Jen's got a great Sketch For You To Try today, and I'm so happy to be able to show you my sample using my good friend Carolyn King (aka Cammie)'s newest stamp set from Gina K. Designs. It's called 'Whimsical Autumn' and is available now!
Carolyn's grandmother died this past summer after a long battle with Alzheimer's, and Carolyn movingly describes her experience watching her grandmother deteriorate in this blog post. Alzheimer's is such a terribly destructive illness that robs so much from those who suffer from it, and from their family members, too. I'm so proud of Carolyn not only for creating such a beautiful set in her grandmother's honor, but also for giving 100% of her proceeds to the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association in memory of her grandmother.
(Okay. I'm done saying nice stuff about Cammie. If I say more, I fear the conspiracy theorists out there might interpret this post as a sign of the Apocalypse...)
As always, the SFYTT gang has lots of lovely samples using this sketch to inspire you, so be sure to check out what Shannan, Susan, Amy S. and Amy R. have created. And, when you go to Jen's blog for the sketch and her sample, you'll notice we have a new Guest Designer for the month of September, Suzanne Dean (who enabled me to buy some cute stamps on my very first visit to her blog, so beware!! ;) ). Welcome, Suzanne! Jen also has some awesome blog candy she's giving away, so you'll want to be sure to enter for that.
Is it as rainy where you are as it is here? Then it's perfect weather for stamping! Jen's already done part of the thinking for you (don't you wish you could get other people to do the same in different parts of your life? I know I do!) -- why not use this sketch on one of your creations today? Make sure to use 'SFYTT' as one of your keywords when you upload to you SCS gallery so we can give you snaps. I envy you getting to stamp this weekend, because me? I'm in for a long weekend o' driving.
In a couple of hours, Carter and I will be braving the wet roads and on our way for another stint at the EuroPeds clinic in Pontiac, Michigan. A couple of you may remember we were there last December. It's such a wonderful program. We'll be there for two weeks, and then we'll be heading straight for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Wisconsin for a thorough evaluation (just kinda worked out that way -- when Mayo says they can get you in on X day, you take what you can get!). He hasn't had one of those since he was first diagnosed with CP at Mayo in Dec. of 2005. So, we're kinda due.
We stay in a two bedroom unit at a Residence Inn when we're in Michigan, which is plenty of room for the two of us, and kinda like a little apartment. Thus, I have plenty of room to bring some stamping stuff, and Carter has lots of space for his Thomas the Tank Engine paraphernalia. Choosing what to take? Now that's something I've been dreading... And I hate to be away from the big boys for so long, but DH will be coming out on the 18th (my b-day!) and be with us from that point on. We plan to be home by the 24th or 25th.
Anyway, I'll be in touch, but if you've got any good vibes or prayers left over at the end of the day, I'd appreciate you sending them my little guy's way. He's such a trouper and works so hard to do the things that come naturally to most of us, and yet he's the happiest kid I know. I pray that sweet and stubborn little personality of his stays with him all of his days, as it's a powerful combination that's going to help him overcome so many of his challenges. I could write a book about how amazing that kid is (and who know's? Maybe I will one day!), but in the meantime, I just want to wish him a Happy Birthday. He turns four today.
Happy Birthday, Little Man. I love you. (And, as you can see from the pic, Carter LOVES tomatoes...)
Supplies used:
Stamps: Whimsical Autumn by Carolyn King for Gina K. Designs
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Summer Sun (SU!), Natural White Neenah Classic Crest, patterened paper from First Fruits Collection by PaperTrey Ink
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black & Rich Cocoa
Accessories: Nestabilities, Copic markers, foam mounting tape, twine, sponge dauber
Carole---I love this card. It's rainy here today, too (TS Hanna) and I'm heading up to stamp for awhile. I already had this paper in mind! It's that time of year! I will pray for your son today and as I see your posts over the next couple of weeks. I feel a kindred spirit with you b/c of my love for all things Claremore!
Posted by: Kathleen | September 06, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Girl you know you and your sweet baby are in my prayers! Looking forward to having you back in Oklahoma soon! I'll be stalking your blog while you're away! It's hard to believe it's been almost a year since I googled your name and found you (and my new obsession)! Safe travels and hugs to you and sweet Carter!
Posted by: Lesa (okcapitolgirl) | September 06, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Happy Birthday, Carter!!!! Safe travels, Carole! Love ya!
Posted by: Shannan Teubner | September 06, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Very pretty card!! Carter is so super cute and I hope everything goes well on your trip!! Happy Birthday Carter!!
Posted by: Jessie/knightrone | September 06, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Hope you have a great Bithday Carter! Hope you have safe travels to the hospital too. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. We know all too well about hospital stays and doctor visits and none of them are fun. Our boys are so close in age, Ethan turned 4 on August 5th.
Take care, Alicia Weiman
PS Love your card too.
Posted by: Alicia Weiman | September 06, 2008 at 02:28 PM
I've added your little guy to several of my friends' prayer list - and our group will be in prayer also. Blessings and peace be with you during this trip
Elaine M
Posted by: Elaine M | September 06, 2008 at 02:58 PM
What an angel Carole!! And no wonder he has such a great personality!! He has his fabulous mother as an example!! I'll be praying for you, Carter and the rest of your family as you spend so much time apart!! Hugs, my friend!!
Fabulous card too!! Love what you did with Cam's set!! Gorgeous!!
Posted by: Tosh | September 06, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Happy birthday sweet Carter. (What a handsome boy!) You guys have a safe trip---keeping you in my prayers.
Your card is wonderful too Carole...thanks so much! Hugs and love...
Posted by: Cammie | September 06, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Hey, you will be sort of in my neck of the woods when you are in Pontiac. I live in Northville, about an hour South off I-275 west of Detroit. I wish I could say I'd come see you, but my DD who has challenges too is having her 3 remaining wisdom teeth out on Wed. and will be missing school and in quite some pain (if it is anything like the one we got out before!). I hope that all your little guys appts go great. My DD is now 19 and has given us more joy than we could ever imagine. My prayers go with you as you continue this journey.
Posted by: Janet Sisk | September 06, 2008 at 08:25 PM
happy bday lil' man!! cute card carole and don't go saying too much nice stuff about camel...ahem, cammie
Posted by: jen del muro | September 06, 2008 at 09:08 PM
A big Birthday hug for Carter. I have a little guy who just turned 4 last month. All the best on your trip.
Love the card you made (as always).
And BTW my bday is on the 18th too, so I'll be remembering you on that day too!!
Posted by: Rosella | September 06, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Really nice card! Just Love the design of it and your choice of papers. Happy Belated Birthday to Carter! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoy your special time together, even if it's not under the best circumstances. Blessings to you and yours!
Cynde
Posted by: Cynde | September 07, 2008 at 04:45 AM
Love cake and love your cake cards my friend! Fantastic colors and masking!
Love the dp in your sketch card--perfect with your Cammie pumpkin.
Hope all is well in MI...when are going to be in Rochester? Email me..I'm only an hour away!
Hugs,
Amy
Posted by: Amy/rohla | September 10, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Love cake and love your cake cards my friend! Fantastic colors and masking!
Love the dp in your sketch card--perfect with your Cammie pumpkin.
Hope all is well in MI...when are going to be in Rochester? Email me..I'm only an hour away!
HB to Carter!
Hugs,
Amy
Posted by: Amy/rohla | September 10, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Carter is such a sweetie - he's going to break many hearts someday :) He (and you) are definitely in my prayers. Letty
Posted by: Letty | September 12, 2008 at 10:51 PM