Christmas Stamping !!

I stamped today !!!

I went to the naturopath (the one that treated Russ) to get checked out yesterday.  I feel it necessary to stay on top of my health, now more than ever.  He said with all the negative stuff going on right now, I NEED to have some fun everyday. Without it, depression can set in (though I can't see that happening, since I try VERY HARD not to focus on the bad things in life), and negative things can really add to physical stress on my body. So, I took his advice.

 

I made a Christmas card, and it is kinda cute, I'm-a thinkin'.  I used the Greeting Card Kids (#120633 - clear, #119887 - wood) set and stamped it on watercolor paper (#105019).  I used THIS TUTORIAL to color in my image, and then sponged the edge in garden green, and matted it on real red CS.

The base is white with real red CS and Candy Cane Christmas DSP (#120809).  I used a strip of garden green that had been punched with the scallop edge (#119882). I added another strip of the glitter paper from the pack, and the used my cutter kit *love that little tool*, an the mat pack with paper piercer on top. The snowflakes were cut with the Northern Frost Sizzlets Strip (#120901) in blushing bride, baja breeze and garden green. adhesive pearls (#119247) on them add a special touch, and the sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370).

I am not SUPER happy with it, but it is a start and it sure felt good to do something.  I am also finishing up my Christmas decorating and while you would think it would be fun, it is hard.  Russ was born on Christmas day, so it is doubly hard this year. He did have a hand in all the boys' gift this year, though, which makes it a bit more special.  I had all their shopping done before he passed!  That way I can still write "From Daddy" on the tags.  What a blessing that will be. 

I have also got a BOATLOAD of cards, and there is no way I can show them all singly,so I will do a mass picture and name everyone.  Thanks again for your encouragement.  On the days that it is hard to get out of bed, I remember all the prayers on my behalf and think "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me!" Phil 4:13. Tootles, have fun and happy stamping!!

 

Comments

[Mary Cardini- Anderson]

I am so glad that you took your doctor's advice even though it is hard.

Your card is beautiful! Please know that prayers and positive thoughts are still being sent your way from NH.

Mary

[Anne S]

Glad to hear that you're taking your Dr's advice to heart! Can't dwell in what's past - can only look toward the future, which it sounds like you're doing with God's help! My prayers are with you!

[Lenoria]

Very cute card, Julie. Keeping you in my prayers - and sending you a cyber hug!

[Conniecrafter]

Oh I love it, the image is just too cute, it has that vintage feel to me and love the snowflakes in the different colors, so glad to hear your able to have so much positive outlooks, I beleive that makes all the difference!

[Lynn Smith]

Julie, I started a comment and think it got lost in sending; however, I just wanted you to know I am so glad to see you being creative again. You are right, it is good for the soul. Just this week, I got notice that another of my top 5 favorite (you are included) blog owners, lost her husband this week. I don't know if you know the blog Amazing Paper Grace, but she is also a fine Christian lady, and the two of you might have a lot in common and be able to minister to each other. Just a thought. Your card is wonderful.

[Linda L]

Hi Julie,
Good for you taking care of you! That's the best way for you to take care of the boys, and I'm sure Russ would be so proud of you! How wonderful that you were able to do the shopping early and include Russ in the Christmas giving ~ that will be so special for the boys!!! I continue to keep you in prayer daily...and already KNOW that on Christmas day I will be keeping you before the Father, and I'm sure I won't be alone!
Hugs...
Linda

[GinnaG]

You are amazing. Or should I say that our God is amazing. I am so glad that He is there for you. What a blessing to have all the Christmas shopping done. It will be a hard/sad/Merry Christmas. I have a friend who's husband passed away on her birthday. So you are not alone & she had a little one too. It doesn't make sense now but God has a different perspective on time. His ways are higher than ours. Keep on keeping on. Blessings to you and the boys.

[Jo-Anne Jackson]

Julie: I think of you often. For more creative "therapy" I was just thinking today that you should make scarves like these for you and the boys with Russ' shirts....

http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/crafts-projects/make-this-quick-n-easy-ringlet-t-shirt-scarf.html

Jo-Anne

[Patti J.]

Gorgeous card, Julie - I love the pink and blue! Please do take care of yourself. Your boys need you, and WE need you!!! Ginormous hugs, dear friend!

[Edna Burgess]

Glad you have a positive attitude, even though I'm sure things are tough right now. Nice that you're making cards again. Keep busy and think of the boys. God bless. Edna

[Becky Jo]

Pink and blue are not colors I'd have thought of for a Christmas card, but I love this card! Glad you stamped and T4S! Hugs!!

[Rose Kerry]

Your card is adorable, I feel a major CASE coming on!! Glad to see you stamping again, you are definitely on the right path in body and spirit. Prayers for you and the boys.

[Diane L]

What a darling card Julie! You are such a great inspiration to us all!
Thinking of you and the boys daily,you are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Kheila]

What an adorable card! Glad you are making cards. I always manage to get a pick up when I come to your blog.....you so remind me of one of my sisters in the most positive way ever. Hugs to you and yours!

[Gabby]

Very cute card, Julie! I'm knida gettin into non-white snowflakes as I'm seeing more and more of them that match the choosen cardstock or dsp. Cool! My prayer for you and your family is that Heavenly Father grants comfort to your souls and peace to your minds. :)

[Debbie in Minnesota]

Love the card. Stamping is such a release. When I stamp, I just relax and create. Thanks for the tutorial. I hadn't seen that one.

[Beverley]

love the card. you are an inspiration.
hugs
bev

[Sherylee]

I think this is a very "Julie" card, and it *is* lovely. Colouring, cutter kit, piercing - all very you.
It is so nice to read about your Christmas decorating and how you and Russ already have the boys gifts ready. It will be a very different Christmas Day - but you still have two very special birthdays to celebrate that day.
Prayers from me too as you take one day at a time. Sherylee.

[pat]

Julie;
I have been reading your blog for a long time and I really enjoy all your beautiful art work. Isn't it wonderful what plans God has in store for us. Your getting your self healthy before your husband became sick was Gods plan so you could be able to handle the pressures that are in your life today. Keep your Spiritual Faith always and you will be ok. God's Blessings on you and your two wonderful little boys. My daily reading is If has brought me it He will bring me through it. Some days it is hard to see things that way but so far He has come through with it.

[Patty Stabile]

Julie....you rock!!! Your card is adorable, but a little glitter will give it *sparkle* !!!
You are a very strong woman. And my Mom still puts my Pops name on our cards, because he is still around us!
Love to you and the boys!

[Nancy Hawthorne]

Julie, I love your card!!! I need to take your advice!!! prayer hugs...

[Cindy]

Beautiful card, Julie. Your doctor is right - your body will react even if your mind thinks otherwise. How wonderful that you are in such great physical shape in order to help you weather this storm. Thinking of you...

[Pat Jandacek]

It's a festive-looking, beautiful Christmas card, Julie. Love to you and the boys.

[Monika Thiessen]

The card is very beautiful! I will keep you in my prayers! But that is awesome that you both could pick out the gifts this year together yet!

[Julie Carlisle]

You've still got it, girl!! This is adorable. You and the boys should do something fun everyday. In the Psalms is says something like 'laughter makes the heart merry.' Find something fun that turns all three of your giggle boxes just upside down....even if it is just for a moment. (((HUGS)))

[Cookie]

absolutely darling....and I agree with everyone, stamping is wonderful therapy...

[Nancy]

Your card is lovely! That image is so adorable! Just keep taking one step at a time! :o)

[Debby]

Oh I love your card Julie, it turned out so cute. I have 2 kinds of depression and I do a lot of crafting and your doctor is right it will help. It is amazing what it can do to keep your mind off of things. It also helps in many other ways, we see accomlishment in our crafts as well and that is lifting in itself. I have a few other disabilities and sometimes it is very hard to do things others do so easlily, like cleaning and cooking. It leaves me in such pain for days. But, it also keeps the mind busy and that makes a difference to. If you need to chat feel free anytime.

My thoughts are with you and the boys during these times.
angel hugs
Debby

[Account Deleted]

I love the card, very cheery!!
Thinking of you and the boys, take care.

[Susan G]

Glad to have you back stamping. Hugs to you and the boys.

[Katou]

You know what,scrap is a good therapy.I often encourage my friend to come and scrap with me instead of taking a lot of drugs when they depress.
And it works.
Your card is very nice.
Hugs from Paris

[Nancy Wilson]

That's a cute card, Julie! I'm glad you're getting 'inky'. I have one bit of advice that I wish I would have listened to when my husband passed away 20 years ago . . . don't make any major decisions for the first year. I wasn't a Believer then and I did a couple things that I wish I could erase. We'll all continue to pray for you and your precious boys!

[Joyce]

Dear Julie
How brave and determined you are to keep going -- I wish you courage and strength for the days ahead.
G-d Bless -- to you and your little boys.
Thinking of you all.
With Warm Wishes Joyce from Cape Town South Africa.

[Louise]

Keeping you and your boys in my prayers. Stay strong! God bless you all.

[JoAnn Burnham]

Adorable card. Glad you were able to stamp. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family. God Bless.

[MaryAnn Grove]

what a beautifil blend of colors. so cute. good for you to face the world. I was taught not to dwell on the decisions of the Lord. His need are greater than ours. Hug those boys.

[Marisa]

Glad you go to have some fun. Fun is good :) My heart aches for you and yet at the same time I am glad I can place you in the hands of the Lord for him to take care of you. Don't know if you know Becca or not, but she just lost her husband this past week as well. My prayers are with you both :)

[Donna Henderson]

Julie. You are a rock, but even rocks erode with enough dripping water. Do look after yourself so you can look after your precious children. I send you strength from Manitoba. Love Donna

[Dawn Litke]

If you need someone to "have fun" with, let me know! I can't always have the car, but I will try to make arrangements to come out if you want company!

[JenMarie]

OMGoodness, HOW CUTE!! Keep gettin' inky girlie!

[Lesa Rapp]

Hugs Julie! Still praying for you. I am glad you got to play.

[Eva]

I can't imagine how hard it is for you to do the fun things each day but I'm so glad you are trying. You are a blessing to everyone and your boys are so blessed to have you as their mom!

[Karen T]

I'm so glad you are doing something "fun" after all the stress you've been through. Your card is adorable!

[Broni]

This is adorable, Julie. And cute is definitely good for your mental health. I've been thinking of you.

[Mecah Dow]

I can't imagine your heartache. Thanks for setting a wonderful example for us to follow! Your card is really nice!

[Jen Guarino]

I love the pearls on the snowflakes! I bought some of those and have yet to use them. It's great that you took some time for yourself to stamp.

[Melinda]

I think your card is super cute! Sending hugs and major moral support your way!