Young Love + A Template

With all I’ve been doing with family and such, I decided my only new digiscrap release in my shoppe this week will be a new Timesaver Template! I used it to scrap this fun layout with my sons and their young ladies …

Young Love

Credits: Timesaver Template ScrapIt #4, Olde Tyme Junque kit

You can grab this great template throughout the weekend for 30% off – that’s about 88 cents loves! :D

One of the CT gals over at SUN, Janel, scrapped this beautiful page using the template, too …

Love Nest

Credits: Timesaver Template ScrapIt #4, Scalloped Tomatoes Mats 2 by Jennilyn Designs, Love Out Loud by LDrag Designs (all available at SUN)

JUST FOR FUN … A FREEBIE!

I had some heart doodles on hand and decided I’d package them up & share them with you all in this month of *love*. :D

Doodle Hearts – 2 acrylic, 1 fibers, 1 colored pencil

- Download here -

Blessings & happy scrapping y’all! :D

`·.¸¸.·´´¯`··._.· Cari `·.¸¸.·´´¯`··._.·

Moose Trail Acres: Photo Roundup

This past week we had our son Justin home from the Navy for a visit. He will be on his way to his new duty station in HAWAII next week where he will join his submarine, the USS Louisville. We also had our son Aaron home for a visit over the weekend and we celebrated his 24th birthday! Also in attendance for the celebration were Aaron’s girlfriend, Amanda, and Grandma B’J. :D While we were celebrating, a few more visitors joined us! Below are photos from this very enjoyable week we’ve just had …

This is our resident squirrel, whom I long ago christened “Chumba Wumba” (technically, there are several squirrels, all of whom I call by this name :D ) – most mornings he can be seen perched atop this old walking stick that is propped between three pine trees in my backyard garden. I was glad to finally snap his picture at his fav spot!

Testing the Ice - Justin outside on an early morning stroll around our place last Sunday before church

Sipsy ran out to say good morning to Justin in the yard

Justin showing me his awesome new jacket! I just love this, & may need to find a girl’s version for me! :D

MMMmmmmmm Cinnamon Rolls! Yep, I baked these yummers up early Saturday morning, & everyone enjoyed having them with dollops of butter slathered on top! :D

Mama Moose … here she goes, following along after Junior (off-camera here). We all loved seeing them pass by out our front window, and my mama laughed over how that moose is taller than her pickup. :D

Dessert Time!! I baked these scrumptious dishes, selecting my sons’ favs: Cherry Cheesecake for Aaron and Coconut Meringue Pie for Justin! :D

Birthday Time!!! Happy Happy Birthday Aaron! :D Uncle Bryan even called just as we were lighting the candles, so Grandma B’J held the phone to Aaron’s ear so he could hear Uncle Bryan sing Happy Birthday along with the rest of us! Awesome fun! :D

Mooses! Meeses! Oh my!! Those beautiful, huge moose both came lumbering through the backyard – some of you may recognize our little pond and my bench. At this point I was cringing as I waited to see if mama moose would step in the frozen pond, and whether any damage would be done to the pond (it has happened in past winters), but thankfully she detoured around at the last moment. Her young one was already ahead of her over in front of our little blacksmith cabin, so mama headed over and joined him …

Definitely *not* small animals! :D

Blessings & happy scrapping y’all! :D

`·.¸¸.·´´¯`··._.· Cari `·.¸¸.·´´¯`··._.·

PGD 12 Days of Christmas … Day #8 Freebies + Airport Fiasco

Well, with all the busyness yesterday of fetching my son, Justin, from the airport, I neglected to realize that Day 7’s designer freebie was *mine*! lol If any of you are up bright & early this morning, though, you *may* just find it still available for free a bit longer this morning before Sherrie changes to today’s freebie. If you don’t get there quick enough, however, you can get my adorable Felt Christmas Ornaments for just $1.50! Enjoy

And while you are at PGD, be sure to grab today’s the Gypsy Girls QP freebie, too!

 

For those of you who were collecting Carol Zeitz’s 8 Crazy Nights, I hope you had a wonderful Chanukah … and remember, her last piece of the kit will be available through 5:59pm tonight! :D

Our time at the airport yesterday was interesting, and though it was challenging, we managed to keep good attitudes … our son, Justin, arrived safe & sound 1/2 an hour early – we were thrilled! Then we waited for his luggage, and waited, and waited. An hour later we were still waiting as an occasional new piece would come through, and we kept hoping someone might come man the counter for baggage claims. They didn’t. We went searching. Another 1/2 hour and we finally found someone who would help us. I wish I’d caught the man’s name – he was very caring & concerned, and he spent an hour on the phone and the computer getting a worldwide search for Justin’s luggage, and even typing in the entire claim for Justin rather than making him do it himself at home. So, 2 1/2 hours after his arrival, we left the airport praying the luggage would be found & would arrive at our home very quickly. Justin’s snowboard & equipment was in it, plus several Christmas gifts, not to mention his other Navy uniform and such. An hour after leaving, Justin phoned the claimsline number he’d been given. He spent 1/2 an hour on hold, but eventually they said his luggage had been found! :D Of course, it was clear back in Minneapolis. :P We are praying they will keep their word and have it delivered to us today. :D

After all that, we grabbed a bite to eat at Arby’s – they didn’t have one of those in Connecticut and Justin had been craving Arby’s for months! :D Then, back in Sandpoint, Justin accompanied his dad in WalMart to do a small bit of Christmas shopping – and of course they ran in to lots of folks we know, so had some nice visits through the store. Next, we stopped over to Home Depot so Justin could say hello to many of his former workmates there. It was a very nice time, and while it had been a very long day for Jim and he was wearing some, he really held up pretty well, all things considered. He definitely was enjoying the time with Justin and with visiting folks. :D

Coming Home

Have a wonderful day, folks! :)

*~~**~~Cari~~**~~*

PGD 12 Days of Christmas … Day #7 & Coming Home For Christmas

Sorry I missed posting about yesterday’s holiday freebies at PGD folks, I hope you still remembered to stop on over there. I had an early morning dental appoint I had to get to – bleh. :) Today I am here to remind you, though, so hop on over for your goodies! :D

PGD Day #7 – Get your goodies!!

View Full Album

 

Coming Home for Christmas …

Our son Justin is on his way home at this very moment from his submarine base in Connecticut!! He texted me at 5am that he was boarding his 2nd plane. One more plane after that and he will be in Spokane where we will be waiting for him!!! woohoo!! :D Hard to believe we last saw him at his boot camp graduation in May – over 7 months ago! Got some *serious* hugging to do today! :D

God bless y’all!

*~~**~~Cari~~**~~* 

To Those Who Serve … Thank You

Happy Veterans Day!

One year ago I created this, it was one of my earliest digital scrapbooking attempts. I want to share it again today because it’s meaning still holds …

Yes, THANK YOU.

On Facebook this week Applebee’s Vets Page asked what does Veterans Day mean to you? Here is my response:

It means recognizing that men & women in the military have sacrificed much throughout the history of our country so that we may enjoy the freedoms our nation affords. It means their sacrifice has kept so many horrors of war away from our front door as they have so often gone out and fought our enemies before they could ever reach our shores. THANK YOU VETERANS & MILITARY SERVICEMEMBERS!!

Thank you to my brothers, Dale & Bryan, for their service in the Marines.

Thank you to my husband, Jim, for his service in the Navy.

And thank you to our son, Justin, for his current service in the Navy!

As Promised ... More Sailor Pics! :)

Since arriving back home from our trip to Great Lakes, I'm afraid I have been hit with a really lousy flu bug (hrrmmm... could it be the swine bug found me?? Probably not... but I've been miserable nonetheless!), so I have not gotten as much done with our trip photos as I'd like. That, and I have had a lot of photos to go through as I took well over 800 pics on the trip! (I know my brothers are laughing loudly at me right now, but for the average photographer/scrapbooker, that's not such an overly large number of photos for a weeklong trip! :P) So I am busy sorting through the pics, weeding out the keepers from the tossers.  I have so many great ones I want to share, and plenty I want to scrap. Here are a few more favs to show you...

...love those uniforms! ...

... more from grad day ...

 

... our hotel offered a warm welcome for our sailors ...

... we saw a few movies over the weekend, including 3D! ...

... and we paid a fun visit to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago!

Our Seaman!

We had the awesome privilege of seeing our youngest son, Justin, graduate Navy boot camp today. WOOT! Justin was Guide-on for his division, & was carrying the division flag at the ceremony. He, of course, looked handsome in his dress whites. He is looking really good, healthy, happy, strong. We got to meet two of his chiefs who each thanked us for sending them a young man who didn’t require much work at all, described Justin as a real asset, and one chief told us Justin was their absolute best “stick” (i.e., carrying, displaying, & maneuvering his flag while marching & such). He definitely performed with military precision and attention today! :)

 

 

My NSD Speed Scrap LO

I had a ton of fun at the speed scrap on National Scrapbooking Day over at PGD, and the layout turned out really great.

OUR SWEET SON

Credits:
All from PixelGypsyDesigns.com:
Papers by Sherrie Piegdon from Debbie's Camp Hilaka Papers
Frame, Nature's word art, string bow, leaf, & fern by Sherrie Piegdon from Debbie's Camp Hilaka Elements
Random Alpha 1 & 2 by Ami Collofello
Button by Ami Collofellow from Table Scraps Elements
Splat glitter by Abish Allen from My Garden

Word arts, button, & star by Elise Hansen from Cowboy Cool

Font: Snowshoe

Irish, Heritage, & Navy Layouts To Share

Hi all! Well, after being incredibly busy the first half of this month, I have finally had some time to do some digi scrapping - woohoo! So I have a few layouts to share with you today.

The first two are very GREEN - in honor of March's St. Patrick's Day...

IRISH BLESSING

Credits:
*All from PixelGypsyDesigns.com*
Rectangle Design Template by Sherrie Piegdon
Button, striped bow, glitter heart, & green glitter from Wishes & Whimsy Collab
Papers by Sherrie Piegdon from Corrugated Autumn
Frame by Elise Hansen from Cowboy Cool
Papers by Sherrie Piegdon from Mari's Rustic Lane
Leaves by Amanda Carlson from Sweet Child of Mine
Leaves by Abish Allen from My Garden
RicRac, & papers by Elise Hansen from Touchdown
Frame by Sherrie Piegdon from Artisian Frames

Fonts: Crazy Milktop Girl, Sherwood, Carrington, Papyrus

LUCKY

LUCKY. The word
doesn’t even begin

to describe how
BLESSED

I am
to live herein the woods

of North Idaho
surrounded by
WILDLIFE
& a gorgeous view,

& the serene beautyof
NATURE

all around me.

Credits:
at PixelGypsyDesigns.com
Alpha by Elise Hansen from Letterman Alpha at PixelGypsyDesigns.com
Papers by Sherrie Piegdon from Serene I Papers at PixelGypsyDesigns.com
Felt shamrock by Jennifer Fletcher from March Daily Download at ScrapOutsideTheBox.com
Leaves & fern by Petra Thomas from Falling Leaves at PixelGypsyDesigns.com
Twine frame, burlap scraps, & branch by Sherrie Piegdon from Mari's Rustic Elements at PixelGypsyDesigns.com
Stitches & holes by Amanda Carlson from Just Stitches at PixelGypsyDesigns.com

Fonts: 2Peas GG Mix, CK Wanted, Fleur Corner Caps, Kelt

Then a heritage page...

CHRISTMAS 1952

My moma, grandma, & uncle on a sled in the snow at Christmastime 1952.

Credits:
Paper & alpha by Amber LaBau from My Life at StolenMoments.blogspot.com
Knotty ribbon, newspaper flourish, & worn mats by Sherrie Piegdon from Twilight Elements at PixelGypsyDesigns.com

Font: Milk & Cereal

And our son, Justin...

NAVY OATH

March 11, 2009

Confirmation of Enlistment
I, Justin Cruse, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend
the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States
and the orders of the officers appointed over me,
according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
So help me God.

Credits:
Paper & tab by Ami Collofello from Old Fashioned Charm at PixelGypsyDesigns.com
Photo mask by Leisa Hennesey from Photo Masks at Naturespixel.com
Paper & mesh by Elise Hansen from Touchdown at PixelGypsyDesigns.com
Wire fencing by Sherrie Piegdon from Mari's Rustic Lane at PixelGypsyDesigns.com

Fonts: Cornerstone, Bergamo-Caps

Sweet, Sweet Surprise!!

What a wonderful, awesome, sweeeeeet surprise I just got! After being told Wednesday night in a 40-second phone call from Justin that he would not be able to call again for 3 weeks, I just got a phone call from him!! His commander decided to work it out so all the guys in his division could make a call home today. Awesome! Turns out their division is on hold clear until Thursday while they wait for a 2nd division to get in so they have someone across from them. Until then, they are stuck in the dorm (not even in their barracks), and not a lot to do. The mess hall is connected to the dorms, so they hadn't even stepped a foot outside there until they went out to make these phone calls today. I guess when they all got in so late Wednesday night, they were initially told they would be allowed to make a 5-minute call home. Then it got so late and there were so many that it got changed to only ONE minute (thus my 40-second call from him). I guess their commander decided to give them another shot since they are all stuck holding right now - he even told them today to keep calling until they reached someone! Awesome! What a blessing and a joy it was to answer the phone and hear my son's voice so totally unexpectedly! It was also great to hear that he is currently assigned as the Section 1 Leader for his division! I understood that to mean that he leads the group in their marching. I'm a mom, and I am just so dang proud!! :D

He Did It

We had the wonderful privilege of seeing our son, Justin, be sworn in to the United States Navy this morning! woohoo! The ceremony was wonderful - we were amazed at how they go out of their way to include the family. They even had all us moms with cameras come stand ON the stage on either side of the Lieutenant leading the ceremony so that we could take pics of our sons as they took the oath, AND they made sure that our sons were the ones up in the front row to be sure we'd get their pics. Not that anyone without parents there was treated less, it was just amazing how kind and thoughtful they were of us. Justin is in the air now somewhere on his way to boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois. We are proud!

Here he is taking the oath:

We were able to spend time with Justin for a bit last night at his hotel & over dinner. Then this morning we  needed to be at the Federal Building & Courthouse by 0830. We made it, but it was close even though we gave ourselves plenty of time - you see, the parking garage around the corner is where we planned to park, but at 0800 this morning the lousy thing had a chain across the entrance with a "closed" sign! So we had to drive past, which took us on a one way street and ended up having to just settle for a parking spot at Riverfront Park. This meant we had to walk several blocks in 5 DEGREE temps (!) in thin dress slacks and cut through the Riverfront Plaza and a few more blocks over to the courthouse! We were soooooooo froze! Then, of course, we had to go through security (just like at the airport). We made it in plenty of time, thankfully, but what a crazy start to the day! We were able to take lots of photos (and video) and we got to see Justin take the oath & sign & give his fingerprint on his contract. Then we got to hang out and visit a bit more, and then say our teary good-byes! We both gave him some motherly and fatherly advice, and then trusted him to God's protection. We will certainly keep him in our prayers in the days and weeks to come!

Today's Challenge LO - And We Are PROUD

Did another layout for a Pixel Gypsy challenge. The requirement here was to journal *first.* That was a little tough, but once I had my subject chosen, the words flowed...as did some "proud mama" tears! :D

Here's my LO:

Here's the text:

We've known since you were a tiny boy that
the military held a strong draw for you.
You wore your little camo outfit
(a gift from Uncle Dale) *constantly*.
We knew your ever-growing patriotism,
something you felt deep in your gut
and displayed openly,
would make you a prime candidate
to serve our country.
You come from a family
of patriotic folk,
many of whom have served
our country's military.
Dad in the Navy.
Uncle Dale & Uncle Bryan in the Marines.
Grandpa Jim in the Air Force.
Great Grandpa & Grandma Cutter in the Marines -
Great Grandpa Cutter who survived the Baton Death March.
And many others.
Even before you made your decision,
we watched you stand tall with pride
and respect
in the presence of
military personnel
or
the flag.
You took on a Marine sergeant
last summer
in a pushup contest
to win
a red-white-and-blue
soccer ball.
It wasn't really the ball
you wanted,
but the opportunity
to prove yourself.
You got the ball.
And the respect of us all.
Your confidence
to challenge the sergeant,
your diligence
in the contest,
your grin
afterwards...
all made me choke
with pride.
Now you are almost 21.
You have made your decision.
You thought long and hard,
and considered carefully
all branches, all options.
You chose
The United States Navy.
And we are PROUD!

.............*~*~*...............

Layout includes:

• Stitched border & paperclips from Ami Collofello's Old-Fashioned Charm Element Pack at PixelGypsyDesigns.com
• Paper from Elise Hansen's Good Tidings kit at PixelGypsyDesigns.com
• fonts: CKEvolution, JumpStart, LDPunchOut, TXTAnnesia, CKConstitution
• Paper from Shabby Christmas by A Work in Progress - vicki20.blogspot.com