LilyBean's Paperie

pinch me pretty...

It seems that the beautiful Melissa Frances products...which are the reason I started paper-crafting years ago...just keep getting more and more beautiful with each new release....the new 5th Avenue collection and additions to the Attic Treasure and Kitschy Kitchen lines are...oh, so incredibly, pinch me pretty!  

Here are a few of the projects I created for the Melissa Frances Winter 2011 CHA booth...I've got oodles, so I'll share them throughout the next few days.

Beautiful new embellishments from flowers to brooches to chipboard...

To more flowers of the larger variety....silky, shabby, gorgeous...

Seeeeee......it's like a dream come true for us girlie girls, yes?

Sit down for this little item....

The sweetest little cake stand in the universe....available through Melissa Frances, along with the nest, sentiment flash card, bling, flowers, crepe paper trim, and pom pom trim....sigh...

A peek at the new 5th Avenue Wedding Cardstock Stickers....

New 5th Avenue Cardstock Stickers and Sticker Book...

So much more to share with  you....you'll love it all.

And....a sweet way to celebrate with Melissa Frances....check out the Melissa Frances blog for a wonderful giveaway...and many more peeks and ideas for you.

Now for a couple of projects created for Emma's Paperie...

This first project uses a lot of Melissa Frances products...you can find them all HERE at Emma's Paperie along with a tutorial on the chipboard cut out heart and glittered vintage image.

Lastly, some sweet treats created for you, based on a sketch you can find at Emma's Paperie HERE.

Once again...the sweet paper bag pockets were inspired by Mish Wooderson.

That's it for me today...thanks for stopping by.

Melis







 

 

 

 

 

 

love is a gift...

**Edited to add...There's a giveaway going on at the Moxie Fab World blog until the 30th....what's up for grabs you say???   A Love Lives Here stamp set from Papertrey Ink!   I kinda have a crush on this sweet set...hurry on over and leave a comment.**

Hi friends,

Just popping in while my little one is sound asleep after a very difficult day yesterday.  I didn't think it possible to hurt so much seeing her go through something so painful...I can honestly say that my love grows in giant leaps for her with each breath she takes...to love her is a gift...I'm so very thankful that she is mine to care for.

I created this Made by Hand Art Journal for Frost it Pink.  I've tucked in and sewn together pockets and envelopes to hold buttons, fabrics, bits of inspiration, etc...a special place to celebrate creativity.

The Melissa Frances Peek-a-Boo album made a perfect starting point...I'm crazy about the sweet little windows that give glimpses into what's coming next and what you just left behind.

All of the supplies used are here for you:

Melissa Frances Peek-a-Boo Album

Melissa Frances Abigail Paper

GCD Studios Chip Art Wings

GCD Studios Glass Paperclips

GCD Studios Petit Blossoms

GCD Studios Textured Gift Tag

GCD Studios Textured Gift Tag

Maya Road Decorative Kraft Envelopes

Maya Road Large Cream Organza Roses

Girls' Paperie Green Brocade Paper

Girls' Paperie Newsprint Stripe

Prima Mandarin Cameo Roses

Doodlebug Lily White Sugar Coating

Webster's Aqua Vintage Trim

Webster's White Eyelet Edge

Crochet/Velvet Trim

Velvety Pink Angel Wings

Pink German Glass Glitter Stars

Jenni Bowlin Pink Embellished Butterflies

Jenni Bowlin Pink Rhinestone Buttons

Melissa Phillips 1" Tea-Stained Twill Tape

Crafty Secrets Sew Nice Double Sided Creative Scraps

Enjoy your day!

Melis

 

cookies on sunday...

One of our simple, Sunday tradition consists of homemade cookies in the evening.  I let my little girl choose what kind....sometimes she helps me...sometimes she runs the show and I help her...sometimes she is busy elsewhere...tonight, she was cuddled on the couch in a bed I made her so she could be close to us.  Just a few more days and we'll be done with the waiting and will be on the mend for good.

I love this simple pleasure of baking together...I wonder if she'll love baking as much as I do...as much as I remember my mom loving to bake.  It comforts me...makes me feel like I'm giving back a little love to the family that loves me and that I get to spend all of my days with.

I remember what it felt like coming home...after school, after dance practice, after playing in the sunshine...my mom would have homebaked loved waiting there for us in many forms...always a warm meal, sometimes fresh cookies, cake...Ice Box Dessert...one of my favorites...and a recipe that my grandma Anna was famous in my heart for.

This evening, the cookie of choice, was Pumpkin Pocket Cookies...complete with cream cheese frosting...Sierra's favorite.  I've shared the recipe before, but just in case your mouth is watering, here it is again.  You'll love them, I promise.

Pumpkin Pocket Cookies

2 T. white sugar

1 1/3 cups firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup shortening

1 egg

2 t. vanilla

1 cup pumpkin puree

2 cups flour

1 t. baking powder

1/4 t. baking soda

1/8 t. salt

1 1/4 t. pumpkin pie spice

1/4 t. cinnamon

1 cup raisins

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Icing:

3 cups powdered sugar

3 T. cream cheese, softened

1 t. vanilla

water...enough to make soft icing

Directions:

Cream both sugars and shortening until fluffy.  Add egg, vanilla, and pumpkin and blend well.  Add in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.  Fold in raisins and chocolate chips.

Drop large gobs of cookie dough about 2-3 inches apart on baking sheet.  Bake 15-17 minutes at 350 degrees until cookies are firm to the touch. 

Whisk together icing ingredients to make a smooth glaze.  Spread or drizzle over slightly warm cookies, and let set.

I have a few more ladies to introduce you to tonight...they look ready to go out on the town with their dancing dresses on, all lined up in a row like this, don't they?

This is Anna Marie...named after my very most favorite cousin growing up.  I was just tiny, but I remember looking up to her so very much....she was much older than I, but taught me about grace, elegance, and true beauty...I will always remember her.  Her beauty came from within and it made her shine...I always wanted to be near her, and now I know why.

This is Lucille...named after a sweet surrogate grandma...who popped into my life at just the time I needed her.  She has since passed, but I remember having lunch with her on a weekly basis...in her kitchen filled with sunshine...her friendship saved me at a very critical time.

Sweet, sweet Emily...my little girl's birth-mother...how can I not remember her...another very important woman that has been placed in my path here on earth.

And...Miss Lily....too personal to share the meaning behind this name....but a name that will not be forgotten....a name that is woven into my daily life...a name I hear whispered in the wind, in the notes that the birds sing, in laughter and tears...

I'm worn right out tonight...even after a nap with my little one today...I love it when that happens :)
Night.

Melis 

 

 

january lilacs...

 My two grandmas....gone now for longer than I can remember...but I remember so many little things about them.

Anna was a beautiful painter...her specialty was oil painting.  I have one of her paintings here with me in my little craft haven...to inspire me, but mostly so I can remember her.  I can still smell her sweet grandma smell, feel her soft hands holding mine, and hear her laugh.

Thelma was a wonderful seamstress...her specialty was soft satin nightgowns for me, my dolls, all of her friends, and even my little childhood friends....a hobby that helped carry her through lonely days once my grandpa had gone.  I don't think there was anyone in her neighborhood that didn't have a nightie made by Thelma...the memory makes me smile.  

I still remember Anna's cooking....I wish I had taken the time to let her teach me, but I was too little to know how special that would have been.  She made the yummiest, buttery rolls...melt in your mouth rolls...and heavenly chocolate cake...I only use her recipe.  She always had a fridge full of icy cold Coca-Colas in the bottle...just waiting for company....I thank her for my Coca-Cola habit.  Everything she did oooozed with her love.

Thelma had a green thumb that was magical.  I remember her vines of Gooseberries and garden of fresh vegetables.  I can picture her in her gardening hat...I loved to try it on and tie a big bow under my chin...She would always have several violets growing in her house...I remember how soft their leaves were...and outside a lilac bush.  To this day, Lilac is my favorite smell...I have a Lilac candle burning now...in January.

I'm so thankful I have their memory to share with my little bean...what special ladies they were.  There are times when I miss them so much it brings tears to my eyes...I've learned that no one loves  you like your grandma...such a special, needful feeling.

Speaking of little Miss Sierra...she's been such a trooper the last long while...I just love her so.  The Dr.s have decided it's time to help her feel better and improve what's going on inside her ears and little body.  So, she's getting her tonsils out, tubes in, and another small procedure....all very big for this mama, but I'm so thankful we're to this point....she's too young to be worrying about not feeling well...we'll be throwing her ice cream parties for the next little while.

The card above...and the card below were both created for Emma's Paperie...I've got the supplies listed for you on the blog...just in case you're feeling like treating yourself...sigh...I'm doing my best to stay away from new Valentine goodies...but those cupids with their arrows, the hot lips, and cupcakes with hearts on top....my, my, my...I want them all.

Supplies for this card found HERE.  

I've been busy filling orders for my etsy shop, cuddling, wiping tears, sewing on beads, soothing, stitching, traveling, and loving as of late (maybe even locking myself in my bathroom to have a good cry once or twice as well....I'm not the only one who does this, am I?)...I've decided to give each of my pin cushions  a name so that I can recreate them in the future....this little love above is named Sierra.

This is Anna...

Meet Thelma...

And, how can I not name one after my own, sweet Mama...this is Sandra...I love her....I do believe that she's the most beautiful thing on this earth...she and her little Sierra of course.

More ladies coming later.

Thanks for your visit!

Melis

 

Be Mine Valentine

Supplies Used:
Papertrey Ink  2010 Love Tags stamp set and Love Lives Here die collection.

Maya Road chipboard and trinket pin

Memrie Mare scrunched seam binding

K&Co. paper

Melissa Frances trim

 

sending you sweet thoughts...

As January starts rolling in, my mind immediately and excitedly makes the switch to Valentine’s Day…I don’t think there is a holiday I enjoy more than this one as it is a wonderful excuse to spoil others with heartfelt and handmade gifts…all in the name of love.

Today I have a couple of projects to share with you that can be done very easily and adapted to your own personal taste…for me, I love nothing more than the shabby, vintage, timeless, aged, and weathered products out there and Glitz has some beautiful things available.

This first project is simply three glassine bags folded together head to toe and then secured along the fold, creating a  triple pocket.  The pockets hold embellished envelopes waiting for love notes…how sweet!

Embellishing envelopes is another fave of mine as it gives me an excuse to pull out all of the things I love, stamps, trims, buttons, stickers, rubons, paper, etc…no holding back, I say make your envelopes just as beautiful as what you’ll find inside.

This project creates a beautiful place for treasured memories, photos, ephemera, and last of all, love notes.

 Next up is another quick project using left over paper scraps from the above project to dress up Valentine sweets….all packaged in clear cellophane bags and embellished with juicy sticker frames, Block Alphas, and Giant Rhinestones….a sweet treat to pack in a lunchbox, briefcase, or set near a computer for your coworker.

Glitz Design “Love Nest” Papers:  Damask, Sky, Polka, and Stripe

Glitz Design “Love Nest” Cardstock Journaling Stickers

Glitz Design “Love Nest” Cardstock Titles Stickers

Glitz Design “Love Nest” Glitzers

Glitz Design “Scarlett” Glitzers

Glitz Design “Love Nest” Rub Ons

Glitz Design Distressing set 3 Clear Stamps

Glitz Design Aqua.Clear.Red Giant Rhinestones

Glitz Design Pink.Black.Green Giant Rhinestones

Glitz Design Teeny Alpha:  Pink Block, Baby Pink Block, Aqua Block

Glitz Design Tulle

 

Enjoy the sweetest season!

Melis

 

happy surroundings...

"There can be no genuine happiness separate and apart from the home...There is no happiness without service, and there is no service greater than that which converts the home into a divine institution, and which promotes and preserves family life...

The strongest attachments of childhood are those that cluster about the home, and the dearest memories of old age are those that call up the associations of youth and its happy surroundings."

(Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 1939, 300-01.)

Wishing you happiness in your surroundings tonight...from my heart, to your home.

Melis

 

Supplies Used:

Papertrey Ink:  Love Lives Here stamp set and dies, Sweet Symphony paper, Vintage Cream cardstock.

Melissa Frances:  paper and die cut

October Afternoon paper

Memrie Mare:  Scrunched Seam binding

Martha Stewart Mica Flakes

 

P.S.  For those of you interested in knowing what paper collection was used on my birthday cupcake card and Lunchbox Note, it is the My Mind's Eye Lost & Found, Happily Ever After Collection.

beautiful distractions...

There are times I feel the need to get swallowed up in things that take my mind elsewhere....to surround myself with buttons, bits, bobs, fabric scraps, ink, glitter, trims, snippets...to let my fingers speak to my mind which in turn, speaks to my heart...to seek out beautiful images that others so willing share.  Things like these tend to be just the medicine I need....maybe I'll be inspired to create or will be graced with happiness that floods my mind and heart....creating takes me to a very happy place and for that I am thankful...so touched by what others create, and invigorated and lifted up on wings that bring joy.  I think that creating our own refuge in life is very essential to our happiness....knowing what our hearts and minds need at a given time...to gently encourage us, to embrace us, and to give us love when we need it most.

My plan tonight is to share with you my Papertrey Ink new release projects along with some of my favorite places to visit....some new favorites...places I've recently discovered that just make my heart happy...

This first card uses the new Year of Flowers:  Carnations stamp set....the last set in this series.....I will be sad to see these beautiful images coming to an end, but so thankful to have them on hand to celebrate each month with. I also used Papertrey Ink's Limitless Layers die collection here.  

If I live to be 100, I will never tire of cupcakes...and in combination with birthday greetings, they are the most delightful frosting on top...this card uses the new Inside & Out: Birthdays along with the Cupcake Collection dies, Fillable Frames #12 die and stamp set, By the Numbers Impression Plate, and Limitless Layers die collection.  The fruity, fun sheet music paper was designed by Dawn McVey and is called Sweet Symphony.   

Way to Go Kiddo! is the sweet stamp set used on this card....it's such a perfect addition for mamas and grandmas alike....you know, the spoilin' type...the cheer them on type, the I think you are the cutest kid in the world type...that would be all us, don't you think?  I also used the new Limitless Layers 2.5" die collection here along with Dawn's new Edger's #1 Collection....ingenious!

The new Healing Touch Sentiments and Mat Stack Collection 3 and die were all used on this card.  The scrunched seam binding is from Memrie Mare and the trinket pin of course from Viola Mahr's etsy shop.  

Lastly, something for you lovey dovey type....I certainly love to be lovey dovey...this card uses the new Simple Sentiments stamp set, the Simple Valentine stamp set, Heart Prints dies, Banner Borders, and Banner Builders stamp sets.   

Some beautiful, recent finds:

Tina Jensen (what delicacies she shares with her mini masterpieces created with fabric, lace, trims, and shades of cream and white.)

Georgianna Lane (pure beauty shared through photos and words)

Tracey Leber (my heart can't get enough)

Becky Shander (Be still my ever lovin' stitchy heart)

I'll stop with these lovelies for you tonight...but will come back very soon to share more link with you.

I'm off to fill a special request....that of my little girl and husband.  Each Sunday they request homemade cookies...I love to fiddle with a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe and add in things they think of, such as Chocolate Mint M&M's, Cherry Cordial M&M's and tonight Coconut M&M's and macadamia nuts sent to me straight from Hawaii, thanks to my sister-in-law and her sweet family...thank you, thank  you.

Aloha friends!

Melis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

birthday cards & tags...

I must say that this might just be my most favorite Papertrey Ink group post ever....our focus today is on birthdays once again and two sweet new stamp sets called 2011 Birthday Tags and Big Birthday Wishes....you'll love them both...

My personal focus on...that little bean of mine, who has my heart....I created this pink and sparkly ensemble just for her and her big birthday coming up this year...my goodness, I can't believe how fast the years have flown by since I was gluing tiny bows on her bald little noggin' with honey, feeding her sweet potato and corn baby food, rocking her to sleep in my arms while I watched her eyelashes flutter softly, and carrying her in a Snuggly on my chest....what sweet memories.  I suppose the most treasured times in our lives always fly swiftly by...leaving us wanting more.

So many new Papertrey Ink products to share with you...

First this cupcake card was created using the new Shape Up Series:  Cupcake Die...it's large and so adorable.  It comes with two dies, one for the cupcake body, and one for the cupcake wrapper.  I made a pocket by not adhering the wrapper to the body completely.  I just stitched it down the sides and bottom.

 

The tag is another new die called the Tag Sale #3 die...I love its embossed border and tag topper.

The number eight was cut using the new By the Numbers die....I adore these dies...I never dreamed I'd have so much fun with them.

The stamp set used on this particular card is the Big Birthday Wishes set....the sentiments included are some of the sweetest I've ever seen...perfect for our little ones, big ones, and those in between.

I created a coordinating card using the new Lunchbox Note Die...such an irresistible little package.  I'll use this die over and over again without question.

I stamped a couple of images from the new 2011 Birthday Tags set and then matted it with a glittered background cut using the Limitless Layers die collection.

Inside I used the By the Numbers die again, and another sweet sentiment from the Big Birthday Wishes set.

I'd like to say I can't wait to give these to my girl...but I can :)  So much fun creating it for her though.

Now onto the projects created for you by the other Design Team members:
Betsy Veldman, Dawn McVey, Debbie Olson,Heather Nichols, Lisa Johnson, Mish Wooderson,Niki Estes, Maile Belles, Erin Lincoln, Jess Witty, and Nichole Heady.

Enjoy what's been created for you.

Night.

Melis

 

**Edited to add this message from Nichole:  

"I regret to announce that a small grammatical error was recently discovered in this set ("someone like you should be celebrated everyday", should read "every day").  We are delaying the release of this set so that we may have the opportunity to replace the image with a corrected version before making it available for sale. We are hoping to have the corrected sets available for sale sometime next week.  Thank you for your understanding and patience."

 

 

a thursday love note...

Just because...

From:  Me

To:  You

Because, you're sweet...

"Love comforteth like sunshine after rain."
William Shakespeare

Supplies used:
Papertrey Ink Fillable Frames #10 stamp set,  Memrie Mare scrunched seam binding and satin wings, Melissa Frances paper, vintage image and trim, Celery paint, Martha Stewart snow glitter.

Wishing you a lovely day,

Melis

tiny treats: birthday....

 

Welcome to Papertrey Ink's first group post for January....the theme is sweet, tiny, thoughtful, heartfelt, and focused on the little people in our midst....they are so much fun to create for.  

For my project tonight I couldn't help but focus on the "berry sweet birthday" sentiment with coordinating strawberries....my little one is crazy for her Strawberry Shortcake dolls right now and so a theme focusing on all things Strawberry Shortcake easily emerged...but can you imagine using this same sentiment and image when giving away a fresh jar of strawberry jam, a homemade strawberry pie, tea towels embroidered with strawberries....so many possibilities available without any limit on the age of the recipient.

The treats are stacked neatly in Trendy Tubes found at Papertrey Ink.  The new Mat Stack 5 Die was used to wrap around the tubes and fasten them together after stamping the die cut lightly with Fresh Snow ink.

I used Dawn McVey's new Sweet Symphony paper for my glittered die cut with the Limitless Layers die.  Hibiscus Burst Bitty Dot Satin was also used topped with a ruby red flower.

The same elements were used on the coordinating card except for the 2009 Bitty Dot Basics paper used with the new larger Limitless Layers die collection...you will love this set!

Now onto the other Design Team members projects...I can't wait to enjoy them myself...

Betsy Veldman, Dawn McVey, Debbie Olson, Heather Nichols, Lisa Johnson, Mish Wooderson, Niki Estes, Maile Belles, Erin Lincoln, Jess Witty, and Nichole Heady. 

Thanks for your visit...come back tomorrow for another special PTI group post.

Night.

Melis

 

 

the soul of the home...

I'm popping in quickly again tonight...my little one tucked in snug and warm, with blankets pulled up to her chin, my husband nearby...right where I love him to be, the fire glowing, and my mind and heart ready to share.

 
I love reading uplifting quotes about womanhood and motherhood, as these are two  callings very important to me....two things I have longed to be all of my life.  Tonight I ran across this one:

"Prepare yourselves to ennoble, to enrich, and even to become the heart and soul of the home.  You may bless others either as mothers or as legislators; as leaders in the schoolroom or in the laboratory of truth; at the hearth or at the crib side."

 Russell M. Nelson, "Daughters of Zion", Young Women New Era, Nov. 1985, 5.   

 

Tonight's card is based on the latest color palette at The Color Room....I think it's so delicious and warm...kind of like peach pie with vanilla ice cream on top...

I used 7gypsies Gaffer Tape, Graphic 45, Pink Paislee, and Basic Grey paper, a Prima flower, Making Memories glittered leaves, a Hero Arts stamp, Webster's Pages flower center, and scrunched seam binding from Memrie Mare.

Many of you have asked to see the inside of my Birthday Calendar book....here you go!  Just a few of the pages....

 

The Papertrey Ink Calendar Basics stamp set is used throughout...it's sooooooo much fun.  Oodles of sweet Melissa Frances used on this as well.  

Before I go, I wanted to share some fun news with  you.  Vintage Street Market is a new company that I am so  happy to be affiliated with...retro, vintage, shabby, deliciousness...Throughout the next little while, they will be giving away some of their new CHA products...all you have to do is tune into the Vintage Street Market blog for details and sneak peeks of their new products....ooooohhh you'll love it!

I think that's it for tonight...I'll be back tomorrow with the first Papertrey Ink group post of the month!

Melis

 

shabby baby...

In the midst of a whirlwind of assignments and such...I've learned that sometimes I have to step back and create just for fun in order to keep the creativity alive...I'll have so much to share with you soon from Melissa Frances, Crafty Secrets, Vintage Street Market, and Glitz Design...

For now though...something sweet and pink...

I found these darling vintage images on etsy...I was instantly taken back to the day my little one wore her beautiful blessing dress...I couldn't resist snatching them up.

Delicious scrunched seam binding from Memrie Mare.

I used Papertrey Ink stamps from the Love Lives Here and Daily Designs Sentiments sets.  

The irresistible trinket pins and tags were sent to me by Viola Mahr....she's got a beautiful etsy shop waiting with oodles of trinkets available.

The border stamps used along the bottom of the card are from Crafty Secrets Artsy Banner stamp set.

Just a quick note today....hope you're week has been delightful and creative!

Til next time,

Melis

the finger of beauty...

Here it is...another end to a beautiful day...a day wrapped up in a box with a bow on top...given to me to do with as I please...given to me to enjoy...

 
I love to take time each night to reflect on the day that has come to an end....to slow down long enough to see if I listened enough, acted enough, hugged enough, laughed enough, smiled enough, loved enough...

 
How can I do better tomorrow?  What can I learn from today?  When will I stop learning :)...it seems I have always learned lessons the hard way...by making mistakes...but did I make them right afterward?

I love to sit down, let my thoughts come tumbling out, and reflect upon the simple miracles that I was able to witness...I most often find them in beauty...there are so many things put here for us to love and enjoy...to bring beauty into our lives.  Sometimes it is through another person that I witness the finger of beauty, through words, deeds, art, music, nature...they are all so delicious to my soul...and I never want to forget where they come from.

   

My poor little blog...getting ignored lately...I promise to keep coming back....what a busy year this is turning out to be...but I am thankful for busy.

The above card was created for Emma's Paperie based on a sketch you can find there.  I used lots of sweet Sassafras Lass, Fancy Pants, and other goodies.  You can find a complete supply list HEREalong with the other designer's creations...all so beautiful.  The scrunched seam binding is fromMemrie Mare...so happy she's opened up her shop again...how could I possibly live without her lovely scrunched goodness?

And...before I go...a little something for my dolly....how I love her...

Beauty reminds me of her....my heart just swells with love...

I couldn't resist using this sweet vintage image from Crafty Secrets Little Blessings Creative Scraps.   I also used the Background Basics:  Sheet Music and 2010 Love Tags stamp sets from Papertrey Ink. The  chipboard is from Maya Road and has been painted, sanded and glittered.  I tea stained the trim and twill....sigh...I can't be stopped.

As I picked up my little one from school yesterday, I knew immediately that something had happened to upset her.  She saw me and let the tears come falling down.  I scooped her up and took her home and listened as she cried...had cookies and milk with her...and loved on her while she cried some more.  My heart hurt for her, but I was so very thankful to be there when she needed me...motherhood is such a gift in a million ways.  Later in the afternoon she brought me a book to read to her that is filled with beautiful pictures and quotes...she wanted me to read this quote to her...

"The most perfect ideal in the art of healing is the mother whose tender and gracious love asserts itself in taking away the sting of a deserved or an undeserved punishment.  How her love heals every wound!  How quick her caresses bind up and soothe!  The example of her life is the wisdom which love teaches."  (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 1939, 264.)

You can imagine how I was feeling, I'm sure...  

There is so much loving to do when it comes to our little ones...never, ever enough.  I have much to learn...but such a great teacher.

Night.

Melis

 

i love you so...

Well, I just swept up the last bit of Christmas dust....toys are in their new homes, my little one going through them all again just like she just opened them...trying to keep up with a new Christmas puppy and kitten, and ready to put my feet up and enjoy the last few hours until we're back to the regular routine...sometimes I love the normalcy of every day life...all of the time though, I love having my little bean home with me.  How can I resist her?

Her new favorite things in the whole wide world right now are her hot rollers, fingernail polish, Moose, the puppy, Daffodil, the kitten (both complete surprises to us, but not-returnable...which is just fine...Sierra's pets are smothered with her love and attention) Sara, her American Girl doll, and the dollhouse that Santa brought....she's very girlie at the moment, I know it won't last long....she'll be back to playing GI Joe in no time at all...I love every side of her sweet little self.  Can you believe that I wanted to cut her hair into a bob?  It hangs almost to her bottom...and I'm a sucker for bobs on little girls....but am so happy her daddy talked me into keeping it long...I am smitten with her Shirley Temple curls.

I'm in Valentine mode...how can I not be when it comes to cupids, wings, glitter, trim, hearts, flowers, and all things that speak love...

 

This shabby bundle contains three handmade love notes using some digital images I found on etsy, celery painted chipboard, trims, scrunched seam binding, trinket pins, flowers,...all the fixins...

The sentiments on the cards are from the Daily Designs Sentiments stamp set and the sentiment stamped on the front of the bundle is from the Signature Greetings stamp set.  The paper is all from Melissa Frances, frames from Maya Road and Tattered Angels, and scrunched seam binding and satin wings from Memrie Mare and This Good Day.

Well friends....back to mama duty.  My little one is calling, curls and all.  Time to fill her tummy and get the bedtime stories rolling....sweet and simple pleasures for this mama.

Happy January.

Melis