sweetest days...

I feel I am in the middle of some of the sweetest days of my life....each stage and phase of motherhood and childhood has it's oh, so sweet moments.  Time is passing far too quickly for this mother's heart to handle...and so, I'm slowing down a bit to enjoy this little wonder I've been given...I know you'll understand if I don't appear here as much as usual.  I hope to always put her and her daddy first. 

 
  
It's just about time to brush teeth, say prayers, read scriptures, read stories, tell one story, tell four riddles, and tuck in one very tired little girl and her three stuffed animals...one which she named after her daddy.  I have always enjoyed our bedtime routine...it changes as the time passes...but always so sweet and memorable.

Just a few things to share tonight. 

 I couldn't resist using this sweet scrap from Crafty Secrets...it's from the Easter Creative Scrap collection and the stamped sentiment is from the Happy Easter Clear Stamp set.  I've had this little strip of cream felt lying around my craft room for a few months and I decided to twist it into one of those oh, so trendy flowers just for fun...I sewed the bead in the center to secure all of the layers together and popped it onto the center of the tea-stained twill just for fun.

  This card uses another stamp set from Crafty Secrets called Bird Notes...I think I am in love....Crafty Secrets has some of the most enchanting stamps sets I have ever seen...they are timeless.  I also used Prima paper (script), Melissa Frances (blue), and Graphic 45 paper here, more beads, and Maya Road chipboard scrolls that have been painted and distressed.  The larger chipboard piece is from Tattered Angels along with the Glimmer Mist.

  This card uses Papertrey Ink's Year of Flowers:  Violets stamp set and Through the Trees stamp set for the sentiment...I first stamped it on white cardstock and then covered the stamped image with Papertrey Ink vellum....love how vellum instantly softens, and that was just the look I wanted for this card.  Of course more beads...darn those beads, Prima flowers and paper, a Melissa Frances stickers, and a stained doily.  

Lastly...feeling a bit picnic-y...a card set I created for Emma's Paperie this month.   
  Gingham is one of my very most favorite patterns....I know it's not for everyone...but I love it's homey, cozy, country feel...so for this set I paired the casual look of gingham with elegant flowers, embellishments, and tags.  

A peek at the matching envelopes...I have loved dressing up envelopes lately...why no make your card a gift in itself?  For a complete supply list and instructions on this set, please visit the Emma's Paperie blog.  There are so many beautiful projects there waiting for you.

My time is up, but I want to share an excerpt from a talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard before I go.  He said, referring to Author Anna Quindlen, "The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less" (Loud and Clear [2004], 10–11).

I want to live in the moment...so thankful for this reminder.

Sleep tight.

Melis

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Comments

[Davi]

As always fabulous. I especially love the peach and aqua one! Very wise to take advantage of and to take and savor the time with your little blessing. Time passes quickly and they are gone before you know it!! :)

[Evgenia]

Great cards!

[jen shears]

Thank you for the sweet & gentle reminder- going to go kiss my sleeping little one....
*and beautiful inspiration, as always!*

[Deb Zaremba]

Hi Melissa,
Just beautiful cards. Thank you for sharing with us. Enjoy and cherish every moment with your family. Have a wonderful day.

[sarita]

melissa, family does come first...you enjoy the fleeting time with your daughter and husband.

[Elsina]

Oh I am in love with these cards, esepcially the teal peach one is stunning. Thank you so much for the inspiration!!!

[Kris]

Oh goodness! All your cards and gorgeous! I'm especially fond of the flower you just 'twisted' out of felt. I want to know how to do that!

[Stella]

What you wrote is oh so true.Time is going fast and yes we must enjoy the moment. Family comes first; always.
Thanks for sharing Melissa.
And you cards? You know :)...as always they are lovely and beautiful!

[Victoria Resh]

As I've told you many times, I look to you for inspiration not only in your cards but your words. Enjoy your family, enjoy your life...

[Anabelle O'Malley]

I cherish these times, too. They do go so quickly.Your projects are truly stunning, as always my friend!

[Margaret Ann Durtschi]

Just a huge thank you for sharing your heart-felt thoughts!

[Ann D.]

I needed that reminder and so well put. I'm way too often in too big of a hurry. Thank you for reminding me what's really important.

[Alyssa B]

you have calmed my heart as only your lovely posts can

[jan metcalf]

Your children are blessed to have a talented and loving mom! Is it possible to live in the moment too much? My children, both 23, have no scrapbooks, not even baby books to enjoy...just alot of miscellaneous photos....my goal now to create for their future families.

[Lisette Harzing]

I so absolutely love your style!

[Rosanne]

Gorgeous cards as always! I have been admiring the glittered frames you use, perhpas you could share with us how you make them sometime?

[Becky Elliott]

We all need this reminder to slow down, take another look at our priorities, and focus on the moments we have with our loved ones. The Bible says, "so teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Also, "thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." No one knows what tomorrow holds (except God), so yes, we should number our days!
Thanks for all the beautiful cards, Melissa! Enjoy your day with you family!

[Amy]

Your reminder of living in the moment is exactly what I need at this time in my life. Thank you so much for not only sharing your stunning cards but advice to help us become better parents.

[Josie]

Simply stunning!! Thanx also for the tender and sweet reminder. My children are grown and gone and I often wonder just where did the time go and how has it passed so quickly!! ~J~

[Lisa Dorsey]

Stunning projects my dear and incredibly wise words by Mr. Ballard!

[Abby]

Oh Melissa your post could not have come at a better time. I am constantly struggling with balancing my time w/Sophie and my hubby and feel tremendous guilt when I have to finish a craft project instead of spending family time. I don't want to miss the special moments and your post is a dose of reality...thank you! BTW, your cards are beautiful...enjoy your time w/your fam:)

[Sue K]

Melissa, you have such a way of putting things in perspective! A beautiful post and gorgeous cards, as always. I will savor the moments today!

[Sarah Martina]

Thank you for the sweet reminder to keep that which is most important in the forefront of my life. :)

And thank you for sharing these gorgeous creations! The bright pink chipboard on your first card, and the orange & blue on your second card made me perk right up in my chair! So pretty!

[Elizabeth S.]

Time does go by quickly! Enjoy every moment you have with family that is so important!
Thank you for sharing you wonderful talent with us, I love everyone one of your projects. They are just absolutely gorgeous!

[Beverly Gotthardt]

You really make some beautiful pastel creations.