Happy Valentine's Day

Love is in the air, can you feel it? Ideally, we are not waiting until February 14th to let those we love let them know how much they mean to us.

I am beyond blessed with love in my life. I cannot imagine having more love in my life and I feel so unworthy at times, but extraordinarily grateful just the same. I believe it is important to show my loved ones appreciation every day of the year, but since Hallmark set aside a special day for love, I comply.

I must admit, making Valentine cards is such fun! I am a lover of pink and red and especially like to mix in some dark brown. There are so many possibilities!

I found some addorable paper at Archiver's this year (I am especially loving the polka-dots in the backround) and a great stamp set from Hero Arts. I made this card for one of the girls. I think it's cute, but still has an air of sophistication. After all, they are not little girls anymore .... which they will be very quick to remind you!

Supplies

Patterned paper - Making Memories
CS - Stampin Up!
Stamps - Hero Arts (Sentiment), Unity (Distressed Hearts Background)
Ink - Stampin' Up!
Heart Brads - Making Memories

So Blessed

Since my mom was on her way to CA to see Aunt Bobbi (her wonderful sister), I made a card for her to take to Aunt Bobbi as well. Aunt Bobbi and I have always had a special bond. She is very similar to my mother in a lot of ways and has always been so thoughtful and reached out to me. Aunt Bobbi always sends birthday cards. Always. Today they are e-cards when in the past they were sent via snail mail, but she never forgets. Aunt Bobbi has a warmth and honesty about her. If you want the truth, you can ask Aunt Bobbi. When I was younger that wasn't the best quality (who wants to hear the truth about your actions and consequences when you're a teenager?) but today, as an adult, I appreciate her honesty so very much.

When I went to CA to visit back in Sep/Oct, Aunt Bobbi met me in Pomona and we had lunch and then went to visit Grandma together. It was the last time I saw Grandma and it was the last time Grandma had any real lucid moments. And Aunt Bobbi was there to share them with me. And we had such a wonderful time of sharing! And now, thanks to Facebook, we can keep in touch and chat whenever we feel like it.

I made this card for Aunt Bobbi using my new Verve stamps that I got on sale 50% off after Christmas. I made the card to let her know I was thinking of her during this difficult time, but moreso to let her know how much I appreciate her and love her. Cards do that....just one of the reasons I love my hobby so much!

Aunt Bobbi and Grandma and I. We love you and miss you Grandma!

Supplies

Patterned Paper - Stampin' Up!
Cardstock - Stampin' Up!
Stamps - Verve
Ribbon - Stampin' Up!
Button - Autumn Leaves
Scrapper's Floss
Ink - Clearsnap

Owlways In My Heart

I had the most wonderful gift given to me yesterday. My mother was flying from Virginia to California and had a 3 hour layover in Denver. She didn't plan her trip this way, it's just the way it happened. We had been wondering for weeks if there was some way, somehow that I could see her while she was there, but there was the issue of security. She would already have gone through security and without a boarding pass, I would have no way to get through security. Neither of us could imagine her being this close and not having the opportunity to see each other.

Then, the miracle happened. Without our intervention, Kendall's mom asked if she could extend Kendall's stay a couple of extra days (school actually started back up on Thursday). That would mean that Kendall would be flying back on Saturday. Jay talked to Kendall's mom and they worked out the details and agreed that it would be ok for Kendall to miss 2 days of school. So, she went ahead and booked her flight.

Kendall's flight arrived at 4:25. Mom's flight arrived at 3:06. The timing was coming together! And, since Kendall is a minor, I would be able to get a boarding pass to go through security and be able to escort her from the gate.

We arrived at the airport and went to the Southwest ticketing counter and they let BOTH of us through!!!! We got to meet mom, have lunch with her, and then all 3 of us went to pick up Kendall at her gate. It was a short visit - only 3 hours, but we cherished every moment. I can't express enough what a blessing it was to be able to spend even a couple of hours with my mom. I miss her so much. And, her mother (Grandma Z) passed away on New Year's Day and I needed to hug her. I needed to look into her eyes. I needed to hold her hand and let her know I'm here and I understand her pain.

And, I made her a card and was able to give it to her - in person - and watch her open it and see the look in her eyes when she read my words to her.

Thank you Lord for such a wonderful gift.

Onto the card!!!! I am not usually an owl person, but some of the owl stamps out there are too cute for words! Especially this one with the big heart eyes. Who can resist?

Supplies

Patterned Paper - American Crafts

Cardstock - Stampin' Up!, Bazzil Basics

Stamps - Unity KOTM (October 2009)

Prismacolor Markers

Ribbon - Stampin' Up!

Rhinestones - Me and My Big Ideas

Button - Unknown

Heart Sticker - Colorbok

Scrapper's Floss