I have so much to report upon my return to reality! So if you have a minute I’ll catch up with you here.
Well first and foremost any stamp set orders put in while I was away will be shipped tomorrow 😀 If you were waiting to order, then go ahead 😀 Also I am all caught up on any/all customer service emails.
I thought I’d share a quick card I made right before I left for vacation. It was my favorite from this past release.
The earth laughs in flowers
This is a simple layout with MANY possibilities. I wanted to keep it simple.
For this I used the flower shilouette from the Killer Curves set, and the Tending the Garden set from the July Release. I used a singlo white gel pen to add to the details.
The butterfly was actually colored using some pigment inks and a Fantastix stick.
Now onto the “other” stuff.
While I was away on vacation I left for part of the day on Thursday to meet my mother at court. We had to have a hearing to see if her husband would be released from jail until his actual trial.
If you haven’t read the story-view it here
The short version: it was determined by the court, based on all the evidence (as I said there is a lot you all DON’T know) and attorney arguments, that he is definitely too dangerous to be out of jail! He will be staying there until his actual trial.
I cannot tell you what a relief this was to me. I’ve lost much sleep over this, especially before this actual date, as it was vital to my mother’s safety and well being. Now I know my mother will be safe for a while.
We still have his trial to go through but given the various charges we know he will serve some sort of sentence in jail, and hopefully when his sentence is completed they will deport him back to Portugal.
My mom is experiencing a wide range of emotions from this. She would be terrified if he was out, but at the same time still sees the man she loved. My heart breaks for her but the man she thought she knew really never was. I am very proud of my mom, that she has stuck through his insanely draining process and despite her heartache has continued to fight. I hope my mom continues to be strong and moves forward.
I found a frame for her that I found so profound. It read ” When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” -Helen Keller
I just want her to know she WILL be happy again. She can and will move forward. She is stronger than she thinks, she just needs to dig deep.
OK on a lighter note…..
The DAY before we left for vacation Amber decided Alexa’s bangs could use a TRIM! So she would be her hairdresser and fix them. So, off we begin our vacation with Alexa having bangs a 1/2 inch long!
My family and I had a wonderful vacation at Point Sebago Resort in Casco Maine. What a WONDERFUL place to go for families 😀 We will certainly be returning there soon. They offer so many wonderful things for families to do, and plenty of “camps” for the kids to attend.
We were able to spend time with the kids and even have a few much need “date time”!
We went to the beach daily, participated in Arts & Crafts where I tried my hand at ceramic painting, we went to shows, used the paddle boats, Jay & I went Kayaking for the first time, and really just enjoyed literally every second there.
While we were there Alexa SHOCKED us the first night by getting into the middle of the Welcome Party by dancing in the middle of the crowded dance floor! Given that she is VERY shy we were in awe! When she was done she got an standing ovation from several tables, telling her what a great job she did, and I thought she would run off the floor, once she realized what was going on, but instead she took a bow! LOL! VERY unlike her so it was such an amazing thing to see.She even followed the choreography for a line dance!! I seriously couldn’t believe she was picking it all up. I was certainly flooded with emotions when I recalled her early days of leukemia when she could walk for 3 months, and every step was painful. She had to re-learn to walk all over again, and stairs weren’t even an option. Here she is 3 years in remission, and line dancing! God is good.
In the fall she wants to start taking dance lessons again here in town. I think she is definitely ready again 😀
One of the camps for her age group had morning dance classes given by the trained dancers they had there for various shows from NY. Alexa attended each one and REALLY enjoyed herself. The Camp staff was awesome at making some accommodations for Alexa when certain activities would be a little too much for her, especially in the heat! I couldn’t say enough about them all.
I could go on for hours about all our adventures.
While we were there we were also able to check out Camp Sunshine! This is a “camp” for families of children with life threatening diseases. It offers families like ours, an AMAZING experience, and this camp was developed by the owners of Point Sebago! So I was obviously pleasantly surprised to find all this out upon our arrival. What better place to support. I love supporting a place that so openly uses its funds to help make a difference in the lives of others.
Long story short it was a wonderful place for our family to take a vacation, and we were sad to return home to reality. We are already planning of returning year after year as it was THAT amazing, and not too far from home 😀
I’m too tired and have way to much to do upon my return, so I have yet to edit/share photos. I will this week ( I hope 😀 )
27 Responses for "Returning"
I’m so glad you all had such a wonderful time on your vacation–glad to know Alexa blossomed on the dance floor! Kudos to your mom for sticking with the process too when it would be so much easier in the short run to let it go–she is doing the right thing! And last but not least, your card is gorgeous!
wonderful news all around. the story of Alexa dancing is so super sweet!!! and the card is gorgeous!
Welcome back…and SO GOOD to hear the news about your Mom :0)
Wonderful news all around!! I’m so happy for your mother, though I know it’s hard for her too. Woohoo to Alexa!! That must have been just wonderful for you.
Sounds like you’ve got some great news all around! Glad to hear!
Love that card too!
Thanks for the update on your mom. She is in my prayers and that saying is perfect. Your vacation sounds fantastic. Alexa’s story brought tears to my eyes. God is good!
Welcome home, girl! Glad to hear you all had so much fun and are looking forward to next year!!
Your card is wonderful!!
What great news all around! I am so happy for your mother in that she will continue to be safe. She (and you) must be so relieved!
Your vacation sounds fantastic, and the story of Alexa dancing made me cry. How wonderful for her!
Glad to have you back, and looking forward to your pictures!
I am soooooo glad to hear that your mom will be safe and that maniac will remain behind bars!!!! That has to be a huge relief to you and your mom!!!
Your vacation sound wonderful!!!! And Alexa seemed to have a fantastic time!!! How amazing that she danced and had such a good time!!! WOW – what a difference 3 years makes!!!
this card is absolutely stunning! So stunning, i’m thinking i’ll have to case it! 😀
Welcome back Lauren!!!!! I am glad you had a great time on your vacation!! It sounds wonderful!! I am also very glad to hear your news about your mom!!!!! Great news!!! I am sure that will also factor in during the trial!!! Tell your mom to hang in there. As for her feelings, I know it is hard because she still remembers the good parts, but gently remind her that the bad parts are too severe to even think of the good ones. She deserves better than that!!!
Welcome back Lauren! What a relief for your mom (and you) at the latest court appearance. I am so glad you had a relaxing and exciting vacation. Way to go Alexa!!! TFS, Mary M
Welcome home! It sounds like an amazing vacation for you and the family! I praise the Lord for your Mom’s court hearing results, and will continue prayers. Blessings to you!
I believe you summed it up in your one sentence…
God is good.
I can’t think of a better sentence…
Hugs and love,
Renee
Hi Lauren, Welcome home! First, I’m so happy with outcome of the trial, God is good! I pray for your Mom’s healing!!!
I’m glad you had a great vacay, looks like a fun place. Alexa is like a flower, ready to bloom,oh, soak in the moments 🙂
Oh, and I loved your card too!!
I am glad you had such a great time, thrilling to hear about the dancing and also great news that things are still progressing in the right direction for your Mum. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
Hi Lauren, I haven’t had a chance to visit your site in a while now and was very glad to hear your mom and her circumstances are on a more positive note. I wish your family well. I also wanted to mention that I really appreciate you sharing your work and especially when you show us several examples of one of your templates. it helps us see more possibilities. Thank you for your giving heart and thoughtfulness. Pam
This is a lovely card Lauren – so pretty and stylish.
Glad to hear you had a wonderful holiday and that your mom is getting through this terrible time.
Oh, this is beautiful! Gorgeous color combinations!
Glad you are back and had some time to yourself and your lovely family.
What a beautifully stunning card! I love the colors!
Gorgeous card Lauren! Awesome job coloring that darling butterfly! So glad you took some time away for yourself & family 🙂
I LOVE your card, and it is great to read that things are moving in the right direction for your mother, and that you guys had a great relaxing vacation! 😀 Welcome back…
what a wonderful trip!
Glad to hear you had a wonderful holiday and that your mom is getting through this terrible time
Often they are runway bags and occasionally they are not louis vuitton outlet, but for Proenza Schouler Fall 2012, louis vuitton outlet store are versions of the most eye-catching accessories from the show. ADnd they are furry.
The neuropsych conference in Norway will definitely help a large number of people who needs to undergo rehabilitation program. The conference is mainly targeted towards proving ample service to the needy.
Leave a reply