Silent Night is my most favorite song....Christmas and otherwise. It became my favorite the first Christmas after adopting my little baby girl....I can't hold back the tears as I hear this song and especially as I try and sing it....I can now imagine Mary holding her beautiful baby Jesus on that winter night so long ago....her heart filled with love as the most perfect little creature came into her life....all is calm, all is bright...I can't begin to express to you how thankful I am for the opportunity I have of being a mother....this song holds so much meaning for me personally. Motherhood is truly a gift isn't it? Our babes are given to us to cherish, teach, love, learn from, enjoy, and help along the way...I am so honored. Last night was a testament to this as my little girl woke up with both ears aching at around midnight...I was all alone and medicine wasn't helping...she cried and cried...I needed my husband, but he was gone....I needed my mom, but it was too late to call and it would only worry her....so I held her, said little prayers with her and for her that Heavenly Father might help her sleep and comfort her...held her some more and then my husband was home....giving a Priesthood blessing...and finally we were sleeping at around 3:00...tired today, yes, but so thankful I am the one that holds her in the middle of the night...dries her tears...helps her faith grow....and get to love and be loved by her. Tonight I will write a letter to her Birth Mother...so hard for me to do as the tears are still very near the surface after 6 years...but so selfish of me not to...pictures of our beautiful Sierra with a letter telling all about her life during the past year, as our Christmas present to her...a small way of expressing our love and thanks to her.
A couple of cards to share with you tonight...soft and sweet.
The first uses a Crafty Secrets vintage image from the Birds & Blossoms Creative Scraps sheet...Melissa Frances paper and rubons, and some tea-stained vintage trim given to me by a sweet friend.
This card uses Damask Designs stamps from Papertrey Ink, Basic Grey and Pink Paislee paper, Prima flower, Melissa Frances stickers, and a Maya Road chipboard wing.
Oh...and my little beauty is wearing flowers from THIS adorable etsy shop today...I can't get enough of these...and am planning my next purchase...Cultivar is my fave!
Night.
Melis
Children are truly a blessing from the Lord. As you spoke about adoption, I am reminded of how thankful that my own birth mother gave me up for adoption and I was raised in a loving Christian home. Thanks for reminding me of that this Christmas season.
Posted by: Kerri Norrod. | December 20, 2009 at 04:40 PM
I love how much you love your little girl. It touches me. How lucky she is to have you and her Daddy.
Posted by: Jana | December 20, 2009 at 05:26 PM
thanks for sharing pieces of your story, and thees 2 beautiful cards. i especially love the 2nd card...i have the damask designs set, i love how you used it!
Posted by: amber r. | December 20, 2009 at 05:42 PM
Children are gifts every day of the year, morning, noon & night. Those restless nights when they aren't feeling well can be endless at times. My 2 little ones keep passing their germs back and forth these days. I hope your little Sierra is feeling better soon. I hope the winter here in New York goes by fast, we just got about 13 inches of snow last night! Wishful thinking. Have a wonderful Holiday & New Year Melissa!
Posted by: Allison | December 20, 2009 at 06:39 PM
Saying prayers for Sierra to heal quickly. Your love is so evident - she is a very lucky person to have you in her life! But your love expands beyond your family - I hope you know that?! Thank you.
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Sharli | December 20, 2009 at 07:08 PM
Hi Melissa,
I am wondering if we have the honor to have you as our 'designer of the month' on our blog starting January 2010. As a big fan of your design I really wish that you can help us kick off 2010. I tried to get your email on your blog but fail so I am hoping you can email me instead at [email protected] or you can visit our website at bearybox.com. hope to hear from you soon :)
Posted by: Joey | December 20, 2009 at 07:14 PM
Melis, You brought tears to my eyes and filled my heart with love. What a heartfelt gift for a special birthmother. I'm sure she will forever be greatful that you and your husband are sharing your love and life with her precious girl. Merry Christmas and may you always share special moments with those that care. Nancy in So Cal
Posted by: Nancy | December 20, 2009 at 08:36 PM
I have a similar blessing in my life and his name is Micah. He is 10 years old now and he is my one and only. He was truly a gift from God and his birth mother as well. I celebrate the joy with you this Christmas!
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | December 20, 2009 at 09:47 PM
You make my cry! The love for your daughter is so beautiful to read and you writing the birthmother, sigh, I have no English words to describe how much that touched my heart!!
Posted by: Esther | December 21, 2009 at 12:59 AM
How sweet...how true! Thank you for sharing this part of you! Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!!
Posted by: ValerieC | December 21, 2009 at 02:12 AM
Silent Night is my all-time favorite song, too ... Christmas and otherwise. Not necessarily for the same reason as yours, but that it's just a beautiful song that touches my soul. My second favorite song is the National Anthem ...
Very touching post, Melissa ... and such a wonderful thing that you're doing to write Sierra's birth mother a letter.
Christmas Merries and New Year Happies to you and yours.
PS I read your blog DAILY (even if you haven't recently posted) but just don't comment that often. Your work is TO DIE FOR and I am so inspired by everything you do. Keep crafting!
Posted by: SuZeQ | December 21, 2009 at 05:35 AM
You always inspire me with your work & you have touched my heart today with your story of your daughter & writing to her birth mother. So beautiful. I'm going to go hug my little girl.
Posted by: Kim | December 21, 2009 at 06:26 AM
i am a birthmother and i appreciate that you will be sending Sierra's birthmom pictures and letter along with one of your beautiful cards i hope! You will bring such joy to her knowing that she did the right thing with her daughter..
Posted by: sarita | December 21, 2009 at 06:28 AM
Thanks you for sharing your work and your heart........have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!
Posted by: Peggy | December 21, 2009 at 07:18 AM
Oh Melis....Your story brought tears to my eyes...Especially since I was adopted...she is very lucky to have you!! And I'm sure the other way around!!! My you and your family have a beautiful Christmas!! Hugs, Char
Posted by: Char4355 | December 21, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Beautiful post!
Posted by: Meredith | December 21, 2009 at 12:17 PM
I am constantly visiting your blog and rarely comment...so I wanted to thank you for the beautiful inspiration that is your work! I love reading your heartfelt posts regarding your little one. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Lisa Risser | December 21, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Beautiful post.
Beautiful story.
Beautiful art.
xxJ
Posted by: Jill Geraghty-Groves | December 21, 2009 at 01:29 PM
It is so clear that, not only do you have a creative gift but also a special gift only a mother can have!
Wishing you & your family a very Happy Christmas & a wonderful 2010!
Posted by: Cathy | December 21, 2009 at 02:59 PM
I have three adopted children so was touched to read your post. I truly feel grateful every day for them and the open adoption we share with their birth families. I love your creations and check your site each day! Have a fabulous holiday season.
Posted by: Cindy | December 21, 2009 at 05:12 PM
Melis, there is a lump in my throat and it is stinging a little as I fight the tears that are welled up in my eyes after reading this post. Yes, Sierra is a priceless gift and she's been entrusted into your loving heart. I'm so proud of you for remembering her birth mother and for sharing Sierra's journey with her through your letters and photos. May God continue to bless you richly.
Posted by: Gabi With An Eye | December 21, 2009 at 05:56 PM
I do believe that God had a plan for her to be a part of your life. She is your gift and you are so loving and supportive of her.
Melissa, not only are you a divine talent but a beautiful soul and nurturing mother.
God bless you and Merry Christmas!
Kim
Posted by: Kim FAucher | December 21, 2009 at 07:05 PM
Hi Melissa,
Yes, those moments can be exhausting and overwhelming but our wee ones need us more then ever at those times. This may sound strange but they are really moments to treasure. I remember many times sitting and rocking my little guy (who has Down Syndrome)in the hospital for days while doctors fixed one ailment or another. Those events are so vivid and clear in my mind. My Babe needed me so. God surely knew what he was doing when he created your adorable family. Have a blessed Christmas Melissa. P.S. I love the little gingerbread house..love it!
Posted by: Susan Tethal | December 21, 2009 at 11:20 PM
What a beautiful post. Sierra is so lucky to be with you, and what a gift you are giving her birthmother.
The song I can't get enough of this week is Oh Holy Night! So beautiful.
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Rachel Greig | December 22, 2009 at 01:44 AM
ihave read your posts for awhile now.. but this is the first time ive written.. your latest one brought tears to my eyes.. your love is so pure.. and wonderful.. cherish the loved ones in your life.. as they are gone all too soon... you are a blessing to us all and a truly a gift.. your daughter is very lucky
lots of ladybug hugs
Posted by: lynn | December 22, 2009 at 04:49 AM