Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone enjoyed their day! What a great day, I am still in my PJ's! Ok, I showered at 2 and then hopped back in some new pjs that I got from my husband. My allergies were kickin so I was a bum and napped all day and watched the nickelodeon channel with Liam. The kids (ok, just Liam) was up at 7:30 and woke everyone else up because Santa came last night! Everyone loved their gifts(I got my husband the IPAD2 and he was a bit intimidated by it and didnt open it until like 4:00!!) I have been eating non stop today and have been watching Iron Chef now that the little dude has gone to bed. But, I wanted to wish you all a wonderful day! Hopefully, I will get back to making a few cards here and there but am working on getting Liam into kindergarten next year(who knew it would be so difficult? He has to take a test to get into kindergarten?? unreal...) and my step daughter into college so will be a busy for a bit doing that. Dont forget about me, I will be back!
xoxo Peggy Sue

Christmas cones

Wow, I have missed all of you!! These past few weeks I have not been on much to check out all the great holiday projects and all of your wonderful blogs. While it bums me out since I know there was some probably some gorgeous projects,(especially at this time of the year,) and I love reading about all of your lives, I really needed to take a breather. (bad timing, I know!) But, I was a little to into the blogging thing and not doing what I had to be doing,like spending less time on the computer and more time chasing my now(I'm still freaking he is 5) 5 year old . I work full time and play with him once I get home until he gets to bed but some nights, I just wanted to chill out and craft. But, he is more important than making a card or project! There is no project, card, or layout that I could have made that is more beautiful than my son. He is the love of my life. In his world, I was made to feed him, soothe his ouchies,play tackle football, and play power rangers(oh and wipe his butt-when the heck is going to learn to do that on his own??? lol). And you know what,I can totally dig his world! He is already 5, it went so fast, and I don't want him to remember me as the mom who was on the computer and not spending enough time with him. I mean, he is the coolest dude ever!! At a whopping 34 pounds and 3 feet tall, his heart is the size of the moon and whats even more cool, he loves me to the moon and back. So how could I not want to spend every minute with him?? So, I did his b-day party, the arrival of Joey the Elf, and have just been concentrating on him and my husband and getting ready for the arrival of Santa! But, before all that, I took my first craft class and learned how to make these awesome cones and treat cups!! It was a great class, there were was only one other student! I am a total visual learner and luckily I had a very patient teacher. I was like, ummm I totally can't get this cone thing to look like a cone and so she would roll it and unroll it (like a million times) so many times that I got her so confused, she was starting to think she was nuts! But, in the end and I got it!! I made four so far and I am going to make marshmallow pops and put them in the cone and give them to Liam's teachers at school. I have only one other Christmas project, a wreath I made to put in our office. (There are 2 women and 20 guys, I had to brighten the place up a bit!!)But, haven't taken a picture yet. Here are the pictures of some of the cones:

Some Christmas decorations

Here are some wreaths and a table decoration I made for my sisters,mom and for me! I love the pies and gingerbread and have a tree all decorated

These two were given to me 5 yrs ago, I love them!! My mother in law gave me Mickey and my husband gave me the duck in the airplane as my "push"gift when I had Liam!!(he used to fly planes/helicopters)

This is my candy tree:

I love Christmas!! Anyone up for going to Michaels?? They are open until Midnight!!

The return of Joey the Elf!

I can't believe I didn't post about Joey the Elf!! I thought I had and now see that it did not post! oops! By now most of you have probably heard of the book, Elf on The Shelf. If you have not,it is about an elf that comes after Thanksgiving to watch over children. Each night he(or she) reports back to Santa on the childs behavior. As soon as the elf comes, you have to name it. Ours is named Joey. He usually comes the day after Thanksgiving but was a bit late since Liams b-day was such a big deal. This year I found the cutest idea on a blog I stalk, I mean follow. The site it at http://happylifecraftywife.com/?p=1039 and after looking at it, I totally knew I was going to do something similar to it! A party for Joey the Elfs return! How fun, right?? Tamara is way more crafty than I and you could see it in every awesome detail! I mean, her party was kickin!. The pjs alone are to die for! She takes beautiful photos, you have to check her out!! (really, everything she does is absolutely gorgeous!!) So,the day after Liam's b-day bash, I decorated the table and had milk, "snownuts"(powdered doughnuts), and chocolates on it. There was a coloring book, some foam crafts, a santa lantern and even a letter from Joey!! Liam loved it! It was really cool!

Every morning we look for Joey as he is in a different place each morning. He has been on the Christmas tree, on the couch, on our curio cabinet can, etc...It is a challenge to think of spots to set him as he is tough to bend! Seriously, he is constantly slipping off where ever he has been placed and is not very pliable! They totally need to make his body more barbie-like! Aside from the weird body and kinda scary stalkerish face, he is pretty cool! So, if you have a small child, I totally recommend the book. Although after Joey leaves, I am totally in for it. What else am I going to bribe him with to behave??? He is scared to death to misbehave for fear of Joey telling Santa! LOL Wish it would work for the teenager who as I write this is getting picked up by her father since she was caught at an underage drinking party and the cops called! AHHHH!!!! Well, I am off to find another spot for Joey since the little dude is at least safe and tucked into bed(ok, and when I mean safe I mean not out playing beer pong!lol)Good Night!

Holy CupCakes, Liam turned 5!!

that's right, the lil dude has turned 5. This has turned his mother(me) into a wreck! I mean really, wasn't it just yesterday that I brought him home from the hospital and just stared him going, what the heck do I do with you now that you are out??!! He has been such a riot, he makes me laugh every day(ok, sometimes I want to ring his neck but can't cuz he is just so darn cute!) and makes me so happy for getting a clue and deciding to have a baby! Every day I am more and more thankful for him and for my husband.
Liam had his party today, it was super hero themed. He would have been happy at Chucky CheeseI(I would have rather given birth again with no drugs than do that-sorry Chuck). I, on the other hand, live for parties. My husband? Not so much. He loves Liam to pieces, other kids? UMM...not so much! He actually would be a great stay home and when I "let" him retire for the second time, he will do a great job! lol Anyway I bought the Batman and Superman carts and made his invites, center pieces,banner, cupcake toppers and sign. I had a blast doing it. Those pieces are way small on the cart and it was a bit aggravating! Seriously, anyone have those cartridges? I still can't get a grip on the sizes, real dial, regular whatever... four trillion pieces later and I managed to make some pretty cool center pieces. Anything for the little dude! (including my sanity apparently)We invited 12 other children and although me being the control freak wanted to organize games and such, they only wanted to bounce in the Marvel themed bounce house! Oh well, I relented....(and then played pin the bat on the moon by myself later! ha)Some of the kids dressed up as their favorite super heroes which was lots of fun. They played all day in the bounce house and with all of Liam's super heroes and cars. What great kids! Here are some photos(ok, a lot of photos!)
here is the invite:

Since many didn't RSVP, I had to send out a reminder!! It's bat on a piece of elastic!

Here is the bounce house-

The party favors included a chocolate covered marshmallow with an "S" for Superman on it, stickers,a door hanger and lightening bolt soap I ordered from Etsy (Brownbagbathbars.

Superman was guarding the treat bags-

Sign for the front door and banner inside-

Here are the center pieces,cupcakes and toppers:

Here are his buddies(Liam has the yellow Wolverine costume on on the right)

Me and my bud with all of his presents!

Whew! I think that is it!! Now off to do thank yous(and you know they just can't be store bought!) Fire up the Cricut!!
Happy Birthday Liam! Mommy and daddy love you and hope you had a great time!

Thank you!

I was in a homemade ornament swap that Sarah from Pink By Design organized. I received my ornaments in the mail a few minutes ago and they are already on my tree! They look perfect with the silver garland I have on the tree since they are silver and white crochet angels! They are so beautiful!!! I love PBD and thought the ornament was a great idea! Thanks Sarah and thank you so much to Rebecca who sent such beautiful ornaments to me!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow, it has been so long since I have posted!! We went on vacation and since our return I have been working on everything for Liam's 5th b-day party coming next weekend and decorating the house for Christmas! I just wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! This year, I am especially grateful that my mom is feeling better and adjusting to her new digs at the assisted living facilty! I am so grateful to have my 8 siblings, my husband and my kids! I am so thankful to have a job when so many have lost theirs, to have my home, good health and wonderful friends. I am so glad to have discovered the Cricut although now its become a crazy addiction! Without it though I would not have discovered so many wonderful blogs and so many awesome people like all of you! Your talent, dedication, unselfishness, willingness to teach others and desire to share with others is amazing! I have been so honored to be a guest designer for some of you and to be in some great blog hops! Thank you!! I appreciate all of you and wanted you to know that. A special happy turkey day to Amy, Rhonda,and Ana. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with me, you all are so inspiring!! I know I will see Ana but Amy and Rhonda-come visit! After that first snow, you will need a warm vacation in FL!! lol xoxo
I made two cards but was so busy I didn't get to join in any challenges~ but, here they are! Happy Turkey day!

Toadally cool!

Good morning! Today I have a card I made for the Tacky Tuesday
Challenge on Face Book. This group is run by Ruthie of September ninth. Ruthie is so talented, you should really visit her site and see all the cool things she makes! She has challenges once a month on Face Book. This month the challenge was to use a frog cut and the sentiment "toad" or "frog." This is what I came up with:

I love the Create a Critter cartridge! I used My Pink Stamper stamps. I used the "toadally" from one set and the "wishing you were here" from another set. (dont ask me how long it look to do that, my hands were black after that lil project...sure, just tape over the part you don't want to use they say,its so easy-really????) I used some DCWV Christmas paper I got last year and my new sheer red ribbon(love it!) I will send this card to my sister who won't be here for Christmas! Now get over to face book,ask to be a member,check out all the entries, and enter one of your own!!

I love my kids!

Forgot to post some pictures from Halloween! Liam and I went as Wolverine and Wonder Woman! I love Halloween and after seeing all the cool projects throughout the month on Scrap Happens and Jeans Crafty Corner and some other blogs I follow, I cannot wait until next year!!
Here is a picture of the two of us!

this is his teacher, Ms. Roseann:

I am "schmom" to Mikey (19) and Alex(17). Here is a picture of all the kids from Alex's Senior homecoming dance. Not too shabby, huh?? I love my kids!!!

Happy Saturday!

OOOH its gorgeous here in south Florida, its actually kind of cool outside!! Yea! Last night we went on a hayride and roasted marshmallow at a local park! The little dude likes to stay home so it took some begging and pleading but then he had a blast! And, since it was cool out it, it made it more fun. (when its a zillion degrees and the fire is a zillion degrees, its not so fun! ha!) I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, get outside!!!
I have been kind of busy, gearing up for a trip and making decorations for Liam's b-day next month but managed to get one card done this week! I am entering this little pumpkin card into the following challenges:
Celebrate the Occasion-Pumpkin, Whimisical Designs and More than Favors

Birthday Hop winner

Good Morning Peeps! I have a winner for Rhonda and Amys Birthday hop! It was comment #7-- Diana

That is so funny 50 sucks-- You did a great job.
I will have to remember that.
DIANA L.
http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com

Congrats! I will contact you today for your address. By the way, Diana has a wonderful blog, I have been following her for a while now. Please take the time to go see her beautiful cards and follow her!! Thanks to everyone who hopped along and for all the nice comments!! Have a wonderful day!!

Amy & Rhonda's Birthday Party Blog Hop!

This hop officially starts at 9 am but because I have to work(ick!), my post is up early!
Welcome to Amy and Rhonda's Birthday Party Hop! I have a tale to tell you, are you ready?? Once upon a time (okay, once upon two times nearly a decade apart), two girls were born... These girls were both visited by their fairy godmothers and granted very special talents... One was given the talent of creating the most beautiful mini scrapbook albums while the other was given the talent of creating some really amazing explosion boxes... Each of these girls would one day begin blogging, and this is how they would meet...

Somewhere over the rainbow, you'll find the lovely Rhonda... Where scrap happens and paper flies..And somewhere near the zoo, you'll find dear Amy...Where giraffes prance and frolic to her heart's content...
One day, these two lives collided and Rhonda and Amy have become forever friends!! Lovely Rhonda had this incredible idea for a new twist on a challenge blog, so she contacted dear Amy and asked her to take care of the "technical" side... For many months, they have enjoyed CELEBRATING the get-togethers and parties that make life fun by showcasing the DECORATIONS that others share... And THAT is how the Decorate to Celebrate! challenge blog began...

Today, it's time to CELEBRATE good times and good friends with this "BIRTHDAY PARTY" Blog Hop and Birthday Project Link-Up that will last all month long!! Rhonda, who is turning the big 5-0 this year deserves a month-long celebration, don't ya think??? And Amy, who will forever stay 29 (for the 12th time) has always been a BIG believer in the "Birth-month Celebration"... Soooooo... After the hop has ended, you'll be able to create a "Birthday Party" themed project and LINK IT UP at the Decorate To Celebrate! challenge blog!! Usually, your entry needs to be a decoration or party supply, but THIS MONTH (and this month only), you can link up ANY Birthday Party project (cards, layouts, 3D Art...). We'll be giving out some Birthday Presents all month long, but you'll need to enter to WIN!! You'll find more details on the challenge blog... For now, let's get hopping!! :)

Rhonda and Amy have assembled a few of their creative friends to join them on this Birthday Party Adventure through Bloggie-Land... Along the way, you'll find some incredibly creative projects to celebrate Rhonda and Amy... If you came here from Sheena then you are in the right spot!! If you have just happened upon my blog, I'd love for you to join the PARTY so CLICK HERE to start at Rhonda's blog so you don't miss any of the FUN!!
Both Amy and Rhonda know how much I appreciate not only their creativity but our new friendship as well. It's hard to make gifts for two of the most creative people I know but here goes!

As you know, Rhonda is turning 50 and I think she is funny as all get out. So, I think she will see the humor in my gift to her(I hope!). Ya know how old ladies suck on butterscotch and well, to some people turning old sucks?

Ha! Ha! I used a clear bucket and using vinyl (for the first time), spelled out "50 sucks" and added butterscotch to her bucket! get it??
For Amy's gift I also used a clear bucket and decorated it with Coredinations paper(she loves giraffes),a rosette I made,a beautiful fabric flower from Maya Road, a stick pin I made and some gold and black tulle.

Thanks for checking out my project, your next stop will be the very talented Carri (whom I learned how to make the stick pin from!)however, before you go be sure to leave a comment on this post so that you'll be entered to WIN the GRAND PRIZE! Here's the entire line-up!! You'll finish up at Decorate to Celebrate
where you'll be able to start entering YOUR Birthday Party projects for a chance at some Birthday Prizes tomorrow!! This challenge will last ALL month long, so we hope you'll join us for the CELEBRATION!!
Rhonda(Our November Birthday Girl!!)http://ScraphappenswithRhonda.blogspot.com
Audrey http://cuteandsome.blogspot.com
Kacee http://youhadmeatscrap.blogspot.com/
Norma http://pinkblingcrafter.blogspot.com/
Jean http://jeanscraftycorner.blogspot.com/
Liz http://www.mywhichcraft.blogspot.com/
Sherrie http://sherriescraps.blogspot.com/
Cally Ann http://callyanncraftycreations.blogspot.com/
Tracie http://trace-elementz.blogspot.com/
Amy http://amyscraftingspace.blogspot.com/
Lisa http://indymermaid.blogspot.com/
Sheena http://lilflowerslynne1.blogspot.com/
Peggy Sue http://icrea8cards.blogspot.com/-----You are here!
Carri http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/----NEXT!
Amy http://www.lovetocrop.com (Our December Birthday Girl!!)
Decorate To Celebrate http://decoratetocelebrate.blogspot.com/

I also have BLOG CANDY!(did ya think I would make you read this entire thing without a lil candy at the end???)

two Cosmo Crickett Glubers and a Maya Road coaster album. I would love for you to be a follower but its not necessary to win. But please leave an email address so I can get in touch with you should you win! I will pick a winner on November 2nd! Happy Birthday ladies and thanks for including me in your hop!

Reminder!

Don't forget to stop by for Amy and Rhonda's Birthday hop tomorrow. It is going to be full of amazing projects done by some amazing people! You won't be disappointed!! Lots of candy along the way!
Rhonda has Scrap Happens and Decorate to Celebrate with Amy and Amy has Love to Crop. All 3 blogs have awesome projects. Follow them and see where their creativity takes you.

oops-sorry & Blog Hop!

thanks to Rhonda,I fixed my comment section. For some reason, it was not allowing comments. I posted my project last night to be shown this morning and it did but then it wouldnt allow comments.. hmmm. Oh well, now it is fixed!
On November 1st, I will be participating in a birthday bog hop to celebrate two totally awesome ladies, Rhonda from Scrap Happens and Amy from Love to Crop. They also have a joint blog called, Decorate to Celebrate
. If you have not seen a mini done by Rhonda or a kickin explosion box or beautiful stick pin by Amy then you are missin out. Rhonda is currently doing a halloween project each day of this month with another amazing lady, Jean of Jeans Crafty Corner . They are rockin the projects, the creativity just blows me away! So be sure to check out Amys,Rhondas, and Jeans blogs daily and you too will see some awesome things!! I hope you stop by for the Birthday blog, I will have candy!!!

Hi Mummy!

Whoo hoo!! Today I am the guest designer at Creative Craft Corner! For today, I made a mummy treat bag for my own "mummy" who loves her candy and chocolates! It was really easy to make and I really love the way it turned out.

I used cream colored paper and the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge to make a treat bag. I took the left over scraps of paper and ripped them into several long pieces. I then inked the edges with Tim Holtzs gathered twigs Distress Ink and adhered the strips onto the bag using my ATG gun. Next, I cut black circles for eyes and attached a googly eye to each. I tucked them into one of the strips so they were just peeking out. Instead of attaching a tag, I stamped the bottom strip with a sentiment from Pink By Design stamps.
Please check out the Creative Craft Corner and say hi to Karey, she is so nice and is always making wonderful projects! Thanks Karey for letting me be a guest designer!!

Scary Monster??

I can't get enough of Halloween! It is just an awesome time of the year and I love seeing decorations and feeling the weather drop from 90' to 80' here in South Florida! ha! It actually got down to the high 60's for about half a minute the other morning!! I found this great Me & My Big Ideas paper pack at TJ Maxx(who knew?)and thought it would be great for a few Halloween challenges that required purple. It was hard to see the cool shiny purple and bright lime so I took it outide to take the picture! The picture doesn't quite do it justice! But, in between playing tackle football with my 4 yr old,(he kicks my butt everytime!)baking cookies, sending the oldest back to college,and doing laundry, it was the best I could do! ha! I made an easel card and used the Mini Monsters cart, some die cuts from K & Company and some pretty purple and lime ribbon I had. The sentiment is from Pink By Design(they stamp so great! I love them!) I am entering this into the following challenges: Bitten By The Bug 2:purple, More Than Favors Wacky Wednesday:Halloween,and Fantabulous Cricut:purple

Happy Birthday!

I made this birthday card for my brother. He loves the Chicago Bears so I used Orange and Navy and of course, this cute little football brad from the Eyelet Outlet. I am entering this into the challenge at Celebrate the Occasion which is to make a male card using metal.

Halloween Wreath

I love Halloween and when I saw the video on how to make these wreaths I knew I had to make one. (ok, I have now made 4!). Sarah from Pink By Design showed an easy tutorial that even I could follow along! They are so fun to make! Instead of purchasing a foam or straw wreath, I just cut a cardboad box into a circle using my pyrex bowls for measurement! I used Recollections paper for my rosettes and then added odds and ends I found in my scrap drawers like Marth Stewart die cuts, brads, buttons, twine,a googly eye etc..I hot glued everything on and added tulle. I am entering this into the Halloween Decorate to Celebrate challenge and the
Whimsical Wednesday halloween decor challenge.

So Spooky

Amanda's Crafts and More Getting Scrappy #19 Challenge is Kooky and Spooky. Here is a layout I did for the challenge. I used my PK stamps on the Mini Monster ghost. I used Recollections paper and some chipboard I found at Walmart. I had the skeleton in my stash along with the skull and bones ribbon I got at Target last yr from the buck bin. I used my favorite punch, MS drippy goo.

Halloween Treat Bags

I made these cute little Halloween treat bags for my sons pre-K class. I thought they were so cute, I made 12 more for my friends daughter to take to daycare. They were so easy to make! I took a 2.5x8.5 piece of orange paper and covered it in this candy corn Recollections paper I got from Michaels.(the sides are open) I folded the top and bottom using my scor tool( I gotta be honest here, I eyeballed the folds at the top and bottom! ) I used my 1 3/8 round punch to punch out the circle. I then took 2x3 clear plastic ziploc bags I found on Etsy (100 for about $3.00! I LOVE ETSY)and filled them with candy corn. I punched a hole in the top of the clear bag and treat bag and then threaded the orange ribbon thru both the top of the treat bag and the clear bag. I used my scallop punch and used my Tim Holtz distress Ink(thanks to 2 Creative chicks, they were selling at the Crop Out Breast Cancer crop)and inked around the edges of the tag. I used a sentiment from Bug Bites stamps,love the saying! I think they turned out cutie patootie! They are so easy to make even my non crafting girlfriends think they can manage these!!
I am entering this into the Getting Cricky with K Andrews Simply Sunday Halloween Treat holder challenge and the More Than Favors challenge, Treat bags or boxes!

Maya Road Mystery Box sale going on now!

Olivia's Place is having a Maya Road Mystery Box sale. for $35.15 plus $6.00 shipping you get a 4lb box of goodies. I bought one a few months ago and got tons of chipboard(I sent most of it to Rhonda at Scrap Happens) so if you like chipboard, this may be a great deal for you! I had bought mine for $50 though so the price has been reduced. I am a sucker for a mystery so I am off to buy one now. Hurry, they go fast!

Wacky Wednesday challenge #54

More Than Favors Wacky Wednesdays challenge #54 is a color challenge. The colors purple, green orange and black are to be used. I used the mini monsters cart to make this spooky guy and my PBD stamps. The metal embellishments I found at Walmart and the ribbon I got at Michaels. I used my Cuttlebug(swiss dots and seeing spots) to emboss to keep with the circles in the ribbon.