Saturday, March 20, 2010

It's Blog Hop Time!!!

Welcome to the Spring Operation Write Home Blog Hop!
I’m so glad you are here! If you didn’t start at the beginning, please go here:

I’d hate for you to miss out on any of the great blogs before me!

If you came here from Joscie’s Blog.. you are following the right path.

I am so excited to be participating in today’s blog hop. Last October my daughter joined the Unites States Marine Corps. My husband served 20 years in the US Army, and my brother served in the Army during Operation Desert Storm.  I had taken a break from cardmaking while my daughter was in bootcamp and have just started crafting again.  I’m really happy to be making cards for our troops so they can send cards back home to their friends and loved ones.


I have two cards I’m sharing today as well as some blog candy! 
The first card is my spring card I created..


The image is from Sugar Nellie, sentiment from Stampin Up, and designer paper from Basic Grey. Cardstock Stampin Up and I used my Copic Markers to color my image.

The second card is one I have made to send to “Any Hero”.  I will write a note of thanks to let our heroes know how much I appreciate their service to our country. 




To be entered in the drawing for my blog candy pictured below, please leave a comment on my blog no later than Sunday night at 10pm EST.  I will draw a name from the comments on Monday evening and post the winner here on Monday night. I am also committing to making one card for each comment left here.  


It gives me such a sense of honor to be involved with Operation Write Home. I know how much these men and women sacrifice to keep up safe and Free!  I hope during your many clicks through this blog hop, we will inspire you to make a few cards for our troops! Please visit the OWH website to see what a great organization Sandy runs.  The website is full of information, motivational stories, cardmaking tips and the Stars and Stamps blog also runs weekly challenges! 
Your next stop on the hop is none other than Sandy, the Operation Write Home founder and President.  She works tirelessly with many other women to get these cards shipped to our troops every week.  

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Have fun visiting all the other wonderful blogs on the hop! 


130 comments:

Operation Write Home said...

Monica! What a SUPER pic of you and your hubby with your daughter....I need that for a special project, I'll email you! :) :) :)

And I love your Sugar Nellie card, that is an adorable image...pretty card! That patriotic one is stunning too, very bold. Lovely work as always!

Fabre said...

Great card, those Sugar Nellie stamps are always so cute! Thank you so much for joining in the blog hop! Happy Hopping!

Dawn said...

Love the pic of the fam, tooo cute. God Bless your family. What a great group of heroes you have.

Your card with the sugar nellie, is fantastic. Love those images. Your heros card is also fantab!

As for the candy, you rock. What a nice thing to do!

...Darlene said...

Monica,
Sugar Nellie is so cute! I love the set. I have the Stampin Up set to use for Hero cards. Thank your daughter for her service and your family for sharing her with our country.

Debra said...

Monica, love your "hero" card. Thank your daughter for her service. Debbie (Cardkel@gmail.com)

txbluiz said...

Love your cards!!! You did a great job coloring!

What stamp set did you use for your any hero card?

Thanks to your daughter for her service.

Unknown said...

Love your cards...I love the bright colors for the first card.

We are all very appreciative of your daughter! Thank her for us!

Wendy said...

Your cards are fantastic! And so is your family for serving our country. May God Bless your family and keep your daughter safe.

Erica said...

I love your card. It is so cute. The image would work for so many things.

Thank your family for their service. We count on them for our freedoms.

Betty said...

Great photo of you and your daughter!

Love the cards and they will make someone very very happy :)

Merry's Musings said...

What beautiful cards, truly an inspiration for me. And you have a beautiful family!

~Denise Lynn~ said...

What fabulous cards! Love the colors and images on both. Big huge thanks to your daughter for her dedication to our country.

Kathy said...

Thank you from the mother of a hero for working with OWH. It makes my heart very happy.
I enjoyed you blog and you cards.
Kathy Robinson
Pass It On
http://kathypassiton.blogspot.com/

Christine said...

love love love your cards
may God bless and keep you and your family

Brittany said...

Lovely picture! I wish your daughter the best during her time in the military.

I keep hearing about the company, Stampin' Up! I think I'm going to have to research the company and see what kind of products they sell! I really like both of the cards that you've shared with us today. I especially like the patriotic card. Red, white, and blue, indeed! :)

Elisabeth said...

Thanks to your family! I am an Army brat...my dad is retired Army. He was also a part of Desert Storm.

Karel Hamilton said...

I am so happy there is a group like Operation Write Home. My grandson served 6 yrs in the Army, most of that time deployed to Iraq. The cards are adorable and I know they will be appreciated by the soldiers that receive them.

Wendy said...

Monica,
The little girl is SO cute. Love the colors you used on the card.

Rhonda Miller said...

Those cards are soo great. I love your any hero card. That Eagle just stands out. TFS.

TN Granny said...

Monica,
How very proud you must be and the picture is precious. Thank you for being a part of the Blog Hop.
God bless you and yours,
Jeanine

Karen McAlpine said...

Hi Monica,
That sugar Nellie image is so sweet. Beautiful Hero card too. Have fun making the cards!!

Janice said...

What a great little spring card! I love the colors you used on the Sugar Nellie image and the background paper is a perfect complement. Well done! May your daughter stay safe wherever she goes in the world.

babscampbell said...

thank you for your family's service to our nation! I'm a blue-star mom myself. My daughter is a Lt w/82nd Airborne Division, currently serving in Iraq.
Your cards are great! I love the stamp on the first card and the simplicity of the patriotic card. Thanks for what you do for our military thru OWH.

Meg Bean said...

Great bold colors with the hero card! And way to go for making a card for every comment!!

Seongsook Duncan said...

Thanks, Monica, for your family's dedication for our country. Your cards are beautiful. Especially I like the second one - Any Hero card. Thanks for making a card for my comment.

MarcyK924 said...

Love your cards! Thanks for all you do for OWH!!

Erika said...

Beautiful cards! Be sure to thank your daughter from all of us for her service to our country. And from a military wife I just want to say thank you for supporting such a great organization to help families feel closer when they are so far apart.

Cathy... said...

Great cards! Love the stamp and the papers on the first one--the second one is SO perfect! I've been trying to find that set for a couple years now. I can see why no one wants to give it up;)
Thank you for your family's service and sacrifice. You must be so proud of your daughter!

Tammy said...

Beautiful cards...They will make someone's day!! A big Thanks to your daughter!

Shelly R Wilson said...

What beautiful cards you've created. Your daughters service is greatly appreciated! God Bless.

Karen Howard said...

LOVE both your cards! I'm not the best at the Anyhero cards so thank you for the inspiration! Great pics of the family, TFS!

Good Kardma by Jules said...

Great cards! The first one is adorable - love that image and what you've done with it. The second one is perfect for a service member to send home.

Thanks for the chance to win!

Jan Hunnicutt said...

I love your cards today, the flag with eagles is a beauty! I love the Sugar Nellie one too, great job coloring! Your family photo looks like a happy time with your daughter.

One Scrappy Gal said...

Please thank your daughter from me for her service. I appreciate your comments about OWH. I feel the same way! Love your cards.

hiscreation2 said...

Please thank your daughter from another VET who now makes cards for OWH. I love both of your cards and your site. Thanks to you too, for participating in making these for OWH.
hiscreation2@hotmail.com

Linda said...

Oh my, when my brother joined the USMC in 1965 my poor mother didn't stop crying until 1968 when he came home from Vietnam. We all were so blessed that he came away from it just fine.Thank your daughter and tell her she is a superwoman.
I love your card that image is so cute and your coloring is great. I love the dp too. The little jems in the corner are a great addition.

Erica said...

Your commitment is awesome! I think that is great that your family has been in the military and why you do this. Hugs, Erica

Ethan Mashimo said...

love your cards!

RobinH said...

that any hero card is beautiful!

Donna said...

Thank you so much to you and your family for your service! That is an awesome pic of you and your family!

I love the bold colors on your cards! Thank you for hopping!

Kajikit said...

Wow, your whole family is military from way back... (huggles)

Wendy said...

Your talent is really shown by the cards you made!

Tami Bayer said...

Fantastic cards! Thank you for all of your family's service.

Jeanne said...

Awesome cards! Thanks for the service your family has provided to our country.

jeanne706 at yahoo dot com

shelly said...

Thank you for sharing your story and I hope your daugther stays safe. Your top card is super cute!

Cut n Paste said...

Congratulations on your new Marine!!! I love the picture of you three. Your cards are beautiful!! I really like the hero card...eagles are awesome!!! Thanks for being involved in OWH..your gifts are really appreciated!

Purple Princess said...

Wonderful cards! The spring card is just so adorable! Love the eagle card!! Thank you so much to your family for serving our country!

lavendarrose29 said...

You rocked this card. I love all the coloring I am seeing with the Copic markers. I am seeing a shopping spree in my future.

Louise Fox said...

You have a photograph to treasure for many years to come and I am pretty sure your grandchildren will enjoy it growing up as well! Two fab cards - they are perfectly executed! I especially like uh, uh, BOTH OF THEM!
AND just so you know, I drooled over your blog candy for a couple of minutes! Blessings and thanks, Louise

Bonita Rose said...

Your cards are fabulous... and such sweet candy... u are so generous! hugs fr Fargo.. bonnierose xo

Anita said...

Awesome picture of your family. What a wonderful goal to make a card for each comment.

Julie said...

Count me in the drawing!

And I love that DP on your card, so pretty! Be sure and tell your daughter that we all said "thank you for your service!"

Patti Erickson said...

Wonderful cards! Please send your daughter a big "THANK YOU" from CA. We really appreciate her service to our country!!

SuzAnn said...

love your cards and the photo w/your daughter. Tell her THANKS for her service and thanks to you too!

Sandy said...

Monica - your cards are inspiring, I love your style. Thanks for much for sharing them with us. From slfrio@sbcglobal.net

Missy said...

Great cards. I will be praying for your daughter.

Dixie Cochran said...

That picture gave me goose bumps! Love it, and I love your cards! Your hero card is stunning with that image and those papers!

AprilsL8 said...

Love the eagles!! very nice cards!

AprilsL8@windstream.net

Deonna B said...

Great card, I love the image and your coloring. Keep up the good work.

Vicki said...

Thanks for your beautiful cards, and your beautiful daughter! I have been making cards for OWH for only 2 months and I am loving it! Thanks for joining this great bloghop.

laurlynn said...

I love both your cards...but especially the 'Any Hero'...it reminds me of my husband and the shirts he wears around the 4th of July. It's his favorite holiday and he has many American Flag shirts and tries to find a new one every year. He does wear them year round too so it's always interesting to see which one he'll actually pick to wear on the holiday!

mtscrapgal said...

Your any hero card is stunning. Please send a "thank you" to your daughter for me.Thanks for your support of OWH. It's a great group to be a part of.

Anonymous said...

The work that you do with Copic markers is great. I love the picture of you and you daughter walking on the sidewalk. You must have some great scrapbook pages with these great photos.

Unknown said...

What a nice family picture!! I LOVE the second card...I HAVE to get that stamp!! Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Your cards are wonderful... especially the hero card. As a new cardmaker and new to OWH (due to my daughter Sandy!) so this blog is giving me so much inspiration with all the ideas everyone is sharing... dmdotallnock at verizondotnet...
thanks!

Shelly said...

God bless your family members for their service in the military. My prayers are with your daughter as she is just starting her military career.

Both of your cards are outstanding!!! I like how you picked up the hearts in the image with the bling embellies on the first card. I love the image on your any hero card. You've colored it so beautifully and paired it with the awesome star paper.

GrannyCharlotte said...

Monica: Love both cards, but my favorite has to be the patriotic one. My favorite colors are red, white and blue!!! I am a recently retired civil servant who worked with the Fort Gordon military folks for 36 years. I miss them very much, and am so glad I found the OWH site. I am going to get involved in this. I don't have a blog yet, but intend to do so in the near future. I am dipping my toes into the blog world slowly:) Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us. Best wishes to your daughter.

Martha said...

How proud you must be of your daughter! Gives me a lump in my throat to read about your family.

Thakn you for being part of the hop and for making cards with all of us to support out deployed service people and their families.

Nancy L. said...

really fun card!

StampinSher said...

Thank you to your daughter, husband and your brother for being our heroes! I really enjoyed both cards that you are showing in the OWH Spring Blog Hop and your message on both cards are great and really sends the silent message of We Love You and so Very Proud!!!
Many thanks for participating in this event.
Sher

Darla Lewis said...

Love your cards for the blog hop, the one for any hero is perfect. A group at our church just made over 60 cards for the OWH project

Renee said...

Many thanks to your daughter for her service. The pix of her with you and your DH is awesome! I really like the image on your first card - never heard of Sugar Nellie before - will definately check it out.

JenMarie said...

Oh what a sweet picture and your creations are totally FABulous!
WOWzers, what an amazing giveaway too!
(My email is in my profile.)

Melissa Rossi said...

Thank you and your family for serving our country. I love the paper in your spring card

Carol L said...

I love the image of the little girl reaching for hearts! So thought-provoking! Blessings to you and your family and thank you to your daughter for serving!

PCM said...

Monica - Bless you and your family. Your daughter is precious and I so appreciate her willingness to serve our country in this way. Your card is so perfect - I have daughters and I can see a daughter sending this to her friends, or parents!! TFS

Lori said...

Great card. I too am the wife of a molitary man and I know how much the cards ae apprciated.

silvia said...

Hugs to your family!! Fabulous cards!! I LOVE the patriotic image!!

Unknown said...

The Sugar Nellie image comes from my part of the world, the UK
Best of blessing to you and all your family.
Joan
www.stampinslippers.com

Brenda said...

Oh, I love the picture of you and your family. So precious!! What a wonderful effort to make cards for comments!!

buglvr2010 said...

Great cards. I love the stamps your used and would love to be able to color so well.

Corri

Rufus said...

What a great pic of you, hubby and your daughter! You must be so proud of her. I like both your cards, but I really like your patriotic Any Hero card! I love to use eagles and that same sentiment on my Any Hero cards too. Also like the Gorjus Girl cards. Love them, the girls I mean!
R/

Anonymous said...

I love both of these cards -- what great work. I am a fellow blogger on the hop -- THANK YOU for supporting OWH and that your family for doing what they do (or have done) so that I can do what I love to do!

Tkat said...

that's a lot of cards -- good for you!!! :) your cards are awesome -- definitely will brighten up someone's day!! god bless you! :)

Marci said...

What a beautiful patriotic card. The recipient will love it.

Collette said...

Both cards are wonderful, but I have to say I'm partial to the 2nd one - the patriotic one. I think besides sending them blank cards they can send home, it's just as important that the troops know how much they are appreciated. Kudo's to you.

Shirley said...

Both cards are awesome, but like most the Any Hero really sent tingles all over. Thanks for your efforts on this HOP.

I'm in card making withdrawal for OWH. Got sidetracked with making invitations and taxes. I can hardly wait until Monday. I've got to make some cards, my DGS' scrapbook will just have to wait.

andyjay said...

Beautiful cards! Please let your beautiful daughter know that we appreciate her service in protecting our freedom in this great country.

Cyn said...

What a great pic of your daughter!! PLease let your daughter know we are thankful for her!! The cards you made are so wonderful! Thanks for sharing

Kathy H said...

Awesome!

grandmalee said...

WOW! What beautiful cards! I'm partial to the 2nd one, probably because my daughter is a MP in the CO Army Nat. Guard & I was also in the army! Thanks your daughter for me for her service! I understand all too well what you are going through right now. Even though I've been there, she's still my baby!
You do such beautiful work! We have very similar tastes in stamps after looking through your blog. Excellent projects! You are so talented. Awesome candy! I have some on my blog too, so make sure you sign up for a chance to win.

Kas said...

What a great family you have. I LOVE the Sugar Nellie stamp.

Gloria Westerman said...

I Love your cards.....they are just adorable.....I also would like to thank your DH and DD for their service......my brother serve in the Army in 1968-70 in Vietnam and my mother was the same way, cried until he came home.....

NikiRay said...

Great cards I love what you did ...lots of XOXOXO your way :)

Carmen O. said...

Your cards are FANTABULOUS! They sure would cheer any recipient. What a fabulous photo of your daughter. Thank her for service for me!

Susan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susan said...

Love the Any Hero card that you've made!! Love the patterned papers that you've chosen to compliment the stamped image. =)

Melissa said...

What a sweet photo and I just LOVE that card! Too stinkin cute!

~Jeri~ said...

Beautiful cards!!! I have to say the Eagles card is my fave. There's something about that stamp, that just stands out! Amazing coloring and talent!! Please give thanks to your husband, brother and daughter for their service, as well as to the rest of your family!

As a military spouse and someone new to OWH, I thank you for taking part in this awesome blog hop and in OWH!

Whispers and Wishes said...

Thanks for sharing your personal story as well as your lovely cards. The offset of the stamped piece is really great. Your daughter serves a desperate need in protecting our freedom and we are thankful for her current service and your family's many years of it. Bless them.

Jillian said...

Hello - love the cards you're sharing today! That 'Any Hero' card is just perfect - somebody will be SO grateful to receive it!! You've got a great blog - I look forward to visiting you here again! :) Cheers, from Vancouver, BC!

Jennifer Moore said...

What a great picture of you and your daughter and husband. I love the patriotic card. This blog hop has really got me feeling patriotic. I'm going to have to churn out some cards for OWH.

Simple Things said...

How proud you are... Thanks for Thinking of our Men and Women
to help keep us free

Tassie said...

I really liked your Any Hero card - very patriotic.... thanks for doing your part....and congratulations to your daughter on her graduation from boot camp!!

karin said...

I like how you took three entirely different types of looks and put them together cohesively.

Carolyn Bounds said...

Both of your cards are FABULOUS!!! I love the wonderful papers and beautifully colored image in your spring card...and your Any Hero card is awesome!!!

A huge CONGRATS to your daughter!!! I can tell from the photo that you and your husband are incredibly proud of her:o) Please tell her thank you for helping to keep us safe and free!

Hugs!
Carolyn

Unknown said...

I love the picture of you, your hubby & daughter.... very adorable!

Your card is perfect!

I'm so excited about finding OWH on the hop & I can't wait to get started with my card making to send off!

Thanks for Sharing!

xoxo
Ola
okj83 at live dot come

debb said...

Beautiful cards and Pix! Thank you to all of your family!

TAS said...

Your daughter is beautiful and I know you are very proud of her! I loved your cards. The one to send to a hero is just stunning. Thank you for the time and effort you put into this mission for our heroes.

DustyPenny (Joy Ott) said...

Fun cards! Thanks for sharing the photo. So sweet!

Maria said...

What a fabulous photo! All the very best to your daughter! Love your card as well!! TFS!!

Lauretta See said...

Beautiful cards... With this Hop.. i am now in need to make some cards to send out for the troops also.. I love this idea... You do a great job!

Thanks for sharing your personal story.. and passion :))

Hugs x

lisa808 said...

Thanks for participating in this awesome hop and for the chance to win your generous blog candy.

JPScraps said...

Love the photo with your daughter. Awesome cards. love them both!

Tina said...

I love your cards - you did a great job. Also, thanks for sharing the picture with your daughter! I just found out about OWH - great cause and I will be joining in!

Anonymous said...

Both of your cards are beautiful! I love helping out OWH by making cards too.

Corinna
www.myscrapbooklife.com

Kimme said...

Beautiful cards and a beautiful daughter. Glad that you are beginning to make cards again after your break.

jengd said...

GREAT cards! That first one reminds me of the very lighthearted kids' show, Charlie and Lola, one of my favs! Best to you and your daughter (wonderful picture of you all!)

cr8iveme said...

Thank your daughter for me.

What wonderful cards.

{hugs}
M.E.

Susan said...

Please thank your daughter from the Guzy family of Southern NJ for serving our nation. (pronounced like fuzzy) anyway I love your cards, especially the Eagle!!

I love what you gals are doing and would love to join.
I am now a follower of your blog also.
thanks, Susan

Nancy Keller said...

WOW this is a neat stop - that eagle card is fabulous and I love that pic of you guys with your daughter so much! What a hero you have! Big hugs to you.

CJ said...

I am truly inspired by what you are doing.

Thanks

CJ

Keira said...

Great cards especially the sugar nellie the colours are very spring like.
If you want to post the candy to Northern Ireland then count me in - if not I understand.

Loni said...

Great cards and thx to your family for their service. Thx to you for your support of OWH. Hugs, Loni (Stop #55)

Trinity's Designs and Photography said...

Great Cards!! Thanks for the chance to win.

Pamela B.

Lyneen said...

Thanks for sharing your family story and supporting OWH. Sorry I am so late and will miss your giveaway.


I hope you had time to stop by my hop post; my giveaway ends on the 27th

kssdesigns said...

Lovely cards! Thanks for your service!

Trevorstuffmammas said...

I will add to your cards you will make....and Semper Fi....fellow Marine Mom!!!! Love the cards!!!!

Alexandra Lundgren said...

This is fabulous. Thank you so much for sharing the picture of your daughter. What a lovely young woman!!!

saner4 said...

I Love the photo of your daughter!
Your cards are beautiful, vibrant and fun. As a former soldier and now an Army wife, I thank you for making cards for our troops.