Memo Holders

More Small Gift Ideas:

I saw this idea to make memo holders quite a while ago.  I believe I found it on http://www.bearcubscraproom.blogspot.com/ but not completely sure; however, I
wanted to give credit, since it wasn't my original idea.

This simple gift idea includes:
Cardboard/chipboard cut at 4" x 5 1/2"- cover front with paper
4x6 index cards cut in half to make 2 - 4x3 cards
Stack several cards and add to memo board with colored binder clips
Add trim & decor

Larger version size:
4 1/2" x 6 1/2" and uses regular index cards

*This is a great way to use scrap paper, left over stickers & ribbon.  I came across the colored binder clips at a dollar store $1 and 100 large index cards at Big Lot's $1.  You use very little of the supplies so you could make lot's of these for stocking stuffers, co-worker gifts, etc.

Whatever You Do

Thought for the Day

Whatever you do...do it with all your heart as if you were doing it for God Himself. 
It would certainly make a difference if we carried this attitude with us every day.

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him."  Colossians 3:17

Life's Hassles

But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is
more than these is from the evil one.  Matthew 5:37

Ever picked up the phone to check on the status of a bill or ask about unusual charges and get nowhere fast?  Life is full of situations where simple things become big hassles.  Recently, the phone rang and I  became very confused when I learned a few clerical errors at a company caused a huge bill and lot's of hassles. 

Do you long for the days that you could actually talk to a person, preferably one who was knowledgeable about their company and your situation?  A quick phone call or letter can immediately turn our day into chaos.  I'm sure I'm not alone with the time spent on the phone or sending faxes to clear up simple mistakes that have become big hassles.

When in the middle of this latest hassle, I thought of the verse in Matthew about speaking exactly what you mean.  Let your yes, be yes and if you say no, let it mean no.  The run around that we sometimes face when dealing with companies on the phone with confusing situations is certainly the exact opposite of what this verse is talking about.  When we deal with people in business or relationships, we should strive to be honest and not play a game with our words becoming misleading and deceiving.  Our words should bring honor to God and the way we handle ourselves in conversations should be honest and with the truth as our goal.  Our yes should mean yes and our no should mean no with no hidden intentions.  Sometimes those with this honest quality seem to stand out in our society, because we see so much of the opposite.  May we each strive to make our words a reflection of what is right!

Joy to the World

94 Days Until Christmas!

Making a few Christmas cards each week 

will certainly get me in the mood for Christmas!

Here's a few new Christmas cards 

 Cricut Cartridges:

Storybook & Winter Frolic

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

One time a year we are reminded about

the joy that came to earth when

God sent His son, Jesus to be born.

Just as the song says, "Let every heart prepare him room",
may we prepare room in our hearts for Christ not only
during the Christmas season, but all year long. 
We should carry this joy with us always and
be ready to sing..."Joy to the World"!

Christmas Gift Tags

My nickname with my family is "Christmas Kid", because I have always loved Christmas so much!  Getting a head start on Christmas preparations, I decided to begin making some gift tags to go on presents.  

Cricut cartridge:  Winter Frolic

Patterned Paper:  KI

Prism Cardstock:  Die Cuts With a View

Ribbon:  White Satin & Patterned is American Crafts

 

Of course I won't be giving anything as special for Christmas as the special gift God gave us when He sent His son Jesus to be born, live a perfect life and die to give us forgiveness of our wrong/sin so we can
have a relationship with God if we accept this gift.

 

This Christmas I will celebrate this precious gift of love!

Simple Things in Life

On my way out the door I noticed a sight that I've seen all Summer, but never really took the time to watch.  A full spiked limb shrub is nested at the side of my house and on this day it housed several bumblebees.  The bees were unaware of anyone watching them and were content on their work.  They purposely worked a flower at a time on the shrub.  I watched them doing what bees do best and thought of how intense their focus was on their task.  

Bees know what their purpose is and they accomplish it despite distractions.  My watching didn't change their busy work, nor did starting my car.  These simple things that we see each day can remind of us a truth that we can hold onto in our lives.  What is your purpose?  Are you working steadily toward that purpose or do distractions pull you away from what is really important?  

Being created by God we each have a purpose to love Him with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength.  We are to love each other the same way as Christ loves us.  Our purpose as we go through each day is to remember who we are and just as the bees were busy doing their work, we should share the love of Christ and not allow life to distract us from this goal.  It's the simple things in life that make the most difference!

Clean Up Aisle Bathroom!

Ever hear those words..."Mom, I don't feel so good"?  That phrase brings one expression to most Mother's face...panic...terror and the oh, no expression.  My first thought after hearing those words is...here we go again!

I've always teased that my bathroom was the cleanest part of my house while my son was young, because I cleaned it everyday and sometimes several times a day in accord to the latest stomach virus or potty training mishap.  Let me just say a little disclaimer here...if you have never taken care of children & their mishaps you may be offended by this next statement; however, there is just not any other way to say this, but to speak plainly.  Puke, poop and other fun events are part of Motherhood at all stages and ages of your child's life.  Most times, when these fun surprises visit the first words uttered are MMMMOOOOMMM!   

After the initial "oh no" look we dive into righting the wrong that has visited our bathroom, that is to say if they made it to the bathroom and if the answer is no, then that is an entirely different animal.  Ha.  The task of cleaning up all the mess hasn't ever bothered me much and the one thing that always melts my heart after the smelly task is done is three words that I hear from little boy...thank you, Mom.  

Thank you, Mom could right most any situation and is certainly worth a little clean up in the bathroom.  While sickness visited our house again recently, I began to think of being thankful even in the middle of the yuckies.  Are we thankful in the middle of the muck in life and do we express it to God when we make a mess of our life and ask Him for forgiveness and He gives it.  He wipes away our wrong doing/sin and makes us clean again, just like cleaning up after being sick.  Do we say, "Thank you Dad" or do we expect Him to clean up our sin and us never express our appreciation? 

My son certainly didn't have to say thank you, Mom, because I would have cleaned up anyway.  Him expressing gratitude just made my role in His life more appreciated.  I enjoyed hearing that He loved me and thanked me for caring for him.  God is the same way and He will forgive us if we are sincere when we ask for forgiveness, but enjoys hearing our thankfulness for the role He plays in our lives.  We should have love and gratitude in our hearts just as our children do and tell Him, "Thank you Dad for your love and forgiveness!"

My Feet...His Hands

Thinking back to when my son was little, I remember the times when he was sick so vividly.  Watching little ones and not being able to make them better just leaves us feeling helpless.  Other than trips to the Dr. and medicines the only comfort I could really give him was love.  I don't remember when I actually started this now tradition, but at some point I began holding his feet and pulling him close to me for comfort.

As he grew, this measure of comfort became a normal part of treating the common cold or flu.  When he grew too big to hold or his feet would drag the ground, he started putting his feet in my lap when I sat down on the couch.  Even now, as a much bigger son I can count on occasionally have feet plop in my lap when I sit down and someone is not feeling so good.  

I began to think about how we need comfort and am reminded about times when our world is turned upside down and we need someone to show us love and hold our feet.  Jesus washed His disciples feet showing His love and servant heart.  What a comfort to them to know that Jesus loved them so much that he would even touch their feet and bring them comfort by washing them.  When we need comfort, God is there and gives us love, understanding and direction through times when we are weary and need Him. 

There is a song that is very precious to me called Your Hands by JJ Heller. 

Click here to listen:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlL8LayF0uw

I feel in my heart this song describes so many hurting people who need God's hands to hold their feet!  He is ready with hands open!

I am somebody

My 12 year old son is beginning to write poetry in school.  They used an example of describing themselves with imagery called I am somebody and wrote a poem about themselves.

I wanted to share his first official poem.  He is such a joy and it is wonderful to see him growing and learning.  He is very excited to begin expressing himself in writing on the school's blog.  I have a vision in my mind of one day a young man walking across a stage and walking into a new life full of hope and promise.  Thank you God for my son and all the adventures we have together!  He is awesome!

I am somebody

I am the eagle soaring above the sky searching for things unknown;

I am the color green wise and strong;

I am the smell of water in the air, after it rains; the cool calming smell;

I am the wind silent but present and able to storm in a second;

I am the sound of the rain hitting the leaves and dropping to the ground;

I am the taste of the orange bursting with many unique tastes;

I am the texture of running water refreshing and cold;

I am the son of West Virginia wild and wonderful;

I am the dream of a teacher passing on knowledge they have learned;

I am somebody!

Household Tip #1

While working around the house this week, I found myself using small little tricks that save time and money.  Many things I picked up from reading articles, heard from others looking to make their household run more smoothly and some I guess I just tried and they worked.  Understanding that everyone needs more time and money, I thought I would write a series of tips that can be integrated into your household routine.

Household Tip #1

Loading & Unloading the Dishwasher

It's a simple task, but takes time to unload, especially sorting the silverware.

Here's a tip to make the unloading a snap.  When you load the silverware, allow one compartment for each type of silverware.  One section for spoons...one for forks...one for knives, etc.  This allows you to easily grab the whole bunch when they are dry and just throw them in their compartment in the drawer.  It really does save you from standing there sorting and placing each one in a slot in the drawer.  

This may be a tip you've already put into practice, if not try it and spend that extra time doing something fun!

Things You Shouldn't Have to Say!!!

While doing the laundry today, I found something that I knew had a story to tell.  Everything was quite normal for a few loads, including loose change, straw papers, etc.  On the last load of the day I put my hand in a pair of jean shorts and thought I got everything out, but something felt lumpy in the bottom of the pocket.  After closer scrutiny I found indeed there was something lodged in the bottom.  Turning the pants inside out and pulling & tugging for a few minutes, I discovered our dear friend GUM making a lump of a mess sticking two sides of the pocket together.  

There was no doubt who did it, because the shorts only fit one person in the family.  I pulled and pulled and got the most of it out and thought so it's gum...not really that big of a deal.  About that time my 12 yr. old son, a.k.a. the gum culprit hollered for me.  With a sly smile on my face I showed him the gummy pocket.  He quickly said, "It's not my fault Mom...you told me to do it.  Remember, we were at Church and I asked you what to do with it and you said...put it in your pocket."  

Now...as parents we remember conversations that we have with our children, but we seem to remember them different than our children.  I recall this conversation in the middle of the choir singing and my trying to pay attention and hearing...Psst...Mom, what should I do with this?    I responded the way I've responded for 12 years...put it in your pocket.  Don't we all have them save the gum wrapper beside them just for this purpose?  

The upbringing of 12 years faded away from my son on that day.  He looked at me and said, are you sure you want me to put this in my pocket?  With a bewildered look on my face during the music I nodded my head and whispered yes...put it in your pocket.  He replied, Okay here it goes.  

None of that conversation made sense to me, until today doing laundry.  He took his gum without the wrapper and put it in his pocket just like his dear old Mom told him to.  I thought to myself...there are things you shouldn't have to say!  I didn't know I needed to say for 12 years...take the gum from your mouth and place it in the gum wrapper...fold the wrapper over the gum...place the wrapped gum in your pocket.  

Who knew?  There are things you shouldn't have to say!  I hope this gives you a chuckle...life is never dull and always fun when you greet it with a smile & a sense of humor!

Paper Cutz Challenge #54

For challenge # 54, make a card, LO or craft project
for "Back to School", using any colors you'd like.

Back to School means early bedtimes and early mornings,
but it also means learning new things. 
Once when my son was younger and entered a new grade,
he got so excited and said..."Mom, the possibilities are endless!" 

If we all lived with that kind of excitement imagine
how our lives would be different. 

You may not have someone in your home going back to school 

or you may understand my pain of facing early bedtime
and early mornings, but greet this back to school
season as a chance to learn new things
and remember the possibilities are endless!

Cricut Cardz Challenge # 37

For challenge #37, make a card with any cartridges or
theme you'd like, using orange, yellow, blue,
black and white ONLY.

 Easel Card for any occasion!

Used Doodlecharms & Lyrical Letters Cricut Cartridges

White & Yellow Glitter Cardstock

Orange, Blue & Black Foil Cardstock
Flower Brads

God Be With You!

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge #23

The Great Outdoors
Create a project with an outdoor activity…
camping, fishing, swimming etc. and as always
there needs to be an image cut using your Cricut on your project.

Paper Doll Dress Up

Storybook & Winter Frolic

Hooked on Fishing

There are many simple joys in life....
fishing is one of them!

The Bible teaches that even if no one has told us about God,
that nature itself shows there is a God.

When you are out fishing and look around during the
quiet serene setting, remember to look to God
and make Him apart of your life!

My husband & son recently took a camping trip,
so of course, I am scrapbooking the event!

School is Coming!

A good teacher is like a candle---
it consumes itself to light the way for others. 
Author Unknown

School is coming whether we are ready to give up summer or not.  Teacher's have the task of not only teaching reading, writing and arithmetic, but molding student's lives to reach their full potential.  Praise the good teachers for a job well done and pray for those struggling this year.

Quote for the Day

"Happiness if found along the way---
not at the end of the road."

Sol Gordon

The next time you catch yourself saying, boy I just can't wait until this is over or how much longer is this going to last...
remember happiness can be found even in the
hardest circumstances and can last throughout the journey!

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge #21 and Paper Playtime Challenge #11

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge #21
National "Smile" Week
Create a project and include the word “Smile”

AND

Paper Playtime Challenge #11 - School Days

Submit any new Paper Project for Challenges:  Card, Envelope,
Tag, Box, Gift Bag, 3-D Object, Mini Album, Scrapbook Layout,
etc. inspired by this theme. 

 
Keeping with the SCHOOL DAYS THEME I created a back to school
layout with a notebook paper side and backpack die cuts from Doodlecharms. 
Making a notepad gives the perfect opportunity to journal about the first day of school.
Adhesive ribbons and twine give the perfect accent.

After such a wonderful summer with God's

blessings I know there will be smiles

on the first day of school!

The word smile was cut from Lyrical Letters,
which is one of my favorite cartridges for
scrapbooking and card making because of its versatility

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

 The bright yellow and school themed layout was personalized
and ready for a picture of all smiles on the first day!
      

Phone Calls

Have you ever wondered how many times your home phone or cell phone rings in a month's time?  Whew...it's hard to count that high!  Are the majority of those calls dire emergencies or mostly just run of the mill average questions and comments?

Most of our calls are just average conversations, but certainly do hold importance.  It seems that we are in constant conversation with people in our lives through phone calls, e-mail, facebook, texting and many other forms of communication. 

A dear friend of mine said we should be like our cell phones when it comes to talking to others about God.  She asked if our switch was turned on like the cell phone or if we are off and unavailable to witness for God.  When I pondered this it reminded me of how much importance communication has in our society right now.  

We used to go places to get away from the phone calls and now we can't go anywhere without our cell phones because we don't want to miss any calls.  What if we carried God's Word in our hearts just like we must have our cell phones in our pockets.  If we studied the Bible and placed those things in our minds and hearts, we would always be ready to speak to someone about how God loves them and wants a relationship with them.  We would be ready to have the most important conversation that a person could have...learning about God's love and forgiveness.

Each time you reach for your phone or cell phone, remember to be open to witness for God.  Allow God to use the Scripture that you've studied to bring a word of comfort or guidance to someone you meet.  May we not forget to use all the forms of communication we have now (which is lot's)  to share Christ with all we come in contact with.

Cricut Cardz Challenge # 36

For challenge # 36, make a teen birthday card
using any cartridges or colors you'd like.

This colorful stairstep card was made using Doodlecharms for the images
and Lyrical Letters for the sentiment.  This is perfect for someone to
place on their desk or table after receiving it.  

I love making new types of cards that I've seen somewhere and this
was my first stairstep card. 
I will definitely be making more of these unique cards for different occassions.

Cricut Cardz Challenge # 35

For challenge #35, make a Get Well card using any cartridges
you'd like, and green, blue, black and white ONLY.

A cup of hot tea always makes you feel better when you are sick.

Black card stock card base, white mat with light blue Bazzill
card stock.  Images and sentiment cut with Lyrical Letters cartridge. 

Embossed frame using Cuttlebug Divine Swiss folder. 
Light green polka dot ribbon with black buttons creates a

tailored look.  Added lime green and clear stickles for a pop!

Have a blessed time crafting!  Thanks for stopping by!

Paper Cutz Challenge # 52

For challenge # 52, make a card, LO or craft project on
any theme you'd like, using red, white,
blue, black and yellow ONLY. 

A simple design with embossed black Bazzill cardstock using the
Cuttlebug folder Divine Swirl gives an elegant thank you card
to send to family or friends. 

Sentiment was cut from Cricut cartridge Lyrical Letters.

Have a blessed time crafting!  Thanks for coming by!

It's been a long time!

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28

It's been a long time since I've felt like writing on my blog.  A roller coaster has hit my family and my health has been up and down for some time.  Through the years neurological episodes has come and went.  Recently an episode continued to worsen and Dr.'s suspected Lou Gehrig's and other life changing diseases.
God opened the door for me to go to Cleveland Clinic within 1 week of my Dr. calling to refer me.  Things began to work out in ways that everyone knew that God was indeed in control.  My family and Church began praying and God continued to work.

After arriving at Cleveland the Dr.'s ruled out Lou Gehrig's and Multiple Sclerosis, which I have been treated for the last few years.  They said I have a new type of neurological disease that is not life threatening and does not totally disable you.  It has the same symptoms as MS, but does not do permanent damage to your body, which creates disability.  We will manage the symptoms and God will give me the strength to handle each day.  God gave us peace knowing I will not get any worse than I am now, nor will it take my life.  It's a blessing!

Cleveland also ran several tests on blood work looking for a cause to the neurological symptoms and they found my Vitamin D was very low and with meds they hope that my symptoms will really improve.  God has been with my family and I throughout 10 years of a roller coaster with episodes and Dr.'s giving frightening opinions of what was happening to my body.  When we call on God and persevere with our prayers, He does listen and in His time He will answer and guide Dr.s' and ourselves in His will.

As I look back throughout the roller coaster I would not have changed any aspect, even finding out the answers years ago, because I have learned valuable lessons as a Christian that has molded me, increased my faith and allowed me to minister and help others that are going through their own roller coaster in their lives.
It's been a long time reaching the end of the roller coaster, but God was sitting in the seat beside me and had complete control of where the ride was going.  With peace in my heart and increased faith I just stepped off the platform of the ride and am walking beside my Lord with my family heading in the direction of His will ready to serve and praise Him with all my heart & my life.

Just Don't Get Excited! "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4:6

Thinking of Father's Day, it's neat to look back and remember the phrases your Father said over and over again.  Many of these phrases teaches a lesson.  It can be a phrase that is timely and said just when you need it.  I often think of things my parents said while I was growing up. Many of us have even caught ourselves saying the same thing our parents told us.  Isn't it scary when that happens!

One of the phrases I associate the most about my Dad is "Just Don't Get Excited!"  This was said in the middle of many small crises, that I thought would surely end the world.  Do you remember getting upset over the smallest things?  

Although this phrase reminded me to not get excited and lose perspective during small mishaps, it also taught me to handle situations with a calm head allowing me to make the best possible decisions.  During illness that I have faced with many Doctors, tests and uncertainties over the years, God has reminded me to just not get excited about the situations, that He is in control and will lead me and the Doctors.  He will work everything out for my good.  Even if situations aren't resolved the way we want them to be.  We just have to trust Him. 

We all face different circumstances where the tendency is to be overwhelmed, in despair and unsure of what to do next.  Let me encourage you...in the words of my Dad..."Just Don't Get Excited!"  God will see you through the difficulties and work things out to give you hope, peace and strength, no matter the outcome!

I am blessed to have a Dad, who guides me in the way of my Heavenly Father and reminds me to lean and trust in Him.  Thank you Dad for modeling to me our Heavenly Father's love & devotion.  I love you and appreciate you.  Happy Father's Day to my Dad, Bob Goodin!  The best Dad ever!

The Cuttlebug Spot Challenge: Dads and Grads

Father's day is coming soon and most Dads love chocolate! 
Here's a sweet project for Dads.

Don't look Dad...you'll get this later!

A slider that holds a surprise chocolate bar!

Embossed using the Paisley folder in Cuttlebug

How to Make:
Small chocolate bar, such as Hershey with almonds:   Cut paper to wrap with at 5" x 6".  Hint:  If using 12" scrapbook paper...cut 5" at the top then flip paper to measure 6" and you will get 2 from the 12" paper.  I used scrap pieces, but most were 12" long and were at least 5" wide.  I embossed using the Paisley folder in my Cuttlebug.

Score at 4 1/2", 4", 2 1/4" and 1 3/4".  I don't use a scor-pal, I just measure on my paper cutter using the slide out ruler and then use a Popsicle stick (from rub-on's) pressing hard to score down the center of the blade indention on the cutter.  It works just fine and I don't have to buy another gadget or store it!
. 
Punch hole at top through both top & back sheets.  Put scor-tape along edge of wrap, but don't remove paper yet.  Thread 20" piece of ribbon through back and bring down inside the wrap...place candy bar on top of ribbon...bring ribbon up the candy bar and thread through the hole on other side of wrap.  Peel off scor-tape and adhere side.  Tie ribbon at top in knot.  Be careful to fold over the end of wrapper on bottom & top of candy bar so the ribbon has it secure to pull up & down easily.
Decorate your slider with a band of coordinating paper & any embellishments you want to add.

Go make some for the men in your life!

Dimensions for larger candy bar, such as regular Hershey's bar.
Wrap:  6"x6"
Score at 2 1/2", 2 3/4", 5 1/4" and 5 1/2".  20" ribbon piece.

 Fantastic Dad Project