Christmas Mess

I'm one of those people who likes things to be organized in the unwrapping of gifts to ensure that nothing important is tossed in the garbage. However, there's nothing quite like the chaos of ribbon, tags, paper, tissue, bags and boxes flying around on Christmas morning. I'll miss not being a part of that this year.



I'm not certain whether or not I'll have time to post something tomorrow before we leave for England for my father-in-law's funeral. If I don't, it is my hope that the holidays will be full of new memories and cherished traditions for you and your families.

Thank you, again, to all of you who've written such kind, thoughtful comments about our unexpected loss.

Be good to YOU,

Melanie

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Hug Your Loved Ones Today

Thank you to those of you who left such caring, kind comments. I will pass them along to my husband, to whom they will mean a great deal.

Having lost my own father just before Thanksgiving 9 years ago, I have a good understanding about how to make your way through the year of "firsts" since losing a loved one ... a parent. The first Christmas, the first birthday, the first Easter ... we mark time by those events, and getting through that year of "firsts" is tough, but you do come through it in the end.

PATTYCAKES, I was so sorry to hear in your message that you lost your oldest son before Thanksgiving. My prayers go with you and your family. I hope he didn't suffer.

Again, thanks to all of you for your support and prayers.

Blessings,

Melanie

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font credits: Conrad Veidt, Funky2, CK Zenship, 2Peas GGs Love Me, Ransom

Unexpected Passing

My father-in-law passed away Monday night, suddenly ... unexpectedly soon. My mind isn't on scrapbooking word art today, so please forgive me.

I'll try to post something tomorrow.

Thanks,
Melanie

Love at Christmas

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

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Whimsy

Just a touch of lighthearted whimsy in the spirit of it being a FRIDAY, with the joy of a weekend on the horizon. I look forward to weekends so much, it should be illegal!!

Hope your weekend is fun. Please remember why you're in the spirit of giving, and not get all caught up in your lists and horrendous mall traffic and other Grinchy-stuff. :)

Blessings,

Melanie

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font credits: Gill Sans Ultra Bold, Hawaii Killer, High Strung

Cherished Gift

I couldn't resist this one. Its eloquence is so profound ... its message divine.

How thankful we are for this most cherished of gifts!!!

Blessings to you all,

Melanie

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Christmas Trees

Just a quick posting to upload this word art that I created yesterday in a layout for a Quote Challenge at DSO.

Here's the layout, too -- just for fun (and I shamelessly used the Warm December kit also created for a challenge at DSO -- which you can find by scrolling down below).

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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font credits: CK Easy Goin', CK Oddball3D, LD Elementary, CK Grunge

Gifts of Time and Talent

In the spirit of giving, the talented AmyW has energized 16 additional designers to collaborate on an extraordinary kit that they are giving away this week. One Night in Bethlehem is rich in color, depth and meaning. Brava, ladies and gentlemen!!! It's an amazing present from some very gifted people. Thank you all ... and thank you, AmyW, for having the foresight to gather, inspire, and foster this group on a single mission. If you haven't already done so, drop by AmyW's Scrap-a-Lot blog and get started on the journey to collect this commemoration of the special night so long ago.

Today's word art gift from me uses the colors in KimB's DSO challenge (see yesterday's posting for the Warm December kit you can download). KimB is also participating in the One Night in Bethlehem, and I salute you, too, Kim, for the many ways you display the generosity of your spirit. Hope you can use it.

Inspire others today in the way you live your life. You'll be surprised how it comes back to you tenfold.

Blessings on your day,

Melanie

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Candles at Christmas

Candles at Christmas are wonderful reminders of the Light of the World, whom Christians know as Jesus Christ, the Son of God. No greater gift was given to the world, and there could never be enough candles lit to adequately reflect His glory.

Be safe when you light them, but enjoy their warmth and glow as much as you can.

On a different note, I'm participating again in KimB's color challenge at DSO. I had already decided beforehand that no matter what color palette she chose, I was going to make it a Christmas one. Hope you like it!! I love to participate in these -- just wish I had time to do more; but no one pays you just to play. :)

Blessings to you all,

Melanie

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WARM DECEMBER kit elements

WARM DECEMBER kit papers set 1

WARM DECEMBER kit papers set 2