Homemade Christmas

Before I tell you about my card, I just want to thank you for all of the comments on my last post as well as the email messages I have received. Stampers are, without a doubt, kind, caring people. Your expressions of sympathy have meant the world to Marv and me.

My card was inspired by this card on Tresa Black's Fabulously Artsy blog. While Tresa's card is wonderful and the idea is great, I'm not lovin' my card, and I'm not sure what it is about it that isn't setting just right with me. It could be something as simple as the placement of the sentiment. Perhaps the strip of patterned paper could use a little faux stitching to "finish" it. Hard to say.

Materials & Tools: Colonial White, Barn Red, Goldrush, Cocoa, and Stampin' Up Kraft cardstock; Basic Grey Wassail 6x6-inch paper pad; New England Ivy, Barn Red, Cocoa, and Bamboo ink pads; CTMH Spot on Backgrounds and Technique Tuesday Words We Love stamp sets; New England Ivy Bigger Brads; New England Ivy Designer Ribbon Rounds (retired); 1 and 1-1/4 circle punches; star punch; sanding block.

I only went into work long enough to check my email today. The boys were here, with Bjorn needing to be delivered to and picked up from nursery school. Marv's family met at the funeral home this morning to make arrangements, so I was needed at home. There was a change in plans for this evening, too. Marv is going to the hunting cabin. All of the men are, which is where Grandpa would have wanted them to be. That leaves me on my own with the little people. A year ago, I would have fainted at the notion, but now, I think I can handle it. In fact, I think I'm going to be "easy" tonight and let them "camp" on the living room floor with the television on. Eventually, they'll fall asleep, and then maybe, I can sneak into my corner for a little R&R. As for Marv not being around much this weekend, that's OK. I had planned to use the time to get ready for Thanksgiving. I can do that as well as get our funeral duds ready for Tuesday, etc.

With the knowledge that Grandpa is at peace and in a better place, his family is doing very well. I'll sign off for now. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and again, thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers.