Pretty Posies

I haven't attempted to make a post here in so long, let's see if I still remember how! Our youngest daughter is far far away in a distant land...but thank goodness for Skype I can still "see" her and have long chats every now and then. Some days I can even get our Corgi, Copper to get close enough to the monitor for a sniff and snort so Erin can see him!! Although not homesick, she did request a few items from the homeland that she can either not find there, or are expensive, or, maybe she just wants some mail!!
Anyway, I had received this little cloth drawstring purse from her for Christmas; it contained a beautiful bracelet and earrings from my favorite jeweler, Brighton. I was so taken with this purse, that it must have somehow subliminally seeped into my card as this blossom on the bottom of my card looks a lot like the one in the bag, don't you think? (I tried to add the photo of the entire bag but having difficulty, so see that little corner right by my posie? That is the bag. I decided to fill it with some sweet treat to go in her little package...and at this rate of my slow collecting of things, she may be home before she gets it in the mail!
This little girl is another image from "Pure Innocence," and since I paper pieced her dress green, I am entering her into this week's Stampin Sisters in Christ challenge here. This week's devotional was written by a dear friend of mine, Peggysue, and I would encourage you to go and read it for yourself. She has a way of putting pictures with words that stick in your brain...and for me, that is a good thing!!
I am going to post this weekend a little update of my visit to my parents and share something that has special meaning for me...so hope to see you again soon.

Framed!

Well, since I am still away from home, and feeling rather out of my element lately, thought I would share with you a project I did for gifts this year.
These are the inexpensive wood frames from Michael's...all mod-podged and stained and adorned with those oh-so-pretty rhinestone flourishes and Prima flowers. Rather than leaving the inserts empty for a frame, I took the cardboard insert and covered them with contrasting designer paper. That way if the recipient wanted to, they could leave them as is, or add a favorite quote or inspirational verse, using the matting as another "frame." Make sense? I gave these to my daughters, and neither of them have added a picture or anything to the inside.
On the white/black frame I did not paint, instead, I chose a light wood base and it blended really nicely. The blue/brown frame I used a regular minwax wood stain product and antiqued the paper to blend with the darker stain.
On a personal note, I have been at my parent's home helping my Dad transition from the nursing home following knee surgery with the intent of him becoming stronger and building endurance. So right now I am in the caregiving role. In what I can only determine is the providential Lord's plan, my grandmother (mom's mom) passed away shortly after my arrival. So that has added to the length and also the breadth of this trip...now I am in the midst of funeral arrangements. Although a bit sad for my mom in losing her mother, at the age of 94, I am grateful that she had her as long as she did.
Thanks for stopping in today!

You've Been so Kind

Lately life has consisted of nursing home visits and care conferences, doctor appointments, and dog sitting for my parents. While this has been a trying time, I am so thankful for the staff at the care center at Mantey Heights in my hometown. Especially the women in the rehab department working daily with Dad and so good-humored and caring at the same time. I will be there in a couple of days, and wanted to let them know how much I appreciate their hard work and heart...so made a few thank you notes. This was inspired by Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday sketch...which of course, was last week.
For me to keep up with challenges or be on time lately is too much, but I am enjoying my stamp time when I have it and hope the cheeriness of these notes gives you a dose of sunshine this wintry day!!

PS...Yes, the blog candy winner was notified. It was Kelly! I am tickled at all your inspiring comments, if you did not get a chance, scroll down two posts, there are some really wonderful ones!!
Thanks for popping in and to all my friends, for your continued support through a very difficult season in life. Blessings to you!