Monday, December 22, 2008
Hope you all have a very merry Christmas!
Posts
14 years ago
A Season of Hope - Our Jackson turns 4
Thursday, December 18, 2008
I have had many ask me why I was playing Christmas music on my blog right after Halloween. Why? That music has so many messages of hope and gratitude and I would play it all year if I could get away with it. And Christmas 2004 was my husband and I's Christmas of hope. We had been married nearly 10 years and all attempts to grow our family were unsuccessful. Around Labor Day that year, we were called into our social workers office to find out our greatest dream was to be fulfilled. A birthmom had chosen us for her baby boy due on December 29th!!! 
Now I totally understand that 9 months of carrying a child is long and uncomfortable but those were the longest 4 months of our lives!! (And with a chance she could change her mind in that time, every day slowly ticked by). Halloween came and went I could hardly wait to start playing Christmas music when in the years past, Christmas was very meloncholy. It is very much a holiday for children and we sat by year after year with no children to share it with. I didn't care that he was due after Christmas, it was truly a Christmas to look forward to. As Christmas was a week away, we got even a better surprise. Our beautiful, sweet birthmom wanted us to have our baby by Christmas so with all things developing great, she was going to be induced on the 20th! 
Well, Jackson was as excited for Christmas that year as much as we were! We woke up on the 19th of December - 4 years ago tomorrow - to another phone call to find our birthmom had gone into labor. And a long labor... he was born around 5 PM! Because it was a closed adoption, she had the 2 days in the hospital with him all to herself and we went and got him on the 21st. That was a spectacular day and I will write more about that on the 21st. I really wish I could post a picture of our birthmom with Jackson. She was so sweet and they both looked like angels! (it was a private adoption and confidentiality is so important.) She never waivered in her decision to place him in our family.
So now I see very common ordinary placed things and think how lucky we are. We were at a movie the other day (sans Jackson) and I was noticing the booster chairs in a corner for children. Something so simple brought a smile to my face - we actually have use for those! And at one time, the high chairs at a restaurant. And I can venture into the baby department of any store and smile instead of wanting to cry! 
So Happy 4th Birthday Jackson! You have blessed our lives and family in so many ways. You are such a thoughtful and happy boy. Please don't ever stop the random nearly hourly "I love you Mom" 's. I AM your mom and you ARE my son and I love you! Truly a witness to all those who hope.
Happiness is...
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
...knowing that people actually view my blog and leaving sweet comments! Thanks to Twila for this nomination! Her blog is also worthy of such an award!
The rules:
1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.
2. Link the person you received the award from.
3. Nominate 5 other blog.
4. Put links to those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you've nominated
I have some great blogger friends who are so faithful to always check up on me the most often and also have super creative ideas on their blogs. So I'm awarding this to: Melissa Sauls, Jackie, Karen from PA, Jennifer Scull and ScrabbySue.
Thanks to all for visiting my blog! Your comments really make my day!
Awesome Christmas Display a few miles from my house
Monday, December 1, 2008
Pause my tunes on the right side to enjoy!
So December is my month off. Off from all classes, workshops and clubs. I get burnout about this time of year and need a little break. I won't have a lot to post as far as stamping goes but I will post any handmade Christmas cards I receive throughout the month.
This video is from the Holdman family who puts on a super cool animated Christmas display every year. We are so fortunate to live close by to enjoy it. This year, the display will be put on in a different location as they live in a gated community and the neighbors asked to have their privacy this year. Can't blame them - the line of cars to view the display is sometimes so long! We're hoping that display will be up so we can go view it for family night tonight. A link to the Holdman Christmas Display website is here. All donations he receives he donates to the Make-A-Wish foundation. Enjoy!
SA Christmas Card Swap
Friday, November 28, 2008
This one was made by Sharon Bridwell. Gotta love the felt snowflakes!
SA Christmas Card Swap
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
This one was made by Stacy McCain. I borrowed her idea for the striped ribbon on one of my club projets. Cute card!
Another SA Christmas swap
Saturday, November 22, 2008
This swap was done by Lisa Dallas from the SA group. I didn't realize it was a gift card holder until I took it out of the plastic envelope and it popped open. How cool is that?
SA Christmas Card Swap
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
I love this card made by Paula Wright. Everything just falls together so well. The photo came out kind of fuzzy, sorry Paula!
While I'm away...Blog Awards!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Wow, I mean, WOW! I've been so busy that I haven't had time to play on my blog. And I come back to my first ever blog award and I get two! So exciting!
This one I was nominated by Kathy , Kelly and Tracy. They all have some awesome blogs and ideas so go check them out!
The rules that go along with this award are:
1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to their blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.
And this one I was awarded by Paula and Gina 
These came from my awesome SCS Blogger friends. They are too good to me. I'm going to send both to the following ladies:
Snow Swirled Vellum - Last Stamp-A-Stack
Friday, November 14, 2008
How I wish SU would add adhesive rhinestones, as I'm in love!
Deer Friends - Another SAS
Thursday, November 13, 2008
He has a little crystal effects on his red nose - he's so sweet!
Another Stamp-A-Stack
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sometimes, you wish things wouldn't retire, like organdy ribbon! Since I'm actually not selling product during the stack - I can use whatever I like!
Holiday Lineup - Christmas Stamp-A-Stack
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
This was is a CASE, although, sadly I don't remember where I saw it! Love it! I hope I made the coloring easy, just markers!
To You and Yours - Another Stamp-A-Stack card
Monday, November 10, 2008
I love this little cottage stamp. Makes me feel all cozy!
Top Note Santa - Christmas Stamp-A-Stack
Sunday, November 9, 2008
For those in my church ward, I will be posting the cards all week that we will be making this Saturday. This first one, I found made as a little gift basket. I thought it would be cute as a card.
This standad 5 1/2" X 4 1/4" card uses a lot of punches: the Big Shot Top Note Die for his face and mustache (cut right in the center of a white piece, then cut the top note piece again a few inches down) mount on a blush card base, the large oval punch for his eyes and eyelids, the 1 3/8" (mouth and eyebrows - can't really see them but they are there), 1" (nose) and 1/2" circle punches (pupils), and the scallop edge punch for the fur on his hat. The paper is whisper white, black, blush (face), pink pirouette (mouth) and riding hood red. Sponge around most of the pieces and assemble.
Rudolph Bling
One of my club girls, Kendee, made this card to swap. I love the rhinestone she used for Rudolph's nose. Fabulous!
