Andy Jay's Place

Track Thank-You Cards

2011-05-30T20:41:00.004-05:00

My daughter asked me to make her track team four thank-you cards for the team to give to their coaches at the end of the season. I fired up my Cricut with the Sports Mania cartridge and here's what I came up with. I like how they turned out and my daughter did, too. :) I don't use my Cricut much for cards. I really should, though. There's so many possibilities!

Thanks for stopping by! Until next time...

Hambo Hoedown Challenge #16

2011-05-24T22:08:00.004-05:00

I really gotta quit waiting 'til the last minute to do this challenge... Things have just been so hectic lately. We're trying to sell our home, my daughter is graduating in a couple weeks, we're having a graduation party a week after that, we're trying to get a new business off the ground... you get the picture! I'm really missing my creative time! Anyway, here's my challenge card for this week. I used the Henrietta Graduate Hambo digistamp, two chipboard photo corners, my sentiment is from The Cutting Cafe and I used a star shaped button with floss tied in the center. My patterned paper was from my scrap bin.

Let me know what you think! Love to hear your comments! Be nice, though, I've had a rough week! ;) Until next time...

Another Hambo Hoedown Challenge! Week 15!

2011-05-15T13:55:00.004-05:00

I've got another Hambo Hoedown challenge card for you this week. I used sketch #2 from OWH Stars & Stamps. The challenge was to use the Hambo digital stamp, balloon girl, along with paper piecing and bright colors. I must confess, last week I didn't complete the challenge exactly to the theme... But I didn't do it knowingly. I just didn't read the directions completely. I have a bad habit of getting the digi from Hambo and just getting caught up in the excitement of coloring it and doing my own thing with it that I forget to check their blog for further instructions. I was a good girl this week, though. I followed the theme!

Leave me some love, please! I love comments! Until next time...

Hambo Hoedown Challenge #14

2011-05-10T21:52:00.003-05:00

This is going to be a real quick post tonight. I'm kinda pressed for time. I got the Hambo Hoedown challenge #14 done. I love, love, love this chicken digi! Isn't it just the cutest?! I used a sketch from OWH Stars and Stamps for this card, as well. It wasn't this weeks sketch, but it was a past one. I didn't really use many supplies on this one other than scrap papers and my computer for the sentiment. Well, here it is! Enjoy!

Leave me some love! Comments are always appreciated! Well, until next time...

Hambo Hoedown Challenge

2011-05-01T19:55:00.017-05:00

My daughter and I just returned from a second visit to the University of Wisconsin-Stout where she will be attending college in the fall. She wanted desperately to go to Carthage College, but with the economy the way it is, us having to close our business due to lack of work and starting a different business, we just couldn't pay for a private college. She is still adjusting to the idea of going to Stout (her second choice in colleges). I know this is God's plan and it will all work out for the best. God's plan is ALWAYS the best plan! I pray very hard every day that God will work in her heart and that she will adopt an attitude of gratitude about being able to attend college at Stout and get really excited about it... She has a good head on her shoulders and I know in her head she fully understands. I'm sure she'll come around in her own time.

I didn't get the Hambo digital image from last week because I just ran out of time last week and never got the card done... I did get a card done this week using the King digi I didn't get to use last week! The challenge was to use a Hambo digital stamp, lace and flowers on a card. Here's what I came up with.

Let me know what you're thinkin'! Comments are always good! Until next time...

Stars & Stamps Sketch Challenge #65

2011-04-23T16:58:00.005-05:00

I'm a bit late with this one, but better late than never, hey?! This being Easter week, it's been very busy at work this week. (I work at a church as the church secretary.) Anyway, here's my cards for the Stars & Stamps Sketch Challenge #65. Great sketch! Especially for the challenge to use stickers. I got a couple cards made, both using verse stickers and sketch #65.

Here's the first one I did. I used scrap patterned papers, the verse sticker is a K & Company embossed sticker with gold accents and I used gold ribbon. I turned the sketch vertical for this one.

For the second card I again used scrap patterned papers (I have enough scraps to make hundreds of cards!), the mats I cut with Nesties, the verse sticker is an acrylic bubble sticker from Marjolean Bastin and I used a variegated yellow and orange ribbon.

Let me know what you think! Love to hear feedback! Until next time...

Hambo Hoedown and Stars & Stamps Challenge

2011-04-19T11:48:00.005-05:00

I'm not sure what number challenge it is this week, but here's my offering for the Hamob Hoedown weekly challenge. I'm having to keep this kind of short today as I have no internet access at home so I'm having to find WiFi elsewhere. Someone cut a fiber optic somewhere in my area... Grrrr!! Never realized how dependent I am on the interenet until I don't have it! Anyway, here's my ogre card! I, obviously, used the Hambo ogre and sentiment digi, scrap patterned paper, brads and some Magic Mesh. I sanded the blue papers for my distressing requirement. And I layered the blue onto the orange papers. Hope you like it!

Oh, and I believe it works for the Stars and Stamps layering challenge, too!

Until next time...

How Cool Is That?

2011-04-13T21:13:00.003-05:00

I got home from work today to find an email telling me that one of my OWH cards was featured on an online fashion, pop culture blog called La Dossier. How cool is that? I feel really honored that someone noticed my card! :)

Not only that, I found out that I am Queen of the Hambo Hoedown, too!

God knew I needed a lift today... He is good! Until next time...

It's A Hoedown!

2011-04-10T11:47:00.004-05:00

I was able to finish the Hambo Hoedown challenge this week. The challenge was to use their Penguin Bunny digital stamp on an easel card. This is my first attempt at an easel card. How "ease"y it was! I was able to accomplish it with much "ease". As they say, "ease"y, peasy, lemon-squeezey! I'll be here all week...;) OK, that's enough! Here it is! I colored the cute little guy with Copic markers, used the Martha Stewart fence punch and made the cute little flowers with a teeny, tiny tulip punch that I've had for ions. The papers were all from my scrap bin except the card base. I did my sentiment with the computer and die cut it with Nesties. Hope you like it!

I'm off to the comedy club... Ha, ha! I kill myself! ;) Until next time...

S&S Weekly Challenge

2011-04-07T21:43:00.003-05:00

The weekly challenge over at Stars & Stamps was to make Father's Day cards. I got several made. On the first one I used my new Artistic Outpost stamps. They're really great for making masculine cards! The second card is very simple, OK, but I feel like it's missing something. Any ideas? Let me know... Well, anyway, here they are:

Thanks for stopping by! Let me hear what you think and suggestions as to what I could add to my second card to make it better would be great! Until next time...

S&S Sketch Challenge #63

2011-04-03T20:48:00.005-05:00

Here's the Stars & Stamps sketch challenge #63 for this week. It's not one of my most favorite cards I've ever made, but it's OK. The mojo was not flowing today.

First, the sketch...

Love to hear your comments! Thanks for stopping by!

Well, until next time...

Hambo Hoedown Challenge

2011-04-03T19:52:00.003-05:00

The challenge for Hambo Hoedown this week was to use the caterpillar digi that I got for playing in last week's challenge and the main colors of bright green and hot pink. I used My Pink Stamper's Buggy Punnies for my sentiment. I had so much fun coloring this little guy! Here's the card I came up with this week.

Leave your comments! I love to hear what you think!

Until next time...

Midweek Throwdown Challenge at OWH

2011-03-31T21:33:00.006-05:00

I'm getting a taste of what it's like to be an empty nester this week. My daughter is in Germany for spring break with her German club from high school. I guess this is what it will be like when she goes away to college in the fall. I go to Green Bay on Saturday to pick her up. I am ready for her to come home, though... It's been long enough. I miss her! But I have enjoyed the time with my hubby, too. :)

Yeah! I got a card done for the Midweek Throwdown challenge over at OWH. The challenge this week was a K-9 theme. Use dogs on a card. I love this stamp by Whipper Snapper stamps. I'm pretty sure this is what my dogs do all day when I'm at work... ;)

Let me know what you think! Thanks for stopping by! Until next time...

More Coffee Please?

2011-03-28T21:56:00.006-05:00

The challenge at Hambo Hoedown this week was to use the "More Please?" digi that I got for playing the challenge last week. This is what I came up with. I used the same sketch for the S&S Sketch Challenge this week, too. Here it is!

Isn't that image just the cutest?! Some days I feel like I need a cup of coffee that big! You know, after posting this, I visited the Hambo Hoedown blog and I discovered I totally missed the part of the challenge that I was supposed to use a sketch for this card as well as the digi stamp... It's kinda close to the sketch. I guess I learned a lesson... I had better read the WHOLE post instead of getting all excited to get crafting and skipping half of the post!! Until next time...

S&S Sketch Challenge #62

2011-03-28T21:16:00.009-05:00

Hi everyone! I get several cards done over the weekend. I did the Stars & Stamps Sketch #62 challenge using the bonus sketch this week.. I really, really liked this sketch. It was so versatile and easy to modify so that the cards each looked unique. It's simple and clean. Loved it! Here's the sketch:

And here's my cards!

I'd love to hear what you think! Leave me your comments, please! Well, until next time

S&S Challenge

2011-03-23T21:56:00.006-05:00

Stars & Stamps blog challenge to us this week is to make cards for kids. I got one done tonight. (I was a bit too distracted by American Idol!) I thought this card would be so fitting for a teenage girl's birthday. My teenage daughter thought so, too. What do you think? Well, until next time...

Hambo Hoedown Challenge

2011-03-22T21:18:00.004-05:00

I'm did a challenge at a new blog site, Hambo Hoedown, that I recently discovered through my friend, Robin. They have the cutest stamps! Well, the challenge was to use a Hambo stamp (I used a digi stamp) and glitter, bling, Stickles, etc... I used Stickles on the inner tube and on the sandals as well as Diamond Glaze on the glass to mimic liquid and on the water for the same effect and the brads are glitter brads.

Hope you like it! Let me know what you think! I love to see your comments!

Until next time...

S&S Sketch Challenge #61

2011-03-21T20:38:00.007-05:00

I made these two cards today for the Stars & Stripes sketch challenge #61. I didn't follow it exactly, but it's pretty close. I used two stamped images that I acquired through a stamped image swap (I think they are Stampin' Up images), the coffee bean border is a printable background digi-stamp from the Cutting Cafe and the striped paper is wallpaper. Doesn't the textured tan paper look just like the sleeves that come on our froo-froo coffees?!

First, the sketch...

Well, until next time...

OWH Stars & Stripes Facebook Card Party

2011-03-20T22:39:00.004-05:00

OWH had a Facebook card party this weekend. I didn't join in until after it had started so I never completed all the card challenges, but I did get a few done. One of the challenges I had previously posted for the scallop challenge on the OWH Stars & Stripes blog, but here's the others I did.

Well, until next time...

Stars & Stamps Midweek Throwdown Challenge

2011-03-20T22:31:00.005-05:00

Here's a card I made for the OWH Stars & Stamps Facebook card party this weekend. It just so happens that it meets the Midweek Throwdown challenge on the blog, as well. Thanks for bringing that to my attention, Sandy! ;) The challenge was to use scallops on a card and I did just that on this one.

Leave me some love, if you like it!

Until next time...

OWH Sketch #60

2011-03-13T22:20:00.003-05:00

Did the Stars & Stripes Sketch Challenge #60 today. That was a really fun sketch to work with!

Here's what I came up with...

Let me know what you think!

Until next time...

OWH Dotty Challenge

2011-03-12T21:42:00.003-06:00

Operation Write Home had a dotty challenge this week. These two cards qualify for that challenge.

Until next time...

OWH Sketch #59

2011-03-07T17:33:00.005-06:00

I did these super cute cards for any hero cards for OWH and they followed the OWH card sketch, too.

Here's the sketch:

And here's the cards:

Well, until next time...

Weekend Card Making

2011-03-07T17:24:00.004-06:00

I did some card making this weekend. I had so much fun. Watched an "Indiana Jones" marathon and got some cards done! I'm really trying to replenish my card stash and get some cards for OWH done, too.

Hope you enjoy them!

Until next time...

Tall Oaks Retreat Layouts

2011-03-06T21:20:00.007-06:00

I went to a scrapbook retreat at Tall Oaks in Minocqua the end of January with a great group of gals! There were some old friends and I got to meet several new friends. I absolutely love going to these retreats. It's so fun to get together with a group of people that have the same passion as me. Plus, the food ain't bad, either!!! Tee, hee! Here's some layouts that I completed while there.

Double page layout:

Left close-up:

Right close-up:

Double page layout:

Left close-up:

Right close-up:

Enjoy! And remember to leave me some love! Until next time...

Yes, I'm Still Alive!

2011-03-06T20:56:00.006-06:00

My life has been quite complicated over the last several months with many ups and downs, but mostly downs... I have just recently begun to make time once again for card making and scrapbooking. It feels good and it certainly is a good stress release for me! It lets me at least temporarily forget my troubles for a time...

Anyway, here's some new cards I've done. Hope you enjoy taking a peek! Let me know what you think. I love reading your comments!

Well, until next time...

Just Some Random Cards

2010-10-10T21:31:00.004-05:00

I was on card making high this weekend! Think my hubby might feel a bit neglected. Just had such a good time creating. Here's what I did for your viewing pleasure. At least I hope it's your pleasure...

I mentioned in a previous post, that I made a series of these office envelope cards. Here's the last two. A birthday card and one that could be used for a graduation, wedding, promotion, retirement, etc...

Well, until next time...

OWH Sketch #38

2010-10-10T21:25:00.003-05:00

Here's mine for the OWH Sketch #38 for this week. I combined it with the Midweek Throwdown Challenge, as well. I used a digital stamp I got from the Cutting Cafe and made it into a paper pieced tree.

First, the sketch:

Well, until next time...

Some More OWH Midweek Throwdown Challenge Card

2010-10-10T21:03:00.003-05:00

Here's several more Midweek Throwdown Challenge cards. Again, the challenge was to make Christmas cards.

I made a series of these office envelope cards. I made these two Christmas cards and then two others that I'll post in a different post.

Until next time...

Midweek Throwdown Challenge at OWH

2010-10-09T21:21:00.003-05:00

The Midweek Throwdown Challenge at OWH was to make Christmas cards. Here's a few I did last night and I have a few more in the works that I'll post tomorrow.

I used my new set of Stampendous! stamps for this one. It has red crystals on the one tree, but they don't show up too well in the photo.

Used my new Whipper Snapper Designs stamp and my Top Note Sizzix die for this card. Aren't they just the cutest polar bears?!

Until next time...

Cards, Cards and More Cards

2010-10-03T23:12:00.004-05:00

Here's a bunch more for you to look at! Enjoy!

Made this joy fold card for my daughter's 18th birthday. She absolutely loved it! She's really into the animal print stuff right now, so it was a big hit.

Made this one with a Cutting Cafe background.

Well, until next time...

UW Stevens Point Visit

2010-10-03T22:34:00.002-05:00

Our visit to UW Stevens Point yesterday went well! Thank goodness we found the university with no problem, because stupid me left all the directions and itinerary on the kitchen table! We learned a lot of valuable information on financial aid and degrees they offer. We got to tour the campus, meet with one of the art department professors, tour the art department, see a dorm room, speak with current UWSP students and eat in the cafeteria. Erin isn't offering a whole lot of feedback, yet, but this is, after all, her visit to a campus. We're off to see UW Stout and UW Eau Claire in two weeks and Carthage College in three weeks. I think she's on overload to be honest, but that's how she deals with stuff. Gotta give her her space!

Well, until next time...

OWH Sketch #37

2010-10-03T22:24:00.005-05:00

I got 3 cards done today using the Operation Write Home sketch #37. I was attempting to do Sandy's 5 card challenge, but after I got the third card done, I read the challenge again and discovered the cards were supposed to be all the same... duh! I'm not quite sure where to post them, yet, either, so I'll have to do a little more research. So, I'll give it another try tomorrow night maybe! But all is not lost because I got these three done!

The sketch:

Until next time...

College Bound... Next Year (thank goodness...)

2010-09-30T23:30:00.002-05:00

Well, Saturday my daughter and I are taking her first college visit... Where on earth did the time go? I can't believe my baby girl will be making a decision on which college to attend within the next couple months. I'm not sure I'm ready for it. I have very mixed emotions. I'm so excited for her as I never went to college, but I am going to miss her like all get-out. It won't be the same around here without her. :( For now, I'm just going to enjoy the whole process with her and the time we're getting to spend together.

Well, until next time...

Card Crazy!

2010-09-30T23:09:00.005-05:00

Don't have much to say other than here's some more of my cards that I've made recently.

I made this card for my niece's sweet sixteen birthday. I added a pocket to the tag for the gift card.

I made this pop-up gift card holder for my nephew's sixteenth birthday.

Until next time...

Some More New Cards

2010-09-29T23:02:00.004-05:00

Here's four more cards I've done recently. Now that the weather is turning cooler, I'm getting a bit more motivation to be creative. Enjoy!

This digi-stamp came from the Cutting Cafe. Regina has the most awesome digital stamps and cut files!

This one is a tri-fold card.

I made this one for our interim Pastor on his last day with us. I enclosed a gift certificate for the local coffee shop. Got the pattern from the Cutting Cafe.

Well, until next time!

SRM Sticker Challenge

2010-09-29T22:46:00.004-05:00

Here's my interpretation of the sketch challenge over at SRM Stickers.

The Sketch:

And my card:

Until next time...

I've Been A Very Busy Card Maker!

2010-09-26T22:35:00.003-05:00

I've been very busy the last two weekends making lots of cards for Operation Write Home and to stock my own coiffures! I haven't scrapped or made cards much at all this summer. Hubby and I have been riding the Harley every chance we get and I kind of feel guilty sitting inside when it's nice outside anyway. Gotta take advantage of the nice weather while it's here! Winter comes all too soon... Anyway, here's some cards to check out now. I'll be posting a few every day until you get to see them all!

I made this card for a friend that just bought her own Harley. We gave her a Harley care kit that my hubby assembled to celebrate her purchase!

The following two cards were a fun technique. I randomly stamped the flower onto a white note card. Then I brushed liquid glue onto the entire surface. Crumple tissue paper, unfold it and lay on notecard. Don't smooth it out. Leave the wrinkles in it! I then used a brayer over the surface. Pretty cool outcome!

Well, until next time...

A Couple More Cards I Did

2010-05-31T22:43:00.003-05:00

This is a gatefold card I did using my Independence Day Cricut cartridge. I did it for a challenge for The Pink Stamper's Cricut Expression giveaway. Wouldn't that be just too cool if I actually won?! Here it is:

And another card I did recently:

Until next time...

Layouts I Did At Diamond M Craft Retreat

2010-05-29T10:49:00.003-05:00

Here are some layouts I did while at a craft retreat in April. It looks like I was in a "blue" mood when I created these! Enjoy!

Until next time...

More Cards to Show Off!

2010-05-29T10:41:00.002-05:00

Here's a couple more cards I've created lately. Hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I had making them!

This one was a lift from Cutting Cafe. I absolutely love her digital stamps!

Until next time...

New Cards to Share

2010-05-29T10:20:00.003-05:00

I've been really busy adjusting to my new schedule over the last several months. I got a part-time job at my church as the church secretary. So far, I absolutely LOVE it! It's very independent. I've been able to use my creative side with the computer. My two loves!

Anyway, here are some new cards I've done over the last couple months.

Next time...

Father's Day Cards

2010-05-29T10:02:00.004-05:00

Although I haven't posted in quite some time, I have been taking time to feed my creative appetite! Here's some Father's Day cards I've done.

Next time...

Cute Card Thursday Challenge Card

2010-03-30T22:28:00.004-05:00

I did this card for the Cute Card Thursday Challenge of using dimension on your card. The image is lifted with foam dots, but it doesn't show up great on the photo.

Well, until next time...

Mojo Monday #132 Challenge Card

2010-03-30T21:57:00.005-05:00

I did this card for the Mojo Monday Challenge #132 which is a sketch challenge. Here's the card and the sketch:

Until next time...

Finished More Un-Circle Journal Layouts

2010-03-19T14:43:00.007-05:00

I have finished some more un-circle journal layouts. Only one to go! Then I'd like to do a bunch of cards for Operation Write Home. It just seems like I run out of time. I'm sure that's the story of most peoples lives, though. Anyway, here they are:

Until next time...

Challenge Card

2010-03-07T19:15:00.007-06:00

I did this card today for a sketch challenge on the Mojo Monday blog and the green challenge on The Pink Elephant blog. I used Swarovsky crystals and a Gelly Roll glitter pen on the butterfly, but it didn't show up in the photo too well.

'Til next time!

Some Un-Circle Journal Swap Layouts

2010-03-07T11:52:00.004-06:00

I'm involved in an Un-Circle Journal swap with Wisconsin Scrappers right now and have been working on those layouts. I've completed 4 out of 8 so far. Here they are:

Until next time...

I've Been Neglecting My Blog...

2010-03-07T11:20:00.006-06:00

Wow, it's been way too long since I've worked on this blog... I haven't quit scrapping or cardmaking, but just haven't taken the time to maintain. I joined Facebook a while back and kind of got obsessed with it for a while and lost interest in my blog. I got a new job, too, so that has taken away some of my time. But, I love my new job, so it's not all bad! I now have the bug to update here. So, here's a couple layouts I've done in the last several months.

I've also completed quite a few cards, so here they are for your viewing pleasure!

Until next time...

Our Loss, Heavens Gain

2009-11-13T09:22:00.002-06:00

My friend, Sue, recently passed away. Sue was an example of what it meant to really love the Lord. I mean, REALLY love the Lord with your whole heart. The video I've attached here I believe was made by her daughter and it is so beautiful. We all miss you, Sue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB5ddySut_c

Some Brand New Layouts and Cards

2009-10-15T17:12:00.027-05:00

My niece told me today how much she liked my blog, so I thought maybe I'd better do a little updating of it! I haven't kept it up much lately. My family and I have had some medical issues to deal with the last couple months or so, but things have settled down a bit now. At least for a while, anyway.

So here are some of the projects I've done since the last time I've posted. Hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I've enjoyed creating them!

This was created for the WiScrappers design team. Our challenge was a color challenge to use orange and black. I wanted to create something other than Halloween, so, for me, Harley themed was the obvious choice! This layout is a photo of me, my friend, Heidi, and her mom, Helen. We, as in, me, Gary, Heidi, Wayne (Heidi's hubby), Helen and Lynn (Wayne's brother) went Harley riding on this glorious fall day this past September. The weather was perfect! We traveled to Michigan for a pig roast. Oh, did I mention that Helen is 92 years old?! I love this lady! She is sharp as a tack, very charming and sweet and incredibily witty. I can't wait to see her again next summer!

The following layout I created for WiScrapper design team. I had to follow a sketch for this one.Here's the sketch I had to use followed by the layout I came up with. When I acquired the safari themed paper in a paper pack, I wondered what on earth I would ever use it for, but I think it worked terrific for this layout. I stamped the harlequin pattern on cardstock with Versamark for a watermark look. I absolutely love mixing patterned papers, too.

Here's a card sketch designed by WiScrapper design team member, Kim, that I had to use for a blog challenge. Here's my take on the sketch. When I first saw the sketch, it made me (and other DT members, too) think of a bowling ball! Anyway, here's my interpretation of the sketch.

The following card was a product challenge for the design team on WiScrappers. The product we were required to use was stickers. I'm really glad Melissa challenged us to use stickers because I have a ton of stickers from when I first started scrapbooking. Now I'm on fire to look for different and innovative ways to use up these stickers I have stockpiled! I've always avoided them, as I like dimensional scrapping and don't care too much for flat. For this card I adhered the sticker to cardstock, cut it out and used foam dots to raise it up and add dimension.

Make sure you visit the WiScrappers blog to see what the other design team members have created!

Until next time...

Weekend Layouts Completed...

2009-09-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a couple layouts I completed this past weekend for my WiScrappers design team assignments.

'Til next time...

Virtual Crop Layouts From This Weekend

2009-08-02T22:29:00.001-05:00

Well, here's what I've accomplished this weekend in between my Harley riding with hubby and just spending time with the family.

Well, until next time...

Virtual Crop Accomplishments

2009-07-25T19:14:00.000-05:00

Here's some more layouts I completed during the WiScrappers virtual crop.

Until next time...

Some New Stuff!

2009-07-23T22:55:00.000-05:00

Here's a couple layouts I've completed for the WiScrappers virtual crop and a card, too.

Until next time...

My First Design Team!

2009-07-23T14:21:00.000-05:00

Woo, hoo! I was selected to be on the WiScrappers design team! I'm really excited, but a bit apprehensive, as well. I have no idea what I got myself into and I sure hope I can fulfill my obligation. I'm just a bit worried because I am a terribly slow scrapper. I over analyze every layout and card. It sometimes takes me hours to complete a card or layout. I hope I'm given enough time to complete stuff. I'll just do my best. That's all I can do! I'm sure I'll love it. If it involves scrapping and paper crafting, what's not to love, hey?! So pop on over to the WiScrapper blog and check me out! I start sometime in August.

Until next time...

The Pink Elephant Challenge #24

2009-07-21T21:28:00.000-05:00

I'm having fun over at WiScrappers at the Virtual Crop. This card happens to fit one of the sketch challenges in the VC and it also happens to fit TPE challenge this week, too! Lucky me!

Until next time...

I'm Excited!

2009-07-18T23:01:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow starts the virtual crop on WiScrappers! It's been a long time since there's been one. One pre-VC challenge was to take a photo of your scrap area before the VC started. Here's my scrap room. I'm slowly taking over the entire basement!

Until next time...

Summer Virtual Crop At WiScrappers

2009-07-15T23:14:00.000-05:00

Wisconsin Scrappers is having a virtual crop from Sunday, July 19 through Sunday, August 16! Yeah! It's been what seems like a really long time since the last one. I'm excited especially because at this point I still don't have a job lined up so I still have some time to craft. I have a couple job prospects, but won't know for a week or two, yet.

I found out yesterday that my golden retriever, Cedar, has anaplasmosis (a tick-born form of lyme's disease). We started treating her for arthritis a couple months ago as she had started to become stiff in her hind legs. She is 8 years old. Well, when I took her in for her routine heartworm test, I expressed my concern that she just wasn't showing much improvement on the arthritis meds. The vet did some tests and discovered anaplasmosis! Apparently it can be treated with antibiotics, so hopefully we will see some marked improvement in her stiffness within a day or two. Who knows, maybe she won't have to have the arthritis meds for now anyway. Or if she does, maybe they'll work better for her.

Here's my baby Cedar!

Until next time...

I'm Caught Up!

2009-07-11T23:06:00.000-05:00

I was behind on my Christmas card challenge at WiScrappers by two months, but I am now officially caught up! I made 6 of these today for the challenge plus, I made an extra 2 for the Cards for Heroes challenge, too.

Until next time...

Christmas In July Cards For Heroes Challenge

2009-07-11T14:42:00.001-05:00

I am asking everyone to please take this challenge from Cards For Heroes (click on Current Challenges). It's the Christmas in July challenge! Create Christmas, winter or holiday cards for our nations heroes to stay in touch with home. The deadline is August 15th, so you have lots of time to crank out a whole bunch of awesome cards! There is a prize involved... But, please, just do it out of goodness of your hearts. These men and women do what they do so that we can live the lives of freedom that we enjoy. Let's show them our appreciation and gratitude.

Until next time...

Design Team Submission

2009-07-11T13:46:00.001-05:00

Did a layout and a card last night for the DT "audition" for WiScrappers. And I did my June Christmas cards. Now I'm only behind for July's Christmas cards, but still have half the month to do them. So, I guess, technically, I'm not behind! I'm really liking the idea of doing 6 cards per month for 10 months and when it comes time to mail out Christmas cards, I will have them done! And this way I have a variety of cards to use, too. Andway, here's what I did last night.

Until next time...

Strange Turn Of Events...

2009-07-10T13:39:00.000-05:00

Well, that job was very short-lived. I already quit! It was definitely not the right job for me and it was not a good experience. I'm not going to go into the specifics. So, needless to say, I am still looking for the right job. I trust that God will lead me to the right job for me in His time if I am just patient and listen to Him.

Until next time...

How's That Hope And Change Working Out For YOU?

2009-07-05T08:43:00.000-05:00

Well, tomorrow I am starting another job. I'm not a happy camper about it, either, but it's a necessity as there is barely any building going on around here. Taking into consideration what is happening in our country, I guess I should be happy that I even found a job. I have worked for our family business for 13 years at home, so this is going to be a BIG change for me. And an even BIGGER change for the rest of the family. I will still continue with my job for our business in addition to this new full-time job. I'm really anxious and worried about it. I know the house won't fall apart if I'm not here, but things just won't get done the way I would do them... I've actually got myself sick over the whole thing. And the worst part is that I won't have as much time to scrapbook and paper craft...

I'm so terribly worried about the direction that this country is going. I sure hope we can hold on until we're able to vote these Bozo's out of office. I just have one thing to say. Educate yourself on what is happening in our country! Don't just listen to what you hear on the 30 second blurb you see on your evening news. It is not fair and balanced coverage and it's not the WHOLE story. Tell your senators and congress people what you want and tell them over and over that they work for you, not the other way around. If we don't, we have no one to blame but ourselves...

Until next time...

A Little Pick-Up Card

2009-06-28T20:51:00.000-05:00

Just finished another card for several challenges. This one qualifies for these challenges:

1. Cute Card Thursday challenge #66 - use wheels on your creation.

2. Copic Colour Challenge challenge #19 - use specified Copic marker colors.

3. Delightful Sketches - Sketch #1.

Until next time...

Another Challenge Card

2009-06-27T23:52:00.001-05:00

This one was super fun to color with my Copic markers! It's all digi stamps from Dustin Pike. This card qualifies for several blog challenges. My 4 year old nephew is just gonna flip when he sees this card! I can hardly wait to give it to him.

1. Scrappy Frogs Challenge Blog challenge #7 - use the Pirate Dragon Background
2. Copic Creations challenge #6 - coloring techniques for wood
3. Corrosive Challenge Blog #17 - unique folding
4. Lili of Valley Challenge Blog challenge #30 - paper piecing

Until next time...

The Pink Elephant Challenge #20

2009-06-27T23:41:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've sat down to actually make some cards. I did this one for The Pink Elephant challenge for this week. Once again, I've waited until the last minute! It was a sketch challenge this week.

Until next time...

Bragging Rights!

2009-06-06T21:53:00.000-05:00

OK. I've got to do it. I've got to show off the graduation card my daughter made for one of her friends graduating tomorrow. They played volleyball together. She used the Sports Mania cartridge for the volleyball and then she designed the cap and tassel herself. I think it turned out just awesome! Don't you think?

Until next time...

Some More Layouts!

2009-06-06T21:44:00.000-05:00

Here's a few more layouts I've completed.

Until next time...

What I Did On My Vacation at Tall Oaks...

2009-06-04T20:29:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I went to an awesome scrapbook retreat owned by my friend, Casie, called Tall Oaks Retreat which happens to be practically in my own backyard. It's located only 20 minutes away from me! I was there with 15 other wonderful scrappers and stampers. I swear all we did was eat and drink! I got to see several girls I had met before like Casie, Kim R., Kim B., Kathy, Nicole, Angi, Juli, Lisa, Robin, Jess and Kari and got to meet some new girls, Heather, Cathy and Carla. It was a good time! I truly did get some scrapping done. Here's what I accomplished. There's another 2 page layout I did, but my daughter said it needed something more on it so I'm tweeking on it a bit more. I got 11 pages done! For me, that's about average. I'm a slow scrapper, but that's OK because for me, it's my creative outlet and I'm not interested in volume.

Until next time...

2009-05-24T23:11:00.001-05:00

I came across this site and thought it'd be quite fitting to share it with you this Memorial Day weekend. It is called Cards for Heroes. The purpose of the site is to send our troops blank greeting cards to write home on. I'd love to see all of you card makers out there take their 25 + 2 Challenge (see details on their website). Support our troops! They are the brave men and women that preserve the freedoms we enjoy in this wonderful country we live in.

Pink Elephant Challenge #14

2009-05-16T21:34:00.000-05:00

The challenge this week over at The Pink Elephant was to use light blue, medium or dark blue, green and white. Here's what I came up with. My cards tend to be a bit on the simple and plain side, but I really like how it turned out. I loved the patterned paper I used on it. I've used it on a layout, too. Well, anyhow, enough babbling. Here it is!

Until next time...

WiScrappers May Sketch Challenge

2009-05-16T15:12:00.000-05:00

Here's a layout that's been laying on my table for a week now as I felt it needed something more. Well, I think I got it where I'm happy with it now. I used the May challenge sketch from the WiScrappers blog.

I've recently discovered blog candy all about the blog world. I'm having so much fun blog hopping to see everyone's creations and their blogs and entering all kinds of blog candy giveaways. What I haven't figured out is how these people get the products they give away. Do they pay for it themselves or do they get manufacturers and such to give it to them for advertisement or something? Hmmm.... a question that must be researched, me thinks!

Well, until next time...

Some New Creations

2009-05-10T14:26:00.000-05:00

I haven't been much in the mood for scrapping or card making lately. I'm just really ready for spring and it just doesn't seem to want to come. The weather has been cold AGAIN this weekend! I did push myself to complete a few cards, though. It felt good and maybe I have a fire under me again to get creative. Anyway, here's three cards I made last night. The first one is for The Pink Elephant Challenge #13, circles and scallops. The second is for WiScrappers May card challenge and the third was just for fun.

The Pink Elephant Challenge #13 Circles & Scallops

WiScrappers May 2009 Card Challenge - Mother's Day Card

And, finally, one just for fun. My friend, Robin, told me about this pattern over on Splitcoast Stampers. It turned out really cute.

Until next time...

The Pink Elephant Challenge #8

2009-04-04T14:41:00.000-05:00

The challenge this week was to make an Easter card. I don't always send out Easter cards. You know, sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. Well, there happened to be enough challenges around this year that I did make 6 Easter cards, so my family will get cards this year! Lucky them! Tee, hee! Anyway, here is the one I chose for the Pink Elephant challenge this week.

The Pink Elephant Challenge #7

2009-03-28T23:42:00.000-05:00

The challenge this week was to use this sketch for your card. I'm always looking for inspiration to use my Cuttlebug embossing folders. Thanks for the great sketch, Robin! Hope you like my card!

Until next time...

Mini Challenge for The Pink Elephant's Blog Hop

2009-03-22T20:00:00.000-05:00

Here's the spring card I did for TPE's mini challenge for their blog hop this weekend. I really love how it turned out.

Until next time...

Pink Elephant Challenge #6

2009-03-22T19:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally got my #6 challenge completed. Nothing like waiting until the last minute! The challenge was to use buttons. I also used my newest thing to use on layouts and cards, handmade yo-yo's. My wonderful sister taught me how to make them a few weeks ago and now I'm hooked. They look soooo cute on layouts and cards. Hope you like my card!

Until next time...

Pink Elephant Challenge #4

2009-03-04T18:50:00.001-06:00

The challenge this week was to use die cuts and ribbon. To think, I almost threw this cute little Sizzix frog die cut out! Hope you like my offering this week. I used the Paper Trey Ink Pond Life stamp set for this card, too.

Pink Elephant Challenge #3

2009-02-27T07:40:00.000-06:00

The challenge this week over at The Pink Elephant was to use a pre-designed sketch. Here's the sketch and here's my card. I'm having fun with these challenges. Plus, my friend, Trudi, from WiScrappers is involved with The Pink Elephant, so that makes it even more fun! I think I might try to find some more sites that have challenges. It gives me some inspiration and a place to start.

Un-Circle Journal Swap Pages

2009-02-18T18:18:00.000-06:00

Well, I finished my Un-Circle Journal swap for WiScrappers. I love how they turned out. I sure hope my friends do too.

Kathy R.'s Pages:

Sue's Pages:

Kathy H.'s Pages:

Kim R.'s Pages:

Dannelle's Pages:

Amber's Pages:

Chloe's Pages:

Connie's Pages:

Jen's Pages:

The Pink Elephant Challenge #2

2009-02-18T18:10:00.000-06:00

Here's the card I did today for the Pink Elephant Challenge #2, All That Glitters. I wish the glitter would show up better in the photo. It's really pretty.

Pink Elephant Challenge #1

2009-02-15T20:51:00.000-06:00

This is the card I made for the new Pink Elephant challenge, but when I went online tonite to post it I discovered that the black and pink challenge ended yesterday. Darn it! Well, I guess that's what I get for not reading thoroughly! Well, here it is anyway.... I love the Bella stamps and I think this one turned out real cute.

Latest Un-Circle Journal Swap

2008-11-19T21:59:00.000-06:00

Here's my latest offerings for the Wisconsin Scrappers Un-Circle Journal swap.

Amber's Pages:

Connie's Pages:

Dannelle's Pages:

Jen's Pages:

Kathy H.'s Pages:

Kathy R.'s Pages:

Kim R.'s Pages:

Sue's Pages:

Viola's Pages:

Mini Coaster Baby Book

2008-07-11T20:25:00.000-05:00

I made this mini coaster baby book for my neighbors son and his wife who are expecting their second child this fall. I think it turned out really cute!

Not much else happening so, until next time...

Fourth of July Weekend

2008-07-06T13:25:00.000-05:00

We've had a very relaxing Fourth of July weekend. It all started on Thursday with cocktails and dinner at our friends Wayne and Heidi's house. The food and the company was wonderful. Friday we stuck around home as our daughter, Erin, had to work at the ice cream shop in the evening, but we pontooned, sunbathed, swam, played fetch (the dogs did anyway!) and tubed all day. At the end of the day we had burgers on the grill with all the fixins. Saturday was some of the same. Pontooning and just plain relaxing. Today we're just laying around in the house because it's kind of overcast with a threat of storms, plus the mosquitos are sooo bad that we can't sit on the deck. You can only sit out on the pier or on the boat. We didn't go to see any parades or fireworks this weekend. Saint Germain has their Independence Day festivities the weekend before the 4th, so we saw the parade and fireworks last weekend, which were fabulous, by the way. I even got to do some scrapping this weekend while Gary was watching the Nationwide race on Friday and the Nextel Cup race on Saturday night. Tomorrow my sister comes for a short visit, which will be really nice as I haven't seen her since December.

So, until next time...

Poker Run

2008-06-14T18:51:00.000-05:00

Well, today we had good intentions of participating in a motorcycle poker run to benefit the Humane Society. My friend, Heidi, came with us. But, we got down to Merrill, Wisconsin and the sky grew blacker and blacker and it started to rain so we turned around and came back north. We rode through Irma, Tomahawk, then to Crandon and Three Lakes, where we ate lunch. We stopped at a cute gift shop just south of Eagle River called the Evergreen Cottage. It doesn't look like much on the outside, but it was worth the stop. They had lots of really cute things including quilts. We headed north to Eagle River where we stopped to put on our rain suits because the sky was getting dark. We got rained on for about 5 -10 minutes so it wasn't too bad. We ended up riding around 225 miles today. It was a great time.

Now I'm off to scrap while hubby watches the Nationwide race. We can't watch races together because he says I talk too much and he just wants to watch!

Until next time...

Completed Addition!

2008-06-06T00:12:00.000-05:00

Since we had to replace the entire roof from the storm that hit in July, we decided to add "up". We started the addition the end of September 2007 and it was pretty much finished by December 2007. The colors didn't come out too good in the photos. The living room is a rich terracotta color and the bedroom is a peachy color with a deep burgundy stripe. We love the additional space and my favorite thing to do now is to enjoy a cup of coffee on Saturday or Sunday morning while relaxing in the loft area. You can see the lake from there and it is so tranquil and beautiful. It's been finished for a while, but I've been lax in posting here.

Until next time...

Card Made From Tamara's Card Sketch #17

2007-10-25T14:54:00.001-05:00

Here's the card I made for the Virtual Crop challenge using Tamara's Card Sketch #17.

House Damage From July

2007-10-25T13:32:00.000-05:00

I'm so far behind updating this blog of mine!

On July 26, 2007, a storm blew through and we had extensive damage to our home. A huge, towering white pine came to rest on top of our home with parts of it through the roof and in the living room. I thank the good Lord that we were not in that room at the time. We were in the kitchen eating dinner. Here are some photos.

The entire roof needs to replaced not to mention all the damage inside. We've decided to put a second story addition since we have to replace the roof. Photos of that process will be forthcoming.

It has been 3 months since this happened and the remodeling began only about 3 weeks ago. The contractor has been terrific and the project is on the move! I'm excited about it.

Until next time...

Latest Un-Circle Journal Pages

2007-10-25T13:15:00.000-05:00

I finished the latest Un-Circle Journal Swap I was in. Here are the pages I did for the swap. It'll be a long post. Just warning you!

Dannelle's Pages

Kathy R.'s Pages

Kelly's Pages

Kristine's Pages

Amy's Pages

Kathy A's Pages

Kathy H's Pages

Tamara's Pages

Kim T's Pages

Until next time...

Day Ten Vacation - Sunday, April 8, 2007

2007-04-19T20:14:00.001-05:00

We drove through Madison (at night, again) and finally got onto Highway 51. We got to the Dells area and Gary finally pulled the RV over at a rest area around 1:30 a.m. We slept for about 4 hours or so and then we were on to Mosinee so I could pick up the Tahoe. After dropping us off in Mosinee, Gary stopped at King's Campers on his way home to see what RV's they had on the lot. He's ready to trade this one in, but we knew that when left Arizona. He did find one, so I'll keep up to date on that later!

We (Erin and I) arrived in Minocqua about 8:45 a.m. Stopped to pick up some things at the grocery store, called Rose to let her know we'd be coming by to pick up Cedar and Dutchess and grabbed some breakfast at McDonald's. Cedar and Dutchess were soooooo happy to see us as we were to see them. It felt good to get home except for one big thing. THERE WAS FRESH SNOW ON THE GROUND!!!! Yuck! Happy Easter!

So, until next time...

Day Nine Vacation - Saturday, April 7, 2007

2007-04-19T19:40:00.000-05:00

We awoke in the WalMart parking lot at about 3:00a.m. or should I say Gary woke me up in the WalMart parking lot at 3:00a.m. and wanted to get on the road again. I was very worried about him driving again after only sleeping a couple of hours. Another concern was that everything had a lovely, thick coating of ice on it. We drove north to Denver.

In Denver, the roads were really bad with freezing rain. We saw dozens of accidents through Denver. We passed Mile High Stadium, though, and that was pretty cool to see. Got to go to Starbucks for a morning coffee so it wasn't all bad!! As we began to travel east the weather improved immensely.

We drove through all of Colorado into Nebraska. Don't really have anything to say about the sights in Nebraska as there really weren't any! Needless to say, I didn't take any photos in Nebraska. It was really windy and Gary really struggled with the RV.

We drove through all of Nebraska into Iowa. Don't really have anything to say about Iowa except, again there wasn't much to look at and again, no photos here. It is beginning to look a lot more like home, though. We drove northeast to Dubuque and across the Mississippi River into Wisconsin. Woo Hoo!!! Too bad this was at night as it probably would have been beautiful to see. I was getting really upset with Gary through Iowa because he just refused to stop and get some sleep. He was a man on a mission! What mission that was exactly I don't know, but you know guys with that macho driving thing. You know, "I made that trip in 29 hours! Aren't you impressed?"

Until next time...

The Rest of the Un-Circle Journal Pages...

2007-04-14T19:50:00.000-05:00

OK, I've posted the last 6 Un-Circle Journal pages here. If you don't want to see yours don't peek! I've got Kathy R., Connie, Dawn, Kathie B., Melissa and Trudi's all posted here.

Here's Kathy R.'s "Mom":

Here's Connie's "Growing Boys":

Here is Dawn's "Vacation":

Here's Kathie B.'s "Ethan from A to Z". I had X and W.

Here's Melissa's "Our Black Lab, Chocolate":

Here's Trudi's "Garden Walk":

Un-Circle Journals All Complete!!

2007-04-14T19:28:00.000-05:00

Woo, hoo!!! I've finished my Un-Circle Journal pages! What a great feeling! I've posted 6 of them here. If you don't want to see yours, don't peek! I've got Kristine, Dannelle, Kim R., Jaimie, Kathy H. and Tamara's posted here. I'll post the rest in another post.

Here's Kristine's "Love Quotes":

Here is Dannelle's "Baby Shower":

Here is Kim R.'s "Tropical Vacations (Mazatlan, Mexico):

Here is Jaimie's "Baby Girl/Toddler":

Here is Kathy H.'s "Disney Autographs":

Here is Tamara's "My Grandkids".

Day Eight Vacation - Friday, April 6, 2007

2007-04-12T15:53:00.000-05:00

We woke up this morning not really knowing if we were going to start heading home today or not. Erin and I wanted to do some shopping first in Williams. I wanted to find some turquoise jewelry made by the local Indians, so she and I walked into town to do just that. There weren't a whole lot of stores in Williams. Mostly hotels, really. But we did find one really nice jewelry store. All the jewelry in it was handcrafted by local artists, so it was exactly what I was looking for. I purchased a matching neclace and ring and also another ring. Erin found a ring that she liked, too. At another store, I purchased a Navajo wedding vase handcrafted by a local artist. We had a good time shopping and found some real treasures that we can cherish and remember our trip by.

When we returned to our site, we all decided to start heading home. After some lunch, we left about 2:30 p.m. We drove and drove and drove. We drove across Arizona and New Mexico. New Mexico is beautiful! I couldn't believe how big Albuquerque, New Mexico is! We drove through Albuquerque at night and all the lights were magnificent! We drove all the way to the border of New Mexico and Colorado. When we drove through the Raton Pass, which is at the New Mexico/Colorado border, it was pretty scary. It was night time, the elevation was just climbing and climbing and then to top it off (no pun intended) when we reached the top it was snowing along with freezing rain. When we got over the pass there were signs warning trucks of the grade going downhill fast. I was pretty much white-knuckling the seat all the way. Gary finally agreed to stop for the night in a WalMart parking lot.

So, until next time...

Day Seven Vacation - Thursday, April 5, 2007

2007-04-08T17:16:00.000-05:00

Today we traveled to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We took the Grand Canyon Railways train there. The train ride was 2 hours and 15 minutes long there and the same back, of course. The day started off with breakfast at the buffet, the Wild West show and then we boarded the train. The trains are all refurbished vintage steam engines. They were really neat, inside and out. The railway was abandonded in 1968 due to the popularity of the automobile, but Max and Thelma Biegert bought it in 1989 and the Grand Canyon Railway was reborn. The train was "robbed" on the return trip by the cowboys from the Wild West show earlier in the day. It was pretty neat!

The Grand Canyon was absolutely breathtaking! It is hard to imagine how anything this beautiful was created except at the hand of God. I would have liked to the hike the 2 mile trail to Yavapai Observation Station, but Gary was not in favor of it so we kind of milled around the Grand Canyon Village area for our 3 1/2 hours. The views were spectacular. The weather was a bit cooler than in Tucson, but it was still wonderful. The morning was cool and we opted to wear jeans, but I wished I would have worn shorts as it quickly warmed up to the mid to upper 70's. I got some fantastic photos! And I'm getting much braver about asking strangers to take shots of all of us, so I can actually say that "yes" I was there, too!! I'd love to come back to the Grand Canyon again someday. It's incredible.

We arrived back at the train depot around 7:00 p.m. pretty darn tired!

So, until next time...

Day Six Vacation - Wednesday, April 4, 2007

2007-04-08T16:46:00.000-05:00

We left Tucson today. Boo, hoo! It's hard to leave such fabulous weather!

We're headed north for Williams, Arizona which is about 30 miles west of Flagstaff. I hear the weather is quite a bit cooler there. We'll soon find out! We're staying at the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park for 3 nights. Thursday we will be taking the train from there up to the Grand Canyon for the day and then riding the train back in the evening. I'm really excited about it. I think it will be great fun.

We did have to stop in Camp Verde to pick up some bumpers for Lynn. Not a big deal.

I got the job of playing navigator for the driving part of this trip. Which isn't a problem for me. I was bit nervous about driving through Phoenix, but it wasn't really a big deal. The city is kind of neat. The overpasses are decorated with stone art and are really quite beautiful! We left Tucson about 10:00 a.m. and arrived in Williams about 3:00 p.m.

Gary noticed that the tires on the motorhome were really low, in fact, the inside tires were practically flat. We looked all over Williams to find someone that had the right kind of air hose to fill those inside tires. We found someone at the 76 Station. The old man wanted to know where we got our gas and proceeded to lecture him about the rich tourists coming in and not spending their money here in Williams. He gave Gary such a hard time about where he bought his gas, but we REALLY needed air so Gary tolerated it. He told Gary if he topped off the gas tank, he would let him use the air and help us out. Well, the old man squeezed about $20 more dollars into our tank and when he finished, told Gary to bring the motorhome over in the morning and they'd take care of the tires because he was going home for the day. Gary was livid! We went back to the RV park check-in office to ask them where to get air. They told us the 76 Station and I proceeded to tell the story of what just happened to us. Then they directed us elsewhere and finally, after about 2 hours of goofing around trying to find air, we finally found a tire shop that let Gary use their air hose. The guy didn't offer any help whatsoever, in fact, he sat in a lawn chair and watched! But at least we got the air that we desperately needed. I don't have anything nice to say about the people in Williams, Arizona. They certainly didn't want to help any tourists out, that's for sure! It sure doesn't make me want to come back here anytime real soon! We finally got settled into our site about 6:00 p.m.! Three hours screwing around trying to find air for some tires!

Well, onto better things. One bright side is that the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is quite nice. I think it is relatively new, too. It has showers, laundry facilities, you can use the pool and hot tub at the hotel, shuttle service, etc... The people working at the RV Park, at least are pleasant and helpful, so it isn't all bad, so far.

We called Jason after dinner to wish him a happy birthday. Can't believe he's 22 already! I was actually surprised that he answered the phone. He said he wasn't going out tonight because he wasn't feeling too good. There were a lot of colds and stuff going around campus and he was just going to stay in.

The weather is definitely cooler here. It really cooled off in the evening. I think it had to be in the mid to upper 30's. But it was nice when we arrived at 3:00 p.m. Hopefully, it will be nice tomorrow for our trip to the Canyon.

Until next time...

Day Five Vacation - Tuesday, April 3, 2007

2007-04-08T16:36:00.000-05:00

Today was a free day, meaning we scheduled nothing other than relaxing and enjoying the sunshine! Erin and I spend a couple hours at the pool in the morning and then went back after lunch. We didn't stay out in the sun real long because it was really, really hot! You'd lay there for five minutes then get in the pool. When you'd get out, you'd dry off in a matter of minutes, only to get hot again very quickly and need to get back in the pool.

Gary spent the day negotiating on a different motorhome. We decided this Class C just isn't big enough for us. A Class A Sea Breeze motorhome is what he was looking at, but he couldn't agree on a price with the salesman, so we just kept what we had. He's pretty confident that we'll sell it when we return home and get a bigger one. We decided that we really need a separate bedroom and that we would tow a trailer with the motorcycle and/or car in it.

The weather was wonderful, if not a little on the hot side for a short while! But who's complaining? Certainly not me! I think it got into the low 90's, but sunny once again!

Until next time...

Day Four Vacation - Monday, April 2, 2007

2007-04-08T16:22:00.000-05:00

At Lynn and Cindy's recommendation, we drove to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. We arrived early so as to beat the heat because this is not a museum like you think of a museum. It is mostly outdoors showing the desert in its natural setting. It was also part zoo with many animals and birds you might see in the desert and there were also some indoor exhibits. It was really a neat place and definintely a place you could visit more than once. We stayed there until about lunch time. Then we decided that we had time to drive south to the Kartchner Caverns.

I had purchased tickets for Kartchner Caverns for the 9:40 a.m. tour, but we decided on going to the Desert Museum when it was cooler in the a.m. and then hitting the caverns at the hottest part of the day so we took a chance that we could reschedule our tickets. We arrived around 12:30 p.m. hoping we could get in for the the 12:40 tour, but they were booked up until 3:20 p.m. We decided to stay. Gary was NOT a happy camper (no pun intended!) about having to wait. Patience is not in his vocabulary. They had a 45 minute film about the discovery of the caverns and also displays that we could look at while we waited. When we finally got to the Throne Room and Rotunda tour, it was sooo worth it! The caverns were magnificent! Unfortunately, they don't allow photographs at all. I purchased postcards to use in the scrapbook, though, so at least I have some pictures of it.

Once again, the weather was perfect! In the upper 80's! I could get used to that!

Well, gotta go! Until next time...