Bible Study Group and Baseball

I wanted to introduce to you a few of my Tuesday morning Bible Study group. I love these women and love sharing my life with them. We are going through a Bible study of Beth Moore's together. I love having many seasoned Christians in this group because there are as many young Christians that hang on every word of wisdom that they can get. Pictured are Tammy, Amanda, Clyda, Christy, Elisha, and Tena. Not pictured are, Jenny, Mary, Melissa, Martha, and Sue...I hope I haven't left anyone off.

This is a picture of the baseball STATE CHAMPS of '07. This picture was hung in the Greene County Tech Multi Purpose Gym a few weeks ago. We are very proud of our boys and look forward to hanging another one this year!!!

More pictures from Shreveport

Imagine with me...coming home to a house full of people, 17 adults and 16 children to be exact...and they have rearranged your furniture. Yep, that's my small group. Flip flopped my whole living room up...and I love it. They said it only took them 3 minutes. When I get it cleaned up, I will take a picture.

I am up late, just got home from watching my baby boy, Fred, play ball in a tourney at Westside High school, yes, we won and yes, I am bragging. Maybe one of these days I will remember to take my camera to his games. Mikes in St. Louis so what else is a girl to do but blog?

Okay, more pictures from Shreveport...

This is the view in the convention center coming down the escalators...

We walk into a huge room with 18 volleyball nets and balls flyin' everywhere...it was crazy.I don't know if I can explain this picture...one looks like she's sprinting to the ball...the other is fixing to duke it out with someone...who knows?

Time out is called and Joe T. gives the girls a little pep talk...

Rachel is setting the ball for Micah to hit it over...

...and here, Micah is jumping to block the ball...I think this one got by.

Okay night , night for now...talk to you in the morning.

My buddy scrapbooker

My best bud, Ginger, just came over to show me all the work that she was able to get done at a scrapbook retreat...I'm thinkin' I might need to go to one of these. She's the one that I have told many of you, inspires me with my scrapbook pages. I will try to explain these the best that I can...use them only for inspiration purposes, please do not copy to sell.

This is a layout of her daughters photo shoot, using distressed paper...I love the layering effect that she uses.

Very simple layout here...football patterned paper, red photo mounts and journal strips and a few brads...how easy is that? You know sometimes simple is better.

I am going to do my best to explain this layout...it was a creation by many people at the retreat. If I remember correctly, there were 12 people setting a table. Each person had to pick a piece of 12x12 paper from their stash, write their name on the back, and pass it around the table. Each person at the table had to add an element to the page from their own stash of goodies. Is this not precious? She was very happy with the finished project and will be using it for "Mission Trip" pictures. Check out her blog at http://www.gingerbales.blogspot.com/ to see many more to come.

A few more pictures from our library using a Time Well Spent,

enjoy...

Basic Black, Whisper White on Pink Passion SU! card stock, colored with blender pins out of the Bold Brights color family, accessorized with pink ribbon and glitter glue from Wal-Mart.

I hope each of you have a blessed day in the Lord, and remember, it's all about HIM!!!!

Shreveport

We are wore completely out...came home to 14 vehicles in our driveway. Our small group from church meets in our home on Sunday nights...17 adults and more kiddos than I could count. While Micah and I took a little nap, Mike made up for any lost time we might have had. We made it from Shreveport, LA to Paragould in 4 1/2 hours...it is a 6 hour trip...I did not even ask.

I have a few pics to share with you from the trip... more to come later...I hope you enjoy.

Micah was very comfortable on the trip to Shreveport...long nap in the back seat.This is their opening...pump you up...jump.Eight in the morning is really early to play, especially when Savannah did not get to her hotel room until late the night before...I think it was around 10:30pm when we finally got there, and that's after the afternoon matches. We did not have any problems sleeping on our pillow top beds with many, many pillows.Taylor with a "IN YOUR FACE" shot...better get out of her way!!!I know, I know...I usually show all the good pictures but today we had a little talk about blessing the Lord in the good and bad...this happens to be one of the four balls Micah did not get over the net...but whose counting...she is!

We are very blessed to have the opportunity to play sports...we just have to remember that it is only by the grace of God that we have the abilities we have...He gives and takes away, so enjoy it and praise Him in the good and bad...at least your not in a wheelchair, you have both arms, and two feet and leg muscles to jump with...have fun and do your best and give God the glory. I am very proud of you princess, your my hero and thanks for letting God use you to teach your momma few things.

Until next time, God bless and have a great day in the Lord.

Expectancy

I wanted to share with you this morning what I studied in my Bible study by Beth Moore, "Stepping Up"...

The Holman Christian Standard Bible
Psalm 130 -
1 Out of the depths I call to You, Lord! 2 Lord, listen to my voice; let Your ears be attentive to my cry for help. 3 Lord, if You considered sins, Lord, who could stand? 4 But with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be revered.

5 I wait for the Lord; I wait,and put my hope in His word. 6 I [wait] for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning - more than watchmen for the morning. 7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord. For there is faithful love with the Lord, and with Him is redemption in abundance. 8 And He will redeem Israel from all its sins.

The first part of that passage is so encouraging...if I cry out to the Lord, I mean really, sincerely cry out, there is forgiveness. Hallelujah!! The second part of the passage is what got to me...the psalmist says " I wait for the Lord; I wait, and put my hope in His word. I [wait] for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning-more than watchmen for the morning. " He is expecting forgiveness. He's not coming to the Lord with his head hung low saying "forgive me" , He has his head looking upward expecting the forgiveness. How often I ask, but do not expect it. What's the point in waisting the precious time I take to talk to God, if I talk just to hear my words. I am to be joyous that I can ask and I will receive the promise of forgiveness! Man I am a little excited now. I hope you will consider what I've shared and claim His promise of forgiveness. If I can pray for you, I would be honored if you would respond and let me know how. I promise to pray for you "EXPECTING".

Now I will share with you a card that I anticipate sharing in Vicki B.'s class work shop. If you read this Vicki, let me know what you think. We will also be doing a scrapbook page along the same line. I hope you enjoy...

This card is very simple. It is using the stain glass effect on vellum paper, out lined in a white gel pen. The inside says, "thought you could us a little pick up" under a layer of vellum in which you use to write your words of encouragement on.

Andrew's dog picture

Yes, I am a little excited about this blue ribbon...Fred loves to draw and he drew this picture for a art contest going on at the school. Although it placed first, he was very disappointed that he did not get to finish it due to being sick at home on the day they went to art. This is a picture of our dog, Abby.

When he finishes it I will post the new picture...until then.

Classic vs. Craft

I am often asked the questions, "which one should I get?". Well this pretty well explains it...see the bottom of the blog to see whom created it and I hope it answers many of your questions...thanks.

There are several differences between Craft (pigment) and Classic (Dye) inks.

• Classic ink absorbs into the paper;
• Craft ink sits on top of the paper and does not absorb.
• Craft ink tends to be thicker than Classic dye ink and is often preferred for scrapbooking because Craft inks are more resistant to fading than most Classic inks.
  

Craft ink pads and scrapbooks: Craft ink is pigment ink, and is more fade resistant than dye inks.

The Craft pad contains binding agents that help seal it.

Drying time and Craft pads: Craft inks dry more slowly than Classic inks. You may heat-set the Craft inks to speed drying time or set them aside to dry. After heat-setting, Craft inks will resist all but the most deliberate efforts to smear them. Heat-setting and air-drying produce the same color results. When heat-setting, be careful of heating too long, which may cause a scorched look.

Embossing: Because of the longer drying time, you have time to apply your embossing powder without rushing; therefore, the Craft pads are an excellent choice for embossing.

Watercoloring: To watercolor stamped images, your best choice is Classic ink or Stampin’ Write® markers.

Craft Ink and slick surfaces like tile, porcelain, and terra cotta: The Craft ink will not dry on slick surfaces, even when heat-set. However, if you seal the ink with clear embossing powder, you get a glossy finish.

Re-inking Craft pads: When re-inking, squeeze several drops of Craft ink on top of the pad and work in with the tip of the re-inker (or use a stamp), and stamp repeatedly until the refill ink is absorbed into the pad. Do not leave a layer of ink on top of the pad, as this may cake over time.

As with any Stampin' Up! product, exposure to extreme temperatures may affect the quality of the ink. Keep out of heat and sunlight, and avoid extreme temperature changes (such as might occur if stored in an unheated garage in the winter or in a car trunk in the summer). Pads subjected to extreme temperature changes may harden.

This information was taken from a fellow demonstrator web page, "Creations by Corie", http://www.creationsbycorie.blogspot.com/. Check out here web page, I love it!!!!

Springfield Champs, Yeah!!!!!!!!

Micah and her buddy, Emily

Well I finally got Micah's permission on which pictures I could show...I only took 108. We had a lot of fun in Springfield despite the very wintry conditions we had to drive around in. Micah was able to spend a lot of time with her buddy, Emily. Emily stayed in the hotel room with us last weekend and she was blessed with seeing how dysfunctional we are.

In this picture Micah is playing the front row and setting the ball for Savannah, whom we call the BEAST. You don't ever want to be on the other side of the net when she is playing front. That ball will be crammed down your throat. She is Micah's role model, she wants to be as aggressive as her...I know you are thinking, "Micah, aggressive?" When it comes to volleyball she is not the same person...really...the Gramling comes out in her.

Who says, "White girls can't jump"? Can you believe this is her off the floor that much...wow...she amazes me. In this picture Jade is blocking the ball from coming over the net.

Yeah, Micah rejects it!!!!! You go girl.

Micah and Jade blocking again...they do this a lot in the game...thus, they play front row.

Allison and Micah enjoy the taste of victory together...showing off the plaque the team was given along with their "Gold Medals"...I am ready for the real gold!!!!!!

Micah and Emily do not play on the same team, but each placed...Emily's team was second in the tourney...You go Em!!!! She's a setter and I might add a very good one too.

The girls and Joe T. acting silly during their photo session for the moms...actually this is a calm picture compared to the others she would not let me show you.

Can't wait to show you the next tourny pictures.

Thanks for letting me show off my little girl.

Cards for sale!!!

Any of the cards that you see on my web site are for sale. Each card is $2.50. Let me know if I can help you out in any way. You can even customize your own cards.

This is a combination of two stamp sets, "Little Birdie Told Me" for $25.95 a set of 12 stamps(see page 65 of catalog), and Level 3 Hostess set, "Time Well Spend" on page 24 of catalog. Go to http://www.stampinup.com/ to see if you do not have a catty.

I also have stamp sets that I will be selling that are retired. If you are interested please let me know. This is a set of 12 that was a hostess set. The price is $20.00, slightly used, only two stamps were used in this box, already mounted. If you book a work shop in the Month of March you can receive this set for $15.00. Who wants it?

Now I would like to showcase a card that a friend did...how cute is this? It is a "You deserve it!" card. The picture is of a can that Lynn decorated, made up homemade coffee blend and put it in for a gift.

The caption on the card is a recipe for the can she decorated.

This is a tag that was inside a pocket with the recipe for the Mocha she made for me. Lynn, I absolutely love this. Thank you so much for thinking of me.

If you would like your creations to be on my blog, sent them this way and I would love to showcase your work. I am inspired by the creativity of my ladies.

SWAP

Are you up to a challenge? Here is your layout, using only Stampin' Up products, make 5 cards, any occasion, all the same, for a swap coming up March 4th, 6:30pm, at my house. After workshop and all orders have been placed, if there is $150.00 order or more, I will draw for a "Mystery Hostess". Yes, you heard me correctly. You could be the lucky attendee that receives all of the hostess benefits without the work...what more could you ask for? Can't attend but would love to participate in the swap...make your cards and get them to me by the day of the swap, I will get your set to you the next day. I need at least five people to participate for this to work so if you are interested please let me know ASAP!

Don't forget that for every $50.00 spent you receive a free stamp set or Rub-Ons from our Sale-A-Bration catalog. Go to http://www.stampinup.com/ to view the catalog if you don't already have one. If the orders total up to more than $300.00 that night, the Mystery Hostess will also receive a free stamp set on top of all the hostess benefits. Just when you thought it could not get any better...anyone who orders a Heat Tool, Powder Pals and Black, Clear, or White Stampin" Emboss Powder, I will pay the shipping and handling for your purchase. That is a $5.16 savings to you. Who's game? Can't wait to hear from you.



What: 5 card swap, any occasion and Mystery Hostess Workshop
Where: 611 South 39th Street
When: Tuesday, March 4th from 6:30 to 7:00 for the swap, 7:00 to 8:30 for the workshop
Cost: $5.00 workshop fee for supplies used
Buy: Heat Tool, Powder Pals and any Embossing Powder and I pay your shipping and handling, plus you will get a free stamp set.

I hope to see you there--I can't wait to show you a new technique.