Graduation Day!

Today is a very special day!  Lindsey will graduate from Lorena High School and begin her journey in the “real world”.  I am so proud of her accomplishments and for graduating #6 in her class.  She is such a bright and outgoing young lady and I know that God has great plans for her future.  She will continue her studies at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, and is BEYOND excited about her college days.  She is ready to move on…….and I’m ready to let her wings take her wherever the Lord leads her.

In my letter to Lindsey on Senior Sunday, I asked her to remember these words:

“Always remember WHO you are and WHOSE you are.”  I have no doubt that she will always remember that the Heavenly Father gave her to us to parent, but she is truly HIS child and she must follow HIS path.  Letting go is painful, but I am excited for my precious child to experience college and adulthood!

 

Wedding Wishes

I don’t usually have the need for many wedding cards, but I needed two this past week!  My nephew is getting married on Sunday, and my co-worker at Image Photography is getting married in September.  He’s leaving Waco in June, so I took the opportunity to go ahead and give him my wedding gift now.  He loved this wedding card, and couldn’t wait to show it to his beautiful fiance.  I made him PROMISE to not throw it away!  This idea is NOT original.  I found it on Pinterest and here is the link.

I altered it slightly by adding the verse at the bottom framed with the scalloped oval punch.  The “best Wishes” words come from a stamp set called “Petite Pairs”.  Its new in my stamp collection and I like the smaller size of the words.  Most of them can fit inside punches………..and you know me and my punches!

 I gave my club ladies the choice of using Marina Mist, Blushing Bride, or Pear Pizazz for the accent color.  This card looks great no matter what color you use!  Hope you have a summer wedding that you can use this for.  Or a wedding shower…

Graduation is almost here!

Most things in our house are focused on Lindsey’s graduation…..only 8 days away!  How can it be?  The last big project (the senior scrapbook) was turned in today, and we both felt a huge weight lifted off of us!  We still have alot of other events to add, but the SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT and the elements needed to secure her English grade have been completed!  We are on “pins and needles” to see how her GPA turns out on Friday.  She is currently #6 in her class.  However, numbers 2-5 are within HUNDREDTHS of points of one another.  This last 6 weeks truly does count!   The counselor has told us this is the closest she has seen it in YEARS.  So…….she may end up in the Top 5 and get to sit up on the stage the entire time of the ceremony.  She has really worked hard to do her best and secure a spot in the TOP 5 — I hope it pays off!

I went online in search of a new idea for Graduation gifts this year.  I always like to make a creative holder for gift cards and money for graduates.  I know you will like this — and it is alot easier than some of the others I have found! Below is the link for the pattern and instructions.  I did NOT make my tassel like hers, but other than that, I followed her tutorial.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/templates-f143/graduation-gift-card-holder-t432473.html

The first one is done in Real Red and the tassel is made with Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon.

The stars and the “Congratulations” are both retired images.  Sorry!  The white cardstock measures 3 1/2″ square.  I was being lazy and didn’t want to have to make a diamond shape to perfectly fit the inside.  Sorry, again!

This was my first one — MY SAMPLE, if you will.  I messed up a little bit, so don’t look too close.  It’s just a sample — not sending it to anyone!

I tried to stamp the stars on the black……didn’t show up much.  Next time I’ll use some White Craft Ink if I want to see them

TONIGHT is my Club Class.  I’m very excited to see my dear friends and hug their necks.  I have not seen them since before David passed away.  They always make me smile and I’m so glad they are coming over to see me.  Stamping friends are some of the best in the world!

I have a Wedding Card and a Father’s Day card to show you in the next couple of days.  Come back and see me!

 

I’m still here…

I just realized it has been 8 days since my last post!  Bear with me, folks, I promise I’ll get back in the groove one of these days.  Hopefully very soon!  I have been busy working on various projects that got put off when my brother died.  I have made some curtains for one friend, finished a baby quilt for a shower gift, sewn a fabric cover for an electrical cord (28 feet long!), pieced a quilt block for a swap I’m in, and made lots of thank you notes!

Lindsey is graduating from High School on May 31st.  She has to do a Senior Scrapbook for English class.  We have been working very hard to finish it, and we are making good progress.  But we still have about 10 events to scrapbook and very little time to finish.  It is due on Tuesday, and this weekend is full of many other senior events.  So…….lots to do tonight!

I’ve also been getting 3 projects ready for my Stamp Club next week.  I can’t wait to see my faithful ladies that come over every month!  They bring so much joy to my life and I could certainly use some of that right now!

Mother’s Day was challenging for my mom.  Allyson and I went to Dallas for the weekend to try and cheer her up and spend Mother’s Day worshipping with her at FBC, McKinney.  We had a wonderful time meeting her Sunday School friends and it was great to be together.  We came back to Waco after lunch and spent some time that evening with the family.  I was thankful for special moments with everyone! Here are a few photos.

My mom and my sister-in-love, Jodi

 Me and my girls……..love this picture despite how tired and exhausted I feel.

And just for a dose of humor……..my silly husband and my oldest, Allyson.  She’s home for the summer!  YIPPEE!!!

Scalloped Square Enclosure Cards

On Monday night we had a Stampin’ Up! group meeting with several of my downline present.  It was great to see all of them and get our creative juices flowing!  They were so kind to help me out with snacks and projects so that I wouldn’t feel so overwhelmed.  I knew that I wanted to see them and that it would do me good to try and do what I love — stamp!  (and talk and socialize and eat!)

I prepared a small project that I had saved away in a file some time ago.  I am sorry that I have no idea where it came from…..but it sure did turn out cute!  These are very tiny little enclosure cards that you could put with a small gift for a friend, or a baked good.  You decide!  I think you could even punch a hole and use it as a hang tag.

The scalloped square is from the Big Shot Die Scallop Squares Duo (page 223, Item #120903) and it is NOT being retired.  There are 2 sizes on the die, and this is the larger one.  It measures about 3″ square.  The pocket is made with a piece of Sahara Sand cardstock that measures 3″ x 3 1/2″.  I have shown the pattern below.  Score on the 2 sides and bottom at only 1/2″.  Punch half of a 1″ circle punch at the top where your pull tab will be.  Be careful that you put the 3 1/2″ side at the TOP and BOTTOM.  This paper is “almost” square, so it is easy to get mixed up.  Notice how I cut the corners at a diagonal.  This reduces the bulk and allows the pocket to lay flat on the card.  Use STICKY STRIP to attach it to the scalloped square.

I added punched flowers in the corner to tie all the colors together:  Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight, and Melon Mambo.  You could also adapt this card to be a larger size using our large Scallop Square Die.  It would take a small adjustment for the pocket measurements.

I have been so “out of it” that I have not even taken the time to advertise the RETIRING STAMPIN’ UP! PRODUCTS.  The easiest way to see these is to go to my Stampin’ Up! website and print off a list of the items. The list is long, and I am a little sad that so many of my stamps are retiring.  HOWEVER……..I have already seen the new catalog and some of the items are on their way to my doorstep.  You will enjoy the new catalog and the new items Stampin’ Up! is introducing.  Lots of new ribbons, buttons, and doo-dads!  You know I always love the new accessories the most!!!

You have until MAY 31st to order any retiring items that you might want. Many of the accessories are sold out.  This list was introduced during the time that I was gone with my brother’s death.  I apologize.  However, the stamp SETS are still available until the end of the month.

I will also have a big sale in June with many of the sets for sale at a deeply discounted price.  Watch for details on that date and plan to attend.  There will be door prizes and surprises……….and of course, time to stamp!!!

Sympathy Cards

I have been the recipient of about 50 Sympathy Cards these past 2 weeks.  I am blessed by the words printed on them, the hand-written notes on them, the gorgeous artwork on them, and the love that went in to sending each of them to me!  I am able to see the hands and feet of God in each one of them.  I have all of them in my kitchen where I can see them often and be reminded of how many people care about me and want to encourage me through God’s love.  I started putting them on my memo board, but ran out of room the first night I was home.  So I have the cards in a pretty bowl on the counter so they are all nearby and my family can enjoy them, too.  I am reminded of how important it is to mail the cards I make!  I hope that each of you will mail cards to those who come to your mind on a daily basis.  God wants to use you to be a blessing to others.

Here are the cards that I have received that are Hand Stamped by special ladies that I have met through Stampin’ Up! over the years.  I wanted you to see them for inspiration.  I’m not going to try to list supplies for all of thse, but if you have a question, please ask me.  I can probably give you more information on how it is made.

Top Knot Bag in Brown and Lime

I don’t think I have ever shown off this bag that I made when I went on the retreat this past spring.  I showed you most of the other projects (I think) but I can’t find where I blogged about this one.  This bag is FOR SALE for $30 if you are interested.  It is fully reversible and the fabrics are so fun and spring-y!

There is a cute little pocket on the outside, as well as the inside.  I love pockets!  And a small tie closure to help keep things from falling out!

And here is the reverse side, if you like!  I’m heading back to McKinney today to spend time with my mother and sister-in-law.  I’m going to be going back and forth for a few weeks — or as long as I can.  My husband is so special — and so supportive — as I leave him again with little Emmy for a couple of days.  I’m so glad she loves her daddy alot!!!!

I’m home…….and David’s home.

I’m back in Lorena — my Earthly home.  David is in Heaven — his Eternal home.  I guarantee you that his home is doing way better than my home!  And it is much more glorious, beautiful and pain free.  I’m so blessed to know that my brother is in Heaven.  Mom and I talked about whether we believe that our loved ones in Heaven can really SEE what we are doing here on Earth.  Or is it so incredibly gorgeous there that they really have no need to SEE us, or think of us?  The presence of the Lord and the reuniting with loved ones is such a comforting feeling.  David is back together with Papa, Uncle Keith, and other loved ones.  I’d like to think that he “saw” his funeral and all the people who were there to show their love to us.  It was a very large graveside service and we were so incredibly blessed by the ones who took the time to join us.  I am questioning God’s timing in all of this, and struggling wtih where do we go from here.  And there are some other stressers in my home right now, so I’m having to really slow down and ponder.  I’m rambling on……..and I know it.

Bottom line is this:  Show love.  Give love.  Ask for forgiveness.  Turn to God.  Read God’s word.  Move forward.  Make changes if they are needed.  Be kind.  Do things you love with those you love.

I will write more and get back to my creative outlets soon.  But probably not this week.  I am sure that I will find some of my projects as therapy to me in the days and weeks to come.  But I am just going through the motions right now and taking care of the immediate needs.

I have a daughter graduating in exactly one month.  We have to make a college decision by tomorrow.  We are not THERE yet.  We are conflicted about this decision, especially since her #1 choice is 12 hours away.  This is one of the hardest decisions, but even moreso in light of last week’s tragic events.  I’m really not wanting to send her off.  But it is time.  It is part of life.  And once again, I must trust in God’s timing.

I feel like a “doubting Thomas” — if you know the Biblical stories about Thomas.  I don’t get to see the big picture ahead of time, and I’m not understanding God’s timing right now.  AT ALL.  Please pray for me to have peace about family decisions and to stay focused on God’s promises.

I wanted to share a photo of the flowers I had made for my brother.  I took them the Dallas Cowboy teddy bear, the stars, and the ribbon.  They created such a beautiful spray for him.  I was so blessed. It’s kind of hard to tell, but the white flowers were in a heart shape and several silver stars dangling from the bottom.  It was nice!

It was the best of times, and the worst of times….

For those who have not heard, my life took a sharp turn on Saturday night.  During the day on Saturday, we had some of the best of times getting Lindsey ready for her Senior Prom and sending her off with her boyfriend and a multitude of other kids.   Isn’t she gorgeous?  I must brag and treasure these happy times with her.  They are fleeting — and she will go to college soon.

After they went to dinner, we met them at the school to see them again and take photos as they entered the school…….and then the phone call game.  THE PHONE CALL.  The phone call of momma screaming frantically and words that you can’t understand or even WANT to understand.  I hurried out of the crowd hollaring for Charles and Sarah to follow me and RAN to the car.  My mom had relayed a broken message to me that my brother, David, had collapsed and been rushed to the hospital.  They were suspecting a brain aneurism or something like that.  It was not looking good, but the phone call was so premature that I tried to remain calm.  I quickly packed my bags and gave Charles some “marching orders” and he took over with things left to do at home.  I was in the car on I-35 headed to Dallas within 20 minutes.  I managed to get here without only ONE thing that I really needed.  I’ll spare you the details

So, here I am in Dallas and it has been about 36 hours.  If you don’t know, here are the main details.  Unfortunately, they are not pleasant, and if you want to stop reading here, consider yourself warned.  But there is a blessing at the end of all of this.

The honest truth was not good news.  My brother was Brain Dead–legally dead– from the time of his arrival by ambulance at the hospital.  We believe he suffered little, or none.  They say he had a stroke — more specifically a severe Brain Hemorrhage.   Initial scans upon entering the hospital showed blood in half of the brain and no chance of any reversal, surgery, or the like.  It was devestating.  He is only 41 years old and you certainly don’t expect to hear this news.  Although he was not the “picture perfect health” (just being honest), this is still a great shock to all of us and very challenging on all levels.

Since that time, he has been on life support.  We are working currently with the organ donation center (and have been for 24 hours now) and we received news about 2 am that his HEART will definitely be going to a recipient!  We are thankful that his life will continue on, and his heart is remaining healthy and strong while machines are keeping everything else “alive” and going.  It is amazing how medical science is working right now to keep things viable and ready for his surgery.  Unfortunately, we are having to wait a very long time (at least until later tonight) to get an operating room available and get everything lined up with the ones who will receive his organs.  This is quite a process, certainly not an easy one, but so comforting to know that we are helping others.  It is also giving my mom alot of “goodbye” time and time to process it all.  Not sure if that is good, or not, but it is what it is.  It’s what life has dealt us right now and I am going to help her get through this one way or another.

It is so sad that someone has to die in order for new life to begin.  It is like the Resurrection of Jesus.  HE HAD TO DIE IN ORDER TO LIVE AGAIN.  Without the cross, we have no resurrection.  This is comfort to me.  God is allowing us to travel this journey that I don’t really like.  God allowed HIS only son to travel the journey of the cross in order to be resurrected and give us all Eternal Life.  God’s plan is not my plan.  Defintely not my plan.

I will update this and will update facebook as I can.  I am open to all calls, texts, or prayers.  But I can’t always talk on the phone, so a message via text or e-mail is best.  One of my posts yesterday had 85 comments at last checking, and what a comfort these messages have been to me.  I will need alot of love and comfort in the days to come.  So many want to help, but there is nothing that can be done to help us now except for prayers!  Thank you so much!

One last thought, and you will hear me say this over and over, but please treasure each moment you have.  Live each day as if it is your last.  I’m not saying to not live responsibly, but live with purpose and meaning.  Choose to do meaningful things.  You really never know when it will be your last day with someone you love.

It was the best of times, and the worst of times………all on Saturday.

Mom, David and myself  at Christmas 2011. My last photo.

Pretty {Little} Pouch Swap

Today’s post is all about one of my recent sewing endeavors.  Hope you will smile along with me!  About a year and a half ago, I discovered the online quilting community — the HUGE online quilting community!  I had NO idea how vast it really is!  I am still learning, in fact.  I quickly learned that you have to set up a Flickr account (online photo gallery, if you haven’t heard of this) and then you can join Flickr Groups as you desire.  So, another online “thing” to get involved in, but it was very easy for me since I have tons of photos of my sewing projects already.  It is a very user-friendly site (great news for those who aren’t so computer savvy) and I started very simply with just a few of my projects.  Then came the fun part…….finding groups that I wanted to try to get involved in.  Sometimes the group is “full” and you have to wait until someone drops out and sometimes they are “open” to many people with no limits, but you have to wait until another round of participation is starting.  Hope that makes sense.  So……..the “Pretty {Little} Pouch Swap” was not open at the time and I had to wait until a new round started.   But I really, really wanted to participate in this one.  The photos of cute little pouches that they made for each other were adorable!

FAST FORWARD a month or two and here we are.  I finally remembered to check the dates on this group and Round 4 sign-ups were about 4 weeks ago.  The way it works is that there is a “Mama” that you sign up with, she swaps out all the names, sends you a secret partner, and you create for your secret partner.  You also get a little information from your partner and you can see photos of things they like on their Flickr account.  So, she filled out her sheet and I found out that she liked birds.  That’s how I decided to do the embroidery on the front of the pouch.  So here is my finished product for her.

My partner told me to allow my creative style to be seen in my work, so I went with it!  I already had the vine material and it just seemed to be jumping off the shelf — and I went to my local quilt shop for the other coordinating fabrics.  Most of you know that I love ruffles and buttons, so I made sure that I added those touches.  I noticed that most of the ladies made the back of the pouch pretty, too, so here is the back side of mine.

Most of those buttons are from my Stampin’ Up! collection……but not all of them.  I’m happy I found a way to make it work with all the loot I have on hand!  At the very end of working on my project, I decided that it needed a zipper pull.  I noticed (again) that others were putting a little ribbon or dangle of some sort, so I ran back to my office to see what I could come up with.  Once again, I grabbed my button stash, and I found the pearls in my Pretties Kit from previous Stampin’ Up! years.  Here is the close-up of my zipper pull.  So happy I added this extra touch.

I used 2 strands of the off white Pearle Cotton thread — the same as the stitching around the embroidery on the green fabric.  I threaded it all together and looped it through the little spring clip attachment. The little silver clamps were in the Pretties kit also.  Hate to admit that I had never used them before, but they were perfect for this project.  I am so glad that I found a use for supplies that I’ve had for many years!  I know that this isn’t probably the most durable zipper pull, but it is detachable, so my partner can easily take it off and put it in a safe place if she wants.

Now……….here is what I received in the mail yesterday from MY PARTNER!

Isn’t it adorable?  She knew I loved owls and pink…….and she did a fantastic job with the Cathedral Window technique!  She said it was her first time to try it……..who would have believed that?  I am so thankful to my swap partner for all the goodies she send with my pouch, too.  Zippers and fabric scraps to make my own pouch!  How thoughtful is that?  And by the way, there are 333 members of this group!  I’m not sure that ALL of them participated in Round 4, but still……..lots of ladies!

If you want to see more creative projects from this group, I think you can follow this link:  Pretty {Little} Pouch Swap andif you have any questions, let me know.  This was so much fun and I can’t wait to join another group!  I was a little intimidated because my partner is a PROFESSIONAL quilter, and is on the cover of a recent quilt magazine.  CHECK IT OUT HERE.  But I didn’t let that stop me from doing my best and hoping she liked it.  She should get it in the mail TODAY.  We shall see…..