Approaching the end of 2012

As we approach the end of 2012, I can almost say we made it through.  There were many rocky moments along the way but with the love of family and friends we have survived! 
Following our life altering tragic accident in September 2011 which took the life of our Mum and Granny,  and my dad's fall in December 2011, which brought the reality of Lewy Body Dementia and its effects into focus, there were many pieces of life that had to be put back together.  We have had to sort out our new reality and although there are many things we would like to have had different, there are reminders all around us that we can't go on without the love of those that we find supportive. I have been reminded it is often the little things like  a card, " I love you mom", or "I'm so glad to see you"  that make it all worthwhile.
Our extended family continue to stay close and see each other as often as we can.   I must admit friends have been neglected as we struggle with trying to maintain some sort of equilibrium and that is something I would like to change in 2013.   I know many of them face their own struggles and challenges and I have not been as supportive as I would have liked.
Arthur started a new job and I returned to work after we recuperated from our injuries.  Aaron spent a month of the summer in Kenya helping build the foundation of a hospital addition.   Jenna started high school and is enjoying it.
We have many things to look forward to in the coming year and so many wonderful people to share it with.  Here's hoping you find comfort and happiness in 2013.

My Dad has Lewy Body Dementia?

Thanks Lizz for the inspiration.  It was so quick and easy to do.

It took more time to gather the materials than to put it together.  Just used a grapevine wreath and some pipe cleaners.

Have a great Holiday Weekend!

Lewy Body Dementia Awareness Bracelets

I did a web search for Lewy Body Dementia bracelets and all that I could find were Alzheimers and Parkinson's Awareness Bracelets.

Lewy Body Dementia is the 2nd most common dementia after Alzheimers but almost no-one knows what it is.  Since we are living with it with my Dad, Jenna and I thought it would be appropriate to create our own bracelets for some very special people in our lives.  We combined the silver for Parkinsons with  the blue from Alzheimers and added forget me not flowers and a heart. 
We still have some supplies so if you would like to help us in our awareness campaign let us know.

Fairy tale friends

I think this stamp set is from Hero Arts.  I purchased it when I was planning to do a fairy tale castle book for Jenna but she is now 14 and I don't think she would enjoy it now as much as when I originally planned to do it.  Anyway a fun image to colour.

Love his Fairy Stamp

I love this Fairy stamp so much I purchased it twice.  I passed one set to a friend so she can enjoy her as much as I did.

Thank you card

I've had this stamp set for years and its the first time I have used it.

Another favourite retired Stampin Up Set

Still having fun using forgotten stamps, papers and embellishment with our new Copic Markers

another baby card

This baby card uses one of my favourite retired Stampin Up sets.  I haven't used him for a while but I'm sure he'll make a comeback in my most frequently used stamps.

Baby Cards

Jenna and I have been playing with our new Copic Markers to colour some forgotten stamp images.    I used Sure Cuts a Lot software with files I downloaded from http://fam-bjork.se/monicas-hobbysida/en_craft_robo_misc_3.html      to cut the lacey mats.   Embellishments purchased at the dollar store finished off the cards.   I will post some other examples in the next few days.

These cards used the same image from a Close to My Heart Easter set.

Happy Birthday to a very dear friend.
Wish big Eliz.  Hope you have a
wonderful day.

We have a new favourite toy or should I say toys.  Jenna and I have discovered Copic Markers and have rediscovered some of our neglected stamps sets as well.  The alchohol markers come in over 300 colours and blend really nicely.  Makes colouring fun again.   We are also using our Cricut digital cutter and Sure Cuts a Lot Software to make custom mats for the images.  Will share some cards we have made when completed.

Almost finished my Bernat Mystery Afghan

Decided to join the 2012 Bernat Mystery Afghan Knit along.

We were given a different clue each week. I decided to vary my top and bottom borders from the pattern.

I liked the side borders so much I did them on top and bottom instead of the moss stitch borders suggested.

Great blog for scrapbook sketches and layouts

A wonderful blog with sketches and fabulous layouts

Check it out.

http://sketchsavvy.blogspot.com/

Have to recreate a skating dress

Jenna is in a beginner synchronized skating team and is so much taller than her team mates. So of course it stands to reason their costume department does not have a dress to fit 5' 9" Jenna so. Oma is coming to the rescue and helping us recreate the dress. The only part I was not able to match was the silver/black part around the bodice and the neck so I bought silver fabric.

Will post a photo of Jenna in her dress when it has been completed but here is the dress we have to recreate. She'll look just fabulous in her made to measure dress. Thanks so much Oma.

Its all about quick projects

My life is a little complicated right now so its all about quick projects I can do without too much thought. I saw an interlocking ring granny square on Pinterest and tried my hand with Bernat's Pink Ribbon cotton handcraft yarn. I did the original granny square and then added 2 more circles for another look.

Jenna's birthday

My baby turned 14 this week. Last week she celebrated with a sleepover party and this weekend we will celebrate with Oma and Opa at Parkwood Hospital so her celebration stretched out over a week.

Better late than never

Who said Gingerbread Houses are just for Christmas. We think they are fun any time of year.

My kids had a couple of their cousins stay overnight and they had fun decorating their houses.