Live Like You Were Dyin'

Last weekend, my husband, Dean, and I went to Dallas for a little weekend getaway.  The getaway was part Dean's Christmas gift and partly to celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary.  Many, many years ago he told me that he wanted to attend a NASCAR camp - this was on his "bucket list" and I wasn't sure that he would ever be able to do it (or afford it).  Living Social offered a special on a "NASCAR Experience" and I jumped at the chance to purchase it for Dean.  We went to the Texas Motor Speedway's NASCAR Experience which is run by Mario Andretti and his staff.

Here is my handsome husband in his fire suit!  He was so excited about driving a "proven" race car.  The car he drove was the Crown Royal car that is driven by Jamie McMurray.

Dean was so excited when he got his statistics on his fastest lap.  He drove 154.53 mph and got to drive for 8 minutes.  His goal was to drive 150 mph and he met his goal.  I am so happy that he had the opportunity to drive and feel the power! 

The classroom trainer said that family members could purchase a ride with a professional driver and go 3 laps at top speeds.  Dean asked me if I wanted to do it and my first thought was absolutely NOT!   The next thought that went through my mind was, "What if I die tomorrow?  What if I never get a chance to do this again?"  So I marched myself up to the registration trailer and signed myself up - YES I DID!!!!  It was thrilling!  I told the driver, Kevin, that I couldn't even say a word or scream like a girl!  It was just exhilarating and I had a smile on my face for 3 straight laps!

I know I don't look very cool in a fire suit but I had to wear one!

The car I rode in was Jimmie Johnson's Lowe's car and we went 180 mph!  It was exhilarating!

Getting in and out of those cars is a challenge!  I actually bruised my back and shoulder but it was worth it.  I told the guy helping me that he might need a hoist to get me back out!

When we got back home, we went to show my in-laws the pictures and video and they were giving us a hard time about doing it.  My mother-in-law also gave us an update on a family member who was diagnosed with cancer while we were away (she is in her early 50's)  and my husband and I both said, "That is why we rode and drove NASCARs!"    You never know what tomorrow holds!  Now, you need to go Live Like You Were Dyin'!

"God Moments" Prayer Journal

This past weekend, the Women of Westminster had a Women's Retreat called "God Moments".  Since my mom just had surgery, she nor I were able to attend...I know very sad! 

 However, many, many months ago the committee asked me if I would teach a group craft project (for 55),  as last year we made thank you cards with the ladies.  I was thrilled they asked me again, and after thinking about it for a week or so, I suggested that we make prayer journals to one of the committee members.  She didn't  relay that to the committee chair that week, but the next week they met with the retreat speaker and she told them that she really emphasizes journaling.  Well, I don't know about you, but I took that as a sign that God meant for us to make those journals to record their "God Moment" in. 

The above journal is what we made.  I used the Elemental Paper packet and miscellaneous ribbons from my stash.  I cut the scalloped border, leaves and flowers on the Cricut and stamped them with the Hooray Bouquet stamp set.  We used liquid glass to adhere the pebbles to the center of the flowers. 

 Everyone loved their creations...many of them don't scrapbook or make cards and told me that it made them feel really "crafty"!  Those are the days that I love my job!

PS - Thank you to my last minute helpers!  My mom, Aaron Brown, Aunt Barbara, Nancy, and Jackie helped me,  as the committee split everyone up into groups - and there aren't 6 of me (thank goodness)!

Congratulations Card

This Pemberly card was cut out on the Cricut (you just have to love that Cricut AP Cartridge!).   I used the Card Word Puzzle to stamp the flowers, leaves and "congratulations."   I stamped the flowers and the leaves with Brown StazOn ink and then water colored the flowers with  Buttercup ink and the leaves with Desert Sand.  I stamped the flourish with the Love Life stamp set.

The butterflies are from the Color Ready Accents assortment and I sponged Honey ink over them.  I embellished the card with Bronze Glitz Glitter Gel, Pearl Opaques, and ribbon from my stash. 

Treasure Life Pemberly Card

This card features Pemberly paper and "A Tweet" stamp set.  It is one of those A-size stamp sets that are only $6.95!  It is not a new stamp, but one of my favorites.    I cut the flower on the Cricut and used a border punch to make the ruffles at the bottom of the card.  The blue button assortment is a perfect coordinating embellishment for the Pemberly paper packet.

**Tips - To stamp the dimensional bird, I used the Kiss and Twist technique.  I stamped the bird with Outdoor Denim ink and then kissed a dry stamp (the flower) over inked the bird (directly on the stamp) and gave it a little twist which creates the look of the feathers.  This is a great technique to use on solid stamps - flowers, butterflies, etc.  I cut the bird out; distressed the edges with Desert Sand; and popped it up with 3D Foam Tape.  I used a Mocha Pearl Opaque for the bird's eye.

You and Me Tall Card

This card also features the Pemberly Paper packet and I made the card base with Buttercup Cardstock.  I used the Cricut AP Cartridge to cut the rectangles and butterfly.  The butterfly and "You & Me" were stamped with the Love Clusters stamp set.  I used the blue button assortment and the Bouquet Assortment to embellish the card.

The Bouquet Assortment includes 20 resin flowers and have adhesive on the back.  They are very convenient to use for your cardmaking and scrapbooking projects.