Vannoy Plain & Simple

January Card Swaps

2012-01-28T11:53:00.006-06:00

Here are the requested

JANUARY CARD SWAPS

Our "Sip 'N Swap" Card group reconvened last week for our monthly card swap!

We unanimously agreed to skip the month of December - for obvious reasons... too busy!

It was good to get back into "crafting" up some swaps! Love, love, LOVE swaps...

This month's theme was SYMPATHY

or a general THINKING OF YOU card;

requirements included an embellishment of choice,

a BIRD and a envie.

The results turned out some BEAUTIFUL cards, if I must say! We have some VERY talented ladies in our group!

These are some of the BEST cards yet - "excited"!

Cards include the fabulous works of Childress' own artists: Margie Robinson, Kimberly Hickman, Amber Smith, Maria Hale, Renee Lambert, April Vasquez, Angie Husband and myself.

Next month's theme is "Get Well"!

Thanks for stopping by! Come back soon - Monday will have a Recipe Swap for a Quinoa Stuffed Pepper - you need to try some "quinoa" in your diet, if you haven't already - healthy stuff!

Remember to hug the ones you love the most, until next time...

Healthy Recipes

2012-01-27T10:39:00.001-06:00

Hello out there in Cyber-land!

How are you?

Wishing you an awesome weekend!

Look what my husband finally arranged up on our wall in the den!

YAHOO!

Family photographs (2010) by

Ericka Moore Photography

she's so good!

- Wal-Mart Photo Canvas

super cheap for the quality that you receive - unbelievable!

and a vinyl saying from "tintngraphics" off of eBay

(love eBay - don't you?).

LOVE this on my wall!

Makes me smile each time I see it!

Here at the Vannoy Home - we've been trying to eat healthier! We've both had lots of comments and advice on how to accomplish this task! Thank You! For a healthier diet - takes planning - lots of preparation, but 3 pounds down - it's working! On to week #2...

Joined up with My Fitness Pal - suggested by CJ!

A food journal is very effective in cutting

down the food intake.

I'm a "grabber"... grab food and stick in my mouth without a thought... so this has been an adjustment!

Have several request for the recipes that we are eating healthier with - I'll include the links so you can try 'em out also - if interested! Let me know what you think...

Monday- Crock pot Meatballs over brown Rice

Tuesday- Quinoa Taco Bowl

Wednesday- Honey Bean & Spinach (Crock pot)

Thursday- Taco Chicken Chili (Crock pot)

Friday- Butternut Squash Penne

I have personally been surprised by how good these recipes are and how receptive my family has been to them also! 2- A+'s! The recipes are very different from our "normal" daily recipes - Excited! The only "epic fail" was the brown rice - cooked it for almost an hour... still tasted like "bird seed" - so I'm trying a different method this weekend for cooking brown rice - any suggestions??

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you are taking time for yourself to rest and relax this weekend! Remember to hug the ones you love the most, until next time...

Losing Weight - ARGH!

2012-01-25T13:04:00.014-06:00

In 150 days,

I will attend my 30 year

high school reunion

- ARGH!

30 YEARS - any-whoooo; I've got to shed some weight! Not to be SKINNY - just to have my clothes fit right! Seriously! Middle-age is the pits! It has it's ups and downs - as I'm sure all age brackets do... but the adjustment of my weight is a tough one to handle - for me personally.

This all started when my students had an

INTERVENTION

on my style of clothing!

My students do not approve of my "mommy jeans"!

I don't care... I AM A MOM! was my reaction!

They don't understand - my fat body no longer fits comfortably in jeans. Also, I don't want to show off any "bum" or undergarments with the style of low-raise jeans. SO! I have compromised with my students to lose weight and buy some "stylish" jeans! Not the "I-trying-to-look-16-jeans" - LOL! just age-appropriate jeans for a MOM teacher - hahahaha!

How do you lose weight? Share your secrets - PLEASE! 4 years ago, we joined a gym, worked-out daily for 6 months - My husband lost 20 lbs - I lost 4... Now! I did change my shape - but no significant weight loss. And yes, I needed to - I am not at an ideal weight - by a long shot. BOO! So, I stopped the gym; put my $$ somewhere else.

This week, we've started the SLIM FAST diet. 2 shakes a day instead of meals, 3 snacks and 1 balanced meal including lots of WATER - It's week #1 and I'm STARVING!

I have discovered that I crave food at night... so I've switched my shakes to breakfast and lunch and then my meal at night to help with this... Also, this will give us the advantage of eating together as a family each night also! I know that most of the hunger is in my head - but I tend to be really grippy also - imagine that! Praying for peace and patience!

As for exercise, we purchased the YOUR SHAPE for the Xbox kinect - so far it's funny watching my "ballooned" figure trying to "hip-hop" dance next to the EXTREMELY skinny trainer on the side... Hmmmmm! Will let you know more, as we become more experienced with this software.

Found some pictures for my high school days.

Here is on the first day of my Senior year - fall of '81 - (my "hill-billy" brother's sophomore year; overalls??) along with my cool car - the Camero - I LOVED this car (wish I had kept it...could've put it in my backyard as a shrine to my "younger" days, huh!).

Next picture is our twirling team from '79-80 when we went to State Competition in Austin!

Both pictures were found for my boys to see my cool car and for them to see that I really had been to Austin to compete and had seen the Texas University Seal at the stadium...

I had to prove to them that my memories were for "real", I guess!

Ahhhhhh! Memories! On to the present! Come back soon - I've got card swaps and a Stuffed Pepper w/Quinoa recipe on the agenda - please, please, please come back and I'll share!

Thanks for stopping by - remember to hug the ones you love the most, until next time...

Eating SKINNY for 2012

2012-01-12T10:39:00.015-06:00

It's not just a New Year's Resolution...

it's a GOAL for my family to eat better - for life!

Hoping to also lose weight... I've got my 30 year reunion for high school this summer (I know, I know... 30! - I did graduate at the age of 10 - NOT!) SO! I've got to "shape up" - and to fit into jeans again... so eating "skinny" is a must + exercise!

EXERCISE (yuk!) We love playing the xBox "Kinect" - looking into different software to monitor and exercise with - any hints, comments, ideas? Very interested in "Your Shape" fitness program - around $30... the WII fit is much more $$ along with getting the Balance Board + program... Still doing some research - would love some feedback!

SO! We are always are looking for new recipes... I've added some new food blogs to my list for stalking! I've added SKINNYTASTE, "A Year of Slow Cooking", and "Debbie Does Dinner... Healthy & Low Calorie" (and of course my new BFF) PINTEREST for new recipes. Trying to find good, SKINNY recipes - oxymoron??

We are trying NEW things in our diet!

This week, it's QUINOA - known for it's healthiness and nutritional value -adding it to a traditional Stuffed Pepper Recipe instead of rice this week... I'll share if it's any good!

Also, found a Chayote Squash at our local Wal-Mart... ever heard of it? Me neither... SO! I grabbed 2 and found a recipe to cook 'em up! If you have any recipes and know how to prepare this... let me know, please! Will let you know about that experience also!

This recipe swap today is not a pretty recipe - but very hearty. My boys enjoyed this... even when they didn't think so! LOL!

Let me explain... it has fresh spinach in it, and KV HATES spinach - but was able to tolerate and even enjoyed this dish - plus, getting a shot of healthy, nutritional value from it! It was a ONE pot dish also - served with a crusty bread. Found this recipe on PINTEREST - love, love, LOVE this website!

On a cold winter night, this recipe hit the spot. This recipe was easy to make, easy clean up and the boys were satisfied! It reminded me of a german potato salad dish that Andy made for a food show competition one year. Very tasty - give it a try!

Potato Kielbasa Skillet Recipe

4-5 medium-sized Red Potatoes; cubed

3 Tblsp. Water

3/4 lb. Kielbasa; cut into 1/4" slices

1 Tblsp. Olive Oil

2 Tblsp. Brown Sugar

2 Tblsp. Cider Vinegar

1 Tblsp. Dijon Mustard

1/2 tsp. Dried Thyme

1/4 tsp. Pepper

4 cups Fresh Baby Spinach

5 Bacon Strips; cooked & crumbled

Placed cubed potatoes and water in a glass dish and microwave on high COVERED for 4-5 minutes (until tender); drain. In a large skillet, saute kielbasa and onion in oil until onion is tender. Add potatoes; saute 5 minutes long or until items are lightly browned. Combine the brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, thyme and pepper; stir into skillet. Bring to a boil - reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes UNCOVERED. Add spinach and bacon; cook and stir until spinach is wilted. Enjoy! Serves 4

Hope you are having a great week, so far! We are giving out semester tests here in the big C-Town! Starting a fresh, new semester on Monday... It's going to be a great year! Thanks for stopping by! Come back often -

Remember to hug the ones you love the most, until next time...

Roll Tide!

2012-01-10T20:33:00.012-06:00

We stayed up late Monday night, watching the Tide on TV

- Alabama is #1!

Not bragging - just excited to connect with our 1st son - who goes to the University of Alabama! Andy is in his 2nd year as a Senior... what a great year for Bama!

This Christmas, Andy Hayes brought everyone BAMA WEAR - shirts, socks, hoodies, shorts, scarves, hats, keychains... We even had family pics made in our "Bama"

With Andy coming home twice a year, we try to take family pictures whenever we are together -

Thanks for letting me share them with you!

Andy is 22, Alex is 15 and Aric is 12!

Roll Tide!

Remember to hug the ones you love the most, until next time...

Hello in 2012!

2012-01-07T10:53:00.007-06:00

Hope you are having an

AWESOME great 2012

- new beginnings - new starts - a fresh, new year!

The question this week, "Are you ever going to blog again?"

LOL! Yes! Just getting back into the groove has taken a little longer than expected!

Here's a pic of my A TEAM from the holidays!

Alex LOVES this one... because he is the tallest of the 3 now! LOL!

It has became a tradition since 2003 on Christmas Eve for the boys to wear matching pajamas. Last year, I bought "footie pajamas"!! Andy was a good sport (being 21 yrs. old...) and I promised no more FOOTIES... but matching p.j.s - oh yeah! Love my boys!

Of course, we had to include "the girls" - Roxie & Molly in our Christmas Eve Picture - our Corgi dogs. This was their first Christmas! They turned a year old the first of December!

Hope all is well with you and your family. I will be back soon for more posts... Have a great week! Remember to HUG the ones you love the most - until next time!

Merry Christmas to YOU!

2011-12-19T10:28:00.004-06:00

Taking a 2 week hiatus from blogging to spend time

with family and friends...

New CHOW in the house...

2011-12-11T16:00:00.012-06:00

OKay! Haven't had a post with a recipe swap in a while - this one is something new and SO GOOD!

You know the delicious - chocolate/peanut butter

PUPPY CHOW mix??

(here's a link to this recipe IF you don't know...)

Well, here is a great twist on the recipe

- if you love LEMON - this recipe, you've got to try...

LEMON Puppy Chow

1 (12.8 oz.) box of Rice CHEX cereal

1 (12 oz.) package White Vanilla baking chips

1/4 cup Margarine

4 tsp. grated Lemon Peel

2 Tblsp. Fresh lemon juice

2 cups Powdered Sugar

Measure out the cereal into a large bowl. In a microwave bowl, melt the chips, margarine, lemon peel and juice, on high for 1 minute - stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer and stir - continue until the mixture is smooth. Pour over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Put powdered sugar in a large plastic bag - add coated cereal and shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in an airtight container! ENJOY!

So the T-Shirt Scarf making is contagious...

in the last post here - I took each of the colors of the rainbow in recycled T-shirts and made a scarf... from the same shirts - made 2 MORE "up-cycled" scarves this week. The "block" scarf is from each of the SLEEVES of the t-shirts serged together... made from 5 1/2 double-sided blocks - got this idea from Coach H from school! She's so talented - thanks Coach Harris! - you're awesome!

Hope you are enjoying your weekend... 14 days until Christmas - are you ready? I've got a confession to make -Shhhhhh! We haven't bought ONE gift... I know, I know - in 5 days, we'll have 2 weeks to rush and do some power shopping trips! Working in retail for 12 years has changed my shopping trait - I want to enjoy the season WITHOUT the commercial rush of "buy, buy, buy" - it's the time spent with family, making Christmas candy - drinking hot chocolate in front of the fireplace - things like that - those are my best memories of Christmas time!

Wishing you well and thanking you for stopping by! On to a GREAT week - hang in there! Remember to hug the ones you love the most - until next time...

It's "Artsy-Fartsy" Craft Time!

2011-12-07T14:01:00.018-06:00

LOOK!

My "up-cycled" scarf... cool, huh!

I am a "Woman of Color" - another term for Art Teacher! LOL! I love COLOR - lots of color; rainbow colors - yeah! Of course, found this craft on my new "favorite site"...

Easy-peasy... t-shirt scarf

no sew tutorial here at the link!

Everyone has old t-shirts that are not in use - so "up-cycle" them... there are a MILLION ways to make a scarf that will add some pizazz to your wardrobe! With our household, I was able to find all the colors of the rainbow - fast! Took about 20 minutes of cutting and 20 minutes of tying knots - BOOM! New scarf in under 1 hour! Try it... or find a style that fits you! Fun, fun, fun...

Here are some decorations that I've put up in the CHS Art Room this week - wanted something that would last throughout February... It's so sad to come back after the holidays and find Christmas decorations still up; only 7 more school days until the holiday break - so I think the "SNOW" theme will last and be uplifting?!?! AGAIN - the idea for door came from my new BFF - "Pinterest"... my students have named him - Charlie the Snowman! Added the letters - S N O W to my main windows... (inside and outside) - for you that are "old school CHS" my room is half of the old library... my windows look out into the court yard - now, nick-named "the yard" - unless it's raining - then it's a flooded yard and it's called "Lake CHS" - LOL!

And then added SNOWFLAKES - on the ART windows -

they are coffee filter flakes - CU-TE!

Here's the site that I found the instructions/tutorial for the snowflakes - my students have had a great time making these during the week! Adding to the SNOW theme... unique snow flakes! Kinda matches our below 40 degree temps this week!

Next, are the November Card Swaps, that I promised last week! This month's requirements for our card project was: a Holiday of choice theme - 4 colors, 3 embellishments, 2 stamps and 1 decorated envelope. First card (to the left) is my project - the "telescope" snowman! He's easy to make and has a very cute "WOW" factor when placed on a card. Here's the website that I got the idea from and then added my own twist.

Here are the other cards that I was able to glean from the swap - 7 beautiful cards! The ladies really out-did themselves! Holidays included Christmas and Valentine's Day! Designers include: Amber Smith, Margie Robinson, Kimberly HIckman, April Vasquez, Maria Haile, Stephanie Harbin and Angie Husband.

Thanks for stopping by - hopefully now you are full of "artsy-fartsy" inspiration and off to be creative... LOL! Remember to hug the ones you love the most - until next time...

Alex is 15 today!

2011-12-01T21:01:00.007-06:00

Alex Vannoy is turning 15 on December 1st!

Ahhhh! Where has time gone?

Wasn't it just yesterday, I was changing diapers and chasing this kid around?

Now, he's ready to drive a car alone and in high school.

Sniff, Sniff!

Happy Birthday,

Alexander Jonah Vannoy

We Love You!

Check back soon - I'll have our November Card Swaps... they are AMAZING!

Thanks for stopping by - remember to hug the ones you love the most, until next time...

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T10:25:00.004-06:00

Okay, let’s be honest - I’m one of those people who loves Thanksgiving, and I refuse to bring out Christmas decorations or listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving dinner has been eaten!

I always feel sorry for Thanksgiving because I feel like the stores always look past Thanksgiving and to Christmas.

I mean seriously... Halloween goes up right after school supplies and then BOOM! Christmas trees, decorations and all that, are all put up in the middle of October - right? So! I love to focus on Thanksgiving – since it’s one of my favorite holidays and I look forward to it all year.

So I hope that you are enjoying good food, good fellowship with family & friends, you've thanked the Lord for all of your blessings in your life and enjoying the awesome colors of the fall season while indulging in this Thanksgiving week!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Rainy Day Project!

2011-11-21T21:43:00.014-06:00

It's Monday night - and it's rained all day long! It's wonderful that God gives so freely! Today, we received as much rain, as we have had all year long... WOW! With our drought conditions in Texas - rain is certainly a welcomed sight!

Only had time for two cards today - this card is for a sweet baby BOY! Gotta love my boys! It's a digi image from Bugaboo - colored with copic markers - placed on a layered punched focal point, card stock, designer paper, ribbon, embossed white, and stamped BOY letters - all in the color scheme of baby blue, yellow and white. Of course there is GLITTER and a SU stamp of "on the birth of your beautiful baby"

This card project is entered in the following challenges this week:

Just Some Lines is having a fun "Tic-Tac-Toe" challenge that is really unique! You pick three of the requirements in a game manner - I picked glitter / digi / punch! Check out what all the other crafters are doing here at their website!

At the One Stop Shop - it's a colour challenge #158- BLUE. I've used baby blue as my main color for this BOY baby card. Here is where you can check out all the rest of the BLUE entries here.

And, last but not least, at the Stamptacular Sunday weekly challenge #139 is "Boy, Oh Boy!" - to included a man or boy in your card. I've chose the Bugaboo Boy Bear for my focal point. Check out the other BOY card projects of the week here.

Made this card "Something Sweet to Eat!" last night and today it's a "featured card" at the Crafters Digital Art Center. YAHOO! This card was made using one of the free Progressive Challenge digi images from the Center. It's from Sew Many Cards - featuring Bailey the Bear w/ Honey Bee (tag #cdacpc7, smc). who is colored with copic markers - placed on black and yellow card stock (bumblebee theme!) - with added embossed texture and ribbon!

Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving this week! Be safe and remember to hug the ones you love the most - until next time...

My 3 Precious A's!

2011-11-19T12:23:00.015-06:00

With all of my blog posts of challenges and stuff, feeling bad not to include enough of FAMILY posts - and this is suppose to be a blog for FAMILY - (I just think having 2 blogs would be harder to keep up with; sorry!) - I've got to even out the posts with some family stuff! LOL!

Like thats a hard thing to do... for me!

This post is dedicated to my 3 precious A's -

Andy, Alex and Aric!

My sons are my world - plus my sweet hubby - of course! All three are growing up FAST! During Halloween - I was in depression of not having to make party favors... no class parties - at all! ):

With Aric in junior high - he thinks he's 16 years old and has the attitude of a teenage - hence the TWEEN stage! ARGH! Recently, Aric participated in a Womanless Beauty Pageant for the CJHS pep rally. ALICE was a sight for eyes, let me tell ya... He, along with several other 6th grades - provided some fun entertainment for all at the pep rally. Love my Aric-ee, he makes me smile! Aric is our "clown" - school, family... he and Andy are my extroverts... Alex is our intelligent introvert - LOL! Hmmmmm - do you agree? Here's some more pictures of Aric at the pep rally!

Next, is Alex - who is a TEEN and a freshmen this year! Double ARGH! He's making straight A's and adjusting well to having BOTH parents on school campus with him this year! He still runs from me in the hall - but have no fear, I scream and wave to get his attention! (Could be why he runs, huh!) Love, love, LOVE Alex! He's an excellent cook - plays the piano very well, after football, he's now the official basketball manager for the Bobcats!

Last, but not least... Andy Hayes! Andy is a college student in Tusculoosa, Alabama "Roll Tide" - he's a 2nd year senior - only 17 hours left! He's running a scrap metal place in Hamilton, AL in his spare time! Andy LOVES college football! He loves sports in general - but ROLL TIDE is his world! (haven't hugged this child since JUNE...) The latest news on Andy is the HAIRCUT!

I asked him to please send me a picture of himself - he didn't know how... "What kid doesn't know how to take their own picture in a mirror in 2011?" His response was - "Mom, I'm not 16 any more!" - LOL! But he tried and did - and I'm THRILLED! He looks so handsome - the wild-haired Andy has matured and he's all grown up - sniff, sniff! Can't wait for his visit at Christmas! Love this kid!

That's my three precious A's! My boys are the best! Geesh - but I'm their mother - give me a break! Thanks for stopping by! Hope all is well for you and your family.

Wishing you a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving week!

Remember to hug the ones you love the most - until next time...

November Challenges

2011-11-16T18:52:00.016-06:00

Here are some more November card projects made for some weekly challenges. Are you ready for the "snowy" days ahead... ?

This "Frosty" card features an almost white color scheme - using textured cut pieces, a copic colored snowflake background, focal point holds a glittered snowman; embellishments included glitter and glittered snowflakes.

This card project is entered in the following challenges:

The Crafty Pad is challenging for crafters to use a "White on White" color scheme for their challenge #147 this week. Check out the WHITE entries here at this link.

Also at The iCopic's Challenge, their challenge ICW #56 is "BACKGROUND" - I used copic markers in a variety of blues to outline the stamped snowflakes for the background of this card. Check out the other copic designs here at this site.

StampTV's Mix It Up Monday Challenge is hosted by Suzanne Dean who gives a sketch and the challenge of "Let It Snow" - to make a project that is COLD looking! Check out the other entries here.

The next project is a Harvest themed card using a new technique called "bargello" - here is a link on this technique. This was a new thing for me to try! I used scraps of autumn colored designer paper - the focal point is a cut-out of stamped pumpkins - colored with prisma pencils - stamped w/"Happy Fall Y'All" - highlighted with designer paper and rusty red card stock and ribbon.

This project is entered in these challenges:

Handstamped Sentiments is challenging each crafter to complete a project using this BARGELLO technique for their HSSTC93 technique challenge. Check out the entries here for this week.

To the right is the picture trigger for a project at Moxie Fab World Challenge - "Fall is in the bag" - what inspired me is the geometric shapes repeated over and over in a variety of colors of autumn in the purse. My project repeats a pattern in a variety of color. Check out all the other Moxie Fab projects here.

At the Cupcake Inspirations, their challenge #136 is this picture trigger to the right - the geometric squares in autumn colors is the theme of my project also. Check out the other entries here at Cupcake Inspirations here.

The last project today, is one that is for next week - Thanksgiving!

Love, love, LOVE pumpkin pie! LOL!

This card project uses a copic colored digi pumpkin/pie stamp along with a printed "If Life Gives You Pumpkins, Make Pie!" - pumpkin pie along w/chocolate chip card stock is used; also pumpkin designer paper and ribbon combines to complete this simple card made for Thanksgiving! This project is entered in the following challenges:

Anything Challenge this week is Challenge #54 - FOOD; perfect for the season right now, huh? Check out the other FOOD entries here at this site.

Here is the sketch for the challenge at The Sweet Stop this week. My entry for the SSS134 challenge follows it - with the exception of the text moved to the right from the left side of the focal point. Check out the other sketch challenges here.

Here is the picture trigger for the challenge at Our Creative Corner - pumpkins and pumpkin pie - Check out the other pumpkin inspired card projects here at OCC for this week.

Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you and your family and wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving season!

Remember to hug the ones that you love the most - until next time...

Waterfall & a CLEAN Project!

2011-11-15T20:57:00.008-06:00

Here is a WATERFALL

card project

"It's as easy as your ABC's

- Have a Great Day Today!

This Waterfall project incorporates digi stamps - Yellow card stock, designer paper, green eyelets, ribbon, copic markers and glitter create this project.

This project is entered in the following challenges:

The House that Stamps Built is hosting a technique challenge - Repeat Impressions DCC119 Designer’s Choice Challenge. Check out the other WATERFALL card projects here at this website!

Digital Art Center - it's a collaborative digital challenge site - these digi stamps are part of the "Progressive Challenge" that they are offering members. You get digi stamps to play - and you use them in rounds for different challenges. You get more digi stamps with each round of projects that your participate in. I've just discovered digi stamps and trying them out - having a great time! Try it out here!

This very CLEAN card was made for the Freshly Made Sketches - this week's sketch #11 is to the right.

This project includes designer print papers, red & white cardstock, buttons, ribbon and SU's stamp in Ruby Red ink!

The object is to create a CLEAN card project using the sketch. Come join the fun by making a card project - check out the other sketch #11 challenge entries here!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to hug the ones you love the most - until next time...

Family & Friends - Make the World Go Around!

2011-11-15T11:28:00.010-06:00

Hello! This last weekend, we had the pleasure to go down to the Austin area and represent Childress High School as an amazing young man, Scout Haile, ran in the Texas UIL Cross Country - State competition.

This student is truly a WINNER

- we took our boys so they would be exposed to a new sport; but also how this student is so focused and discipline! Scout is a BEAST! He finished 16th in 2AA division - against a "multitude" of runners AND mother nature w/HIGH winds and dirt... So glad that we had this opportunity!

Along the way, we were able to drop by at the home of a childhood friend that I love! Jayma is an amazing person - wanted to meet her two adorable boys that I've heard about and have seen pictures - but now I had the priviledge to HUG these cuties! Yep! I babysat this woman... if you can remember that far! Long blonde, curly hair - a sassy toot - turned into a wonderful woman! Ahhh - the memories! Thank you, thank you, thank you Jayma for our visit - made our day!

Also got to drop by the Vannoy Clan and spend the night with them. It was good to see KV's dad and family. In the summer, this man had open-heart surgery - he has improved so much! So glad to see and visit with them.

Have you been "out and about" to see the fall foliage? OMG! It's BEAUTIFUL - autumn is full of such rich colors - yellows, reds, browns and etc... God is alive and well - you can tell by his amazing creations - take some time and explore the turning of the leaves - you'll be glad that you did!

Hope you are well! Thanks for stopping by! Remember to hug the ones you love the most - because family and friends really do make the world go around! Until next time...

Challenges over the Weekend!

2011-11-15T09:52:00.019-06:00

Here are some cards and paper projects that I was able to complete for some challenges over the weekend!

The first one is a paper project - CD Holder; decorated in festive Christmas colors - perfect for giving a CD of photos, videos or whatever! This CD holder fits a standard size cd. Red, green and white card stock was used, along w/the Christmas Jillibean decorative paper, StampTV kit - Wishing You Joy's stamps, ribbon, "believe" metal tag and glitter.

This project is entered in Lee's Friday - "Free For All" Pretty Presents - Challenge at StampTV - Making anything - but a card! You can check out the other entries here at this link.

At Bugaboo Challenges, this week "Catch the Bug" want projects that have POCKETS - my challenge is an actual pocket to hold a CD! Check out the other pocket projects here at this site.

The monthly challenge #28 at Creatalicious Challenge is to make something for CHRISTMAS and make it SPARKLE - gotta love my "sparkly Santa" - LOL! Check out the other sparkly-Christmas projects here at this site.

The next project is an

EASEL CARD

- made w/pink & brown color scheme. This card features punched tags on front. Vanilla embossed cardstock, along with designer paper, pink and brown card stock created this birthday easel card. Brads, ribbon and glitter are the embellishments. SU's stamps for the tag and Happy Birthday stamp - punches include large & small tags, word window, modern label, circle and scalloped circle. I love, love, LOVE making easel cards - my favorite type of card to make (right now!). This project was entered in the following challenges:

Cas-ual Friday Challenge - they are hosting a "Tag, You're It" challenge CFC28 - check out their entries here at this site.

Hooked on Crafts, this week's challenge #12 is featuring "PUNCHED" items on the project - check out their entries here at this link.

At Mark's Finest Paper site - Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Week #81 is "Your Favorite Technique" - my favorite technique is an EASEL card! Check out the other favorites here.

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge this week is also PUNCH IT- Challenge #138 - check out their entries here!

And the last project for this weekend, is a layered Ribbon & Lace card project. This is the first time using this card format - doesn't need an envelope! It's all in one - but with all the embellishments that I've added - would be afraid to send through the postal service!! This is using Stampin' Up's Rich Razzleberry card stock, polka dot ribbon and designer paper, along with embellishments of lace, eyelash yarn, button, hemp twine, punched flower and brads - SU's stamp "Wishing you happiness today & always". This project is entered in the:

One Stop Challenge, where this week's challenge /3157 is "Ribbons & Lace" - check out their entries here at this link.

At this site, If the Shoe Fits, Scrap It - FF #96 Challenge is to "Try Something New" - this is a new format of a card that I used on this Ribbon & Lace project. Click here to see the other challenge entries at this link.

Thanks for stopping by and looking! Hope you had a great weekend and ready for a great week ahead! Remember to hug the ones you love the most - until next time...

I love my BREAD MACHINE!

2011-11-11T09:20:00.011-06:00

My BREAD MACHINE and I have been together

for over 15 years...

and my thighs show it! LOL!

This is one small appliance that I've truly got my "money's worth" on - (I do have a 24 year old food processor that is still going strong also!) Pizza dough, bread, rolls, cinnamon rolls, etc... it makes it all! Something about the aroma of bread... YUM!

The last 2 weeks, I have been through

out a lot of dough! FLOUR DOUGH, that is!! Here's a great recipe for a dough - and then shape it into - rolls, loaves or (my boys favorite) Pigs 'n the Blanket - wrap the dough around cheese and a weiner - "supper"!

Basic BREAD MACHINE Dough

1 2/3 cups Water

2 TBSP butter

4 2/3 Flour
2/3 cup Sugar

2 tsp Salt

1 pkg Yeast

In the chamber of a bread maker; add all ingredients with the yeast on top. Set bread maker to “dough” setting—wait for cycle to finish (about 1 1/2 hrs.). Turn out dough onto a flour surface—shape to desire type of roll or loaf. Cover and rise again for 1-1 1/2 hours. Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes. ENJOY!

Thanks for stopping by! We're headed out and down to the Austin area to support an AWESOME student that is running cross-country at STATE competition! Grabbing geocaches along the way - also our high school football team is headed to the play-off game in Lubbock at my niece's alter mater - Frenship HS near Lubbock, TX against Colorado City - on Saturday! Go Bobcats!

Wishing you a GREAT weekend - remember to hug the ones you love the most, until the next time...

So Grateful! - also Recipe Swap!

2011-11-08T19:18:00.028-06:00

Two weeks from today

- we'll be out for Thanksgiving Holiday break!

WOW! Can that really be?

Trying to get into the THANKSGIVING spirit - made this sweet card project w/ ole' Tom! This is a digi stamp - but I can't remember where I got this turkey - he's a cutie! If you know where he came from, please comment, so I can give credit!

"Tom" is colored with copic markers - added on sand card stock with a vanilla punched scallop behind to highlight "Tom", some ribbon and a GKD stamp "We give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way" (one of my fave stamp sayings!) - makes a very simple; but festive card!

This is entered in the icopic challenge for this week - Challenge #55 - "Thankful". Check out all the "Thankful" entries here for this challenge at this link.

My Craft Spot's challenge this week is "Gooble til you Wooble" - Challenge #32 - To make a project using a Thanksgiving theme - check out the "gooble" entries here at this link!

Also at Catch a Bug - Bugaboo Challenge Blog - this week's challenge is use a digi stamp and "anything goes" - check out the cute projects here.

The challenge at Digital Tuesday - is "Anything Goes - Challenge #135" - something on the project needs to be "digital" - in my project - Tom the Turkey is a digi stamp! Check out the other entries here!

The next card project is - "So Grateful" - made from a bunch of 1" square scraps of designer paper in "Fall" colors - after the squares were put together - ran through the cuttlebug for added texture and also to cut out an oval for the focal point. Also made a brown oval frame to encase the opening. In the focal - features a fall leaf (GKD stamp) embossed in gold and colored w/copics - added hemp twine bow, "so grateful" stamped oval and gold dots!

This project is entered into the StampTV Challenge - "Mix It Up - Monday" with Jennie's pick for "Got Scraps" challenge - check out the entries here to see how others used their "scraps"!

Through the Craftroom Door Challenge Blog - they are hosting challenge #13 - "Fall in Love" - card project must have a leaf on it and brown/tan/kraft colors . Here are the entries here at this challenge.

Kadoodle Doodles Challenge Blog is hosting their weekly challenge #92 - Colors of Fall. In my project - used a variety of fall colored designer paper in 1" squares to complete the "frame" around the focal point! Check out all the other "Colors of Fall" projects here at this site.

Also at Lollipops Crafts - they're challenge this week is to create a #56- Thanksgiving/Fall theme. Check out the entries here at this link.

I've been promising you some recipes from the recent 4-H Food Show competition!

Alex came up with this recipe "Beef & Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups"! He combined two different recipes to make this one. Both boys have SPINACH in their recipes - being that each person is usually lacking in eating enough vegetables and fruits in their daily diet! KV HATES spinach - and LOVES this recipe for lasagna! LOL!

Beef & Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups

1 lb. lean Ground Beef

1 jar (24 oz.) Pasta Sauce; divided

1 tsp. Dried Basil

1/2 cup Onion; chopped

4 tsp. minced Garlic

1 tsp. Dried Oregano

1 pkg. (10 oz.) Spinach; frozen ( thawed and squeezed dry)

2 cups Ricotta Cheese

2 cups Mozzarella; shredded

12 Lasagna Noodles; cooked and drained

1 Tbsp. Parsley Flakes

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in 12 oz. of Pasta Sauce, garlic, basil and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Combine the spinach, ricotta and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until combined. In a 13x9 baking dish, spread out the remaining 12 oz. pasta sauce. Spread 2 heaping tablespoons of cheese mixture on half of a lasagna noodle; spread a portion of the meat mixture on remaining part of lasagna noodle; roll jelly-roll fashion ** starting w/CHEESE & ending with meat. Arrange lasagna rolls, seam-side down in sauce in baking dish. Top with remaining cup of mozzarella cheese; sprinkle with parsley flakes. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and cook 5-10 minutes more or until cheese is melted on top. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serves 12 - 1 roll-up per serving.

Next is Aric's recipe - Italian Wedding Soup! This recipe originally was picked out for Alex to make... until Aric tasted it and decided he wanted to make it! LOL! It also has spinach in it - as a traditional Italian Wedding Soup always has some GREEN in it! This is a great, hearty soup to serve!

Italian Wedding Soup

1 pkg Italian Meatballs (frozen)

3 carrots; sliced

3 celery ribs; sliced

1 onion; chopped

4 1/2 tsp. Olive Oil

3 garlic cloves; minced

2 cans Beef Broth

1/4 cup minced Fresh Basil

1 envelope Onion Soup Mix

1 can Kidney Beans

4 1/2 tsp. Ketchup

1/2 tsp. Dried Thyme

3 Bay Leaves

4 cans Chicken Broth

1 package (10 oz.) frozen spinach; thawed and squeezed dry

1 1/2 cups uncooked Penne Pasta

In a Dutch Oven, saute' the carrots, celery and onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the broth, spinach, basil, soup mix, ketchup, thyme, kidney beans and bay leaves. Bring soup to a boil; add meatballs. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 30 minutes. Add pasta; cook 13-15 minutes longer or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Discard bay leaves before serving - 10 servings.

Thanks for stopping by - tomorrow is HUMP DAY! Wishing you a "fabulous" day and rest of the week! Remember to hug the ones you love the most - until next time...

3 more Challenge Cards in PINK!

2011-11-07T21:31:00.013-06:00

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

Here are 3 card projects made for some challenges using the color PINK!

The first card project is for the weekly sketch challenge at Stamp411.

Here is a Pinky Birthday card - using a variety of Stampin' Up PINK designer paper and card stock, SU's cupcake stamp, birthday wishes stamp, circle and scallop punches and ribbon. Cupcakes are colored with copic markers and glitter is added for some extra sparkle! Check out the other card projects following this week's sketch at SSC#228 here.

This Pink project really turned out pretty! Love the black, pale pink and cream color scheme - embossed black ink butterflies (SU's butterfly punch & stamps) embellished w/gold dots, decorative border punch and stamp "Love is like a butterfly..."; black polka dot ribbon, pink ric-rac finish off this pretty pink card!

This card project uses the card sketch at The Sweet Shop this week challenge SSS133. Check out the other entries at this challenge here at this link.

At CR84FN Color Challenge this week (right) is using the color scheme - pale

pink, black and neutral. Love these

colors together! Check out all the other projects at this challenge here.

The third PINK card project - using a bright, Pink magneta and lime color scheme is featuring an sweet elderly lady with some "attitude" from the GKD's stamp set - "You know your old when..." colored with copic markers. Add embellishments of swirls cut from the cricket and add border punches and pearl bling complete this "Friend" card. This project was entered in the following challenges:

Followed this sketch from the sketch challenge at Stampin For The Weekend - Challenge #20 sketch. Check out the other entries using this sketch here at this link.

Also at Bugaboo Stamps challenge, this week is to use BLING on your card project - my project has PEARL blings added everywhere! Check out their entries here!

And at Quirky Challenge, this week's challenge is to make a card with attitude Challenge #23! This was hard... until I remembered this stamp of this sweet old lady displaying some "attitude"! Makes me laugh! Check out the other "attitudes" here at this link!

Hope you are well and life is treating you fair! Wishing you a very productive week ahead! Thanks for stopping by! Remember to HUG the ones you love the most - until next time...

Happy Fall - Y'All!

2011-11-07T20:44:00.011-06:00

The Fall Season is upon us - yahoo!

Just love the FALL, Y'all!

This "Happy Fall Y'all" card project is made using harvest colored scrap paper - backed with chocolate chip card stock. The focal point is a collaboration of paper-pieced pumpkins and a scarecrow stamp colored w/copic markers. The beige card stock has a tint from pastels for the background. Also ribbon to add some texture.

This project is entered in this week's challenges at:

Stampacular Sunday Challenge; it's a sketch challenge (left) - used this sketch on the Fall project - just twisted it some! Check out the entries here at this link for Sketch Challenge #137.

The Crafty Pad, this week, is challenging crafters to "Paper Piece" something... Challenge #146. I've paper-pieced the stamped pumpkins - using scrap pieces of orange designer paper - tinted with copic markers. Check out the other paper-pieced card projects here.

Check out the cute "Fall" picture trigger this week (right) at the Cupcake Inspiration's Challenge - I was inspired by the Fall color scheme - pumpkins and scarecrows! YUM! Here are their entries here.

Next is "A Wish For You" card project - light blue and orange color scheme. Stampin Up's stamp w/embossed "razzle dazzle" on the black ink to add "bling" to the focal point! Assorted sizes of punched stars, embossed star background, punched circles, trim (cut w/the SU's scallop edge punch) and brads complete this card project.

This card project is entered in the following challenges this week:

Just Some Lines is having a color challenge of "orange and lt. blue". Check out the entries here at this link.

At The House That Stamps Built site, it's a sketch challenge (right) #N211. I used this sketch to complete the "A Wish..." card project. Check out the entries here who also used this sketch.

One Stop Craft is celebrating their 3rd year blog-anniversary - so their challenge is to add 3 into the project! For Challenge #156 - I've add the 3 brads and also 3 stars up in the left corner of the project. Check out the other entries here at this link.

Whew! That's it for this Monday! Thanks for stopping by - remember to hug the ones you love the most! Until next time...

Love the Weekends!

2011-11-06T19:23:00.015-06:00

Hope you had a GREAT weekend!

Don't you just "love 'em"?

Weekends... I do!

First, will post the card projects that I was able to complete over the weekend -

This CONGRATULATION/STAR card came out awesome! Can use this card asap - for a special young man headed to STATE!

Used a neutral color scheme - using up scraps of neutral prints, browns and red punched stars, Stampin' Up' stamps - star for the focal (added glitter embossing), also the small star and "Congratulations" in Chocolate Chip ink. Additional ribbon, hemp twine and button complete this card, made for a STAR!

This card was entered in the following challenges this week:

Casual Friday Challenge this week is to design something in your project that is "Over the Edge". This is CFC#27. My project has both stars and ribbon going over the edge of the project- check out the entries here

Our Creative Corner challenge this week is to create a card project that is "Masculine" - using non-traditional colors along w/neutrals! My non-traditonal color is red and my neutrals are the base & embellishments of the card project. You can check out the entries for this challenge here.

At Freshly Made Sketches - the challenge this week is a sketch by Tui - sketch #9. My card project uses this sketch the standard way - no twist or turns this week! You can check out all the other cards using this sketch at this challenge here.

At I Brake For Challenges, their challenge for the next two weeks is to make a card using IBFCC#13 -NO WHITE! My card starts with a craft card base and envie - along with a neutral and brown color scheme - NO WHITE! You can check out all the NON-WHITE card projects here at this challenge.

Are you getting into the Christmas Spirit yet? It'll be here before you know it...

These Christmas Cards were made alike - just using different color schemes! One traditional red, white and green; and the other all in blue hues!

This card project features a cut-out "dangle" focal point - used card stock, designer paper, white card & envie, ribbon, button and brads - including the "Believe" GKD stamp for the Let It Snow set and Stampin Up's center white embossed stamp of a snowman! Also added a Snowflake embossing folder for the background - and (of course) glitter! The Blue Christmas card was entered in Tina's pick for the StampTV's "Free For All Friday" challenge here - all BLUE CHRISTMAS cards!

The traditional colored Christmas card was entered in the

Hand Stamped Sentiment Color Challenge this week - challenge #91 - HSSCC91. You can check out the entries here at this challenge here.

Those were the cards that I was able to complete this weekend.

Along with making cards - Saturday was the 4-H District Food Show - we traveled about a hour away to compete. Both boys did very well! Very proud of them - Alex made a "Beef and Spinach Roll-Up Lasagna" for the main dish in the Senior level and Aric made a "Italian Wedding Soup" for the main dish in the Intermediate level. I will post their recipes later this week, if you are interested! Both boys placed 2nd in their division. This was the first year that both boys competed in a new age division -very proud of them! Here's also a group picture of all the Childress County 4-Hers who participated this year at District. Our goal NEXT YEAR is 1st... fingers crossed! LOL!

Thanks for stopping by, wishing you a wonderful week ahead! Remember to hug the ones you love the most! Until the next time...

53 days until Christmas...

2011-11-02T19:40:00.014-05:00

With the arrival of November - means the countdown until Christmas! We're a "last minute shopper" - but still the holidays are drawing near quickly!

This card project is for Christmas. It features a double/swing opening. Created with Stampin' Up's Ruby Red and Baja Blue card stock, along with matching 2010 Christmas designer paper. A "fancy fold" Christmas tree (link for template and instructions here) is the focal point - along with red ruffle ribbon, x-lrg brad for closure, red rhinestone star, assorted punches and "Merry Christmas" SU stamp.

This layout fits the Stamp 411 Sketch Challenge

this week using the sketch SSC227. Check out the entries here.

Along with the "double swing opening"; standard left opening and additional right opening of the card's presentation - the main feature inside has a copic colored "Santa w/Ho-Ho-Ho" and "Merry Christmas" stamps by SU. Merry Christmas!

This card project also fits the CAS-ual Friday Sketch Challenge this week with sketch CFC26 - the focal circle was traded to the opposite side. Check out all of the entries here at this site.

At Our Creative Corner - their challenge this week is "Fancy Folds; so this card project is entered here also featuring the "double swing opening" of the card and the additional fancy fold of the Christmas tree on front - check out the entries and all the Fancy Folds here.

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to hug the ones you love the most! Until next time...

It's November!

2011-11-01T19:14:00.015-05:00

This post begins the November's Card Challenges...

Can you believe it's now

NOVEMBER?

Time flies when you're having fun, right?

This first card is "FRIENDS" - it features a Gray, Steel Blue and Yellow color scheme. It features the SU's owl punch - boy & girl - glittered; embossed background, SU's designer paper, steel blue stitching, metal flower embellishments, brads, loose bead dangle and stamped "Friends"

This card also follows The Sweet Stop Sketch challenge for this week SSS132 (right).

CR84FN41 Color Challenge using Steel Blue, Gray and Yellow. Used card stock, designer paper, brads, embellishments - all with color scheme.

The Moxie Fab Challenge - picture trigger (right) "Beads & Baubles". Inspired by the color scheme of the jewelry - added yellow flowers, glitter and beads to accent this card project.

Anything Goes Challenge #53 "Stitches - Real or Faux" Used the sewing machine to add a large "zig-zag" stitch in steel blue to the project.

Crafty Pad Challenge #145 - "Friendship" Added the Owl boy/girl couple and a "Friends" stamp - perfect for a friendship theme card.

Next card project is "It's Your Day..." - love this one! This punched hamburger was colored w/copic markers; GKD designer paper, card stock & ribbon, nestie die-cuts, brown ink, "It's Your Day... ENJOY" stamp and gold brads complete this project.

It's entered it the icopic Challenge #54 - Manly Theme (what better way to a man's heart - than a hamburger!!)

Also the StampTV's Mix It Up Monday Challenge - Sketch

(left) that Theresa came up with!

This project is a HARVEST card featuring a punched

pumpkin. It has a Brown, Olive, White and Orange color scheme - all harvest colors! The focal point is the framed pumpkin; the frame was created by Nestabilities - embossed and cut squares. Paper piecing on the bottom of card, brown ribbon and paper piercing inside the frame added creativity to this card for the Fall season.

This card project was entered in the Cupcake Inspirations Challenge #134 - picture trigger (left). Color scheme of olive, white and orange - inspiration from the stripes, polka-dots and pumpkins.

One Stop Craft Challenge - this week's challenge is "No Sentiment"

Also the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge. This week's Challenge #136 - "Borders & Frames" - the frame was created byNestabilities - embossed and cut squares - creates the focal point around the punched pumpkin.

Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you a wonderful and productive week! It's HUMP day! Remember to hug the ones that you love the most! Until next time...

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T09:49:00.018-05:00

Wishing you a very happy and spooky Halloween!

With my boys being "too old" to trick or treat - we've had to alternate our Halloween celebration! You know the old saying "A way to a man's heart - is through his stomach?" -

Well! At my house - decided to get the boys in the Halloween mood by cooking - they would participate in something for Halloween, if they could eat... Here's our menu for Halloween supper -

Here are the links to the recipes used:

The plan was - to eat... they had to come "in costume"! LOL! So here is who came to Halloween Supper this year... Tarzan, a "Banana in Pajamas", a vampire football player and KV & I (witchy woman)!

Hope you had a wonderful and SPOOKY Halloween!

Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you a great and productive week!

Remember to hug the ones you love the most - until next time...

P.S. KV calls this my "Stevie Nicks" costume...

hmmmm! What do you think?

(That wasn't the look I was going for... but don't tell him that!)

It was the night before Halloween...

2011-10-30T21:27:00.024-05:00

It was the night before Halloween...

and all through the house

were activities of spookiness -

The last Halloween card of the season

(I think!) LOL!

"Ghouls just want to have fun!

This card has die-cut ghouls (upside-down owl punch), digi BATS colored w/copics, pastel background, oval punch, modern

label punch, Halloween paper, ribbon, brads and glitter (of course!).

This card project is entered in the Bugaboo Stamp Challenge this week. Here is the picture trigger (on the right) - the pretty lime, black and orange colors w/a ghost was my inspiration. Check out the entries here for this challenge

Had to use the freebie BAT digital image that I grabbed last week at Anita Be Stampin - this week's challenge is Halloween! Check out here for the spooky entires with digital designs.

Just Some Line Shop Challenge - this week's theme for their challenge is Halloween! Check the entries for this challenge here.

The House That Stamps Built - DCC1026 - Recipe Challenge! This is the first time for me to join this group. This challenge is to include: 1 image (Bats), 1 sentiment ("Ghouls Just Want To Have Fun"), 2 die cuts (Ghouls, oval and modern label) and 3 embellishments (ribbon, brads and glitter).

At Hooked On Craft 's - this week's Challenge #11 is the theme of - Halloween. Check here to see the entries for this challenge!

We were in the cooking mood this Halloween Eve - got the boys involved in helping! Halloween - 'tis the season for a "sugar high" - right? We've got it going tonight!

First on the menu of "Spooky Snacks" - are the Witches' Cakes! YUM! KV was the man for this job - Alex did take over the "sprinkles"! Finally found the extra-large frosting tips at Wal-Mart - had to try it out! Here's a great website & video here to help...

Next on the menu were "Goblin Eyes" - it took all of us - punching down the "eye balls" when the time was right and the chocolate was soft! Here's the recipe for these here.

But the BEST find tonight, were the

"BOO Suckers"

- this recipe was easy and we had fun making these - now they're all wrapped up to give out tomorrow night to the Trick-Treaters! Found this recipe here! We'll be making these again - easy and fun! Plus... very tasty!

Hope you had a great weekend! Today is "National Candy Corn Day" - enjoy some today! YUM! Thanks for stopping by - remember to hug the ones that you love the most, until next time...