Getting Cricky Simply Sunday Challenge -- Anything Goes!! :)

Happy Sunday to all of my WONDERFUL bloggie buddies!! :)  I would like to take a moment to say 'WELCOME' to all of my new followers and 'THANK YOU' to everyone!!  It gives me such great joy to see that so many people are interested in stopping by to see my creations...

Sunday is a day I really look forward to...  It's a day that I can relax and enjoy the company of friends and family.  It's also a day that I get to share the new Getting Cricky Simply Sunday Challenge with you!!  If you are not familiar with K Andrew of Getting Cricky, I invite you to hop on over to her blog to check out her posts and projects.  She is a very kind and generous friend...  Right now, she's introducing her BRAND NEW Stamp Art line too!!  As a member of the Getting Cricky Design Team, I have been so honored to receive a preview set of Kristal's "Freedom Isn't Free" stamp set...  This is the set that I have used in my "Designer's Choice: Anything Goes!" project for you today!!

Those who serve in our nation's military have a special place in my heart.  My dear cousin joined the Army when I was only 16...  I remember the tremendous sense of pride I had for him when he made that decision.  There were months during his deployment that we did not have contact with him...  During Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm I was in college...  I was studying and learning in a safe environment while my cousin would jump from perfectly good airplanes to fix planes or helicopters that needed his mechanical expertise to get into the air again...  Each time I would hear from him or from my aunt with news of his safety, I was relieved.  We are very fortunate that he returned from every mission safe and sound.  My heart breaks for those who have lost a loved one in the military...  The sacrifice that each member of our Armed Forces makes for my safety is astounding to me.  I am forever grateful for their willingness to serve.

Today, two of my son's closest friends are preparing for deployment...  These two boys have been a part of our lives for many years.  They are responsible for sharing in a lot of laughter and good times with The-Boy-Child.  I am so proud of each of them for their individual choices.  It is for them that I dedicate today's card...

If you have a friend or a family member in the military, my prayer is for your loved one as well.  Even if you do not have a loved one involved with our nation's Armed Forces, I invite you to say a prayer for all of our service members (past and present) today...

This is a standard A2 card (4/25"x5.5").  The image was cut from the Inspired Heart Cricut Lite Cartridge at 5".  I used a Stampin Up! Sizzix embossing folder for the background and caramel ink for distressing.  Your comments and questions are welcome and appreciated. :)

Now it's YOUR turn!!  The theme for this week's challenge is "Designer's Choice: Anything Goes!!"  So link up your NEW project (card, layout, altered art) by clicking HERE!!

Be sure to stop back EACH DAY this week for a BRAND NEW project featuring K Andrew's "Freedom Isn't Free" Stamp Art Stamp Set!!  And remember -- Kristal is offering a special price PLUS FREE shipping on when you pre-order her stamp sets right now!!  PLUS $1 from the sale of each and every stamp set is donated to a worthy charity (read more HERE)...

Until next time,