Letter From Santa

Today I have finally started doing some of my Christmas 2012 scrapbook pages for my photobook I always order.  In my photobooks I always include layouts, as well as, photographs along with my journaling.  I have been lucky enough to make a photobook for each Christmas since I came to Iowa and they are such wonderful keepsakes for me to treasure and look at in years to come.

I want to include the scrapbook layout I just completed that I have made with the kit I bought at the end of the year in December as a gift to myself.

Here is a layout of my first page called

"A Letter From Santa"

of my granddaughter, Allison

 

 

You can find the elements in a Christmas Kit called

"Holiday Hoopla"

by Snickerdoodle Designs and Kimberkatt Scraps

 

 

 

My freebie is the little journal I did.

You can download this at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/AJqKxcc0/letter_from_Santa.html

 

Just want to show everyone that I do scrapbook layout pages too, not just wordart.  All of you know that photography is my first love.  After that, I love creating with the memories of that moment and through digital scrapbooking I am able to do just that.  I unfortunately don't do quite as much as I use to; now my scrapbooking seems to be mostly Christmas Memories.  Just the same, I love doing them.

 

Do let me know what you think of these two in a comment or two.

 

Hugs, Sue

 

p.s.  Barbara is out of the hospital ..... God be praised



In the palm of your hand

I have been thinking about my grandbabies this morning.  Each and every single nine of them!!!!  I just can't believe how blessed I am.  From that moment I became a grandmother for the very first time, to the last little angel born .... my excitement and awe never changed.

I have been lucky to experience so many different personalities ... I have thinkers, I have silliness, I have quiet ones, I have loud ones and so much more.

Today my freebie is dedicated to those fantastic kiddos!!!!!

Here is my preview:

You can download at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/bieFG7tg/palm_of_my_hand.html

 

This is a smaller little lady ...

just perfect for that corner of a heartfelt

grandma or grandpa scrapbook page.

 

And a special thanks to

Phillip Martin

for his free clipart

titled "Grandparents"

 

Latest news on my friend, Barbara .... she is out of intensive care.  I am so, so grateful!!!  I want to thank each and every single one of you that has sent me a comment of prayers.  I am just overwhelmed with emotion.  Your kindness will never be forgotten.  I will be forwarding all of your comments to Jackie to give her mother probably over the weekend to ensure I can send each and everyone of them.  From my heart, thank you.

 

With all my love and hugs galore,  Sue

A Heartfelt Request to my Cyber Family

On the most part, I don't resubmit a daily freebie that I have done ... but this one is so very important to me.

 

I don't want to appear that I am not grateful for all the lovely comments that I do receive, but on Febuary 1, 2013 I only received one comment in reference to this entry.  And, I continue to stuggle. 

I want everyone to know that I am not asking for myself any longer, but for my dearest friend, Barbara. 

 

Last night I received a call from Barbara's daughter, Jackie that her mother has been hospitalized.  She is in intensive care.  Yesterday, Barbara collapsed.  Physically they have not been able to find anything wrong with her, but she is not doing well.  I am so afraid that she just doesn't want to continue living.  And, I am so worried about my friend.  Not only is the unthinkable a possibility, I now worry about Barbara's two adult children. 

 

What I am asking for ... is a circle of prayers in the form of comments that I can forward onward to Jackie to give to her mother in the hospital.  She needs all the love that she can be surrounded by.  You are the most giving, thoughtful and endearing cyber family I have.  Please, please take a moment for my friend.

 

After the freebie, I have another copy of my post from Febuary 1st.  Please read it, if you have not.

 

 

Download at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/hITK6hdn/live.html

Today it is with a very heavy heart that I come. 

Barbara is a dear, dear friend of mine and on January 30, 2013 she lost her husband, Richard. I first met Barbara at my daughter, Angie's bachelorette party over fourteen years ago. She is the mother of Angie's sister-in-law, Jackie. After that night, Barbara and I became great friends.

As a single mother, I admired Barbara. She has two children Jackie and Anthony. She is bubbly and just a sweetheart. Life has not been easy for her either. I really don't want to share anything from her past except to say she is a survivor. And the men in her life were what I call "bastards". She seemed to only meet men that wanted her as a "trophy", never marriage. And, in her sweetness, (whatever you call it) ... she never seemed to realize what kind of men she was drawn to.

And, then she met Richard five years ago and I couldn't have been happier for her. And, when he asked to marry her ... wow. He was one of the gentlest, sweetest and most caring men, I have had the honor to call friend. He made loving Barbara look so easy, because he worshipped the ground she walked on and she has done the same in return. I know he gave Barbara the stability she had never experienced. And, in turn ... Barbara just blossomed. He's funny and just loved life to the fullest.

For five years, I have known that God sent this wonderful man into her life. He was and is the part of her life that made it whole. He made her complete. And, gave her all the happiness she has so justly deserved.

Barbara and Richard

"The day they met"

Barbara and Richard

"Last summer in New Orleans"

I want to include a photo of her beautiful daughter, Jackie

Doesn't she look just like her mother, Barbara

and son, Anthony

Her kids at Mardi Gras, New Orleans

From talking with Jackie last night, she told me that it appears that Richard may have suffered from a deep vein thrombosis. He had been complaining of severe leg pain. Jackie said, she had called her mother to find out how Richard was doing and upon talking with her mother and then Richard he said the pain had gone away and "he felt better than he had felt in days". Approximately thirty minutes later Richard said "my lips feel numb" and went to go to the bathroom. She said her mother said that Richard called her name and when her mother went to him, he collapsed. He died in her arms moments later. To me, it sounds like a pulmonary embolism. And, I honestly don't know if he'd been to see a doctor.

This is the reason, my heart hurts so deeply. I just don't feel that Barbara deserved this. I am so sad, this just seems like a nightmare. And I want to somehow go back to January 29th and find out this really, really isn't true. The funeral is tomorrow and there isn't even anyway for me to go home to be with Barbara. I have been unable to get through to her on the phone and I just feel so far away. I have already cried so many tears, but I am crying now again. I just can't imagine what she is going through.

My wordart is dedicated to Barbara and her wonderful husband, Richard. Even though, I know she will never read this, hopefully in some small way my prayers will be with her today. May God wrap her in peace and help her through the days ahead. It was the only thing I could think to do today to let her know that all my thoughts are with her and more importantly tomorrow. I love you, Barbara.

Hugs, Sue

Tic-Tac-Toe

Everyone loves to win and the game of tic-tac-toe, and especially when love is involved.  May your sweetheart be the winner or loser; no matter how you look at it ... as long as you win him or her.

Preview for today:

 

You can download at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/4IHnv20Z/tic-tac-toe.html

 

Got to make a quick run, need to get my car to the shop for an oil change and I need to leave the house in fifteen minutes.

 

I'll write more tomorrow.  Have a wonderful Monday.

 

Hugs, Sue

Pancakes for the heart

REPOSTED FROM EARLIER THIS WEEK ... RECEIVED COMMENT THAT I'D FORGOTTEN THE LINK.  SORRY ABOUT THAT!!!  UPON RECEIVING THIS ONE ... PLEASE STOP BY THE POST FROM 2-1-13.  THIS ONE IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME IF YOU HAVE NOT GOTTEN THAT FREEBIE.

Now, I must ask you .... what is the way to your heart?  Is it a box of chocolates?  Is it a special candle-light dinner for two?  Is it holding hands?  Is it that look that just makes your heart go thump, thump?  Or is it pancakes?

Hummmmmmm

you say!!

Where is Sue going now?

 

And without delay .....

the last words are .....

"if you bring me pancakes instead of candy"

 

 You can download this at:

http://www.4shared.com/zip/ZGxf3xDm/our_love_will_never_end.html

 

And, now without delay let me continue with my vacation trip:

 

Yesterday I ended the first chapter with our private concert ....

 

Now, I must tell you the only thing that my daughter, Angie kept saying from the moment we arrived and at least once an hour on the hour afterward was this STATEMENT. 

 

"Mom, I want you to take a family professional photo"

 

If, I heard that statement once, I swear it came out of her mouth at least like a broken record and I knew that the next day was already planned as the family outing to take that perfect family framed 8x10 photograph for her mantel.

 

Little did I know what that was going to mean.  Did you know all photograph planning means you must go shopping for new clothes for the entire Sticker family?  I was up to that ... I like to shop!!!  So off the "girls" went.  Then I learned something new .... all outfits must be coordinated around what Mom (my daughter) wants to buy!!!!  Abby's white top was next, then the boys in blue and finally it's time to look for Dad.  Angie doesn't like anything and says he's got plenty of clothes at home .... poor, poor Reggie.  As for me, do you think I go shopping without buying something.  Ofcourse not, the new clothes were my treat.

 

Homeward bound .... showers to take, hair to fix and make-up to apply. 

 

 

 

We are off on our next adventure of the day. 

 

 

Now, I want you to look at these faces.  Why do you ask?  Don't they look like they are really into the idea of having to pose for pictures.  Their Mom has turned into a drill instructor!!!!  "Look at Nana", she keeps barking.  And, do they listen .... ofcourse not.  And then disaster hit ..... no sooner had Angie said "no one jump down because there's water below the bridge"  Miss Abby just jumps and her white silver shoes are stuck in mud!!! 

 

 Neither Mom or daughter are happy!!!

 

 

 

 

 

And, what happens next .....

 is these three kids can't keep their eyes open!!!! 

It was like you were saying to them "one, two, three ... close your eyes". 

At least they smiled!!!  Please notice Abby is barefoot.

 

 

 

New approach

Papa decides to balance himself above the water on a rock, then leans down to get the perfect shoot and these three kids still can't open their eyes. 

WITH THE SUN TO THEIR BACKS!!!! 

 

All the while I keep thinking .... "John, don't fall in the creek!!!!"  Afterall, I have to think about my brand new camera that he's holding.  I THINK I'M IN LOVE WITH IT MORE THAN I AM WITH THAT HANDSOME MAN.

 

 

 

 

 

Now, it's time for me to show you why these kids can't open their eyes in photographs. 

LOOK AT DAD!!!! 

Is this in their genes or what???????

 

 

 

 

 

My daughter is getting so frustrated with her family because by this time I think I'd already taken fifty photographs and everyone keeps closing their eyes on me!!!!  Now, I find it absolutely comical because I know her way, way to well!!!  She is my "sunshine child" and there is no sunshine for her family. 

Daggers are a better description. 

 

I suggest .... just the two of them.  The most beautiful couple in Katy, Texas.  And, there's a smile and open eyes!!!  Woo hoo!!!  Woo hoo!!!  Woo hoo!!!

 

 

Time to try for the kids again.

 

 

Finally .... isn't this a fantastic photograph? 

"IT'S ALL GOOD"

 

 

At least for five minutes!!!!

Sean just can't be good for tooooo long ...

It would be out of character!!!!

 

 

 

 

 Miss Abby Apple



 

 

 

 

 









And finally .... my sweet, sweet Abby Apple. In her eyes I still can see that precious first-born grandchild I held. She is the light of my creativity. Everything about her is nurtured in the world of art. She can draw, she can write, she can paint and so much more. She has already developed all these talents way beyond her age. She is my inspiration now with each and everything I do myself.

 

 

 

Onward bound ....

this is called trying to get the perfect family portrait

 

 

 

Just look at my daughter's expression ....

and the boy's are trying to

RUN AWAY

 



 

 

Angie doesn't give up ....

It's instructions as to where to stand.

Ryan thinks "Mom ... give it a rest"

Abby thinks "can I be anywhere else then here?"

Sean thinks "this is sooo tiring"

and

Dad thinks "kids please cooperate with your mother"

 

and finally

 

 

 



Perfect family portraits

are created through many, many tries

and

than just for a moment the camera captures .......

 

JUST THAT ONE

 

Let me welcome you to the Sticker Family. 

My beautiful daughter, Angela

her handsome husband, Reggie

their daughter, Abby

and sons Ryan and Sean

 

 

 

 

 

Aren't they just beautiful

and God blessed me with both.

 

How much I love this photograph of Angela with her daughter, Abby.  It is just speaks to my heart in volumes and volumes.  When I first saw it after downloading ..... all I could say was wow.

 

 

Now I want to include my favorites of my grandchildren.  There are many reasons why I love them, too.  Each time I look at them, I can remember their funny faces and the boy's nonstop silly ways.  They are loving brothers and a sister.

 



 

This is one of my favorite's.

 

 

And they continue .....

 

 

I just love the capturing of all their personalities.

Ryan- he's the silly one

Abby-she's the mischevious one

Sean-he's the clown

 

 

Oops, the closed eyes has returned

and

Ryan is frowning because

I said "smile".

 

 

There is is .... I know they wouldn't let me down!!!

now ....

ONE, TWO, THREE

CLOSE YOUR EYES.

 

No photo shoot is complete without a couple of those "I'm tired of all this" either.  So, I just had to include them as well.  Aren't kids just the greatest????  And, that is what keeps our photos what we all call FAMILY.  All the worts and all.

 

 

 

I just love this one of Sean faking "I'm hurt"!!!

It's called ....

let's see if I can get Abby in trouble ....



 

and, the three generations

 

 

No family gatherings are complete without the "Three Generation" photograph.  As you can see, my Miss Angie has my smile.  I even match the girl's, too.  Afterall, the ladies have to look good!!!!!  And, we do .... don't we?

 

 

I think the family "Sticker" session is finished.  Now, it is time for just us.  This is my life partner and I couldn't be happier.  He is my best friend and sometimes my worst enemy.  He's my shoulder I lean on and the one I want to hit at times.  He's quiet and only really is silly with me!!  He thinks he suppose to be "Dad" at all times.  But, our kids have found their way to get him not to be that "grumpy" old man they swear they grew up with.   But, out grandchildren know better

 

because he's Mr. Softy to them.

 

 

 

Yes, this day was a blessing.  It was full of much laughter, barefeet, silly faces, frowns and memories.

And with this I end my journal to you of my photo session afternoon with my family.  I do hope I have caused a couple of smiles along the way.  As for me, each and every single photograph represents a moment captured in time.  These are my memories.  And with that I close with just one more to say goodbye until tomorrow's Texas Journey continued .... just for you.

 

 

 

May you day be filled with the love of your family.

Hugs, Sue