Single Stamp As Background

The Christmas Lodge stamp set in the annual catalog is one that held my interest for quite a while, but I just couldn't justify purchasing another Christmas set.  So when the tree stamp became available as a single purchase, I ordered the single stamp.  I had an idea as to how I would use it, and it worked as I envisioned.  Of course, I did waste a few pieces of Whisper White cardstock, but once I knew what green would work best and how many times I needed to stamp off, the cards look very nice.  After inking the image with Old Olive, I stamped it once on a scrap paper and then the second time on the Whisper White cardstock for the Olive Green Card.  For the Cherry Cobbler card, I inked the stamp and stamped it twice on a scrap before stamping it on the Whisper White cardstock.  I used Early Espresso for the sentiment (from More Merry Messages) and even though it shows up on both cards, I think the more faded tree on the Cherry Cobbler Card is a tiny bit better.  Have a great day!

Good News

Regina got thru surgery.  Her husband called to let me know she was in recovery.  And then  a few minutes ago, Regina herself called!  We only talked for a minute, but she sounded relieved~~very relieved.  And so am I.  Thanks for the prayers sent up for Regina.  She said they were heard.  Goodnight all.

My Friend, Regina . . .

. . .has been fighting lung cancer for the past months. (A little side note~~Regina never smoked.  It shouldn't make a difference, but some people do wonder about that.)  About 5 months ago she underwent surgery, chemo and proton therapy.  Unfortunately, she has had a recurrence.   This morning she is going in for removal of her left lung.  She is so brave and has gone thru so much already.  She is keeping up a good front but I know she is very worried--especially about her family. Regina is married and has eleven year old twins, a girl and a  boy.  She is also the person who would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it.  So today's post is a request:  Please say a prayer for Regina, her family and her doctors performing the surgery.  Send good thoughts to the Otten family. Have a great day and find a little prayin' time.

Our Christmas Tree

No other lights are needed in our living room~~unless you want to read!  I find it ironic that our Christmas tree is so calming.  You think of Christmas and the shopping, the baking, the present wrapping~~so much to do to get ready for Christmas.  Yet I walk past the tree and think about how pretty the tree is and take a few minutes to look at it and reflect on Christmases past.  And do you know what I remember the most?  Our Christmases I spent with my family and friends.  I do remember a few gifts~~the Little Women book my parents gave me when I was a child, the gumball machine engagement ring my husband (of 38 years) gave me and can't forget the iron he gave me--lol!  Those gifts were significant for one reason or another.  But when I look at the tree, I think about the family--Santa Claus coming to our house on Christmas Eve and handing out presents with my Mom and brothers and sister and Grandpa and Aunt Helen and Uncle I all sitting around and smiling and laughing; the stuffed cabbage dinner we had every Christmas Eve that our kids and my nephews did not enjoy; all of us sitting in the living room on the sofa, chairs, the floor and just being a family~~a joyful time; going to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and so much more.  I guess the shopping and wrapping are all part of the Christmas celebration, but above all else, it is about the love and laughter of family and friends that will carry over year after year.  I hope that as you prepare for the holidays, you can take the time to look at your tree and find a little peace and quiet.