Supply List {HERE}

Let's bring AWARENESS to something very dear and near to my {HEART}...

2011-05-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today starts National Brain Cancer Awareness Month! Did you know 1 person is diagnosed every 3 minutes in the United States? ...startling statistics isn't it? I will never forget the moment when my dad told me he had a Brain Tumor...that was nearly 13 and a half months ago. My Dad was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme Stage 4 Brain Cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of Brain Cancer...when he first started this journey we knew NOTHING about this disease...I can't say that any longer...I think I am quite educated these days...

In the last year, I have counted at least 10 people not including my dad, who have already passed away or are still fighting for their lives with GBM...and our community still DOES NOT have resources specifically for Brain Tumor patients or their families...what saddens me the most is there are never any events held specifically for Brain Cancer Awareness locally either...even with all these families here that have been devastated by this horrible disease. We have travelled outside to other communities to support Brain Cancer Awareness...and will continue to do so...until our community here realizes there is a need here...to build awareness for Brain Cancer.

I will wear gray EVERYDAY this month in my support of Brain Cancer Awareness Month! ...along with MANY other things...what will you be doing? I would love to hear...send me a message...

Here's a little project I made...actually a few months ago...and it's been sitting on my shelf waiting for today...to be seen! Let's find a CURE!

SOCCER & "treat" TUBES from SRM

2011-04-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

Camryn's little soccer team has had a pretty good season...up to this last weekend winning every game but one...last weekend they played an undefeated team...and we ended up losing :( ...the other team was just stronger and better skilled then we were...the girls put up a good fight and never gave up...couldn't have asked for anything else...

...last weekend I was in charge of "treats" for my daughter's soccer team...we decided to do something a little different than the usual after game snacks...I made the girls something special :)

...I love making these TUBES from SRM...I also used their We've Got Your Stickers Plus #54003 THANKS.

Thanks for stopping by!

...some forgotten projects...

2011-04-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to clean up my computer...and I found a couple of projects I forgot to share...
I used these ADORABLE images by Jane Beljo...

...for this one I used...Boris the Bunny...isn't he just the cutest! I think so :)

...and here I used Sweet Froggy who is very sweet indeed!

Both Boris the Bunny and Sweet Froggy are PERFECT for your cards and other paper crafting! I paired both with some SRM stickers and TaDa!!! I made something nice to give away! :) You should grab them for yourself...if you do I would LOVE to see what you do with them...be sure to send me a message sharing a link to your project so I can take a peek :)

Cosmo Cricket/CARDS Magazine Sketch Challenge

2011-04-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

Cosmo Cricket has a great sketch challenge going on right now...all you need to do is take this sketch...create your card and upload it to your blog or online gallery by April 30th...be sure to post a comment in the link {HERE} with a link to your card. The editor's of CARDS Magazine will be choosing their winner and announcing on May 7th!

...here's my card...I took the sketch and flipped it...I used Cosmo Cricket's Upcycle and their NEW Glubers...I grabbed some of my favorite scrap fabric from Camryn's dress and of course a great sentiment sticker from SRM. I LOVE how it all came together! I just really love it!!!

...for the last year our family has been praying for a miracle...and recently we actually got it...in February when my dad had his MRI...the results weren't good...the tumor was back and growing more rapidly than the doctors had hoped...in three days he had port put in and was receiving a drug called Avastin...a drug that we knew was his last "hope"...we were also told that if this drug didn't work he only had weeks to live...we were all just devastated...but we couldn't give up HOPE and we needed to believe in miracles now more than ever...so my dad started his treatments in addition to his one week on/one week off of chemo...and last week we drove back to Spokane and finally got to look at the latest MRI scans...

...I know its hard to tell if you don't know what you are looking at...the scan on the left is from February...and the scan on the right is from April...on the left in the center you see something that looks like an upside down triangle...just to the left of that you can see a black circle...that black circle is where my dad's original tumor was removed...where it has grown back 3x in the last year...underneath that you will see some white space that is called enhancement that is actually the tumor growing again...this time farther into the brain...reaching very close to his spinal fluid...now if you look at the scan on the right it appears that ALL OF THE ENHANCEMENT is GONE!

...the Radiologist was SHOCKED...as well as my dad's team of doctors...my dad will continue with these Infusions every other week along with his Chemo...because it's working...when we were told my dad had 15 months to live I thought I wasn't going to be able to live another day myself...he's going on 14.5 months right now...fighting every single day...he is the true meaning of the word FIGHTER...even when he feels like crap...he doesn't let it get the best of him...I've seen him at many stages in the last year...where both physically and mentally he's exhausted...I hate seeing what Brain Cancer is doing to him...I hate what it's taking away from him...but I'm so proud of him...his courage...his will to fight a disease that is said to be the deadliest form of Brain Cancer...he has always been my HERO...when I was younger he taught me to fight for what I believed in...and what I wanted...now that I'm an adult he's showing me how to fight for your life...a fight that we have no control over...but a fight that you can't give up on...I love you dad!

For The Luv of Art Blog Hop!

2011-04-22T06:59:00.001-07:00

Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Are you ready for this Blog Hop...it's sure to be full of amazing inspiration and TONS of fun...and prizes too!

Here are all the sweet gals playing along:

Carrie Ferrier : http://carrieferrier.blogspot.com/
Sheri Twing: http://auntierere.blogspot.com/
Jaime Warren: http://jaimewarren.typepad.com/
Lisa Day: http://lisaday.typepad.com
Renee Dezember: http://reneedezember.blogspot.com/
Renee Lamb: http://reneelamb.wordpress.com/
Norma Kennedy: http://redrediris.blogspot.com/
For The Luv of Art Blog: http://fortheluvofart.blogspot.com/

This is what I will be giving away...

Here's what I created with this FUN line by Pink Paislee...

Be sure to hop through ALL of the blogs for a chance to win some really amazing prizes. Just leave a comment on each blog!!!! Good luck and have fun!

All Things Unity {NEW Sketch Challenge is up!}

2011-04-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

...time to get out those Unity and/or Ippity stamps and play along with the new sketch challenge that's up over at All Things Unity! Be sure to visit the ATU Blog for all the details on how to play along...

Today's card was based off the following sketch...I tried to get a good photo where you could see I used VersaMark ink and stamped Unity's Postcard Background stamp...but it's still a little hard to see...right on top of this yummy light blue and white polka dot pp from Echo Park Paper Co.

Be sure to check out the rest of the girls and see their amazing creations too...
Sara, Savannah, Cathy, Chris and Beate!

Thanks for stopping by!

Finally I finished it!!!

2011-04-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

Recently, I finished hand-stitching the binding on the quilt that I have been making for my dad...and the strangest thing happened...when I was putting it in the washing machine to give it a quick wash before taking it to him...in that very moment...it was like I had been RIGHT THERE before...I mean I had already done that very thing...EXACTLY that very thing...to every thing that was happening around me...the way the box of fabric softener was sitting on top of the washing machine...to the white laundry basket to the right of me sitting on the floor full of folded towels...the large tub full of dirty clothes behind me...it was the strangest feeling and as I pulled the quilt out of the washing machine and placed it in the dryer...this of feeling "peace" filled my heart. When I decided to make this quilt I knew what material I wanted to use and went on a search to find it...of course only 2 local stores were carrying the SUNKISSED Collection by SWEETWATER however, they both only had pieces of the grey portions of the collections. I ended up driving to Spokane to get the other pieces I needed. I decided on a pattern and got to work...it never fails that there will be some sort of issue and a change must be made...right in the middle of sewing I needed to come up with another grey piece and had to decide on something outside of the collection which I hated to do...but I managed to find a piece that I loved. I wanted to do something special on this quilt and I had a quote from a song quilted right on top... "...when I bow my head tonight there'll be no more me, myself and I, just watch my wife and kids please Lord, that's all I ask for anymore... " ...here's the whole song if you want to listen to it :) ...here's my Dad's new quilt... ...this past year I have wanted to do so much...but in this sort of situation there's really not much you can do...I have wanted to just take that nasty tumor and get rid of it...but all I've been able to do is make him meals...bring him his favorite food when he's feeling hungry enough to eat...make him yummy desserts and treats...bring him snacks and LOTS of them! Drop off movies for him to watch here and there...sit with him and watch golf or the occasional Western...take him to appointments...sit with him during treatments...take LOTS of pictures of things so he can see what's going on...drive him from here to there...go on walks with him...you name it I will do...since he got sick he's always so cold so I wanted to make him this quilt to help keep him warm when he's watching Golf while he's sitting in his chair or just listening to his music...I will be forever grateful to {S} for pushing my quilt to the top of the list to be quilted which meant we didn't have to wait 2-3 months for it to be completed. ...tomorrow we will find out the results of my Dad's latest MRI...he started his Avastin treatments in February...we will find out if they have helped with his aggressive tumor...as the previous MRI showed the the tumor was back and growing much more rapidly than the doctors had hoped...the Avastin was really our last path of treatment. So many prayers have been said and we want nothing more than for God to hear them and answer them all...my Dad continues to put up a great fight...saying he feels like he has at least 10 years of life left! We have BIG plans in July and I know that with his will and Gods work we will see them all come true...thank you EVERYONE for all your thoughts and prayers and please don't stop now...we need them now more than ever!

{SRM Stickers and Pink Paislee}

2011-04-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

The SRM Design Team was recently honored to work with the amazing collections from Pink Paislee...I got to work with Butterfly Gardens...here are the cards I made...using the NEW Quick Cards: Mother, Father and Sympathy from SRM Stickers. ...head on over the SRM Stickers Blog and see what the other designers did with the PP Collections they received...amazing stuff...LOTS of inspiration!!!

Hybrid Challenge...are you in?

2011-04-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

Come visit us at For the Luv of Art...we have Weekly Challenges...this week I am hosting a Hybrid Challenge...there's still a few more days before the deadline...

This week's challenge is all about channeling your inner digi self! You DO have it in you. It's time to make a project...either a LO, card or even an altered project we aren't limiting you to one certain thing...but it MUST use a hybrid element somehow. You can download some amazing digital papers or even digital stamps...but the key is to MIX it with what you feel already comfortable with...PAPER!

Here's my card...

I used a digital stamp by Jane Beljo from andthe 6x6 Petite paper pack Hometown Summer, along with some of their diecuts...I added some ribbon and a SRM Sticker sentiment and Ta-Da an adorable "Miss You" card. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with...time to get busy and don't stress out about the whole digi thing...have fun...I know you will be surprised with jusy how FUN it really is!

**Don't forget, if you participate in the weekly challenges throughout the month, you are eligible to win a store gift card in the random drawing at the end of each month. To participate, simply play along with the challenge and post your completed design in the appropriate week's thread**

All Things Unity

2011-04-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago I received an email from Sara Henton asking if I would like to join All Things Unity for the month of April as a guest Designer...and of course I said YES! I was looking forward to pulling out my Unity Stamps and dusting them off...it has been awhile since I had them out...

Today’s challenge is...Button Up! This Month's sponsor is Buttons Galore & More. They sent us all one of their button assortments. I received this package of Trims and Treasures:

Here's what I came up with...

...be sure to head on over to All Things Unity so see all the {details} for the {challenge} this week...you have a chance to win this...

...and "Thank You to Savannah and Sara for asking me to participate with ATU this month and to Buttons Galore & More for providing me with some amazing product to work with!

Some digital stuff to share...

2011-03-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

...I know it's been A LONG TIME...but I did managed to make these LOs recently...and I'm happy to share them with all of you...both of them are of Camryn... See Materials List {HERE} See Materials List {HERE} ...I also have some hybrid cards that I will post SOON!

BUSY weekend with sports...

2011-03-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

...this weekend was our first weekend with both soccer and baseball...and we were gone from 9:30 to 4:30...and Mason hasn't even started yet! It's hard to believe we'll be adding another game into the mix or how we'll even add one but we will...

It was so cold...I sat outside for hours wrapped up in 2 blankets...only coming out to take the few pictures I took...

Camryn had another good game scoring 2 goals...I did take a few pictures but none of them are good enough to share :( bummer I know...

...Ben had his first baseball game...before his game I gave him a little gift I made :) I made him a SRM TUBE and filled it full of sunflower seeds! He loved it!

...in Ben's game he played a little left field and 3rd base...neither was a position he played last year...Ben had a AWESOME catch in left field...there were base runners on 2nd and 3rd...he had to charge the ball and reach for it at the last possible second...it was the 3rd out and prevented those two runners from scoring it was AWESOME!!! WTG Ben!!! The coaches were still talking about it after the game...

***Notice how FUNKY Ben's uniform is? His team is wearing last years green jersey's and our new ones are at the printers RIGHT NOW...hence the combo of Bomber's and Coug's lol***

Want some fun new supplies?

2011-03-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

...well the shop over at For the Luv of Art has some great new stuff! Recently, I received a box of supplies from them and made these LOs and cards...

I have shared this one before...but I used the majority or the product from FTLOA store...and of course I added in some SRM Stickers...which these days you will find on most of my projects...such amazing stickers...if you haven't had a chance yet to work with these you MUST really find yourself some!

...for this one it was fun to look back through my photos from the summer and grab a couple pictures of Mason at his 6th Birthday!

...and I think this is my new FAVORITE card :) I just LOVE how it turned out and it took less than 20 minutes to put together...gotta love that! I LOVE CIRCLES!!!

Be sure to head on over to For the Luv of Art, check out their store...visit the forums and check out the gallery for some inspiration!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

This used to be one of my favorite day's of the year when I was teaching...the leprechauns ALWAYS visited my classroom and there were little green footprints everywhere...with a little treat left for my students...boy how I miss those days...I decided that my kiddos were going to get something fun today for their afterschool snack...

I used TUBES from SRM and really FUN SRM Stickers to decorate my tags...

Now , if your LOVE a good sketch challenge you need to head over to the Sketchy Thursdays Blog...

Here's today's really great sketch you will be working with...I LOVE IT!!! This week's sponsor is SRM Stickers...and if you haven't had a chance yet to use SRM you really are missing out...these are the BEST stickers out there for all your cards, LOs and projects!

ok...here's the Sketch...

...and here's what I did with it...I decided to use photos of Camryn's 1st soccer game of the season and her teammates :) She LOVES soccer more than anything and she plays with a group of really great girls! It was fun putting this LO together and so fast using this sketch...and using a non-traditional color scheme also added to the fun!

{I used SRM Stickers: We've Got your Number #48095 Extra Large, Have a Ball # 47004 Soccer, Year of Memories #48003 2011 & Express Yourself #42001 Athlete}

SRM is offering one random winner this week a generous SRM Prize Package! Don't let these stickers go to someone else because you didn't play along! Once you have your LO complete head over to the Sketch Thursdays Blog post your entry for this challenge to Mr. Linky in the sidebar before 10 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, March 23.
Bust of luck to you!!!

It's time for the BUTTERFLY Blog Linky Party!

2011-03-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

My friend Eva Dobilas and organized an amazing Blog Hop centered around the theme "Butterflies" ...she like everyone else is gearing up for SPRING!

I was going to make a card to share but then at the last minute I decided to do a LO instead...MOST everything I used on this LO "YOU" can get yourself at {For the Luv of Art} I also used this WONDERFUL Spellbinder "Butterfly" Die layer again on top up another SB Die...a few Queen & Co. Pearls, Tulle and of course my FAVORITE stickers...SRM!

Be sure to head on over to her Blog...there's a give-a-way!!! :) Visit Eva's Blog (HERE)

It's CARD MAKING WEEK over at...

2011-03-10T05:43:00.001-08:00

Write, Click, Scrapbook...it started on the 7th and runs through the 12th.

...be sure to check it out! I'm mentioned on Day 2 and 3 :) I know there are a lot of people who are still afraid to make their own cards...check out CARD MAKING WEEK over at Write, Click, Scrapbook and I think you might be surprised just how EASY and FUN it really is.

These two cards are not featured over at W,C,S but I just wanted to share these...I haven't gotten around to sharing these two yet...

Now it's time for you to get out there and make some cards! Happy Card Making!

Run for Ribbons

2011-03-03T12:43:00.000-08:00

This morning I got the whole family registered for the "Run for Ribbons" which is being sponsonsored by the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation. It will support local cancer patients and their families. Run for Ribbons is a 5k and 1mile run/walk community event to raise awareness and promote prevention of all forms of cancers. Our family will be running for a cure to support Brain Cancer!

If you'd like to join us all the information you will need you can find {HERE}

What will this week bring?

2011-02-28T09:41:00.000-08:00

...besides more wind and some rain! It's awful outside this morning :(

I am being reminded MORE and MORE that there is just not enough time in the day to do everything that I want or NEED to get done...either I have TOO MUCH to do or I'm not doing a good enough job at managing my time...either way I really need to figure it out...especially since this week starts more activities for the kids which means LESS time for me at home.

I haven't left the house this morning and made myself some tea...TAZO Orange Blossom *Green Tea* ...it's ok...it doesn't compare to my usually morning White Mocha but it'll have to do...

...right now I'm taking an online class in my free time (really...like I said I'm finding that I don't really have much of that...but I'm trying to make some *FREE TIME*) over at JessicaSprague.com called Mouse, Paper, Scissors...it's a FIVE WEEK class all about infusing your crafting with DIGITAL GOODNESS! Heidi Swapp and Jessica Sprague are both full are inspiration!

Last night I put my Observation Notebook together...

...now I need to put away my craft stuff...pull out my other files...recalculate my credits and register for a couple class...like YESTERDAY :(

Everything rides on HOPE now...

2011-02-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

...well today's my "intro" over at SRM Stickers and we've decided to share my HOPE card...very fitting for what's happening in our life right now...I made this card several weeks ago...and I used the new Faith Sticker Sentiments...

...I also want to share this digital LO...using a digital kit by Jan {TheQueenofQuirk} called Old Boris...I started this LO last week...but just couldn't finish...I sat there for hours one day...but yesterday I finally could get it done and it's all because of Jan's {Beautiful} kit...which will be available SOON!!!

...the journaling is the lyrics to the Rascal Flatts song {I Won't Let Go}...music has always played a big role in my life...lyrics to songs speak to me and has always helped me get through different times in my life but over the last 11 months...music has been kind of..well...sort of a type of therapy...I guess it's hard to explain...I listen to all kinds of music...but this song really touched me...and I knew just what I wanted to do with it...

...you'll need to scroll down and pause my playlist so you can listen to this :)

THANK YOU!

2011-02-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

I have a good friend...who brought us over the best cookies last week because she was thinking about us...I finally had some time this morning to finish up a "Thank you!" card for her...good friends don't always need to be there physically for us...but just knowing they are thinking about us means so much...I am so lucky to have friends that are there for us...especially now...I will never be able to thank you all enough...but my family sure appreciates you all!

Thank You! Thank You Everyone for your continued support...Prayers...and HOPE that we have one more day...that we can get through each day...

I think we will always remember this Valentine's Day...

2011-02-14T19:26:00.000-08:00

...Stuart and I planned our Valentine's Day dinner like we always do...we eat it at home WITH our kids...but tonight we didn't get to eat what we had planned instead we made the kids Mac-N-Cheese and some Pineapple Sausages because Stuart has been feeling kinda yucky the last few days...today we saw a doctor...who then told us to head to Radiology to do a CT Scan but then that was even postponed because Stuart will need to do a 6 hour fast and drink a yummy orange drink over a period of 2 hours prior to going in...so tomorrow we will be heading back to Radiology to have that done...I pray that nothing serious is going on because we really don't need any other health issues to deal with in our family.

This morning I was able to go into Mason's classroom and help out with their Valentine Celebration...those 1st graders are so fun! Last night after celebrating my Dad's Birthday...Kaitie's Birthday and Camryn's Birthday I came home and quickly made a couple of Valentine's for Camryn and Mason's teacher's...

I used the Grand Nestabilities as my base and then just started layering...Doodlebug Sugar Coated Cardstock...next I printed Elle's Studio XOXO Valentine Card and then cut out some hearts layers them...stitched them down and TADA!!! all done :) ...and I am pretty sure they LOVED these Strawberry Truffles from GODIVA - YUMMY!

Over the weekend I also completed these two LOs for THELUVOFART I loved being about to play with product that someone else put together for me to use BUT I also was able to use some SRM Stickers on these LOs too...fun stuff I tell you!

Hope everyone is having a lovely Valentine's evening!

Valentine's Day...

2011-02-07T14:09:00.001-08:00

...is quickly approaching...do you have your Valentine's done? I have seen in a couple places this year these really cute and QUICK Valentine's...so I decided to make them myself...my goal yesterday was to complete these for the kids...the hardest part was driving to 3 stores to find the Tootsie Roll POPS...who would have thought these would have been so hard to find...

...glad to have one more thing marked off my list :)

Recently, I also made these cards for...ForTheLuvofArt...they have an amazing store full of great stuff...perfect for all your paper crafting projects...be on the look out VERY SOON for a couple of LOs and a mini book that I am currently working on...

Hope you have a fantastic day...today I am expecting some very important news...until then I will keep busy...maybe go for a run...fingers are crossed we get good the good news we so deperately want.

Happy { 8th } Birthday Camryn!

2011-02-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

...with each passing day I still can't believe how quickly time is passing...first it was with the start of the new year...now my baby girl is turning 8! ...6 lbs 13ozs..and look at all the dark brown hair...I had to enjoy it while it lasted because once that fell out she was BALD...and she stayed BALD for a very long time...and when her hair grew back it didn't grow back in that dark...I was always kinda sad about that! Isn't she just precious? This is my very favorite picture of Camryn as a baby...we even used it on her Birth Announcements. You can tell she's a bit jaundice here...she is just about to start her treatments at home...we were so happy we didn't have to go back to the hospital...I never wanted to go back to that place! So having the nurse come to our home seemed like the heaven...
...I can still remember very clearly how Camryn was our "planned" baby...so planned that I wanted her to born on a specific month...so I could continue working up to the planned time and my maternity time would be longer...however, she would be conceived two months BEFORE our "planned" time and...with that our really planned out pregnancy would turn into a complete nightmare...with too many stress tests to count...me having to leave work, bed rest...and a really scary delivery where I couldn't even hold my sweet baby girl till MANY hours after delivery. I was so fortunate to have all my family there to start loving her immediately because I couldn't.

...nothing like spreading out {The Birthday} I have always liked doing that for myself...I am sure Camryn will follow along in my footsteps...we started celebrating her Birthday last weekend...we'll continue celebrating this weekend...and even continue into the following week :) ...gotta love that right? We just have some many people that LOVE her that want to share the special day with her!

Love ya sis!

NEW STUFF {coming soon} to JessicaSprague.com

2011-02-01T18:08:00.001-08:00

...be sure to be on the lookout over at JessicaSprague.com *NEW ITEMS* are coming into the store almost every day...I recently made these two digital LOs...using "mostly" items by Elle's Studio.

This first "Quick Page" is a sneak peek from Camryn's Birthday party over the weekend...the girls had a lot of fun being Baker's for the afternoon...it was a lot of work pulling it all together...but well worth it to see the smile on Camryn's face! She LOVES to be in the kitchen cooking! This was the perfect theme for her. This picture is of her and her good friend...they've been friends since Kindergarten...I can't believe Camryn is turning 8 on Sunday...boy how time has gotten away from us!

See Supply List {HERE}

...not very often Stuart and I are actually in the same photo...in April, Stuart will celebrate the day we had a very 1st date...20 years ago! I don't even know how that is possible...do we even look old enough to have been together for 20 years? Recently, while visiting Stuart's Grandpa...we talked about a certain time 20 years ago when Stuart and I were first dating and he overheard me talking to someone at a baseball game...he was surprised by what he heard and had to turn around and see who was saying that...he turned around...and who did he see...yep ME!!! We just laughed!!!

See Supply List {HERE}

Mason is my sweet sweet child...

2011-01-29T07:18:00.000-08:00

...every once in awhile I am reminded that I really have great kids...and it's at those moments I just have to sit back a smile...Mason has been watching Camryn and I WORK WORK WORK over the last week on her Birthday Party...he hasn't said much about it but he can't miss the fact that something is going on...

This morning he walked down the stairs...and right up to his sissy and said, "Happy Birthday Camryn!" and gave her a hug...no one told him to do that...and she just looked up at him said..."it's not my Birthday..." He looked a little confused...I said, "awwhhh Mason, you are a good brother, it's actually not Camryn's Birthday until next Sunday, today we are just having her Birthday party..." he said, "I know!"

The Yellow Shirt

2011-01-27T15:08:00.000-08:00

...I really hate receiving these kinds of emails...because I hate having to send them out for fear that something bad might happen to me if I don't, but this one really touched me and I want to share...I have LOTS of friends...acquantiences and even strangers that read my blog so I am just going to share it with EVERYONE...

...you will LAUGH and CRY...I did!

{The Yellow Shirt}
The yellow shirt had long sleeves, four extra-large pockets trimmed in black thread and snaps up the front. �It was faded from years of wear, but still in decent shape. I found it in 1963 when I was home from college on Christmas break, rummaging through bags of clothes Mom intended to give away.
'You're not taking that old thing, are you?' Mom said when she saw me packing the yellow shirt...'I wore that when I was pregnant with your brother in 1954!'
'It's just the thing to wear over my clothes during art class, Mom. Thanks!' I slipped it into my suitcase before she could object. The yellow shirt be came a part of my college wardrobe. I loved it.
After graduation, I wore the shirt the day I moved into my new apartment and on Saturday mornings when I cleaned.

The next year, I married. When I became pregnant, I wore the yellow shirt during big-belly days. I missed Mom and the rest of my family, since we were in Colorado and they were in Illinois . But, that shirt helped. I smiled, remembering that Mother had worn it when she was pregnant, 25 years earlier.
That Christmas, mindful of the warm feelings the shirt had given me, I patched one elbow, wrapped it in holiday paper and sent it to Mom. When Mom wrote to thank me for her 'real' gifts, she said the yellow shirt was lovely. She never mentioned it again...
The next year, my husband, daughter and I stopped at Mom and Dad's to pick up some furniture. Days later, when we uncrated the kitchen table, I noticed something yellow taped to its bottom. The shirt!
And so the pattern was set.
On our next visit home, I secretly placed the shirt under Mom and Dad's mattress. I don't know how long it took for her to find it, but almost two years passed before I discovered it under the base of our living-room floor lamp. The yellow shirt was just what I needed now while refinishing furniture. The walnut stains added character.

In 1975 my husband and I divorced. With my three children, I prepared to move back to Illinois . As I packed, a deep depression overtook me. I wondered if I could make it on my own. I wondered if I would find a job. I paged through the Bible, looking for comfort. In Ephesians, I read, 'So use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will be standing up.'

I tried to picture myself wearing God's armor, but all I saw was the stained yellow shirt...Slowly, it dawned on me. Wasn't my mother's love a piece of God's armor? My courage was renewed.
Unpacking in our new home, I knew I had to get the shirt back to Mother. The next time I visited her, I tucked it in her bottom dresser drawer.
Meanwhile, I found a good job at a radio station. A year later I discovered the yellow shirt hidden in a rag bag in my cleaning closet.
Something new had been added. Embroidered in bright green across the breast pocket were the words 'I BELONG TO PAT.'
Not to be outdone, I got out my own embroidery materials and added an apostrophe and seven more letters.
Now the shirt proudly proclaimed, 'I BELONG TO PAT'S MOTHER.' But I didn't stop there. I zig-zagged all the frayed seams, then had a friend mail the shirt in a fancy box to Mom from Arlington , VA. We enclosed an official looking letter from 'The Institute for the Destitute,' announcing that she was the recipient of an award for good deeds...
I would have given anything to see Mom's face when she opened the box. But, of course, she never mentioned it.
Two years later, in 1978, I remarried. The day of our wedding, Harold and I put our car in a friend's garage to avoid practical jokers... After the wedding, while my husband drove us to our honeymoon suite, I reached for a pillow in the car to rest my head. It felt lumpy... I unzipped the case and found, wrapped in wedding paper, the yellow shirt.... Inside a pocket was a note: 'Read John 14:27-29. I love you both, Mother.'
That night I paged through the Bible in a hotel room and found the verses: 'I am leaving you with a gift: peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really love me, you will be very happy for me, for now I can go to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do, you will believe in me.'
The shirt was Mother's final gift. She had known for three months that she had terminal Lou Gehrig's disease. Mother died the following year at age 57.

I was tempted to send the yellow shirt with her to her grave. But I'm glad I didn't, because it is a vivid reminder of the love-filled game she and I played for 16 years. Besides, my older daughter is in college now, majoring in art. And every art student needs a baggy yellow shirt with big pockets.

...for many reasons this story was touching...but the most obvious one for me, is that my FIL also has Lou Gehrig's Disease...ALS is a disease that steals the person you LOVE away from you! There is no cure...

Oh what a fun day!

2011-01-24T18:54:00.000-08:00

...started out with the announcement of a **NEW DESIGN TEAM** I was chosen to join a group of very talented ladies over at FortheLuvofArt...I am so honored to be joining all of them! I have worked with a couple on past Design Teams and so delighted to have the opportunity to be working with them again and also getting the chance to work with new inspiring and talented ladies as well!

...then my sister and I went and did our morning run up our local mountain! WOW what a workout!

...since today the kids got to stay home with me...the boys did {BOY things} and Camryn and I worked worked worked on the prep for her upcoming Birthday Party! We made a fun little garland...that I thought would go together quickly...which DO NOT...but it turned out super cute...and she's really excited that she will get to take it upstairs to her bedroom afterward...

...still lots of prep to get done before Saturday and since I'm working tomorrow...now I will be losing a day... {BOO :( ~ } ...I think me and littles will have to run to the store while Ben's at Steel Drums and try and get most everything we need...and there's one more thing I'd like to make before Saturday if I have enough time to make it. Always so much too do and not enough time to do it! Well keeping busy is good!!!

...a few cards to share...

2011-01-21T18:47:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share these cards with you...these two were given to special friends!

...I love being able to make something special for someone...knowing it puts a smile on their face...and it feels good knowing they truly appreciate it. I am so very blessed to have such good friends in my life.

...so happy we're together...

2011-01-21T12:06:00.000-08:00

...this is not made with my typical "color choice" or "style" for that matter but it may be one of my new favorites...I used Cosmo Cricket's {Delovely} digital kit & Danielle Thompson's {Thrift Shop Grab Bag} both AVAILABLE SOON at http://www.jessicasprague.com/

...and a special THANK YOU to Gina for taking our photo!

...some digital LOs to share :)

2011-01-20T19:07:00.000-08:00

...haven't shared in awhile...recently I made these digital LOs...and I wanted to share them before they get lost on my computer and I never get around to sharing them...

See Supply List {HERE}

...for my 2nd one I used Crystal Wilkerson's Inspired By Template Series #8 you can get it {HERE} It was inspired by Susan Weinroth's amazing paper LO...

...here's my take...and again this is really simple...sometimes a photo says it all...with just a few words...happy HAPPY happy...we will remember this moment...one of the few happy moments we had this last year!

...I used the digital kit "felis" by Karla Dudley.
I have some cards to share...but will have to share another day...thanks for stopping by!

Winter's not over yet...

2011-01-12T16:49:00.000-08:00

...we woke up this morning to a little bit of snow...not as much as they said we would...what's out there won't stop me from meeting a good friend this morning...and then another this afternoon...today will be a busy day catching up with good friends!

I wanted to share some paper LOs before I forgot all about them...these two are using the December kit from Piggy Tales Academy. (both are super simple in design...sometimes that's the only way to go) Though it wasn't part of the kit...I pulled out some Glimmer Mist in Candy Apple Red...I typically don't like to use this stort of thing...just because its messy...I make a big enough messy myself...I don't need to add messy paint to it, but since it's been laying around my scraproom now for quite awhile I thought I should give it a try...I like the effect it added to my layouts...but I didn't like that it curled my paper...and I had to let my paper dry out and then lay a bunch a stuff on the top of it to flatten it back out before I could finish up...it's really hard to see in the photos but the glittery effect is quite pretty :)

...well it's time to wake up my sleeping beauty's and let them know that it snowed! I know the snow won't hang around long...since it's supposed to start raining...so I hope the kids can enjoy it at recess today. Happy Wednesday and thanks for stopping by...

Happy happy HAPPY {NEWS}!!!

2011-01-10T06:23:00.001-08:00

This morning I can finally share my happy news...I have been asked to join the SRM Stickers Design Team for the 2011 term! What a honor...I have to say that ever since I was a little girl I have LOVED stickers...I even had the biggest sticker collection growing up BUT this are the best stickers ever for crafting both scrapbooking and card making...and I just wanted to say "Thank You" to my sister Gina for introducing them to me...if it wasn't for her I would have never even known just how fabulous they are!

I'm looking forward to meeting to other DT Members...here's to a new adventure!

"Family"

2011-01-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

Other things may change us, but we start and end with... ...I've always really liked this quote but it wasn't until this last year that it really meant MUCH MORE to me than a quote that I just really liked...
"My Family" {the most important people in my life} ..even through our tough times...

See Supply List {HERE}

...as the new year begins...it's given us all a lot of time to reflect on the last year...we know that life is a very precious gift...and not to be taken for granted...it's almost been a year since my Dad's diagnosis with Stage 4 Brain Cancer...and his fight continues...all of our lives have been forever changed...I still spend a great deal of time sitting alone in deep thought...not able to express what I am feeling or thinking...but very thankful for my family who supports me and very blessed to have such caring and supporting friends too both near and far.

{The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3}

On this 2nd day of January...

2011-01-02T07:35:00.001-08:00

I would like to share a couple of new digital LOs...and this first one holds so much meaning...that of course a few tears were shed in the process of making it...I have tried to make this LO many times...and I just never could finish it...and the other day I just sat down and I got it done...so the other LOs I have that have been started I guess I can just throw away I won't be needing those...
... Yep this is one my "dad" LOs... I'm getting quite the collection of those...but believe me this form of therapy is WAY cheaper and actually kinda fun...and I'd rather be doing this then trying to cope in other ways...but this photo is of "MY FAMILY"...my parents and me and my sisters...it was taken at the Golf Benefit we put together for my dad literally in weeks for my dad at the golf course he is a member of and we raised enough money for him to go play at Pebble Beach this last summer...one if his life dreams...we did it so quickly because when his tumor came back we weren't sure how much time he would have...we are so thankful he is still here with us fighting every single day...The journaling is actually lyrics to a song...a song that I heard one day...many months ago that stopped me in my tracks and literally made me bawl...it just felt like it was written for us...THOUGH the actually meaning of this song is NOT the meaning my family hears when we listen to it...it's called "Lead Me".

See Supply List {HERE}

...In December, my little family of 5 went out for the evening and enjoyed a nice meal together...and for once...it felt like TIME STOOD STILL....even if it was only for that moment...I am happy we had that time and we got to remember what it felt like to enjoy each other and not think about what was going on with our dad's...it makes me very sad...that I have a hard time being happy because I feel so guilty...for the New Year...I am hoping to find {HAPPINESS} again...

See Supply List {HERE}

"May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy & peace." Romans 15:13

...thanks for stopping by!

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

I am not sure how it can already be the year 2011...it feels like we were just starting 2010 yesterday and then a closed my eyes and the year was over...so now as we start this wonderful New Year...some wonderful words of wisdom I would like to share with all of you...

Before you speak, listen.
Before you write, think.
Before you spend, earn.
Before you invest, investigate.
Before you criticize, wait.
...Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try.
Before you retire, save.
Before you die, give.”

William Arthur Ward

Finishing up...

2010-12-28T21:24:00.000-08:00

...so tonight I should be finishing up the last bit of December Daily, but instead I'm sitting on the couch scrapbooking something else...lol all my boys are watching a movie I'm not interested in at all...so I decided to scrap some pictures from the summer...better late than never right? :)

See Supply List {HERE}

...I'll never be completely caught up but it feels good to be able to go back and grab some pictures from this summer and complete this page. Thanks for stopping by...and maybe...just maybe the next time you stop by I will have my December Daily done and ready to share :)

What did you ask for...for Christmas?

2010-12-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

...every Christmas you always hear people saying they want this and they want that for Christmas...Well, this is what I asked for...I wanted for the sick people in my life with no cure to be able to be cured. I wanted them to be able to see their families and not have to worry about which night is their last...and though I still haven't gotten that...we did received some VERY GOOD NEWS...and recently, when we heard the words "recurrent growth" and we all thought the air had been knocked out of us...my Dad's recent MRI showed that his latest GammaKnife treatment is working...the inner core is dying and the outer core is frazzled...that is all very good news...so right now we continue living each day...celebrating "life"...creating as many memories as we can and just LOVING each other! In two months we scan again and pray that we get the same results.

Yesterday, someone got caught under the mistletoe! I cherish every one of these little moments...

...only 12 days till the end of the year!

2010-12-19T07:45:00.000-08:00

I have spent most of this year feeling very sad...I have cried more than I have laughed...and nothing can make these feelings go away...but Nisa Fiin made this amazing template to document the year and I LOVED IT AT FIRST SIGHT...it forced me to go through my photos and see that I truly did have some great moments this year with my kids...and even though I was so sad most of this year and it made me think that it must have been miserable for my children too...I wondered what did they feel through-out this year as well...what will they remember most about 2010? ...I was a little surprised that I was able to come up with photos from the entire year with smiles on their little faces...Nisa "thank you" for a great template to use...to document the year 2010...and help me to see that even through all this sadness we still did have some good times...

See Supply List {HERE}

...my children and I both have learned some valuable lessons this year...we have learned that life is too short...we have learned to give to those who are need...we have learned that some will never change...we have learned that disappointment is a part of life...we have learned that people will lie to make them feel better about themself...we have learned that sometimes we must let go in order to continue to more forward...we have learned that what we fill is most secure can be taken away at any moment...we have learned to never stop fighting for what we believe in...we have learned to always give 100% in whatever we are doing...we have learned that sometimes looking out for yourself first is more important than putting others first...we have learned that trusting others continues to be very difficult...we have learned that we are strong and we are loved...we learned who our TRUE friends are...I am very happy that my children know they can trust me and we have a close relationship...I hope that it will always stay this way...I will continue to teach them...that the way you treat others is the way you treat yourself....that true respect for another comes from self respect...true love for another comes from self love...true forgiveness for another comes from self forgiveness...I think that's a great way to live!

...finished up the last of my tubes!

2010-12-16T15:36:00.000-08:00

...these tubes are PERFECT for almost every occasion...I made them for the kids' teachers...and then I just let them pick out which ones they wanted to give to their teacher...luckily they pretty much picked different ones...and there were no arguments.

...on these two I used Crystal Wilkerson's {Merry & Bright} digital papers and elements...I didn't use my nice presentation paper so my colors were off but I really like how it turned it...it was perfect for this silk ribbon I have been really wanting to use...

...and I am still really LOVING this paper collection from Echo Park "Everybody Loves Christmas" so I pulled it back out and finished up the last one...

...I filled all my tubes with a handful of mini-marshmallows and chocolate covered peppermint sticks...and added a hot chocolate packet from Starbucks...a perfect little thank-you to the teachers we appreciate so much!

My Daily December...

2010-12-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

...I have had several people ask me about it...and it's coming along...I'm working on it...I decided to make it ALL digital. I actually had planned on that and just add some elements to it when I printed out the pages such as ribbons...brads etc...I haven't printed anything out as of yet because since I will be printing so much I will go ahead and use Costco...and they are just swamped right now with Christmas Card orders...so I will be waiting a bit longer to print...however, I will go ahead a share a page with you...because I know that some of you are just dying to see what format I decided to go with...I am using Crystal Wilkerson's 5x7 Templates Sets 1 & 2 which are available at JessicaSprague.com. I am still trying to keep the colors on each page mainly gray, white and red and Kraft (or a variation in the color). This years DD has been such a wonderful experience...anyone that knows me...knows I can get really uptight about my camera and photos...most of the photos I am using for my DD are actually coming from my iphone...I am focusing on our times together the memories we are creating NOT about snapping the perfect photo...and heavens knows I never can get anyways...so there's no sense stressing out about it.

Yesterday, I had a great time with my father-in-law looking for their new Christmas Tree...he hates shopping...but he was such a trooper dealing with the crowds. He knows I'd do anything for him...and I'd drop whatever I'm doing and always be there...

Materials Used: CreativityByCrystal: 5x7 Templates #1, ITM: Sassy Season Elements; Moments (Paper and Elements) available soon!

hee hee hee...when my dad told us...

2010-12-14T08:24:00.000-08:00

...he was going to grow a beard...we all said WHAT? He said yep...I am going to try it once in my life and see what it looks like and maybe it will be grown in just in time for Christmas...I think maybe just because he surprisingly grew his hair back after Chemo and Radiation he wanted to see how much hair he could grow - lol

Materials Used: Jessica Sprague Template 1+13, Echo Park Hybrids: Everybody Loves Christmas Element Pack, Everybody Loves Christmas Paper Pack 1, Crystal's {Merry&Bright} Element Pack #2

...and here's a couple more digital LOs to share...

See Supply List {HERE}

Lots of Cosmo Cricket "The Boyfriend" ...I almost forgot I even made this one :) (The Boyfriend Elements and The Boyfriend Paper Pack is available at JessicaSprague.com).

Thanks for stopping by today...

Everybody Loves Christmas...

2010-12-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

...and this time of the year is always so busy trying to get everything just right for the "Holidays". Echo Park has the perfect Collection out right now for your cards and projects...

Recently, Camryn wrote her letter to Santa...I asked her to open it up for me so I could use it as the Journaling on this LO...some things may be spelled wrong because I typed it up just as she had wrote them on her letter...then we taped the envelope back up the best we could and sent that letter off to the North Pole.

...and these TUBES just don't get old...here's my 2nd one...I already have 3 more in the works :) Brrrrr is right it sure has been cold outside here in the Pacific Northwest and what is better then being able to come inside and have a HOT cup of hot chocolate...not much...well maybe a HOT White Mocha ;)

...so before I say goodbye, I just want to make sure you all know to look when you are out and about for some "Everybody Loves Christmas" by Echo Park...and check out their BLOG....HERE. All my local friends be sure to head to CWH they are carrying 3 lines of EP right now :)

I hope you all are enjoying this "BLESSED" Holiday Season!

Have you ever tried SRM Stickers?

2010-12-05T19:55:00.000-08:00

...I have heard A LOT about them over the last year...but recently I got to used them for the first time and I must say they really are AMAZING! ...and whether you are a card maker or a scrapbooker they are "PERFECT" for you!!!

My Mother-in-Law is getting ready to retire and last week we went to her retirement party at work to help celebrate her 40+ years as a Nurse...the last 42 years she has been a Public Health Nurse and has enjoyed every minute of it...

...this is the card I made for her...

...now if you've been to the SRM BLOG recently than you have seen all the amazing tubes that have been shared...they looked so fun I just had to try it for myself...so I made this "happily ever after" one...perfect as a wedding favor...don'tcha think!

Materials Used: Spellbinders Die, SRM Stickers, Carina Gardner: PinFeathers Pretty Peacock 1 Digital Papers and PinFeathers Element Set available at JessicaSprague.com, tulle, Making Memories Buttons, AC Cardstock, Kaiser Kraft Jewels and some Birdseed :)

Now...what is even more exciting...is SRM is having a Design Team Call =) ...you can check out all the info HERE!

After using these stickers I can see why SRM Stickers is considered a leading scrapbook and card making sticker manufacturer their product truly is QUALITY!

...still smiling...

2010-12-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

...as we begin this last month of the year...my dad also begins his 9 month battle with Brain Cancer...such a fight this has been...and my whole life when the camera has been out its been hard to capture a smile on my dad's face...in the last 9 months I have been very grateful to capture MANY smiles! ...here are just a few...tfl

See Supply List {HERE}

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

I know alot of people don't like that...but I do...I have alot of friends who don't celebrate Christmas...and I respect that...just like they respect the fact that I do...to me Happy Holiday's still represents CHRISTMAS...you will also hear me say "Merry Christmas" ...and with that said...I can not believe today is December 1st...only 30 more days until the New Year...I just don't know how this year has gone by so fast...what a year it has been for my family...I wish I could look to the new year with anticipation and excitement...that won't be happening this year...all I can do is enjoy each day as it comes.

Well it's time to share my "December Daily" with you...here's my cover of my album...I went with simple...I used our family photo...which is also our Christmas card this year...but I turned it black and white...my album will be sporting the colors red, white, grey and black...and a little bit of my all time favorite kraft thrown in here and there. I am keeping it simple to focus on the memories we will be creating this holiday season....focusing on "family" and the time we get to spend together creating memories.

Materials Used: Chipboard: Melissa Frances, Grosgrain Ribbon: Details & Accessories, Queen&C.: Pearls, Ali Edwards: Digital 25 December 2010 Title, QueenofQuirk: Reindeer Games Digital Pattern Paper

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to come back to see the rest of my December Daily throughout the rest of the month.

Some "Fall LOs" to share...

2010-11-29T15:53:00.000-08:00

I used the Piggy Tales "November 2010 Kit" ...it was fun to mix and match so many fun papers and other elements together...it was especially nice to actually use paper and touch it...I have been doing so many digital pages lately...I wasn't sure if I even remembered how to use the "real" stuff! lol

...be sure to check out Piggy Tales and all their kits!

MORE SNOW!!!

2010-11-27T07:26:00.001-08:00

The kids have been so excited with all the snow...yesterday we took them sledding...and they had a blast...we all did in fact...I went once...just to get to the bottom of the hill before them to get some pictures of them all coming down...I quickly jumped on the back of the sled and Gina and I went down FAST! It was fun...
...you can see from at the green grass showing through that there were a bunch of sledders the day before but NO ONE was around yesterday...just us!

...last night I created a new digital LO...and this one is of Mason...he was so funny...he just couldn't stay on that sled...and I don't know what it was...maybe he was afraid to let go so every time he crashed he always landed face first...his poor little face was so red...cold...and wet...but that didn't stop him! I used some new product by QueenofQuirk...which will be available at www.JessicaSprague.com on 11/29! It's an amazing kit called "Reindeer Games".

Thanks for stopping by! Yeahhhh its snowing again...the kids are going crazy!!! :)

The kids have been enjoying the snow...

2010-11-23T19:09:00.001-08:00

...at least someone has right? I guess I have too but just from the living room...it's just TOO COLD to go outside...even to get the mail...however, I did manage to go outside for a few minutes to take a few pictures...and when I came inside I should have grabbed Camryn...I bet she never goes out in the snow again after spending a little too much time out there and getting TOO COLD...and feeling a little pain because of it.

I was able to use some of Crystal's Quick Pages...quick pages are perfect for those of us who don't have a lot of time...I changed these up just a bit.

Merry&Bright Quick Page #2

Merry&Bright Quick Page #1

Merry&Bright Quick Page #3

Thanks for stopping by!

Before I forget...

2010-11-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

...I need to share some Halloween projects...

...now moving onto Thanksgiving...made a centerpiece for the table this afternoon with whatever I could find at home since its too crappy to be driving anywhere...and Stuart took my car to work...now I just will need to complete my other special project BUT I HAVE TO GO TO THE STORE for that so I am hoping to make it out tomorrow...after yesterday's little scare with someone almost getting "frostbite" and tears for about a 1/2 hour...the kids have decided to stay inside today! It's so cold...at almost 3 in the afternoon we are still only up to 18* It's hard to enjoy the snow when it is SO COLD!

One more day to finish all the cleaning and pre-Thanksgiving food prep...the house will be full and we will be celebrating for all that we are Thankful for...

A Couple New Projects...

2010-11-21T19:44:00.000-08:00

I hope this VERY COLD Sunday was a great one for everyone...I think if I could have gone back to bed and started over I would have...I ended up have a horrible headache and it NEVER went away...and it seemed that just one bad thing after another happened...I managed to remake my project below but it still didn't turn out like I wanted...but I have come to realize that not everything ALWAYS works out like we have planned and product doesn't always work the way we want it to...so it is what it is and this is how it ended up...I was able to use one of my favorite colors "yellow" a very happy color and one of my favorite words "hope". Combine the two and you have a pretty cool bracelet. Sorry about the photograph...I just haven't mastered taking pictures inside when its already dark...

Materials Used:
Deep Welled Cuff Bracelet #80990171: AMATE Studios, October Afternoon: Pattern Paper , Queen & Co. Pearls: Yellow Sunshine

Materials Used:
Silver Rectangle Pendent #SO60600169: AMATE Studios, American Crafts Card Stock
Piggy Tales: The Ballard of Mulan Collection: Rub-ons, Barndoors, Pattern Paper, Tulle & Heidi Swapp: Bling

...looking forward to the beginning of a new week...it doesn't make up for the fact that my very favorite sweater is RUINED...and it doesn't make other things disappear or go way or change...but it does give us one more day...one more day to LOVE and one more day to be together and create memories.

Thank Goodness for Friends...

2010-11-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

...who are always watching over you...I am blessed to have so many friends who care for me so greatly...some of them who live so far away and feel like there's not much that they can do for me during this time...but one friend in particular...always seems to have the right things to say and she means so much to me with her very special messages...this weekend her husband and her are singing this song at church and she shared it with me...

2010-11-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

These days I do cry at least once each day but it is because I am sad...the world is beautiful and life is way to short! Many prayers are being said each day for many people in my life...those who mean the most to me and my family and who are hurting..."R" "T" and "B" may God hear our prayers and continue to allow us to lean on you for support and understanding during these trials. "Everything rides on HOPE now...Everything rides on FAITH somehow..."

Yesterday, I sat through a heart wrenching "unexpected" meeting...something that had to be done...but still we didn't get things settled...my mom's strength amazes me!

...when you are behind the camera...

2010-11-08T16:03:00.000-08:00

...you just never know what you will see...on Saturday I was taking pictures of Ben's playoff game and this I saw by accident...and a happy accident it was...by far these photos were my favorite from the day...I am so grateful I captured this moment for Camryn...for Tom...for myself...for Stuart...for our family...we will always cherish these moments.

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take...but by the number of moments that take our breath away."

See Supply List {HERE}

I also recently completed this LO...from this summer...Camryn is waiting for all the Golfers to come in from my Dad's Golf Tournment this summer {Driving FORE a Dream}...she just sat there and watched and patiently waited...

See Supply List {HERE}

Inspiration Everywhere...

2010-11-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

There's a new FREE class over at JessicaSprague.com, Inspiration Everywhere...begins November 29th...click {HERE} to register.

Be sure to check it out!

What a long week...looking forward to the weekend...

2010-11-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

...this week and been especially long and tiring for my family...with another trip back to Spokane...because of the recent words we didn't want to hear "recurrent tumor". My Dad just completed his 2nd GammaKnife treatment and now we sit back and wait four more weeks...with fingers crossed....and LOTS of prayers that the radiation will kill of the cancer cells and kill this tumor so my Dad can stay with us. He is still fighting with everything he has...I can't even begin to image how he feels or what he's going through but he is the strongest person I know...you NEVER hear him complain...or want people to feel sorry for him...when he's having a good day he even is still getting out there and playing golf...I just finished this LO to document this weeks procedure...It's been almost 8 months since my Dad's diagnosis...it's still hard to say...My Dad has Brain Cancer....he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme Stage 4...given 15 months...he's fighting...he's a fighter...we are there for him every step of the way...

See Supply List {HERE}

...I wanted to document this journey...my Dad's journey...here's another recent LO I made...

See Supply List {HERE}

Ben's had a BUSY week as well...football started for him in August...and he is still going strong...with last Saturday's playoff win...meant they had late evening practices this week at the local highschool under the lights...preparing them for tomorrows playoff game against the undefeated Prosser Mustangs...so we will pack up and head to Prosser tomorrow. I think the boys have a real good shot at taking this game...GO RAIDERS!

See Supply List {HERE}

Sunday...the entire family will be together to celebrate "our birthday". Mom is making "our" annual Birthday dinner...only Mona and her family will be missing...I wish everyone was going to be there...I think I will bring my computer with me and we can skype over dinner :) Have a great weekend!

...before the morning...

2010-11-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

It is what it is...

...all good things must come to an end...

What a {FUN} weekend...

{BAKING} can get you out of that funk right?

...just thought I should share...

We got out 1st BIG SNOW today...

I'm beginning to wonder...

{Be Mine}

My photo of the the day {1.9.2012}

{Plain Jane give-a-way}

Grey Matters!

A final honor...

Check out the Pink Paislee from JessicaSprague.com

Fleece Blankets being shipped...

I will rise...

{Operation Write Home} BLOG HOP

...another Halloween CAME and WENT...

...and Ben turns 12...

CARDS instead of LAUNDRY

Happy {FALL}

It's October...and with that...

...the weekend came and went...

Never Let Go

{Building Awareness for ALS with your Help}

Christmas in July

...it's been a while...

Birthday Cake Jars!!! {FINALLY}

She will be missed...

{because I care}

{BATTER UP} SRM TUBE Tutorial

Happy 4th of July {WEEKEND}

4EVER Blog Hop with JessicaSprague.com

Father's Day Weekend...

You're in my Thoughts

...a digital LO and Hybrid Card to share...

Yeahhhh summer is here....

TUBES for Storage

...it's amazing how much time has gone by...

...as I sit here thinking...

This morning...June 1, 2011

...now that SPORTS are winding down...

What a {GREAT} weekend...

Did you know it was Teacher Appreciation Week?

Monday's in May!

Let's bring AWARENESS to something very dear and near to my {HEART}...

SOCCER & "treat" TUBES from SRM

...some forgotten projects...

Cosmo Cricket/CARDS Magazine Sketch Challenge

For The Luv of Art Blog Hop!

All Things Unity {NEW Sketch Challenge is up!}

Finally I finished it!!!

{SRM Stickers and Pink Paislee}

Hybrid Challenge...are you in?

All Things Unity

Some digital stuff to share...

BUSY weekend with sports...

Want some fun new supplies?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

It's time for the BUTTERFLY Blog Linky Party!

It's CARD MAKING WEEK over at...

Run for Ribbons

What will this week bring?

Everything rides on HOPE now...

THANK YOU!

I think we will always remember this Valentine's Day...

Valentine's Day...

Happy { 8th } Birthday Camryn!

NEW STUFF {coming soon} to JessicaSprague.com

Mason is my sweet sweet child...

**The Yellow Shirt**

Oh what a fun day!

...a few cards to share...

...so happy we're together...

...some digital LOs to share :)

Winter's not over yet...

Happy happy HAPPY {NEWS}!!!

"Family"

On this 2nd day of January...

Happy New Year!!!

Finishing up...

The Yellow Shirt