Monday, March 7, 2011

Christmas Memories

This week the challenge over at the Jingle Belles blog is one that really got me excited, but also made me sad. Anyone who has ever lost someone they loved knows how difficult the holidays can be. Those who follow this blog know that after a year-long battle with cancer I lost my dad Oct.2,2010. It was quite a shock, not only because a girl always thinks of her dad as living forever, but also because I lost my beloved paternal grandparents in June 2008 and May 2009. Growing up these 3 people made Christmas an incredibly special time of yr and honestly, they created a monster with me :) When my husband and I got together I started going all out at Christmas and then when we started having kids, look out! Ever see National Lampoons Christmas Vacation? That would totally be me :) Our oldest son is deaf and I thought, well if he cant hear the sounds of Christmas his eyes are going to see everything :-)

So whats the challenge? It was "Home For the Holidays" and the challenge is to make a card that reminds you of Christmases past.

I grew up in Massachusetts until I was 12 and New England will always hold a special place in my heart. I loved seeing all the old Colonial homes decorated for Christmas and sparkling in the cold winters night. Therefore with this challenge I brought out an old stamp of mine that is one of my favorites. It just really reminds me of Christmas in New England.

Also, without even realizing it I also was able to incorporate this weeks challenge from the Christmas Stampin' All Year Long blog, which is "Bring the Bling"! I think I did that with the glitter, stickles and liquid applique :)

As always, thanks for taking the time to stop by, I appreciate it!! You can also click on the pictures for a larger version!
And just for fun....me with my Grandma and Grandpa at their house.My frst Christmas! 1973
And this was my house this past Christmas. Because of my fathers passing I didnt decorate as much as I normally do!


Supplies used:
Stamps: Unknown stamp from PSX
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Deck the Halls DSP
Ink: Black StazOn, various SU markers, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Xmas Red Stickles, Candy Cane Stickles, White Liquid Applique, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, sponge, Chocolate Chip satin ribbon


Photobucket

12 comments:

  1. Cherish those memories ... they will always be with you ... love that classically decorated home ... so very pretty ... thanks for joining our jingle belles journey.

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  2. so sorry for your loss, what wonderful memories!!! i LOVE this style of home and when hubby and i were back east (in the summer of course) i must have taken over 100 photos of houses!! just don't see them on the west coast.
    your card is BEAUTIFUL and you ONLY decorated your home a LITTLE??!!! yikes!! lol

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  3. This card is so pretty! I love the way you have coloured the adorable house. Thanks for playing along with the CSAYL challenge this week!

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  4. Oh Lisa I am so very sorry for your loss. After reading this post I can only say that you are such a strong person. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. Your card is so pretty and I love all the sparkles you added. I also love how beautiful your house looks with the lights, decorations and snow!! Thanks so much for joining us at CSAYL!!
    Hugs
    Jodi=)

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  5. oh miss lisa, i am SO VERY sorry for your loss! but what a ♥TREASURE♥ of wonderful holiday memories you have!!! (& i promise...in time...the "bittersweet" quality fades, and they are just SWEET--in fact more so than ever before!!!) ♥♥♥

    oof sorry, on to the CARD: my aunt and uncle lived for many years in a gorgeous historic colonial home outside of boston...and SERIOUSLY...this card could *BE* their house!!!!!!! what a beautiful job you've done making it glorious and festive and super-sparklee...and yet totally elegant as well! love this! :)

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  6. wow wow wow your card is gorgeous! TFS!

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  7. Abeautiful Creation! Very 3D! I could just reach out and grab an icicle hanging from the roof! Well done! A wonderful way to remember! Good luck at CSAYL!

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  8. Sorry for your loss,love the photo's such wonderful memories. Your card is beautiful, the stamped image is gorgeous love the sparkly icicles.xxx

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  9. It is never easy to celebrate after a profound loss and the heart eventually is able to find the joy of their memory. Your card celebrates the warmth of your family and it is oh so clear how deep and great the love is among your family members. This card is perfect!

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  10. Lovely card you made for our challenges.Thanks for playing with us at CSAYL.

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