CARTRIDGE GIVEAWAY for the CRICUT CRAWL!

THIS POST STAYING AT TOP FOR THE CRAWL! SCROLL DOWN FOR NEWER POSTS!!!!
Welcome to 62Cards ( I am Sammye Jo! :) and the "Fantabulous Cricut Crawl"...our version of a progressive blog hop!

If you've come from Robin's blog you're in the right place!

If you've just happened across my blog & would like to play along with Fantabulous Cricut Crawl, START HERE  LOTS of great prizes!!!  For our Fantabulous Cricut Crawl, each Design Team member will be featuring a specific element related to using your Cricut. There will be a wide variety of techniques and elements that will be featured so make sure to check out each DT member's blog! There will be prizes along the way AND there will be a grand prize for the participant that incorporates the most featured elements on ONE project!!!

The element I've chose to feature for the crawl is...

Inking/drawing on die cuts!

Sure, die cuts are super cute right when they are cut, but adding ink, Stickles, glitter, White Pen, Smooches, jewels, pearls, etc to them just enhance their cuteness :)

Here are a couple more samples!

Now,  if you incorporate my element into your creation, you will be entered to win my PRIZE!

 A NEW CARTRIDGE!

I just happened to snag a great one at http://www.diecutsrus.com/ and I will be giving it away to someone who uses my element on your project!

While you are here, I would LOVE to have you join my blog as a follower! Just click the button on the right! I love giving away things :) ( be share to share this crawl and prizes with your friends on your blog!!)

Now it's your turn! See if you can use (your featured element) on a project!

Now onto the fabulous Sharon's blog! And when you're done, make sure to link up your project to FCCB's Fantabulous Cricut Crawl post to be entered into the contest!

Make sure and leave me a comment here if you use my element!!!

Happy Crawling!

And for my regular readers who may not participate, leave me a comment anyways :) HINT HINT, LOL

Challenge Day at A Crafty Little Place

It's another Tuesday challenge at A Little Crafty Place by DCRU!

Head over to see the sketch that inspired this simple card using Dear Lizzy!

Items used that you can get at DCRU:

Dear Lizzy Papers

Candy Dots

Come on over and join in the fun!!

Mom & Me

Happy Mother's Day!

Layout from the swap last year . My sister, Mom, Me, and Monkey :)

Giveaway Day!

Happy day everyone!!!

Don't forget to check yesterday's post for the link for a fab giveaway from Andrea!

In the spirit of spring/summer cleaning,

I have some cupcake toppers I want to giveaway!!!!

Some butterfly toppers, some jungle ones, and a package or 2 of handmade cards that I have been hanging on to! Have to make room for more!!!

So, if you would like to win any of these, leave a comment and I will choose a winner on Sunday!

Happy Mother's Day Weekend everyone!

And a quick pic of my little guy yesterday. This is his "tough guy" look!

I love that he has aviators that match mine!!! :) LOL.

Giveaway Days

Guess what? I feel a giveaway coming on :)

Check tomorrow back tomorrow for more details!

In need of a giveaway today too??? Check my SuPeR DuPeR cute crafty friend Andrea's blog :) Awesome giveaway going on! Tell her I sent you :) (Might get you brownie points! LOL)

Have a fabulous evening!

(Just wanted to give you some flowers for being fab :) These are the ones my mom, dad, and sister sent me back in February when I had my MRI. Sure made my day :)

Crafty Scrappers at A Crafty Little Place by DCRU

I know by now you already know that DCRU DT blog has moved to A Crafty Little Place By DCRU, BUT there are now going to be 2 challenges a month for scrappers! I am going to be designing for the Scrappers too :) FUN!

This week we start things off with a great sketch and the LUSH Collection by MME!

Here is my take on it :)

Hubby and I at Churchill Downs :)

Here are the list of FAB products you can get at DCRU!

Lush Collection By My Mind's Eye

Opaline Pearls by Basic Grey

Lyrical Letters Cricut Cartridge

Glue Glider Pro

Zip Dry Glue

Come on over and join us in the fun :)

Highchair banners!

NEW in the shoppe! Highchaor Banners :) They read "I AM 1!" SO wish I had one for all those cute first birthdya pictures :) It's only about a foot nad a half long, so perfect for the front of the tray :) Have a blessed day!!!

Update and Prayers for Nashville!

Hey everyone. Long day and no crafting yesterday or today really. had to take Matthew to the ER yesterday afternoon. Something wasn't right when he woke up, (You know that "MOM" feeling you get when you look at your little one and know something is up, proof of it visible or not????) so I had that "MOM" feeling. Sure enough 3 hours later a fever came on. After I got it down, he played, all was well, no other symptoms of anything else, etc. Then about 5 fever came back, meds didn't help and when it hit 106.1 from 102 in about 10 minutes of time- out the door I went, limp baby in my arms.

I am not a "freak out" mom. I really think one of the biggest lessons I learned from losing my little brother was to always put things in perspective. I don't freak. I deal with the situation at hand rationally. It is what it is. Deal with it. Know that this happened for a reason and handle it. :)

Several hours in the ER later, just a virus. We got the fever under control and when he asked to watch the Weather Channel, I knew he was better :)

(Yes, he LOVES the weather channel! He watches it with my dad and is fascinated with storms and tornado talk:) Long night, but MUCH better by this afternoon. Hoping the fever is all, and nothing else comes of it :)

Matthew NEVER gets sick (knock on wood). Seriously. His FIRST sickness of any kind was at 8 months old. a Virus.  He is 3 1/2 and after yesterday, his sicknesses total 3.  2 Viral, 1 ear infection. Other than allergies or a slight cold, NADA.

Lucky, I know. I really contribute this to a few things.

Number 1- I nursed for 11 1/2 months and wouldn't have changed that for the world. It was the right decision for ME and our family. It was weird b/c my mom couldn't and my MIL didn't, so it was a *new* experience for many in the family :) But they, and especially my husband, are TRUE believers in the benefits now :)

2- He has never been in daycare (I am so THANKFUL to have the opportunity to be home with him now. For the first 18 months, I worked publicly and was SO fortunate to have the opportunity to bring him to work with me and keep him in the office with me all day! Exersaucer, swing, and all! There was only one other person in there all day and SHE is FAB and loved/loves him like he is her own!!!). He did attend Mom's Day Out at my church last year 1-2 mornings a week and is in Preschool at our church this year 3 mornings a week.

 Number 3- Nutrition. I am that nutty mom who watches what he eats (I buy organic snacks, cereals, milk, peanut butter, etc), knows what is in the things he does eat, and all the diligence in teaching him healthy eating habits.  It makes me so proud after dinner when he gets to pick his dessert from a  big bin and he choose one small Hershey's, or a fruit roll up, and never asks for more or complains. Don't get me wrong, he still gets plenty of sugar, snacks, and southern cooked food when he spends time with my family, LOL, and we still go to McDonalds for chicken nuggets, but in MODERATION. I feel that if I can teach him that even the not so healthy foods in life are there and we can have them in moderation, then I have done a good job in that area :)

Number 4- Lots of prayers :) I pray prayers of protection for my little monkey every night. I know how lucky I am that God picked me to be his mother. 

SO,  for those of you who have "listened" to me ramble on, thank you :) I consider many of you close friends, those I know personally and those I talk to constantly in the bloggy world :) Oh and ONE last thing...

My prayers are with all those who have been affected by the floods. I lived and worked in Nashville for almost 2 years before getting married and moving to Louisville. The pics/videos/ stories of what is going on in those parts, filled with so many of my dear friends, former co workers, and their families, are so very scary and sad. PLEASE know that I am PRAYING for each of you!!! Much love!

Blessings on this wonderful day! Love you!

Royalty!!!

A princess banner :)

Little girls make me smile all dressed up as a princess :)

WILDness!

EEK! Made this last night and  I LOVE it :)

I seriously LOVE the Create a Critter cart :)

Hope you like it!

Sorry about the lighting! With all the rain we have had, I had to take this indoors and we all know how unforgiving inside light can be :)

Thankful for the rain, but ready for some sunshine :)

My little Derby winner and a LO!

Happy DERBY day everyone!
Derby time is a great time to be a Kentuckian!

Louisville has been a buzz for weeks now, and the who's who of everyone are upon our town today! Very cool :) I wanted to share  apicture of my little guy who won his preschool class derby on Thursday :) (All schools are closed here on Friday b/c it was the Oaks races :) It's a holiday! From parades, festivals, and so much more!!!

He was so proud!!!

And here, deep in thought :)

ANd here is a Layout I made using the Garden Variety by Cosmo Cricket!!!

Love this collection :)

Have a blessed day!!!

Quick Layouts and Derby Wishes!

Hi everyone! Just wanted to share a super quick 2 page layout I made the other night. I LOVE the photo pages American Crafts makes. Super easy for those times when you have a lot of pictures you want to include, but really would like to keep it simple! This was Labor Day and my little guy was playing cornhole with his great grandparents! (Yes, these are my grandparents and they are still cool adn young enough to play cornhole :) LOVE IT!!!) So simple, so basic, and I got to use all the pics I wanted of the event!!!  I apologize for the lighting and pic, but wanted to snap it and get it up here to show you all :)

on the backside I did another LO with the pics from the rest of the day :)

Quick and easy peasy! Happy Oaks day to all my other Kentucky peeps!! Tomorrow is the Derby!!! Maybe then the city will settle down a little bit :)

Do you watch the derby? ANyone have a favoorite this year?

A Pic of Hubby and I from Churchill Downs last year (or maybe the year before, lol)

NEW American Crafts Dear Lizzy!!!

Just an FYI. My American Craft Sales Rep this morning sent us the NEW! Mid Releases. This includes 12 new Dear Lizzy Adhesive Fabric Papers, an DL Album Kit, New Thickers,  and NEW rose ribbon :) (Did I mention I already ordered ALL the new rose ribbon :)

I will have it for sale in my shop soon! (It ships mid May :) And the prices will be WAY cheaper than stores since I buy it to play with and then just sell the rest that is left :)

So, what is your fav color ribbon?

Double Duty!

The Challenge this week at DCRU Blog is to create 2 of something!  The DT all created with the Backyard and Every Day  collections from American Crafts!  (Only one of my FAV manufacturers AGAIN :)  Here is what I decided to make for the challenge this week! I love simple :) You should join in too!:)

I decided to make 2 super fun but super simple cards :) SO bright!

Items available at DCRU:

Prism  Cardstock,  Tim Holtz Distressed Ink, American Crafts Patterned Papers,
 Buttons, Glue Dots,  3D White Foam Adhesive, Cuttle Bug Divine Swirl Embossing Folder by Provo Craft

Come join in with us!

Fun Bridal Decor!

Hi fabulous readers! Much going on around here! Friday was the FFA Banquet at my old high school. My family and I gave away 3 college scholarships to 3 seniors in my brother's memory. It is such a bittersweet thing. He loved to help others, loved FFA, farming, animals, his friends, etc. We used to joke that Bub loved the 7 F's (faith, farm, food, family, friends, football, and females :) Love him. Miss him. Wish the best to those who we picked for the schaolarships and we know they will carry on his legacy.

Here are some cute favor tags for a bridal shower! Didn't they turn out fun!!

and here is the banner that was for the same shower!!

Wish you could see the fun stickles on the "diamond!!!"

and I am LOVING the dress I put on the other end!!

Have a great Sunday!

Some great links and a couple pics :)

Hi everyone! Hope you are making the best of this wonderful week! I know I am sure trying to do so! Matthew and I spent time running bases and playing ball at a ball field after preschool yesterday.

Martial Arts class and a much need stop at Graeters were in order after that!!! If you live near one, Graeters now has smoothies that are FAB! I had the Berry Banana & with a splach of orange juice, yummy & not too thick!!

A couple things to check out if you are in the bloggy surfing mood :)

My friend Allsion has a FAB promo going on for anyone even thinking about becoming a Stampin' Up Demo. It's worth reading :) You can check it and her blog out here :)

Remember my friend Andrea of Patchwork Pages? Well, she started another blog dedicated to schowcasing layouts with multiple photos, Multiple Choice. ! GREAT inspiration! Head over and become a follower if you aren't. You will love it and her :)

And now for a little crafty goodness :) More from the "Banner Queen" as super fab Deb called me :) LOL.. I always knew I was royalty :) Pink and white with matching toppers that made it's was to VA last week :)

So, what are you doing today???

xoxo-sj

Earth Day Projects at DCRU

The Challenge this week at DCRU Blog is to create an "Earthy" project. The DT all created with the Earth Love collection from Cosmo Cricket!  (Only one of my FAV manufacturers :)  Here is what I decided to make :)

and this one too!

Items available at DCRU:

Prism Packaging Cardstock, Earth Love By Cosmo Cricket PP, Earth Love Chipboard, Tim Holtz Paper Distresser, Tim Holtz Distressed Ink- Tea Dye

Come join in with us!

Fantabulous Cricut- Wings!

The challenge todat at Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog is to create a

"WING THEMED" Project! I know, most will be birds and butterflies, but around here wings mean things like airplanes and dragons! Love having a little boy! LOL.

Would you believe that this is the SECOND identical banner I have created like this. I made one for a mom, then another mom saw it and wanted one for her son with the same name :) Crazy!

So, pull out your cricut and join us for a FAB challenge this week!

Banner time!

Well, You can really tell you have slacked at blogging when my Top Scrap Blogs rating went from under 100 to 133, lol. Oops! Oh well! I am back up and running and promise not to neglect you any more......for a while, lol.

Now that a bunch of large orders are in the mail,  I can breathe as I catch up on the rest! A few things to share with you.

Super fab banner that was party of a Shower Package for a customer:

ANd now Matthew's creation, his version of a banner he made while I was working at my parents last weekend:

Have a fab day! Back with more super soon!!

OH- AND for those of you who are not around these parts :) Yesterday was THUNDER OF LOUISVILLE< the world's largest air show and fireworks show. Kicks off the Derby festivities! SO, lots of Derby-ness to share with you coming up! Pull out the big hat and wait for it.....wait for it...... :)

Dirty Laundry? LOL

I got a great set of stamps from There She Goes, and this laundry image and sentiment cracked me up :) I forgot that I hadn't shown it!

Off to the surgeon with Dustin in just a little bit!

SO READY to have a day at home to catch up on the house and I REALLY need to create for fun, not just orders from my store (seriously, I think I have made 20 Bride To Be banners in the past week)  and Design Team! EEK!

Have a fab day!!!

Oh, and I got this quote from my friend Mauri's blog:

"Do not underestimate the intimacy of running, and the people with whom you share those miles."

Kristin Armstrong, Mile Markers Blog, runnersworld.com

Love this as I am gearing up to start my training for the Virginia Beach Half Marathon!

Minnie-licious!

Hello there my fab readers :) I have not fallen off the face of the earth :) Just super busy! Traveled to stay all night with the parents Saturday/Sunday, MOMS group at my church Monday (happened to be "my" meeting of the term to be in charge of :), trips to Whole Foods and Kroger yesterday since we actually have to have food in the house when the kiddo is home :) (Dust and I ordered out a LOT last week since Matthew was with my parents, which made grocery shopping NOT a priority!) Add business/personal taxes, trips to doctors/surgeons (with another tomorrow), and preschool starting back today, and I've been blessed with a SUPER BUSY business at the moment!

SHEW :)

Here is a picture a customer sent of a set Minnie cupcake toppers she bought in use!!

Well Behaved Women....

Happy Day everyone. I am traveling again this weekend. A stay tonight with my parents and bringing my lil' guy back home :) I miss him :)

Just a couple pics to share today :) They aren't new, but are new to the blog :)

Stamps are Rubber Romance Stamps :) Wish you could see the "salt" details of the stickles on the rim  and the glossy accent to make the glass look real :)

Have a FAB day :)

Long Day, American Crafts Swap Sponsor!

Long, but productive day.

Wish I could say that it was a productive day in the crafty studio, but it wasn't :)

Catching up on housework, arguing with not so pleasant Medical Assistants about getting Dustin's meds refilled, running errands, and putting together packets for my church MOMS group meeting on Monday. I am on the planning committee and this meeting was my responsibility. Topic: What Louisville has to offer our children in the summer :) I have lots of great handouts from local businesses, so free play passes, discounts to a local dinner playhouse, etc. Fun times.

ANYWAYS. I just wanted to take a second and THANK the AMAZING people at American Crafts.

I host a scrapbook page swap around here locally, and for some non locals :). The year is broken into quarters and each quarter has monthly themes. At the end of the quarter, you turn or mail in 3 pages for each theme. Example: first quarter ended March 25th. Everyone turned in 3 January pages (Snow Much Fun) , 3 Feb (Wild About You), and 3 March (Spring).  Then, you get 3 pages back from other people for each month. You can do whatever you want with the theme, in any direction you want! AND you get some great pages by others to add to your books. Again, FUN :)

WELL, American Crafts is sponsoring my swap right now! They have generously sent some great products for me to include in the "swap back" bags to the participants! How cool! This month, the girls are going to get some ribbon back in their bags from AC :)

They really are some great people and my Sales Rep Rocks:) (If you are interested in participating in the swap, email me! We alwas have room! All skill levels are VERY welcome!!!  Okay- enough talk!

A crafty picture, LOL. :

Some fun cupcake toppers for a 4 year old's birthday! I loved this paper! American Crafts Celebration line from last year! :)

Doctor Day and Easter Pic ReCap :)

Hi all! Off to doctora appointment snad such for Dust today. A new surgeon to get his opinion on where we are right now! He can say the same thing, or something different, and we'd be happy either way. It is close to impossible to get another surgeon to look at you if you have been operated on by another surgeon before, much less 3 times (Surgeon A did the cervical disc replacement/fusion and then the 2 lumbar sugeries in Aug and Nov.)  Not to mention that surgeon a's office is telling us there are even more problems. We go back to surgeon a next week. Oye Vey.

So, just a quick picture from the weekend. Easter was a blast with all my family. Aftet church, we managed to grab a snapshot of my immediate fam. (Minus Dustin who couldn't travel the hour and  a half to my parents. :(

Dad manged to somehow change clothes after church before we could get the pic!!!! Grrr.... he looked so cute in his orange shirt, LOL.

Here is me, my mom, sister, monkey, then Dad and the eternal boyfriend-in-law, Luke, lol. I don;t know if they will ever get married HA! We give him a hard time, but we love him.  It's just now getting easier to take these "family" shots without my brother. It's taken 4 and a half years for us to be able to say "Family Picture" and not cry.  I have no doubt that he was with us on the beautiful day. Love you Matt.

And just a couple more from the day:

On his new tire swing from Nana and Papa!

ANd opening the eggs with Macee (AKA RooRoo, my parents doggie and best friend to my little guy :) We hid roo her own eggs this year filled with doggie treats. She LOVES egg hunts :) She would pop them open, eat her treat, and move on, LOL!

and monkey was spoiled by everyone who walked into the house :)

Have a fab day guys!

Update later!!

Karate Kiddo

Late post for me. Sorry! Been in bed all afternoon nausiated and weak! Why does it never fails that when I have a few days without Matthew, I manage to be sick, LOL!!!

Oh well!

Just a quick LO I did at a crop last month. Using my Gypsy, I welded the title from the Cuttin' Up Cartridge, vertically. I am seriously missing my lil karate kiddo!

BUT, We have doctor's appts for Dust tomorrow, so I know he is having way more fun with my family :)