Interview

Well, I had a job interview yesterday. I'm not really sure how it went to be honest. It seemed like the girl who was interviewing asked me a few questions that I didn't really have the 'right' answers to. She asked if I had any experience in financial planning or securities (they are a financial preparedness firm). I don't. Then she asked if I had experience in setting up groups for email blasts and newsletters or formatting newsletters.Ummm......no sorry. But, then she asked the President to come in and finish the interview with me, so that was a good sign, right? Then he seemed to have long periods of silence or thinking between questions. He seemed to like me though and said he was impressed with a few of the things I said. I just felt weird about the whole thing.
To top it off, they have a business dress code and I don't really own very many 'business' clothes. So I'm just not really sure if I even want this job. Hmmm.....

Burraston Pond

This last weekend we went down to Burraston Ponds in Mona with some good friends of ours to do a little fishing, swimming, and relaxing. We totally had a blast, but we stunk like pond water (ewwwww......) when we got home and were fighting over the shower lol.

Normally I'm too self conscious to get in the water, and I haven't worn a swimsuit in two years now. But, it was so hot, and we were having so much fun that I braved it. I still didn't wear a swimsuit, but I got in the water.

I wish I had taken more pictures, or at least better ones. But, the having of the fun was more important :)

Me and Pam before swimming

Shane has been working tons of Saturdays, but he ended up with two off in a row (on Father's Day weekend we went down to my Dad's house in Fountain Green for a little family bbq). So he really enjoyed fishing and relaxing with friends too. Hopefully he'll be getting most Saturdays off for a while.

Shane and John

It took a little time for G to get in the water, but eventually he did. And he had fun. But, Pam ended up having to go buy another float tube so he could float around with us. And, I forgot sunscreen, so he got a bit of a sunburn. I just never even thought about it (bad mom!).

Garrett before swimming. He will not let me cut that hair--grrrr!

Colin (left) and Dustin (right)

Of course, Angel had a blast chasing the ball and sticks into the water with Bella. Aren't they the prettiest dogs you have ever seen? 

Anyway, that's been our last couple of weeks. I still don't have a job, but I have a good tan lol. I've spent lots of time out visiting with Pam in the yard this summer. But, she just got a job after being laid off for only a month (why can't I find one?), so that has come to an end now. I have a job interview tomorrow--cross your fingers for me.

I'm going to try to post family and other life stuff on here a little more. I've been using this as a crafty blog, which I will still do, but I want it to be about my life. Not just my hobby. So, we'll see how that goes.

Sweet Baby Giraffe

It's time again for another Heart Song Inspirations challenge. This week we're challenging you to use scallops, and then the "and/or" challenge is paper piercing. So, you can do scallops, paper piercing, or both.
I chose to use both because they are both design element favorites for me. I think paper piercing adds a fun touch, and who doesn't like a cute scallop?
This week I used this adorable Baby Giraffe digital stamp from Heart Song Designs. Isn't he so cute? I just love it. Well, I guess it's a she if I colored her pink, right? I've been waiting to use this one for a while, but I have no one to give a baby card to lol. Maybe if I make the card, someone will need it right :)
Hope you like it, if so leave a comment. And, please come play with us at the Heart Song Inspirations blog for a chance to win two free digital stamps from Heart Song Designs!

{Sweet Baby}

Digital Image: Baby Giraffe ~ Heart Song Designs

For Coloring: Stampin' Up! Markers and Blender Pen

Cardstock and Paper Piercing Tools: Stampin' Up!

Patterned Paper: Chatterbox Rosey Bias Plaid (really old)

Ribbon: American Crafts

Buttons: Not sure

Sentiment: Making Memories Rub-on (really old)

Dies: Nestabilities Standard Circles Large and Classic Scalloped Circles Large

(used a Cuttlebug with the Nesties)

Corner Rounder: EK Success Punch

Border Punch: Fiskars

New Digis at Heart Song Designs

I just wanted to drop a quick note on here for y'all to go and see the new digital stamp designs at Heart Song Designs. They are gorgeous, and all proceeds go to help fund Leah's adoption of a beautiful Ethiopian baby boy.  

Here are a couple of newer digital stamps for you to check out. When you buy them, the watermarks will not be there.

 Happy Shopping!

Flower Power

Today is our third challenge with Heart Song Inspirations, and this week we are challenging you to use flowers and/or handmade flowers. I didn't have much time to work on my card this week, so I just kept it simple without the handmade flowers. I am also entering this in the Clean and Simple challenge for this week.
To play along with us at HSD, and for a chance to win two free Heart Song digital stamp images, create your project using flowers and/or handmade flowers and link it to the Heart Song Inspirations Challenge Blog. 

Have fun!

{Just for You}
Digital Image: April Daisy ~ Heart Song Designs
For Coloring: Prismacolor Pencils
Cardstock: Light Pink from American Crafts, Generic White
Patterned Paper: Me & My Big Ideas
Ribbon: The Ribbon Boutique
Jewels: adhesive from ZVA and jewel brad from Stampin Up
Sentiment: akaFrivolity computer font

Father's Day

(me and my daddy circa 1976)

I just want to take the opportunity on Father's Day to thank my dad for being the best dad anyone could ever ask for. My dad has always been there for me and my siblings whenever we needed anything. Even when we were a young family and times were tough, we never wanted for anything. I had the best childhood I think anyone could ask for, and I owe a lot of that to him. He made things fun for us even when it seemed like there was nothing to do. He made us rope swings and rafts. He played hide and go seek with us and pulled us around on blow-up tire tubes in the snow. He even used to brush our hair and put it in curlers sometimes at night.
I have so many fun and loving memories of my dad growing up and I'm still making new ones today.

I love you Dad! I hope you know what you mean to all of us.

And, to Shane's Dad, my father-in-law.  He and Shane haven't always had the best relationship. But they have really gotten a lot closer since Shane and I got together and he has a grandson to spoil rotten now. He would do anything for us as well, and Garrett loves to spend time with him while hunting, 4-wheeling, fishing, and camping. He had a close call at the end of March on one of their 4-wheeling trips, and we're all just pretty thankful to have him around and look forward to spending more quality time with him.
Love you Dad Too!

And, finally, to my husband Shane. He is a wonderful father to our son. He includes him in every part of our lives and always wants to make sure that he knows he is loved. He takes him on nearly all of his "man trips" and teaches him all there is to know about becoming a good person. I know Shane loves Garrett and I with all of his heart and always tries to do what is best for our little family. He works his butt off to make sure that we have all the things we need, and most of the things we want. He gives everything he has and then some, and expects nearly nothing in return. I love you babe! And I know G loves you too. You're an awesome dad!

Card Swap

I made a set of 20 of the above card for a card swap I am in on Monday. I wouldn't post this and ruin the surprise for my fellow swappers, but I don't think I really know any of them. This is my first Stampin Up card swap with this (or any other) group. So it's highly unlikely that they are going to read my blog yet lol. Except maybe my demonstrator, Loni Spendlove. So, sorry if you read this and I ruined it Loni lol.  I just have a different post scheduled for Monday so I wanted to do this one a few days before so it won't get buried. I also have a hard time not sharing as soon as I'm done :) Maybe it's a good thing I waited til nearly the last minute to do them then huh?
And just so y'all know that I am NOT a creative genius lol, I cased this card by ceramics on Splitcoaststampers. This is such a wonderful site to go to for inspiration, or downright plagerism if you will :)

Buttons, Bows, and Bling

It's time for a new challenge over at the Heart Song Inspirations blog. This week's challenge is to use buttons, bows, and bling on a card. There is also an added "and/or" option of using the sketch that Leah provided. Please head on over to check out the fabulous design team samples and get some inspiration for your own creation.
Here is my card based on this week's challenge and using the card sketch provided. The digi I used is called Flowers and Bumble Bee.

And here is the sketch provided:

 Rules of play:

* You are NOT required to use a Heart Song Designs image to play, but if you have one we'd love to see it!
 *Choose one of the challenges offered or do both!
 *Up in the tabs is the free digi offered for the month. We'd love for you to use it:) If you do use it or any Heart Song image you are given 2 entries for the weekly drawing of 2 free images from the Heart Song shop.
 *One entry per person; No back links, please.
 *Come check back to see if you were chosen as one of the Top 3 and claim your "I was featured" badge.
 *Have fun!

Kite Card

Here is a card I did for the new challenges that are starting up over at the Heart Song Inspirations blog this week. If you like to make cards, you'll want to stay tuned. There are some fun challenges coming up. This week the challenge was an anything goes just to get us revved up and started. Then the and/or challenge was to use the free digi stamp that is currently up on the site. I just stuck with anything goes because I've been dying to use this kite image forever. Isn't it cute?
Now, just a disclaimer here lol. This card looks much better in real life. The picture is bad, and that stud on the right side of the sentiment had fallen off. It has since been replaced. Plus, the cutting looks really choppy. It looks better for real, promise. But, looks like I need a new blade for the old trimmer.

Please go on over to the Heart Song Inspirations blog to check out the beautiful DT work and the links to subscriber entries. If you're interested in this or any other HSD image, they can be purchased here at the shop. 

Fun stuff ladies and gents! You don't want to miss it.