Christmas was wonderful and special and memorable for so many reasons. I'm so thankful to have had my sweet parents here, to get to see all of the beautiful new babies born into my family over the last few months, to get to see how the older babies have grown...and their mama's too, to have time to slow down and soak in the moments that make Christmas so sweet, and now, to have my little one home with me...some days all to myself (which are my favorite). I can't get enough of my growing little beauty. I love having her around to care for, to remind me it's time to stop and just be together, to play with, and to listen to. Christmas break has been a gift in itself. I could never have enough time with her.
I'm just a little bit happy to put the reds and greens away for another few months and rediscover my favorite colors once again. I find it refreshing and fun and inspiring and have a new desire to create again, which feels so good.
Today's card uses Prima and My Mind's Eye paper, a Prima chipboard piece, a Maya Road flower, scrunched seam binding from My Craft Spot, and Papertrey Ink stamps, Background Basics: Hearts and Tag-Its #11.
My mom is such a wonderful gift giver...always so thoughtful. This Christmas was no exception as she gave me a beautiful silver frame with pre-printed quotes I can switch out...the most wonderful reminders sitting right in front of me where I can see them throughout the day. I would love to share one quote with you:
"It is in the home that we form our attitudes, our deeply held beliefs. It is in the home that hope is fostered or destroyed. Our homes are to be more than sanctuaries, they should also be places where God's spirit can dwell, where the storm stops at the door, where love reigns and peace dwells." ~Thomas S. Monson
So glad to be back!
Melis

lovely!
Posted by: Evgenia Petzer | December 28, 2011 at 11:19 PM
Beautiful card, great quote and fab to have you back! xL
Posted by: Linda L | December 29, 2011 at 01:59 AM
Absolutely gorgeous card, love all the little details!
Posted by: Astrid | December 29, 2011 at 02:34 AM
What a pretty card! I'm not quite ready yet to let go of the holidays! lol
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | December 29, 2011 at 06:02 AM
Your card is just beautiful, Melissa! Your blog is so inspirational in so many ways! Thanks for the gentle reminders to slow down and live in the moment. This is something I struggle with but want to get better at! Have a wonderful time with your little girl!
Posted by: Becky Elliott | December 29, 2011 at 06:09 AM
WOW so cute
Posted by: Joy_L | December 29, 2011 at 06:33 AM
Love the quote. Those words and meaning are what are missing in a large Khmer of Americas homes today. Thanks for sharing that quote. I love this card so much. Love the colors and hearts and roses. Thanks for sharing. Glad you had a wonderful Chtistmas! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Kolleen moss | December 29, 2011 at 06:37 AM
Khmer=number with auto correct. So sorry. See I need to slow down! Lol
Posted by: Kolleen moss | December 29, 2011 at 06:39 AM
Such a pretty card Melissa and the quote is WONDERFUL! A very thoughtful gift from your mom.
Posted by: Lisa | December 29, 2011 at 05:40 PM
THis card is beautiful... I am sad to see christmas go, bu am loving the hearts that are popping up everywhere. Valentine's Day can be so fun to create for!
I love when you write about your daughter... as I was reading your post my oldest (3) got out of bed for the second time, to tell her dad that she accidentally tore a page in her book, and she was so sad, she might cry. I get frustrated, but then remember how quickly she is growing up and changing... your posts are a constant reminder that I need to slow down and absorb my girls, since I will blink and they'll be moving out! You are an inspiration both as a crafter, but also as a mother!
Posted by: Meredith | December 29, 2011 at 07:58 PM
What a beautiful post to end the year with... and such a blessing you have.... you dear mother... wish mine was here with me still... that gift she gave was from the heart and a keepsake treasure. Yes, Christmas break is indeed nice... I requested all my days off from work this month to be during break to spend more time with my girls as well. Merry Christmas Melissa!
Posted by: Melissa | December 29, 2011 at 08:57 PM
You actually brought tears to my eyes from the fist paragraph you typed..about never having enough time with your little one. Im a SOHM to a 4 and 6 yr old, and sometimes my paitience can be less than awesome, I really needed to hear those sweet things that you wrote, thank you,
Angela Fern
ferncreations
Posted by: angela | December 29, 2011 at 11:27 PM
i am soooo ready to see your favorite color combinations again. thank you for sharing once again!
Posted by: rush | December 30, 2011 at 12:40 AM
That's a wonderful quote Melissa. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. Your card is just beautiful! I'm always amazed at your attention to detail. Love this card :)
Posted by: Susie Wittwer | December 30, 2011 at 03:09 AM
Love the soft colors and beautiful inked edges! I know just what you mean about having your precious girl close! God Bless!
Posted by: Renee VanEpps | December 30, 2011 at 04:26 AM
beautiful card and sentiment. your mom sounds lovely. enjoy your growing little one, family, and friends. Happy New Year.
Posted by: laura huffman | December 30, 2011 at 06:09 AM
Happy New Year, Melissa! Your card is absolutely the sweetest thing. Love all of your little details. TFS.
Posted by: Lisa Dolson | December 30, 2011 at 04:48 PM
Love this post! Did your mother make this gift for you or can the frame & quotes be purchased somewhere. What a thoughtful gift. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Brenda Turner | December 31, 2011 at 06:07 PM