Retired BNF Friday #24

As parents, we are often quick to dismiss our children's wishes and force our own desires on them because we claim that, "we know best and we only want the best for them". My daughter called me on this recently simply by choosing a restaurant to eat in. I gave her options and when she told me where she wanted to go, I immediately shut it down and told her we are going somewhere else instead. She blurted out jokingly, "what's the point of asking me then?" It was not that big a deal, it was only a restaurant and in the end we went to her first choice, perhaps out of guilt on my part. My point is I feel that I have always been a very supportive and understanding mom to my kids. I feel so fortunate because I really have awesome children. However, I am and have been guilty of giving them choices then con them into picking what I wanted them to do to begin with. Since I am their mother, they often just do it trusting that my decision is the best. I must know what I'm doing. After all, I am their mother. But do I? I am not talking about which outfit to choose or which back pack will be sturdier and last longer. I meant in the grand scheme of things, when it comes to their future and what will bring them the most joy...do I have a clue? A few days ago, my daughter and I were in the car and she asked me if I'd always wanted to do accounting and HR work. Her question and curiosity caught me a little off guard. It's funny how when you've been doing something so long that after a while you begin to believe that it was meant to be. So, I told her the truth. I told her that when I was a little girl I've always wanted to become a lawyer. Then shortly after finishing the sentence, I asked myself quietly if that was even my own dream or I only wanted to fulfill my grandfather's dream for my mom. I realized that I still have not figured out what I really want to be when I grow-up. I do know for sure that I have always wanted to become a mom, I've always wanted a home to raise my children in and a husband who will adore me even when I annoy him (sometimes). And that I've always wanted to create pretty things. Well folks, I guess I did get my dream after all.

My son truly inspires me when it comes to going after one's dream and living with passion. He has always been a dancer before anything else and although he tried to do many things as a child, he never strayed from what brings him the most joy - which is dance. He knew there's barely no money in it, he is also aware that it requires hours of practice, hard work and plenty of risks. He still keeps on doing it. His passion shows even when he just talks about dance and how he and his team won first place recently at a dance competition in Berkeley, CA. He makes me proud. I was so happy that he was home this week.

I combined French Foliage and With Gratitude stamp sets to create this card. Card stocks are Old Olive, Really Rust and Very Vanilla. I used More Mustard, Really Rust, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip classic stampin' ink pads. 

Well, that's all for now. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you for stopping by.

Gently Falling

I have always been sort of intimidated of Two-Step stamp sets, because I can't seem to get them right. I can be such a perfectionist sometimes and it really annoys me when things are not lining-up straight. I must say that after making a dozen of these cards, I got over that feeling. I think that it really turned out nice. I shouldn't doubt myself so much. I didn't think these color combo would work, but wow, they sure do.

 

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Gently Falling (Wood 128430 Clear 123804), Truly Grateful (Wood 131730 Clear 131733)

Paper: Card stocks in Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Naturals Ivory and Comfort Cafe DSP (retired)

Ink: Classic stamp pads in Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Pool Party and Cajun Craze

Tools & Accessories: Sponge Daubers (102892), 3/8" Stitched Satin ribbon in Summer Starfruit, Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) and Large Oval Punch (119855)

Well, that's about it for now. I have been feeling discouraged lately, but a quick visit from my sister and nephew this weekend definitely cheered me up. Also, I had such an amazing cards class last Saturday. I am so thankful for my gals who come over once a month and create with me. Having them over bring me so much joy. If only I could do more events/classes than my schedule permits. Oh well, have a wonderful week, everyone.

Retired BNF Friday #23

Thank goodness for 3-day weekends! I so need this to unwind and relax a little bit. For today's Retired BNF (But Not Forgotten) Friday, I would like to share this patriotic card just in time for Veteran's Day.

I've had a very weird couple of weeks. It seemed like every song I heard I'd wonder if it'd be appropriate for my funeral. I even made a list of music my family should play in my funeral just in case I die quite suddenly. I know, I told you I was having a really dark time. I don't know if it had anything to do with the weather, but I just felt really down. I've also been thinking about how I will be remembered. Someday when everything's been said and done and I am no longer around, how will the people I left behind remember me? When they hear my name, will they feel relief that I'm gone or will they always think of me with such longing and sadness? Will they remember me at all? This made me think of Stars in the Sky and how many people I know still talk about his kindness and generosity, especially around the holidays. He was also well-known for his holiday parties, crab legs galore, free frozen turkey and wine, the singing and the whole message of it all: gratitude to all his employees. He walked around with an apron happily serving away everybody. It was really extraordinary and everyone there walked away feeling appreciated and recognized. It's no wonder after all these years, he is still missed by the people who knew him.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set(s): Service & Sacrifice, Jumbo Stampin' Round Classic Stars
Paper: Card stocks in Real Red, Brilliant Blue and Whisper White
Ink: Classic Stampin' pads in Real Red and Brilliant Blue
Tools & Accessories: Punches in Small Star, Scallop Oval (119586) and Extra Large Oval (119859), Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Apothecary Accents Framelits (127003), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Have a wonderful weekend! Thank you for stopping by.

Tags 4 You x 3

I am having such a productive weekend. Yesterday, I spent all day sorting and organizing my closet and my daughter's. I filled two huge bags with clothes and shoes we don't wear anymore to send back home. I do this at least three times each year and yet, it still amazes me how fast things accumulate. I am still on a roll, so this will be a quick and short post. I want to share with you how I came up with my very own version of DIY Washi tape using scraps of Designer Series Paper. I created three cards for different holidays with the same layout. I was very proud of myself when I finished.

I am really loving this Tags 4 You stamp set (Wood 131820 Clear 131823) from the Holiday catalog. It has a coordinating Label Bracket punch (132153). I am such a sucker for punches. It just makes everything so easy, don't you agree? I rummaged through my scrap box and used them sort of like Washi tape. These ones are all retired DSP scraps. Well, there you have it.

That's all for now, folks. Have a wonderful Sunday! Thank you for stopping by.

True Love

I believe that a single decision changed my life forever. Twenty years ago today dressed in Levi's jeans, white t-shirt and a pair of Tretorn shoes, witnessed by my dear grandmother and aunt, I married my husband in the municipal hall officiated by the mayor of our hometown. There was no wedding cake, no guests, not even a wedding ring. My husband and I kissed and promised each other our love and devotion until death do us part. And the rest is history.

Surely, after twenty years of marriage most of the romance was replaced by duties and chores. Over the years, working and raising our children have been the main focus of our daily lives. Admittedly, sometimes I feel like we've forgotten how to just be a couple anymore. We're parents, so it frightens me to think how we're going to cope once the nest is empty. Perhaps we can travel then. To be able to just get in the car and drive. In the mean time, I am grateful that I have been married to my childhood sweetheart just about half of my life. Every so often, I'd still catch a glimpse of that boy I met thirty years ago and without fail still feel butterflies in my stomach. Just a few weeks back, we met at Safeway (yep you got it, Safeway) so I could shop during my lunch break and he could then bring the groceries home. I was standing in the middle of the cereal aisle when he walked towards me with a smile and winked. Just like that, my knees weakened, my heart skipped a beat and time stood still even just for a very brief moment. I guess that's how I know that after all these many years, he is still the one for me. There was no extravagant wedding, but he's made me so happy and given me the most amazing marriage...dull and uneventful to many, full of butterflies, nonetheless.

I wanted to make this card colorful, but since it's for my husband I thought he'd appreciate this more. I used Papillon Potpourri and Best of Butterflies stamp set. I had the sentiment custom made in the Philippines. Huge thanks to my Tita Ising who had it done for me. She is awesome!

Well, that's all I have for now. Thanks for stopping by.

Creepy Crawly Halloween

I just love this time of the year. The weather is perfect! I have been busy making Halloween cards and I thought I'd share it with you. I usually mass produce holiday cards this time of the year, so I always make sure they are not too complicated. This one was really simple, but the layers were kind of time-consuming. I was surprised that it came out really cute and the colors are awesome. I would totally wear an outfit with this color combo. As I age, the brighter the better. It distracts people from noticing the things I want to hide. Although, I must admit that I am not one to lie or deny my age; it's still sort of depressing sometimes. Oh well, c'est la vie.

Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Halloween Bash (Wood 130577 Clear 130580), Positively Chevron Background stamp (Wood 130496 Clear 130499)
Paper: Card stocks in Tangerine Tango, Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black and Whisper White
Ink: Classic Stampin' pad in Tangerine Tango (126946) and Basic Black (126980)
Accessories & Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Chevron Embossing Folder (127749), Sponge Daubers (102892), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) and Bat punch (retired)

Well, that is all I have for today. Thank you for stopping by.

Autumn Leaves

It was a very full and hectic first week of October. My sister and nephew came to visit last weekend. It was so wonderful to spend time with them. I see my nephew only a few times a year and each time, I am so amazed at how much bigger and smarter he gets. There was this one afternoon when he and my nieces were playing in my mom's backyard; and as I watched him walking towards me holding a balloon I was instantly transported to a time many years ago when my son was that little. I cannot believe he is now nineteen and out of the house. I miss him every single day. I always get so excited when he calls or when I receive a text message from him. I hope he calls more often. Then again I remember being that young and the last person I wanted to talk to was my mother. I always had an excuse such as school and work or that I was too busy hanging out with people whose names I don't even remember anymore. Lucky for me, my mom is still here. I hope my son knows this...that I will always be here for him.

My goodness, this year completely passed me by. Can you believe it will be Christmas in like two months! Oh well, I want to share this really simple and easy Autumn Leaves card. I love fall. I really do. I had an amazing Stamping Event yesterday. I get so inspired when the gals like the projects I prepare for them. We've been making Christmas cards, so I will be sharing them with you soon. It really depends on my photographer (daughter) who's always attached to her bed on weekends.

Card Recipe

Stamp set: Wonderfall (Wood 131949 Clear 128087)
Paper: Core'dinations Colorcore Card Stock in Early Espresso (127848) and Very Vanilla card stock (101650)
Ink: Classic stamp pads in Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze, Old Olive and More Mustard
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Autumn Accents Bigz Die (127812), Spider Web Embossing folder (retired), Sponge Daubers (102892), Stampin' Sanding Block (129367), Early Espresso Baker's Twine (123124), Naturals Designer Buttons (127554), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Well, that's all for now. Have a great week, everyone. Thanks for stopping by.