Another card copy and some Hawaii pics!

Instead of putting ALL of our Hawaii photos in one post, I'm going to spread out our photos in the hopes it will make it seem like I'm back in Hawaii...  Just kidding, but I am going to do a few photos at a time so I can update more!

Our two weeks in Oahu were the best vacation we have ever taken.  The weather was perfect, compared to the 115 temps that were happening in Havasu.  There was no pressure to do anything, be anywhere, get anything done.  It was great. 

On one of the days we had a rental car, we took a trip to see the Valley of the Temples.  In order to reach the temple, we had to drive through a cemetery that was immaculate.  I have never seen a more beautiful cemetery.  Unfortunately I did not take pics there.  But I did grab some of the temple!  Enjoy!

Cass and D.

The Autograph Tree

 And here is another card I lifted off of Pinterest.  During my down time of medical testing and waiting, I couldn't find my own mojo so I borrowed some off of Pinterest.  Thanks for looking!!

Wow. So much time has passed!

It has been such a long time since I've even considered updating my blog, so today is the day!

So much has happened with me since my last post.  I'll do a small recap here, just to catch you up.

One day in April as I was laying in bed, I started feeling around my hip bones (don't ask lol).  I had lost about 35 pounds and for some reason, that day I was feeling the bones of my hips like it was the first time.  I noticed I had "something" on the left side of my abdomen, between my  hip bone and my belly button.

Now, I will admit that I have been a bad woman and have not had an exam in about *coughcoughelevencoughcough* years.  So, I made an appointment right away.

During my full exam, my doctor found several things:  A nodule on my thyroid, something solid in my breast...and something about the size of a softball in my abdomen.  Right away I went for ultrasounds on everything and they discovered that I had FIVE masses in my belly, around/near my left ovary.  The largest measured 11cms, which is huge. 

Fast forward a week or so and I've met with an oncologist in Vegas who determines that these need to be removed, and that I will also have my left ovary and uterus removed.  I would have to actually be cut open, vertical, so that the masses could be removed as a whole, and I would be tested for cancer while I was on the table.  The surgeon was going on vacation the week I met with her, and then I was scheduled to go to Hawaii for two weeks on July 7th, so surgery was scheduled for July 25th.

I had surgery, and thank God everything came out clear.  I'm in my second week of recovery right now and doing well.  :)

So, that is where I've been.

And yes, you heard me.  I went to Hawaii for two weeks!!  I will update more on that in the coming days!!  Until then, here is a card I lifted off of Pinterest, during my hiatus.  It's a straight up copy, and I love it.

Thanks for sticking with me. :)

Wine Tour layout

Today's layout was done using a sketch by Ashley Rock at RockPaperScrapbook! It's her first sketch contest, and I really like how it inspired me!

I'm finally attempting to scrapbook the tons of photos I took when we went on our cruise in 2010. It was a first cruise for the kiddos and we went to Catalina and Ensenada. Great family adventure!

So, here is her sketch:



And this is what I did with it! I turned it sideways because my photos happened to be lengthwise, but I love how it turned out!!



I'm entering this layout in her contest. Check it out at RockPaperScrapbook!!

True friends card

I'll be honest with you. I like to buy things. I like to buy scrappy/stampy things. I like to buy them...and never use them.

Like digi-images.

And Copics.

Which brings me to today's card.

I am not an expert at either of the above-mentioned products, but I decided to try them both for this challenge! I do like the way the finished card turned out, although my Copics technique leaves MUCH to be desired.

Here is my card! In this photo, you cannot tell that I have outlined her wings and the stars with a glitter pen. I really need to work on my photo-taking skills. Another thing to add to my ever-growing checklist...



I'm entering this card in the Tiddly Inks challenge. You should do the same! :)

Also, don't forget about my giveaway! I'm still trying!!

...(Sisters)

I'm running out of witty things to title my posts here on my blog. I seem to go back to the same few words. "Happy Tuesday," "Welcome to Tuesday," or something along those lines. How exactly does one decide what to say in their title for a post? I guess I could use the title of whatever layout or card I'm posting says? Okay, I think I'll do that.

This blog entry is entitled: "Sisters."

I did this layout based on the sketch at the Artful Delight blog. I just discovered this site by doing a little blog hopping, and I highly recommend them! They also have kits, which is a bonus!

So, here is the sketch:



And here is my layout! Now, this happens to be my current favorite photo of my girls. I can't believe what wonderful young women they are turning out to be .



Check out the challenge at Artful Delight and join in the fun!

And...it's Monday.

Is it me, or do the weeks keep getting longer and the weekends keep getting shorter?! Where did this weekend go? Hubby worked overtime on Saturday, so since he was gone that day, I kept thinking it was Sunday. I'm all kinds of messed up!

Monday went smoothly in our house today: One kiddo spent the night at a friend's house (yes, I'm *that* kind of mom!), college girl slept in (in true college form), and I took the boy to school...only to be called at 10:30 to pick him up due to a fever. Poor guy. So, he's snoozing now and I can post my latest card!

I made this card entirely with my scraps, down to the ribbon! I have far too many scraps and have started taking out my scrap boxes before I start any project. This time, the challenge called for using scraps only! Perfect!

Here is my card, and I absolutely love it. It's not fancy schmancy; it's simple...yet adorable!!



And...since I made this with scraps, no second card for the bestie. Sorry Shar! :(

I'm entering this card in the following challenges. Check them out and join in!

Hiding In My Craft Room
Birthday Sundays
Sentimental Sundays
Kaboodle Doodles
Crafting for all Seasons

Once again, don't forget about my giveaway HERE!

Thanks for stopping in!

A new kit release!

I have always like Shanna Vineyard's style of crafting. She always creates the most fabulous items and finds time to craft even though she has such a busy life!

I want to take a moment and congratulate her on her newest creation:



You have to visit her blog to see her amazing examples, and follow the links to see what fellow designers have created using her kit!

There are some fabulous images in this kit, and I can't wait to use them!

Check her out at Art Made with Heart!