Little Red Wagon #87

Happy Wednesday! It is my turn to post this week's challenge at Little Red Wagon!

In the next few days we have Canada Day in Canada and the 4th of July in the USA, so I thought it would be fun to see some patriotic creations!

Since I am an American living in Canada, I was torn as to which country I would honor. But, I had these really awesome 4th of July stickers in my wagon just begging to be used, so I decided to make up this fun red, white and blue candy tube.

The stickers and tube are from SRM Stickers and the ribbon is from my wagon. I did fill the tube with red and white jelly beans for Canada and I just love how it turned out!

So put on your patriotic hats ladies and let's see your creations! Be sure to visit Little Red Wagon and link up! It will be fun to see all the great cards, layouts and projects you create :)

Joyful Thanks!

God is good! Our nephew Scott, who is 19 years old, was baptized this past weekend! It was a blessing to witness this fine young man choosing a life in Christ and being baptized in the tradition of his faith.

And so my heart is full of gratitude once again for the grace of Baptism and eternal life in Christ!

#181. Baptismal waters and new life!

#182. family

#183. knowing that only God can fill our heart's deepest longing

#184. music that touches my soul

#185. the warmth of the sun

#186. a second senior prom for Spencer

#187. formal flowers

#188. tender moments

#189. good friends

#190. lifelong memories

Sad Goodbye

How is it that a furry little bunny can find it's way into our hearts in just two short months?

Ace, my son's pet rabbit that we only had for a couple of months, had to be put down today. He was a sick little bunny with a chronic lung condition that he likely had since birth. He could not be cured. We tried. Two long doses of antibiotics. Special formula food that we hand fed to him when he stopped eating and drinking. Lots of tender, loving care and prayers. But it just wasn't meant to be.

So with heavy hearts we had to say good-bye today to our little 4-month old fur ball. I reassured my son that he did everything he could to care for him and that maybe he was chosen to have little Ace for his short life, because he would keep him happy and comfortable and not give up as soon as someone else might have. A tough life lesson - to love and to let go.

And now I am grieving along with my son over a silly little bunny that I didn't even want in the first place. But he touched my heart and now there is a special place in it that will always belong to him.

Little Red Wagon #83

Happy Wednesday! It is time for another fun challenge at Little Red Wagon!

Deanna's challenge to us was to make an Anniversary Card.

I had some gorgeous BoBunny papers left in my wagon from a previous project and I thought they would be perfect for an anniversary card.

I also added a large rosette, some lace and a couple of butterflies punched out using a Martha Stewart punch.

Why not join us this week by making your own anniversary themed card and linking up at Little Red Wagon? We would love to see what you create :)

A Multitude of Grace

Counting gifts, counting grace, giving thanks...

#171. my baby turning 18 today! Happy Birthday bud!

#172. my two sons - my life's greatest joys!

#172. a man who loves his barbecue grill

#172. father-son moments

#173. long bike rides

#174. garden art that makes my heart happy

#175. Emily's giftedness on the piano

#176. playing Euchre with my guys

#177. senior proms

#178. feeling God's peace

#179. the security of familiar things

#180. warm days and cool nights

100% Fun

It seems that I can only go so long without scrapbooking! Life is very busy and I don't always have the time to sit and create a page or a card when I want to. Then all of a sudden I can't stand it any more and and I just have to take the time for a creative outlet!

That is how I have been feeling the last couple of days. We have been getting in some amazing new summer themed papers at the store and I just needed to create something - so I did!

I based my layout on this recent sketch from Sketchy Thursdays:

I used some papers, stickers and rub-ons from Kaiser Craft's Party Animals Collection.

I also added some Twine from My Mind's Eye and some buttons from my stash.

Then, last, but not least, I add a couple of Studio Calico rub-on clouds! They were the perfect color and the grid pattern matched the paper perfectly!

I have always loved this photo of Spencer. We made a trip to Lake Michigan one summer and he just couldn't wait to get out of the car and feel the soft, white sand on the beach! The photo worked so well with the fun feel of the papers!

Little Red Wagon #85

Rosanne has challenged us to create a Dad themed project this week at Little Red Wagon. With Father's Day coming up, this is the perfect time to celebrate the Dad in your life with a card, layout or special project.

I decided to make a card and I added a fun little heart fan element!

It was super simple to do and it can be folded flat to fit into the envelope!

The paper is left-over bits and pieces of Happy Together paper from Fancy Pants that I had in my wagon :)

Be sure to check what the other Little Red Wagon Girlfriends camp up with and join along with your own creation!

Counting Gifts

Is there ever a greater blessing, a sweeter miracle than a new-born baby?

Precious little Nolan Michael, my niece's baby, was welcomed into the family of God through the Sacrament of Baptism this past weekend and we were very fortunate to have been in attendance! My heart was filled with the deepest gratitude for the gift of Baptism that God extends to each of us!

#161. Baptismal waters

#162. life in Christ!

#163. special prayers for a new mother

#164. my son accepting the role of Godfather with his whole heart and soul

#165. cousins that support each other at all times

#166. four generations of love

#167. man to man talks :)

#168. the love of family

#169. the passing on of faith

#170. a face fresh from Heaven!

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Luke 18:16

Happiness Is...

...freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and the weekend off!

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Little Red Wagon #84

It's Wednesday and that means another great challenge from Little Red Wagon!

Regan has challenged us to use Mist on our project this week. I decided to change things up and do a layout instead of a card. I had a great photo of my brother, Brian, from his recent visit with us and I really wanted to use it on a layout so this was a great opportunity to do that.

I kept the colors really neutral and I used Charcoal Chalkboard Mist from Tattered Angels on my background. Then I added some stamping, stitching, layering, punching, distressing, folding, painting, ribbon and buttons! Oh yah - too much fun! The papers are a crazy mix of whatever I could find in my wagon that would match.

I really loved working on this page, because I really love my brother! Even though he is 7 years younger than me (with 3 other siblings in between), he has always held a special place in my heart. He is married to an absolutely wonderful woman and they have four beautiful children. And even though we don't see each other that often we keep in touch regularly and are still close.

I hope you decide to join us this week at Little Red Wagon! We would love to see what you do with Mist!

1000 Gifts

This has to be one of my favorite times of the year! I love when the warm weather finally arrives and I know it is here to stay!

I find that since I have started counting gifts with Ann, I am much more aware of the wonder that surrounds me every day - especially in nature. I also find that I see beauty in places that I might have once overlooked. As I walk down a street or sit on my patio, I aware of the sights and sounds that bring me joy!

My heart is full as I continue to count all that I am grateful for...

#151. the coo of a dove

#152. spending time with my brother and his wife

#153. store window boxes filled with happy-faced pansies

#154. rhubarb coffee cake

#155. bike riding on a sunny afternoon

#156. furniture that looks like art

#157. thrift store finds that add character to my patio

#158. quiet, prayerful moments

#159. stone structures

#160. little girl giggles

May your week be blessed!