Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Sweet Graffiti!

OHHHHH. Have I got some fun pictures for you! I have been working on these for a while to get them just how I want them. So, without further delay....new embellies! Sweet Graffiti
These just make me smile :) CAN'T WAIT to craft with them. Next up- a boy set. I am thinking blacks, red, navy, brown...
I also have a new Jingle Bell set coming to my store soon!!
I also have a Arctic Ice set (Think silver and aquaish) coming soon
and Baby Browns (Pink/Brown and Blue/Brown)
Any ideas for some sets?? Who knows I might just have to send someone a set if I LOVE the new name :) lol.


My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design team

I got friends....:)

I love sharing blogs of new friends I have met here in the bloggy world. I have really only run into a couple not very nice people, but for the most part, everyone is great and always encouraging, super sweet, and positive! After all, this is a hobby that we enjoy and not a division of Congress. :)

So, here are a few blogs for you to check out. Sign up to be a follower too on their blogs too!



http://scrapcandydesigns.blogspot.com/

http://thecountryscrapper.blogspot.com/

http://laterg8r.blogspot.com/

http://cupcakescreations.blogspot.com/

and I have more, but I have to save something for later :0)
Also, remember the embellies I made that are in a new kit club? Well here are some examples of how people have used them! It's such a cool feeling to open someone's blog and see YOUR creation on their work!! I am so flattered!!






Want some yummy crafty goodies????? UPDATED!

Okay- Since I noticed that I am like 4 (updated) followers from 200!! (Holy guacamole!) I think it is time to destash and send some prize packs, don't you :) So, when I hit 200+ followers, a few of you who are signed up as followers will be randomly selected to get one of those prize packs! Die cuts, paper, embellishments, sticker, ribbons, stamps, etc. I seriously have WAY more stuff than I will ever need, so SHARE! Post about this giveaway on your blog if you want, and encourage your friend to sign up as a follower and if they sign up and tell me you sent them in a comment, you will get an extra entry :) Let the games begin :)
Also on that note- if you are NOT a follower of the Die Cuts R Us Design Team Blog, and you sign up to follow, leave me a comment and I will give you another entry! Giveaways, challenges, and tutorials galore over there!!!
Thought I would share this pic of the flowers my best friend sent me Monday. She has sent my mom and I flowers every year on the 28th just to say she loves us and that she cares. She is amazing! When Bub passed she took her vacation days from work to come and stay with me through it all. She was beside me from that day until the day after the funeral and she is the best. Ashleigh, I love you girl and you are such an angel. Thanks so much!!!!!





My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design team

I got some PIF gifts!!!



Morning everyone! Hope this finds you having a great day! Just wanted to say THANK YOU to the super talented Yvette for my PIF gift I got in the mail! A while back I did a PIF challenge where you volunteer to send out 5 PIF's to the 1st 5 people who sign up. (Pif=PAY IT FORWARD or a RAK - Random Act of Kindness, fyi) Well, Yvette sent mine the other day and it was FULL of yummy goodness including, my favorite part, handmade posies by her and an ADORBALE card!!!! You can see her blog here! Show her love!

I also got another PIF gift done a few weeks ago and sent out. (Just a couple more to go- Karen, Yvette, Amanda, and Crystal bear with me! LOL) This is what I sent Steph Z! Luckil, she loved them! She even took ths pic and posted it on her blog! Glad you likes girl!!! View her blog here!



My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design team

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

WINNER TIME!!!!

Time to announce some W-I-N-N-E-R-S!!! All winners need to email me at sammyejo@62cards.com your name and shipping address and also please remind me in the email what you won so I can keep it all straight!!! FYI- I CANNOT pick winner sna dhave to use Random.org or I would pick everyone! :)
Thanks to everyone for all your comments and remember that I do secret winners every month! All you have to do is commet for a chance to win! I will randomly announce winners of monthly winners! I am slo going to start picking a couple people randomly who are both followers and who comment! Congrats!
JuJuBeez Blog Buzz Embellie Comment Winner: Melissa & Genevieve
*NEW* Random Comment & Follower Patrol - Amy Copas
August Monthly Comment Winner: Heidi
Saturday Spotlight: SweetSally Soaps:
(Send me your choice of Soap Bar too)
Dlynne
ALso- Congrats to Terry D who won a Sweet Summer Mini Album Kit from me over at the Midnight Madness Challenge Blog!
WHAT DID THESE PEEPS DO TO WIN- BECAME A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG AND POSTED COMMENTS!!!!!!
Somebody's gotta win- might just be you!



My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design team

Love for Monograms

First I just want to thank all of you for your wonderful comments yesterday. Your love and hugs and prayers and thoughts mean the world to my family and I. Hugs to you all! As my dad says, "Keep on keeping on." Now on to today's post b/c life must go on!
I LOVE monograms. I LOVE anything personalized just for me! I also LOVE giving monogrammed items for gifts as I feel that the recipient knows I took the time to have it created JUST for her/him!
I was thrilled to have a couple custom monogram orders this week that made me happy to work on!
First was this super cute set of monogrammed note cards in fall colors that one of my newest and coolest friends Stacey got as teacher gifts! (Who needs a silly apple when you have these :)!)

Next was this order for her mom who makes jewelry. She wanted some 3x3 monogram note cards for her mom to be able to include in her orders. How thoughtful is she, really!!!! Her mom is lucky to have her for sure!! I made the cute little bag using the Tags, Bags, Boxes & more Cartridge using my Cricut and 10 of these note cards and 10 envelopes fit right inside!! These will be coming to my Etsy Store soon!!

My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design team

Monday, September 28, 2009

Today I'm Gonna Cry....& It's alright!

Today is the day four years ago I lost my 18 year old brother in a car accident. He was alone, he hadn't been drinking or doing anything he shouldn't have been doing. He was on his way home from helping a friend write a paper. They think he might have fell asleep, less than 2 miles from his house on the WKU Farm. We were the family it could never happen to. We were the family who had it all together and comforted others in their time of loss. Not us. Never. Our lives are forever changed. Holidays are not as bright and cheery as they once were, and my mom and dad have lines on their faces that tell the story of their lost son. I have my days, days where I just want to cry and miss him. He was MY little brother who happened to be 6'2 and about 265 lbs and towered over me, but he was MY little brother who I did and still love with all my heart. It was such a tribute to that over 4,000 people showed up for our short visitation and graveside service. They came from hours away and some waited outside in line in the chilly fall September air for over 4 hours to pay their respects. These were the lives he touched. The hugs he gave, the elderly grandparents of friends who h stopped in to see on Sundays, the farm friends he had made through his terms as FFA President, his teammates and competitors as he served as captain of the football team. Cruise in 2005 my parents took him and his friends for senior spring break. Intersting to say the least :) LOVE these boys.
Guys all over our town have tattoos with his football number- 62, tributes to him with his name, dates, and angel wings. Cars over town have small window decals designed by Bubba's best friend with his name and dates and angel wings. A group of people in the town put an add in the paper every year on this date with his picture and a note about how they will never forget. The local FFA chapter auctions off 2 ferns at the annual banquet with the proceeds going to Bub's scholarship fund- this year the 2 ferns raised $1650 and then they gave them to my mom. And we, the family, use the scholarship money donated when he passed to award 3 scholarships every year to local high school seniors in his memory. One for a a local football player, one for a local FFA member, and one for a local Church Youth Group member. We are continuing his legacy of giving.

My life is different. I have a hardened heart in many situations when I try to be compassionate. I have to remind myself when my friends whine about some minor family injury or a sickness in their family that THIS is the biggest thing THEY have dealt with therefore to them it is as bad as they make it seem. All I really want to say is, "It could be worse. Be happy that THIS is ALL you have to deal with." I remind my husband everyday through his pain and syndrome that it could be worse, I take things in stride and I now know that NO ONE is invincible. It can happen to anyone. I never leave a situation mad at another person and I say I love you more than most people should. I don't know if I'll get the chance again and I want you to know.

His passing has made me a better person, but I try to look for the good in any tragedy. I have a closer relationship with my parents than I ever did, even though we were pretty close always. I take nothing for granted. I raise my son in a way my brother would be proud- teaching him to look for the good in everyone, help out whenever you can, and listen to the older, wiser people around us, they happen to know a thing or two about life, respect the Earth you live on, respect the animals around you, take care of the land, and to have a love for football & the Kentucky Wildcats :) He would love his nephew. I know he would have him doing and saying things just to get under my skin and love every minute of watching me climb the walls about it!
Today I just want to grieve. I want the day to go by and the date to pass and the calendar to change as when I look over I can remember every minute of every day in the days before and the days after. I have learned that if I want to cry, I should, and when I feel the need to smile, I do. I am with my family, my parents, my sister and we choose to spend the day together. We try not to cry, but just be together. No one has to say a thing. Matthew sure helps us smile and laugh and all the while we remember who he was named after, Matt.

In Loving Memory
Samuel Matthew Monroe
December 30, 1986- September 28th, 2005
We love you and miss you more than you would ever know Bub.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

More challenge stuff :)

Challenge Entry for Cooking It Up with Katie & Pile It On!




My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design team

Some Challenge Stuff :)

You know I love this card! Yummy! Entering this card over at Pile It On One Stop Craft Challenge & PaperPlay this week :) Getting back into the swing of some challenges!

Here is my card for SPCC #16 too :)- Did I mention I know the girl who designed this stamp set. Jessica aka The Whimsical Butterfly, It's adorable! Butterfly Wishes from The Greeting Farm!




My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design team

Robot Action :)

I hand pieced this little robot the other night and had a lot of fun doing it! I used a bunch of little scraps (see I knew I was saving them for a reason, lol) to make him and outlines him with a white gel pen. The paper is from DCWV All About Boys Paper pack and I embossed the Happy Birthday. So, what do you do with your scraps? Remember that the JuJUBee's Blog Buzz is going on still. Scroll down to see my post for the buzz!

My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design team

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Spooktacular Birthday Banner & Toppers

I had a special order the other day for a set of Halloween themed cupcake toppers for a birthday party. The little girl loves Halloweenand since her birthday is so close they are having a themed birthday party. So, here are the toppers, some with pumpkins, some with her name and this crazy cute banner for her party. I just loved it and loved it hanging in my studio while I worked!

My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design Team

Welcome Newbies & PIF Gift



I just realized that I am almost at 200 foloowers. WOW! You guys are awesoem! Thanks for your support! Hello to all the new followers! I will tell you what I tell everyone- leave me a comment with your blog addy so I can come visit you and follow you too! I LOVE reading your blogs and I tryto comment as much as I can!! Now, Just wanted to show you this cute monogrammed card set I made for a special friend I made through the bloggy world. She signed up for my PIF- Pay It Forward Contest and one day reading her blog she wrote about how much she loved dinosaurs. SO when I sat down to make her gift- I knew exactly what to do! Hope you enjoy SB :) Have a happy Saturday everyone! Be back in a little bit with another post! (I'm on a roll!!!)
My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design team

Friday, September 25, 2009

New embellies!

I promised a sneak of some new embellies, so here ya go :)
Have a great night!!


My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design team

Update on Card & Image Swap

HEY ALL- IF I DON'T HAVE A STATUS OUTSIDE YOUR NAME THE PLEASE EMAIL ME ASAP AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE NOT PARTICIPATING OR IF THE ITEMS ARE IN THE MAIL ON THEIR WAY! THANKS!!! I want to get these back out as soon as possible, so I appreciate your cooperation!
Card Swap:
1. Karen - On their way!
2. Yvette -RECEIVED!
3. Amanda- RECEIVED!
4. ME!- RECEIVED :)
5. SaraBeth - RECEIVED!
6. Terria-RECEIVED
7. Dana- RECEIVED
8. Cristina
9. Sherry C.
10. Carole - RECEIVED
11. Vicki- RECEIVED
Stamped Image Swap:
Yvette- RECEIVED
Dana - Got them!
Mary - Got them!
Ms. Cheryl - Had to cancel this time :( We'll miss ya!
Karen- On their way!
Sheryl- Got them!
Amanda - Got them!
SJ - Got them!
Jana - Got them!
Stacie- RECEIVED
Nicole -On their way!
Tanya
Raegan - On their way
Crystal- On their way.

My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design team

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Day 2: JUJUBEE'S BLOG BUZZ (B/c Bee's Don't Hop :)- Staying at the top 24th-27th! Scroll down for new posts!


Day 2- So I just finished the giveaway embellie set I talk about below in Day 1 and SHEW! they are too cute!!!! Maybe a sneak peek this afternoon if the weather will allow for photography!!!!

DAY1- Greetings ya'll! So happy you stopped by! If this is your first stop, you will want to start here for more great challenges and prizes! I am pleased to be a part of this amazing new kit club at Jujubee's! I was asked to make the handmade embellishments for these awesome kits so that each one is unique and is given a personal touch. I love taking the time to find just the right embellishments for the right projects! Do you like to make your own or would your rather buy them? Make sure you comment to this post and I will be drawing a random name for a set of a brand new, unrealeased embellishment set!!! Become a follower of my blog over on the right and receive another entry! Be sure and tell me you joined! I'm so glad you visited today! One more stop and you have successfully completed Jujubee's first blog buzzin'. Next you will need to go back to Juju's blog and leave Julia a message saying that you completed your journey.
Have a happy scrappy day!


My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design team

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Mango Luau :)

I am not a 2 page scrapper. I never clamied to be. However, I am trying. I have scrap pages that id do for publication and inspiration, but then I have these. The ones you find my my scrapbooks. Simple. Full of pictures and making the most of the space to fill it with the memories! These pics are from our January cruise and after a week in tropical heaven, there are a LOT of pictures. So, I try my best to get all my favs and not need 5 scrapbook albums for one vacation :) Both these 2 doubles are from the Mango Luau collection from Bo Bunny. I got the papers, flowers, elements from Die Cuts R Us.
My sister came up the 12th and we scrapped some on our vay-cay albums together!
Matthew bummed shoulder rides all week. I probably have 20 pics of him on the shoulders of everyone! Luke, my sisters boyfriend got the brunt of it :)
Grand Cayman was great as always.

A BLOG BUZZ (a hop) starts tomorrow at JuJuBee's! I designed the embellishments for her new line of kits and I am so excited I was invited to join in as one of the stops! So, start HERE tomorrow and work you way back to me! Lots of candy goin' on!!!






My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design team

Swap Updates

Hi All! Remember that if you are invloved in the following you need to have your goodies postmarked by the 30th- a week from today! Not too late to join the stamped image swap! Read details below!!!!!

Card Swap- Closed- Send by 9/30- Check status HERE!
Stamped Image Swap- OPEN- Send by 9/30- Check Status & Sign Up HERE!


My Etsy Shoppe
***Don't forget to enter the free giveaways listed at the top of my blog!!!
Proud Member of:
Die Cuts R Us Design Team
The Lime Light Creative Team
Rubber Romance Stamps Design team

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

My roots :)

I prmosied pics from the weekend. So here you go :)

These are the spring summer heifers (think tween in human terms :) after I fed them. The tall white one on the left in the back is one of Matthew's :) (Polka Dot, Daighter of Dottie :) He named them!)
Some tobacco in the barn. It will be stripping time before long!

A sweet one day old. Isn't she precious!!!

Feeding the little guy born on my birthday. He still doesn't take a bottle well, so I had to stablize him and hold it in his mouth so he would
drink. Yes, we were both covered! My little friend. he loved sucking on my hand. If you didn't know, calves are born with a full set of teeth. Crazy huh! I have always let them suck on my hand. They love the salt like taste from our skim. Everyone who tries it for the first time thinks their tongues feel like sandpaper. It's just sweet. I have only been bitten once in 28 years and it was more of a nibble :)

He's camera shy. Afterall it is only like 6:30 am here. We start milking at 3:30, so this was after sun up.

My little birthday friend again.His neighbor in the next stall. She is sweet and cracked me up. She too was born this weekend. Love the milk on her chin :)

"Did someone say milk???"
Note: Holding up a feed sack with command the attention of the room. Promise. Feeding hay and feed after milking. We have about 100 cows on the milk line and a few hundred off (turned dry, think pretty pregnant :) when they calve, they will be added back to the line. It makes for a lot of food. :)

This picture reminded me of the california Cheese commercials. lol

The barn kitties. There are about 15 that run around the farm and wait for dad to give them milk in the mornings.
Marla, the rooster. Long story.

Hope you enjoyed. This is my escape. My roots. Where I grew up.
Our family has been milking for 30 years.
When mom and dad started, I had a playpen in the milk room where I went every morning and night as a baby while they milked.
I am very grateful for my experiences here and love this place. My whole family does. My brother was majoring in Ag and had plans to take it over. Dad's dream too. One of the hardest parts this time of year is knowing that Matt will never get the chance. If you are ever in KY and want to go milk with me, call me up :)
Lots of love!

Thanks for stopping by!
Don't forget to sign up as a follower!